Sandra R. Georgetti

Optimisation of soy flour fermentation parameters to produce β-glucosidase for bioconversion into aglycones

The solid state fermentation (SSF) parameters of defatted soybean flour (DSF) with Aspergillus oryzae IOC 3999/1998 or Monascus purpureus NRRL 1992 was evaluated using a rotational central composite experimental design to optimise the production of β-glucosidase and convert glycosidic isoflavones in aglycones. Variables investigated were initial pH of DSF, volume of water added to 10 g of DSF and incubation temperature. β-Glucosidase activity was measured using the synthetic substrate, p-nitrophenyl-β-D-glucoside. The content of isoflavones was determinate by ultra performance liquid chromatography. The highest production of β-glucosidase for both strains occurred when adding 10 mL of water to the DSF, incubating at 30 °C and using 6.0 as the initial DSF pH. A. oryzae IOC 3999/1998 expressed β-glucosidase activity at 10.7 times higher than M. purpureus NRRL 1992. The DSF fermentation was more efficient in converting isoflavones with M. purpureus NRRL 1992.

Efficacy of topical formulations containing Pimenta pseudocaryophyllus extract against UVB-induced oxidative stress and inflammation in hairless mice.

Plants rich in antioxidant substances may be a promising strategy for preventing UV-induced oxidative and inflammatory damage of the skin. Pimenta pseudocaryophyllus is native to Brazil and presents flavonoids and other polyphenolic compounds in high concentration. Thus, the present study evaluated the possible effects of topical formulations containing P. pseudocaryophyllus ethanolic extract (PPE) at inhibiting UV-B irradiation-induced oxidative stress and inflammation. PPE was administered on the dorsal skin of hairless mice using two formulations: F1 (non-ionic emulsion with high lipid content) and F2 (anionic emulsion with low lipid content) before and after UV-B irradiation. The following parameters were evaluated in skin samples: edema, myeloperoxidase activity, cytokines levels, matrix metalloprotease-9 (MMP-9) secretion/activity, reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide anion and lipid peroxidation levels, and mRNA expression for glutathione reductase and gp91phox. The UV-B irradiation increased all parameters, except for IL-10 levels and glutathione reductase mRNA expression, which were not altered, and GSH levels, which were reduced by exposure to UV-B light. Treatments with F1 and F2 containing PPE inhibited UV-B-induced edema formation (89% and 86%), myeloperoxidase activity (85% and 81%), IL-1β production (62% and 82%), MMP-9 activity (71% and 74%), GSH depletion (73% and 85%), superoxide anion (83% and 66%) and TBARS (100% and 100%) levels, increased glutathione reductase (2.54 and 2.55-fold) and reduced gp91phox (67% and 100%) mRNA expression, respectively. F2 containing PPE also increased IL-10 levels. Therefore, this study demonstrates the effectiveness of topical formulations containing PPE in inhibiting UV-B irradiation-induced inflammation and oxidative stress of the skin.

Pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate inhibits UVB-induced skin inflammation and oxidative stress in hairless mice and exhibits antioxidant activity in vitro.

Ultraviolet B (UVB) irradiation may cause oxidative stress- and inflammation-dependent skin cancer and premature aging. Pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC) is an antioxidant and inhibits nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activation. In the present study, the mechanisms of PDTC were investigated in cell free oxidant/antioxidant assays, in vivo UVB irradiation in hairless mice and UVB-induced NFκB activation in keratinocytes. PDTC presented the ability to scavenge 2,2-azinobis-(3-ethyl benzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) radical (ABTS), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl radical (DPPH) and hydroxyl radical (OH); and also efficiently inhibited iron-dependent and -independent lipid peroxidation as well as chelated iron. In vivo, PDTC treatment significantly decreased UVB-induced skin edema, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, production of the proinflammatory cytokine interleukin-1β (IL-1β), matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), increase of reduced glutathione (GSH) levels and antioxidant capacity of the skin tested by the ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and ABTS assays. PDTC also reduced UVB-induced IκB degradation in keratinocytes. These results demonstrate that PDTC presents antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects in vitro, which line up well with the PDTC inhibition of UVB irradiation-induced skin inflammation and oxidative stress in mice. These data suggest that treatment with PDTC may be a promising approach to reduce UVB irradiation-induced skin damages and merits further pre-clinical and clinical studies.

