Decabromodiphenylether (deca-BDE) and triclosan (2,4,4'-trichloro-2'-hydroxydiphenylether) are used in consumer products as flame retardant and bactericide, respectively. Dermal contact is a major human exposure pathway. Deca-BDE and triclosan are known to be photolytically degraded to compounds like lower-BDEs and dioxins. My hypothesis is that photolysis of deca-BDE and triclosan generates free radicals and degradation products which cause toxic effects including cytotoxicity, growth inhibition, oxidative stress and genotoxicity in skin. To test this hypothesis radical formation and photolytic products of deca-BDE and toxic effects of deca-BDE and triclosan alone/with UV-exposure were determined using immortal human keratinocytes (HaCaT) and primary human skin fibroblasts (HSF). My electron paramagnetic resonance and GC-MS studies indicate that deca-BDE is photoreactive and UV irradiation of deca-BDE in organic solvents generates free radicals and lower-BDEs. The free radical formation is wavelength-dependent and positively related to the irradiation time and deca-BDE concentration. In structure-activity relationship studies with deca-BDE, octa-BDE, PBB 209, PCB 209 and diphenyl ether, the presence of halogen atoms (Br > Cl), and/or an ether bond enhance free radical formation. Debromination and hydrogen abstraction from the solvents are the mechanism of radical formation with deca-BDE, which raises concerns about possible toxic effects in UV-exposed skin. In cell culture experiments high levels of triclosan plus UV irradiation and repetitive deca-BDE and UV exposures caused synergistic cytotoxicity in HaCaT. However, neither triclosan nor deca-BDE can be regarded as a phototoxicant following the OECD test and evaluation guidelines. In HSF, no synergistic cytotoxicity was observed, although HSF were more sensitive to deca-BDE and triclosan alone than HaCaT. Contrary to expectations, the photodegradation products of triclosan were less toxic than triclosan itself to HaCaT. However, UV irradiation of triclosan-exposed cells produced a dose dependent increase in intracellular oxidative stress (dichlorofluorescein formation). Comet experiments did not show consistent results of genotoxicity in HaCaT. Overall, deca-BDE and triclosan had no or weak phototoxic potential in cells with the experimental conditions employed. To my knowledge, my research is the first prove of free radical formation during UV irradiation of deca-BDE and the first investigation of phototoxicity of deca-BDE and triclosan in human skin cells.

Additions of carbon-centered radicals to alkenes are useful method for cyclic compounds formation. Manganese(III)-based oxidative free-radical cyclizations, where the radicals are generated and terminated oxidatively, are established as efficient methods for the construction of cyclic molecule. Treatment of a mixture of dimedone, Mn(OAc)3, and Cu(OAc)2 in glacial acetic acid with homobenzonorbornadiene (80) (4h at 50 &amp / #61616 / C) gave furan derivative (107), dihydrofuran adduct (108), in addition to rearranged product (109) as a major product. The reaction run under the same reaction conditions without using Cu(II)acetate for 8h afforded dihydrofuran adduct (108) along with dihydrofuran (110), where no rearranged products could be formed. On the other hand, reflux of alkene 80 with a mixture of acetylacetone, Mn(OAc)3, and Cu(OAc)2 in glacial acetic acid (3h at 50 &amp / #61616 / C) gave oxidative product (131) and rearranged product (132) (major). The reaction run under the same reaction conditions without using Cu(II)acetate for 7h produced, in addition to the oxidative product 131, a dihydrofuran derivative (133). In a second system, we examined the oxidation of benzobarrelene 82 with Mn(OAc)3, and Cu(OAc)2 in glacial acetic acid (1h at 50 &amp / #61616 / C) in presence of dimedone resulted in the formation of five different products rearranged products (148, 149) and a dihydrofuran (109), besides, a mixture containing two major rearranged isomers (150/151). The same reaction was carried out under the same conditions in absence of Cu(II) for 9h and gave the isomeric mixture 150/151 exclusively, and the yield was reduced. The oxidative cyclization of acetylacetone with alkene 82 for 3h at 50 &amp / #61616 / C, afforded in addition to the dihydrofuran (132), two rearranged products (169, 170) and a mixture consisting of two isomers (171/ 172). The isomeric mixture was converted to one product by treatment with methanolic ammonia providing hydroxyl derivative which was oxidized by MnO2 to afford product 174 in a good yield. Additionally, we investigated the behavior of nitrogen bridge in the bicyclic system on the course of the reaction. Oxidation of N-carbethoxy-7-aza-2,3-benzonorbornadiene 83 with dimedone in the presence of Cu(OAc)2 as well as in its absence in glacial acetic acid (2h at 50 &amp / #61616 / C), rearranged product (189) was obtained as the sole product. Regarding the reaction of aza-derivative 83 with acetylacetone in the presence of Cu(OAc)2 (18 h at 50 &amp / #61616 / C), rearranged product 195 was resulted as sole product. The reaction of 83 was also run with out Cu(OAc)2 for 22h and gave the rearranged product 195.

