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Malva parviflora has shown anti-inflammatory, antihypertensive, antihyperlipidemic, and hypoglycemic effects. This study is aimed to evaluate the anti-adipogenic effect of M. parviflora on 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Fibroblast differentiation was induced either in the absence or presence of M. parviflora fractions (F3, F4, F7, F12, F13, F17, F18 and F19) for 4 days; F17 and 18 were the most effective fractions in reducing intracellular lipid accumulation (by 25.6% and 23.1%, respectively). EC50 of F17 and F18 (14 µg/mL and 17 µg/mL, respectively) were used to evaluate their anti adipogenic effect. After 10 days of inducing differentiation in the absence or presence of the extracts at the EC50 of F17 and F18, lipid accumulation, the concentration of interleukin 6 (IL-6) were measured in the culture medium; the presence of PPAR-γ, AKT, and p-AKT was also determined. In differentiated adipocytes (C2), F17 maintained intracellular lipid concentration at levels comparable to metformin, while decreasing PPAR-γ and increasing p-AKT presence; it also prevented IL-6 expression. F17 consists of alanine, valine, phenylalanine, and proline. On the other hand, F18 reduced intracellular lipid concentrations, prevented the increase of PPAR-γ and p-AKT, and maintained IL-6 expression at similar levels as metformin. F18 is mainly constituted by alanine, valine, proline, and sucrose. In conclusion, M. parviflora fractions (F17 and F18) control the process of adipogenesis, lipogenesis, and cellular dysfunction.

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Background and Objectives: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is associated with obesity and ranges from simple steatosis to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Accumulating evidence in animal models suggests that loss of interleukin-10 (IL-10) anti-inflammatory actions might contribute to lobular inflammation, considered one of the first steps toward NASH development. However, the role of IL-10 in lobular inflammation remains poorly explored in humans. We examined mRNA and protein levels of IL-10 in liver biopsies and serum samples from morbidly obese patients, investigating the relationship between IL-10 and lobular inflammation degree. Materials and Methods: We prospectively enrolled morbidly obese patients of both sexes, assessing the lobular inflammation grade by the Brunt scoring system to categorize participants into mild (n = 7), moderate (n = 19), or severe (n = 13) lobular inflammation groups. We quantified the hepatic mRNA expression of IL-10 by quantitative polymerase chain reaction and protein IL-10 levels in liver and serum samples by Luminex Assay. We estimated statistical differences by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey's multiple comparison test. Results: The hepatic expression of IL-10 significantly diminished in patients with severe lobular inflammation compared with the moderate lobular inflammation group (p = 0.01). The hepatic IL-10 protein levels decreased in patients with moderate or severe lobular inflammation compared with the mild lobular inflammation group (p = 0.008 and p = 0.0008, respectively). In circulation, IL-10 also significantly decreased in subjects with moderate or severe lobular inflammation compared with the mild lobular inflammation group (p = 0.005 and p < 0.0001, respectively). Conclusions: In liver biopsies and serum samples of morbidly obese patients, the protein levels of IL-10 progressively decrease as lobular inflammation increases, supporting the hypothesis that lobular inflammation develops because of the loss of the IL-10-mediated anti-inflammatory counterbalance.

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It is a well-evidenced fact that diet significantly impacts type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) prevention and management. However, dietary responses vary among different populations, necessitating personalized recommendations. Substantial evidence supports the role of diet in T2DM remission, particularly low-energy or low-carbohydrate diets that facilitate weight loss, enhance glycemic control, and achieve remission. This review aims to comprehensively analyze and compare personalized nutritional interventions with non-personalized approaches in T2DM remission. We conducted a literature search using the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics guidelines, focusing on clinical and observational trials published within the past decade. We present the strengths and drawbacks of incorporating personalized nutrition into practice, along with the areas for research in implementing personalized interventions, such as cost-effectiveness and accessibility. The findings reveal consistently higher diabetes remission rates in personalized nutrition studies compared to non-personalized interventions.

