Physicochemical Characterization of Yogurt Fortified with Microencapsulated Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) and Its Effects on Metabolic Syndrome Induced in Rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus).

Chronic noncommunicable diseases are a global health problem causing increased rates of mortality and sick leaves, which can be reduced by controlling dyslipidemia and hyperglycemia. Experimental and clinical studies have demonstrated the antidiabetic, lipid-lowering, antiobesogenic, anti-inflammatory, and antihypertensive properties of cinnamon; therefore, its use in yogurt can help reverse the effects of these diseases. Our study aims to evaluate the effect of a microencapsulated aqueous extract of cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) (MCE Cz) incorporated in a yogurt drink on metabolic syndrome (MS) in a rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus). Physicochemical, microbiological, and proximal chemical characterization; total phenol, flavonoid, and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazil activity quantification; intestinal bioaccessibility; sensory analysis; MS induction through diet; and treatment with 5, 10, and 20 mg/kg of flavonoids contained in the MCE Cz were performed to help evaluate morphological, biochemical, and lipid peroxidation measurements in the liver and heart. The results show that the addition of MCE Cz in the yogurt modified the yogurt texture, increased its adhesiveness and firmness, and imparted a characteristic cinnamon color and biological value by providing intestinally bioaccessible antioxidants with antioxidant potential by reducing lipoperoxidation in the liver and heart after treatment. MCE Cz reduced the weight of the animals by up to 38.5% and the abdominal circumference by 29%. Biochemically, it decreased glucose levels by 24.38%, total cholesterol levels by 69.2%, triglyceride levels by 72.69%, and low-density lipoprotein levels by 89.25%; it increased high-density lipoprotein levels by 67.08%. Therefore, adding MCE Cz in doses of 5 and 10 mg of flavonoids in drinkable yogurt can be an alternative to preparing functional foods with physicochemical attributes and biological properties that can be consumed at all stages of life without undesirable effects. Moreover, it can act as a potential adjuvant in the treatment of comorbidities related to MS.

Litsea glaucescens Kuth possesses bactericidal activity against Listeria monocytogenes.

Background: Litsea glaucencens Kuth is an aromatic plant used for food seasoning food and in Mexican traditional medicine. Among, L. glaucencens leaves properties, it has proven antibacterial activity which can be used against opportunistic pathogens like Listeria monocytogenes, a foodborne bacteria that is the causal agent of listeriosis, a disease that can be fatal in susceptible individuals. The aim of this work was to investigate the antibacterial activity of L. glaucescens Kuth leaf extracts against L. monocytogenes and to identify its bioactive components. Material and Methods: L. glaucences leaves were macerated with four solvents of different polarity (n-hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, and methanol). To determine the capacity to inhibit bacterial proliferation in vitro, agar diffusion and microdilution methods were used. Next, we determined the minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC). Finally, we determined the ratio of MBC/MIC. Metabolites present in the active methanolic extract from L. glaucescens Kuth (LgMeOH) were purified by normal-phase open column chromatography. The structure of the antibacterial metabolite was determined using nuclear magnetic resonance (1H, 13C, COSY, HSQC) and by comparison with known compounds. Results: The LgMeOH extract was used to purify the compound responsible for the observed antimicrobial activity. This compound was identified as 5,7-dihydroxyflavanone (pinocembrin) by analysis of its spectroscopic data and comparison with those described. The MIC and MBC values obtained for pinocembrin were 0.68 mg/mL, and the ratio MBC/MIC for both LgMeOH and pinocembrin was one, which indicates bactericidal activity. Conclusion: L. glaucences Kuth leaves and its metabolite pinocembrin can be used to treat listeriosis due the bactericidal activity against L. monocytogenes.

Polyphenolic Compounds Nanostructurated with Gold Nanoparticles Enhance Wound Repair.

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have been used in a wide range of applications, conferring to bio-molecules diverse properties such as delivery, stabilization, and reduction of the adverse effects of drugs or plant extracts. Polyphenolic compounds from Bacopa procumbens (B. procumbens) (BP) can modulate proliferation, adhesion, migration, and cell differentiation, reducing the artificial scratch area in fibroblast cultures and promoting wound healing in an in vivo model. Here, chemically synthesized AuNPs conjugated with BP (AuNP-BP) were characterized using UV-Vis, ATR-FTIR, DLS, zeta-potential, and TEM analysis. The results showed an overlap of the FTIR spectra of the polyphenolic compounds from B. procumbens adhered to the surface of the AuNPs. UV-vis analysis indicated that the average size of the AuNP-BP was 28 nm, while DLS analysis showed a size of 44.58 nm and, by TEM, a size of 16.5 nm with an icosahedral morphology was observed. These measurements suggest an increase in the size of the nanoparticles after conjugation with BP, compared to the sizes of 9 nm, 44.51 nm, and 14.17 nm for the unconjugated AuNPs, respectively. Furthermore, the zeta potential of the AuNPs, which was originally -36.3 ± 12.3 mV shifted to -18.2 ± 7.02 mV after conjugation with BP, indicating improved stability of the nanoparticles. Enhancement of the wound healing effect was evaluated by morphometric, histochemical, and FTIR changes in a rat wound excision model. Results showed that the nanoconjugation process reduced the BP concentrations by 100-fold to have the same wound healing effect as BP alone. Besides, histological and FTIR spectroscopy analyses demonstrated that AuNP-BP treatment exhibited better macroscopical performance, showing a reduction in inflammatory cells and an increased synthesis and improved organization of collagen fibers.

