RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Theobroma grandiflorum (Malvaceae), known as cupuassu, is a tree indigenous to the Amazon basin, valued for its large fruits and seed pulp, contributing notably to the Amazonian bioeconomy. The seed pulp is utilized in desserts and beverages, and its seed butter is used in cosmetics. Here, we present the sequenced telomere-to-telomere genome of cupuassu, disclosing its genomic structure, evolutionary features, and phylogenetic relationships within the Malvaceae family. FINDINGS: The cupuassu genome spans 423 Mb, encodes 31,381 genes distributed in 10 chromosomes, and exhibits approximately 65% gene synteny with the Theobroma cacao genome, reflecting a conserved evolutionary history, albeit punctuated with unique genomic variations. The main changes are pronounced by bursts of long-terminal repeat retrotransposons at postspecies divergence, retrocopied and singleton genes, and gene families displaying distinctive patterns of expansion and contraction. Furthermore, positively selected genes are evident, particularly among retained and dispersed tandem and proximal duplicated genes associated with general fruit and seed traits and defense mechanisms, supporting the hypothesis of potential episodes of subfunctionalization and neofunctionalization following duplication, as well as impact from distinct domestication process. These genomic variations may underpin the differences observed in fruit and seed morphology, ripening, and disease resistance between cupuassu and the other Malvaceae species. CONCLUSIONS: The cupuassu genome offers a foundational resource for both breeding improvement and conservation biology, yielding insights into the evolution and diversity within the genus Theobroma.
Assuntos
Evolução Molecular , Genoma de Planta , Filogenia , Cromossomos de Plantas , Genômica/métodos , Malvaceae/genéticaRESUMO
The aim of this study was to evaluate possible changes in the quality of chicken breast meat containing white stripes during freezing for 12 mo. Samples of Pectoralis major muscle from male Cobb 500 broilers containing white stripes in moderate and severe degrees were used, as well as samples from a control group (normal - absence of myopathies). Part of the samples (n = 60; n = 20 for each severity degree) were analyzed on the day of collection (beginning) and the rest (n = 240) was frozen (-20°C) for up to 12 mo. At the end of each proposed freezing period (3, 6, 9, and 12 mo), color, pH, water holding capacity, cooking loss, tenderness, lipid oxidation, chemical composition, cholesterol and collagen concentrations, myofibrillary fragmentation, and sarcomere length were analyzed. Microbiological analysis of samples was performed at the beginning and after 12 mo of freezing. Myopathy linked to freezing showed results of increased meat tenderness, with reduction of crude protein and mineral matter and increase of moisture, fat, and cholesterol, without affecting the meat's collagen percentages. However, these variations with the onset of myopathy do not compromise the consumption of broiled chicken breast meat, kept frozen for up to 12 mo.
Assuntos
Galinhas , Doenças Musculares , Animais , Congelamento , Masculino , Carne/análise , Doenças Musculares/etiologia , Doenças Musculares/veterinária , Músculos PeitoraisRESUMO
Deep pectoral myopathy (DPM) considerably affects the meat quality of commercial poultry, thus representing a challenge to the poultry industry. In this study, we examined the breast meat quality of turkey breeder hens at disposal age affected by different degrees of DPM. Samples were collected from Nicholas turkeys at disposal age (385 d), at an average weight of 12.5 kg, which were reared and slaughtered in the south region of Brazil. The breast was first classified according to the degree of DPM and then samples of the Pectoralis major were collected from birds affected (DPM degrees 2 and 3; n = 20 of each) and nonaffected (normal, absence of lesions; n = 20) by the myopathy. After the affected Pectoralis minor muscle was discarded, the carcasses were released for human consumption by the Federal Inspection Service. The meat affected by the myopathy exhibited color changes (L*, a* and b*) (P < 0.05), especially in the inner surface. Higher (P < 0.05) water-holding capacity, pH, sarcomere length and fat concentration and lower (P < 0.05) shear force and moisture percentage were observed when compared to the normal samples. From this study, can be concluded that the severe condition of deep pectoral myopathy which affects the Pectoralis minor muscle, causes variations in the quality of Pectoralis major muscle of turkey on disposal age. As a raw material, this type of meat has a higher fat content and greater capacity for retaining intracellular water, important attributes to the manufacture of processed products. In this way, the processing is an economically viable alternative to the commercialization of breast meat from birds affected by myopathy.
