Cytotoxic Activity of Amaryllidaceae Plants against Cancer Cells: Biotechnological, In Vitro, and In Silico Approaches.

Cancer is a major cause of death and an impediment to increasing life expectancy worldwide. With the aim of finding new molecules for chemotherapeutic treatment of epidemiological relevance, ten alkaloid fractions from Amaryllidaceae species were tested against six cancer cell lines (AGS, BT-549, HEC-1B, MCF-7, MDA-MB 231, and PC3) with HaCat as a control cell line. Some species determined as critically endangered with minimal availability were propagated using in vitro plant tissue culture techniques. Molecular docking studies were carried out to illustrate binding orientations of the 30 Amaryllidaceae alkaloids identified in the active site of some molecular targets involved with anti-cancer activity for potential anti-cancer drugs. In gastric cancer cell line AGS, the best results (lower cell viability percentages) were obtained for Crinum jagus (48.06 ± 3.35%) and Eucharis bonplandii (45.79 ± 3.05%) at 30 µg/mL. The research focused on evaluating the identified alkaloids on the Bcl-2 protein family (Mcl-1 and Bcl-xL) and HK2, where the in vitro, in silico and statistical results suggest that powelline and buphanidrine alkaloids could present cytotoxic activity. Finally, combining experimental and theoretical assays allowed us to identify and characterize potentially useful alkaloids for cancer treatment.

[Genome-wide association in type 2 diabetes and its clinical application]. / Escaneo genómico completo en diabetes tipo 2 y su aplicación clínica.

Diabetes mellitus is a complex and chronical disease, which represents one of the biggest health issues the world, with alarming numbers and constantly increasing it demands the creation of new diagnostic, therapeutic and preventive techniques. The complete Genome Wide Association (GWA) in type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a useful research tool for the characterization of genetic markers and physiopathogenic pathways, with potential clinical utility either as a T2D risk prediction or its complications. In Mexico is necessary to make a comprehensive dissection of the genetic background of T2D by the complex genetic mosaic of our population and increase the knowledge of the molecular and pathophysiological mechanisms that lead to this condition. There are several genetic studies for the Mexican population, linked to the 1000 genomes project, which have led to define some specific genetic markers for our population which are not described in European populations, until the moment, 78 loci have been associated with T2D. Recently in the global meta-analysis, with the participation of Mexico, we demonstrated at least 7 new variants associated with T2D.

La diabetes mellitus es una enfermedad compleja y crónica que representa uno de los más grandes problemas de salud en el mundo. Debido a las alarmantes cifras que evidencian el constante aumento de casos, se exige la creación de nuevas técnicas diagnósticas, terapéuticas y de prevención. El estudio de escaneo genómico completo (GWA por sus siglas en inglés, genome wide asssociation) en diabetes tipo 2 (DT2) representa una herramienta útil de investigación para la caracterización de marcadores genéticos y vías fisiopatogénicas con potencial utilidad clínica, ya sea como predicción de riesgo a DT2 o a complicaciones. En México es necesario hacer una disección comprensiva del fondo genético de la DT2, debido al complejo mosaico genético de nuestra población, pues se requiere para incrementar el conocimiento molecular y fisiopatológico que conduce a esta condición. Existen diversos estudios genéticos para la población mexicana vinculados al proyecto de los 1000 genomas, que han llevado a definir algunos marcadores genéticos específicos para nuestra población no descritos en poblaciones europeas. Hasta este momento se han asociado 78 loci a DT2. Recientemente, en el metaanálisis mundial con la participación de México, demostramos al menos 7 nuevas variantes asociadas a DT2.

Microscopical descriptions and chemical analysis by HPTLC of Taraxacum officinale in comparison to Hypochaeris radicata: a solution for mis-identification

Taraxacum officinale F. H. Wigg, Asteraceae, is frequently misidentified or substituted with Hypochaeris radicata L., Asteraceae (false dandelion). To increase our knowledge of T. officinale and differentiate it from H. radicata, we investigated the two species using a combination of taxonomy, microscopy, and chromatographic studies via fingerprint profiles. Micromorphological characteristics were studied using scanning electron microscopy, while optic light microscopy was used for histochemical observations. Fingerprint profiles were constructed using HPTLC. T. officinale was found to have a morphologically distinct type of pluricellular trichomes that can be used to differentiate the two species, as these structures were not identified in H. radicata samples. Furthermore, two types of laticiferous vessels may also be distinctive characteristics of T. officinale at species level. In addition, the HPTLC data derived from methanolic extracts of H. radicata and T. officinale roots showed clearly different chemical profiles. Thus this study establishes the authenticity of T. officinale, and the observed parameters could help minimize drug substitutions in herbal medicines.