Biomedical subjects

C Morales

Publications and source records attributed to C Morales.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2006

Macrophages in human fallopian tube and ovarian epithelial inclusion cysts.

Epithelial inclusion cysts (EICs) are considered a preferential site for ovarian carcinogenesis. Local inflammation, associated to ovulatory wound repair and epithelial inflammatory conditions, facilitates EIC formation and involves activation of macrophages. The aim of this study was to analyse the presence and numbers of macrophages in the ovarian surface epithelium (OSE), in EICs, and in the fallopian tubes, as tubal metaplasia is a common finding in EICs. Immunohistochemical analysis of macrophages was performed in 25 fallopian tubes in different phases of the menstrual cycle, and in 30 ovaries showing EICs from cycling and postmenopausal women. In the fallopian tube, macrophages were abundant and underwent cyclic changes during the menstrual cycle, being particularly abundant within the epithelium at early and mid-luteal phases. Macrophages were not found in the normal OSE. However, OSE areas and EICs showing tubal metaplasia were invariably associated with infiltration by abundant macrophages. Macrophages were present among epithelial cells, infiltrating the cyst wall, as well as free in the cyst lumen. No significant differences existed between follicular and luteal phases of the cycle, or between cycling and postmenopausal women. This study has demonstrated that macrophages are associated with metaplastic EICs, and raises the possibility that these cells contribute to the particular microenvironment of EICs through secretion of cytokines and growth factors that may reach bioactive concentrations in the confined space of the EICs.

Epithelial Cells↗

PubMed2006

Anti-genotoxic effect of Aloysia triphylla infusion against acrylamide-induced DNA damage as shown by the comet assay technique.

Aloysia triphylla a perennial, bushy plant originally from South America has long been used in traditional medicine. Its aqueous extract contains considerable amounts of polyphenolic compounds, namely flavonoids and phenolic acids. In view of the interest in natural phenolic compounds as antioxidant in preventive medicine, this study was undertaken to investigate the chemoprotective effects of cedron leaves infusion against the genetic damage induced by acrylamide (AA) by using the alkaline version of the comet assay technique. Mice were separated in nine groups (eight animals each): (I) untreated, (II) negative control, (III) treated with infusion of cedron leaves 5%, 20 days twice a day, (IV) treated with AA (5 mg/kg b.w.), (V) treated with AA (20 mg/kg b.w.), (VI) treated with AA (30 mg/kg b.w.), (VII) treated with AA (50 mg/kg b.w.), (VIII) pretreated with infusion and treated with AA (50 mg/kg b.w.) and (IX) positive control (cyclophosphamide, 20 mg/kg b.w.). Three hundred blast cells were digitally evaluated per animal from three different slides (100 each). Media of tail moment (TM) values were analyzed by ANOVA test. No statistical differences (p>0.05) were found between untreated animals, negative control and infusion-treated mice. A single dose of AA-induced genetic damage as revealed by a statistically significant increase in TM values (p<0.01). Pretreatment with infusion prior to AA injection significantly reduces the capacity of AA to induce genetic damage. In these conditions, tail moments values did not differ from data obtained in negative control (p>0.05) and exhibit statistical differences from animals treated only with AA (p<0.01). Cell viability was at least 90% in all cases as measured by the trypan blue exclusion method. The ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) method reveals that the plasma of infusion-treated mice has a significantly higher antioxidant capacity than plasma from controls (p<0.01). The results suggest that the infusion could exerts an in vivo chemo protective action, probably due to its scavenging potency towards free radicals.

Acrylamide↗

PubMed2006

Vascular endothelial growth factor serum concentrations in hypercholesterolemic patients.

