Legumes contain diverse nutrients and phytochemicals that help the biological system to counterac... more Legumes contain diverse nutrients and phytochemicals that help the biological system to counteract oxidative stress. Phytochemicals such as tannins and flavonoids have proved to be very effective antioxidants. Conjugated forms of these antioxidants change due to legume processing. Since boiling has been one of the most traditional ways of legume processing, some phytochemicals may leach into cooking water or be altered due to heating. Therefore, legumes have been used as a raw material for the production of antioxidant extracts with proven beneficial effects tested in vitro and in vivo. Proteins and fiber also modulate oxidative stress, due to the release of bioactive peptides or the changes exerted by gut microbiota. One of the most interesting future trends in legume consumption is the germination process that may be designed to enhance the production of bioactive metabolites or modify the protein and peptide profile. Additionally, this process is very helpful to reduce the strong...
Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology, Apr 1, 2013
Liver X receptors (LXR) α and β are transcription factors that regulate the expression of key gen... more Liver X receptors (LXR) α and β are transcription factors that regulate the expression of key genes involved in hepatic fatty acid synthesis (FAS, SREBP-1c) and reverse-transport cholesterol(ABCG5/...
Several studies have shown that consumption of honey is associated with various health benefits. ... more Several studies have shown that consumption of honey is associated with various health benefits. However, there is scarce evidence on whether honeys modify the intestinal microbiota by preventing the inflammatory response in the host. Therefore, the aim of the present work was to study the effect of Melipona (Mel) and Mantequilla (Mtq) honeys, which contain different bioactive compounds and antioxidant capacity on gut microbiota and metabolic consequences in comparison with other sweeteners, in particular sucrose (S) and high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) in rats. The results of the present work showed that both honeys have polyphenols, flavonoids, antioxidant and bactericidal activities. Rats fed with both honeys gained less weight and body fat by increasing energy expenditure compared to S or HFCS and increased gene expression of antioxidant enzymes mediated by the transcription factor Nrf2. Analysis of the gut microbiota showed that consumption of both honeys modified the beta-diversity compared to those fed S or HFCS resulting in increased abundance of a specific cluster of bacteria of the Clostridium genus particularly Coprococcus eutactus, Defluviitalea saccharophila, Ruminicoccus gnavus and Ruminicoccus flavefaciens. As a result of the changes in the gut microbiota, there was a decrease in LPS- and TLR4-mediated low-grade inflammation and an increase in sIgA. Consumption of both honeys prevented glucose intolerance and increased adipocyte size compared to S or HFCS. In conclusion, consumption of MtqH or MelH can reduce metabolic endotoxemia by modifying the gut microbiota to prevent glucose intolerance.
Abstract Few studies had demonstrated the interaction of phlorotannins and polysaccharides from a... more Abstract Few studies had demonstrated the interaction of phlorotannins and polysaccharides from algae on microbial diversity and growth of probiotic bacteria on the early stages of colonic fermentation. Silvetia compresssa hydroethanolic extract rich in phlorotannins and its isolated polysaccharides fraction enabled the proliferation of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus and increased total short-chain fatty acids synthesis compared to a negative control. Eckstolonol, dieckol and acacetin derivative in hydroethanolic extract were depleted after eight hours of in vitro colonic fermentation. After a 48 h fermentation, hydroethanolic extract showed high levels of acetic (104.82 µmol g−1 wet feces) and propionic acids (78.58 µmol g−1 wet feces), as well as an increase in Bifidobacterium (log10 6.77 CFU g−1 wet feces) and Lactobacillus (log10 4.25 CFU g−1 wet feces) growth. These results showed no significant difference with inulin (p > 0.05), suggesting the potential of Silvetia compresssa hydroethanolic extract to improve human gut microbiota.
Plant Cell, Tissue and Organ Culture (PCTOC), 2020
The metabolites present in Opuntia species have been widely studied by their health-promoting eff... more The metabolites present in Opuntia species have been widely studied by their health-promoting effects, but there is no information about the compounds present in Opuntia callus or their biological effects. The aim of this study was to identify the metabolites in Opuntia ficus indica, Opuntia megacantha and Opuntia streptacantha callus ethanolic extracts, and to analyze their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-adipogenic properties in mammalian cells. The compounds identified by chromatographic analysis and mass spectroscopy showed that the Opuntia callus from the three species synthesized 3,5-Di-O-galloylshikimic acid as major compound, as well as gallic acid and epicathequin derivates in lower concentration. The calluses metabolites reduced the formation of reactive oxygen species in Caco-2 cells similarly to the flavonoid isorhamnetin. The anti-inflammatory activity, measured as the production of nitric oxide, was inhibited between 20 and 68% in a murine macrophage cell line. This inhibition was higher with O. streptacantha callus extracts, followed by those of O. megacantha and O. ficus-indica. Additionally, a reduction on the lipid accumulation in 3T3 cells was observed, during and after adipocyte differentiation using extracts from the three Opuntia species. Our results prove that Opuntia calluses are a source of compounds with pharmacological relevance. Opuntia calluses produce metabolites of pharmacological relevance.