Dietary Supplementation with Pithecellobium dulce (Roxb) Benth Fruits to Fattening Rabbits.

Pithecellobium dulce produces a fruit used in alternative medicine that could be utilized to feed rabbits. The objective of this study was to measure the effect of the P. dulce fruit on productive performance, carcass traits, meat characteristics, and meat product quality as well as shelf-life. Seventy-two California × English pot crossbreed rabbits (35 d age) were randomly distributed into two treatments: a control group without P. dulce and another group fed with 5% of P. dulce, and fattening for 28 d. Productive performance parameters, blood biochemistry and hematology, apparent digestibility, carcass traits, meat characteristics, and meat product shelf-life were measured. The results indicate inclusion of 5% P. dulce improves (p < 0.05) dry and organic matter digestibility and feed conversion rate, but some serum blood enzymes were increased (p < 0.05). The a* value, hardness, and pH decreased (p < 0.05) in the group fed with P. dulce. Antioxidant properties in the meatballs were different (p < 0.05), improving shelf-life and acceptance in sensory analysis. In conclusion, the use of 0.5% of P. dulce fruits to feed fattening rabbits can be used to improve the shelf-life of rabbit meat.

BFNB Enhances Hair Growth in C57BL/6 Mice through the Induction of EGF and FGF7 Factors and the PI3K-AKT-ß-Catenin Pathway.

The objective of this study was to investigate the potential effects of a formulation derived from the bioactive fraction of nanostructured Bacopa procumbens (BFNB) on the promotion of hair growth in C57BL/6 mice. The characterization of the follicular phases and histomorphological analysis showed that the topical application of the formulation for 15 days significantly increased pigmentation and hair growth on the dorsum and head of the mice. Additionally, an acceleration of the follicular cycle phases was observed, along with an increase in the number of follicles, hair length, and diameter, compared to mice treated with minoxidil. In silico analysis and molecular characterization demonstrated that BFNB enhances the expression of epidermal growth factor (EGF) and fibroblast growth factor 7 (FGF7), activating the PI3K-AKT-ß-catenin signaling pathway, as well as the expression of PCNA, KI-67, Cyclin D1, and Cyclin E, regulating the cell cycle and cell proliferation, crucial events for hair regeneration. Our results strongly suggest the utility of BFNB as a therapeutic alternative to stimulate hair growth and promote hair health.

Erratum to: Aqueous extracts from Tenebrio molitor larval and pupal stages inhibit early hepatocarcinogenesis in vivo.

Following an Assessment by the Autonomous University of Hidalgo State and the National Institute of Genomic Medicine, this erratum corrects the authorship of this article by adding Dulce María MORENO-GARCÍA as the first author.

Aqueous extracts from Tenebrio molitor larval and pupal stages inhibit early hepatocarcinogenesis in vivo.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which is the most frequent primary liver malignancy, is ranked as the sixth most common cancer and the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, with its incidence expected to continue rising. One of the reasons is that most patients are diagnosed at an advanced stage when therapeutic options are ineffective. The development of HCC is attributed to a chronic exposition to either one or a combination of low amounts of different hepatotoxins, such as in hepatitis virus infection, alcohol consumption, aflatoxin from contaminated foods, metabolic factors, and exposure to chemical carcinogens from tobacco smoke (Forner et al., 2018). Integrative studies combining exome sequencing, transcriptome analysis, and the genomic characterization of HCC have shown that these etiological factors may raise the frequency of particular genetic alterations, resulting in intra-tumor heterogeneity that presents a huge challenge for treatment. For example, mutations in the catenin ß-1 (CTNNB1) gene (a proto-oncogene in the WNT signaling pathway that encodes the ß|-catenin transcription factor) are strongly associated with alcohol-related HCC, whereas mutations in the telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) promoter and tumor protein p53 (TP53) genes are the most commonly observed in hepatitis B virus (HBV)|-associated HCC (Calderaro et al., 2017; Cancer Genome Atlas Research Network, 2017). The above findings emphasize the molecular diversity of HCC and the associations of different etiologies with distinct mechanisms in HCC progression. Consequently, prevention strategies are still attractive for HCC management.