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Insulin secretion and GLUT4 expression are two critical events in glucose regulation. The receptors G-protein-coupled receptor 40 (GPR40) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPARγ) modulate these processes, and they represent potential therapeutic targets for new antidiabetic agent's design. Cucurbita ficifolia fruit is used in traditional medicine for diabetes control. Previous studies demonstrated several effects: a hypoglycemic effect mediated by an insulin secretagogue action, antihyperglycemic effect, and promoting liver glycogen storage. Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects were also reported. Moreover, some of its phytochemicals have been described, including d-chiro-inositol. However, to understand these effects integrally, other active principles should be investigated. The aim was to perform a chemical fractionation guided by bioassay to isolate and identify other compounds from C. ficifolia fruit that explain its hypoglycemic action as insulin secretagogue, its antihyperglycemic effect by PPARγ activation, and on liver glycogen storage. Three different preparations of C. ficifolia were tested in vivo. Ethyl acetate fraction derived from aqueous extract showed antihyperglycemic effect in an oral glucose tolerance test and was further fractioned. The insulin secretagogue action was tested in RINm5F cells. For the PPARγ activation, C2C12 myocytes were treated with the fractions, and GLUT4 mRNA expression was measured. Chemical fractionation resulted in the isolation and identification of ß-sitosterol and 4-hydroxybenzoic acid (4-HBA), which increased insulin secretion, GLUT4, PPARγ, and adiponectin mRNA expression, in addition to an increase in glycogen storage. 4-HBA exhibited an antihyperglycemic effect, while ß-sitosterol showed hypoglycemic effect, confirming the wide antidiabetic related results we found in our in vitro models. An in silico study revealed that 4-HBA and ß-sitosterol have potential as dual agonists on PPARγ and GPR40 receptors. Both compounds should be considered in the development of new antidiabetic drug development.

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Mango is one of the most popular and nutritious fruits in the world and Mexico is the world's largest exporter. There are many diseases that directly affect fruit yield and quality. During the period 2016-2017, leaves with grey leaf spots were collected from 28 commercial mango orchards distributed in two main production areas in Sinaloa State of Mexico, and 50 Neopestalotiopsis isolates were obtained. Fungal identification of 20 representative isolates was performed using morphological characterization and phylogenetic analysis based on the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of ribosomal DNA, part of the translation elongation factor 1-alpha (TEF) and the ß-tubulin (TUB) genes. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that the 20 isolates from this study formed four consistent groups, however, overall tree topologies do not consistently provide a stable and sufficient resolution. Therefore, even though morphological and phylogenetic separation is evident, these isolates were not assigned to any new taxa and were tentatively placed into four clades (clades A-D). Pathogenicity tests on detached mango leaves of cv. Kent showed that the 20 isolates that belong to the four Neopestalotiopsis clades from this study and induce lesions on mango leaves. This is the first report of species of Neopestalotiopsis causing mango grey leaf spot disease in Mexico.

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OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to explore the diversity of paternal lineages in Jujuy province (Argentina) by analyzing Y chromosome markers. Furthermore, we examined among-population genetic variability based both on paternally (NRY haplotypes) and maternally (mtDNA haplogroups) inherited markers. We sought to evaluate the impact of sex-biased gene flow on genetic background in Jujuy, and contribute data on the microevolutionary forces acting in this zone. METHODS: DNA from 149 males from five Jujuy regions were analyzed for 12 non-recombining Y (NRY) markers. Genetic heterogeneity among Jujuy regions was evaluated through population differentiation tests. To identify potential genetic boundaries in Jujuy, analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) and the Monmonier's algorithm implemented in the Barrier v2.2 software were employed. RESULTS: A clear divergence between Jujuy highlands and lowlands for NRY haplotypes was found. A marked discrepancy between genetic structuring for paternal lineages and the lack of geographical pattern for mitogenomes was confirmed by all statistical analyses. CONCLUSIONS: Genetic structuring of paternal lineages is most likely caused by admixture processes that have occurred since colonial times in the Jujuy lowlands. Immigrants were predominantly male that settled in the lower altitude zones, due to the steep orography of the region. Input of allochthonous male lineages because of gene flow toward the lowlands would have increased diversity of NRY markers, thus compensating for drift effects. Likewise, limited input of allochthonous mitogenomes would have promoted genetic drift, a key factor in the shaping of diversity of maternal lineages across Jujuy subpopulations, irrespective of altitude.

