RESUMO

Chilean papaya is grown in Central Chile and is considered to be an important source of fiber, sugars, and antioxidants. The effect of different vacuum drying temperatures (40, 50, 60, 70, and 80 °C) on the composition of papaya pulp was evaluated. The inhibitory effect of papaya extracts on α-glucosidase activity, as a regulator of blood sugar, was also evaluated. Drying reduced water activity of the pulp to less than 0.6, thereby, assuring the product stability, while maintaining simple sugars, vitamin C, and total flavonoids. Total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity by DPPH assay increased with respect to the fresh pulp by 1.5 and 2.6 times, respectively. The inhibitory effect of papaya extracts on α-glucosidase was evaluated by determining the IC50 for each sample and the acarbose equivalents. The results indicate the suitability of the dried extract of Chilean papaya as a regulator of glucose metabolism in Type II diabetes patients.

RESUMO

Plant heat stress transcription factors (HSFs) are involved in the response to heat. In Arabidopsis thaliana the HSFs genes are completely identified, however there was no information available about these genes in Vasconcellea pubescens (Chamburo) until now. In this preliminary work we describe the VPHSFB1 gene of V. pubescens (gene expression evaluated by RT-PCR and the partial sequence) that was induced by the increment of temperature. From our results, VPHSFB1 could be used as a heat response marker gene in tropical species.

Los factores de transcripción del estrés por calor en plantas (HSFs) están involucrados en la respuesta al calor. En Arabidopsis thaliana los genes HSFs están completamente identificados, sin embargo no había información disponible sobre estos genes en Vasconcellea pubescens (Chamburo) hasta ahora. En este trabajo preliminar describimos el gen VPHSFB1 de V. pubescens (expresión génica evaluada por RT-PCR y la secuencia parcial) que fue inducido por el incremento de temperatura. A partir de nuestros resultados, se podría usar a VPHSFB1 como un gen marcador de respuesta a calor en especies tropicales.

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PREMISE OF THE STUDY: The red flesh of some papaya cultivars is caused by a recessive loss-of-function mutation in the coding region of the chromoplast-specific lycopene beta cyclase gene (CYC-b). We performed an evolutionary genetic analysis of the CYC-b locus in wild and cultivated papaya to uncover the origin of this loss-of-function allele in cultivated papaya. METHODS: We analyzed the levels and patterns of genetic diversity at the CYC-b locus and six loci in a 100-kb region flanking CYC-b and compared these to genetic diversity levels at neutral autosomal loci. The evolutionary relationships of CYC-b haplotypes were assessed using haplotype network analysis of the CYC-b locus and the 100-kb CYC-b region. KEY RESULTS: Genetic diversity at the recessive CYC-b allele (y) was much lower relative to the dominant Y allele found in yellow-fleshed wild and cultivated papaya due to a strong selective sweep. Haplotype network analyses suggest the y allele most likely arose in the wild and was introduced into domesticated varieties after the first papaya domestication event. The shared haplotype structure between some wild, feral, and cultivated haplotypes around the y allele supports subsequent escape of this allele from red cultivars back into wild populations through feral intermediates. CONCLUSIONS: Our study supports a protracted domestication process of papaya through the introgression of wild-derived traits and gene flow from cultivars to wild populations. Evidence of gene flow from cultivars to wild populations through feral intermediates has implications for the introduction of transgenic papaya into Central American countries.

