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Background: Oxidative stress and chronic inflammatory states triggered by a single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in superoxide dismutase manganese-dependent gene (Val16Ala-SOD2) have been associated with the risk of developing several chronic, nontransmissible diseases. However, it is still not clear whether the VV-SOD2 genotype that causes higher basal superoxide anion levels has any impact on the risk for depression and self-reported psychological stress in elderly people. Methods: In the present study, we tested this hypothesis using a case-control study where depression was detected using the Geriatric Depression Scale-15 (GDS-15). A total of 612 Brazilian free-living elderly subjects with a mean age of 67.1 ± 7.1 years old (number of controls, C = 497, and depressive individuals, D = 115) were included in this study. All participants had similar social, health, and lifestyle variables, with the exception of polypharmacy (≥5 medicines daily intake), which was higher in the D group, compared to C subjects. Results: Our results showed that the VV-SOD2 genotype significantly increased the risk for depression and psychological stress in the elderly subjects, independently of sex/gender, age, and other prior diseases and health indicators (depression risk = 1.842, 1.109-3.061 95% CI, p = .018). VV-subjects also had a higher daily intake of antidepressants, anxiolytics, and anti-inflammatory drugs than A-allele subjects. 2 of 12 | da CRUZ JUNG et al. Conclusion:Our findings support the hypothesis that genetically induced oxidative superoxide-hydrogen peroxide imbalance may be involved in an increased risk for developing depression and psychological stress in free-living elderly people without other chronic nontransmissible diseases. K E Y W O R D Sdepression, elderly, psychological stress, superoxide dismutase polymorphism | 3 of 12 da CRUZ JUNG et al.

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Background. Previous studies have suggested that guarana (Paullinia cupana) and açai (Euterpe oleracea) have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and proliferative properties, indicating their potential therapeutic action in wound healing. We produced a conjugated guarana-açai (GA) extract and tested its healing action on earthworms (Eisenia fetida) subjected to tail amputation by surgical incision. Methods. Extract from roasted guarana seeds and fresh açai seed berries was produced. The antioxidant and genoprotective capacity of GA extract was tested. The concentration with the most remarkable healing potential was used in subsequent tests. The last three posterior segments of the clitellate earthworm tail reared under standardized conditions were surgically amputated. Next, topical PBS or GA extract was applied to the surgical wound. The rate of cell migration and tissue regeneration at the local wound site was histologically evaluated after the procedure. Expression of the SOX4 gene that acts in epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition was determined by RT-qPCR. Results. Sixteen bioactive molecules, including some previously described substances, were identified. All tested concentrations exhibited antioxidant and genoprotective effects. The GA extract accelerated the healing processes as observed through macroscopic and histological analyses and increased expression of SOX4. Conclusion. The GA extract has a potential role in the healing of surgically induced wounds.

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