OBJECTIVE: Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) promotes normal and pathological angiogenesis. VEGF is a chemotactic factor for macrophages and vascular smooth muscle cells, and induces synthesis of metalloproteinases and adhesion molecules. VEGF expression is regulated by hypoxia, cytokines, oncogenes, and oxidized low-density lipoprotein (LDL). The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between levels of lipid parameters and VEGF, to investigate whether pravastatin treatment influences VEGF serum concentrations, and to examine the relationship between VEGF and the variations in post-treatment lipid and inflammatory parameters. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Eighteen patients aged 48+/-6.8 years with total cholesterol (TC) >6.1 mmol/L comprised the hypercholesterolemic group. The controls included 12 individuals aged 50+/-7.4 years with TC <5.1 mmol/L. TC, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLC), triglycerides, LDLC, C-reactive protein (CRP), and VEGF were determined in both groups at baseline, and in the hypercholesterolemic group after 4 months of treatment with 20 mg/day pravastatin. RESULTS: A significant correlation was observed between concentrations of VEGF and TC, LDLC and TG, and a significant difference in VEGF concentration was observed between the control group (mean 142 ng/L) and the hypercholesterolemic group (mean 272.9 ng/L). A significant decrease was observed in TC (14.7 %), LDLC (21.5 %), CRP (22.7 %), and VEGF (14.8 %) after 4 months of treatment with pravastatin. CONCLUSIONS: A relationship was found between serum levels of VEGF and most atherogenic lipoproteins. In patients with hypercholesterolemia treated with pravastatin, a reduction in VEGF and CRP was seen in addition to lipid decreases.

Adult↗

PubMed2006

Myeloid sarcoma of the uterus presenting as vaginal bleeding.

Extramedullary relapse of acute myeloid leukaemia may occur in sites such as the central nervous system, testes, and skin. Presentations in the female genital tract are uncommon and usually asymptomatic. In contrast, symptomatic uterine myeloid sarcoma is very rare. Treatment of this is generally unsuccessful, but is improved when systemic therapies are used. We study a case of a uterine relapse of acute myeloid leukaemia presenting as vaginal bleeding and successfully managed by local irradiation. The mechanism of preferential infiltration of uterine tissue requires further study.

Diagnosis, Differential↗

PubMed2006

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and ovulation: lessons from morphology.

Ovulation constitutes the central event in ovarian physiology, and ovulatory disfunction is a relevant cause of female infertility. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), widely used due to their analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, consistently inhibit ovulation in all mammalian species investigated so far, likely due to the inhibition of cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2), the inducible isoform of COX, that is the rate-limiting enzyme in prostaglandin (PG) synthesis. COX-2 inhibition has major effects on ovulation, fertilization and implantation, and NSAID therapy is likely implicated in human infertility and could be an important, frequently overlooked, cause of ovulatory disfunction in women. Although there is compelling evidence for a role of PGs in ovulation, the molecular targets and the precise role of these compounds in the ovulatory process are not fully understood. Morphological studies from rats treated with indomethacin (INDO), a potent inhibitor of PG synthesis, provide evidence on the actions of NSAIDs in ovulation, as well as on the possible roles of PGs in the ovulatory process. Cycling rats treated with INDO during the preovulatory period show abnormal ovulation, due to disruption of the spatial targeting of follicle rupture at the apex. Noticeably, gonadotropin-primed immature rats (widely used as a model for the study of ovulation) show age-dependent ovulatory defects similar to those of cycling rats treated with INDO. These data suggest that NSAID treatment disrupts physiological mechanisms underlying spatial targeting of follicle rupture at the apex, which are not fully established in very young rats. We summarize herein the ovulatory defects after pharmacologic COX-2 inhibition, and discuss the possible mechanisms underlying the anti-ovulatory actions of NSAIDs.

Animals↗

PubMed2006

Effects of selective inhibition of cyclooxygenase and lipooxygenase pathways in follicle rupture and ovulation in the rat.

Treatment with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, either non-selective or selective cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors, consistently impairs ovulation, indicating the essential role of COX-2/prostaglandins in the ovulatory process. Indomethacin, a potent inhibitor of both COX-1 and COX-2, induced several ovulatory alterations, consisting of a decrease in the number of oocytes effectively ovulated, trapping of oocytes inside the luteinized follicle, as well as abnormal follicle rupture at the basolateral sides, with release of the oocyte and follicular fluid to the interstitium. Yet, the precise role of prostaglandins in ovulation and whether some of the ovulatory defects induced by indomethacin are due to interference with additional components of the ovulatory cascade, beyond prostaglandin synthesis, are not completely understood. We have used gonadotrophin-primed immature rats to analyse whether, compared to indomethacin, selective inhibition of COX-2, with or without concomitant inhibition of COX-1, or selective inhibition of the lipooxygenase (LOX) pathway, induce similar ovulatory alterations. Immature rats (27 days of age) were injected PMSG (10 IU), and 48 h later hCG (10 IU) subcutaneously, and different anti-inflammatory drugs. Animals were killed at 21 h after hCG injection. Rats treated with the selective COX-2 inhibitor NS398 (10 mg/kg body weight, (bw)) showed alterations in follicle rupture as those treated with indomethacin (0.5 mg/rat), albeit affecting a lower number of follicles, irrespective of the concomitant inhibition of COX-1 with the selective inhibitor SC560 (10 mg/kg bw). Rats treated with the LOX inhibitor NDGA (300 mg/kg bw) did not show ovulatory alterations. These data indicate that the characteristic alterations of follicle rupture induced by indomethacin, are also induced by selective COX-2 inhibitors, strengthening the contention that prostaglandins play a crucial role in the spatial targeting of follicle rupture at the apex.

