Consumption of industrial processed foods and risk of premenopausal breast cancer among Latin American women: the PRECAMA study.

Ultra-processed food intake has been linked to an increased risk of breast cancer in Western populations. No data are available in the Latin American population although the consumption of ultra-processed foods is increasing rapidly in this region. We evaluated the association of ultra-processed food intake to breast cancer risk in a case-control study including 525 cases (women aged 20-45 years) and 525 matched population-based controls from Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica and Mexico. The degree of processing of foods was classified according to the NOVA classification. Overall, the major contributors to ultra-processed food intake were ready-to-eat/heat foods (18.2%), cakes and desserts (16.7%), carbonated and industrial fruit juice beverages (16.7%), breakfast cereals (12.9%), sausages and reconstituted meat products (12.1%), industrial bread (6.1%), dairy products and derivatives (7.6%) and package savoury snacks (6.1%). Ultra-processed food intake was positively associated with the risk of breast cancer in adjusted models (OR T3-T1=1.93; 95% CI=1.11 to 3.35). Specifically, a higher risk was observed with oestrogen receptor positive breast cancer (ORT3-T1=2.44, (95% CI=1.01 to 5.90, P-trend=0.049), while no significant association was observed with oestrogen receptor negative breast cancer (ORT3-T1=1.87, 95% CI=0.43 to 8.13, P-trend=0.36). Our findings suggest that the consumption of ultra-processed foods might increase the risk of breast cancer in young women in Latin America. Further studies should confirm these findings and disentangle specific mechanisms relating ultra-processed food intake and carcinogenic processes in the breast.

Características nutricionales y antioxidantes de la especie de frijol petaco (Phaseolus coccineus)

RESUMEN El frijol petaco (Phaseolus coccineus L.) es una leguminosa cultivada en Colombia, con baja producción y consumo. En esta investigación se determinaron las características fisicoquímicas y antioxidantes del frijol petaco en dos estados de madurez fisiológica, semilla verde y seca. El análisis de composición proximal en el frijol seco presentó el incremento en todos sus macronutrientes con pérdida de humedad. El contenido de fibra dietaria total e insoluble fue mayor en el frijol verde, pero la fibra insoluble se incrementó en semilla seca. El frijol verde tiene mayor contenido de Na y K, aunque en el frijol seco aumentó el contenido de Ca, Fe, Zn, Mn y P. El valor FRAP y contenido de fenoles totales fueron mayores en el frijol seco, el valor ORAC fue similar en ambas semillas. Los resultados indican que el frijol petaco es una leguminosa con potencial antioxidante, compuestos bioactivos y nutrientes para la salud.

ABSTRACT The petaco bean (Phaseolus coccineus L.) is a legume cultivated in Colombia, with low production and consumption. In this research, physicochemical and antioxidant characteristics of petaco beans at two physiological maturity stages, green and dry seed, were determined. The proximate composition analysis of dry beans showed an increase in all macronutrients with moisture loss. Total, and insoluble dietary fiber content was higher in the green bean, while insoluble fiber was higher in dry seed. The green bean had higher Na and K content and dry bean had higher Ca, Fe, Zn, Mn and P. FRAP value and total phenol content were higher in the dry bean and ORAC value was similar in both seeds. The results indicate that the petaco bean is a legume with antioxidant potential, bioactive compounds and nutrients for health.

Electrochemical Biosensors for Determination of Colorectal Tumor Biomarkers.

The accurate determination of specific tumor markers associated with cancer with non-invasive or minimally invasive procedures is the most promising approach to improve the long-term survival of cancer patients and fight against the high incidence and mortality of this disease. Quantification of biomarkers at different stages of the disease can lead to an appropriate and instantaneous therapeutic action. In this context, the determination of biomarkers by electrochemical biosensors is at the forefront of cancer diagnosis research because of their unique features such as their versatility, fast response, accurate quantification, and amenability for multiplexing and miniaturization. In this review, after briefly discussing the relevant aspects and current challenges in the determination of colorectal tumor markers, it will critically summarize the development of electrochemical biosensors to date to this aim, highlighting the enormous potential of these devices to be incorporated into the clinical practice. Finally, it will focus on the remaining challenges and opportunities to bring electrochemical biosensors to the point-of-care testing.