Chapter 9 - Flavonoids as Anti-Inflammatory and Analgesic Drugs: Mechanisms of Action and Perspectives in the Development of Pharmaceutical Forms

Abstract Flavonoids are polyphenolic compounds with very diverse roles. In this chapter, we examined the bioactivity and potential of flavonoids as anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs and the perspectives on their applicability and pharmaceutical development. Further, the mechanisms of action of flavonoids are addressed, for example, their effects on cytokine production, oxidative stress, and inhibition of protein kinases. In addition, the role of these mechanisms in inflammation and pain, and the structure–activity relationship are discussed.

Topical Formulation Containing Naringenin: Efficacy against Ultraviolet B Irradiation-Induced Skin Inflammation and Oxidative Stress in Mice.

Naringenin (NGN) exhibits anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities, but it remains undetermined its topical actions against ultraviolet B (UVB)-induced inflammation and oxidative stress in vivo. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the physicochemical and functional antioxidant stability of NGN containing formulations, and the effects of selected NGN containing formulation on UVB irradiation-induced skin inflammation and oxidative damage in hairless mice. NGN presented ferric reducing power, ability to scavenge 2,2′-azinobis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline- 6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) and hydroxyl radical, and inhibited iron-independent and dependent lipid peroxidation. Among the three formulations containing NGN, only the F3 kept its physicochemical and functional stability over 180 days. Topical application of F3 in mice protected from UVB-induced skin damage by inhibiting edema and cytokine production (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-10). Furthermore, F3 inhibited superoxide anion and lipid hydroperoxides production and maintained ferric reducing and ABTS scavenging abilities, catalase activity, and reduced glutathione levels. In addition, F3 maintained mRNA expression of cellular antioxidants glutathione peroxidase 1, glutathione reductase and transcription factor Nrf2 (nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2), and induced mRNA expression of heme oxygenase-1. In conclusion, a formulation containing NGN may be a promising approach to protecting the skin from the deleterious effects of UVB irradiation.

Naringenin Inhibits Superoxide Anion-Induced Inflammatory Pain: Role of Oxidative Stress, Cytokines, Nrf-2 and the NO−cGMP−PKG−KATPChannel Signaling Pathway

In the present study, the effect and mechanism of action of the flavonoid naringenin were evaluated in superoxide anion donor (KO2)-induced inflammatory pain in mice. Naringenin reduced KO2-induced overt-pain like behavior, mechanical hyperalgesia, and thermal hyperalgesia. The analgesic effect of naringenin depended on the activation of the NO−cGMP−PKG−ATP-sensitive potassium channel (KATP) signaling pathway. Naringenin also reduced KO2-induced neutrophil recruitment (myeloperoxidase activity), tissue oxidative stress, and cytokine production. Furthermore, naringenin downregulated KO2-induced mRNA expression of gp91phox, cyclooxygenase (COX)-2, and preproendothelin-1. Besides, naringenin upregulated KO2-reduced nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2) mRNA expression coupled with enhanced heme oxygenase (HO-1) mRNA expression. In conclusion, the present study demonstrates that the use of naringenin represents a potential therapeutic approach reducing superoxide anion-driven inflammatory pain. The antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects are mediated via activation of the NO−cGMP−PKG−KATP channel signaling involving the induction of Nrf2/HO-1 pathway.

Hesperidin methyl chalcone inhibits oxidative stress and inflammation in a mouse model of ultraviolet B irradiation-induced skin damage

Hesperidin methyl chalcone (HMC) is a safe flavonoid used to treat chronic venous diseases, but its effects and mechanisms on UVB irradiation-induced inflammation and oxidative stress have never been described in vivo. Thus, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of systemic administration of HMC in skin oxidative stress and inflammation induced by UVB irradiation. To induce skin damage, hairless mice were exposed to an acute UVB irradiation dose of 4.14 J/cm(2), and the dorsal skin samples were collected to evaluate oxidative stress and inflammatory response. The intraperitoneal treatment with HMC at the dose of 300 mg/kg inhibited UVB irradiation-induced skin edema, neutrophil recruitment, and matrix metalloproteinase-9 activity. HMC also protected the skin from UVB irradiation-induced oxidative stress by maintaining ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), 2,2-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) radical (ABTS) scavenging ability and antioxidant levels (reduced glutathione and catalase). Corroborating, HMC inhibited UVB irradiation-induced superoxide anion generation and gp91phox (NADPH oxidase subunit) mRNA expression. Furthermore, the antioxidant effect of HMC resulted in lower production of inflammatory mediators, including lipid hydroperoxides and a wide range of cytokines. Taken together, these results unveil a novel applicability of HMC in the treatment of UVB irradiation-induced skin inflammation and oxidative stress.

