Sistema Regional de Información
en línea para Revistas Científicas de América Latina,
el Caribe, España y Portugal

Nowadays, natural options to inhibit pancreatic lipase (PL) as part of obesity treatments have been studied, where vegetables’ bioactive compounds, such as flavonoids, represent an option. However, other compounds like pectin (PEC) can also be found in these products. Due to the scarce studies that analyze the effect of combined inhibitory effect of flavonoids (Catechin, CAT; Epicatechin, EPI; and Naringenin, NAR) both in presence and absence of PEC, this work was carried out. Combination index (CI) values and isobolograms on PL activity were determined. The enzymatic activity was measured using UV-Vis spectroscopy. Six different flavonoids’ combinations, alone and in conjunction with PEC were evaluated. Without PEC, IC50 values for individual flavonoids were similar, and they exhibited an uncompetitive inhibition mode. According to the CI values and the isobolograms, synergistic effects (CI < 0.90) were predominantly observed for flavonoids combinations, regardless of the presence of PEC. It appeared to enhance the inhibitory capacity of the flavonoid-flavonoid combinations, contributing to a stronger synergistic effect on PL activity. Notably, the EPI-NAR combination in both the presence and absence of PEC demonstrated the most significant synergistic inhibitory effect, with CI values of 0.58 ± 0.02 and 0.68 ± 0.00, respectively.

The main challenge facing the agricultural sector today is to ensure continued access to enough nutritious food with minimal environmental impact. Therefore, the search for sustainable and effective methods to stimulate crop yield and quality is a priority. Plants are emerging as an attractive local resource for biostimulant extracts due to their abun[1]dant biomass and high content of bioactive compounds. However, the factors that support the implementation of botanical extracts as alternative bioproducts to reduce dependence on agrochemicals are not yet fully understood. This review aimed to analyze the available information on the potential use of botanical extracts as biostimulants for Mexican agriculture. An updated overview of the definition and regulation of agricultural biostimulants worldwide and in Mexico is provided. In addition, research trends on the biostimulant properties of extracts derived from Mexican plants related to the species used as raw material, extraction methods, modes of application, and types of crops evaluated are analyzed. Finally, the effects and mechanisms of action of botanical extracts on crop plants are discussed, and future research needs to optimize their application in agricultural production.

Drug repositioning is a strategy that leverages approved medications to treat diseases for which they were not originally designed. This approach reduces the time and costs associated with developing new drugs, facilitating the discovery of new therapeutic options. This review aims to explore the methodologies used, the current challenges, and the potential impact of this approach in medicine. A search was conducted in the PubMed and ScienceDirect databases using keywords related to drug repositioning, combining terms such as “repurposing” with different types of medications. The most recent information was prioritized, specifically for the last 15 years (with 2010 used as a threshold), and articles deemed irrelevant or outdated were excluded. Successful repositioning cases are highlighted, such as ibuprofen, a Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID), which may offer benefits in neurodegenerative diseases. Acetylsalicylic acid, initially designed for hypertension and angina, has presented activity against cancer and Alzheimer’s disease. Omeprazole, used for acid-related secretory disorders, has shown antiparasitic activity. These examples emphasize how approved drugs, with established safety profiles, can have new uses. Drug repositioning, supported by bioinformatics tools, represents a promising avenue for treating neglected diseases and improving existing therapies through drug combinations that optimize efficacy and reduce side effects.

The Valle del Mezquital, Mexico, is one of the main cropproducing areas in the country. This valley is irrigated by wastewater, primarily from Mexico City. This characteristic creates unique environmental conditions that can impact microorganisms in agricultural soils. In this study, actinomycetes were isolated from the rhizosphere of agricultural soils to characterize them and determine their potential as plant growth promoters and inhibitors of phytopathogenic fungi. Thirteen strains of the Streptomyces genus were isolated, and in vitro studies revealed that all could produce indoleacetic acid, siderophores, and organic acids. Streptomyces thinghirensis and Streptomyces lateritius solubilized phosphates, while Streptomyces lusitanus produced HCN. Previously unreported strains with antagonistic activity against plant pathogenic fungi were identi!ed, the main ones being Streptomyces pseudogriseolus, Streptomyces atrovirens, Streptomyces lateritius, Streptomyces nigra, and Streptomyces griseoplanus. The results obtained provide new knowledge into Streptomycetes that have not been previously studied and may o"er tools for the biological control of diseases caused by phytopathogenic fungi, as well as strategies for enhancing productivity under conservation tillage conditions.

The influence of glazed clay utensils and iron and calcium intakes on the risk of lead poisoning in populations from the Sonora River was evaluated. Lead in clay utensils from 49 households was analyzed, and the amount of lead was measured in food, water, and human blood samples. Iron and calcium intake were assessed, and exposure factors for the prevalence of lead poisoning were evaluated. The study was limited to voluntary participation and information provided through surveys. Lead was present in 80.3% of the utensils that belonged to 80% of households. Average quantities of lead in food was 2.95 mg dL-1, and 21.48 mg dL-1 in blood with no significant difference between users of leaded and lead-free clay utensils. Iron intake was deficient in 82.0 % and calcium intake in 87.7 % of participants, with a weak negative correlation with blood lead levels. Using leaded clay utensils was 1.99 times more likely to have lead-related diseases. There is a risk of lead poisoning when clay utensils are used, which is enhanced by poor intake of iron and calcium. However, the presence of lead was not exclusively from the use of leaded clay, suggesting other sources of lead.

