Julia Cisilotto

Bio: Julia Cisilotto is an academic researcher from Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina. The author has contributed to research in topics: Apoptosis & Cell cycle. The author has an hindex of 8, co-authored 14 publications receiving 113 citations.

Estrogenic and cytotoxic potentials of compounds isolated from Millettia macrophylla Benth (Fabaceae): towards a better understanding of its underlying mechanisms.

Abstract: Millettia macrophylla was previously reported to have estrogenic effects and to prevent postmenopausal osteoporosis in Wistar rats So, the study deals with the identification of its secondary metabolites and the evaluation of their estrogenicity and cytotoxicity toward tumoural cells Thus, 13 known compounds were obtained from successive chromatographic columns and identified by NMR data compared to those previously reported In vitro estrogenicity of the isolates and the phenolic fraction (PF) of M macrophylla were performed by E-screen and reporter gene assays, while their cytotoxicity was evaluated by Alamar Blue (resazurin) assay A 3-days uterotrophic assay and the ability of PF to alleviate hot flushes in ovariectomized adult rats were tested in vivo Seven of the 13 secondary metabolites turned to be estrogenic Only two exhibited cytotoxic effects on MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 with CC50 values of 110 μM and 160 μM, respectively PF induced a significant (p < 001) MCF-7 cells proliferation and transactivated both ERα and ERβ in the reported gene assay at 10−2 μg/mL In vivo, PF acted more efficiently than the methanol crude extract, resulting to a significant (p < 001) increase in the uterine wet weight, uterine protein level, uterine and vaginal epithelial height at the dose of 10 mg/kg BW In addition, PF reduced the average duration and frequency of hot flushes induced in rat These aforementioned results indicate that PF is a good candidate for the preparation of an improved traditional medicine able to alleviate some menopausal complaints such as vaginal dryness and hot flushes Estrogenic and cytotoxic potentials of compounds isolated from Millettia macrophylla Benth (Fabaceae): towards a better understanding of its underlying mechanism

MicroRNA profiles in serum samples from Acute-On-Chronic Liver Failure patients and miR-25-3p as a potential biomarker for survival prediction

Abstract: Acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) is a condition characterized by acute decompensation of cirrhosis, associated with organ failure(s), and high short-term mortality. The microRNAs or miRNAs are small non-coding RNA molecules, stable in circulating samples such as biological fluids, and the difference in expression levels may indicate the presence, absence and/or stage of the disease. We analyzed here the miRNA profiling to identify potential diagnostic or prognostic biomarkers for ACLF. The major miRNAs discovered were validated in a cohort of patients with acute decompensation of cirrhosis grouped in no ACLF or ACLF according to EASL-CLIF definition. Relationship between serum miRNAs and variables associated with liver-damage and survival outcomes were verified to identify possible prognostic markers. Our results showed twenty altered miRNAs between no ACLF and ACLF patients, and twenty-seven in patients who died in 30 days compared with who survived. In validation phase, miR-223-3p and miR-25-3p were significantly altered in ACLF patients and in those who died in 30 days. miR-223-3p and miR-25-3p expression were associated with the lowest survival in 30 days. The decrease in miR-223-3p and miR-25-3p expression was associated with the presence of ACLF and poor prognosis. Of these, miR-25-3p was independently related to ACLF and 30-day mortality.

Iconography : Tumour-cell migration, invasion, and metastasis: navigation by neurotransmitters

Abstract: Cancer starts as a localised disease, which, if detected early, can often be treated successfully by removal of the primary tumour. A pernicious progression is the invasion of tumour cells into surrounding tissues, resulting in development of distant metastases. Because active migration of tumour cells is a prerequisite for tumour-cell invasion and metastasis, a pressing goal in tumour biology has been the elucidation of factors regulating the migratory activity of these cells. The most prominent regulatory factors are ligands to serpentine receptors-eg, chemokines and neurotransmitters. Many types of neurotransmitter receptors are expressed on tumour cells, supporting the theory that psychosocial factors are involved in the progression of cancer. Understanding how such receptors regulate migration and the availability of specific receptor antagonists could open up new avenues for chemoprevention of tumour-cell migration and metastatic development.

Circulating microRNAs as Potential Diagnostic and Prognostic Biomarkers in Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

Abstract: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fifth most common cancer with high mortality, due to late diagnosis and limited treatment options. Blood miRNAs, which circulate in a highly stable, cell-free form, show promise as novel potential biomarkers for early detection of HCC. Whole miRNome profiling was performed to identify deregulated miRNAs between HCC and normal healthy (NH) volunteers. These deregulated miRNAs were validated in an independent cohort of HCC, NH and chronic Hepatitis B (CHB) volunteers and finally in a 3rd cohort comprising NH, CHB, cirrhotic and HCC volunteers to evaluate miRNA changes during disease progression. The associations between circulating miRNAs and liver-damage markers, clinicopathological characteristics and survival outcomes were analysed to identify prognostic markers. Twelve miRNAs are differentially expressed between HCC and NH individuals in all three cohorts. Five upregulated miRNAs (miR-122-5p, miR-125b-5p, miR-885-5p, miR-100-5p and miR-148a-3p) in CHB, cirrhosis and HCC patients are potential biomarkers for CHB infection, while miR-34a-5p can be a biomarker for cirrhosis. Notably, four miRNAs (miR-1972, miR-193a-5p, miR-214-3p and miR-365a-3p) can distinguish HCC from other non-HCC individuals. Six miRNAs are potential prognostic markers for overall survival.

Brazilian stingless bee propolis and geopropolis: promising sources of biologically active compounds

Abstract: Stingless bee products such as honey, pollen, propolis, and geopropolis have been used for centuries in traditional medicine for the treatment of several illnesses. Investigation of the biological activity of stingless bee products, especially propolis and geopropolis, has revealed promising therapeutic properties. About 20% of total Neotropical stingless bees can be found in Brazil. Despite the species diversity, studies on their biological activity are scarce. The present review focuses on the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of propolis and geopropolis from Brazilian stingless bees. In addition, the toxicity of these natural products was addressed. In order to provide new evidences for the toxic potential of propolis and geopropolis components, an in silico analysis was performed using the ADMET PredictorTM software. We observed that most of studies evaluated only crude ethanol extracts of a limited number of stingless bees species. Propolis and geopropolis displayed antioxidant capacity and antimicrobial activity. Concerning the toxic potential, the extracts of stingless bees propolis and geopropolis were considered safe. Nonetheless, in vitro and in vivo toxicological studies are still necessary.