Saponins have been correlated with the reduction of cancer cell growth and the apoptotic effect o... more Saponins have been correlated with the reduction of cancer cell growth and the apoptotic effect of agave sap concentrate. Empirical observations of this artisanal Mexican food have shown that fermentation occurs after agave sap is concentrated, but little is known about the microorganisms that survive after cooking, or their effects on saponins and other metabolites. The aim of this study was to evaluate the changes in metabolites found in agave (A. salmiana) sap after its fermentation with microorganisms isolated from agave sap concentrate, and demonstrate its potential use to enhance anticancer activity. Microorganisms were isolated by dilution plating and identified by 16S rRNA analysis. Isolates were used to ferment agave sap, and their corresponding butanolic extracts were compared with those that enhanced the cytotoxic activity on colon (Caco-2) and liver (Hep-G2) cancer cells. Metabolite changes were investigated by mass spectrometry-based metabolomics. Among 69 isolated microorganisms, the actinomycetes Arthrobacter globiformis and Gordonia sp. were used to analyze the metabolites, along with bioactivity changes. From the 939 ions that were mainly responsible for variation among fermented samples at 48 h, 96 h, and 192 h, four were correlated to anticancer activity. It was shown that magueyoside B, a kammogenin glycoside, was found at higher intensities in the samples fermented with Gordonia sp. that reduced Hep-G2 viability better than controls. These findings showed that microorganisms from agave sap concentrate change agave sap metabolites such as saponins. Butanolic extracts obtained after agave sap fermentation with Arthrobacter globiformis or Gordonia sp. increased the cancer cell growth inhibitory effect on colon or liver cancer cells, respectively.
Abstract Seaweeds can generate changes in metabolism of lipids and consequently diminish choleste... more Abstract Seaweeds can generate changes in metabolism of lipids and consequently diminish cholesterol and other serum lipids in mammals. However, the consumption of marine algae may also alter function of other organs. Therefore, the aim of this research was to study the metabolism of lipids as well as the liver steatosis of Wistar male rats fed for two months with hyperlipidic diets composed of 20% of fat supplemented with 2.5% of seaweeds Ecklonia arborea or Silvetia compressa. Blood total cholesterol, lipoproteins, triglycerides and key hepatic enzymes were determined and liver histologies were also assessed. The two algae produced different results, while S. compressa reduced 18% total cholesterol, E. arborea increased it 5.8% compared to the animals fed the positive control. Rats fed the S. compressa supplemented diet comparatively had lower serum low density lipoproteins (54%) and triglycerides (69%) levels compared to counterparts fed the high-fat diet. Livers histologies of rats fed with the high-fat diets showed an evident lipid accumulation. However, the consumption of S. compressa diminished liver steatosis compared to E. arborea. Results herein indicate that S. compressa is a promising resource to decrease serum total cholesterol and low-density lipoproteins and hepatic tissue damage. Further investigations should be made to find out if the ingestion of marine algae extracts would decrease the accumulation of hepatic fat and consequently affects positively liver physiology.
Abstract The aim of this research was to recover fractions enriched in protein content, phenolic ... more Abstract The aim of this research was to recover fractions enriched in protein content, phenolic acids, or feruloyl putrescines with in vitro anti-inflammatory activity from maize nixtamalization wastewater (nejayote) using ultrafiltration. Nejayote was centrifuged (N), acidified to pH 2 (N-pH2) and most of the phenolic compounds were extracted with ethyl acetate to leave an aqueous inferior phase (N-EtAce). The three streams (N, N-pH2 and N-EtAce) were submitted to an ultrafiltration process using, sequentially, 100 and 5 kDa membranes to recover the proteins or conjugates with potential anti-inflammatory activity. The N-EtAce fractions showed the lowest ferulic acid content, protein-phenolic aggregates and anti-inflammatory properties than the other fractions. Proteins with molecular weight lower than 13.4 kDa were found in the nejayote ultrafiltrates indicating the presence of peptides or small protein-phenolic aggregates that exhibited the highest inhibition of nitric oxide. These aggregates remained solubilized in the aqueous effluent, demonstrating the potential of nejayote in food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic applications to enhance their phytochemical profile, anti-inflammatory activity and protein content.
Una de las herencias de las culturas mesoamericanas se refleja en las variedades criollas de maíz... more Una de las herencias de las culturas mesoamericanas se refleja en las variedades criollas de maíz (Zea mays L.) que se usan en México. Con excepción de la Antártida, hoy en día el maíz se cultiva en todos los continentes del mundo con una producción global que excede los 844 millones de toneladas. Las variedades criollas del maíz contienen genes que le imparten una variabilidad genética de suma importancia. Dentro de estas razas criollas existen accesiones con modificaciones en el color del grano y sus pigmentos, que le confieren propiedades fitoquímicas únicas. Primordialmente existen dos grandes familias de pigmentos asociados al maíz, los de naturaleza fenólica que incluyen a las antocianinas y los carotenoides. Los maíces ricos en carotenoides son ampliamente sembrados en el mundo entero, mientras que los ricos en antocianinas solamente se siembran en áreas muy limitadas. Los maíces ricos en antocianinas pueden ser considerados como nutracéuticos debido al efecto preventivo de e...
