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Nuñez, Denisse, Paola Olavegoya, Gustavo F. Gonzales, and Cynthia Gonzales-Castañeda. Red maca (Lepidium meyenii), a plant from the Peruvian highlands, promotes skin wound healing at sea level and at high altitude in adult male mice. High Alt Med Biol 18:373-383, 2017.-Wound healing consists of three simultaneous phases: inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling. Previous studies suggest that there is a delay in the healing process in high altitude, mainly due to alterations in the inflammatory phase. Maca (Lepidium meyenii) is a Peruvian plant with diverse biological properties, such as the ability to protect the skin from inflammatory lesions caused by ultraviolet radiation, as well as its antioxidant and immunomodulatory properties. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of high altitude on tissue repair and the effect of the topical administration of the spray-dried extract of red maca (RM) in tissue repair. Studies were conducted in male Balb/c mice at sea level and high altitude. Lesions were inflicted through a 10 mm-diameter excisional wound in the skin dorsal surface. Treatments consisted of either (1) spray-dried RM extract or (2) vehicle (VH). Animals wounded at high altitude had a delayed healing rate and an increased wound width compared with those at sea level. Moreover, wounding at high altitude was associated with an increase in inflammatory cells. Treatment with RM accelerated wound closure, decreased the level of epidermal hyperplasia, and decreased the number of inflammatory cells at the wound site. In conclusion, RM at high altitude generate a positive effect on wound healing, decreasing the number of neutrophils and increasing the number of macrophages in the wound healing at day 7 postwounding. This phenomenon is not observed at sea level.
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Altitude , Lepidium , Extratos Vegetais/farmacologia , Fenômenos Fisiológicos da Pele/efeitos dos fármacos , Cicatrização/efeitos dos fármacos , Administração Cutânea , Animais , Inflamação/patologia , Macrófagos , Masculino , Camundongos , Neutrófilos , Peru , Pele/lesões , Pele/patologiaRESUMO
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) affects, worldwide, 50% of 60-year-old men. The Peruvian plant red maca (Lepidium meyenii) inhibits BPH in rodents. This study aimed to determine the effects of methanolic red maca extract and its n-butanol and aqueous fractions on expression of androgen and oestrogen receptors in rats with testosterone enanthate-induced BPH. Thirty-six rats in six groups were studied. Control group received 2 mL of vehicle orally and 0.1 mL of propylene glycol intramuscularly. The second group received vehicle orally and testosterone enanthate (TE) (25 mg/0.1 mL) intramuscularly in days 1 and 7. The other four groups were BPH-induced with TE and received, during 21 days, 3.78 mg/mL of finasteride, 18.3 mg/mL methanol extract of red maca, 2 mg/mL of n-butanol fraction, or 16.3 mg/mL of aqueous fraction from red maca. Treatments with red maca extract and its n-butanol but not aqueous fraction reduced prostate weight similar to finasteride. All maca treated groups restored the expression of ERß, but only the aqueous fraction increased androgen receptors and ERα. In conclusion, butanol fraction of red maca reduced prostate size in BPH by restoring expression of ERß without affecting androgen receptors and ERα. This effect was not observed with aqueous fraction of methanolic extract of red maca.
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This article is a review of the pollution of water, air and the effect of climate change on the health of the Peruvian population. A major air pollutant is particulate matter less than 2.5 µ (PM 2.5). In Lima, 2,300 premature deaths annually are attributable to this pollutant. Another problem is household air pollution by using stoves burning biomass fuels, where excessive indoor exposure to PM 2.5 inside the household is responsible for approximately 3,000 annual premature deaths among adults, with another unknown number of deaths among children due to respiratory infections. Water pollution is caused by sewage discharges into rivers, minerals (arsenic) from various sources, and failure of water treatment plants. In Peru, climate change may impact the frequency and severity of El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO), which has been associated with an increase in cases of diseases such as cholera, malaria and dengue. Climate change increases the temperature and can extend the areas affected by vector-borne diseases, have impact on the availability of water and contamination of the air. In conclusion, Peru is going through a transition of environmental risk factors, where traditional and modern risks coexist and infectious and chronic problems remain, some of which are associated with problems of pollution of water and air.
