Learning Needs of Patients with Cancer and a Pre-Existing Autoimmune Disease Who Are Candidates to Receive Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors.

Patients with pre-existing autoimmune disorders and cancer considering immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) need to receive balanced information about the benefits and risk of developing immune-related adverse events (irAEs) and flare-ups of their autoimmune disease. To assess the learning needs of patients with cancer and pre-existing autoimmune disease regarding ICI treatment, we interviewed 29 patients with autoimmune disease and cancer from a comprehensive cancer center, of whom 20 had received ICI and 9 were candidates to receive ICI at a US Cancer Center. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted from August 2021 and January 2022. Interviewee's opinions and preferences about content and information delivery methods were collected. We recorded and transcribed interviews and analyzed them using thematic analysis. Half of the participants were female, and their median (SD) age was 62.9 (±10.9) years. The identified health information needs included the following: (1) information on irAEs and autoimmune disease flare-ups; (2) benefits of ICI; (3) ICI mechanism in the context of autoimmune disease; (4) management of flare-ups; (5) reasons for stopping or modifying cancer or autoimmune disease treatment; (6) likelihood of autoimmune disease progression or organ damage; and (7) lifestyle changes that could help avoid irAEs. Patients who had received ICI and those who had not yet received treatment reported similar needs, although patients who had received ICI had more questions about cancer treatment modifications. Patients also expressed the need to better understand when to contact their provider and how to share information with multiple providers. Most patients wanted to receive information in visual formats for review at home and at their own pace. Patients expressed interest in having educational tools to facilitate shared decision-making with their physicians, and they identified several areas of health information concerning therapy with ICI. They also highlighted the importance of communication among their various providers.

Nutraceuticals/Drugs Promoting Mitophagy and Mitochondrial Biogenesis May Combat the Mitochondrial Dysfunction Driving Progression of Dry Age-Related Macular Degeneration.

In patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the crucial retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells are characterized by mitochondria that are structurally and functionally defective. Moreover, deficient expression of the mRNA-editing enzyme Dicer is noted specifically in these cells. This Dicer deficit up-regulates expression of Alu RNA, which in turn damages mitochondria-inducing the loss of membrane potential, boosting oxidant generation, and causing mitochondrial DNA to translocate to the cytoplasmic region. The cytoplasmic mtDNA, in conjunction with induced oxidative stress, triggers a non-canonical pathway of NLRP3 inflammasome activation, leading to the production of interleukin-18 that acts in an autocrine manner to induce apoptotic death of RPE cells, thereby driving progression of dry AMD. It is proposed that measures which jointly up-regulate mitophagy and mitochondrial biogenesis (MB), by replacing damaged mitochondria with "healthy" new ones, may lessen the adverse impact of Alu RNA on RPE cells, enabling the prevention or control of dry AMD. An analysis of the molecular biology underlying mitophagy/MB and inflammasome activation suggests that nutraceuticals or drugs that can activate Sirt1, AMPK, Nrf2, and PPARα may be useful in this regard. These include ferulic acid, melatonin urolithin A and glucosamine (Sirt1), metformin and berberine (AMPK), lipoic acid and broccoli sprout extract (Nrf2), and fibrate drugs and astaxanthin (PPARα). Hence, nutraceutical regimens providing physiologically meaningful doses of several or all of the: ferulic acid, melatonin, glucosamine, berberine, lipoic acid, and astaxanthin, may have potential for control of dry AMD.

Barriers for the Implementation of Liquid Biofuels.

Transportation accounts for nearly one third of the total energy consumed worldwide and, unlike other sectors, it relies almost exclusively (96%) on petroleum [...].

The genomic landscape of Mexican Indigenous populations brings insights into the peopling of the Americas.

The genetic makeup of Indigenous populations inhabiting Mexico has been strongly influenced by geography and demographic history. Here, we perform a genome-wide analysis of 716 newly genotyped individuals from 60 of the 68 recognized ethnic groups in Mexico. We show that the genetic structure of these populations is strongly influenced by geography, and our demographic reconstructions suggest a decline in the population size of all tested populations in the last 15-30 generations. We find evidence that Aridoamerican and Mesoamerican populations diverged roughly 4-9.9 ka, around the time when sedentary farming started in Mesoamerica. Comparisons with ancient genomes indicate that the Upward Sun River 1 (USR1) individual is an outgroup to Mexican/South American Indigenous populations, whereas Anzick-1 was more closely related to Mesoamerican/South American populations than to those from Aridoamerica, showing an even more complex history of divergence than recognized so far.