Radical reactions play central roles in regulating regional air quality and global climate. Some potentially important gas phase radical reactions are being investigated in this research project, including Cl reactions with acetone, butanone, 3-pentanone, pyridine, and dimethyl selenide (DMSe), HO2 complex formation and dissociation with formic and acetic acids, and reactive and non-reactive quenching of O(1D) by the potent greenhouse gases SO2F2, NF3, and SF5CF3. The involved radicals are generated by laser flash photolysis (LFP). Temporal profiles of either the radical reactant or a product are monitored in "real time" using atomic resonance fluorescence spectroscopy (RF), time-resolved UV-visible absorption spectroscopy (TRUVVAS), or tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy (TDLAS), allowing kinetic and mechanistic information of these reactions to be obtained. These studies provide new knowledge of the investigated radical reactions and facilitate a better understanding of their significance in atmospheric chemistry.

Free radicals play a critical role in the formation of tropospheric air pollution, but current condensed chemical mechanisms used in gridded photochemical models under-predict total radical concentrations. This dissertation evaluates three hypotheses regarding radical sources and sinks using environmental chamber data and ambient data from southeast Texas. The first hypothesis, that aromatics chemistry is under-represented as a radical source in condensed chemical mechanisms, was evaluated mainly by using environmental chamber simulations and in part by using ambient simulations. Results indicate that improved characterization of aromatics chemistry in condensed chemical mechanisms will lead to more rapid and extensive free radical formation. The second hypothesis, that alkene reactions are under-represented as a radical source in condensed chemical mechanisms, was also evaluated using chamber data and TexAQS-2000 data. Results indicate that the methods used in mechanism condensation lead to lower estimates of free radical production than detailed, compound specific models. The third hypothesis, chlorine emissions and chemistry as a radical source, was also evaluated in a series of sensitivity analyses with various levels of molecular chlorine emissions. Results imply that incorporating chlorine chemistry in condensed chemical mechanisms is expected to lead to more accurate modeling of OH, HO₂ and O₃, particularly for the southeast Texas region where relatively large chlorine emissions occur from various anthropogenic sources of molecular chlorine. The relative magnitudes of these radical sources (aromatics, alkenes, and molecular chlorine) in southeast Texas were also compared using box modeling with TexAQS-2000 data. Results indicate that the relative importance of these three types of radical sources depends on the strengths of their corresponding emissions. / text

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a chronic neonatal lung injury (CNLI) affecting infants of < 32 weeks gestation, which has a significant associated morbidity and mortality. The hallmarks of BPD as seen in the current era are arrested alveologenesis and parenchymal thickening. Those most severely affected may develop pulmonary hypertension which worsens the prognosis. No effective preventive therapy exists. Generation of damaging reactive oxygen species is implicated in its development. The more recently recognized reactive nitrogen species may also contribute to this disease. Thus, there is considerable interest in preventive antioxidant therapies, but results to date have not been promising. Newborn rats, exposed to 60% O2 for 14 days, develop a parenchymal injury and pulmonary hypertension that resembles the morphological features of human BPD. Previous studies have shown that following exposure to 60% O2, a pulmonary influx of neutrophils is followed by that of macrophages. Inhibiting the influx of neutrophils prevents the generation of reactive oxygen species, while simultaneously enhancing postnatal lung growth. Other interventions have shown that development of pulmonary hypertension is dependent upon increases in both 8-isoprostane and its downstream regulator of vascular tone, endothelin-1. Gentler ventilation strategies, incorporated to minimize induction of stretch-mediated pro-inflammatory cytokines, have shown benefits of permissive hypercapnia in adult lung injury. Multicentre clinical trials of permissive hypercapnia in neonates have not shown benefit. Therapeutic hypercapnia has been demonstrated to have a protective effect of PaCO2 in both acute studies of ventilator-induced and ischemia-reperfusion injuries in animal models. In the studies reported herein, therapeutic hypercapnia was found to completely protect against CNLI and attenuate 60% O2-induced macrophage-derived protein nitration. The likely nitrating agent was macrophage-derived peroxynitrite. The critical role of peroxynitrite, in the development of chronic neonatal lung injury in this model, was confirmed using a peroxynitrite decomposition catalyst. This protected against the impairments of alveolarization and of pulmonary vascularization induced by 60% O2. These results suggest a more significant role for reactive nitrogen species than previously recognized. Finally, preliminary evidence is presented supporting a role for neutrophil-derived elastase in initiating the macrophage influx in the lungs, required for peroxynitrite generation, during 60% O2-mediated injury.

