Palbociclib-Induced Cellular Senescence Is Modulated by the mTOR Complex 1 and Autophagy.

Despite not dividing, senescent cells acquire the ability to synthesize and secrete a plethora of bioactive molecules, a feature known as the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). In addition, senescent cells often upregulate autophagy, a catalytic process that improves cell viability in stress-challenged cells. Notably, this "senescence-related autophagy" can provide free amino acids for the activation of mTORC1 and the synthesis of SASP components. However, little is known about the functional status of mTORC1 in models of senescence induced by CDK4/6 inhibitors (e.g., Palbociclib), or the effects that the inhibition of mTORC1 or the combined inhibition of mTORC1 and autophagy have on senescence and the SASP. Herein, we examined the effects of mTORC1 inhibition, with or without concomitant autophagy inhibition, on Palbociclib-driven senescent AGS and MCF-7 cells. We also assessed the pro-tumorigenic effects of conditioned media from Palbociclib-driven senescent cells with the inhibition of mTORC1, or with the combined inhibition of mTORC1 and autophagy. We found that Palbociclib-driven senescent cells display a partially reduced activity of mTORC1 accompanied by increased levels of autophagy. Interestingly, further mTORC1 inhibition exacerbated the senescent phenotype, a phenomenon that was reversed upon autophagy inhibition. Finally, the SASP varied upon inhibiting mTORC1, or upon the combined inhibition of mTORC1 and autophagy, generating diverse responses in cell proliferation, invasion, and migration of non-senescent tumorigenic cells. Overall, variations in the SASP of Palbociclib-driven senescent cells with the concomitant inhibition of mTORC1 seem to depend on autophagy.

Platelets and endothelial dysfunction in gestational diabetes mellitus.

The prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) has increased in recent years, along with the higher prevalence of obesity in women of reproductive age. GDM is a pathology associated with vascular dysfunction in the fetoplacental unit. GDM-associated endothelial dysfunction alters the transfer of nutrients to the foetus affecting newborns and pregnant women. Various mechanisms for this vascular dysfunction have been proposed, of which the most studied are metabolic alterations of the vascular endothelium. However, different cell types are involved in GDM-associated endothelial dysfunction, including platelets. Platelets are small, enucleated cell fragments that actively take part in blood haemostasis and thrombus formation. Thus, they play crucial roles in pathologies coursing with endothelial dysfunction, such as atherosclerosis, cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes mellitus. Nevertheless, platelet function in GDM is understudied. Several reports show a potential relationship between platelet volume and mass with GDM; however, platelet roles and signaling mechanisms in GDM-associated endothelial dysfunction are unclear. This review summarizes the reported findings and proposes a link among altered amount, volume, mass, reactivity, and function of platelets and placenta development, resulting in fetoplacental vascular dysfunction in GDM.

Platelets, a Key Cell in Inflammation and Atherosclerosis Progression.

Platelets play important roles in thrombosis-dependent obstructive cardiovascular diseases. In addition, it has now become evident that platelets also participate in the earliest stages of atherosclerosis, including the genesis of the atherosclerotic lesion. Moreover, while the link between platelet activity and hemostasis has been well established, the role of platelets as modulators of inflammation has only recently been recognized. Thus, through their secretory activities, platelets can chemically attract a diverse repertoire of cells to inflammatory foci. Although monocytes and lymphocytes act as key cells in the progression of an inflammatory event and play a central role in plaque formation and progression, there is also evidence that platelets can traverse the endothelium, and therefore be a direct mediator in the progression of atherosclerotic plaque. This review provides an overview of platelet interactions and regulation in atherosclerosis.

Efecto de extractos de frutas y hortalizas en la incorporación de glucosa en células musculares in vitro / Effect of fruit and vegetable extracts on the incorporation of glucose in muscle cells "in vitro"

