Seed protein variation among pepper (Capsicum sp.) genotypes revealed by MALDI-TOF analysis

A method for seed proteome analysis using MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry is described. The data were used to estimate the genetic diversity degree among twelve genotypes of pepper (Capsicum). The resulting spectra were converted into a binary matrix consisting of 23 protein data sets, and genetic similarity values were calculated with the FreeTree software and Jaccard's coefficient of similarity. We have also been able to identify the presence of certain proteins in the extracts, by checking their masses on on-line databases.     

Cytogenetic studies on Apareiodon affinis (Pisces, Characiformes) from Paraná river basin: sex chromosomes and polymorphism

Comparative cytogenetic studies were carried out on Apareiodon affinis from an important hydrographic system at South America, the Paraná river basin. Two distant regions were chosen, which were separated by Guaíra Falls (formerly Sete Quedas); the region in the upper part of the hydrographic basin is called Upper Paraná (Brazil), whereas and the other in the lower part is called Lower Paraná (Argentina). Individuals from Upper Paraná have diploid numbers of 2n = 54 (NF = 108) for males and 2n = 55 (NF = 110) for females, showing female heterogamety with a ZZ/ZW₁W₂ multiple sex chromosomes system that is endemic for the region. In different localities at Lower Paraná, the specimens presented diploid number of 2n = 54 for both sexes, without any sex chromosomes heteromorphism. However, they have an accentuated polymorphism characterized by variation in number of acrocentric chromosomes, constituting something new for family Parodontidae. The most likely hypothesis to explain the origin of such polymorphism is based on successive pericentric inversions giving rise to acrocentric chromosomes. Thus, it was possible to detect 10 cytotypes along the Lower Paraná basin. Such chromosomal variations possibly are the consequence of an adaptative process. Our data probably indicate the occurrence of distinct species in each region that share the same denomination. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Antinociceptive properties of the methanolic extract and two triterpenes isolated from Epidendrum Mosenii stems (Orchidaceae)

The antinociceptive effect of the methanolic extract (ME) and two triterpenes isolated from E. mosenii (Orchidaceae) has been investigated in chemical and thermal models of nociception in mice. The ME of E. mosenii (0.3-30 mg kg(-1), i.p. or 50-400 mg kg(-1), p.o.) produced dose-related, significant and long-lasting (4 to 6 h) inhibition of acetic acid-induced abdominal constriction, with ID50 values of 3.9 and 137.0 mg kg(-1), respectively. Pholidotin and 24-methylenecycloartenol isolated from E. mosenii (0.1-3.0 mg kg(-1), i.p.) also produced marked and dose-related inhibition of acetic acid-induced pain, with ID50 values of 0.9 and 1.1 mg kg(-1). However, these compounds and the ME were about 3- to 13-fold more potent at the level of ID50 than diclofenac when assessed in acetic acid-induced abdominal constriction. The ME of E. mosenii in the same range of doses produced dose-related inhibition of both phases of formalin-induced licking, with mean ID50 values for the first and the second phases of 0.9, 122.0 mg kg(-1) and 0.7, 258.0 mg kg(-1), respectively by i.p. or p.o. routes. In addition, the ME (0.3-30 mg kg(-1), i.p., or 50-400 mg kg(-1), p.o.) also caused dose-related inhibition of capsaicin-induced neurogenic pain with mean ID50 values of 5.2 and 130.0 mg kg(-1), respectively. Treatment of animals with naloxone (5 mg kg(-1), i.p.) completely reversed the antinociceptive effect caused by morphine (5 mg kg(-1), s.c.) and that caused by ME of E. mosenii (1 mg kg(-1), i.p.) when assessed against either phase of the formalin-induced pain. Furthermore, when assessed in the hot-plate test, ME (100 mg kg(-1), i.p.) and morphine (10 mg kg(-1), s.c.) caused significant increase in response latency. However, ME given daily for to 7 consecutive days did not develop tolerance to itself nor did it induce cross-tolerance to morphine. Taken together these data demonstrate that the ME of E. mosenii elicited pronounced antinociception, when assessed by i.p. or p.o. routes, against several models of pain. Its actions involve, at least in part, an interaction with opioid system, seeming no to be related with a non-specific peripheral or central depressant actions. Finally, the active principle(s) responsible for the antinociceptive action of E. mosenii is likely related to the presence of the triterpenes.     