Synthesis and in-vitro Evaluation of S-allyl Cysteine Ester - Caffeic Acid Amide Hybrids as Potential Anticancer Agents.

We have synthesized a series of S-allyl cysteine ester-caffeic acid amide hybrids and evaluated them in order to determine their possible anticancer activity and selectivity in colorectal cancer, which is still one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. All compounds were tested against SW480 human colon adenocarcinoma cells and the non-malignant CHO-K1 cell line. Among the tested compounds, hybrids 6e, 9a, 9b, 9c, and 9e exhibited the highest effect on viability (IC50 SW480-48h= 0.18, 0.12, 0.12, 0.11, and 0.12 mM, respectively) and selectivity (SI = 10.3, 1.5, >83.33, >90.91 and >83.33, respectively) in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. Besides, our results were even better as regards lead compounds (S-allyl cysteine and caffeic acid) and the standard drug (5-FU). Additionally, these five compounds induced mitochondrial depolarization that could be related with an apoptotic process. Moreover, hybrids 6e, 9a, and 9e induced cell cycle arrest in G2/M phase, and compound 9c in S- phase, which suggests that these hybrid compounds could have also a cytostatic effect in SW480 cell line. The SAR analysis showed that hydroxyl groups increased the activity. Besides, there was not a clear relationship between the antitumor properties and the length of the alkyl chain. Since hybrid compounds were much more selective than the conventional drug (5-FU), this makes them promising candidates for further studies against colorectal cancer.

Aspectos nutricionales y fisioquímicos de Ilex Laurina Kunth (Aquifoliaceae): un estudio comparativo con Ilex paraguariensis / Nutricional and Physicochemical aspects of Ilex laurina Kunth (Aquifoliaceae): A Comparative Study with Ilex Paraguariensis

Resumen Antecedentes: la Ilex laurina K., planta colombiana cuya infusión presenta actividad antioxidante y antiproliferativa, pertenece al género del té de yerba mate. Objetivo: evaluar las propiedades nutricionales y fisicoquímicas de una infusión de hojas de Ilex laurina K. como potencial materia prima, alimento funcional y sustituyente del convencional té de mate Ilex paraguariensis. Materiales y métodos: análisis por HPLC de fitoquímicos y carbohidratos, solubilidad, medición de minerales por espectrofotometría de absorción atómica y análisis sensorial. Resultados: en la infusión de Ilex laurina K. en comparación con la de Ilex paraguariensis se encontraron mayores concentraciones de ácido clorogénico (429,2±20,2 frente a47,4±1,9 mg/kg), de p-cumárico (47,3±2,4 versus 24,4±0,9 mg/kg), de metilxantinas (1,4-1,8 veces), hierro, cobre y zinc, y similares de ácido cafeico (52,6±18,8 versus 47,4±1,9 mg/L) (p>0,05). Se detectaron ácido ferúlico (21,5±1,6 mg/L) y fructosa (0,4±0,003 g/L), mientras en la de Ilex paraguariensis se encontró glucosa (0,8±0,007 g/L) y mayores concentraciones de magnesio y manganeso (p<0,05). La infusión de Ilex laurina K. fue aceptada por el 64 % de los consumidores, independiente del sexo; así como el color (51 %), olor (47 %), sabor (42 %) y dulzor (47 %). Conclusiones: la infusión de Ilex laurina K. además de tener buena aceptación contiene mayor cantidad de compuestos fenólicos, metilxantinas, hierro, cobre, zinc y fructosa que la de Ilex paraguariensis; y menor aporte de glucosa, magnesio y manganeso.