Influence of Bioactive Compounds Incorporated in a Nanoemulsion as Coating on Avocado Fruits (Persea americana) during Postharvest Storage: Antioxidant Activity, Physicochemical Changes and Structural Evaluation.

The objective of the present study was to determine the effect of the application of a nanoemulsion made of orange essential oil and Opuntia oligacantha extract on avocado quality during postharvest. The nanoemulsion was applied as a coating in whole fruits, and the following treatments were assessed: concentrated nanoemulsion (CN), 50% nanoemulsion (N50), 25% nanoemulsion (N25) and control (C). Weight loss, firmness, polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity, total soluble solids, pH, external and internal colour, total phenols, total flavonoids, antioxidant activity by 2,2'-Azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), while the structural evaluation of the epicarp was assessed through histological cuts. Significant differences were found (p < 0.05) among the treatments in all the response variables. The best results were with the N50 and N25 treatments for firmness and weight loss, finding that the activity of the PPO was diminished, and a delay in the darkening was observed in the coated fruits. Furthermore, the nanoemulsion treatments maintained the total phenol and total flavonoid contents and potentiated antioxidant activity at 60 days. This histological study showed that the nanoemulsion has a delaying effect on the maturation of the epicarp. The results indicate that using this nanoemulsion as a coating is an effective alternative to improve the postharvest life of avocado.

Concomitant administration of GonaCon™ and rabies vaccine in female dogs (Canis familiaris) in Mexico.

Mexico serves as a global model for advances in rabies prevention and control in dogs. The Mexican Ministry of Health (MMH) annual application of approximately 16 million doses of parenteral rabies vaccine has resulted in significant reductions in canine rabies during the past 20 years. One collateral parameter of rabies programs is dog population management. Enhanced public awareness is critical to reinforce responsible pet ownership. Surgical spaying and neutering remain important to prevent reproduction, but are impractical for achieving dog population management goals. GonaCon™, an anti-gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) vaccine, was initially tested in captive female dogs on the Navajo Nation, 2008. The MMH led this international collaborative study on an improved formulation of GonaCon™ in captive dogs with local representatives in Hidalgo, Mexico in 2011. This study contained 20 bitches assigned to Group A (6 control), Group B (7 GonaCon™), and Group C (7 GonaCon™ and rabies vaccine). Vaccines were delivered IM. Animals were placed under observation and evaluated during the 61-day trial. Clinically, all dogs behaved normally. No limping or prostration was observed, in spite of minor muscle atrophy post-mortem in the left hind leg of dogs that received GonaCon™. Two dogs that began the study pregnant give birth to healthy pups. Dogs that received a GonaCon™ injection had macro and microscopic lesions consistent with prior findings, but the adverse injection effects were less frequent and lower in intensity. Both vaccines were immunogenic based on significant increases in rabies virus neutralizing antibodies and anti-GnRH antibodies in treatment Groups B and C. Simultaneous administration of GonaCon™ and rabies vaccine in Group C did not affect immunogenicity. Progesterone was suppressed significantly in comparison to controls. Future studies that monitor fertility through multiple breeding cycles represent a research need to determine the value of integrating this vaccine into dog rabies management.

Possible participation of calmodulin in the decondensation of nuclei isolated from guinea pig spermatozoa.

The guinea pig spermatozoid nucleus contains actin, myosin, spectrin and cytokeratin. Also, it has been reported that phalloidin and/or 2,3-butanedione monoxime retard the sperm nuclear decondensation caused by heparin, suggesting a role for F-actin and myosin in nuclear stability. The presence of an F-actin/myosin dynamic system in these nuclei led us to search for proteins usually related to this system. In guinea pig sperm nuclei we detected calmodulin, F-actin, the myosin light chain and an actin-myosin complex. To define whether calmodulin participates in nuclear-dynamics, the effect of the calmodulin antagonists W5, W7 and calmidazolium was tested on the decondensation of nuclei promoted by either heparin or by a Xenopus laevis egg extract. All antagonists inhibited both the heparin- and the X. laevis egg extract-mediated nuclear decondensation. Heparin-mediated decondensation was faster and led to loss of nuclei. The X. laevis egg extract-promoted decondensation was slower and did not result in loss of the decondensed nuclei. It is suggested that in guinea pig sperm calmodulin participates in the nuclear decondensation process.