Induction of Apoptosis and Decrease of Autophagy in Colon Cancer Cells by an Extract of Lyophilized Mango Pulp.

Previous studies have indicated that mango fruit has a chemopreventive capacity against colorectal cancer cells. The objective of this research was to evaluate the effect of an aqueous extract of lyophilized mango pulp (LMPE) on colon adenocarcinoma cells (SW480) and their metastatic derivatives (SW620) death and cellular invasion. DNA fragmentation was assessed by TUNEL assay; autophagy and expression of DR4 and Bcl-2 by flow cytometry; the expression of 35 apoptosis-related proteins and of matrix metalloproteinases 7 and 9 by immunodetection; and the invasive capacity of the cells by Boyden chamber. The results showed that LMPE at 30 mg/mL and 48 h of exposure results in DNA fragmentation and apoptosis in SW480 (p < 0.001) and SW620 (p < 0.01) cells. Additionally, LMPE decreased autophagy in the SW480 and SW620 cell lines (p < 0.001), which could sensitize them to the DNA damage generated by LMPE. The LMPE did not modulate the expression of matrix metalloproteinases 7 and 9, nor did it affect cellular invasion processes in the SW480 and SW620 cell lines. In conclusion, LMPE induces apoptosis and decreases autophagy in SW480 and SW620 cells.

Inhibition of Cell Proliferation and Induction of Cell Cycle Arrest in Colon Cancer Cells by Lyophilized Mango (Mangifera indica L.) Pulp Extract.

The present study evaluated the antiproliferative capacity and possible cell death mechanisms of lyophilized mango pulp extract (LMPE), applied to human colon cancer cells (SW480) and their metastasis-derived counterparts (SW620). The total phenolic content of LMPE was estimated by the Folin-Ciocalteu method. Three assays were employed to determine its antioxidant capacity: ferric-reducing antioxidant power, oxygen radical absorbance capacity, and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl. Furthermore, the antiproliferative activity of LMPE was assessed by sulforhodamine B, clonogenic, and Ki-67 assays. Flow cytometry was employed to examine the cell cycle, production of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), cell-surface phosphatidylserine, and change in mitochondrial membrane potential. LMPE exhibited a high level of total phenolic content and antioxidant activity. The mean maximal inhibitory concentration values of LMPE at 48 h of exposure were 43 and 29 mg/mL for SW480 and SW620, respectively. In the SW480 and SW620 cell lines, LMPE at 50 mg/mL and 48 h of exposure induced an increase in intracellular ROS, cell cycle arrest in the G2/M phase, and probably, apoptotic processes without mitochondrial depolarization. LMPE had an antiproliferative capacity against the human colorectal cancer cell lines SW480 and SW620. These results highlight the chemopreventive potential of LMPE in colorectal cancer treatments.

La articulación entre investigación, docencia y extensión en un programa universitario de Nutrición y Dietética / Linking outreach, research and teaching in a Nutrition and Dietetics undergraduate program

Objetivo: describir el proceso de articulación entre investigación, docencia y extensión en un programa universitario de Nutrición y Dietética. Materiales y métodos: se realizó una sistematización, bajo la perspectiva cualitativa. Para la recolección de los datos se realizaron entrevistas semiestructuradas grupales e individuales y revisión documental. La información obtenida fue grabada, transcrita y codificada de manera abierta; posteriormente se realizó una codificación axial, lo que permitió encontrar relaciones entre las diferentes categorías, avanzando a la fase de tematización y análisis. Resultados: se establecieron tres categorías de análisis: logros en la articulación investigación, docencia y extensión, dificultades en dicha articulación y sugerencias para mejorarla. El programa acorde con su proyecto educativo ha hecho avances en la articulación investigación, docencia y extensión, lo que se evidencia en aspectos como la participación de estudiantes en proyectos de investigación y extensión, las pasantías estudiantiles y las prácticas académicas. Sin embargo, aún se encuentran aspectos por fortalecer. Se recomienda, como estrategia para redimensionar la práctica, definir una política de semilleros estudiantiles que conciba la articulación en mención en el plan de estudios, crear convocatorias internas de apoyo a la investigación y a la extensión para estudiantes de pregrado y desarrollar un programa de divulgación de los proyectos de extensión.

Objective: the aim of this study was to explore the integration of teaching, research and service/outreach in a Nutrition and Dietetics undergraduate program. Materials and methods: the study type was a systematization of experiences. Data was collected through group and individual in depth-interviews and also by reviewing documentation. Results: the data collected allowed establishing three main categories of analysis such as: achievements in research, teaching and service/outreach integration, difficulties in the integration, and suggestions that will allow improving it. The program, according to its educational project, has made progress in integrating research, teaching and service/outreach. This was evident in aspects such as student participation in research activities and outreach projects, student internships, and academic practices. There are, however, issues that need to be strengthened. In order to improve the practical component, we recommend defining a policy of student groups that allow articulating teaching, research and service/ outreach within the curriculum, building internal grants for research and outreach for undergraduate students, and developing a program that disseminates outreach work and projects.