Saponins occur in numerous plants, including agaves, determining benefic and harmful properties t... more Saponins occur in numerous plants, including agaves, determining benefic and harmful properties to humans; their presence may favor using plants as soap and other products, but also they may cause caustic effects producing contact dermatitis. In domestication, favorable and unfavorable properties of saponins may cause an increase or decrease of their content, respectively. This study quantified and identified saponins among wild and managed populations of three agave species: A. cupreata Trel. et Berger, A. inaequidens Koch with wild and cultivated populations used for mescal production, and A. hookeri Jacobi, existing exclusively cultivated, used for production of the fermented beverage pulque. We studied 272 plants from 19 populations, quantifying contents of crude saponins through spectrometry. In 12 populations, the saponins types were identified by High Performance Liquid Chromatography-Mass-Spectrography-Timeof-Flight HPLC-MS-TOF. The highest crude saponins content was recorded in A. hookeri (26.09 mg/g), followed by A. cupreata (19.85 and 15.17 mg/g in wild and cultivated populations, respectively). For A. inaequidens, we recorded 14.21, 12.95, and 10.48 mg/g in wild, silvicultural managed and cultivated populations, respectively. We identified 18 saponins types, A. inaequidens showing all of them. A hecogenin glycoside (HG1) is found in high amounts in A. hookeri but in low quantities in A. inaequidens and A. cupreata. A. inaequidens had the greatest diversity of saponins. The contents of crude saponins in A. inaequidens and A. cupreata decrease with management intensity, but contrarily to what we expected, it was the highest in A. hookeri. We hypothesize that such high amount could be due to some saponins, probably HG1, may be precursors of sugars.
Silvetia compressa is a brown seaweed native to the coast of Baja California, Mexico. It is a ric... more Silvetia compressa is a brown seaweed native to the coast of Baja California, Mexico. It is a rich source of phlorotannins and polysaccharides, two compound families with important nutraceutical applications. Optimal conditions for obtaining highly concentrated phlorotannin and polysaccharide extracts from S . compressa were determined using Box-Behnken experimental design combined with response surface methodology (RSM). The effect of extraction temperature (X 1 : 50–65 °C), ultrasound power density (X 2 : 1.2–3.8 W cL −1 ), solvent/seaweed ratio (X 3 : 10–30 mL g −1 seaweed meal), and ethanol concentration (X 4 : 25–100% ethanol in water) on phlorotannin and polysaccharide yield was explored. Experimental results were fitted to a second-degree polynomial model, while model fitness was assessed using analysis of variance (ANOVA). From this analysis, optimal phlorotannin and polysaccharide extraction conditions were determined for the evaluated parameters (X 1 = 50 °C, X 2 = 3.8 W cL −1 , X 3 = 30 mL g −1 seaweed meal, and X 4 = 32.33%). Under these conditions, experimental phlorotannin and polysaccharide yields were 0.73% and 23% ( w /w), respectively. Phlorotannin extraction was significantly enhanced by ultrasound power density, while polysaccharide extraction improved when using low ethanol concentration in the solvent, therefore both families of compounds were obtained combining those parameters. Experimental data agreed with predictions from the RSM model, indicating suitability of the obtained model and the success of RSM in optimizing the extraction conditions. In addition, the identification of the main compounds in the phlorotannin extract was carried out by HPLC-MS-TOF; 8 of the 12 identified phenolic compounds belonged to the phlorotannin family, 4 from the fuhalol group, 3 being eckol derivatives, and 1 being a phloroglucinol subunit.
Solid state fermentation (SSF) is considered more sustainable than traditional fermentation becau... more Solid state fermentation (SSF) is considered more sustainable than traditional fermentation because it uses low amounts of water and transforms agro-industrial residues into value added products. Enzymes, biofuels, nanoparticles and bioactive compounds can be obtained from SSF. The key factor in SSF processes is the choice of microorganisms and their substrates. Many fungal species can be used and are mainly used due their lower requirements of water, O2 and light. Residues rich in soluble and insoluble fiber are utilized by lignocellulolytic fungi because they have the enzymes that break fiber hard structure (lignases, celullases or hemicelullases). During the hydrolysis of lignin, some phenolic compounds are released but fungi also synthetize compounds such as mycophenolic acid, dicerandrol C, phenylacetates, anthraquinones, benzofurans and alkenyl phenols that have health beneficial effects such as antitumoral, antimicrobial, antioxidant and antiviral activities. Another importan...
Acute hepatopancreatic necrosis disease (AHPND) of shrimps is a disease caused by Vibrio parahaem... more Acute hepatopancreatic necrosis disease (AHPND) of shrimps is a disease caused by Vibrio parahaemolyticus which has caused a dramatic drop in shrimp production worldwide. Seaweeds of the genus Ecklonia have been reported as natural sources of antibacterial compounds. The present study aims to develop a bio-guided fractionation using the Fast-Centrifugal Partition Chromatography (FCPC) to isolate and identify bactericidal compounds against V. parahaemolyticus AHPND+ from Ecklonia arborea extract. The enriched-phlorotannins extract (EPE) showed a bactericidal activity 4.6-fold higher than crude extract of E. arborea and this activity was increased to 10-fold in pool 8 with a minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of 350 μg mL −1 after FCPC fractionation. Eckol and dieckol were the major compounds in pool 8 with 5.23 mg g −1 and 1.67 mg g −1 , respectively. The isolated eckol showed weak antibacterial activity compared to pool 8, whereas a dieckol-rich extract showed bactericidal activity at 750 μg mL −1. Data suggested that the bactericidal activity of pool 8 could be attributed to the content of phlorotannins, mainly eckol, and dieckol. EPE and its purified fraction pool 8 from E. arborea collected from Mexico may be useful to develop antibiotic agents for medicated shrimp feed additive to combat AHPND infection.