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As úlceras neuropáticas ou pé diabético compreendem ulcerações que são definidas pela Organização Mundial de Saúde (OMS) como infecções destruições dos tecidos moles, que ocorrem concomitantemente com alterações neurológicas de diversos graus, devido à doença arterial periférica (DAP) localizada nos membros inferiores. O estudo objetivou avaliar a capacidade cicatrizante de uma formulação tópica contendo a fração proteolítica (P1G10) de látex de Vasconcellea cundinamarcensis, quando administrada em úlceras neuropáticas de pacientes diabéticos. Trata-se de um ensaio clínico, randomizado, controlado, duplo-mascarado. A população deste estudo foi composta por adultos (idade ≥ 18 anos), de ambos os sexos, usuárias de um serviço de referência em tratamento de feridas do município de Belo Horizonte – Minas Gerais. A aplicação de fina camada da formulação sobre o leito da ferida, recobrindo toda a sua extensão, foi realizada em cada paciente, totalizando 48 aplicações. As feridas foram avaliadas por meio de medidas das suas dimensões: comprimento, largura, profundidade e área. O efeito da intervenção foi estimado pela incidência acumulativa de cicatrização (até 80 e 100% da ferida) usando o método de Kaplan-Meier. As técnicas estatísticas foram realizadas com o auxílio do programa Stata. A população estudada foi composta de 50 indivíduos. A taxa de incidência de cicatrização total em indivíduos tratados com a fração proteolítica P1G10 foi de 5,15/ 1000 pessoas-dia (IC 95% = 2,85 – 9,3). Pacientes que foram submetidos ao tratamento com P1G10 apresentaram uma taxa de incidência de cicatrização 2,95 (IC 95% = 1,0257- 8,51) vezes maior que os do grupo tratado com Hidrogel. Os resultados contribuem para ampliar o potencial de indicações terapêuticas das enzimas proteolítica de Vasconcelles Cundinamarcensis. Sugere-se a continuidade do ensaio clinico de fase III com estudo multicêntrico com maior número de participantes.

Neuropathic ulcers or diabetic foot ulcers are defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as soft tissue infections and destruction, occurring concomitantly with neurological disorders of varying degrees due to peripheral arterial disease (PAD) located in lower members. The study aimed to evaluate the healing capacity of a topical formulation containing the proteolytic fraction (P1G10) of latex of Vasconcellea cundinamarcensis, when administered in neuropathic ulcers of diabetic patients. It is a double-masked, randomized, controlled, clinical trial. The population of this study was composed of adults (age ≥ 18 years) of both sexes, users of a referral service in the treatment of wounds in the city of Belo Horizonte - Minas Gerais. The application of a thin layer of the formulation over the wound bed, covering all its extension, was performed in each patient, totalizing 48 applications. The wounds were evaluated by means of measures of their dimensions: length, width, depth and area. The effect of the intervention was estimated by the cumulative incidence of healing (up to 80 and 100% of the wound) using the Kaplan-Meier method. Statistical techniques were performed with the help of the Stata program. The study population consisted of 50 individuals. The incidence rate of total healing in subjects treated with the proteolytic fraction P1G10 was 5.15 / 1000 person-days (95% CI = 2.85-9.3). Patients who underwent P1G10 treatment had an incidence rate of 2.95 (95% CI: 1.0257-8.51) greater than that of the group treated with Hydrogel. The results contribute to increase the potential of therapeutic indications of proteolytic enzymes of Vasconcelles Cundinamarcensis. We suggest the continuity of the phase III clinical trial with a multicenter study with a larger number of participants for its use in the this patholy.

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Abstract Prior studies demonstrate that a proteinase fraction from Vasconcellea cundinamarcensis V.M. Badillo, Caricaceae, exhibits wound healing activity in gastric and cutaneous models and antitumoral/antimetastatic effects. Here, we present the toxicity, pharmacokinetics and biodistribution data for this proteinase fraction following a single dose into Swiss mice by i.v., s.c. or p.o. routes. The i.v. and s.c. toxicity assays demonstrate that proteinase fraction at ≤20 mg/kg is non-lethal after single injection, while parental administration (p.o.) of ≤300 mg/kg does not cause death. Based on p.o. acute toxicity dose using Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development protocols, proteinase fraction ranks as Class IV “harmful” substance. Proteinase fraction shows high uptake determined as Kp (distribution tissue/blood) in organs linked to metabolism and excretion. Also, high bioavailability (≈100%) was observed by s.c. administration. The blood contents following i.v. dose fits into a pharmacokinetic bi-compartmental model, consisting of high removal constants – kel 0.22 h−1 and kd 2.32 h−1and a half-life – t½ = 3.13 h. The Ames test of proteinase fraction (0.01–1%) demonstrates absence of mutagenic activity. Likewise, genotoxic evaluation of proteinase fraction (5 or 10 mg/kg, i.p.) shows no influence in micronuclei frequency. In conclusion, the acute doses for proteinase fraction lack mutagenic and genotoxic activity, clearing the way for clinical assays.