The Dichloromethane Fraction of Croton sonorae, A Plant Used in Sonoran Traditional Medicine, Affect Entamoeba histolytica Erythrophagocytosis and Gene Expression.

Intestinal parasites are a global problem, mainly in developing countries. Obtaining information about plants and compounds that can combat gastrointestinal disorders and gastrointestinal symptoms is a fundamental first step in designing new treatment strategies. In this study, we analyzed the antiamoebic activity of the aerial part of Croton sonorae. The dichloromethane fraction of C. sonorae (CsDCMfx) contained flavonoids, terpenes, alkaloids, and glycosides. The ultrastructural morphology of the amoebae treated for 72 h with CsDCMfx was completely abnormal. CsDCMfx reduced erythrophagocytosis of trophozoites and the expression of genes involved in erythrocyte adhesion (gal/galnac lectin) and actin cytoskeleton rearrangement in the phagocytosis pathway (rho1 gtpase and formin1). Interestingly, CsDCMfx decreased the expression of genes involved in Entamoeba histolytica trophozoite pathogenesis, such as cysteine proteases (cp1, cp4, and cp5), sod, pfor, and enolase. These results showed that C. sonorae is a potential source of antiamoebic compounds.

Monoclonal Antibody Therapy against Acinetobacter baumannii.

Extremely drug-resistant (XDR) Acinetobacter baumannii is a notorious and frequently encountered pathogen demanding novel therapeutic interventions. An initial monoclonal antibody (MAb), C8, raised against A. baumannii capsule, proved a highly effective treatment against a minority of clinical isolates. To overcome this limitation, we broadened coverage by developing a second antibody for use in a combination regimen. We sought to develop an additional anti-A. baumannii MAb through hybridoma technology by immunizing mice with sublethal inocula of virulent, XDR clinical isolates not bound by MAb C8. We identified a new antibacterial MAb, 65, which bound to strains in a pattern distinct from and complementary to that of MAb C8. MAb 65 enhanced macrophage opsonophagocytosis of targeted strains and markedly improved survival in lethal bacteremic sepsis and aspiration pneumonia murine models of A. baumannii infection. MAb 65 was also synergistic with colistin, substantially enhancing protection compared to monotherapy. Treatment with MAb 65 significantly reduced blood bacterial density, ameliorated cytokine production (interleukin-1ß [IL-1ß], IL-6, IL-10, and tumor necrosis factor), and sepsis biomarkers. We describe a novel MAb targeting A. baumannii that broadens immunotherapeutic strain coverage, is highly potent and effective, and synergistically improves outcomes in combination with antibiotics.

Anger Rumination and Mindfulness: Mediating Effects on Forgiveness.

(1) Background: Different investigations relate mindfulness practice as a strategy to cope with and improve negative repetitive thinking states and forgiveness. (2) Methods: The aim is to analyze the mediating processes of mindfulness as a trait and the changes in the anger rumination on forgiveness. This sample comprised 264 undergraduate students (M = 24.13 years, SD = 11.39). The instruments used were the Anger Rumination Scale (ARS), the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ) and the Heartland Forgiveness Scale (HFS). For data analysis, the spillover effect was calculated using 10,000 bootstrap samples for the bootstrap confidence intervals (CI). (3) Conclusions: The results confirm that the relationship between mindfulness practice and forgiveness is mediated by changes in mindfulness trait and anger rumination. Given the results obtained, it is considered appropriate to extend the study to samples from other countries, as well as to contexts of depressive rumination or anxiety.

Influence on Forgiveness, Character Strengths and Satisfaction with Life of a Short Mindfulness Intervention via a Spanish Smartphone Application.

Mindfulness-based interventions (MBI) are a recognized effective psychological practice characterized by attention control, awareness, acceptance, non-reactivity, and non-judgmental thinking obtained through the practice of meditation. They have been shown to be useful in reducing stress and enhancing well-being in different contexts. In this research, the effectiveness of an MBI was evaluated on variables that can promote successful job performance such as mindfulness trait, positive and negative affect, forgiveness, personality strengths and satisfaction with life. The intervention was carried out through a smartphone application called "Aire Fresco" (Fresh Air) during 14 days in the middle of the quarantine produced by the Covid-19 pandemic. The study sample was composed of 164 Spanish people who were distributed in two groups: control group and experimental group, which were evaluated before and after the intervention. The MANCOVA performed showed an overall positive effect of the intervention on the variables evaluated. The different ANCOVAs carried out showed that the intervention was beneficial in increasing mindfulness trait, reducing negative affect or increasing life satisfaction, among others. Our study is, as far as we know, the first to demonstrate the effectiveness of a brief intervention in mindfulness conducted using a smartphone application in Spanish.