Plant Cell, Tissue and Organ Culture (PCTOC), 2019
Pyrostegia venusta (Ker Gawl.) Miers is a plant used for the treatment of respiratory diseases, d... more Pyrostegia venusta (Ker Gawl.) Miers is a plant used for the treatment of respiratory diseases, diarrhea, vitiligo, jaundice and to attenuate vomiting. However, the levels of the active principles exhibit great variation because of the type of soil, tissue, age and environmental conditions. An alternative to obtain a constant production of secondary metabolites is the plant tissue culture technology. In this work, callus from Pyrostegia venusta were exposed to 12.5 g L -1 polyethylene glycol, 50 g L -1 sucrose, or were irradiated with UV light to enhance the content of phenolic acids, flavonoids, and antioxidant activity. The biomass was doubled in the control and callus treated with PEG (240 mg dry weight, DW), and triplicated in the medium with 50 g L -1 sucrose (310 mg DW) in relation to the inoculum at day 21. The highest levels of phenolic acids and flavonoids were obtained in irradiated callus. Phenylethanoid glycosides, as verbascoside, isoverbascoside and leucosceptoside A were identified. The metabolites present in callus presented vasorelaxant activity (65 to 100%). The vasodilation was inhibited between 80 and 90%, in the presence of N G -nitro-l-arginine methyl ester, indomethacin or tetraethylammonium chloride but was not affected by atropine. Data suggest that vasorelaxation was mediated by nitric oxide, derivatives of arachidonic acid, and efflux potassium channels, and independent of muscarinic receptors. This is the first report that identified the metabolites present in P. venusta compact callus and described its vasorelaxant properties. It was possible to enhance the metabolites production in Pyrostegia venusta callus. The compounds identified corresponded mainly to phenylethanoid glucosides, which exhibited important vasorelaxant activity in isolated rat aorta rings. Keywords Callus • Isoverbascoside • Phenylethanoid glycosides • Pyrostegia venusta • Verbascoside Communicated by Mohammad Faisal.
Cacti are an important source of metabolites but present limitations for their commercial exploit... more Cacti are an important source of metabolites but present limitations for their commercial exploitation, like slow growth and a decrease of wild populations. An alternative to obtain their biocompounds without affecting the natural environment are the in vitro culture techniques. We established in vitro cultures from Mammillaria candida Scheidweiler and Turbinicarpus laui Glass and Foster and used different stresses to increase metabolites and antioxidant activity. The cultures were exposed to 1.25% polyethylene glycol to induce a moderate drought stress, 50 g L −1 sucrose to generate an osmotic stress, chitosan (1.25 to 5 mg mL −1) to simulate a biotic attack, or to UV light. Chitosan was the best elicitor improving 1.5 times the concentration of phenolics, 9 to 10 times the content of flavonoids and betalains, and 16% the antioxidant activity in M. candida suspensions. In T. laui suspensions, this elicitor duplicates the flavonoids content and antioxidant activity. The antioxidant levels in elicited suspensions increased 5 to 10 times in relation to plant tubercles. Eleven compounds were identified in M. candida suspensions being digalloyl rhamnoside and epicatequin gallate the most abundant; in the T. laui suspensions, 16 compounds were detected and the most abundant were 17-decarboxi neobetanin and derivatives of luteolin. Thus, cacti in vitro culture is an efficient system to obtain high level of metabolites of biological interest.
Biocompatible and biodegradable membrane treatments for regeneration of bone are nowadays a promi... more Biocompatible and biodegradable membrane treatments for regeneration of bone are nowadays a promising solution in the medical field. Bioresorbable polymers are extensively used in membrane elaboration, where polycaprolactone (PCL) is used as base polymer. The goal of this work was to improve electrospun membranes’ biocompatibility and antibacterial properties by adding micro- and nanoparticles such as Ag, TiO2 and Na2Ti6O13. Micro/nanofiber morphologies of the obtained membranes were characterized by X-ray diffraction, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and a tensile test. Also, for this study optical microscopy was used to observe DAPI-stained cells. Membranes of the different systems were electrospun to an average diameter of 1.02–1.76 μm. To evaluate the biological properties, cell viability was studied by growing NIH/3T3 cells on the microfibers. PCL/TiO2 strength was enha...
El orégano es una planta de distribución mundial, el cual está representado principalmente por... more El orégano es una planta de distribución mundial, el cual está representado principalmente por dos especies: Origanum vulgare (Lamiaceace) nativo de Europa, y Lippia graveolens (Verbenaceae), originaria de América. México ocupa el segundo lugar como productor mundial de orégano con la especie L. graveolens H. B. K. Sin embargo, la mayoría de las especies explotadas son silvestres y su cultivo es aún tradicional y limitado. En este trabajo se presenta un análisis de las estrategias de propagación, composición química y propiedades nutracéuticas del orégano. Los fitoquímicos presentes pueden clasificarse en tres categorías: compuestos volátiles, lípidos y fenólicos. Estos componentes presentan diversas propiedades nutracéuticas entre las que destacan la actividad antioxidante, hipoglucémica, hipotensiva, hipolipidémica y anticancerígena. Los avances en el estudio de la composición fitoquímica y su relación con nuevas propiedades nutracéuticas hacen del orég...