Topical Formulations Containing Pimenta pseudocaryophyllus Extract: In Vitro Antioxidant Activity and In Vivo Efficacy Against UV-B-Induced Oxidative Stress

Pimenta pseudocaryophyllus is a Brazilian native plant that presents high concentrations of flavonoids and other polyphenolic compounds. Herein, we evaluated: (1) the chemical properties of P. pseudocaryophyllus ethanolic extract (PPE), (2) the in vitro antioxidant activity (AA) of PPE and of two different topical formulations (F1 and F2) containing PPE, (3) physico-chemical and functional stability, (4) in vitro release of PPE, and (5) in vivo capacity of formulations to prevent UV-B irradiation-induced skin damage. Results show that the polyphenol and flavonoid contents in PPE were 199.33 and 28.32xa0mg/g, respectively, and HPLC results show the presence of eugenol, tannic acid, and rutin. Evaluation of the in vitro AA of PPE demonstrated a dose-dependent effect and an IC50 of 4.75xa0μg/mL in 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 3.0xa0μg/mL in 2,2′-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) assays. The ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP assay) was 0.046xa0μmol/L trolox equivalent/μg/mL of extract. Among the AA, only the capacity to scavenge DPPH radical of PPE was maintained in F1 and F2. In addition, both formulations satisfactorily released the extract. The evaluation of the functional stability of F1 and F2 did not demonstrate loss of activity by storage at room temperature and at 4°C/6xa0months. In irradiated mice, treatment with F1 and F2 added with PPE significantly increased the capacity to scavenge ABTS radical and the FRAP of skin compared to vehicle-treated mice. In conclusion, the present results suggest that formulations containing PPE may be a topical source of antioxidant compounds to decrease oxidative damages of the skin.

Quercetin in Lyotropic Liquid Crystalline Formulations: Physical, Chemical and Functional Stability

The purpose of this study was to develop a lyotropic liquid crystalline formulation using the emulsifier vitamin E TPGS and evaluate its behavior after incorporation of a flavonoid, quercetin. The physical (macro and microscopic), chemical (determination of quercetin content by the HPLC method) and functional (determination of quercetin antioxidant activity by DPPH• assay) stability of the lamellar liquid crystalline formulation containing flavonoid was evaluated when stored at 4u2009±u20092xa0°C; 30u2009±u20092xa0°C/70u2009±u20095% RH (relative humidity) and 40u2009±u20092xa0°C/70u2009±u20095% RH during 12xa0months. The lamellar liquid crystalline structure of the formulation was maintained during the experiment, however chemical and functional stability results showed a great influence of the storage period in all conditions tested. A significant decrease in quercetin content (approximately 40%) was detected during the first month of storage and a similar significant loss in antioxidant activity was detected after 6xa0months. The remaining flavonoid content was unchanged during the final 6xa0months of the experimental period. The results suggest possible interactions between quercetin and the liquid crystalline formulation, which could inhibit or reduce the quercetin activity incorporated in the system. In conclusion, the present study demonstrated that incorporation of quercetin (1%) did not affect the liquid crystalline structure composed of vitamin E TPGS/IPM/PG–H2O (1:1) at 63.75/21.25/15 (w/w/w). Nevertheless, of the total quercetin incorporated in the system only 60% was free to act as an antioxidant.

Anti-inflammatory activity of betalain-rich dye of Beta vulgaris: effect on edema, leukocyte recruitment, superoxide anion and cytokine production.

We have recently developed betalain-rich beetroot (Beta vulgaris) dye (betalain) to be used in food products. Betalain (30–300xa0mg/kg) intraperitoneal (i.p.) treatment diminished carrageenan (100xa0µg/paw)-induced paw edema and neutrophil migration to the paw skin tissue. Betalain (100xa0mg/kg) treatment by subcutaneous or per oral routes also inhibited the carrageenan-induced paw edema. Importantly, the post-treatment with betalain (100xa0mg/kg, i.p.) significantly inhibited carrageenan- and complete Freund’s adjuvant (10xa0µl/paw)-induced paw edema. Betalain (100xa0mg/kg) also reduced carrageenan (500xa0µg/cavity)-induced recruitment of total leukocytes, including mononuclear cells and neutrophils, as well as increasing vascular permeability in the peritoneal cavity. Furthermore, betalain significantly reduced carrageenan-induced superoxide anion, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin (IL)-1β levels in the peritoneal fluid, as well as augmenting IL-10 levels. Therefore, this compound presents prominent anti-inflammatory effect on carrageenan-induced paw edema and peritonitis by reducing the production of superoxide anion and the cytokines TNF-α and IL-1β, in addition to increasing IL-10 levels. These results suggest that betalain shows therapeutic potential that could be utilized in the treatment of inflammation-associated diseases.