Antiviral, Antioxidant, and Antihemolytic Effect of Annona muricata L. Leaves Extracts.

Annona muricata L. is a tropical tree that is used in traditional medicine around the world. The high content of flavonoid, alkaloid, acetogenin, phenolic and lipophilic compounds of this tropical tree forms the basis of its traditional medical uses. Our objective was to study soursop leaf extracts to support their use as antiviral therapies and investigate their protective effects against oxidative damage. The aqueous extract (AE) and acidified ethanolic extract (AEE) of soursop leaves were characterized by ultra performance liquid chromatography (UPLC), and their effects on human erythrocytes and in vitro antioxidant capacity, as evaluated by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) assays, were investigated. The antiviral effects were evaluated using a bacteriophage surrogate. AEE showed the highest phenolic content, with rutin as the predominant compound. This extract showed higher values in the DPPH and ABTS assays, with 23.61 ± 0.42 and 24.91 ± 0.16 mmol of Trolox equivalent per gram, respectively. Inhibition of hemolysis was 34% and 51% for AE and AEE, respectively. AEE was selected for the antiviral study because of its higher antioxidant activity. The viral reduction ranged from 5-6 log10 plaque-forming units/volume (PFU) at contact times of 15-360 min. Soursop leaves have a positive effect on reducing oxidative stress in human erythrocytes and viral infections.

Long-term in situ non-invasive spectroscopic monitoring of weathering processes in open-air prehistoric rock art sites.

In this work, an innovative non-destructive monitoring methodology based on the analysis over time of open-air rock art sites is presented. This approach is based on the combination of in situ spectroscopic and chemometric studies to diagnose and monitor the state of conservation of rock art sites. Data acquired over a period of time by non-invasive analytical techniques such as portable Raman spectrometry (RS) and handheld energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (HH-EDXRF) spectrometry are compared to detect physicochemical changes that could affect the rock painting integrity. To demonstrate the applicability of the proposed procedure, three analysis campaigns (between 2013 and 2016) were carried out, analyzing Levantine rock pictographs preserved in the rock shelter of Solana de las Covachas VI (Albacete, Spain; see Electronic Supplementary Material (ESM) Fig. S1). The analyzed areas showed different types of active weathering processes such as gypsum and calcium oxalate formation, giving rise to conservation issues such as painting fading, surface loss, microbial colonizations, and formation of crusts. Results evidence that the proposed methodology can be very useful to monitor chemical changes in the surface of the walls where the rock art is located, thus obtaining crucial information for its preservation and management.

Mindfulness and Empathy: Mediating Factors and Gender Differences in a Spanish Sample.

Numerous research studies link mindfulness training to improved empathy. However, few studies focus on the mediating factors of empathy. This work has three objectives: (a) to analyze the possible mediation of mindfulness as a feature in this relation, (b) to analyze the mindfulness factors that mediate in the increase of empathy and (c) to analyze the moderating role of gender. The sample was composed of 246 Spanish-speaking university students (M = 24.08 years, SD = 8.43). The instruments used were the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ) and the Toronto Empathy Questionnaire (TEQ). For data analysis, the indirect effect was calculated using 10000 bootstrap samples for the bias-corrected bootstrap confidence intervals (BCI). The improvement of empathy is mediated by the changes in mindfulness trait (B = 0.233, p < 0.001), disappearing in the presence of this mediator, the direct effect of mindfulness practice on empathy (B = 0.161, p = 0.394). We did not find a differential functioning of this mediation according to gender. Observing and describing are the FFMQ factors that mediate significantly between mindfulness practice and empathy.

The human amygdala disconnecting from auditory cortex preferentially discriminates musical sound of uncertain emotion by altering hemispheric weighting.