Synthesis and hypolipidemic activity of N-phthalimidomethyl tetra-O-acyl-alpha-D-mannopyranosides

A facile synthesis of anomerically pure phthalimidomethyl 2,3,4,6-tetra-O-acetyl- and phthalimidomethyl 2,3-di-O-acetyl-4,6-di-O-benzoyl-alpha-D-mannopyranosides (6 and 9b) starting from N-hydroxymethylphthalimide and tri-O-acetyl-D-glucal is described. Compounds 3, 6, 8, 9a and 9b have been tested for their hypolipidemic activity in mice. All these compound showed significant reduction of plasma cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Compound 9b has been found to possess the highest activity.     

The production of hemicellulases by aerobic fungi on medium containing residues of banana plant as substrate

Trichoderma harzianum strains T4 and T6, Acrophialophora nainiana, and Humicola grisea var. thermoidea were screened for their ability to produce carbohydrate-degrading enzyme activities in a medium containing banana plant residue as the carbon source. The best balance of enzyme activities was obtained from cultures of H. grisea var. thermoidea. Xylanase activity from crude extract of A. nainiana had a maximum activity at pH 5.5-7.0 and a temperature range of 50-55 degrees C. It was stable up to 55 degrees C at pH 7.0 for at least 2 h. The fungi were also able to produce xylanase and pectinase activities when grown on extractives as substrate.     

I3-naringenin-II8--4'OMe-eriodictyol: a new potential analgesic agent isolated from Rheedia gardneriana leaves

This paper describes the isolation, identification and analgesic activity of a new biflavonoid from Rheedia gardneriana leaves, which correspond to I3-naringenin-II8-4'-OMe-eriodictyol (GB-2a-II-4'-OMe) (1), with a methoxyl group in position 4 of ring-II. Its structure was determined by spectroscopic data and confirmed by an alkaline hydrolysis. Its analgesic effect was evaluated in a writhing test and a formalin test in mice. It was found that this compound exhibits potent and dose-related analgesic action in both experimental models, with ID50's values of 4.5 micromol/kg against the writhing test and 8.2 and 6.8 micromol/kg against the first and second phase of the formalin test, respectively. It was several times more potent than some well-known analgesic drugs used as reference.     

Bacillus spp. toxicity against Haemonchus contortus larvae in sheep fecal cultures

The gastrointestinal nematode Haemonchus contortus is a major productivity constraint in sheep. In this study, the nematicidal effects of Bacillus circulans, Bacillus cereus, Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis, Bt. var. osvaldocruzi, Bt. var. morrisoni, and Bt. var. kurstaki were assessed in free-living larval stages of H. contortus. A spore-crystal suspension containing approximately 2×10(8)UFC/mL of each strain was added to sheep feces that were naturally infected with H. contortus eggs, and the presence of larvae was then evaluated. We observed a significant (p>0.05) reduction in larval development when using B. circulans, B. thuringiensis var. israelensis, Bt. var. osvaldocruzi and Bt. var. kurstaki, and these effects were proportional with the amount of bacteria added to the feces. However, no effect was observed when Bt. var. morrisoni or B. cereus was added. These observations suggest that these bacteria might be effective as nematicides and may allow for the development of integrated biological control of zooparasitic nematodes.     

Cytotoxic Activity of Fungal Strains Isolated from the Ascidian Eudistoma vannamei

The cytotoxic activity at 50 μg/ml of extracts obtained from eleven fungal strains associated to Eudistoma vannamei, an endemic ascidian from Northeast Brazil, against two cell lines, i.e., the HCT‐8 (colon cancer) and the MDA‐MB‐435 (melanoma) cell lines, was investigated. The most promising extract (EV10) was obtained from a fungus identified as Aspergillus sp. by molecular analysis and was selected for bioassay‐guided isolation of its active principals. Large‐scale fermentation of EV10 in potato‐dextrose broth followed by chromatographic purification of the active extract from the liquid medium allowed the isolation of the isocoumarins mellein, cis‐4‐hydroxymellein, and trans‐4‐hydroxymellein, besides penicillic acid. All isolated compounds were tested for their cytotoxicity against the tumor cell lines MDA‐MB‐435 and HCT‐8 and revealed penicillic acid as the only cytotoxic compound (cell growth inhibitions >95%).