Antihypertensive effects of isoquercitrin and extracts from Tropaeolum majus L.: Evidence for the inhibition of angiotensin converting enzyme

AbstractAim of the studyPrevious studies have shown that the extracts obtained from Tropaeolum majus L. exhibit pronounced diuretic properties. In the present study, we assessed whether the hypotensive and/or antihypertensive mechanism of hydroethanolic extract (HETM), semi-purified fraction (TMLR) obtained from T. majus and the flavonoids isoquercitrin (ISQ) and kaempferol (KPF) can be mediated by their interaction with angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE).Methods and methodsFirstly, to evaluate changes in mean arterial pressure (MAP), different groups of normotensive and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) were orally and intraduodenally treated with HETM (10–300mg/kg) and TMLR (12.5–100mg/kg) and intravenously treated with ISQ and KPF being later anesthetized with ketamine (100mg/kg) and xylazine (20mg/kg). The left femoral vein and the right carotid artery were isolated, and polyethylene catheters were inserted for ISQ and KPF (0.5–4mg/kg) administration and blood pressure recording, respectively. The plasmatic ACE activity was evaluated to indirect fluorimetry, in serum samples after orally treatment with HETM, TMLR, ISQ and KPF.ResultsThe oral administration of the HETM and its TMLR significantly reduced, in a dose-dependent manner, the MAP in both normotensive and SHR. In addition, these preparations significantly decreased the MAP for up to 3h after the administration of the extract. Additionally, the intravenous administration of ISQ, but not KPF, decreased MAP in rats. Otherwise, neither the extracts nor ISQ affected the heart rate. The oral administration of the HETM, TMLR or ISQ reduced ACE activity in serum samples at 90min after administration. Finally, the intravenous administration of ISQ caused a significant reduction in the hypertensive response to angiotensin I, but not angiotensin II in normotensive rats.ConclusionOur results show that the hypotensive effects caused by the HETM, as well as by its TMLR, may be associated with the high levels of the flavonoid ISQ found in this plant. In addition, ISQ-induced hypotension in rats is an event dependent on the inhibition of angiotensin II generation by ACE

Anxiolytic-like effects of acute and chronic treatment with Achillea millefolium L. extract

AbstractEthnopharmacological relevanceAchillea millefolium L. (Asteraceae), known as yarrow (“mil folhas”), has been used as folk medicine for gastrointestinal disorders, inflammation, anxiety, and insomnia.AimTo evaluate the potential anxiolytic-like effect of hydroalcoholic extract of Achillea millefolium L. in animal models.MethodsThe present study evaluated the effects of the hydroalcoholic extract from the aerial parts of Achillea millefolium L. in mice subjected to the elevated plus-maze, marble-burying, and open-field tests. Additionally, the GABAA/benzodiazepine (BDZ) mediation of the effects of Achillea millefolium was evaluated by pretreatment with the noncompetitive GABAA receptor antagonist picrotoxin and the BDZ antagonist flumazenil and by [3H]-flunitrazepam binding to the BDZ site on the GABAA receptor.ResultsAchillea millefolium exerted anxiolytic-like effects in the elevated plus-maze and marble-burying test after acute and chronic (25 days) administration at doses that did not alter locomotor activity. This behavioral profile was similar to diazepam. The effects of Achillea millefolium in the elevated plus-maze were not altered by picrotoxin pretreatment but were partially blocked by flumazenil. Furthermore, Achillea millefolium did not induce any changes in [3H]-flunitrazepam binding.ConclusionThe results indicate that the orally administered hydroalcoholic extract of Achillea millefolium L. exerted anxiolytic-like effects that likely were not mediated by GABAA/BDZ neurotransmission and did not present tolerance after short-term, repeated administration

Statement of Second Brazilian Congress of Mechanical Ventilarion : part I

Resumo não disponíve

Educação escolar de jovens privados de liberdade: realidade brasileira

<p>O direito a educação é defendido dentro da legislação brasileira como um direito fundamental, social, público, subjetivo e promotor de cidadania e dignidade da pessoa humana. Um direito de todos, a educação deve ser ofertada igualmente, observando as peculiaridades de cada caso, como é o de adolescentes privados de liberdade que estãocumprindo medidas socioeducativas sob a tutela do Estado. Nesse contexto, existe o aparato legislativo que garante o direito e o acesso à educação por parte desses, porém a realidade, na prática, é diferente. O presente estudo o presente estudo objetiva analisar a oferta educativa aos adolescentes privados de liberdade, destacando conceitos referentes à temática abordada, o aparato legislativo que versa atualmente e alguns dados sobre aquela, na prática. Para tal, foi utilizado como procedimento metodológico pesquisa de caráter qualitativo, em relação ao objetivo, é uma pesquisa exploratória e descritiva e sobre os procedimentos de pesquisa, o estudo caracterizou-se como bibliográfico. A pesquisa foi realizada em meio virtual, em bases de dados confiáveis como Scielo, com artigos científicos, monografias e tese, com os descritores: adolescentes, Direito, educação," medida socioeducativa", "privadosde liberdade". A produção textualresultante está dividida em dois títulos relacionados, e as impressões do autor expressas nas considerações finais assim como as conclusões.</p&gt

A New Approach for the Development of Multiple Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Two Rat Models of Hypertension

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death among non-communicable diseases. There is a lack of valid animal models that mimic associations among multiple cardiovascular risk factors in humans. The present study developed an animal model that uses multiple cardiovascular risk factors—namely, hypertension, hypothyroidism, and a high-fat diet (HFD). Two models of hypertension were used: renovascular hypertension (two-kidney, one clip [2K1C]) and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). The naive group was composed of normotensive rats. Twelve weeks after surgery to induce renovascular hypertension, rats in the 2K1C and SHR groups underwent thyroidectomy. The HFD was then implemented for 6 weeks. Renal function, serum redox status, biochemical CVD markers, electrocardiographic profile, blood pressure, mesenteric vascular bed reactivity, histopathology, and morphometry were investigated. Both experimental models induced dyslipidemia, renal function impairment, and hepatic steatosis, accompanied by higher levels of different inflammatory markers and serum oxidative stress. These alterations contributed to end-organ damage in all hypertensive rats. Our findings corroborate a viable alternative model that involves multiple cardiovascular risk factors and resembles conditions that are seen in humans. Both models mimicked CVD, but our data show that SHRs exhibit more significant pathophysiological changes