Abstract Background: Ilex laurina K., a Colombian plant whose infusion presents antioxidant and antiproliferative properties, belongs to a species of Yerba Mate tea. Objective: Evaluate the nutritional and physiochemical properties of an infusion using Ilex laurina K. leaves as a potential raw material, functional food and substitute for the conventional Ilex paraguariensis tea. Objective: To evaluate the nutritional and physiochemical properties of an infusion using Ilex laurina K. leaves as a potential raw material, functional food and substitute for the conventional Ilex paraguariensis tea. Materials and Methods: Phytochemicals and carbohydrates by HPLC analysis, solubility, mineral measurement using atomic absorption spectrophotometry, and sensorial analysis. Results: The Ilex laurina K. infusión compared with Ilex paraguariensis infusion found higher concentrations of chlorogenic acid (429.2 ± 20.2 versus 47.4 ± 1.9 mg / kg), p-coumaric (47.3 ± 2.4 versus 24.4 ± 0.9 mg / kg), xanthines (1.4-1.8 times), iron, copper, zinc, and the likes of caffeic acid (52.6 ± 18.8 versus 47.4 ± 1.9 mg / L) (p> 0.05). Ferulic acid (21.5 ± 1.6 mg / L) and fructose (0.4 ± 0.003 g / L) were detected, while glucose (0.8 ± 0.007 g / L) and higher concentrations of magnesium and manganese (p<0.05) we found in the Ilex paraguariensis. Ilex laurina K. infusion was accepted by 64% of consumers, regardless of gender; and respective acceptability of the following characteristics: color (51%), smell (47%), flavor (42%) and sweetness (47%). Conclusions: Ilex laurina K. infusion is well accepted by consumers, and contains a higher concentration of phenol compounds, xanthines, iron, copper, zinc and fructose than Ilex paraguariensis infusion, and contributes less glucose, magnesium and manganese.

Mango de azúcar (Mangifera indica), variedad de Colombia: características antioxidantes, nutricionales y sensoriales / Sugar mango (Mangifera indica), variety from Colombia: antioxidant, nutritional and sensorial characteristics

The sugar mango is a small Colombian cultivar with low fiber content, good aroma and flavor. This research evaluated antioxidant capacity (FRAP, DPPH) of the fruit at different ripening stages classified by visual inspection and CIELab scale. Nutritional and sensory characteristics and ORAC value were measured in the ripe fruit. Sensorial characteristics of two mango nectars sweetened with sucrose and sucralose using ripe fruit were determined by affective acceptance test and Hedonic scale. Results showed that classification by visual inspection coincided with the CIELab scale for all ripening stages. The green mango has 45% more flavonoids than the mature one. The carotenoid content, DPPH and FRAP values were similar in the different ripening stages. Sucralose sweetened nectar was accepted by 94.9% compared with that sweetened with sucrose (89.1%). Results indicate that mango sugar fruit and nectar present antioxidant capacity, bioactive and nutritional compounds with potential health benefits.

El mango de azúcar es una variedad colombiana pequeña, de escasa fibra, buen aroma y sabor. Esta investigación evaluó la capacidad antioxidante del fruto en diferentes estados de maduración por FRAP y DPPH clasificados por inspección visual y escala CIELab. Las características nutricionales y el valor ORAC se determinaron en el mango maduro. Las características sensoriales de dos formulaciones (sacarosa y sucralosa) con mango maduro se determinaron por prueba afectiva de aceptación y escala Hedónica. Resultados: la clasificación por inspección visual coincidió con la escala CIELab. El mango verde tiene 45% más flavonoides que el maduro. El contenido de carotenoides, valores DPPH y FRAP fueron similares en los diferentes estados de maduración. El 94% de los panelistas aceptaron el néctar con sucralosa comparado con el endulzado con sacarosa (89,1%). Los resultados indican que el mango de azúcar y un producto tipo néctar poseen capacidad antioxidante, compuestos bioactivos y nutricionales beneficiosos para la salud.

Efectos in vitro e in vivo de la pulpa de mango (Mangifera indica cv. Azúcar) en la carcinogénesis de colon / In vitro and in vivo effects of mango pulp (Mangifera indica cv. Azucar) in colon carcinogenesis.