Skeletal muscle appears to play a central role in the development of insulin resistance (IR) and consequently the metabolic syndrome due to high-fat diets, obesity, and aging. Recent evidence suggests that some bioactive compounds present in natural products can affect blood glucose, possibly due to interactions between the compounds and glucose transporters. As an objective, to evaluate the effect of the extract of the green bean (PV, Phaseolus vulgaris) and apple of small fruit of thinning (Malus domestica, MAF and MIT extracts) on the incorporation of glucose in C2C12 muscle cells. For this, the cytotoxic effect of the extracts on the cells was determined by detecting formazan. Subsequently, glucose incorporation was determined using a fluorescent glucose analog in cells treated with the extracts. Finally, the effect of the extracts on IL-6 and TNFα production was evaluated by ELISA. Results: PV and MAF decreased 50% of viability at 1000µg / mL while MIT only decreased 10% at that concentration. PV had no significant effect on glucose incorporation and the MAF and MIT extract extracts significantly increased glucose incorporation at 100 µg / mL (13500 and 18000 URF respectively). PV increases the secretion of IL-6 and TNF-α, MAF and MIT only increase the expression of IL-6. Conclusion: These results make it possible to establish natural extracts derived from thinning small fruit apple can be used as a possible treatment for pathologies with high blood glucose levels.

mTOR Activity and Autophagy in Senescent Cells, a Complex Partnership.

Cellular senescence is a form of proliferative arrest triggered in response to a wide variety of stimuli and characterized by unique changes in cell morphology and function. Although unable to divide, senescent cells remain metabolically active and acquire the ability to produce and secrete bioactive molecules, some of which have recognized pro-inflammatory and/or pro-tumorigenic actions. As expected, this "senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP)" accounts for most of the non-cell-autonomous effects of senescent cells, which can be beneficial or detrimental for tissue homeostasis, depending on the context. It is now evident that many features linked to cellular senescence, including the SASP, reflect complex changes in the activities of mTOR and other metabolic pathways. Indeed, the available evidence indicates that mTOR-dependent signaling is required for the maintenance or implementation of different aspects of cellular senescence. Thus, depending on the cell type and biological context, inhibiting mTOR in cells undergoing senescence can reverse senescence, induce quiescence or cell death, or exacerbate some features of senescent cells while inhibiting others. Interestingly, autophagy-a highly regulated catabolic process-is also commonly upregulated in senescent cells. As mTOR activation leads to repression of autophagy in non-senescent cells (mTOR as an upstream regulator of autophagy), the upregulation of autophagy observed in senescent cells must take place in an mTOR-independent manner. Notably, there is evidence that autophagy provides free amino acids that feed the mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1), which in turn is required to initiate the synthesis of SASP components. Therefore, mTOR activation can follow the induction of autophagy in senescent cells (mTOR as a downstream effector of autophagy). These functional connections suggest the existence of autophagy regulatory pathways in senescent cells that differ from those activated in non-senescence contexts. We envision that untangling these functional connections will be key for the generation of combinatorial anti-cancer therapies involving pro-senescence drugs, mTOR inhibitors, and/or autophagy inhibitors.

Gestational diabesity and foetoplacental vascular dysfunction.

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) shows a deficiency in the metabolism of D-glucose and other nutrients, thereby negatively affecting the foetoplacental vascular endothelium. Maternal hyperglycaemia and hyperinsulinemia play an important role in the aetiology of GDM. A combination of these and other factors predisposes women to developing GDM with pre-pregnancy normal weight, viz. classic GDM. However, women with GDM and prepregnancy obesity (gestational diabesity, GDty) or overweight (GDMow) show a different metabolic status than women with classic GDM. GDty and GDMow are associated with altered l-arginine/nitric oxide and insulin/adenosine axis signalling in the human foetoplacental microvascular and macrovascular endothelium. These alterations differ from those observed in classic GDM. Here, we have reviewed the consequences of GDty and GDMow in the modulation of foetoplacental endothelial cell function, highlighting studies describing the modulation of intracellular pH homeostasis and the potential implications of NO generation and adenosine signalling in GDty-associated foetal vascular insulin resistance. Moreover, with an increase in the rate of obesity in women of childbearing age worldwide, the prevalence of GDty is expected to increase in the next decades. Therefore, we emphasize that women with GDty and GDMow should be characterized with a different metabolic state from that of women with classic GDM to develop a more specific therapeutic approach for protecting the mother and foetus.

Endothelial transmigration of platelets depends on soluble factors released by activated endothelial cells and monocytes.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain leading causes of death worldwide. While platelet-mediated thrombus formation following the rupture of an atherosclerotic plaque is one of the key pathophysiologic events in CVDs, the role of platelets in previous or more advanced stages of atherosclerosis is less known. Interestingly, the presence of platelets has been observed at the core of the atherosclerotic plaque.In order to study the conditions necessary for platelets to migrate toward an atherosclerotic lesion, we designed an in vitro co-culture model. Platelets were co-cultured with monocytes in Transwell inserts covered with a confluent endothelium and the number of migrating platelets and/or monocytes was determined under different conditions. Platelets were also exposed to media conditioned obtained from co-cultures prior to migration assays.Here we show that coculturing platelets and monocytes increased platelet transmigration, with a considerable number of transmigrated platelets found not associated to monocytes. Interestingly, conditioned media from platelet-monocyte co-cultures also increased platelet transmigration and aggregation, suggesting the existence of soluble factors secreted by monocytes that enhance the migratory and pro-aggregating capabilities of platelets.We conclude that platelets have the machinery to migrate through an activated endothelium, a response that requires the interaction with secreted factors produce in the context of the interaction with monocytes under atherogenic conditions.

La Tomasa reduce parámetros metabólicos e inflamatorios asociados a síndrome metabólico en un modelo murino / Tomasa reduces metabolic and inflammatory parameters associated with metabolic syndrome in a murine model

In our country, cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the main cause of death. Unhealthy eating habits and sedentary lifestyles, among other factors, have contributed to increase the risk for CDV in the population. An alternative to the commonly used pharmacological therapies is the use of validated natural products that can be incorporated in the development of functional foods or supplements. In particular, the tomato has been shown to have a protective role in CVD; its high content of antioxidants, particularly lycopene, provides it with extensively documented beneficial properties. Tomasa, a by-product of the agroindustry, maintains some of the beneficial characteristics of its fruit of origin. Mice fed with a high-fat (hypercaloric) diet increase their body weight and visceral adipose mass, and also display an increase in metabolic and inflammatory parameters. Our results allow us to conclude that the consumption of Tomasa in mice fed a hypercaloric diet reduces the blood levels of cholesterol, glycaemia and pro-inflammatory cytokines. These results support the rationale of using of this by-product in the generation of functional ingredients with proven beneficial effects.

Platelet Activation Is Triggered by Factors Secreted by Senescent Endothelial HMEC-1 Cells In Vitro.

Aging is one of the main risk factors for the development of chronic diseases, with both the vascular endothelium and platelets becoming functionally altered. Cellular senescence is a form of permanent cell cycle arrest initially described in primary cells propagated in vitro, although it can also be induced by anticancer drugs and other stressful stimuli. Attesting for the complexity of the senescent phenotype, senescent cells synthesize and secrete a wide variety of bioactive molecules. This "senescence-associated secretory phenotype" (SASP) endows senescent cells with the ability to modify the tissue microenvironment in ways that may be relevant to the development of various physiological and pathological processes. So far, however, the direct role of factors secreted by senescent endothelial cells on platelet function remains unknown. In the present work, we explore the effects of SASP factors derived from senescent endothelial cells on platelet function. To this end, we took advantage of a model in which immortalized endothelial cells (HMEC-1) were induced to senesce following exposure to doxorubicin, a chemotherapeutic drug widely used in the clinic. Our results indicate that (1) low concentrations of doxorubicin induce senescence in HMEC-1 cells; (2) senescent HMEC-1 cells upregulate the expression of selected components of the SASP and (3) the media conditioned by senescent endothelial cells are capable of inducing platelet activation and aggregation. These results suggest that factors secreted by senescent endothelial cells in vivo could have a relevant role in the platelet activation observed in the elderly or in patients undergoing therapeutic stress.

SASP-Dependent Interactions between Senescent Cells and Platelets Modulate Migration and Invasion of Cancer Cells.

Alterations in platelet aggregation are common in aging individuals and in the context of age-related pathologies such as cancer. So far, however, the effects of senescent cells on platelets have not been explored. In addition to serving as a barrier to tumor progression, cellular senescence can contribute to remodeling tissue microenvironments through the capacity of senescent cells to synthesize and secrete a plethora of bioactive factors, a feature referred to as the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). As senescent cells accumulate in aging tissues, sites of tissue injury, or in response to drugs, SASP factors may contribute to increase platelet activity and, through this mechanism, generate a microenvironment that facilitates cancer progression. Using in vitro models of drug-induced senescence, in which cellular senescence was induced following exposure of mammary epithelial cells (MCF-10A and MCF-7) and gastric cancer cells (AGS) to the CDK4/6 inhibitor Palbociclib, we show that senescent mammary and gastric cells display unique expression profiles of selected SASP factors, most of them being downregulated at the RNA level in senescent AGS cells. In addition, we observed cell-type specific differences in the levels of secreted factors, including IL-1ß, in media conditioned by senescent cells. Interestingly, only media conditioned by senescent MCF-10A and MCF-7 cells were able to enhance platelet aggregation, although all three types of senescent cells were able to attract platelets in vitro. Nevertheless, the effects of factors secreted by senescent cells and platelets on the migration and invasion of non-senescent cells are complex. Overall, platelets have prominent effects on migration, while factors secreted by senescent cells tend to promote invasion. These differential responses likely reflect differences in the specific arrays of secreted senescence-associated factors, specific factors released by platelets upon activation, and the susceptibility of target cells to respond to these agents.

Niveles Plasmáticos de Citoquinas Proinflamatorias en Cáncer de Próstata / Serum levels of proinflammatory cytokines in prostate cancer

INTRODUCTION: Prostate cancer has become an important public health problem affecting millions of men worldwide every year. Like other malignant tumors, prostate cancer shows evidence of a strong inflammatory component that is dependent on the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which might play a major role in the development and progression of the tumor, helping in its early stage, progression and aggressiveness. AIMS: The goal of this study was to determine the relationships between the serum levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and the different stages of prostate cancer. To this end, sera from patients enrolled by The Laboratory of Metabolic Diseases and Cancer of the Faculty of Pharmacy and Biochemistry at the University Juan Agustín Maza in Argentina, were analyzed through ELISA and their pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α and MCP-1) quantified. Patients were first classified into three groups (Control, at Risk, and Cancer subjects) and anthropometric, biochemical and histological parameters of prostate were then determined for all groups. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Despite displaying elevated serum concentrations of IL-6 and TNF-α in the Cancer and the Risk groups compared to the Control group, the differences did not reach significance. However, there was a positive correlation between these cytokines only in the Risk and Cancer groups, showing a general inflammatory behavior in these patients. The results obtained provide general data about the behavior of pro-inflammatory cytokines in prostate cancer. However, they do not demonstrate a direct correlation between serum levels and neoplastic progression. Nevertheless, these findings do not rule out a possible relationship between prostate cancer and serum levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines.

Role of Platelet Activation and Oxidative Stress in the Evolution of Myocardial Infarction.

Myocardial infarction, commonly known as heart attack, evolves from the rupture of unstable atherosclerotic plaques to coronary thrombosis and myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury. A body of evidence supports a close relationship between the alterations following an ischemia-reperfusion injury-induced oxidative stress and platelet activity. Through their critical role in thrombogenesis and inflammatory responses, platelets are fully (totally) implicated from atherothrombotic plaque formation to myocardial infarction onset and expansion. However, mere platelet aggregation prevention does not offer full protection, suggesting that other antiplatelet therapy mechanisms may also be involved. Thus, the present review discusses the integrative role of platelets, oxidative stress, and antiplatelet therapy in triggering myocardial infarction pathophysiology.

Effects of Phaseolus vulgaris Extract on Lipolytic Activity and Differentiation of 3T3-L1 Preadipocytes into Mature Adipocytes: A Strategy to Prevent Obesity.

BACKGROUND: Overweight and obesity are defined as abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that may be harmful for health. A global trend in this area is the search for natural compounds that have a proven beneficial effect and no clinical complications. Phaseolus vulgaris (bean) is a vegetable highly consumed worldwide. One of its effects, the most reported, is weight reduction in overweight individuals. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to investigate the antiobesity activity of this legume in mature 3T3-L1 adipocytes and in rat white adipose tissue in an ex vivo model. DESIGN: Mature adipocytes 3T3-L1 and rat adipose tissue were treated with bean extracts. We quantified lipolysis in mature 3T3-L1 adipocytes and in rat white adipose tissue in an ex vivo model. RESULTS: In an ex vivo assay with adipose tissue, methanolic and aqueous green bean extracts increased glycerol release to the medium compared to control (p < 0.05 and p < 0.001 respectively). Treatment of 3T3-L1 adipocytes with green bean extracts (800 and 1000 µg/mL) increased glycerol release significantly (p < 0.0001). Extracts at concentrations between 500 and 1000 µg/mL reduced intracellular triglyceride accumulation by 34.4% and 47.1% compared to control (p < 0.0001). DISCUSSION: Our results propose that bioactive compounds of green beans exert a direct mechanism on adipocytes through lipolysis. CONCLUSION: We have identified a novel capacity of bean extracts related to lipolytic activity both in vitro and ex vivo, resulting in a powerful lipolytic effect. Moreover, we also found that bean extracts has an antiadipogenic effect during the differentiation of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes. These results suggest that bean is a good candidate for the development of functional ingredients that can help reduce the high rates of death from cardiovascular diseases associated with obesity.