Legumes contain diverse nutrients and phytochemicals that help the biological system to counterac... more Legumes contain diverse nutrients and phytochemicals that help the biological system to counteract oxidative stress. Phytochemicals such as tannins and flavonoids have proved to be very effective antioxidants. Conjugated forms of these antioxidants change due to legume processing. Since boiling has been one of the most traditional ways of legume processing, some phytochemicals may leach into cooking water or be altered due to heating. Therefore, legumes have been used as a raw material for the production of antioxidant extracts with proven beneficial effects tested in vitro and in vivo. Proteins and fiber also modulate oxidative stress, due to the release of bioactive peptides or the changes exerted by gut microbiota. One of the most interesting future trends in legume consumption is the germination process that may be designed to enhance the production of bioactive metabolites or modify the protein and peptide profile. Additionally, this process is very helpful to reduce the strong...
Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology, Apr 1, 2013
Liver X receptors (LXR) α and β are transcription factors that regulate the expression of key gen... more Liver X receptors (LXR) α and β are transcription factors that regulate the expression of key genes involved in hepatic fatty acid synthesis (FAS, SREBP-1c) and reverse-transport cholesterol(ABCG5/...
Several studies have shown that consumption of honey is associated with various health benefits. ... more Several studies have shown that consumption of honey is associated with various health benefits. However, there is scarce evidence on whether honeys modify the intestinal microbiota by preventing the inflammatory response in the host. Therefore, the aim of the present work was to study the effect of Melipona (Mel) and Mantequilla (Mtq) honeys, which contain different bioactive compounds and antioxidant capacity on gut microbiota and metabolic consequences in comparison with other sweeteners, in particular sucrose (S) and high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) in rats. The results of the present work showed that both honeys have polyphenols, flavonoids, antioxidant and bactericidal activities. Rats fed with both honeys gained less weight and body fat by increasing energy expenditure compared to S or HFCS and increased gene expression of antioxidant enzymes mediated by the transcription factor Nrf2. Analysis of the gut microbiota showed that consumption of both honeys modified the beta-diversity compared to those fed S or HFCS resulting in increased abundance of a specific cluster of bacteria of the Clostridium genus particularly Coprococcus eutactus, Defluviitalea saccharophila, Ruminicoccus gnavus and Ruminicoccus flavefaciens. As a result of the changes in the gut microbiota, there was a decrease in LPS- and TLR4-mediated low-grade inflammation and an increase in sIgA. Consumption of both honeys prevented glucose intolerance and increased adipocyte size compared to S or HFCS. In conclusion, consumption of MtqH or MelH can reduce metabolic endotoxemia by modifying the gut microbiota to prevent glucose intolerance.
Abstract Few studies had demonstrated the interaction of phlorotannins and polysaccharides from a... more Abstract Few studies had demonstrated the interaction of phlorotannins and polysaccharides from algae on microbial diversity and growth of probiotic bacteria on the early stages of colonic fermentation. Silvetia compresssa hydroethanolic extract rich in phlorotannins and its isolated polysaccharides fraction enabled the proliferation of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus and increased total short-chain fatty acids synthesis compared to a negative control. Eckstolonol, dieckol and acacetin derivative in hydroethanolic extract were depleted after eight hours of in vitro colonic fermentation. After a 48 h fermentation, hydroethanolic extract showed high levels of acetic (104.82 µmol g−1 wet feces) and propionic acids (78.58 µmol g−1 wet feces), as well as an increase in Bifidobacterium (log10 6.77 CFU g−1 wet feces) and Lactobacillus (log10 4.25 CFU g−1 wet feces) growth. These results showed no significant difference with inulin (p > 0.05), suggesting the potential of Silvetia compresssa hydroethanolic extract to improve human gut microbiota.
Plant Cell, Tissue and Organ Culture (PCTOC), 2020
The metabolites present in Opuntia species have been widely studied by their health-promoting eff... more The metabolites present in Opuntia species have been widely studied by their health-promoting effects, but there is no information about the compounds present in Opuntia callus or their biological effects. The aim of this study was to identify the metabolites in Opuntia ficus indica, Opuntia megacantha and Opuntia streptacantha callus ethanolic extracts, and to analyze their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-adipogenic properties in mammalian cells. The compounds identified by chromatographic analysis and mass spectroscopy showed that the Opuntia callus from the three species synthesized 3,5-Di-O-galloylshikimic acid as major compound, as well as gallic acid and epicathequin derivates in lower concentration. The calluses metabolites reduced the formation of reactive oxygen species in Caco-2 cells similarly to the flavonoid isorhamnetin. The anti-inflammatory activity, measured as the production of nitric oxide, was inhibited between 20 and 68% in a murine macrophage cell line. This inhibition was higher with O. streptacantha callus extracts, followed by those of O. megacantha and O. ficus-indica. Additionally, a reduction on the lipid accumulation in 3T3 cells was observed, during and after adipocyte differentiation using extracts from the three Opuntia species. Our results prove that Opuntia calluses are a source of compounds with pharmacological relevance. Opuntia calluses produce metabolites of pharmacological relevance.