La porción comestible del mango contiene ácido ascórbico, carotenoides, polifenoles, terpenoides y fibra que tienen efectos protectores para la salud, y posiblemente contra el desarrollo de cáncer de colon (CCO). El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la capacidad antiproliferativa en células de adenocarcinoma de colon (SW480) y preventiva en un modelo in vivo de CCO de un extracto acuoso de Mangifera indica cv. Azúcar. El contenido de fenoles totales, flavonoides y carotenoides también fue analizado. El extracto inhibió el crecimiento de las células SW480 en forma dosistiempo- dependiente hasta 22,3% luego de 72h de exposición al extracto (200 μg/mL). La carcinogénesis en el colon de ratones Balb/c fue inducida mediante dos inyecciones intraperitoneales de azoximetano (AOM) a la tercera y cuarta semana de haber iniciado el suministro de mango en el líquido de bebida (0,3%, 0,6%, 1,25%). Después de 10 semanas de tratamiento se observó inhibición dosis-dependiente de la formación de focos de criptas aberrantes (FCA); 0,3% de mango inhibió más del 60% de FCA (p=0,05) comparado con los controles que recibieron agua. Estos resultados muestran que la pulpa del mango de azúcar, un alimento natural, no tóxico, que forma parte de la dieta del ser humano contiene compuestos bioactivos capaces de reducir el crecimiento de células tumorales y prevenir la aparición de las lesiones precancerosas en colon durante el inicio de la carcinogénesis.

Mango pulp contains ascorbic acid, carotenoids, polyphenols, terpenoids and fiber which are healthy and could protect against colon cancer. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antiproliferative and preventive capacity of an aqueous extract of Mangifera indica cv. Azúcar on a human colon adenocarcinoma cell line (SW480) and in a rodent model of colorectal cancer, respectively. The content of total phenolics, flavonoids and carotenoids were also analyzed in the extract. SW480 cell growth was inhibited in a dose and time dependent manner by 22.3% after a 72h exposure to the extract (200 μg/ mL). Colon carcinogenesis was initiated in Balb/c mice by two intra-peritoneal injections of azoxymethane (AOM) at the third and fourth week of giving mango in drinking water (0.3%, 0.6%, 1.25%). After 10 weeks of treatment, in the colon of mice receiving 0.3% mango, aberrant crypt foci formation was inhibited more than 60% (p=0,05) and the inhibition was dose-dependent when compared with controls receiving water. These results show that mango pulp, a natural food, non toxic, part of human being diet, contains bioactive compounds able to reduce growth of tumor cells and to prevent the appearance of precancerous lesions in colon during carcinogenesis initiation.

[In vitro and in vivo effects of mango pulp (Mangifera indica cv. Azucar) in colon carcinogenesis]. / Efectos in vitro e in vivo de la pulpa de mango (Mangifera indica cv. Azúcar) en la carcinogénesis de colon].

Mango pulp contains ascorbic acid, carotenoids, polyphenols, terpenoids and fiber which are healthy and could protect against colon cancer. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antiproliferative and preventive capacity of an aqueous extract of Mangifera indica cv. Azúcar on a human colon adenocarcinoma cell line (SW480) and in a rodent model of colorectal cancer, respectively. The content of total phenolics, flavonoids and carotenoids were also analyzed in the extract. SW480 cell growth was inhibited in a dose and time dependent manner by 22.3% after a 72h exposure to the extract (200 µg/ mL). Colon carcinogenesis was initiated in Balb/c mice by two intra-peritoneal injections of azoxymethane (AOM) at the third and fourth week of giving mango in drinking water (0.3%, 0.6%, 1.25%). After 10 weeks of treatment, in the colon of mice receiving 0.3% mango, aberrant crypt foci formation was inhibited more than 60% (p=0,05) and the inhibition was dose-dependent when compared with controls receiving water. These results show that mango pulp, a natural food, non toxic, part of human being diet, contains bioactive compounds able to reduce growth of tumor cells and to prevent the appearance of precancerous lesions in colon during carcinogenesis initiation.

Antioxidant and antiproliferative activity of ethanolic and aqueous extracts from leaves and fruits juice Passiflora edulis / Actividad antioxidante y antiproliferativa de extractos etanólico y acuoso de las hojas y el jugo del fruto de Passiflora edulis

Background: Extracts from a variety of fruit trees have been used for therapeutic applications for preventing oxidative stress associated to chronic diseases. Objective: To investigate the antioxidant and antiproliferative activity of ethanolic and aqueous extracts from leaves and fruits of Passiflora edulis. Materials and methods: A preliminary phytochemical screening was performed; antioxidant activity was evaluated through DPPH assay, the scavenging activity for hydroxyl radical, antihemolytic activity and total phenolic content; cytotoxic and antiproliferative activities were evaluated by MTT and sulforhodamine B assays respectively in colon adenocarcinoma SW480 cells and their metastatic-derived SW620 cells. Results: Phytochemical analyses revealed presence of tannins, flavonoids and cardiotonic glycosides. Ethanolic extract from leaves showed the best antioxidant activity (EC50 = 0.096 mg/ml) in the DPPH assay and the juice (EC50 = 0.022 mg/ml) for the Hydroxyl free radical-scavenging activity. All extracts inhibited more than 98% the hemolysis induced by H2O2. The aqueous extract from leaves showed the highest cytotoxic activity against SW480 and SW620 cells. Conclusions: Findings from this study suggest that P. edulis is a potential source of phytochemical compounds with antioxidant and antiproliferative properties.