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A series of eight new 5-aryl-benzo[f][1,7]naphthyridines were synthesized in 17 to 64% overall yields via an improved MW-assisted cascade-like one pot process (Ugi⁻three component reaction/intramolecular aza-Diels-Alder cycloaddition) coupled to an aromatization process from tri-functional dienophile-containing ester-anilines, substituted benzaldehydes and the chain-ring tautomerizable 2-isocyano-1-morpholino-3-phenylpropan-1-one as starting reagents, under mild conditions. The doubly activated dienophile and the aza-diene functionalities of the eight new Ugi-adducts were exploited to perform an in situ aza-Diels-Alder cycloaddition/aromatization (dehydration/oxidation) process, toward the complex polysubstituted 5-aryl-polyheterocycles, which could be taken as starting point for further SAR studies because the benzo[f][1,7]naphthyridine is the core of various bioactive products. It is relevant to emphasize that the synthesis or isolation of benzo[f][1,7]naphthyridines containing a substituted aromatic ring in the C-5 position, has not been published before.

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Notwithstanding the general interest and the geopolitical importance of the island countries in the Greater Antilles, little is known about the specific ancestral Native American and African populations that settled them. In an effort to alleviate this lacuna of information on the genetic constituents of the Greater Antilles, we comprehensively compared the mtDNA compositions of Cuba, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Jamaica and Puerto Rico. To accomplish this, the mtDNA HVRI and HVRII regions, as well as coding diagnostic sites, were assessed in the Haitian general population and compared to data from reference populations. The Taino maternal DNA is prominent in the ex-Spanish colonies (61.3%-22.0%) while it is basically non-existent in the ex-French and ex-English colonies of Haiti (0.0%) and Jamaica (0.5%), respectively. The most abundant Native American mtDNA haplogroups in the Greater Antilles are A2, B2 and C1. The African mtDNA component is almost fixed in Haiti (98.2%) and Jamaica (98.5%), and the frequencies of specific African haplogroups vary considerably among the five island nations. The strong persistence of Taino mtDNA in the ex-Spanish colonies (and especially in Puerto Rico), and its absence in the French and English excolonies is likely the result of different social norms regarding mixed marriages with Taino women during the early years after the first contact with Europeans. In addition, this article reports on the results of an integrative approach based on mtDNA analysis and demographic data that tests the hypothesis of a southward shift in raiding zones along the African west coast during the period encompassing the Transatlantic Slave Trade.

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GM crops are the most studied crops in history. Approximately 5% of the safety studies on them show adverse effects that are a cause for concern and tend to be featured in media reports. Although these reports are based on just a handful of GM events, they are used to cast doubt on all GM crops. Furthermore, they tend to come from just a few laboratories and are published in less important journals. Importantly, a close examination of these reports invariably shows methodological flaws that invalidate any conclusions of adverse effects. Twenty years after commercial cultivation of GM crops began, a bona fide report of an adverse health effect due to a commercialized modification in a crop has yet to be reported.

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Binuclear complexes with general formula [Ln2(hfac)6(H2O)2(dppnTEMPO)] (LnIII = Gd, Tb, and Dy) have been obtained using the paramagnetic ligand 1-piperidinyl-4-[(diphenylphosphinyl)amino]-2,2,6,6-tetramethyl (dppnTEMPO) as a bridge. One of the lanthanide ions is ferromagnetically coupled with the TEMPO moiety. Two of the complexes (Dy and Tb) show slow relaxation of the magnetization, and the non-magneto-equivalence of the two LnIII ions was clearly observed. The ab initio CASSCF calculations were employed to confirm this behavior, as well as to rationalize the Ln-Rad interaction. The simulations of the magnetic properties were allowed by the insights given by the calculations. The inequivalence of the TbIII ions was also proved by emission spectroscopy.