Animals↗

PubMed2006

[Ocular hypertension in children treated with brimonidine 0.2%. A clinical study].

PURPOSE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of topical brimonidine 0.2% use in children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A descriptive study of twelve successive children (21 eyes) who needed topical treatment of intraocular hypertension, and where the use of b-blockers was contraindicated. RESULTS: During treatment we observed an average decrease of IOP of 5 SD 1.8 mmHg (21% of basal IOP), but found more common local symptoms, with stinging being complained of in 52.4% of cases. Somnolence was also complained of in two cases.

Administration, Topical↗

PubMed2006

Anatomical and functional connectivity of the transected ulnar nerve after accessory nerve neurotization in the cat.

AIM: The objective of this experimental study was to test the capacity of accessory nerve motoneurons to innervate muscles of the ulnar nerve territory after direct anastomosis. METHODS: This study used 22 cats in two groups: experimental group (15 cats) and control group (7 cats). The first one was followed during twelve months using electromyographic records every two months postsurgery; muscle and nerve histological assessment and counting horseradish peroxidase-labeled motoneurons. RESULTS: Our results showed that reinnervation was achieved in 12/15 nerves. The number of HRP labelled medullar motoneurons after anastomosis showed a significant statistic difference with a simple ulnar nerve transection; there was no significant statistic difference in labelling between the group with an anastomosis and the one with a simple accessory nerve transection. CONCLUSIONS: Direct anastomosis between the spinal accessory nerve and the ulnar nerve is achievable and thus, the accessory spinal nerve is another possible choice for correcting the motor deficit arising from lower brachial plexus avulsion, but the limited number of motoneurons would only allow partial reinnervation..

Accessory Nerve↗

PubMed2005

Observation of in-medium modifications of the omega meson.

The photoproduction of omega mesons on nuclei has been investigated using the Crystal Barrel/TAPS experiment at the ELSA tagged photon facility in Bonn. The aim is to study possible in-medium modifications of the omega meson via the reaction gamma + A --> omega + X --> pi(0)gamma + X('). Results obtained for Nb are compared to a reference measurement on a LH2 target. While for recoiling, long-lived mesons (pi(0), eta, and eta;(')), which decay outside of the nucleus, a difference in the line shape for the two data samples is not observed, we find a significant enhancement towards lower masses for omega mesons produced on the Nb target. For momenta less than 500 MeV/c an in-medium omega meson mass of M(medium) = [722(+4)(-4)(stat)+35-5(syst)] MeV/c(2) has been deduced at an estimated average nuclear density of 0.6rho(0).

Journal Article↗

PubMed2005

Neutral-pion photoproduction off protons in the energy range 0.3 GeV<E(gamma)<3 GeV.

Single pi(0) photoproduction has been studied with the CB-ELSA experiment at Bonn using tagged photon energies between 0.3 and 3.0 GeV. The experimental setup covers a very large solid angle of approximately 98% of 4pi. Differential cross sections dsigma/dOmega have been measured. Complicated structures in the angular distributions indicate a variety of different resonances being produced in the s channel intermediate state gammap-->N(*)(Delta(*))-->ppi(0). A combined analysis including the data presented in this letter along with other data sets reveals contributions from known resonances and evidence for a new resonance N(2070)D15.

Journal Article↗

PubMed2005

Photoproduction of eta mesons off protons for 0.75 GeV<E(gamma)<3 GeV.