Antecedentes: extractos de varios árboles frutales se han utilizado en diferentes aplicaciones terapéuticas para prevenir el estrés oxidativo asociado a enfermedades crónicas. Objetivo: investigar la actividad antioxidante y antiproliferativa de extractos etanólico y acuosos de las hojas y del fruto de Passiflora edulis. Materiales y métodos: se realizó marcha fitoquímica preliminar, la actividad antioxidante se evaluó por DPPH, actividad de remoción de radicales hidroxilo, actividad antihemolítica y contenido fenólico total. En células de adenocarcinoma de colon SW480 y sus derivadas metastásicas SW620 se evaluó la actividad citotóxica y antiproliferativa por el método de MTT y sulforodamina B respectivamente. Resultados: el análisis fitoquímico reveló la presencia de taninos, flavonoides y glicósidos cardiotónicos. El extracto etanólico de las hojas mostró la mayor actividad antioxidante (EC50 = 0,096 mg/ml) por DPPH y el jugo (EC50 = 0,022 mg/ml) para remover el radical hidroxilo. Todos los extractos inhibieron más del 98% la hemólisis inducida por H2O2. El extracto acuoso de las hojas mostró la mayor actividad citotóxica y antiproliferativa contra células SW480 y SW620. Conclusiones: los hallazgos de este estudio sugieren que P. edulis es una fuente potencial de compuestos fitoquímicos con propiedades antioxidante y antiproliferativa.

Extracto acuoso de uchuva (Physalis peruviana): actividades antiproliferativa, apoptótica y antioxidante / Aqueous extract of golden berry (Physalis peruviana): antiproliferative, apoptotic and antioxidant activities

Antecedentes: extractos etanólicos de P. peruviana han mostrado actividad citotóxica contra diferentes células cancerosas. Objetivo: estudiar la actividad anticancerígena de un extracto acuoso del fruto uchuva en células de cáncer de colon SW480 y SW620. Materiales y métodos: se analizaron citotoxicidad e índice de selectividad (SI) (MTT), antiproliferación (sulforodamina-B), apoptosis (ciclo celular, anexina-V, receptores TRAIL-DR4/-DR5 y caspasa-3), actividad antioxidante (contenido de flavonoides y carotenoides totales). Resultados: el extracto acuoso de uchuva mostró efecto citotóxico y antiproliferativo en células SW480 (IC50=44,2 mg/mL, SI=11,6) y SW620 (IC50=85,1mg/mL, SI=6,0). Las células hipodiploides SW480 y SW620 aumentaron 13% y 12%, respectivamente. Las células apoptóticas incrementaron 19% y 21% en SW480 y SW620, respectivamente, con incremento en la expresión de receptores TRAIL-DR4/-DR5 en SW480 (+59%/+53%) y SW620 (+67%/+65%), y activación de caspasa-3 en ambas líneas celulares. El extracto neutralizó radicales OH-, presentó baja capacidad reductora y atrapadora de especies reactivas del oxígeno y nitrógeno. El contenido de flavonoides y carotenoides fue 487,1 mg catequina y 0,9 mg β-caroteno por 100 g de liofilizado, respectivamente. Conclusiones: estos hallazgos sugieren que la uchuva puede ser una fuente prometedora de compuestos bioactivos con actividad quimiopreventiva en cáncer de colon humano.