How do humans discriminate emotion from non-emotion? The specific psychophysical cues and neural responses involved with resolving emotional information in sound are unknown. In this study we used a discrimination psychophysical-fMRI sparse sampling paradigm to locate threshold responses to happy and sad acoustic stimuli. The fine structure and envelope of auditory signals were covaried to vary emotional certainty. We report that emotion identification at threshold in music utilizes fine structure cues. The auditory cortex was activated but did not vary with emotional uncertainty. Amygdala activation was modulated by emotion identification and was absent when emotional stimuli were chance identifiable, especially in the left hemisphere. The right hemisphere amygdala was considerably more deactivated in response to uncertain emotion. The threshold of emotion was signified by a right amygdala deactivation and change of left amygdala greater than right amygdala activation. Functional sex differences were noted during binaural uncertain emotional stimuli presentations, where the right amygdala showed larger activation in females. Negative control (silent stimuli) experiments investigated sparse sampling of silence to ensure modulation effects were inherent to emotional resolvability. No functional modulation of Heschl's gyrus occurred during silence; however, during rest the amygdala baseline state was asymmetrically lateralized. The evidence indicates changing hemispheric activation and deactivation patterns between the left and right amygdala is a hallmark feature of discriminating emotion from non-emotion in music.

Extensive cerebellar and thalamic degeneration in spinocerebellar ataxia type 10.

INTRODUCTION: Spinocerebellar ataxia type 10 (SCA10) is a hereditary neurodegenerative disorder caused by repeat expansions in the ATXN10 gene. Patients present with cerebellar ataxia frequently accompanied by seizures. Even though loss of cerebellar Purkinje neurons has been described, its brain degeneration pattern is unknown. Our aim was to characterize the gray and white matter degeneration patterns in SCA10 patients and the association with clinical features. METHODS: We enrolled 18 patients with molecular diagnosis of SCA10 and 18 healthy individuals matched for age and sex. All participants underwent brain MRI including high-resolution anatomical and diffusion images. Whole-brain Tract-Based Spatial Statistics (TBSS) and Voxel-Based Morphometry (VBM) were performed to identify white and grey matter degeneration respectively. A second analysis in the cerebellum identified the unbiased pattern of degeneration. Motor impairment was assessed using the SARA Scale. RESULTS: TBSS analysis in the patient group revealed white matter atrophy exclusively in the cerebellum. VBM analysis showed extensive grey matter degeneration in the cerebellum, brainstem, thalamus, and putamen. Significant associations between cerebellar degeneration and SARA scores were found. Additionally, degeneration in thalamic GM and WM in the cerebellar lobule VI were significantly associated with the presence of seizures. CONCLUSION: The results show that besides cerebellum and brainstem, brain degeneration in SCA10 includes predominantly the putamen and thalamus; involvement of the latter is strongly associated with seizures. Analysis of the unbiased degeneration pattern in the cerebellum suggests lobules VIIIb, IX, and X as the primary cerebellar targets of the disease, which expands to the anterior lobe in later stages.

Intermittent PTH 1-34 administration improves the marrow microenvironment and endothelium-dependent vasodilation in bone arteries of aged rats.

Inflammation coincides with diminished marrow function, vasodilation of blood vessels, and bone mass. Intermittent parathyroid hormone (PTH) administration independently improves marrow and vascular function, potentially impacting bone accrual. Currently, the influence of marrow and intermittent PTH administration on aged bone blood vessels has not been examined. Vasodilation of the femoral principal nutrient artery (PNA) was assessed in the presence and absence of marrow. Furthermore, we determined the influence of PTH 1-34 on 1) endothelium-dependent vasodilation and signaling pathways [i.e., nitric oxide (NO) and prostacyclin (PGI2)], 2) endothelium-independent vasodilation, 3) cytokine production by marrow cells, and 4) bone microarchitecture and bone static and dynamic properties. Young (4-6 mo) and old (22-24 mo) male Fischer-344 rats were treated with PTH 1-34 or a vehicle for 2 wk. In the absence and presence of marrow, femoral PNAs were given cumulative doses of acetylcholine, with and without the NO and PGI2 blockers, and diethylamine NONOate. Marrow-derived cytokines and bone parameters in the distal femur were assessed. Exposure to marrow diminished endothelium-dependent vasodilation in young rats. Reduced bone volume and NO-mediated vasodilation occurred with old age and were partially reversed with PTH. Additionally, PTH treatment in old rats restored endothelium-dependent vasodilation in the presence of marrow and augmented IL-10, an anti-inflammatory cytokine. Endothelium-independent vasodilation was unaltered, and PTH treatment reduced osteoid surfaces in old rats. In conclusion, the marrow microenvironment reduced vascular function in young rats, and PTH treatment improved the marrow microenvironment and vasodilation with age. NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study investigated the influence of the marrow microenvironment on bone vascular function in young and old rats. An inflamed marrow microenvironment may reduce vasodilator capacity of bone blood vessels, diminishing delivery of blood flow to the skeleton. In young rats, the presence of the marrow reduced vasodilation in the femoral principal nutrient artery (PNA). However, intermittent parathyroid hormone administration (i.e., a treatment for osteoporosis) improved the marrow microenvironment and vasodilator capacity in old PNAs.