Saponins have been correlated with the reduction of cancer cell growth and the apoptotic effect o... more Saponins have been correlated with the reduction of cancer cell growth and the apoptotic effect of agave sap concentrate. Empirical observations of this artisanal Mexican food have shown that fermentation occurs after agave sap is concentrated, but little is known about the microorganisms that survive after cooking, or their effects on saponins and other metabolites. The aim of this study was to evaluate the changes in metabolites found in agave (A. salmiana) sap after its fermentation with microorganisms isolated from agave sap concentrate, and demonstrate its potential use to enhance anticancer activity. Microorganisms were isolated by dilution plating and identified by 16S rRNA analysis. Isolates were used to ferment agave sap, and their corresponding butanolic extracts were compared with those that enhanced the cytotoxic activity on colon (Caco-2) and liver (Hep-G2) cancer cells. Metabolite changes were investigated by mass spectrometry-based metabolomics. Among 69 isolated microorganisms, the actinomycetes Arthrobacter globiformis and Gordonia sp. were used to analyze the metabolites, along with bioactivity changes. From the 939 ions that were mainly responsible for variation among fermented samples at 48 h, 96 h, and 192 h, four were correlated to anticancer activity. It was shown that magueyoside B, a kammogenin glycoside, was found at higher intensities in the samples fermented with Gordonia sp. that reduced Hep-G2 viability better than controls. These findings showed that microorganisms from agave sap concentrate change agave sap metabolites such as saponins. Butanolic extracts obtained after agave sap fermentation with Arthrobacter globiformis or Gordonia sp. increased the cancer cell growth inhibitory effect on colon or liver cancer cells, respectively.
Abstract Seaweeds can generate changes in metabolism of lipids and consequently diminish choleste... more Abstract Seaweeds can generate changes in metabolism of lipids and consequently diminish cholesterol and other serum lipids in mammals. However, the consumption of marine algae may also alter function of other organs. Therefore, the aim of this research was to study the metabolism of lipids as well as the liver steatosis of Wistar male rats fed for two months with hyperlipidic diets composed of 20% of fat supplemented with 2.5% of seaweeds Ecklonia arborea or Silvetia compressa. Blood total cholesterol, lipoproteins, triglycerides and key hepatic enzymes were determined and liver histologies were also assessed. The two algae produced different results, while S. compressa reduced 18% total cholesterol, E. arborea increased it 5.8% compared to the animals fed the positive control. Rats fed the S. compressa supplemented diet comparatively had lower serum low density lipoproteins (54%) and triglycerides (69%) levels compared to counterparts fed the high-fat diet. Livers histologies of rats fed with the high-fat diets showed an evident lipid accumulation. However, the consumption of S. compressa diminished liver steatosis compared to E. arborea. Results herein indicate that S. compressa is a promising resource to decrease serum total cholesterol and low-density lipoproteins and hepatic tissue damage. Further investigations should be made to find out if the ingestion of marine algae extracts would decrease the accumulation of hepatic fat and consequently affects positively liver physiology.
Abstract The aim of this research was to recover fractions enriched in protein content, phenolic ... more Abstract The aim of this research was to recover fractions enriched in protein content, phenolic acids, or feruloyl putrescines with in vitro anti-inflammatory activity from maize nixtamalization wastewater (nejayote) using ultrafiltration. Nejayote was centrifuged (N), acidified to pH 2 (N-pH2) and most of the phenolic compounds were extracted with ethyl acetate to leave an aqueous inferior phase (N-EtAce). The three streams (N, N-pH2 and N-EtAce) were submitted to an ultrafiltration process using, sequentially, 100 and 5 kDa membranes to recover the proteins or conjugates with potential anti-inflammatory activity. The N-EtAce fractions showed the lowest ferulic acid content, protein-phenolic aggregates and anti-inflammatory properties than the other fractions. Proteins with molecular weight lower than 13.4 kDa were found in the nejayote ultrafiltrates indicating the presence of peptides or small protein-phenolic aggregates that exhibited the highest inhibition of nitric oxide. These aggregates remained solubilized in the aqueous effluent, demonstrating the potential of nejayote in food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic applications to enhance their phytochemical profile, anti-inflammatory activity and protein content.
Una de las herencias de las culturas mesoamericanas se refleja en las variedades criollas de maíz... more Una de las herencias de las culturas mesoamericanas se refleja en las variedades criollas de maíz (Zea mays L.) que se usan en México. Con excepción de la Antártida, hoy en día el maíz se cultiva en todos los continentes del mundo con una producción global que excede los 844 millones de toneladas. Las variedades criollas del maíz contienen genes que le imparten una variabilidad genética de suma importancia. Dentro de estas razas criollas existen accesiones con modificaciones en el color del grano y sus pigmentos, que le confieren propiedades fitoquímicas únicas. Primordialmente existen dos grandes familias de pigmentos asociados al maíz, los de naturaleza fenólica que incluyen a las antocianinas y los carotenoides. Los maíces ricos en carotenoides son ampliamente sembrados en el mundo entero, mientras que los ricos en antocianinas solamente se siembran en áreas muy limitadas. Los maíces ricos en antocianinas pueden ser considerados como nutracéuticos debido al efecto preventivo de e...