Total and differential cross sections for the reaction p(gamma,eta)p have been measured for photon energies in the range from 750 MeV to 3 GeV. The low-energy data are dominated by the S11 wave which has two poles in the energy region below 2 GeV. Eleven nucleon resonances are observed in their decay into peta. At medium energies we find evidence for a new resonance N(2070)D15 with (M,Gamma)=(2068+/-22, 295+/-40) MeV. At gamma energies above 1.5 GeV, a strong peak in the forward direction develops, signaling the exchange of vector mesons in the t channel.

Journal Article↗

PubMed2005

Cyclic changes of the ovarian surface epithelium in the rat.

The ovarian surface epithelium (OSE) plays pivotal roles during ovulation and postovulatory wound repair. In this paper we describe the proliferative activity of the OSE through the estrous cycle in adult cycling rats, by immunohistochemical detection of DNA-incorporated bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU). Immunohistochemical detection of estrogen receptor alpha (ERalpha) and progesterone receptor was also performed. The cycle of the OSE consists of a proliferative phase (that lasts for two consecutive estrous cycles) and a quiescent phase of variable duration. Cyclic changes in the OSE were related to the underlying ovarian structure. OSE areas covering growing follicles entered into the proliferative phase during the transition from proestrus to estrus, with the appearance of fast-growing class 1 follicles, destined to ovulate at the end of the current estrous cycle. A labeling index (after pulse-labeling BrdU treatment) of about 7% was maintained throughout the estrous cycle in parallel to follicle growth. Cumulative BrdU-labeling (after daily BrdU treatment) indicated that about 1/3 of the total OSE cell proliferation was related to follicle growth. Following ovulation, OSE cells covering newly-formed corpora lutea showed a labeling index of about 50% that decreased through metestrus and diestrus (about 13% and 3%, respectively), returning to basal levels by proestrus. Cumulative BrdU-labeling indicated that about 2/3 of the total proliferative activity was related to ovulation repair/luteinization. The remaining OSE covering ovarian stroma or structurally regressing corpora lutea of previous cycles showed negligible BrdU labeling. The equivalent proliferative activity found in the OSE covering newly-formed corpora lutea in indomethacin-treated rats lacking rupture of the OSE at the apex, demonstrated that ovulation-triggered proliferation was not dependent on the loss of integrity of the OSE at the ovulation site. OSE cells expressed ERalpha throughout the cycle, but no differential expression was found between proliferating and quiescent OSE areas. On the contrary, OSE cells did not express PR at any time of the cycle. These data indicate the existence of a cycle of the OSE, related to the cyclic changes in the underlying ovarian structure and strongly suggest that the proliferative activity of the OSE is regulated by local microenvironmental rather than by systemic factors.

Animals↗

PubMed2004

Expression of growth hormone secretagogue receptor type 1a, the functional ghrelin receptor, in human ovarian surface epithelium, mullerian duct derivatives, and ovarian tumors.

Ghrelin, the endogenous ligand of the GH secretagogue receptor (GHS-R), is a newly identified, ubiquitously expressed molecule that has been involved in a wide array of endocrine and nonendocrine functions, including cell proliferation. In this context, our group recently reported the expression of ghrelin and its functional receptor, the GHS-R type 1a, in the human ovary and testis as well as several testicular tumors. Ovarian malignancies, however, remain unexplored. Notably, a vast majority of ovarian tumors derive from the surface epithelium, which originates from the celomic epithelium. Considering the proven expression of ghrelin in the human ovary, and its reported effects in the proliferative activity of different cancer cell lines, we aimed at evaluating whether the ovarian surface epithelium as well as related reproductive structures and tumors are potential targets of ghrelin. To this end, expression of GHS-R1a was analyzed by immunohistochemistry in a panel of normal, metaplastic, and neoplastic tissues. Uniform GHS-R1a immunostaining was detected throughout the ovarian surface epithelium. Likewise, ciliated cells within the fallopian tube epithelium showed strong GHS-R1a expression. In contrast, other celomic derivatives, such as endometrium and endocervix, were negative for GHS-R1a immunoreactivity. In keeping with data from normal tissues, inclusion cysts from the surface epithelium expressed GHS-R1a. Similarly, benign serous tumors resembling fallopian tube epithelium were also positive, whereas serous cystadenocarcinomas showed GHS-R1a expression only in highly differentiated specimens. In contrast, other neoplasms, such as mucinous cystadenomas and cystadenocarcinomas, endometrioid tumors, clear cell carcinomas, and Brenner tumors, did not express GHS-R1a. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that the ovarian surface epithelium and related tumors are potential targets for systemic or locally produced ghrelin because they express the functional type 1a GHS-R. Considering the relevant role of the ovarian surface epithelium in key physiological events (such as ovulation) and neoplastic transformation of the ovary, the potential actions of ghrelin in those phenomena merit further investigation.

