Antioxidant potential of aroma compounds obtained by limonene biotransformation of orange essential oil

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)The antioxidant activities of a limonene biotransformation extract and of some standard monoterpenes present in the extract were assessed using four antioxidant assays: total antioxidant capacity, based on the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical-scavenging assay, lipid peroxidation by the thiobarbituric acid (TBA) assay, superoxide anion release by cultured leukemic cells and glutathione S-transferase (GSTs) activity. The limonene biotransformation extract had free radical-scavenging activity (EC(50) = 2.09%, v/v) and inhibited lipid peroxidation (IC(50) = 0.13%, v/v). The extract, perillyl alcohol and alpha-terpineol inhibited lipid peroxidation by similar to 80% at a concentration of 0.02% (v/v). Perillyl alcohol and alpha-terpineol also reduced the release of superoxide anions by cultured leukemic cells, by 3- and 10-fold, respectively, at concentrations of <0.02% (v/v). The biotransformation extract inhibited the conversion of nitrophenyl acetate to p-nitrophenol in the glutathione assay by similar to 50%. These results indicate that, in addition to monoterpenes, other non-volatile compounds may contribute to the antioxidant activity of the biotransformation extract. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved1161812Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)CNPq [141601/2004-3

Histological and functional renal alterations caused by Bothrops alternatus snake venom: Expression and activity of Na+/K+-ATPase

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)Background: Acute renal failure is a serious complication of human envenoming by Bothrops snakes. The ion pump Na+/K+-ATPase has an important role in renal tubule function, where it modulates sodium reabsorption and homeostasis of the extracellular compartment. Here, we investigated the morphological and functional renal alterations and changes in Na+/K+-ATPase expression and activity in rats injected with Bothrops alternatus snake venom. Methods: Male Wistar rats were injected with venom (0.8 mg/kg, iv.) and renal function was assessed 6.24, 48 and 72 h and 7 days post-venom. The rats were then killed and renal Na+/K+-ATPase activity was assayed based on phosphate release from ATP; gene and protein expressions were assessed by real time PCR and immunofluorescence microscopy, respectively. Results: Venom caused lobulation of the capillary tufts, dilation of Bowman's capsular space. F-actin disruption in Bowman's capsule and renal tubule brush border, and deposition of collagen around glomeruli and proximal tubules that persisted seven days after envenoming. Enhanced sodium and potassium excretion, reduced proximal sodium reabsorption, and proteinuria were observed 6 h post-venom, followed by a transient decrease in the glomerular filtration rate. Gene and protein expressions of the Na+/K+-ATPase alpha(1) subunit were increased 6 h post-venom, whereas Na+/K+-ATPase activity increased 6 h and 24 h post-venom. Conclusions: Bothrops alternatus venom caused marked morphological and functional renal alterations with enhanced Na+/K+-ATPase expression and activity in the early phase of renal damage. General significance: Enhanced Na+/K+-ATPase activity in the early hours after envenoming may attenuate the renal dysfunction associated with venom-induced damage. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.18109895906Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq