Antioxidant and Neuroprotective Effects of the First Tryptophyllin Found in Snake Venom (Bothrops moojeni).

In this study, we report the isolation, characterization, and synthesis of the peptide BmT-2 belonging to the tryptophyllins family, isolated from the venom of the snake Bothrops moojeni. This is the first time a tryptophyllin is identified in snake venom. We tested whether BmT-2 had cytotoxic effects and antioxidant activity in a set of experiments that included both in vitro and cell-based assays. BmT-2 presented a radical scavenging activity toward ABTS• and AAPH-derived radicals. BmT-2 protected fluorescein, DNA molecules, and human red blood cells (RBCs) from free radicals generated by the thermal decomposition of AAPH. The novel tryptophyllin was not toxic in cell viability tests, where it (up to 0.4 mg/mL) did not cause hemolysis of human RBCs and did not cause significant loss of cell viability, showing a CC50 > 1.5 mM for cytotoxic effects against SK-N-BE(2) neuroblastoma cells. BmT-2 prevented the arsenite-induced upregulation of Nrf2 in Neuro-2a neuroblasts and the phorbol myristate acetate-induced overgeneration of reactive oxygen species and reactive nitrogen species in SK-N-BE(2) neuroblastoma cells. Electronic structure calculations and full atomistic reactive molecular dynamics simulations revealed the relevant contribution of aromatic residues in BmT-2 to its antioxidant properties. Our study presents a novel peptide classified into the family of the tryptophyllins, which has been reported exclusively in amphibians. Despite the promising results on its antioxidant activity and low cytotoxicity, the mechanisms of action of BmT-2 still need to be further elucidated.

In vitro inhibition of glucose gastro-intestinal enzymes and antioxidant activity of hydrolyzed collagen peptides from different species.

The growing value of industrial collagen by-products has given rise to interest in extracting them from different species of animals. Intrinsic protein structure variation of collagen sources and its hydrolysis can bring about different bioactivities. This study aimed to characterize and evaluate the differences in vitro biological potential of commercial bovine (BH), fish (FH), and porcine hydrolysates (PH) regarding their antioxidant and hypoglycemic activities. All samples showed percentages above 90% of protein content, with high levels of amino acids (glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline), responsible for the specific structure of collagen. The BH sample showed a higher degree of hydrolysis (DH) (8.7%) and a higher percentage of smaller than 2 kDa peptides (74.1%). All collagens analyzed in vitro showed inhibition of pancreatic enzymes (α-amylase and α-glucosidase), with the potential to prevent diabetes mellitus. The PH sample showed higher antioxidant activities measured by ORAC (67.08 ± 4.23 µmol Trolox Eq./g) and ABTS radical scavenging (65.69 ± 3.53 µmol Trolox Eq./g) methods. For the first time, DNA protection was analyzed to hydrolyzed collagen peptides, and the FH sample showed a protective antioxidant action to supercoiled DNA both in the presence (39.51%) and in the absence (96.36%) of AAPH (reagent 2,2'-azobis(2-amidinopropane)). The results confirmed that the source of native collagen reflects on the bioactivity of hydrolyzed collagen peptides, probably due to its amino acid composition. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Our data provide new application for collagen hydrolysates with hypoglycemiant and antioxidant activity. These data open discussion for future studies on the additional benefits arising from collagen peptide consumption for the prevention of aging complications or hyperglycemic conditions as observed in chronic diseases such as diabetes mellitus type II (DM 2). The confirmation of these results can open new market areas for the use of collagen with pharmacological applications or to produce new supplements. Furthermore, provides a solution for waste collagen from meat industries and adds value to the product.

Changes in Phenolic Compound and Antioxidant Activity of Germinated Broccoli, Wheat, and Lentils during Simulated Gastrointestinal Digestion.

The consumption of sprouts has increased as the germination process causes changes in the chemical composition of the seeds, improving their nutritional value. The aim of this work was to compare the total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity of broccoli, lentils and wheat sprouts before and after in vitro digestion, and the total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity between seeds and sprouts. Broccoli and wheat showed no difference in total phenolic content before and after germination, while lentils showed a significant decrease in total phenolic content after germination. The antioxidant capacity of broccoli and wheat increased after germination. After simulated digestion, the total phenolic content and antioxidant activity of broccoli sprouts significantly decreased during digestion in the gastric phase compared to the sprouts before digestion. Lentil sprouts did not show a decrease in total phenolic content during the gastric phase of digestion compared to the sprouts before digestion. However, they showed a significant increase in total phenolic content during the enteric phase. Finally, wheat sprouts showed a significant increase in total phenolic content and antioxidant activity during the gastric phase of digestion compared to grain before digestion. The germination process may increase the antioxidant capacity of sprouts, although this is not always related to the phenolic compound.