Dissertation (Ph.D.)--University of South Florida, 2007. / Title from PDF of title page. Document formatted into pages; contains 141 pages. Includes vita. Includes bibliographical references.

Made available in DSpace on 2015-12-06T23:01:28Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2001 / O presente estudo teve como objetivo verificar o estresse oxidativo causado a culturas de queratinocitos atraves de sua exposicao a privacao de glicose e a hipoxia, com e sem o uso de um antioxidante, o Dimetil Sulfoxido (DMSO), avaliado atraves da dosagem do malonaldeido (MDA). O material e metodo constituiu-se de tres experimentos. No primeiro deles, 12 garrafas de cultura de queratinocitos foram preparadas ate atingir-se a confluencia desejada e divididas em quatro grupos (com e sem uso de DIVISO, com e sem hipoxia). Foram colhidas amostras do meio de cultura para dosagem do malonaldeido em diferentes fases do experimento: a) pre-experimento, b) 24 horas apos o inicio da privacao de glicose (antes da provocacao de hipoxia), c) 24 horas apos o inicio da privacao de glicose e imediatamente depois da provocacao de hipoxia, d) 48 horas apos a privacao de glicose (24 horas apos a hipoxia). O Experimento 2 constituiu-se das 12 garrafas do final do primeiro experimento e outras 12 garrafas que foram utilizadas como controle, sendo que foi colhido o material celular das 24 garrafas e realizada dosagem do MDA no homogeneizado celular de cada garrafa. O Experimento 3 foi realizado com 80 garrafas divididas em 10 grupos (meio de cultura com e sem glicose, uso ou nao de DIVISO, realizacao de hipoxia ou nao, alem das associacoes entre esses fatores), das quais foi colhido e homogeneizado o material celular para dosagem do MDA. A analise estatistica realizada com os resultados dos tres experimentos mostrou que o DIVISO foi eficiente na reducao do estresse oxidativo de culturas de queratinocitos, causado pela privacao de glicose e hipoxia, avaliado pelos valores de MDA comparando-se aos grupos controle / BV UNIFESP: Teses e dissertações

A Anemia Falciforme (AF) é uma doença autossômica recessiva e, dentre as hemoglobinopatias, é a mais comum das alterações hematológicas hereditárias conhecidas no homem. Sua distribuição é ampla, abrangendo todos os continentes. AF foi a primeira doença caracterizada em nível molecular. É causada por uma mutação no gene beta da globina, produzindo uma alteração estrutural na molécula. No gene da globina beta S, há a substituição de uma base nitrogenada do códon GAG para GTG, resultando na substituição do ácido glutâmico (Glu) pela valina (Val) na posição número seis da globina beta. Essa troca dos aminoácidos que resulta na HbS, altera estruturalmente a molécula e, sob determinadas condições, ocorre a polimerização, trazendo graves conseqüências ao indivíduo sintomático. As espécies reativas de oxigênio (ERO) podem causar profundas lesões em eritrócitos, diminuindo seu período de vida útil, em especial nos pacientes com AF. Acredita-se que, os eritrócitos falcizados estejam sob constante estresse oxidativo e, assim, liberem produtos de degradação da HbS, contribuindo para a progressão da doença. Dessa forma, o dano oxidativo agrava a fisiopatologia dos doentes falciformes. Utilizando técnica espectrofotométrica, foram determinadas as atividades das enzimas antioxidantes catalase (CAT), glutationa peroxidase (GPx) e superóxido dismutase (SOD) e quantificada a glutationa total (GSH) nos eritrócitos dos pacientes. Também determinou-se o dano oxidativo nas proteínas plasmáticas e no hemolisado celular pelo método do carbonil a 360 nm. Os níveis da peroxidação lipídica (MDA) e da vitamina C foram determinados por cromatografia líquida de alta performance (HPLC). Quantificou-se, por fim, os níveis de proteína C reativa ultra-sensível (CRPus) por técnica turbidimétrica. Os participantes da pesquisa (30 HbAA, 28 HbAS e 20 HbSS) foram selecionados junto ao Centro de Apoio do Portador de Anemia Falciforme (CAPAF/RS) e/ou cadastrados no Laboratório de Hematologia da Faculdade de Farmácia (UFRGS). Os doentes falciformes foram identificados por HPLC e confirmados por estudo molecular, utilizando a reação da polimerase em cadeia (PCR). Todos os indivíduos assinaram o termo de consentimento livre e esclarecido e foram submetidos a um questionário nutricional. Os dados obtidos foram expressos como médias ± desvio padrão e analisados utilizando-se o Teste ANOVA de uma via com posterior teste ad hoc. Os resultados do trabalho mostram que os indivíduos traço falciforme (HbAS) apresentam atividade significativamente elevada da CAT em relação aos indivíduos controle. Por outro lado, os doentes falciformes possuem maior atividade da GPx e SOD. O nível de GSH foi proporcionalmente maior nos HbSS seguido dos HbAS e HbAA. Observamos também, dano oxidativo em proteínas plasmáticas, mas não no hemolisado celular. Os HbSS possuem dano oxidativo em proteínas plasmáticas significativamente maior que nos demais grupos. Um aumento significativo da produção de MDA no soro dos HbSS foi observado, como um indicativo do aumento da auto-oxidação dos lipídios sob condições de estresse oxidativo. Os níveis séricos da vitamina C foram significativamente maiores nos HbSS que nos indivíduos controle. A CRPus apresentou-se significativamente elevada nos HbSS em relação aos HbAA. Esses resultados reforçam a idéia de que os pacientes com AF estão sujeitos a um estresse oxidativo crônico, o que contribui para a progressão das complicações dessa anemia hemolítica. Já, os indivíduos traço possuem elevada atividade das defesas antioxidantes capazes de reduzir o dano oxidativo em biomoléculas como proteínas e lipídios. / Sickle cell anaemia (SCA) is an autossomal recessive disease and, among the hemoglobinopaties, is the most common of the known hereditary hematologic alterations in man. Its distribution is ample, enclosing all the continents. Sickle cell anaemia (SCA) was the first disease to be characterized on the molecular level. It is basically a red blood cell (RBC) disorder in which the gene encoding the human β-globin subunit presents a mutation with the resulting replacement of β6 glutamic acid (Glu) by valine (Val). This exchange of the amino acids that results in the HbS modifies the molecule structurally, and under determined conditions, the polymeration occurs, bringing serious consequences to the symptomatic individual. The reactive oxygen species (ROS) can cause deep injuries in erythrocytes, diminishing its period of useful life, specially in patients with sickle cell anaemia. Sickled erythrocytes are under constant oxidative stress and thus liberate products of degradation of the HbS, contributing for the progression of the disease. Because of the oxidative damage aggravates the pathophysiology of sickle cell patients. Using spectrophotometrically technique, catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD), were determined the activities of antioxidant enzymes and total glutathione (GSH) quantified in the erythrocytes of the patients. We also determined oxidative damage of plasma proteins and in hemolysate using carbonyl assay at 360 nm. The levels of lipid peroxidation (MDA) and vitamin C were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Finally, we quantified the levels of high sensitivity Creactive protein (hsCRP) using turbidimetry technique. The participants of the research (30 HbAA, 28 HbAS and 20 HbSS) were selected from Centro de Apoio ao Portador de Anemia Falciforme (CAPAF/RS) and/or registered in cadastre in Laboratório de Hematologia da Faculdade de Farmácia (UFRGS). Sickle cell patients had been identified by HPLC and confirmed by molecular study, using the polymerase chain reaction amplification (PCR). All individuals signed the term of free and clarified assent and were submitted to a nutricional questionnaire. Data were expressed as average ±SD and analyzed using ANOVA test of one way via with the post ad hoc test. Results show that sickle cell trait subjects (HbAS) had significantly high activity of CAT when compared to healthy controls. On the other hand, sickle cell patients had greater activity of GPx and SOD. The GSH levels was proportionally higher in the followed HbSS of the HbAS and HbAA. We also observe oxidative damage in plasma proteins, but not in the cellular hemolysate. HbSS have significantly higher oxidative damage in plasma proteins than other groups. A significant increasing of the production of MDA in the serum of the HbSS was observed as an indicative of the increasing of the auto-oxidation of the lipids under oxidative estress. Serum vitamin C levels in HbSS were significantly higher than healthy control. The hsCRP was presented significantly higher in HbSS than HbAA. These results reinforce the idea that patients with SCA are subjected to chronic oxidative stress, that contributes for the progression of this hemolytic anaemia. On the other hand, sickle cell trait subjects have higher antioxidant defenses that are able to reduce oxidative damage in biological macromolecules such as proteins and lipids.