Cervix Uteri↗

PubMed2004

Neonatal spinal muscular atrophy with multiple contractures, bone fractures, respiratory insufficiency and 5q13 deletion.

We present the case of a floppy neonate with marked and generalized weakness, respiratory insufficiency and fetal akinesia deformation sequence. The infant showed multiple joint contractures, two bone fractures and needed mechanical ventilation from birth to death at 16 days of age. Electrophysiological assessment showed electrically unexcitable motor and sensory nerves. Muscle biopsy showed diffuse atrophy of type I and type II fibers. Necropsy confirmed the diagnosis of infantile spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) with severe loss of motor neurons in anterior horns and motor nuclei of brainstem. There were also neuronal loss, gliosis, chromatolysis, ballooned cells, empty cell beds and neuronophagia figures in other brainstem and brain nuclei. Genetic analysis of the patient revealed homozygous deletions of survival motor neuron gene 1 (SMN1) and a single copy of SMN2 in region 5q13. This case confirms that the loss of spinal motor neurons underlies the muscular atrophy in severe cases of 5q SMA. This case also shows that the presence of multiple joint contractures, bone fractures and respiratory insufficiency in SMA in the neonatal period does not necessarily exclude the occurrence of classical deletions in the SMA 5q13 region. Rather, these atypical clinical findings show the extreme severity and prenatal onset of the disease in these SMA cases, which may be related with the occurrence of a single copy of SMN2 gene. More reports of clinically, pathologically and genetically well-documented cases are essential to define the different types of this disease.

Chromosomes, Human, Pair 5↗

PubMed2004

[Variables associated with functional recovery and post-discharge institutionalization of elderly cared in an average stay geriatric unit].

BASIS: To describe the evolution and results of the rehabilitation of elderly disabled cared in an average stay geriatric unit, and to define the factors associated with functional improvement and post-discharge institutionalization. PATIENTS AND METHOD: Observational longitudinal study in 459 patients with functional disability consecutively hospitalized between May 2000 and December 2001. Basal variables collected included the clinical, functional, mental, and sociodemographic manifestations previous to the admission. The favorable functional response (defined as a functional gain during the admission of > or = 20 points in the Barthel index) and the post-discharge institutionalization were regarded the main result variables. RESULTS: The average age of patients was 80.56 (SD: +/- 7.45) years, 64.9% were women and 81% came from acute hospital units; the main cause of disability was stroke (48.5%) followed by orthopedic pathology (26.2%) and immobility for different causes (23.5%). 72.5% of patients get functional improvement and 16.4% were institutionalized after the discharge. The main independent risk factors for poor functional response found in the multivariate analysis were a scoring in Pfeiffer's cognitive test of 5-7 points (OR: 0.42; 95% CI: 0,22-0.78) and > or = 8 (OR: 0.29; 95% CI: 0.12-0.71), and a scoring in Barthel's index < 60 prior to the deterioration (OR: 0.36; 95% CI: 0.14-0.93). Independent risk factors for institutionalization after the discharge were age (OR: 1.06; 95% CI: 1.01-1.12), and a scoring in the Gijon's sociofamiliar scale > or = 9 (OR: 6.83; 95% CI: 1.91-24.47). A functional disability after the discharge in the Barthel's index < 40 also was independently associated to post-discharge institutionalization (OR: 3,07; 95% CI: 1.04-10.06). CONCLUSIONS: Most of elderly with recent disability benefit functionally from care in specific hospital geriatric units. Moderate or severe cognitive deterioration after hospitalization is associated to lower recovery probability. Very advanced age, higher social precariousness and severe disability after discharge are associated with higher risk of institutionalization.

Aftercare↗

PubMed2004

Expression of ghrelin and its functional receptor, the type 1a growth hormone secretagogue receptor, in normal human testis and testicular tumors.