Background: Ethanolic extracts from P. peruviana showed cytotoxic activity against different cancer cell lines. Objective: To evaluate the antiproliferative activity of aqueous extract of the fruit golden berryin colon cancer cells. Materials and Methods: We analyzed cytotoxicity and selectivity index (SI) (MTT), antiproliferation (sulforhodamine-B), apoptosis (cell cycle, Annexin-V, receptors TRAIL-DR4/-DR5 and caspase-3), and antioxidant activity (content of total carotenoids and flavonoids). Results: The aqueous extract showed cytotoxic and antiproliferative effect on SW480 (IC50 = 44.2 mg/ml, SI = 11.6) and SW620 (IC50 = 85.1 mg/ml, SI = 6.0). The hypodiploid SW480 and SW620 cells increased 13% and 12% respectively as well as apoptotic SW480 and SW620 cells (19% and 21 %, respectively), expression of receptors TRAIL-DR4 /-DR5 (SW480: +59% / +53%; SW620: +67% / +65%) and activation of caspase-3. The aqueous extract scavenged OH- radicals, showed low oxygen radical capacity and low scavenging capacity for reactive oxygen and nitrogen species. The total flavonoids and carotenoids contente was 487.1 mg catechin y 0.9 mg β-carotene by 100 g powder, respectively. Conclusions: These findings suggest that golden berry may be a promising source of bioactive compounds with chemopreventive activity against human colon cancer.

Lipophilic components from the Ecuadorian plant Schistocarpha eupatorioides.

Phytochemical investigation of secondary metabolites of the Ecuadorian plant Schistocarpha eupatorioides (Fenzl) Kuntze (Asteraceae) afforded three phytyl fatty acid esters along with a mixture of unidentified polyprenols, the very well known sterols beta-sitosterol and stigmasterol, and their corresponding fatty acid esters and glucosyl derivatives. The structures of the compounds were elucidated on the basis of various spectroscopic means. In addition, a volatile fraction was separated the composition of which, comprising sesquiterpene hydrocarbons as the main fraction, was determined by GC-MS.

Implicación de NF-kB y p53 en la expresión de receptores de muerte-TRAIL y apoptosis por procianidinas en células metastásicas humanas SW620 / Involvement of NF- B and p53 in the expression of TRAIL-death receptors and apoptosis by procyanidins in human metastatic SW620 cells

Introducción. Se ha demostrado que el factor nuclear-B y p53 aumentan los mediadores proapoptósicos como los receptores de muerte TRAIL-DR4/-DR5, según el estímulo y el tipo celular. Previamente demostramos que las procianidinas de manzana aumentaban la expresión de TRAIL-DR4/-DR5, superando la resistencia a TRAIL característica en células humanas metastásicas SW620 derivadas del cáncer de colon. Objetivo. Investigar si NF-B y p53 están involucrados en la apoptosis inducida por procianidinas en las células SW620. Materiales y métodos. La muerte celular y las proteínas p53, TRAIL-DR4/-DR5 se analizaron por citometría de flujo. Los ARN mensajeros (ARNm) de DR4/DR5 se analizaron por RT-PCR. Las formas activadas de p50/p65 y p53 se estudiaron por ELISA e inmunodetección.Resultados. La muerte celular activada por procianidinas fue prevenida por inhibidores específicos de NF-B y de p53: amino-4-(4-fenoxi-feniletilamino)-quinazolina y pifitrina α, respectivamente. La quinazolina y la pifitrina α inhibieron la activación dependiente de procianidinas de TRAIL-DR4/DR5. Sin embargo, el aumento en la expresión de TRAIL-DR4 disminuyó significativamente sólo cuando la quinazolina y la pifitrina α se usaron simultáneamente; este efecto no se observó con cada uno por separado. No se observaron para TRAIL-DR5 estos efectos, lo cual sugiere que la expresión de cada receptor de muerte TRAIL puede estar regulada en forma diferente.Conclusiones. Estos datos sugieren que NF-B y p53 se requieren parcialmente en la apoptosis de células SW620 inducida por procianidinas mediante el aumento en TRAIL-DR4/-DR5. La proporción de DR4/DR5 podría ser un factor determinante en la activación de la apoptosis por vía de TRAIL-DR4/-DR5.