Work-family interface on hazardous alcohol use and increased risk for prescription drug misuse among diverse working parents in STEM.

BACKGROUND: Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) industries are competitive and can be stressful work environments leading to an increase in substance misuse. Little is known on the role of work-related risk and protective factors on substance misuse among working parents navigating multiple roles. OBJECTIVES: This study aims to examine work-life balance as a protective factor and various risk factors (emotional exhaustion, work-family, family-work conflicts) for hazardous alcohol use and increased risk for prescription drug misuse among diverse working parents in STEM. METHODS: Participants (n = 1,228) were recruited via Qualtrics from across the US and the sample was racially ethnic and gender (50% men, 50% women) diverse. An overall path analysis was conducted to explore direct and indirect effects of work-life balance on hazardous alcohol use and increased risk for prescription drug misuse. Path analyses explored the racial-ethnic and gender differences across the overall model. RESULTS: Path analysis revealed that healthy work-life balance indirectly predicts decreased hazardous alcohol use (b = -.149, p = .004) and decreased risk for prescription drug misuse (b = -.185, p < .001). Exploration of the model across racial-ethnic and gender groups revealed that higher work-life balance indirectly predicts decreased hazardous alcohol use for Black and Asian Americans, but not for Latinos and Whites; and higher work-life balance indirectly predicts decreased hazardous alcohol use for men, but not women. CONCLUSIONS: Identifying the work-family interface can help providers understand prevention, risk-reduction practices, and interventions for hazardous alcohol use and prescription drug misuse among diverse working parents in STEM.

Anticancer effects of root and beet leaf extracts (Beta vulgaris L.) in cervical cancer cells (HeLa).

Cervical cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer mortality in women worldwide. Beetroot (Beta vulgaris L.) has bioactive compounds that can inhibit the progression of different types of cancer. To analyze the antiproliferative effects of beet leaf and root extracts, we performed MTT, clonogenic survival, cell cycle analysis, Annexin/PI labeling, and western blotting. Here, we report that 10 and 100 µg/ml of root and leaf extracts decreased cell viability and potentiated rapamycin and cisplatin effects while decreased the number of large colonies, especially at 10 µg/ml (293.6 of control vs. 200.0 of leaf extract, p = .0059; 138.6 of root extract, p = .0002). After 48 hr, 100 µg/ml of both extracts led to increased sub-G1 and G0/G1 populations. In accordance, 100 µg/ml of root extract induced early apoptosis (mean = 0.64 control vs. 1.56 root; p = .048) and decreased cell size (p < .0001). Both extracts decreased phosphorylation and expression of mechanistic Target of Rapamycin (mTOR) signaling, especially by inhibiting ribosomal protein S6 (S6) phosphorylation, increasing cleaved poly(ADP-ribose) polysomerase 1 (PARP1) and Bcl-2-like protein 11 (BIM), and decreasing cyclin D1 expression, which regulates cell cycle progression. Here, we demonstrate that beetroot and leaf extracts could be an efficient strategy against cervical cancer.

STAT3 contributes to cisplatin resistance, modulating EMT markers, and the mTOR signaling in lung adenocarcinoma.

Lung cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death worldwide and is strongly associated with cisplatin resistance. The transcription factor signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is constitutively activated in cancer cells and coordinates critical cellular processes as survival, self-renewal, and inflammation. In several types of cancer, STAT3 controls the development, immunogenicity, and malignant behavior of tumor cells while it dictates the responsiveness to radio- and chemotherapy. It is known that STAT3 phosphorylation at Ser727 by mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) is necessary for its maximal activation, but the crosstalk between STAT3 and mTOR signaling in cisplatin resistance remains elusive. In this study, using a proteomic approach, we revealed important targets and signaling pathways altered in cisplatin-resistant A549 lung adenocarcinoma cells. STAT3 had increased expression in a resistance context, which can be associated with a poor prognosis. STAT3 knockout (SKO) resulted in a decreased mesenchymal phenotype in A549 cells, observed by clonogenic potential and by the expression of epithelial-mesenchymal transition markers. Importantly, SKO cells did not acquire the mTOR pathway overactivation induced by cisplatin resistance. Consistently, SKO cells were more responsive to mTOR inhibition by rapamycin and presented impairment of the feedback activation loop in Akt. Therefore, rapamycin was even more potent in inhibiting the clonogenic potential in SKO cells and sensitized to cisplatin treatment. Mechanistically, STAT3 partially coordinated the cisplatin resistance phenotype via the mTOR pathway in non-small cell lung cancer. Thus, our findings reveal important targets and highlight the significance of the crosstalk between STAT3 and mTOR signaling in cisplatin resistance. The synergic inhibition of STAT3 and mTOR potentially unveil a potential mechanism of synthetic lethality to be explored for human lung cancer treatment.

Beetroot and leaf extracts present protective effects against prostate cancer cells, inhibiting cell proliferation, migration, and growth signaling pathways.

Beet (Beta vulgaris L.) has high nutritional value, containing bioactive compounds such as betalains and flavonoids. Scientific evidence points to the use of these natural compounds in the treatment of several types of cancer, such as prostate cancer, one of the main causes of morbidity and mortality in men. Here, we compared beet roots and leaves extracts, and their main compounds, apigenin, and betanin, respectively, in DU-145 and PC-3 prostate cancer cell lines. Both cells presented the proliferation decreased for beetroot and beet leaves extracts. The apigenin treatment also reduced the proliferation of both cell lines. Regarding cell migration, beet leaves extract was able to decrease the scratch area in both cell lines, whereas apigenin affected only PC-3 cells' migration. In colony formation assay, both extracts were effective in reducing the number of colonies formed. Besides, the beet leaves extracts and apigenin presented strong inhibition of growth-related signaling pathways in both cell lines, and the beetroot extract and betanin presented effects only in DU-145 cells. Furthermore, the extracts and isolated compounds were able to reduce the levels of apoptotic and cell cycle proteins. This study reveals that beet extracts have important anti-cancer effects against prostate cancer cells.

The Hallmarks of Flavonoids in Cancer.

Flavonoids represent an important group of bioactive compounds derived from plant-based foods and beverages with known biological activity in cells. From the modulation of inflammation to the inhibition of cell proliferation, flavonoids have been described as important therapeutic adjuvants against several diseases, including diabetes, arteriosclerosis, neurological disorders, and cancer. Cancer is a complex and multifactor disease that has been studied for years however, its prevention is still one of the best known and efficient factors impacting the epidemiology of the disease. In the molecular and cellular context, some of the mechanisms underlying the oncogenesis and the progression of the disease are understood, known as the hallmarks of cancer. In this text, we review important molecular signaling pathways, including inflammation, immunity, redox metabolism, cell growth, autophagy, apoptosis, and cell cycle, and analyze the known mechanisms of action of flavonoids in cancer. The current literature provides enough evidence supporting that flavonoids may be important adjuvants in cancer therapy, highlighting the importance of healthy and balanced diets to prevent the onset and progression of the disease.

DRIVEN to Stop Violence: A Group Intervention to Prevent Dating Violence Among Latino College Students.

We present results from the initial implementation of a psychoeducational group curriculum designed to prevent dating violence among Latino college students and fill a significant need for culturally responsive programming for this ethnic group. We developed the Dating Relationships Involving Violence End Now (DRIVEN) curriculum and tested it with a total of 112 Latino students attending a Hispanic Serving Institution located on the United States-Mexico border. Results from this initial study suggest DRIVEN had differing positive impacts on men (dating violence, attitudes, and the marianismo virtuosity subscale) and women (dating violence, perpetration, machismo, marianismo virtuosity subscale, and asserting displeasure). Implications include the need to implement and test culturally responsive group-based programs while considering the impact of gender dynamics.

Más allá de las barreras: Competency and practice considerations in language, cultural, and social issues when delivering group CPT to Hispanic immigrants.

High rates of under-assessed trauma and psychiatric disorders, particularly posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have been reported among Hispanic immigrants, especially as related to immigration trauma. Multiple studies have shown group cognitive processing therapy (CPT) to be an effective evidence-based practice (EBP) for treatment of PTSD across a number of clinical populations. To date, however, no studies have examined important competency and practice issues in linguistic, cultural, and ethical areas that group CPT providers should consider when delivering group CPT to Hispanic immigrants. This paper aims to outline these and provide future directions for research.