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Using molecular data, we recently showed that Carica papaya L. is sister to a Mexican/Guatemalan clade of two genera, Jarilla Rusby with three species and Horovitzia V.M. Badillo with one. These species are herbs or thin-stemmed trees and may be of interest for future genomics-enabled papaya breeding. Here we clarify the correct names of Jarilla heterophylla (Cerv. ex La Llave) Rusby and Jarilla caudata (Brandegee) Standl., which were confused in a recent systematic treatment of Jarilla (McVaugh 2001). We designate epitypes for both, provide weblinks to type specimens, a key to the species of Jarilla and Horovitzia, and notes on their habitats and distribution.

RESUMO

The tropical dry forest is a greatly endangered ecosystem, from which Jacaratia mexicana is a native tree. With the aim to assess the levels of genetic variation and population structure, four wild populations of J. mexicana were studied in the Sierra de Huautla Biosphere Reserve, Morelos, Mexico. For this, DNA was extracted from 159 individuals and were amplified with six random primers using the Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD). A total of 54 bands were obtained, of which 50 (92.6%) were polymorphic. The total genetic diversity found within the four populations was 0.451 when estimated by Shannon’s index. An AMOVA analysis showed that 84% of the total genetic variation was found within populations and 16% was among populations. The UPGMA dendrogram showed that all individuals from one of the populations (Huaxtla) formed one distinct genetic group, while the rest of the individuals did not cluster according to population. A Mantel test did not show an association between genetic and geographical distances among populations (r=0.893, p=0.20). A Bayesian cluster analysis performed with STRUCTURE, showed that the most probable number of genetic groups in the data was four (K=4), and confirmed the distinctness of Huaxtla population. Our results showed that important genetic differentiation among populations can occur even at this small geographic scale and this has to be considered in conservation actions for this genetic resource.

Jacaratia mexicana es un árbol nativo del bosque tropical seco, que es considerado el tipo de vegetación en mayor riesgo de desaparecer completamente. Se utilizaron polimorfismos de ADN amplificados al azar (RAPD, Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA), para evaluar los niveles de variación y estructura genética en cuatro poblaciones silvestres de J. mexicana en la Reserva de la Biósfera Sierra de Huautla (Morelos, México). Se amplificó el ADN de 159 individuos utilizando seis oligonucleótidos (“primers”) aleatorios. Se obtuvieron en total 54 bandas, de las cuales 50 (92.6%) fueron polimórficas. La diversidad genética total que se encontró en las cuatro poblaciones de J. mexicana fue de 0.451 de acuerdo con el índice de Shannon. Un análisis de varianza molecular (AMOVA) mostró que el 84% de la variación genética total se encuentra dentro de las poblaciones y el 16% entre las poblaciones. Un dendrograma construido mediante el algoritmo UPGMA mostró que los individuos de una población (Huaxtla) formaron un grupo, mientras que el resto de los individuos no se agruparon de acuerdo a su población de origen. Una prueba de Mantel no mostró una asociación entre las distancias genéticas y geográficas entre las poblaciones (r=0.893, p=0.20). Un análisis de agrupamiento Bayesiano realizado mediante STRUCTURE mostró que el número más probable de grupos genéticos es cuatro (K=4) y confirmó la diferenciación de la población Huaxtla. Nuestros resultados muestran que una considerable diferenciación genética entre poblaciones puede existir incluso a esta escala geográfica, lo cual es de interés para la conservación de este recurso genético.

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RESUMO

The experiment had the objective of developing a protocol for the in vitro establishment of Jacaratia spinosa in different concentrations of 6-benzylamino purine (6-BA). The explants were, caulinars apexes of plants proceeding from the field, disinfested with solution of Saniagri® 33% v/v, during 15 minutes and later sprayed with a solution of sodium hypochlorite 1% v/v. The Murashige and Skoog medium was used with the concentration of sucrose reduced for 5g L-1. The 6-BA concentrations had been: (T1) 0,0 mg L-1, (T2) 0,5 mg L-1, (T3) 1,0 mg L-1, (T4) 1,5 mg L-1, (T5) 2,0 mg L-1. The experiment was installed in a completely randomized design, with 10 apexes per treatment. The visual evaluations of the frequencies of survival of the apexes and number of lateral shoots, had weekly been made, per 90 days, and the results in percentage were submitted to the regression analysis and test of the Quisquare. The decontamination percentage varied between 60% and 80%. The frequencies of survival of the apexes had varied from 41.7% up to 58.3%, however with no statistical differences among the treatments. It was not observed the emission of lateral shoots in the used treatments, during the 90 days, but new studies are necessary with other concentrations of phytoregulators.