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Mudança Climática , Meio Ambiente , Saúde Ambiental , Poluição Ambiental/efeitos adversos , Humanos , PeruRESUMO
El presente artículo es una revisión sobre la contaminación del agua, el aire y el efecto del cambio climático en la salud de la población peruana. Uno de los principales contaminantes del aire es el material particulado menor de 2,5 u (PM 2,5), en la ciudad de Lima, anualmente 2300 muertes prematuras son atribuibles a este contaminante. Otro problema es la contaminación del aire domiciliario por el uso de cocinas con combustible de biomasa, donde la exposición excesiva a PM 2,5 dentro de las casas es responsable de aproximadamente 3000 muertes prematuras anuales entre adultos, con otro número desconocido de muertes entre niños debido a infecciones respiratorias. La contaminación del agua tiene como principales causas los desagües vertidos directamente a los ríos, minerales (arsénico) de varias fuentes, y fallas de las plantas de tratamiento. En el Perú, el cambio climático puede impactar en la frecuencia y severidad del fenómeno de El Niño oscilación del sur (ENSO) que se ha asociado con un incremento en los casos de enfermedades como cólera, malaria y dengue. El cambio climático incrementa la temperatura y puede extender las áreas afectadas por enfermedades transmitidas por vectores, además de tener efecto en la disponibilidad del agua y en la contaminación del aire. En conclusión, el Perú, pasa por una transición de factores de riesgo ambientales, donde coexisten riesgos tradicionales y modernos, y persisten los problemas infecciosos y crónicos, algunos de los cuales se asocian con problemas de contaminación de agua y de aire...
This article is a review of the pollution of water, air and the effect of climate change on the health of the Peruvian population. A major air pollutant is particulate matter less than 2.5 u (PM 2.5). In Lima, 2,300 premature deaths annually are attributable to this pollutant. Another problem is household air pollution by using stoves burning biomass fuels, where excessive indoor exposure to PM 2.5 inside the household is responsible for approximately 3,000 annual premature deaths among adults, with another unknown number of deaths among children due to respiratory infections. Water pollution is caused by sewage discharges into rivers, minerals (arsenic) from various sources, and failure of water treatment plants. In Peru, climate change may impact the frequency and severity of El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO), which has been associated with an increase in cases of diseases such as cholera, malaria and dengue. Climate change increases the temperature and can extend the areas affected by vector-borne diseases, have impact on the availability of water and contamination of the air. In conclusion, Peru is going through a transition of environmental risk factors, where traditional and modern risks coexist and infectious and chronic problems remain, some of which are associated with problems of pollution of water and air...
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Humanos , Mudança Climática , Poluição da Água , Poluição do Ar , PeruRESUMO
We investigated the effect of two extracts from Peruvian plants given alone or in a mixture on sperm count and glycemia in streptozotocin-diabetic mice. Normal or diabetic mice were divided in groups receiving vehicle, black maca (Lepidium meyenii), yacon (Smallanthus sonchifolius) or three mixtures of extracts black maca/yacon (90/10, 50/50 and 10/90%). Normal or diabetic mice were treated for 7 d with each extract, mixture or vehicle. Glycemia, daily sperm production (DSP), epididymal and vas deferens sperm counts in mice and polyphenol content, and antioxidant activity in each extract were assessed. Black maca (BM), yacon and the mixture of extracts reduced glucose levels in diabetic mice. Non-diabetic mice treated with BM and yacon showed higher DSP than those treated with vehicle (p < 0.05). Diabetic mice treated with BM, yacon and the mixture maca/yacon increased DSP, and sperm count in vas deferens and epididymis with respect to non-diabetic and diabetic mice treated with vehicle (p < 0.05). Yacon has 3.05 times higher polyphenol content than in maca, and this was associated with higher antioxidant activity. The combination of two extracts improved glycemic levels and male reproductive function in diabetic mice. Streptozotocin increased 1.43 times the liver weight that was reversed with the assessed plants extracts. In summary, streptozotocin-induced diabetes resulted in reduction in sperm counts and liver damage. These effects could be reduced with BM, yacon and the BM+yacon mixture.