Phaseolus vulgaris Exerts an Inhibitory Effect on Platelet Aggregation through AKT Dependent Way.

The Phaseolus vulgaris (common bean), a worldwide vegetable of high consumption, can act as a nutritional supplement in the diet of oversized individuals to reduce weight. Studies have demonstrated the existence of molecules capable of inhibiting the breakdown of carbohydrates via inhibition of both α-amylases and glycosidases. Here, we describe a novel property of the Phaseolus vulgaris: inhibition of thrombotic cardiovascular events. Using assays to test platelet aggregation and secretion, and flow cytometry against the surface expression of P-Selectin. We show that bean extracts significantly reduced adenosine 5'-diphosphate and arachidonic acid induced-platelet aggregation. The mechanism underlying such effect appears to be mediated by AKT, since AKT hypo-phosphorylation decreases the "inside out" activation of platelets. In sum, our results support the hypothesis that common beans are nutritional ingredients that help reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases associated with platelet hyper-reactivity.

The Potential Role of Senescence As a Modulator of Platelets and Tumorigenesis.

In addition to thrombus formation, alterations in platelet function are frequently observed in cancer patients. Importantly, both thrombus and tumor formation are influenced by age, although the mechanisms through which physiological aging modulates these processes remain poorly understood. In this context, the potential effects of senescent cells on platelet function represent pathophysiological mechanisms that deserve further exploration. Cellular senescence has traditionally been viewed as a barrier to tumorigenesis. However, far from being passive bystanders, senescent cells are metabolically active and able to secrete a variety of soluble and insoluble factors. This feature, known as the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP), may provide senescent cells with the capacity to modify the tissue environment and, paradoxically, promote proliferation and neoplastic transformation of neighboring cells. In fact, the SASP-dependent ability of senescent cells to enhance tumorigenesis has been confirmed in cellular systems involving epithelial cells and fibroblasts, leaving open the question as to whether similar interactions can be extended to other cellular contexts. In this review, we discuss the diverse functions of platelets in tumorigenesis and suggest the possibility that senescent cells might also influence tumorigenesis through their ability to modulate the functional status of platelets through the SASP.

Apple Peel Supplemented Diet Reduces Parameters of Metabolic Syndrome and Atherogenic Progression in ApoE-/- Mice.

Cardiovascular Diseases (CVD) represent about 30% of all causes of death worldwide. The development of CVD is related in many cases with the previous existence of metabolic syndrome (MS). It is known that apple consumption has a cardiovascular protecting effect, containing phenolic compounds with antioxidant effect, which are concentrated in the fruit peel. The objective of this study was to test the effect of apple peel consumption in a murine model of MS and apoE-/- mice. Apple supplemented diets reduced the biochemical parameters (glycaemia, total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, ureic nitrogen, triglycerides, insulin, and asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA)) of MS model in CF1 mice significantly. The model apoE-/- mouse was used to evaluate the capacity of the apple peel to revert the progression of the atherogenesis. FD with HAP reverts cholesterol significantly and slows down the progression of the plate diminishing the cholesterol accumulation area. With these results, it can be concluded that the consumption of apple peel reduces several MS parameters and the atherogenic progression in mice.

Vascular hypercontractility and endothelial dysfunction before development of atherosclerosis in moderate dyslipidemia: role for nitric oxide and interleukin-6.