A deficiência de ferro é o resultado de um longo período de balanço negativo do ferro, culminando na exaustão do estoque de ferro do organismo. Isto é revelado quando a concentração de hemoglobina declina para valores abaixo dos limites normais e então aparece a anemia, que ocorre devido à deficiente síntese de hemoglobina, com diminuição da proliferação eritrocitária. A anemia ferropênica é considerada o maior problema de saúde no idoso e está associada com várias complicações, incluindo doença cardiovascular, disfunção cognitiva, aumento no risco de morte, e principalmente tem um significante efeito na qualidade de vida. Estudos revelam que a anemia por deficiência de ferro causa maior susceptibilidade aos agentes oxidantes. Utilizando técnica espectrofotométrica, foram determinadas as atividades das enzimas antioxidantes catalase (CAT), glutationa peroxidase (GPx) e superóxido dismutase (SOD) e quantificada a glutationa total (GSH) nos eritrócitos dos pacientes. Também determinou-se o dano oxidativo nas proteínas plasmáticas e no hemolisado celular pelo método do carbonil a 360 nm. Os níveis da peroxidação lipídica (MDA) e da vitamina C foram determinados por cromatografia líquida de alta performance (HPLC). Os participantes da pesquisa foram selecionados de Ambulatórios de Atenção Básica de Saúde da Região Norte do Rio Grande do Sul, sendo que 17 indivíduos apresentaram anemia ferropênica e hipertensão primária e 18 apenas hipertensão primária devido à dificuldade de selecionar pacientes sem nenhuma patologia associada. Todos os indivíduos assinaram o termo de consentimento livre e esclarecido. Os dados obtidos foram expressos como médias ± desvio padrão e analisados utilizando-se o Teste t-Student. Os resultados do trabalho mostram que os indivíduos com anemia ferropênica apresentam atividade significativamente elevada da SOD e da CAT em relação aos indivíduos controle, mas não apresentaram diferença na atividade da GPx nem da GSH. Observamos também, dano oxidativo em proteínas plasmáticas, mas não no hemolisado celular. Os pacientes com anemia ferropênica mostraram dano oxidativo em proteínas plasmáticas significativamente maiores, assim como um aumento significativo da produção de MDA no soro, como um indicativo do aumento da auto-oxidação dos lipídios sob condições de estresse oxidativo. Os níveis séricos da vitamina C não mostraram diferença significativa entre os grupos. Estes dados revelam o envolvimento de espécies reativas de oxigênio no agravamento da anemia carencial. Sendo assim, reforça-se a necessidade de diagnosticar e tratar esses pacientes precocemente, diminuindo a magnitude dos efeitos da anemia na saúde do idoso. / Iron deficiency is the outcome of a long period of negative iron balance, culminating in exhaustion of the body’s iron stores. This is revealed when hemoglobin concentration declines to values below normal levels and anaemia is detected, due to a deficient synthesis of hemoglobin, with decrease in eritrocitary proliferation. Iron deficiency anaemia is considered the most important health problem in elderly and it is associated with various complications, including cardiovascular disease, cognitive dysfunction, increased risk of death and, mostly, it has a meaningful effect in the quality of life. Studies reveal that iron deficiency anaemia cause higher susceptibility to oxidant agents. Using spectrophotometric techniques, the activities of antioxidant enzymes, catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and total glutathione (GSH) were quantified in the erythrocytes of the patients. We also determined oxidative damage of plasma proteins and in hemolysate using the carbonyl assay at 360 nm. The levels of lipid peroxidation (MDA) and vitamin C were determined by highperformance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Participants in this study were selected in Ambulatories of Basic Health Attention in the North of the State of Rio Grande do Sul. 17 individuals presented iron deficiency anaemia and primary hypertension and 18 only primary hypertension, because it was difficult to select patients without any associated deficiency. All individuals signed the term of free and clarified consent to participate in this study. Data were analyzed using t- Student Test. Results show that individuals with iron deficiency anaemia show significantly higher activity of SOD and CAT when compared with those from the control group, but they do not show difference in the activity of GPx or GSH. Oxidative damage was also observed in plasma proteins, but not in the cellular hemolysate. Patients with iron deficiency anaemia showed oxidative damage in plasma proteins significantly higher when compared with the control group. And they also showed a significant increase in the production of MDA in the serum as an indicative of the increased auto-oxidation of lipids under oxidative stress. Serum vitamin C levels did not show significant difference between the groups. These data reveal the involvement of the reactive oxygen species in carential anaemia. Therefore, we reinforce the need to diagnose and treat these patients early to reduce the magnitude of the effects of anaemia on the heath of the elderly.