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Asteraceae/química , Glicemia/efeitos dos fármacos , Diabetes Mellitus Experimental/fisiopatologia , Lepidium/química , Extratos Vegetais/farmacologia , Contagem de Espermatozoides , Animais , Antioxidantes/farmacologia , Diabetes Mellitus Experimental/sangue , Masculino , Camundongos , EstreptozocinaRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Skin exposure to ultraviolet (UV) B radiation leads to epidermal damage and generation of reactive oxygen species. The photoprotective effect of extracts of three varieties of leaves (red, yellow, and black) from maca (Lepidium meyenii), a plant from the Peruvian highlands, was assessed in mouse skin exposed to UVB radiation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The hydroalcoholic extracts of three varieties of maca leaves were applied topically to the dorsal skin of young-adult male mice prior to exposition to UVB radiation. RESULTS: The three varieties had UVA/UVB absorptive properties and presented antioxidant activity, being highest with red maca, followed by black and yellow maca. The three varieties of maca leaves prevented the development of sunburn cells, epidermal hyperplasia, leukocytic infiltration, and other alterations produced by UVB radiation. Mice treated with black maca showed the highest superoxide dismutase levels, and mice treated with black and yellow maca showed higher catalase levels in skin, whereas red maca protected the skin and liver against significant increases in the lipid peroxidation activity observed in the unprotected animals. CONCLUSION: The presence of significant antioxidant activity and the inhibition of lipid peroxidation suggest that the observed protection could be partly attributable to this mechanism.
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Epiderme/efeitos da radiação , Lepidium/química , Estresse Oxidativo/efeitos dos fármacos , Extratos Vegetais/farmacologia , Queimadura Solar/prevenção & controle , Raios Ultravioleta/efeitos adversos , Animais , Antioxidantes/metabolismo , Biópsia , Catalase/metabolismo , Epiderme/metabolismo , Epiderme/patologia , Lepidium/classificação , Peroxidação de Lipídeos/efeitos dos fármacos , Peroxidação de Lipídeos/efeitos da radiação , Fígado/metabolismo , Masculino , Camundongos , Estresse Oxidativo/efeitos da radiação , Fitoterapia/métodos , Folhas de Planta/química , Queimadura Solar/metabolismo , Queimadura Solar/patologia , Superóxido Dismutase/metabolismoRESUMO
Chronic mountain sickness (CMS), a lack of adaptation to altitude characterized by excessive erythrocytosis (EE), is a health problem associated with life at high altitude. The erythropoietic process is regulated by both erythropoietin and testosterone. Zinc (Zn) is known to be related with testosterone and hemoglobin levels; meanwhile, nitric oxide was also associated with adaptation to high altitude. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship of hemoglobin and CMS score with serum levels of zinc, total testosterone (TT), calculated free testosterone (cFT), bioavailable testosterone (BAT), hemoglobin, and nitric oxide in men at high altitude with or without EE. Men residing in Lima (150 m) and Cerro de Pasco (4,340 m), Peru, were divided into three groups: (1) low altitude, (2) high altitude without EE (hemoglobin < 21 g/dl), and (3) high altitude with EE (hemoglobin ≥ 21 g/dl). Adjusted multivariable regression models showed that serum testosterone (total or free) and Zn levels were independently correlated with increased hemoglobin levels. Similarly, hemoglobin was positively related with signs/symptoms of CMS; however, both increased the serum Zn and the nitric oxide levels correlated with reduced risk for signs/symptoms of CMS. In conclusion, higher serum testosterone levels and Zn levels were associated with EE, and low scores of signs/symptoms of CMS were associated with higher Zn and nitric oxide levels.