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Agricultural biotechnology and genetically modified (GM) crops are effective tools to substantially increase productivity, quality, and environmental sustainability in agricultural farming. Furthermore, they may contribute to improving the nutritional content of crops, addressing needs related to public health. Chile has become one of the most important global players for GM seed production for counter-season markets and research purposes. It has a comprehensive regulatory framework to carry out this activity, while at the same time there are numerous regulations from different agencies addressing several aspects related to GM crops. Despite imports of GM food/feed or ingredients for the food industry being allowed without restrictions, Chilean farmers are not using GM seeds for farming purposes because of a lack of clear guidelines. Chile is in a rather contradictory situation about GM crops. The country has invested considerable resources to fund research and development on GM crops, but the lack of clarity in the current regulatory situation precludes the use of such research to develop new products for Chilean farmers. Meanwhile, a larger scientific capacity regarding GM crop research continues to build up in the country. The present study maps and analyses the current regulatory environment for research and production of GM crops in Chile, providing an updated overview of the current status of GM seeds production, research and regulatory issues.

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This study explores potential signals of microdifferentiation in the gene pool of three high-altitude populations from Jujuy province in northwest Argentina using highly polymorphic markers. These human communities are characterized by extreme living conditions and very low population densities owing to considerable height above sea level and steep orography. A set of autosomal short tandem repeats (STRs) located at chromosome 6 (6p21.3) was typed in samples from Quebrada Baja (∼2,500 m), Quebrada Alta (∼3,300 m), and Puna (> 3,500 m). Genetic diversity was estimated through the observed and expected heterozygosities and the haplotype diversity. Analyses of the molecular variance (AMOVAs) and population differentiation tests based on allele and haplotype frequencies were performed to assess genetic heterogeneity among subgroups. No deviation from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium was detected in any subpopulation, yet significant departures were detected in the analysis considering the whole area (D6S2792 and D6S105 loci). Overall, genetic diversity showed a decreasing trend as the altitude increased. Thus, allele and haplotype frequencies showed the most significant differences between Puna and Quebrada Baja, the populations sited at the edges of the altitude range. The trend toward reduction of heterozygosity with altitude is compatible with historical patterns of colonization, interregional migration trends, population density, and genetic admixture. The main consequence of the complex mountainous landscape of Jujuy would be an imbalance in the interplay of gene flow and genetic drift, favoring the latter. The combined effect of restricted gene flow and intense genetic drift would have promoted local genetic differentiation between the Jujuy highland subpopulations, leading to spatial patterning of the allele frequencies not entirely attributable to geographic distance. Our findings corroborate the effectiveness of STRs to identify microevolutionary changes.

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The potential impact of genetically modified (GM) crops on biodiversity is one of the main concerns in an environmental risk assessment (ERA). The likelihood of outcrossing and pollen-mediated gene flow from GM crops and non-GM crops are explained by the same principles and depend primarily on the biology of the species. We conducted a national-scale study of the likelihood of outcrossing between 11 GM crops and vascular plants in Chile by use of a systematized database that included cultivated, introduced and native plant species in Chile. The database included geographical distributions and key biological and agronomical characteristics for 3505 introduced, 4993 native and 257 cultivated (of which 11 were native and 246 were introduced) plant species. Out of the considered GM crops (cotton, soya bean, maize, grape, wheat, rice, sugar beet, alfalfa, canola, tomato and potato), only potato and tomato presented native relatives (66 species total). Introduced relative species showed that three GM groups were formed having: a) up to one introduced relative (cotton and soya bean), b) up to two (rice, grape, maize and wheat) and c) from two to seven (sugar beet, alfalfa, canola, tomato and potato). In particular, GM crops presenting introduced noncultivated relative species were canola (1 relative species), alfalfa (up to 4), rice (1), tomato (up to 2) and potato (up to 2). The outcrossing potential between species [OP; scaled from 'very low' (1) to 'very high' (5)] was developed, showing medium OPs (3) for GM-native relative interactions when they occurred, low (2) for GMs and introduced noncultivated and high (4) for the grape-Vitis vinifera GM-introduced cultivated interaction. This analytical tool might be useful for future ERA for unconfined GM crop release in Chile.