Ghrelin, the endogenous ligand for the GH secretagogue receptor (GHS-R), has been primarily linked to the central neuroendocrine regulation of GH secretion and food intake, although additional peripheral actions of ghrelin have also been reported. In this context, the expression of ghrelin and its cognate receptor has been recently demonstrated in rat testis, suggesting a role for this molecule in the direct control of male gonadal function. However, whether this signaling system is present in human testis remains largely unexplored. In this study we report the expression and cellular location of ghrelin and its functional receptor, the type 1a GHS-R, in adult human testis. In addition, evaluation of ghrelin and GHS-R1a immunoreactivity in testicular tumors and dysgenetic tissue is presented. The expression of the mRNAs encoding ghrelin and GHS-R1a was demonstrated in human testis specimens by RT-PCR, followed by direct sequencing. In normal testis, ghrelin immunostaining was demonstrated in interstitial Leydig cells and, at lower intensity, in Sertoli cells within the seminiferous tubules. In contrast, ghrelin was not detected in germ cells at any stage of spermatogenesis. The cognate ghrelin receptor showed a wider pattern of cellular distribution, with detectable GHS-R1a protein in germ cells, mainly in pachytene spermatocytes, as well as in somatic Sertoli and Leydig cells. Ghrelin immunoreactivity was absent in poorly differentiated Leydig cell tumor, which retained the expression of GHS-R1a peptide. In contrast, highly differentiated Leydig cell tumors expressed both the ligand and the receptor. The expression of ghrelin and GHS-R1a was also detected in dysgenetic Sertoli cell-only seminiferous tubules, whereas germ cell tumors (seminoma and embryonal carcinoma) were negative for ghrelin and were weakly positive for GHS-R1a. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that ghrelin and the type 1a GHS-R are expressed in adult human testis and testicular tumors. Overall, the expression of ghrelin and its functional receptor in human and rat testis, with roughly similar patterns of cellular distribution, is highly suggestive of a conserved role for this newly discovered molecule in the regulation of mammalian testicular function.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

Diversity and species composition of sand flies (Diptera: Psychodidae) in a Venezuelan urban focus of cutaneous leishmaniasis.

The present study examined the spatial and temporal abundance and diversity of phlebotomine sand flies in an area of Venezuela that is an ancient focus of leishmaniasis. The study was conducted in 6 stations in urban localities in Trujillo City, located in northwestern Venezuela (9 degrees 22' 24" N, 70 degrees 26' 08" W), which is located in a mountain range in the Andean ecoregion (altitude = 600-1,010 m). During 1995-99, entomological surveys were conducted after and before the rainy season. Shannon light traps were operated from 1800 to 2000 h in peridomestic site trap locations. Twelve species were captured, and Lutzomyia youngi, L. ovallesi, L. scorzai, L. gomezi, L. lichyi, and L. shannoni occurred at all localities in each year. The abundance of these species showed low variation over time but high variation between localities. The Sørensen similarity index, used to compare diversity between years within each locality, ranged from 0.60 at Carmona to 0.84 at La Hacienda. Sand fly communities exhibited annual variation in species richness and diversity. Variations were affected more by changes in species abundance than by changes in species composition. Lutzomyia ovallesi, L. lichyi, and L. scorzai had the highest coefficient of variation between years (63, 38, and 23%, respectively).

Animals↗

PubMed2003

Antibacterial, antiprotozoal and antioxidant activity of five plants used in Izabal for infectious diseases.

Methanol and aqueous extracts from fi ve plant species, used in traditional medicine in Guatemala for the treatment of microbial infections, were tested in vitro for their ability to scavenge DPPH, OH(.) and O(2) (-) radicals and to inhibit lipoperoxidation (LPO) in order to establish a relationship between their antioxidant activities and their effects against infectious agents. Acalypha guatemalensis, Ocimum micranthum and Smilax spinosa possessed a significant activity against both the three free radicals assayed and LPO; Guazuma ulmifolia showed effects against DPPH and OH(.). Piper auritum showed no activity. These extracts were also evaluated for antibacterial and antiprotozoal activities. A. guatemalensis showed activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa; S. spinosa was active against Salmonella typhi, and A. guatemalensis, and S. spinosa against Trypanosoma cruzi or Leishmania spp.

Animals↗