An event of alternative splicing affects the expression of the NTRC gene, encoding NADPH-thioredoxin reductase C, in seed plants.

The NTRC gene encodes a NADPH-dependent thioredoxin reductase with a joint thioredoxin domain, exclusive of photosynthetic organisms. An updated search shows that although most species harbor a single copy of the NTRC gene, two copies were identified in different species of the genus Solanum, Glycine max and the moss Physcomitrella patens. The phylogenetic analysis of NTRCs from different sources produced a tree with the major groups of photosynthetic organisms: cyanobacteria, algae and land plants, indicating the evolutionary success of the NTRC gene among photosynthetic eukaryotes. An event of alternative splicing affecting the expression of the NTRC gene was identified, which is conserved in seed plants but not in algae, bryophytes and lycophytes. The alternative splicing event results in a transcript with premature stop codon, which would produce a truncated form of the enzyme. The standard splicing/alternative splicing (SS/AS) transcripts ratio was higher in photosynthetic tissues from Arabidopsis, Brachypodium and tomato, in line with the higher content of the NTRC polypeptide in these tissues. Moreover, environmental stresses such as cold or high salt affected the SS/AS ratio of the NTRC gene transcripts in Brachypodium seedlings. These results suggest that the alternative splicing of the NTRC gene might be an additional mechanism for modulating the content of NTRC in photosynthetic and non-photosynthetic tissues of seed plants.

Zinc biofortification improves phytochemicals and amino-acidic profile in Brassica oleracea cv. Bronco.

Zn deficiency is currently listed as a major risk factor for human health. Recently, a complimentary solution to mineral malnutrition termed 'biofortification' has been proposed. The aim of this study was to investigate the possible effects of a Zn-biofortification program on Zn levels, amino acidic profile and the phytochemicals content in an edible leafy vegetable, such as Brassica oleracea cv. Bronco. Our results indicate that supplementation of 80-100µM Zn is optimal for maintaining the normal growth of plants and to promote the major Zn concentration in the edible part of B. oleracea. Any further increase of Zn supply induced an accumulation of total amino acids, and increased the enzymatic activities involved in sulfur assimilation and synthesis of phenols, finally resulting in a foliar accumulation of glucosinolates and phenolic compounds. Thus, it could be proposed that the growth of B. oleracea under 80-100µM Zn may increase the intake of this micronutrient and other beneficial compunds for the human health.

Identification, introgression, and validation of fruit volatile QTLs from a red-fruited wild tomato species.

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are major determinants of fruit flavor, a primary objective in tomato breeding. A recombinant inbred line (RIL) population consisting of 169 lines derived from a cross between Solanum lycopersicum and a red-fruited wild tomato species Solanum pimpinellifolium accession (SP) was characterized for VOCs in three different seasons. Correlation and hierarchical cluster analyses were performed on the 52 VOCs identified, providing a tool for the putative assignation of individual compounds to metabolic pathways. Quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis, based on a genetic linkage map comprising 297 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), revealed 102 QTLs (75% not described previously) corresponding to 39 different VOCs. The SP alleles exerted a positive effect on most of the underlying apocarotenoid volatile QTLs-regarded as desirable for liking tomato-indicating that alleles inherited from SP are a valuable resource for flavor breeding. An introgression line (IL) population developed from the same parental genotypes provided 12 ILs carrying a single SP introgression and covering 85 VOC QTLs, which were characterized at three locations. The results showed that almost half of the QTLs previously identified in the RILs maintained their effect in an IL form, reinforcing the value of these QTLs for flavor/aroma breeding in cultivated tomato.

Zn-biofortification enhanced nitrogen metabolism and photorespiration process in green leafy vegetable Lactuca sativa L.