Saponins occur in numerous plants, including agaves, determining benefic and harmful properties t... more Saponins occur in numerous plants, including agaves, determining benefic and harmful properties to humans; their presence may favor using plants as soap and other products, but also they may cause caustic effects producing contact dermatitis. In domestication, favorable and unfavorable properties of saponins may cause an increase or decrease of their content, respectively. This study quantified and identified saponins among wild and managed populations of three agave species: A. cupreata Trel. et Berger, A. inaequidens Koch with wild and cultivated populations used for mescal production, and A. hookeri Jacobi, existing exclusively cultivated, used for production of the fermented beverage pulque. We studied 272 plants from 19 populations, quantifying contents of crude saponins through spectrometry. In 12 populations, the saponins types were identified by High Performance Liquid Chromatography-Mass-Spectrography-Timeof-Flight HPLC-MS-TOF. The highest crude saponins content was recorded in A. hookeri (26.09 mg/g), followed by A. cupreata (19.85 and 15.17 mg/g in wild and cultivated populations, respectively). For A. inaequidens, we recorded 14.21, 12.95, and 10.48 mg/g in wild, silvicultural managed and cultivated populations, respectively. We identified 18 saponins types, A. inaequidens showing all of them. A hecogenin glycoside (HG1) is found in high amounts in A. hookeri but in low quantities in A. inaequidens and A. cupreata. A. inaequidens had the greatest diversity of saponins. The contents of crude saponins in A. inaequidens and A. cupreata decrease with management intensity, but contrarily to what we expected, it was the highest in A. hookeri. We hypothesize that such high amount could be due to some saponins, probably HG1, may be precursors of sugars.
Silvetia compressa is a brown seaweed native to the coast of Baja California, Mexico. It is a ric... more Silvetia compressa is a brown seaweed native to the coast of Baja California, Mexico. It is a rich source of phlorotannins and polysaccharides, two compound families with important nutraceutical applications. Optimal conditions for obtaining highly concentrated phlorotannin and polysaccharide extracts from S . compressa were determined using Box-Behnken experimental design combined with response surface methodology (RSM). The effect of extraction temperature (X 1 : 50–65 °C), ultrasound power density (X 2 : 1.2–3.8 W cL −1 ), solvent/seaweed ratio (X 3 : 10–30 mL g −1 seaweed meal), and ethanol concentration (X 4 : 25–100% ethanol in water) on phlorotannin and polysaccharide yield was explored. Experimental results were fitted to a second-degree polynomial model, while model fitness was assessed using analysis of variance (ANOVA). From this analysis, optimal phlorotannin and polysaccharide extraction conditions were determined for the evaluated parameters (X 1 = 50 °C, X 2 = 3.8 W cL −1 , X 3 = 30 mL g −1 seaweed meal, and X 4 = 32.33%). Under these conditions, experimental phlorotannin and polysaccharide yields were 0.73% and 23% ( w /w), respectively. Phlorotannin extraction was significantly enhanced by ultrasound power density, while polysaccharide extraction improved when using low ethanol concentration in the solvent, therefore both families of compounds were obtained combining those parameters. Experimental data agreed with predictions from the RSM model, indicating suitability of the obtained model and the success of RSM in optimizing the extraction conditions. In addition, the identification of the main compounds in the phlorotannin extract was carried out by HPLC-MS-TOF; 8 of the 12 identified phenolic compounds belonged to the phlorotannin family, 4 from the fuhalol group, 3 being eckol derivatives, and 1 being a phloroglucinol subunit.
Solid state fermentation (SSF) is considered more sustainable than traditional fermentation becau... more Solid state fermentation (SSF) is considered more sustainable than traditional fermentation because it uses low amounts of water and transforms agro-industrial residues into value added products. Enzymes, biofuels, nanoparticles and bioactive compounds can be obtained from SSF. The key factor in SSF processes is the choice of microorganisms and their substrates. Many fungal species can be used and are mainly used due their lower requirements of water, O2 and light. Residues rich in soluble and insoluble fiber are utilized by lignocellulolytic fungi because they have the enzymes that break fiber hard structure (lignases, celullases or hemicelullases). During the hydrolysis of lignin, some phenolic compounds are released but fungi also synthetize compounds such as mycophenolic acid, dicerandrol C, phenylacetates, anthraquinones, benzofurans and alkenyl phenols that have health beneficial effects such as antitumoral, antimicrobial, antioxidant and antiviral activities. Another importan...
Acute hepatopancreatic necrosis disease (AHPND) of shrimps is a disease caused by Vibrio parahaem... more Acute hepatopancreatic necrosis disease (AHPND) of shrimps is a disease caused by Vibrio parahaemolyticus which has caused a dramatic drop in shrimp production worldwide. Seaweeds of the genus Ecklonia have been reported as natural sources of antibacterial compounds. The present study aims to develop a bio-guided fractionation using the Fast-Centrifugal Partition Chromatography (FCPC) to isolate and identify bactericidal compounds against V. parahaemolyticus AHPND+ from Ecklonia arborea extract. The enriched-phlorotannins extract (EPE) showed a bactericidal activity 4.6-fold higher than crude extract of E. arborea and this activity was increased to 10-fold in pool 8 with a minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of 350 μg mL −1 after FCPC fractionation. Eckol and dieckol were the major compounds in pool 8 with 5.23 mg g −1 and 1.67 mg g −1 , respectively. The isolated eckol showed weak antibacterial activity compared to pool 8, whereas a dieckol-rich extract showed bactericidal activity at 750 μg mL −1. Data suggested that the bactericidal activity of pool 8 could be attributed to the content of phlorotannins, mainly eckol, and dieckol. EPE and its purified fraction pool 8 from E. arborea collected from Mexico may be useful to develop antibiotic agents for medicated shrimp feed additive to combat AHPND infection.