Assuntos
Doenças Musculares , Perus , Animais , Brasil , Galinhas , Feminino , Carne/análise , Doenças Musculares/etiologia , Doenças Musculares/veterinária , Músculos PeitoraisRESUMO
Evaluated lipid and cholesterol concentration and fatty acid profile of raw breast, thigh and drumstick meat from broilers raised in different rearing systems. Were used 200 male broiler carcasses from four different rearing systems (n=50 from conventional intensive; n=50 from organic; n=50 from free-range; and n=50 from antibiotic-free) distributed in a completely randomized design with four rearing systems and 50 replications (carcasses). Breast meat from conventional broilers showed higher lipid (1.47) and cholesterol (34.13) concentration. Thigh and drumstick meat from free-range broilers had higher lipid (7.53/4.73) and cholesterol (45.55/53.65) concentration. Fat contained in breast, thigh and drumstick meat from free-range broilers showed higher levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids. Fat from breast and thigh meat from free-range broilers showed higher total concentration of ω3 and ω6 fatty acids. Fat from thigh meat from organic broilers showed higher levels of EPA (C20:5n3) and DHA (C22:6n3). Fat from drumstick meat from free-range broilers showed higher total concentration of ω3 and ω6 fatty acids. Meat from chickens raised in alternative rearing systems offers less risk to cardiovascular health because it presents lower concentrations of lipids and cholesterol, greater amounts of polyunsaturated fatty acids, which are beneficial for human health.
Assuntos
Ração Animal , Galinhas , Animais , Colesterol , Ácidos Graxos , Masculino , CarneRESUMO
Salicylic acid is an emerging environmental contaminant, usually found at ng/L concentrations in natural waters. Its quantification usually involves liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, which requires complex and costly instrumentation as well as time-consuming sample pretreatment, typically involving large solvent volumes. In this work, sequential injection chromatography was exploited to develop a fast, green, cost-effective, and highly sensitive procedure for fluorimetric determination of salicylic acid in natural waters. Analyte preconcentration directly on the chromatographic column (on-column preconcentration) was exploited to improve detectability, yielding an enrichment factor of 122 (1.75 mL of sample) and takes only 8.5 min per determination. A detection limit of 20 ng/L, a linear response range from 0.06 to 5.00 µg/L, coefficients of variation lower than 3.0% (n = 10), and recoveries within 86 and 114% were estimated. The procedure was applied for the analyses of freshwater samples and results agreed with those obtained by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry at the 95% confidence level. The proposed procedure encompasses in-line concentration, isolation/separation, and detection, without the need for sample clean-up, thus minimizing the consumption of organic solvents and risk of analyte losse.
Assuntos
Poluentes Ambientais/análise , Água Doce/química , Ácido Salicílico/análise , Poluentes Químicos da Água/análise , FluorometriaRESUMO
PURPOSE: To evaluate the in vivo release and ocular toxicity of a tacrolimus-loaded PLGA intravitreal implant. METHODS: Tacrolimus-loaded PLGA implants were inserted into the vitreous cavity of rabbits' eye. At different time points, the vitreous was retrieved and the concentration of tacrolimus released from the implants was determined. Clinical examination was performed to evaluate the implant tolerance. RESULTS: PLGA implants provided controlled and prolonged release of tacrolimus. Approximately 99.97% of the drug was released from the devices at 6 weeks. Ophthalmic examination revealed no evidence of toxic effects of implants. CONCLUSIONS: Tolerance and feasibility of the tacrolimus-loaded PLGA implants, as sustained intraocular drug delivery systems, were demonstrated.
Assuntos
Ácido Láctico/toxicidade , Ácido Poliglicólico/toxicidade , Próteses e Implantes/efeitos adversos , Tacrolimo/toxicidade , Uveíte/tratamento farmacológico , Animais , Materiais Biocompatíveis/farmacologia , Materiais Biocompatíveis/toxicidade , Corioide/efeitos dos fármacos , Sistemas de Liberação de Medicamentos/efeitos adversos , Estudos de Viabilidade , Feminino , Imunossupressores/farmacologia , Imunossupressores/toxicidade , Injeções Intravítreas , Copolímero de Ácido Poliláctico e Ácido Poliglicólico , Coelhos , Retina/efeitos dos fármacos , Esclera/efeitos dos fármacos , Tacrolimo/farmacologia , Corpo Vítreo/efeitos dos fármacosRESUMO
PURPOSE: To evaluate the in vivo release, retinal safety and antiangiogenic effect of a thalidomide-loaded poly-lactide-co-glycolide intravitreal implant. METHODS: New Zealand white rabbits, divided into two groups, I and II, received an intravitreal implant containing or not thalidomide, respectively (n = 12). Intravitreal drug levels were determined during a six-week study period. The potential for toxicity associated with the implants was evaluated by electroretinography and light microscopy (n = 8). Twelve chorioallantoic membranes (CAMs) from chicken eggs were incubated with thalidomide dispersion, implants containing or not thalidomide and vitreous samples and analyzed after two days regarding the percentage of vessels regression. RESULTS: Intravitreal concentrations of thalidomide (ng/ml) were 690.21 ± 177.95, 372.51 ± 185.56, 240.59 ± 133.48, 327.54 ± 169.71, 294.26 ± 142.41 and 465.18 ± 157.51 at 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 weeks, respectively, after implantation in group I rabbits. No drug was detected in group II samples. Electroretinography and histological evaluations did not show any sign of retina toxicity. There was significant regression of vessels in CAM incubated with thalidomide dispersion, thalidomide-loaded implants and vitreous samples from group I when compared to control. CONCLUSION: The intravitreal implants delivered safe doses of thalidomide that were also effective to induce vessels regression in CAMs.