The male effect induces reproductive activity in female goats; however, it is not known whether it accelerates conception time and increases reproductive efficiency. In a retrospective analysis (2019-2021), 415 reproductive records of female goats (Saanen-Alpine) with (n=314;H-CON) or without (n=101;H-SIN) sexual experience were analyzed to determine whether periconceptional sexual biostimulation promotes earlier conception after the introduction of fertile males, increases the proportion of pregnant females in the first reproductive cycle, and increases reproductive efficiency. Prior to breeding, females were (n=292;H-EM) or not (n=123;H-NEM) stimulated with vasectomized males for 21 days and subsequently bred with fertile males in natural mating for 42 days. H-NEM and H-SIN (P<0.001) became pregnant more quickly (10-days) than H-CON (13-days) or H-EM (16-days). A high proportion of H-NEM (95%) or H-EM (72%) anticipated conception to their first reproductive cycle (P<0.001). Weight at the beginning of breeding or experience did not influence the conception cycle (P>0.05). Fertility rate was influenced by sexual experience (H-CON:96% vs H-SIN:53%) and weight at the beginning of breeding (P<0.001), but not by biostimulation (P>0.05). Reproductive rate was not influenced by biostimulation (H-EM:130% vs H-NEM:157%; P<0.05), sexual experience (H-CON:157% vs H-SIN:79%), and weight at the start of breeding (P<0.001). It is concluded that sexual experience and heavier females at the time of breeding were more fertile and prolific. Periconceptional sexual biostimulation promotes earlier conception.

The objective of this research was to evaluate the antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of polyphenols extracted from Macambo (Theobroma bicolor) seeds using two extraction methods: ultrasound and agitation. Two parts of the seed (shell and cotyledon) were used as sources for the extracts, and three hydroalcoholic solutions (1:3, 1:1, 3:1) were tested. The results showed that maceration by agitation with a 1:3 hydroalcoholic ratio was the most effective, achieving the highest extraction yields for both the shell (60.35 %) and the cotyledon (68.06 %). Additionally, both sources of the extract presented high polyphenol content and significant antioxidant activity, underscoring the potential of Macambo polyphenols as natural antioxidants. Specifically, high polyphenol content was observed in the shell (17.31 mg GAE/g) and cotyledon (10.40 mg GAE/g) extracts using maceration by agitation and ultrasound, respectively, at the 1:3 solvent ratio. The extracts exhibited notable antioxidant activity, particularly in the shell (23119.24 µmol TE/100 g) and the cotyledon (96943.78 µmol TE/100 g) under ultrasound extraction with the same solvent ratio. The antimicrobial activity, evaluated against Salmonella and E. coli, showed inhibition values of up to 88.97 %, making these extracts a promising option for the development of preservatives or antimicrobial treatments and offering an alternative for the sustainable use of natural resources.

Recycling agroforestry byproducts is a good strategy for improving sustainable agricultural production. The use of bioproducts such as compost and compost-derived products like compost tea has increased due to their positive effects on different crops. In this study, compost was obtained from a 75/25 v/v spend coffee grounds/cow manure, and compost tea (fermented aqueous extract). The effect of applying both on the development and yield of jalapeño peppers (Capsicum annuum L.) grown in pots was evaluated, as well as changes in the concentration and chromatographic profile (UHPLC) of capsaicinoids were studied. Three treatments were established: T0: control soil, T1: T0+20 % compost, TTé: T0 with foliar irrigation of seedlings with diluted tea. The number of fruits harvested, and the amount of chlorophyll increased in the order TTé > T1 > T0. In this same order, the concentration of the main capsaicinoids (capsaicin and dihydrocapsaicin) increased, both in mg/g dry base and in pungency units (Scoville-SHU). The maximum value of total capsaicinoids was 1.11 mg/g dry base and 17844 (SHU) in TTé. The capsaicinoids nordihydrocapsaicin, capsaicin, dihydrocapsaicin, homocapsaicin, and homodihydrocapsaicin were identified in methanol:water extracts. The addition of compost and tea increased the physical (number of fruits, weight) and chemical (chlorophyll, capsaicinoids) properties in jalapeño pepper fruits.

Despite the discovery of insulin over a century ago, effective oral administration remains a major research focus due to its potential for a non-invasive delivery. This review explores the pivotal role of murine diabetes models in advancing effective oral insulin formulations. A literature search was conducted in PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar to identify experimental studies published in the last five years. The findings reveal significant progress in improving oral insulin bioavailability and glucose control using innovative techniques such as nanoparticles, microparticles, hydrogels, and smart delivery systems. These techniques were tested in experimental animal models, predominantly Wistar and Sprague Dawley rats with streptozotocin-induced diabetes. However, translating these advances into clinical practice in humans remains a challenge. Optimizing experimental models and developing sophisticated delivery technologies are crucial for achieving personalized and effective oral insulin therapies.

To assess the physiological status and photosynthetic activity of sixteen microalgae strains isolated from Baja California, growth estimations and in vivo chlorophyll a (Chl-a) fluorescence measurements were performed. The bacillariophyte Diploneis sp. exhibited the highest growth rate, while the highest cell densities were observed in Tetraselmis suecica and Navicula sp. strain 2. Most strains showed effective maximum quantum yield (Fv/Fm) values above 0.50. The highest values of maximum electron transport rate (ETRₘ) and saturation irradiance (Iₖ) were recorded for Amphora sp. strain 6 and Heterococcus sp. The diatom Navicula sp. strain 4 showed the highest content of chlorophyll a and carotenoids. The culture conditions used in this study were not stressful for the microalgae strains. Notably, T. suecica showed high maximum cell density and Fv/Fm values; Amphora sp. strain 6 exhibited the highest electron transport rate (ETRₘ) and elevated saturation irradiance (Iₖ). This work highlights the interspecific variability in physiological and photosynthetic traits among native strains, which can be promising candidates for aquaculture and biotechnology applications requiring robust photosynthetic performance.