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The entrapping of physicochemical active molecules inside mesoporous networks is an appealing field of research due to the myriad of potential applications in optics, photocatalysis, chemical sensing, and medicine. One of the most important reasons for this success is the possibility of optimizing the properties that a free active species displays in solution but now trapped inside a solid substrate. Additionally it is possible to modulate the textural characteristics of substrates, such as pore size, specific surface area, polarity and chemical affinity of the surface, toward the physical or chemical adhesion of a variety of adsorbates. In the present document, two kinds of non-silicon metal alkoxides, Zr and Ti, are employed to prepare xerogels containing entrapped tetrapyrrolic species that could be inserted beforehand in analogue silica systems. The main goal is to develop efficient methods for trapping or binding tetrapyrrole macrocycles inside TiO2 and ZrO2 xerogels, while comparing the properties of these systems against those of the SiO2 analogues. Once the optimal synthesis conditions for obtaining translucent monolithic xerogels of ZrO2 and TiO2 networks were determined, it was confirmed that these substrates allowed the entrapment, in monomeric form, of macrocycles that commonly appear as aggregates within the SiO2 network. From these experiments, it could be determined that the average pore diameters, specific surface areas, and water sorption capacities depicted by each one of these substrates, are a consequence of their own nature combined with the particular structure of the entrapped tetrapyrrole macrocycle. Furthermore, the establishment of covalent bonds between the intruding species and the pore walls leads to the obtainment of very similar pore sizes in the three different metal oxide (Ti, Zr, and Si) substrates as a consequence of the templating effect of the encapsulated species.

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Prunus serotina (black cherry), commonly known in Mexico as capulín, is used in Mexican traditional medicine for the treatment of cardiovascular, respiratory, and gastrointestinal diseases. Particularly, P. serotina seeds, consumed in Mexico as snacks, are used for treating cough. In the present study, nutritional and volatile analyses of black cherry seeds were carried out to determine their nutraceutical potential. Proximate analysis indicated that P. serotina raw and toasted seeds contain mostly fat, followed by protein, fiber, carbohydrates, and ash. The potassium content in black cherry raw and toasted seeds is high, and their protein digestibility-corrected amino acid scores suggest that they might represent a complementary source of proteins. Solid phase microextraction and gas chromatography/flame ionization detection/mass spectrometry analysis allowed identification of 59 and 99 volatile compounds in the raw and toasted seeds, respectively. The major volatile compounds identified in raw and toasted seeds were 2,3-butanediol and benzaldehyde, which contribute to the flavor and odor of the toasted seeds. Moreover, it has been previously demonstrated that benzaldehyde possesses a significant vasodilator effect, therefore, the presence of this compound along with oleic, linoleic, and α-eleostearic fatty acids indicate that black cherry seeds consumption might have beneficial effects on the cardiovascular system.

