Cardiovascular diseases are associated with high morbidity and mortality worldwide and have several risk factors, including dyslipidemia, smoking, and hypertension. Studies have evaluated isolated risk factors in experimental models of cardiovascular disease, but few preclinical studies have assessed associations between multiple risk factors. In the present study, hypertensive Wistar rats (Goldblatt 2K1C model) received a 0.5% cholesterol diet and were exposed to tobacco smoke for 8 weeks. During the last 4 weeks, the animals were treated with vehicle, an ethanol-soluble fraction of B. trimera (30, 100, and 300 mg/kg), or simvastatin + enalapril. A group of normotensive, non-dyslipidemic, and non-smoking rats was treated with vehicle. The levels of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, urea, creatinine, and hepatic and fecal lipids, blood pressure, and mesenteric arterial bed reactivity were evaluated. Cardiac, hepatic, and renal histopathology and tecidual redox state were also investigated. Untreated animals exhibited significant changes in blood pressure, lipid profile, and biomarkers of heart, liver, and kidney damage. Treatment with B. trimera reversed these changes, with effects that were similar to simvastatin + enalapril. These findings suggest that B. trimera may be promising for the treatment of cardiovascular and hepatic disorders, especially disorders that are associated with multiple risk factors.

Croton urucurana Baill. is a native Brazilian tree, popularly known as sangra-dágua or sangue-de-dragão, based on the red resinous sap of the trunk. Its use has been transmitted through generations based on popular tradition that attributes analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and cardioprotective properties to the tree. However, its cardioprotective effects have not yet been scientifically investigated. Thus, the present study investigated the pharmacological response to an ethanol-soluble fraction from the leaves of C. urucurana in Wistar rats exposed to smoking and dyslipidemia, two important cardiovascular risk factors. The extract was evaluated by high-performance liquid chromatography. Wistar rats received a 0.5 cholesterol-enriched diet and were exposed to cigarette smoke (9 cigarettes/day for 10weeks). During the last 5weeks, the animals were orally treated with vehicle (negative control group), C. urucurana extract (30, 100, and 300mg/kg), or simvastatin (2.5mg/kg)+enalapril (15mg/kg). One group of rats that was not exposed to these risk factors was also evaluated (basal group). Electrocardiograms and systolic, diastolic, and mean blood pressure were measured. Blood was collected to measure total cholesterol, triglycerides, urea, and creatinine. The heart and kidneys were collected and processed for oxidative status and histopathological evaluation. The phytochemical analysis revealed different classes of flavonoids and condensed tannins. The model induced dyslipidemia and cardiac and renal oxidative stress and increased levels of urea and creatinine in the negative control group. Treatment with the C. urucurana extract (300mg/kg) and simvastatin+enalapril decreased cholesterol and triglyceride levels. In contrast to simvastatin+enalapril treatment, the C. urucurana extract exerted cardiac and renal antioxidant effects. No alterations of electrocardiograms, blood pressure, or histopathology were observed between groups. These findings indicate that C. urucurana exerts lipid-lowering, renal, and cardioprotective effects against oxidative stress in a preclinical model of multiple risk factors for heart disease.

Background/Objectives:Pereskia aculeata and Pereskia grandifolia belong to the Cactaceae family, despite their foliar and woody stem characteristics. Both species are commonly known as Ora-pro-nóbis (derived from Latin, meaning “pray for us”), a name rooted in their historical use in colonial Brazil due to their nutritional value, particularly P. aculeata, which is frequently described as a high-protein food source. The goal of the present study was to compare these species based on phytochemical composition and antioxidant capacity. Methods: Both species were investigated for their chemical antioxidant properties (DPPH and phosphomolybdenum complex) and cellular anti-ROS activity using the CACO-2 cell line. A comprehensive phytochemical analysis was performed using LC-MS and GC-MS. Results: P. aculeata exhibited a more abundant content of phenolics and flavonoids, with greater structural variability in phenolic compounds and glycosylated flavonoids than P. grandifolia. Still, P. aculeata showed a more potent chemical antioxidant effect. By contrast, in P. grandifolia, a series of novel saponins was now discovered and characterized. In addition, the compounds from this species exhibited a greater cellular antioxidant activity than those of P. aculeata. Tryptophan-derived alkaloids, such as abrine (N-methyltryptophan), were present in both species, but hypaphorine only in P. aculeata. Conclusions: Both species of Pereskia exhibit potential health benefits, including distinct antioxidant activity, among other unexplored effects, given their significant variability in phytochemicals. These differences could be investigated in greater depth using combined LC-MS and GC-MS, thereby enabling more confident structural investigations of these natural compounds.

Parkinson's disease affects the central nervous system, causing dysfunctional dopamine production. This directly affects the motor system, leading to the loss of voluntary movements, joint stiffness, limb tremors, and imbalance. Palliative treatments are applied to alleviate symptoms of the disease and improve quality of life. Considering functional changes and symptoms that are generated by Parkinson's disease, pain is also a debilitating factor that can severely affect the individual. The present study investigated the mean age, duration of involvement, body locus incidence, and interference with quality of life by pain in patients with Parkinson's disease. We applied a one-dimensional, subjective, and qualitative Visual Analog Scale and the multidimensional and interpretative Wisconsin Brief Pain Inventory. The study was conducted with 36 participants of both genders (mean age: 65.5 years for men and 72.0 years for women). The incidence of pain was detected in 87.5% of the participants. We found that pain occurred more frequently in the upper limbs and interfered with the performance of general activities. Treatment by a multidisciplinary team in all dimensions of the disease is needed to alleviate patients’ pain and consequently improve their quality of life.