Assuntos
Doença da Altitude/sangue , Policitemia/sangue , Testosterona/sangue , Zinco/sangue , Adaptação Fisiológica , Adulto , Doença da Altitude/complicações , Doença da Altitude/fisiopatologia , Doença Crônica , Hemoglobinas/fisiologia , Humanos , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Óxido Nítrico/sangue , Policitemia/complicações , Policitemia/fisiopatologiaRESUMO
Chronic mountain sickness (CMS) is characterized by excessive erythrocytosis (EE) secondary to hypoventilation. Erythropoietin (Epo) and testosterone regulate erythrocyte production. Low thyroid hormone levels are also associated to hypoventilation. Hence, these hormones can play a role in etiopathogeny of EE. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the effect of sexual and thyroid hormones and Epo in residents from Lima (150 m) and Cerro de Pasco (4,340 m), Peru, and the response to human chorionic gonadotrophin stimulation (hCG). Three groups, one at low altitude and two at high altitude [1 with hemoglobin values >16-21 g/dl and the second with Hb >or=21 g/dl (EE)], were studied. hCG was administered intramuscularly in a single dose (1,000 IU), and blood samples were obtained at 0, 6, 12, 24, 48, and 72 h after injection. High-altitude natives present similar levels of gonadotropins and thyroid hormones but lower dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEAS) levels (P < 0.01) and greater Epo (P < 0.01), 17alpha-hydroxyprogesterone (P < 0.01), and testosterone levels (P < 0.01) than those at 150 m. Serum testosterone levels (524.13 +/- 55.91 microg/dl vs. 328.14 +/- 53.23 ng/dl, means +/- SE; P < 0.05) and testosterone/DHEAS ratios are higher (7.98 +/- 1.1 vs. 3.65 +/- 1.1; P < 0.01) and DHEAS levels lower in the EE group (83.85 +/- 14.60 microg/dl vs. 148.95 +/- 19.11 ug/dl; P < 0.05), whereas Epo was not further affected. Testosterone levels were highest and DHEAS levels lowest in the EE group at all times after hCG stimulation. In conclusion, high androgen activity could be involved in the etiopathogeny of CMS. This evidence provides an opportunity to develop new therapeutic strategies.
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Doença da Altitude/etiologia , Doença da Altitude/metabolismo , Eritrócitos/metabolismo , Policitemia/etiologia , Policitemia/metabolismo , Testosterona/sangue , 17-alfa-Hidroxiprogesterona/sangue , Adulto , Idoso , Altitude , Doença Crônica , Sulfato de Desidroepiandrosterona/sangue , Eritrócitos/citologia , Eritropoetina/sangue , Estradiol/sangue , Hematócrito , Hemoglobinas/metabolismo , Humanos , Masculino , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , PeruRESUMO
Maca, a plant native to the Peruvian highlands, contains (1R,3S)-1-methyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-beta-carboline-3-carboxylic acid (MTCA). The family of the tetrahydro-beta-carbolines has been associated with both biologically helpful and harmful compounds. We present evidence that MTCA is a natural constituent of Maca, and on consumption no toxicity is found. This suggests that, when consumed as multi-component, MTCA may loose its adversity as drug action.
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This review summarizes the current state of knowledge on Lepidium meyenii (maca), a cruciferous plant (Brassicaceae family) which is cultivated exclusively at an altitude of 4,000-4,500 m in the Peruvian Central Andes. Maca is traditionally used for its nutritional and presumed medicinal properties. Over the past 20 years, interest in maca has increased in many parts of the world, and since 2005 maca is considered one of the seven Peruvian flag products. Maca is exported as powder, capsules, pills, flour, liquor, and extracts. There are different types of maca with differ-ent colors ranging from white to black. We have studied the pharmacological effects of 3 types; yellow, black, and red maca. Evidence from experimental studies indicates effects of maca on nutrition, fertility, memory, and mood. Black maca has better effects on sperm production than yellow maca which has only moderate effects. Red maca, however, has no effect on sperm production. However, red maca has been shown to reduce prostate size in rats in which prostate hyperplasia had been induced with testosterone enanthate; yellow maca has shown moderate effects here, whereas black maca has not shown any effects. Randomized clinical trials have shown that maca has favorable effects on energy and mood, may decrease anxiety and improve sexual desire. Maca has also been shown to improve sperm production, sperm motility, and semen volume. Serum levels of testosterone, estradiol, LH, FSH, and prolactin were not affected. The exact mechanisms of action are still unclear, but so far research clearly indicates that various bioactive constituents contribute to the clinical effects reported.