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In the present work we describe the synthesis, crystal structures and magnetic properties of four coordination compounds obtained by assembling a new phosphinic amide containing the TEMPO moiety, 1-piperidinyloxy-4-[(diphenylphosphinyl)amino]-2,2,6,6-tetramethyl radical (dppnTEMPO), with [M(hfac)2] building blocks (M = Cu(II), Co(II), Mn(II)). The crystal structures of the coordination compounds revealed the usefulness of the functionalized radical to provide discrete or extended architectures. In the copper compound () the ligand is coordinated through the oxygen atom of the NP[double bond, length as m-dash]O linkage to the metal, which exists in a square pyramidal or octahedral geometry. For the cobalt and manganese complexes (), both the phosphinic amide and the nitroxide oxygen atoms are involved in the coordination to the metal leading to one dimensional systems. In the cobalt complex () an interesting spin topology in the zig-zag chain was obtained due to the oxygen atom of the phosphinic amide group being µ2 coordinated to two cobalt(ii) ions. The magnetic behaviour of the coordination compounds shows overall antiferromagnetic interactions involving the metal ion and the organic radical. DFT calculations were performed in order to assign the main path for the magnetic interactions.

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A sol-gel methodology has been duly developed in order to perform a controlled covalent coupling of tetrapyrrole macrocycles (e.g., porphyrins, phthalocyanines, naphthalocyanines, chlorophyll, etc.) to the pores of metal oxide networks. The resulting absorption and emission spectra intensities in the UV-VIS-NIR range have been found to depend on the polarity existing inside the pores of the network; in turn, this polarization can be tuned through the attachment of organic substituents to the tetrapyrrrole macrocycles before bonding them to the pore network. The paper shows clear evidence of the real possibility of maximizing fluorescence emissions from metal-free bases of substituted tetraphenylporphyrins, especially when these molecules are bonded to the walls of functionalized silica surfaces via the attachment of alkyl or aryl groups arising from the addition of organo-modified alkoxides.

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The antidiarrheal effects of chloroform, methanol, and aqueous extracts of Bidens odorata Cav. were investigated at doses of 200 mg/kg on castor-oil-induced diarrhea. The chloroform extract of B. odorata (CBO) reduced diarrhea by 72.72%. The effect of CBO was evaluated on mice with diarrhea induced by castor oil, MgSO4, arachidonic acid, or prostaglandin E2. CBO inhibited the contraction induced by carbachol chloride on ileum (100 µg/mL) and intestinal transit (200 mg/kg) in Wistar rats. The active fraction of CBO (F4) at doses of 100 mg/kg inhibited the diarrhea induced by castor oil (90.1%) or arachidonic acid (72.9%) but did not inhibit the diarrhea induced by PGE2. The active fraction of F4 (FR5) only was tested on diarrhea induced with castor oil and inhibited this diarrhea by 92.1%. The compositions of F4 and FR5 were determined by GC-MS, and oleic, palmitic, linoleic, and stearic acids were found. F4 and a mixture of the four fatty acids inhibited diarrhea at doses of 100 mg/kg (90.1% and 70.6%, resp.). The results of this study show that B. odorata has antidiarrheal effects, as is claimed by folk medicine, and could possibly be used for the production of a phytomedicine.

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microRNAs are small non-coding RNAs of ~22 nucleotides that function at post-transcriptional level as negative regulators of gene expression. Aberrant expression of microRNAs could promote uncontrolled proliferation, migration and invasion of human cancer cells. In this study, we analyzed the expression of microRNA-18b (miR-18b) in breast cancer cell lines and in a set of clinical specimens. Our results showed that miR-18b was upregulated in four out of five breast cancer cell lines and also in breast tumors. In order to identify potential gene targets, we carried out transcriptional profiling of MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells that ectopically expressed miR-18b. Our results showed that 263 genes were significantly modulated in miR-18b-deficient cells (fold change >1.5; P≤0.05). We found that knock-down of miR-18b induced the upregulation of 55 olfactory receptor (OR) genes and nine genes (NLRP7, KLK3, OLFM3, POSTN, MAGED4B, KIR3DL3, CRX, SEMG1 and CEACAM5) with key roles in cell migration and metastasis. Consistently, we found that ectopic inhibition of miR-18b suppressed the migration of two breast cancer cell models in vitro. In conclusion, we have uncovered genes directly or indirectly modulated by miR-18b which may represent potential therapeutic targets in breast cancer. Our data also pointed out a role of miR-18b in migration of breast cancer cells.

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