Com o objetivo de desenvolver um protocolo para o estabelecimento in vitro de Jacaratia spinosa a partir de diferentes concentrações de 6-benzilaminopurina (6-BA), foram utilizados como explantes, ápices caulinares de plantas provenientes do campo, desinfestados com solução de Saniagri® 33% v/v, durante 15 minutos e posteriormente pulverizados com uma solução de hipoclorito de sódio 1% v/v. O meio utilizado foi o Murashige e Skoog com a concentração de sacarose reduzida para 5g L-1. As concentrações de 6-BA foram: 0,0 mg L-1, 0,5 mg L-1, 1,0 mg L-1, 1,5 mg L-1, 2,0 mg L-1. O delineamento experimental usado foi o inteiramente casualizado, com 10 ápices por concentração de 6-BA. As avaliações visuais das freqüências de sobrevivência dos ápices e número de brotações laterais foram feitas semanalmente, por 90 dias, sendo os resultados em porcentagem submetidos à análise regressão e ao teste do Quiquadrado para várias proporções a 1% de significância. A porcentagem de descontaminação variou entre 60% e 80%. A curva de regressão sugere que a concentração zero apresentou sobrevivência superior às demais, porém o teste do Qui-quadrado mostra que as freqüências variaram de 41,7% até 58,3%, não havendo diferença estatística entre as concentrações de 6-BA. Não foi observada durante os 90 dias, a emissão de brotações laterais nos explantes, sendo necessários novos estudos com outras concen

RESUMO

The experiment had the objective of developing a protocol for the in vitro establishment of Jacaratia spinosa in different concentrations of 6-benzylamino purine (6-BA). The explants were, caulinars apexes of plants proceeding from the field, disinfested with solution of Saniagri® 33% v/v, during 15 minutes and later sprayed with a solution of sodium hypochlorite 1% v/v. The Murashige and Skoog medium was used with the concentration of sucrose reduced for 5g L-1. The 6-BA concentrations had been: (T1) 0,0 mg L-1, (T2) 0,5 mg L-1, (T3) 1,0 mg L-1, (T4) 1,5 mg L-1, (T5) 2,0 mg L-1. The experiment was installed in a completely randomized design, with 10 apexes per treatment. The visual evaluations of the frequencies of survival of the apexes and number of lateral shoots, had weekly been made, per 90 days, and the results in percentage were submitted to the regression analysis and test of the Quisquare. The decontamination percentage varied between 60% and 80%. The frequencies of survival of the apexes had varied from 41.7% up to 58.3%, however with no statistical differences among the treatments. It was not observed the emission of lateral shoots in the used treatments, during the 90 days, but new studies are necessary with other concentrations of phytoregulators.

Com o objetivo de desenvolver um protocolo para o estabelecimento in vitro de Jacaratia spinosa a partir de diferentes concentrações de 6-benzilaminopurina (6-BA), foram utilizados como explantes, ápices caulinares de plantas provenientes do campo, desinfestados com solução de Saniagri® 33% v/v, durante 15 minutos e posteriormente pulverizados com uma solução de hipoclorito de sódio 1% v/v. O meio utilizado foi o Murashige e Skoog com a concentração de sacarose reduzida para 5g L-1. As concentrações de 6-BA foram: 0,0 mg L-1, 0,5 mg L-1, 1,0 mg L-1, 1,5 mg L-1, 2,0 mg L-1. O delineamento experimental usado foi o inteiramente casualizado, com 10 ápices por concentração de 6-BA. As avaliações visuais das freqüências de sobrevivência dos ápices e número de brotações laterais foram feitas semanalmente, por 90 dias, sendo os resultados em porcentagem submetidos à análise regressão e ao teste do Quiquadrado para várias proporções a 1% de significância. A porcentagem de descontaminação variou entre 60% e 80%. A curva de regressão sugere que a concentração zero apresentou sobrevivência superior às demais, porém o teste do Qui-quadrado mostra que as freqüências variaram de 41,7% até 58,3%, não havendo diferença estatística entre as concentrações de 6-BA. Não foi observada durante os 90 dias, a emissão de brotações laterais nos explantes, sendo necessários novos estudos com outras concen