Atherosclerosis is a chronic disease that affects peripheral arteries and the aorta. Several inflammatory processes are required until the production of an atheroma. Before the atheroma appears, endothelial dysfunction is a key event. We hypothesized that endothelial dysfunction occurs in a mouse model of mild dyslipidemia, the mouse deficient in apolipoprotein E (apoE(+/-)). Using aortic rings preparation, we found that apoE(+/-) mice showed increased developed tension in response to KCl 60 mM when using a range a pre-loads from 0.5 to 2.0 grams (p = 0.038). Next, we tested the vasorelaxant capacity of apoE(+/-) aortas (pre-contracted with phenylephrine) in response to acetylcholine, an endothelium-dependent vasodilator. ApoE(+/-) aortas showed diminished vasorelaxation in a range of Ach concentrations (p = 0.0032). Next we assessed the levels of plasma NO metabolites, nitrite plus nitrate. These were significantly reduced, along with a significant decrease of the endothelial nitric oxide synthase in ApoE(+/-) mice. When we analyzed the morphology of the aortas in apoE(+/-) mice, these showed no signs of atheroma. In addition, we analyzed the levels of inflammatory cytokines, TNF-alpha, MCP-1 and interleukin 6 (Il-6). While TNF-alpha was similar in both groups, (18.3 ± 2 pg/mL in wild type vs. 17.5 ± 2 pg/mL in apoE(+/-)), MCP-1 was increased in ApoE deficient mice (71.5 ± 0.8 pg/mL in wild type vs. 85.1 ± 7.4 pg/mL in ApoE(+/-) mice, p = 0.006), along with IL-6 (24.7 ± 1.7 pg/ml in wild type vs. 47.1 ± 12.5 in ApoE mice, p = 0.0055). These results suggest that mild dyslipidemia produces a pro-inflammatory state, associated with diminished NOS and NO production, which produces endothelial dysfunction.

High fat diet induces adhesion of platelets to endothelium in two models of dyslipidemia.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) represent about 30% of all global deaths. It is currently accepted that, in the atherogenic process, platelets play an important role, contributing to endothelial activation and modulation of the inflammatory phenomenon, promoting the beginning and formation of lesions and their subsequent thrombotic complications. The objective of the present work was to study using immunohistochemistry, the presence of platelets, monocytes/macrophages, and cell adhesion molecules (CD61, CD163, and CD54), in two stages of the atheromatous process. CF-1 mice fed a fat diet were used to obtain early stages of atheromatous process, denominated early stage of atherosclerosis, and ApoE(-/-) mice fed a fat diet were used to observe advanced stages of atherosclerosis. The CF-1 mice model presented immunostaining on endothelial surface for all three markers studied; the advanced atherosclerosis model in ApoE(-/-) mice also presented granular immunostaining on lesion thickness, for the same markers. These results suggest that platelets participate in atheromatous process from early stages to advance d stages. High fat diet induces adhesion of platelets to endothelial cells in vivo. These findings support studying the participation of platelets in the formation of atheromatous plate.

Effect of tomato industrial processing (different hybrids, paste, and pomace) on inhibition of platelet function in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death worldwide. Healthy eating is among its safeguards, especially the daily intake of fruits and vegetables. In this context it has been shown that tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) presents antiplatelet activity. In the present study, we evaluated in vitro antiplatelet activity of fresh hybrid tomato process (nine hybrids: Apt 410, H 9888, Bos 8066, Sun 6366, AB3, HMX 7883, H 9665, H 7709, and H 9997), paste and its by-product of industrial processes (pomace). We assessed antiplatelet activity ex vivo and bleeding time in rats that ingested 0.1 and 1.0 g/kg of pomace each day. In studies in vitro, no significant differences in antiplatelet activity was observed in fresh tomato hybrids. Furthermore, the agro-industrial process did not affect the antiplatelet activity of paste and pomace. Likewise, pomace intake of 1.0 g/kg per day prolonged bleeding time and reduced ex vivo platelet aggregation in rats. The data obtained indicate that tomato has one or more compounds that caused antiplatelet activity. Regular consumption of tomato and its industrial derivatives could be part of a CVD prevention regimen.

Role of PPARs in inflammatory processes associated with metabolic syndrome (Review).

Metabolic syndrome (MS) includes the presence of arterial hypertension, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, cardiovascular disease (CVD) and abdominal obesity, which is associated with a chronic inflammatory response, characterized by abnormal adipokine production, and the activation of certain pro-inflammatory signaling pathways. Furthermore, the changes presented by the adipose tissue in MS favors the secretion of several molecular mediators capable of activating or suppressing a number of transcription factors, such as the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs), whose main functions include storage regulation and fatty acid catabolization. When they are activated by their ligands (synthetic or endogenous), they control several genes involved in intermediate metabolism, which make them, together with the PPAR gamma coactivator-1-α (PGC-1) and the silent information regulator T1 (SIRT1), good targets for treating metabolic diseases and their cardiovascular complications.