O uso de antioxidantes de origem vegetal para retardar o envelhecimento e na terapia de doenças degenerativas tem crescido consideravelmente nos últimos anos. Estudos para determinação da capacidade antioxidante, hepatoprotetora e neuroprotetora são cruciais para avaliação destes produtos naturais bem como para o entendimento das interações entre antioxidantes e espécies reativas de oxigênio (EROs). Muitos estudos têm avaliado o potencial antioxidante de compostos fenólicos, os quais se destacam em relação a outras classes de produtos naturais por neutralizar os danos oxidativos. A família Asteraceae compreende cerca de 1.100 gêneros, entre estes Pterocaulon que possui aproximadamente 25 espécies, distribuídas principalmente em regiões subtropicais da América. Ensaios fitoquímicos evidenciaram a diversidade de estruturas fenólicas, ilustrada pela presença de flavonóides e cumarinas, nas espécies de Pterocaulon investigadas. Tendo em vista os dados que demonstram a atividade antioxidante de compostos fenólicos, bem como a presença desses no gênero Pterocaulon, este estudo avaliou a capacidade antioxidante hepatoprotetora e neuroprotetora de extratos metanólicos brutos, frações n-hexânicas, metanólicas e diclorometanólicas de duas espécies de Pterocaulon (P. alopecuroides e P. balansae) nativas do Rio Grande do Sul. A fração metanólica da espécie P.alopecuroides apresentou os maiores teores de fenólicos totais bem como a maior capacidade de capturar os radicais peroxila formados no ensaio de determinação do potencial antioxidante total (TRAP). A avaliação da capacidade de reação com 2,2 difenil-1-picril-hidrazil (DPPH•) demonstrou que as frações metanólicas apresentam a maior atividade antioxidante. A lipoperoxidação (LPO) espontânea e a induzida por Fe++/ASC em cérebro de ratos foram inibidas pelas amostras. Nas maiores concentrações de fração metanólica houve aumento significativo do conteúdo de tióis não protéicos (NPSH) no tecido cerebral. / The use of antioxidants of plant origin to delay aging and the treatment of degenerative diseases has grown considerably in recent years. Studies to determine the antioxidant, neuroprotective and liver protector activities are crucial to evaluating these natural compounds and for understanding the interactions between antioxidants and reactive oxygen species (ROS). Several studies have evaluated the antioxidant potential of phenolic compounds, which deserve proeminence in the face of other classes of natural products to neutralizing oxidative damages. The Asteraceae family comprises about 1100 genera, among these, Pterocaulon which encompasses about 25 species distributed in subtropical regions of America. Phytochemical studies showed the diversity of phenolic structures, mainly flavonoids and coumarins in the investigated species of Pterocaulon. Taking into account the previously reported antioxidant activity of phenolic compounds and their presence in the genus Pterocaulon, this study was aimed to evaluate the neuroprotective and antioxidant hepatoprotector capacity of crude methanolic extracts and nhexane, chloroform and methanol fractions obtained from the aerial parts of two species of Pterocaulon (P. alopecuroides and P. balansae) native from Rio Grande do Sul. The methanol fraction of the specie P.alopecuroides presented the highest contents of phenolic compounds and highest capacity to capture the peroxil radical formed in TRAP assay. The evaluation of the capacity to react with DPPH• shows that the methanol fraction presented highest antioxidant activity. The spontaneous LPO and that prompted by Fe+ +/ASC in mice brains were inhibited by the samples. In the highest methanol fraction concentration there was a significant increase in the NPSH content in the cerebral tissue.