Aqueous Nyctanthes arbortristis and doxorubicin conjugated gold nanoparticles synergistically induced mTOR-dependent autophagy-mediated ferritinophagy in paclitaxel-resistant breast cancer stem cells.

Aim: Nyctanthes arbortristis Linn is a potential anti-diabetic drug that reduces glucose levels by delaying carbohydrate digestion. The tumor microenvironment is characterized by elevated glucose levels that activate various genes, such as mTOR. mTOR plays a critical role in maintaining the hypoxic environment and inhibiting autophagy. Although natural compounds pose fewer side effects, their hydrophobic nature makes these compounds not suitable as therapeutics. Hence, we conjugated aqueous NAT into gold nanoparticles (AuNP) in the current study and evaluated the ability of the chosen drugs to induce cell death in breast cancer cells resistant to Paclitaxel. Materials and methods: Particle size analyzer, UV-Vis spectrophotometer, FTIR, and XRD were used in the present study to characterize NAT and Doxorubicin encapsulated AuNPs. To check the cytotoxic effect of AuNP-NAT and AuNP-doxorubicin on PacR/MCF-7 stem cells MTT assay was performed. RT-PCR was performed to check the altered expression of ferritinophagy-related genes. The proliferation and migration potential of the cells before and after treatment with the desired drug combinations was evaluated by clonogenic and scratch assays, respectively. Flow cytometry analysis was done to quantify apoptotic bodies and cell cycle arrest. Cellular ROS was determined using DCD-FA staining. Results and conclusion: NAT and doxorubicin loaded into AuNP showed enhanced stability and induced ferritinophagy in PacR/MCF-7 stem cells. The obtained results suggest that AuNP-NAT, combined with a low AuNP-Doxorubicin nanoconjugate dose, might be an effective anti-neoplastic drug targeting the necroptosis-autophagy axis, thereby reducing the adverse side-effects induced by the conventional chemotherapeutic drugs.

Analyzing the drivers of cancer relapse: hypocalcemia and iron absorption in hormone-dependent female cancers.

BACKGROUND: Alterations in the levels of nutrients like calcium, ferritin, and electrolytes play a pivotal role in human physiology and might serve as biomarkers. Ferritin, an iron storage protein is important in various metabolic reactions of both cancer and cancer stem cells (CSCs) and is found to regulate 'stemness' leading to cancer relapse. Interestingly, ferritin levels are found to be regulated by calcium uptake. Several studies have shown that high levels of calcium inhibit absorption of iron, thereby reducing ferritin levels. In the present study, we evaluated and correlated the serum ferritin and calcium levels in pre- and post-treated hormone-dependent female cancers and deciphered their role in tumor recurrence and relapse. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present retrospective study was approved by the Institutional Ethical Committees (IEC) of GIMSR (No. GIMSR/Admn./Ethics/approval/IEC-3/2021), and Omega cancer hospitals (Reg No: ECR/1486/Inst/AP/2020). Serum from 197 clinical samples diagnosed with breast, cervical, and ovarian cancers (99 pre-and 98 post-treatment) and 10 blood samples were analyzed for ferritin and calcium using auto bioanalyzer and sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS: Ferritin levels were elevated in both pre- and post-treatment hormone-dependent female cancer patients while calcium levels showed gradual decrease. The mean ferritin value for pre-treatment was 0.0409 mg/dL while it was 0.0428 mg/dL for post-treatment hormone-dependent female cancer. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that hypocalcaemia in post-treatment cancer patients leads to ferritin accumulation which might make these patients more prone to tumor recurrence and relapse.

Role of Intracellular Iron in Switching Apoptosis to Ferroptosis to Target Therapy-Resistant Cancer Stem Cells.

Iron is a crucial element required for the proper functioning of the body. For instance, hemoglobin is the vital component in the blood that delivers oxygen to various parts of the body. The heme protein present in hemoglobin comprises iron in the form of a ferrous state which regulates oxygen delivery. Excess iron in the body is stored as ferritin and would be utilized under iron-deficient conditions. Surprisingly, cancer cells as well as cancer stem cells have elevated ferritin levels suggesting that iron plays a vital role in protecting these cells. However, apart from the cytoprotective role iron also has the potential to induce cell death via ferroptosis which is a non-apoptotic cell death dependent on iron reserves. Apoptosis a caspase-dependent cell death mechanism is effective on cancer cells however little is known about its impact on cancer stem cell death. This paper focuses on the molecular characteristics of apoptosis and ferroptosis and the importance of switching to ferroptosis to target cancer stem cells death thereby preventing cancer relapse. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first review to demonstrate the importance of intracellular iron in regulating the switching of tumor cells and therapy resistant CSCs from apoptosis to ferroptosis.