Assuntos
Inibidores da Angiogênese/administração & dosagem , Membrana Corioalantoide/efeitos dos fármacos , Retina/efeitos dos fármacos , Talidomida/administração & dosagem , Corpo Vítreo/efeitos dos fármacos , Inibidores da Angiogênese/efeitos adversos , Inibidores da Angiogênese/farmacocinética , Inibidores da Angiogênese/farmacologia , Animais , Embrião de Galinha , Membrana Corioalantoide/irrigação sanguínea , Implantes de Medicamento , Eletrorretinografia , Feminino , Coelhos , Retina/patologia , Solubilidade , Talidomida/efeitos adversos , Talidomida/farmacocinética , Talidomida/farmacologia , Corpo Vítreo/metabolismoRESUMO
Tumor microenvironment modifications are related to the generation of reactive stroma and to critical events in cancer progression, such as proliferation, migration and apoptosis. In order to clarify these cellular interactions mediated by reactive stroma, we investigated the effects of cell-cell contacts, and the influence of soluble factors and extracellular matrix (ECM) secreted by Benign Prostate Hyperplasia (BPH) reactive stroma over LNCaP prostate tumor cells. Using in vitro functional assays, we demonstrated that ECM strongly stimulated LNCaP cell proliferation and migration, while inhibiting apoptosis, and inducing a deregulated expression pattern of several genes related to prostate cancer (PCa) progression. Conversely, reactive stromal cells per se and their secreted conditioned medium partially modulated these pro-tumorigenic events. These data indicate that secreted ECM in reactive stroma microenvironment contains key molecules that positively modulate important cancer hallmarks.
Assuntos
Matriz Extracelular/patologia , Neoplasias da Próstata/patologia , Microambiente Tumoral/fisiologia , Animais , Comunicação Celular , Linhagem Celular Tumoral , Sobrevivência Celular , Progressão da Doença , Perfilação da Expressão Gênica , Humanos , Masculino , Camundongos , Camundongos Nus , Hiperplasia Prostática/metabolismo , Neoplasias da Próstata/metabolismo , Células Estromais/metabolismoRESUMO
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) are a common complaint among aging men and are usually caused by Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH). A number of medical treatments for LUTS/BPH exist, such as α-blockers, 5α-reductase inhibitors, phytotherapeutical drugs and combination therapies. Babassu is the common name of a Brazilian native palm tree called Orbignya speciosa, whose kernels are commonly used (eaten entirely or as a grounded powder), in parts of Brazil for the treatment of urinary disorders. This study investigates the effects of Orbignya speciosa nanoparticle extract, a newly developed phytotherapic formulation derived from the kernels of babassu, in the treatment of BPH. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Orbignya speciosa extract was obtained from the kernels, a nanoparticulate system was developed and acute toxicity test was performed. BPH primary stromal cell and tissue cultures were established and treated with 300µg/mL Orbignya speciosa nanoparticle (NanoOse) extract in order to evaluate its effects on apoptosis induction, cytotoxicity, cell morphology and proliferation. RESULTS: Our results indicated that NanoOSE shows no toxicity in animals and acts incisively by promoting morphological cell changes, reducing cell proliferation as well as inducing necrosis/apoptosis on BPH cells and tissues. CONCLUSIONS: This study provided the first report of the successful use of NanoOSE on BPH treatment which corroborates with the popular use of the kernels of this plant. The results also suggest the potential of NanoOSE as a candidate new phytotherapeutic agent on the management of BPH.