BACKGROUND: Excessive rates of nitrogen (N) fertilizers may result in elevated concentrations of nitrate (NO3- ) in plants. Considering that many programs of biofortification with trace elements are being performed, it has become important to study how the application of these elements affects plant physiology and, particularly, N utilization in leaf crops. The main objective of the present study was to determine whether the NO3- accumulation and the nitrogen use efficiency was affected by the application of different doses of Zn in Lactuca sativa plants. RESULTS: Zn doses in the range 80-100 µmol L-1 produced an increase in Zn concentration provoking a decrease of NO3- concentration and increase of the nitrate reductase, glutamine synthetase and aspartate aminotransferase activities, as well as the photorespiration processes. As result, we observed an increase in reduced N, total N concentration and N utilization efficiency. Consequently, at a dose of 80 µmol L-1 of Zn, the amino acid concentration increased significantly. CONCLUSION: Adequate Zn fertilization is an important critical player in lettuce, especially at a dose of 80 µmol L-1 of Zn, because it could result in an increase in the Zn concentration, a reduction of NO3- levels and an increase the concentration of essential amino acids, with all of them having beneficial properties for the human diet. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.

Tumor regression and survival after perioperative MAGIC-style chemotherapy in carcinoma of the stomach and gastroesophageal junction.

BACKGROUND: We assessed the effectiveness of perioperative MAGIC-style chemotherapy in our series focused on the tumor regression grade and survival rate. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study of 53 patients following a perioperative regimen of epirubicin, cisplatin, and fluorouracil or capecitabine (ECF/X). Forty-four (83 %) neoplasias were located in the stomach and 9 (17 %) were located at the esophagogastric junction. Perioperative chemotherapy completion, resection, TNM staging, the tumor regression grade (Becker's classification) and survival were analyzed. RESULTS: Forty-five patients (85 %) completed the 3 preoperative cycles. R0 resection was achieved in 42 (79 %) patients. Thirty-five (66 %) patients completed the 3 postoperative cycles. Nine carcinomas (17 %) were considered major responders after preoperative chemotherapy. With multivariate analysis, only completion of perioperative chemotherapy (HR: 0.25; 95%CI: 0.08 - 0.79; p = 0.019) was identified as an independent prognostic factor for disease-specific survival. However, the protective effect of perioperative therapy was lost in patients with ypT3-4 and more than 4 positive lymph nodes (HR: 1.16; 95%CI: 1.02 - 1.32; p = 0.029). The tumor regression grade (major vs minor responders) was at the limit of significance only with univariate analysis. The 5-year overall and disease-specific survival rates were 18 % and 22 % respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The percentage of major responder tumors after preoperative chemotherapy was low. Completion of perioperative ECF/X chemotherapy may benefit patients with gastric carcinomas that do not invade the subserosa with few positive lymph nodes.

In vitro anti-proliferative activity of Argemone gracilenta and identification of some active components.

BACKGROUND: Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Natural products have been regarded as important sources of potential chemotherapeutic agents. In this study, we evaluated the anti-proliferative activity of Argemone gracilenta's methanol extract and its fractions. We identified those compounds of the most active fractions that displayed anti-proliferative activity. METHODS: The anti-proliferative activity on different cancerous cell lines (M12.C3F6, RAW 264.7, HeLa) was evaluated in vitro using the MTT colorimetric method. Identification of the active compounds present in the fractions with the highest activity was achieved by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analyses. RESULTS: Both argemonine and berberine alkaloids, isolated from the ethyl acetate fraction, displayed high anti-proliferative activity with IC50 values of 2.8, 2.5, 12.1, and 2.7, 2.4, 79.5 µg/mL on M12.C3F6, RAW 264.7, and HeLa cancerous cell lines, respectively. No activity was shown on the normal L-929 cell line. From the hexane fraction, a mixture of fatty acids and fatty acid esters of 16 or more carbon atoms with anti-proliferative activity was identified, showing a range of IC50 values of 16.8-24.9, 34.1-35.4, and 67.6-91.8 µg/mL on M12.C3F6, RAW 264.7, and HeLa cancerous cell lines, respectively. On the normal L-929 cell line, this mixture showed a range of IC50 values of 85.1 to 100 µg/mL. CONCLUSION: This is the first study that relates argemonine, berberine, and a mixture of fatty acids and fatty acid esters with the anti-proliferative activity displayed by Argemone gracilenta.