Estudio de las condiciones del proceso de extracción de aceite de Aguacate (Persea Americana) con fines alimenticios en Ecuador / Study of the effects of variety and conditions of the avocado oil (Persea Americana) extraction process for food purposes in Ecuador

Introducción: el aceite de aguacate es una alternativa a las grasas comestibles utilizadas en Ecuador, pero no está suficientemente estudiado en cuanto a las variedades usadas y métodos de extracción del aceite. Objetivo: estimar el efecto de la variedad y método de extracción en los parámetros físico-químicos habituales (pH, acidez, humedad y densidad) y establecer el perfil de ácidos grasos del aceite que ofrezca mejores condiciones. Métodos: a partir de 3 variedades de aguacate y 3 métodos de extracción de aceite se evaluaron propiedades físico químicas de los aceites obtenidos. Resultados: Se comprueba el ajuste a la norma para aceite de aguacate de las muestras obtenidas, lo que permite establecer la combinación de variedad y método de extracción que mejores resultados proporciona, sobre la que se hace un estudio del contenido en ácidos grasos. Conclusiones: el aceite de la variedad Hass obtuvo las mejores características fisicoquímicas, al igual que presentó mayor rendimiento de extracción, efectuando al análisis de perfil de ácidos grasos donde obtuvo una composición adecuada a la norma para este producto y similar al de aceite de oliva. (AU)

Introduction: Avocado oil is an alternative to the edible fats used in Ecuador, but it has not been sufficiently studied in terms of the varieties used and methods of extracting the oil. Objective: estimate the effect of the variety and extraction method on the usual physicochemical parameters (pH, acidity, humidity and density) and establish the fatty acid profile of the oil that offers the best conditions. Methods: From 3 avocado varieties and 3 oil extraction methods, physicochemical properties of the oils obtained were evaluated. Results: The adjustment to the avocado oil standard of the samples obtained is verified, which allows establishing the combination of variety and extraction method that provides the best results, on which a study of the fatty acid content is made. Conclusions: the oil of the Hass variety extracted by cold press obtained the best physical-chemical characteristics, as well as presented higher extraction performance, carrying out the fatty acid profile analysis where it obtained an adequate composition to the standard for this product and similar to olive oil. (AU)

Caracterización del consumo de alimentos e ingesta de nutrientes de población residente en las Islas Galápagos / Characterization of food consumption and nutrient intake of population resident in the Galapagos Islands

Las Islas Galápagos es una de las provincias de Ecuador con mayores índices de sobrepeso y obesidad en población adulta. Debido a las restricciones de producción de alimentos, la presión turística y otros factores sociales; la disponibilidad, el acceso y consumo de alimentos saludables y recomendables puede estar afectando al estado de seguridad alimentaria y nutricional de su población. Por ello, el objetivo de este estudio es analizar el consumo de alimentos de la población y su adecuación a las necesidades nutricionales. Sobre una muestra de 120 personas residentes en las Islas Galápagos se aplicaron 3 R24h. Los resultados de la valoración nutricional fueron comparados con las IDR, realizando un análisis factorial multivariante para analizar diferencias por grupo de edad o desempeño profesional. Se realizó un análisis de componentes principales para caracterizar el perfil de ingesta de nutrientes. Para energía y principios inmediatos se sobrepasan las recomendaciones, principalmente entre las mujeres, a la vez que se evidencia una ingesta inadecuada de fibra, iodo, ácido fólico y vitamina E. Respecto a los grupos de alimentos, el consumo medio de frutas y verduras frescas es muy escaso y el aporte proteico proviene en mayor medida de productos cárnicos (46%), seguido de pescado (24%) y arroz (17%). Los resultados de este estudio evidencian la necesidad de asegurar el acceso a alimentos frescos y saludables, en especial frutas y verduras, y promover la adopción de pautas nutricionales que promuevan un consumo adecuado de ciertos alimentos(AU)

The Galapagos Islands are one of the provinces of Ecuador with the highest rates of overweight and obesity among the adult population. Due to its restrictions on local production, tourist pressure and other social factors; availability, access and consumption to food is a problem that is related to the state of food and nutritional security of its population. Therefore, the objective of this study is to analyze the pattern of food consumption of healthy and recommended foods may be affecting the food insecurity or nutritional status of its population. Therefore, the objective of this study is to analyze the food consumption of the population and its adaptation to nutritional needs. On a sample of 120 people resident in the Galapagos Islands, 3 R24h were applied. The results of the nutritional assessment were compared with the RDI. A multivariate factor analysis has been performed to analyze differences by age group or professional performance. Principal component analysis (PCA) was performed to characterize the nutrient intake. Recommendations are exceeded for energy and immediate principles, mainly among women. On the other hand, there is an inadequate intake of fiber, iodine, folic acid and vitamin E. Regarding food groups, the average consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables is very low and protein intake comes mostly from meat products (46%), followed by fish (24%) and rice (17%). The results of this study demonstrate the need to ensure access to fresh and healthy foods, especially fruits and vegetables, and to promote the adoption of nutritional guidelines that promote adequate food intake(AU)

Estudio del perfil de ácidos grasos en platos tradicionales de la dieta de Ecuador / Study of fatty acid profile in typical dishes of Ecuador

En base a los datos aportados por Neira-Mosquera y col (2013) relativos a una relación alimentación/enfermedades vasculares + cáncer en población ecuatoriana1, se realiza un estudio de la alimentación ecuatoriana, fundamentalmente sobre ciudades de la costa, ya que es la zona más negativamente afectada por dicha relación alimentación/enfermedad, que ha permitido identificar los 32 platos de la dieta ecuatoriana más consumidos en las provincias de la costa

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