El tratamiento invasivo del infarto agudo del miocardio en el Instituto de Cardiología y Cirugía Cardiovascular desde el año 2003 al 2005 / Invasive treatment of acute myocardial infarction at the Institute of Cardiology and Cardiovascular Surgery from 2003 to 2005

Con el objetivo de identificar la localización, la arteria responsable del infarto, los factores de riesgo cardiovascular y evaluar la eficacia de la angioplastia transluminal percutánea de emergencia. Se estudiaron 203 pacientes con diagnóstico de infarto agudo del miocardio, 155 masculinos (59.87±11 años) y 48 femeninos (60±11 años). La hipertensión arterial y el tabaquismo fueron los factores de riesgo cardiovascular más frecuentes. El proceder fue exitoso en el 92 por ciento y la mortalidad, 5por ciento. La cara anterior fue la localización más frecuente del infarto. La obstrucción de las arterias coronarias descendente anterior y derecha fueron las de mayor incidencia en el infarto. El 69.95por ciento de las angioplastias realizadas fueron primarias. Se implanto un stent directo en el 42.36por ciento. El flujo arterial TIMI 0, se redujo al 3.94por ciento después del proceder. Padecer de diabetes mellitus, un infarto previo, shock y presentar un flujo TIMI 0 después del procedimiento constituyeron predictores de mortalidad.

In order to identify the localization, the artery responsible for infarction, the cardiovascular risk factors and to evaluate the efficacy of emergency percutaneous transluminal angioplasty, 203 patients with diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction were studied: 155 males (59.87±11 years old) and 48 females (60±11 years old). Arterial hypertension and smoking were the most frequent cardiovascular risk factors. The procedure was successful in 92 percent and mortality was 5 percent. The anterior face was the most common localization of infarction. The obstructions of the anterior and right descending coronary arteries were those with the highest incidence on infarction. 69.95 percent of the angioplasties performed were primary. A direct stent was implanted in 42.36 percent. The TIMI 0 arterial flow was reduced to 3.94 percent after the procedure. Suffering from diabetes mellitus, a previous infarction, shock and presenting a TIMI 0 flow after the procedure were predictors of mortality.

El tratamiento invasivo del infarto agudo del miocardio en el Instituto de Cardiología y Cirugía Cardiovascular desde el año 2003 al 2005 / Invasive treatment of acute myocardial infarction at the Institute of Cardiology and Cardiovascular Surgery from 2003 to 2005

Con el objetivo de identificar la localización, la arteria responsable del infarto, los factores de riesgo cardiovascular y evaluar la eficacia de la angioplastia transluminal percutánea de emergencia. Se estudiaron 203 pacientes con diagnóstico de infarto agudo del miocardio, 155 masculinos (59.87±11 años) y 48 femeninos (60±11 años). La hipertensión arterial y el tabaquismo fueron los factores de riesgo cardiovascular más frecuentes. El proceder fue exitoso en el 92 por ciento y la mortalidad, 5por ciento. La cara anterior fue la localización más frecuente del infarto. La obstrucción de las arterias coronarias descendente anterior y derecha fueron las de mayor incidencia en el infarto. El 69.95por ciento de las angioplastias realizadas fueron primarias. Se implanto un stent directo en el 42.36por ciento. El flujo arterial TIMI 0, se redujo al 3.94por ciento después del proceder. Padecer de diabetes mellitus, un infarto previo, shock y presentar un flujo TIMI 0 después del procedimiento constituyeron predictores de mortalidad(AU)

In order to identify the localization, the artery responsible for infarction, the cardiovascular risk factors and to evaluate the efficacy of emergency percutaneous transluminal angioplasty, 203 patients with diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction were studied: 155 males (59.87±11 years old) and 48 females (60±11 years old). Arterial hypertension and smoking were the most frequent cardiovascular risk factors. The procedure was successful in 92 percent and mortality was 5 percent. The anterior face was the most common localization of infarction. The obstructions of the anterior and right descending coronary arteries were those with the highest incidence on infarction. 69.95 percent of the angioplasties performed were primary. A direct stent was implanted in 42.36 percent. The TIMI 0 arterial flow was reduced to 3.94 percent after the procedure. Suffering from diabetes mellitus, a previous infarction, shock and presenting a TIMI 0 flow after the procedure were predictors of mortality(AU)