Plant Cell, Tissue and Organ Culture (PCTOC), 2019
Pyrostegia venusta (Ker Gawl.) Miers is a plant used for the treatment of respiratory diseases, d... more Pyrostegia venusta (Ker Gawl.) Miers is a plant used for the treatment of respiratory diseases, diarrhea, vitiligo, jaundice and to attenuate vomiting. However, the levels of the active principles exhibit great variation because of the type of soil, tissue, age and environmental conditions. An alternative to obtain a constant production of secondary metabolites is the plant tissue culture technology. In this work, callus from Pyrostegia venusta were exposed to 12.5 g L -1 polyethylene glycol, 50 g L -1 sucrose, or were irradiated with UV light to enhance the content of phenolic acids, flavonoids, and antioxidant activity. The biomass was doubled in the control and callus treated with PEG (240 mg dry weight, DW), and triplicated in the medium with 50 g L -1 sucrose (310 mg DW) in relation to the inoculum at day 21. The highest levels of phenolic acids and flavonoids were obtained in irradiated callus. Phenylethanoid glycosides, as verbascoside, isoverbascoside and leucosceptoside A were identified. The metabolites present in callus presented vasorelaxant activity (65 to 100%). The vasodilation was inhibited between 80 and 90%, in the presence of N G -nitro-l-arginine methyl ester, indomethacin or tetraethylammonium chloride but was not affected by atropine. Data suggest that vasorelaxation was mediated by nitric oxide, derivatives of arachidonic acid, and efflux potassium channels, and independent of muscarinic receptors. This is the first report that identified the metabolites present in P. venusta compact callus and described its vasorelaxant properties. It was possible to enhance the metabolites production in Pyrostegia venusta callus. The compounds identified corresponded mainly to phenylethanoid glucosides, which exhibited important vasorelaxant activity in isolated rat aorta rings. Keywords Callus • Isoverbascoside • Phenylethanoid glycosides • Pyrostegia venusta • Verbascoside Communicated by Mohammad Faisal.
Cacti are an important source of metabolites but present limitations for their commercial exploit... more Cacti are an important source of metabolites but present limitations for their commercial exploitation, like slow growth and a decrease of wild populations. An alternative to obtain their biocompounds without affecting the natural environment are the in vitro culture techniques. We established in vitro cultures from Mammillaria candida Scheidweiler and Turbinicarpus laui Glass and Foster and used different stresses to increase metabolites and antioxidant activity. The cultures were exposed to 1.25% polyethylene glycol to induce a moderate drought stress, 50 g L −1 sucrose to generate an osmotic stress, chitosan (1.25 to 5 mg mL −1) to simulate a biotic attack, or to UV light. Chitosan was the best elicitor improving 1.5 times the concentration of phenolics, 9 to 10 times the content of flavonoids and betalains, and 16% the antioxidant activity in M. candida suspensions. In T. laui suspensions, this elicitor duplicates the flavonoids content and antioxidant activity. The antioxidant levels in elicited suspensions increased 5 to 10 times in relation to plant tubercles. Eleven compounds were identified in M. candida suspensions being digalloyl rhamnoside and epicatequin gallate the most abundant; in the T. laui suspensions, 16 compounds were detected and the most abundant were 17-decarboxi neobetanin and derivatives of luteolin. Thus, cacti in vitro culture is an efficient system to obtain high level of metabolites of biological interest.
Biocompatible and biodegradable membrane treatments for regeneration of bone are nowadays a promi... more Biocompatible and biodegradable membrane treatments for regeneration of bone are nowadays a promising solution in the medical field. Bioresorbable polymers are extensively used in membrane elaboration, where polycaprolactone (PCL) is used as base polymer. The goal of this work was to improve electrospun membranes’ biocompatibility and antibacterial properties by adding micro- and nanoparticles such as Ag, TiO2 and Na2Ti6O13. Micro/nanofiber morphologies of the obtained membranes were characterized by X-ray diffraction, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and a tensile test. Also, for this study optical microscopy was used to observe DAPI-stained cells. Membranes of the different systems were electrospun to an average diameter of 1.02–1.76 μm. To evaluate the biological properties, cell viability was studied by growing NIH/3T3 cells on the microfibers. PCL/TiO2 strength was enha...
El orégano es una planta de distribución mundial, el cual está representado principalmente por... more El orégano es una planta de distribución mundial, el cual está representado principalmente por dos especies: Origanum vulgare (Lamiaceace) nativo de Europa, y Lippia graveolens (Verbenaceae), originaria de América. México ocupa el segundo lugar como productor mundial de orégano con la especie L. graveolens H. B. K. Sin embargo, la mayoría de las especies explotadas son silvestres y su cultivo es aún tradicional y limitado. En este trabajo se presenta un análisis de las estrategias de propagación, composición química y propiedades nutracéuticas del orégano. Los fitoquímicos presentes pueden clasificarse en tres categorías: compuestos volátiles, lípidos y fenólicos. Estos componentes presentan diversas propiedades nutracéuticas entre las que destacan la actividad antioxidante, hipoglucémica, hipotensiva, hipolipidémica y anticancerígena. Los avances en el estudio de la composición fitoquímica y su relación con nuevas propiedades nutracéuticas hacen del orég...
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