Unravelling the Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Potential of the Marine Sponge Cliona celata from the Portuguese Coastline

Inflammation is a double-edged sword, as it can have both protective effects and harmful consequences, which, combined with oxidative stress (OS), can lead to the development of deathly chronic inflammatory conditions. Over the years, research has evidenced the potential of marine sponges as a source of effective anti-inflammatory therapeutic agents. Within this framework, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant and the anti-inflammatory potential of the marine sponge Cliona celata. For this purpose, their organic extracts (C1–C5) and fractions were evaluated concerning their radical scavenging activity through 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC), and anti-inflammatory activity through a (lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-induced inflammation on RAW 264.7 cells) model. Compounds present in the two most active fractions (F5 and F13) of C4 were tentatively identified by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Even though samples displayed low antioxidant activity, they presented a high anti-inflammatory capacity in the studied cellular inflammatory model when compared to the anti-inflammatory standard, dexamethasone. GC-MS analysis led to the identification of n-hexadecanoic acid, cis-9-hexadecenal, and 13-octadecenal in fraction F5, while two major compounds, octadecanoic acid and cholesterol, were identified in fraction F13. The developed studies demonstrated the high anti-inflammatory activity of the marine sponge C. celata extracts and fractions, highlighting its potential for further therapeutic applications.     

Biogenic Amines and the Antioxidant Capacity of Juice and Wine from Brazilian Hybrid Grapevines

Plant Foods for Human Nutrition - Some biogenic amines (BAs) are used as quality markers in grape-derived products. The prolife of 9 BAs was determined in juices and wines elaborated from hybrid...     

Phytoavailability of Toxic Heavy Metals and Productivity in Wheat Cultivated Under Residual Effect of Fertilization in Soybean Culture

Achieving high productivity in agriculture is increasingly needed and requested; however, this activity should be performed in a sustainable and rational way. The use of micronutrients in the fertilization of the most diverse cultures is becoming a common practice on farms, but it is important to conduct studies in relation to fertilizers used for this supplement, including raw materials with which they are produced. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the phytoavailability of nutrients and toxic heavy metals Cd, Pb, and Cr; productivity; and yield components in wheat sown in soil with residue of N/P₂O₅/K₂O?+?Zn-based fertilizer applied in previous crop. Treatments consisted of residual fertilization of five forms arranged in two doses (D1?=?300 kg ha^?1 and D2?=?600 kg ha^?1). The five types of fertilization were composed of formulated N/P₂O₅/K₂O and the variation of different Zn sources. In the assessment of phytoavailability were determined levels of K, Ca, Mg, Cu, Mn, Zn, Fe, Cd, Pb, and Cr in wheat leaves. The results show that the residual effect of fertilization was not enough for there being difference between treatments at both doses used; however, it was found that the fertilizers used to Zn supply provided residual effect, providing significant levels of Pb and Cr for wheat plants.     

Unravelling the Dermatological Potential of the Brown Seaweed Carpomitra costata

The ever-increasing interest in keeping a young appearance and healthy skin has leveraged the skincare industry. This, coupled together with the increased concern regarding the safety of synthetic products, has boosted the demand for new and safer natural ingredients. Accordingly, the aim of this study was to evaluate the dermatological potential of the brown seaweed Carpomitra costata. The antioxidant, anti-enzymatic, antimicrobial, photoprotective and anti-inflammatory properties of five C. costata fractions (F1–F5) were evaluated. The ethyl acetate fraction (F3) demonstrated the most promising results, with the best ability to scavenge 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals (EC₅₀ of 140.1 µg/mL) and the capacity to reduce reactive oxygen species (ROS) production promoted by UVA and UVB radiation in 3T3 cells, revealing its antioxidant and photoprotective potential. This fraction also exhibited the highest anti-enzymatic capacity, inhibiting the activities of collagenase, elastase and tyrosinase (IC₅₀ of 7.2, 4.8 and 85.9 µg/mL, respectively). Moreover, F3 showed anti-inflammatory potential, reducing TNF-α and IL-6 release induced by LPS treatment in RAW 264.7 cells. These bioactivities may be related to the presence of phenolic compounds, such as phlorotannins, as demonstrated by NMR analysis. The results highlight the potential of C. costata as a source of bioactive ingredients for further dermatological applications.     

Trace Metal Content Trend of Mussel Perna Perna (Linnaeus, 1758) from the Atlantic Coast of Southern Brazil

The concentration assessment of Hg, Pb, Cd, Cu, Zn, Cr, Mnand Fe in marine mussels Perna perna, sampled at 15stations along the 800 km Southern Brazilian Coast, has beencarried out. Samplings were taken twice, in summer andwinter of 2000. The concentrations found were lower thansimilar studies carried out along the Central Coast of Brazil andlower than the maximum limits permitted in bivalve molluscsdesignated for human consumption (Brazilian, Spanish andLuxembourg legislation sets). The data also showed lowervalues compared with other regions of the world. Thecomparison of present data with the data obtained 10 years agoat the same stations did not show significant differences,consequently the concentrations found could be used asbaseline values.     

A survey of seasonal temperatures and vineyard altitude influences on 2-methoxy-3-isobutylpyrazine, C13-norisoprenoids, and the sensory profile of Brazilian Cabernet Sauvignon wines

This report has investigated the seasonal temperatures influences (winter and summer) of five vineyards at different altitudes on the concentrations of 2-methoxy-3-isobutylpyrazine (MIBP), alpha- and beta-ionone, and beta-damascenone in 2004 or 2005 vintages of Cabernet Sauvignon wines from Santa Catarina State, Brazil. Sensorial analyses were also carried out on the wine samples and compared to altitude and climate. Significant regression was observed between MIBP concentrations and the vineyard's altitude. No significant relation was observed between alpha- and beta-ionone and beta-damascenone with the vineyard's altitude. Principal component analysis positively correlated wines from higher altitudes with a "bell pepper" aroma. Conversely, the wines made with grapes from lower altitudes were correlated with "red fruits" and "jam" aromas. An important relation between the bell pepper aroma and the lower winter temperature was observed. A strong negative correlation was also observed between seasonal temperatures and vineyard altitude as well as between MIBP content and seasonal temperature of growing grapevines.     

Impacts of anthropic pressures on soil phosphorus availability,concentration, and phosphorus forms in sediments in a Southern Brazilian watershed

Purpose  

The transfer of soil sediments and phosphorus from terrestrial to aquatic systems is a common process in agricultural lands. The aims of this paper are to quantify the soil phosphorus availability and to characterize phosphorus forms in soil sediments as contaminant agents of waters as a function of anthropic pressures.