Introduction. The nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-B) has been shown to upregulate pro-apoptotic mediators such as TRAIL-DR4/-DR5 receptors and the p53 transcription factor depending on the type of stimulus and the cell type involved. Previously, apple procyanidins (Pcy) have been shown to upregulate the expression of TRAIL-DR4/-DR5 and thereby overcoming the resistance of human colon cancer-derived metastatic SW620 cells to TRAIL. Objectives. NF-B and p53 were investigated for their involvement in the Pcy-triggered apoptosis of human derived-metastatic colon cancer (SW620) cells.Materials and methods. Cell death, p53, TRAIL-DR4/-DR5 proteins were analyzed by flow cytometry. DR4/DR5 mRNA was analyzed by RT-PCR in real time. Activated p50/p65 and p53 forms were studied by ELISA and immunoblotting. Results. Pcy-triggered cell death was prevented by specific inhibitors of NF-B and of p53: amino-4-(4-phenoxy-phenylethylamino) quinazoline (QNZ) and pifithrin α (Pα), respectively. QNZ and Pα inhibited the Pcy-dependent activation of TRAIL-DR4/-DR5 death receptors. However, the upregulation of TRAIL-DR4 by Pcy was significantly decreased only when NF-B and p53 inhibitors were used in combination; this effect was not observed with a single inhibitor. This effect was not observed for TRAIL-DR5 and suggested that the expression of each TRAIL-death receptor may be regulated differently. Conclusions. These data suggested that NF-B and p53 are partially required in Pcy-triggered apoptosis of SW620 cells by up-regulating the expression of TRAIL-DR4/-DR5. In addition, the ratio between TRAIL-DR4/-DR5 may be a determining factor in the activation of TRAIL-death receptor mediated apoptosis.

Implication of NF-κB and p53 in the expression of TRAIL-death receptors and apoptosis by apple procyanidins in human metastatic SW620 cells.

INTRODUCTION: The nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-NF-κ) has been shown to upregulate pro-apoptotic mediators such as TRAIL-DR4/-DR5 receptors and the p53 transcription factor depending on the type of stimulus and the cell type involved. Previously, apple procyanidins (Pcy) have been shown to upregulate the expression of TRAIL-DR4/-DR5 and thereby overcoming the resistance of human colon cancer-derived metastatic SW620 cells to TRAIL. OBJECTIVES: NF-κB and p53 were investigated for their involvement in the Pcy-triggered apoptosis of human derived-metastatic colon cancer (SW620) cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cell death, p53, TRAIL-DR4/-DR5 proteins were analyzed by flow cytometry. DR4/DR5 mRNA was analyzed by RT-PCR in real time. Activated p50/p65 and p53 forms were studied by ELISA and immunoblotting RESULTS: Pcy-triggered cell death was prevented by specific inhibitors of NF-κB and of p53: amino-4-(4-phenoxy-phenylethylamino) quinazoline (QNZ) and pifithrin α (Pα), respectively. QNZ and Pα inhibited the Pcy-dependent activation of TRAIL-DR4/-DR5 death receptors. However, the upregulation of TRAIL-DR4 by Pcy was significantly decreased only when NF-κB and p53 inhibitors were used in combination; this effect was not observed with a single inhibitor. This effect was not observed for TRAIL-DR5 and suggested that the expression of each TRAIL-death receptor may be regulated differently. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggested that NF-κB and p53 are partially required in Pcy-triggered apoptosis of SW620 cells by up-regulating the expression of TRAIL-DR4/-DR5. In addition, the ratio between TRAIL-DR4/-DR5 may be a determining factor in the activation of TRAIL-death receptor mediated apoptosis.

Three new species of Aspergillus from Amazonian forest soil (Ecuador).

From an undisturbed natural forest soil in Ecuador, three fungal strains of the genus Aspergillus were isolated. Based on molecular and morphological features they are described as three new species, named A. quitensis, A. amazonicus, and A. ecuadorensis.

Inducción del trabajo de partos con misoprostol intravaginal: experiencia de 5 años / Labor induction with intravaginal misoprostol: experience of 5 years

Los comprimidos para empleo oral de misoprostol se están usando en nuestro país como en otros para la inducción del trabajo de parto en que la experiencia acumulada ha mostrado ser una alternativa segura y eficiente. Es necesario precisar las exactas indicaciones del medicamento y se presenta la experiencia del Hospital de Castro. Se destaca que los malos resultados perinatales ocurren en el grupo en que fracasa la inducción con misoprostol como en aquellos en que se sospecha una insuficiencia placentaria (síndrome hipertensivo, oligoamnios y retardo del crecimiento intrauterino)