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Lepidium/química , Medicina Tradicional , Afeto/efeitos dos fármacos , Animais , Ensaios Clínicos como Assunto , Fármacos para a Fertilidade Masculina/farmacologia , História do Século XVI , História do Século XVIII , História do Século XX , História Antiga , Humanos , Masculino , Medicina Tradicional/história , Memória/efeitos dos fármacos , Valor Nutritivo , Peru , Extratos Vegetais/farmacologia , Espermatozoides/efeitos dos fármacosRESUMO
La pubertad es un periodo de transición entre la niñez y la vida adulta, y se encuentra determinada a través del patrón de secreción de la hormona liberadora de gonadotropina (GnRH). Existen diversos estímulos que activan o inhiben la secreción de GnRH durante el periodo puberal, y la ausencia de alguno de ellos pueden llevar a diversas patologías en las cuales se puede adelantar o retrasar la pubertad. El objetivo de la presente revisión es señalar como se activa y se desactiva el patrón de secreción de la GnRH y mostrar la función del receptor GPR54 y su ligando, el kisppeptin en la activación de la GnRH para dar inicio a la pubertad.
Puberty is a transition period between childhood and adulthood, and is determindes throghout the secretion pattern of the gpnadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH)There are different stimuli that activate o inhibit the GnRH's secretion during the puberal period, and the absence of one of them they can lead to different pathology in which there is an early onset of puberty or puberty or the delay of it. The aim of the this review is to show how the secretion pattern of GnRH is activated or deactivated an to explain the function of the GPR54 receptor and its ligand, the kisspeptin in the activation of the GnRH To initiate puberty.
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Masculino , Feminino , Humanos , Criança , Adolescente , Hormônio Liberador de Gonadotropina , Maturidade Sexual , PuberdadeRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Lepidium meyenii (maca) is a plant that grows exclusively in the Peruvian Central Andes, where ultraviolet radiation (UVR) is predominant. OBJECTIVE: Determine if two extracts of maca can provide dermal protection against UVR. METHODS: We have administered two maca extracts (0.13 mg/ml), one obtained after boiling and the other without boiling, on the dorsal surface of male Holtzman rats exposed to UVC radiation once a week during 3 consecutive weeks. A dose-response effect of an aqueous extract of maca after a boiling process under exposure of rats to UVA, UVB, or UVC was also studied. A commercial sunscreen was used as a positive control. RESULTS: UVR caused significant increase in skin epidermal thickness. The epidermal height in animals treated with maca was similar to those who did not receive UVR. The aqueous extract of maca after a boiling process had better effect than maca extract without a boiling process. A dose-response effect was observed with increasing doses of aqueous extract of maca after a boiling process. Maca extract had benzyl glucosinolates and polyphenols. CONCLUSIONS: Maca extracts protect the skin of rats against UV irradiations and can be suggested as an alternative means of solar protection.
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Lepidium , Fitoterapia , Extratos Vegetais/farmacologia , Pele/efeitos dos fármacos , Protetores Solares/farmacologia , Administração Cutânea , Animais , Relação Dose-Resposta a Droga , Hipocótilo , Masculino , Medicina Tradicional , Peru , Extratos Vegetais/administração & dosagem , Extratos Vegetais/uso terapêutico , Ratos , Ratos Sprague-Dawley , Pele/efeitos da radiação , Queimadura Solar/prevenção & controle , Protetores Solares/administração & dosagem , Protetores Solares/uso terapêutico , Raios UltravioletaRESUMO
OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of combined therapy of letrozole (2.5 mg or 5.0 mg) with recombinant follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) in comparison with the administration of recombinant FSH alone in an intrauterine insemination (IUI) program. DESIGN: Retrospective study. SETTING: Assisted fertilization program in a specialized infertility center. PATIENT(S): 110 women undergoing IUI and gonadotropin therapy. INTERVENTION(S): Recombinant FSH alone administered from day 3 or combined with letrozole, 2.5 or 5.0 mg/day, on days 3 to 7, and gonadotropins starting on day 7 of the menstrual cycle. Transvaginal ultrasound examinations were done until the dominant follicle reached 18 mm in diameter. Ovulation was triggered with 10,000 IU of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), and IUI performed 30 to 40 hours later. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Recombinant FSH dose required, number of follicles greater than 14 mm and 18 mm, endometrial thickness, pregnancy rates, miscarriages, and characteristics of newborns. RESULT(S): Women treated with FSH and 5.0 mg/day of letrozole required a lower dose of FSH than the group cotreated with 2.5 mg/day of letrozole or with FSH alone. Throughout most of the follicular phase, the endometrial thickness was statistically significantly less in both letrozole cotreatment groups compared with the FSH control group. By the day of hCG administration, the endometrial thickness was comparable among all the groups. The pregnancy rates were the same with recombinant FSH alone or combined with letrozole. CONCLUSION(S): In terms of cost-effectiveness, 5.0 mg/day of letrozole is more effective than the 2.5 mg/day in cotreatment with no adverse effect on pregnancy rate or outcome.
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Inibidores da Aromatase/administração & dosagem , Fármacos para a Fertilidade Feminina/administração & dosagem , Hormônio Foliculoestimulante/administração & dosagem , Infertilidade/terapia , Inseminação Artificial , Nitrilas/administração & dosagem , Indução da Ovulação , Ovulação/efeitos dos fármacos , Triazóis/administração & dosagem , Aborto Espontâneo/etiologia , Adulto , Inibidores da Aromatase/efeitos adversos , Inibidores da Aromatase/economia , Gonadotropina Coriônica/administração & dosagem , Análise Custo-Benefício , Esquema de Medicação , Custos de Medicamentos , Quimioterapia Combinada , Endométrio/diagnóstico por imagem , Endométrio/efeitos dos fármacos , Feminino , Fármacos para a Fertilidade Feminina/efeitos adversos , Fármacos para a Fertilidade Feminina/economia , Humanos , Inseminação Artificial/economia , Letrozol , Nascido Vivo , Nitrilas/efeitos adversos , Nitrilas/economia , Indução da Ovulação/economia , Gravidez , Taxa de Gravidez , Gravidez Múltipla , Proteínas Recombinantes/administração & dosagem , Estudos Retrospectivos , Resultado do Tratamento , Triazóis/efeitos adversos , Triazóis/economia , UltrassonografiaRESUMO
El cáncer es una importante causa de mortalidad a nivel mundial y el número de personas que se ven afectadas por esta condición va en aumento. Se sabe que las células cancerígenas tienen una mayor actividad de la vía glicolítica respecto a las células normales, y esto se debe a una sobre expresión de los genes que codifican las enzimas que intervienen en esta ruta metabólica. Se ha visto que este metabolismo aberrante permite a las células cancerígenas cumplir su objetivo: proliferar velozmente y a su vez tener una fuente constante de energía. De esta manera se tiene una ventaja significativa con respecto a las células de los tejidos sanos. A pesar de que es ampliamente aceptada la importancia funcional de la glicólisis en el cáncer poco se conoce acerca de la influencia de la expresión genética en las elevadas tasas de esta ruta metabólica. En esta revisión se trata de recopilar los datos que sustenten el hecho de que existe una sobre expresión de los genes que codifican las enzimas de la vía glicolítica en células cancerígenas, determinar cuáles son estas enzimas y describir algunas de las técnicas empleadas en el estudio de la sobre expresión génica.
Cancer is an important cause of mortality worldwide and the number of people who are affected by it is increasing. It is known that cancer cells have greater glycolytic activity compared to normal cells. This is due to overexpression of genes which codify enzymes involved in this metabolic pathway. This aberrant metabolism allows cancer cells to proliferate quickly while using a constant source of energy. Through this, cancer cells have a significant advantage over normal tissue cells. The functional importance of glycolysis in cancer is widely accepted, but little is known about the influence of gene expression of this metabolic pathway working at high rates. In this review we compile information on the overexpression of genes codifying glycolytic pathway enzymes in cancer cells, determine which are the enzymes involved and describe some of the techniques applied in the study of gene overexpression.