Search

The effect of blackberry juice processed with microwaves and ultrasound on the biochemical and histopathological profile of Wistar rats fed with high-sucrose+cholesterol diet was evaluated. Rats were divided in five groups: control group (standard diet, protein 18.6%, fat 6.2%, carbohydrate 44.2%, n = 7), S group (standard diet+30% sucrose solution), S + C group (standard diet+30% sucrose solution+1 g/kg cholesterol, n = 7). S + J group (standard diet+30% sucrose solution+ 4.2 mL/kg juice, n = 7), S + C + J group (standard diet+30% sucrose solution+1 g/kg cholesterol+ 4.2 mL/kg of juice, n = 8). Non-processed blackberry juice was not tested. Supplementation with blackberry juice decreased levels of glucose in the serum (17%). Also, it reduced the abdominal and pericardial adipose tissue (P = .001) as well as liver, heart and kidney weight (p

Background: Breast and prostate cancer are frequently diagnosed neoplasias in women and men around the world. The signaling of the androgen receptor (AR) influences the development of both tumors. Since therapies focused to block the receptor's activity have not been fully effective, and have shown side effects, therapies based on natural compounds are promissory complementary alternatives in its treatment. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of anthocyanins from blue corn in cancer cell lines. Methods: We analyzed the antiproliferative effect of anthocyanins from raw and alkali-processed (tortillas) Mixteco blue corn in breast and prostate cancer cell lines MDA-MB-453 (subtype: triple negative) and LNCaP using methyltiazlyl-tetrazolium (MTT) and flow cytometry (FCM). The combination of anthocyanins and 2-amino-N-quinolin-8-yl-benzenesulfonamide (QBS) or nocodazole also were evaluated. The anthocyanins were isolated trough column chromatography (XAD-7).Results: Our results demonstrated that anthocyanin specially the ones obtained from tortillas, decreased cell viability and arrested cell cycle in G1 phase inducing apoptosis. Cytometry analysis shows an increased effect on apoptosis of MDA-MB-453 and LNCaP cells when tortilla anthocyanins and QBS were combined. Conclusions: This is the first report that suggest that anthocyanins from blue corn have an effect in cell cycle and viability so they could serve as adjuvants for breast and prostate cancer therapies and may prompt to deepen investigations to decipher its molecular properties. AbbreviationsARAndrogen ReceptorCIDIIRInterdisciplinary Center for Research on Integral Regional DevelopmentDHT5α-DihydrotestosteroneEREstrogen ReceptorPRProgesterone ReceptorQBSAmino-N-quinolin-8-yl-benzenesulfonamide.

In this study, the optimization of the processing parameters and nanoparticle additive concentration in the cutting fluid for a milling process carried by Computer Numerical Control (CNC) was performed. Machining operations commonly present high wear on the cutting inserts. This translates into a limited tool lifespan, poor surface finish of the workpiece, and high energy consumption by the process, as well as high manufacturing costs. The nanoparticle (NP) selected for this study was a montmorillonite clay (MMT) due to being naturally occurring, inexpensive, and environmentally friendly. Nanolubricants were prepared with a MMT clay concentration of 0.2 and 0.3 wt%. A three level Box Behnken experimental design was performed in order to optimize the input parameters for milling of an AISI 1018 steel, such as: cutting speed, feed rate, depth of cut, and nanoparticle concentration in the cutting fluid. A total of 27 different combinations of these parameters were done by this method. Response characteristics investigated were: spindle load (related to power consumption), cutting insert radius (wear), and surface roughness (quality of the AISI 1018 steel work-piece). For the spindle load, it was found that NP addition had a significant effect. The results of the model for this response parameter indicate that the determination coefficient (R2) was 99%. The R2 of the model for the cutting insert radius was 93% and the results of the analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed that NPs had a significant effect when combined with the parameters of cutting speed and feed rate. The optimal range of values for the four input parameters that enhanced all three response characteristics were: a cutting speed of 1145–1182 rpm, depth of cut of 0.02–0.03 in, feed rate of 7–8 in/min, and MMT clay NP concentration of 0.13–0.15 wt%. The results obtained in this study demonstrate the benefit of green nanoadditives in cutting fluids and optimization of processing parameters for enhancing the efficiency of milling processes.

The present research evaluated the chemical composition as well as the antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of the essential oil from the bark of Ocotea quixos (Lam.) Kosterm. The major components of the essential oil were cinnamaldehyde (30.69%), methoxy cinnamaldehyde (16.29%), cinnamyl acetate (12.18%), and methyl cinnamate (5.72%). The antioxidant capacity showed to be superior to that of the essential oil of Tymus vulgaris. The results show low half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values, which means that the essential oil has a high activity: 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) IC50, 2.786 ± 0.150 mg mL−1; 2,2′-azino-di-(3-ethylbenzthiazoline sulfonic acid (ABTS) IC50, 0.240 ± 0.034 mg mL−1; and IC50 β-carotene test, 0.496 ± 0.017 mg mL−1. The essential oil was active with all the microorganisms evaluated, being very active against: Escherichia coli ATCC (American type culture collection) 25922, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29213, Listeria grayi ATCC 19120, Micrococcus luteus ATCC 4698, Trichophyton mentagrophytes ATCC 9533, and Trichophyton rubrum ATCC 13803. The bioautography assays showed that bergamoteno and methoxy cinnamaldehyde were the responsible molecules for the antioxidant activity and cinnamyl acetate was the molecule responsible for the antimicrobial activity.

Blackberry mash added with citric acid (0–500 mg/kg) was treated with microwaves (0–60 s), and the resulting juice was evaluated to determine the effects on bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity using surface response methodology. This methodology allowed the selection of the parameters for the microwave treatment and concentrations of citric acid that yielded the highest content of total polyphenols, monomeric anthocyanins and antioxidant activity of the juice. Mash samples were sonicated (40% amplitude, 20 KHz, 10 min) and stored at 5 °C + 1 °C for a month. Then the contents of total polyphenols and monomeric anthocyanins, as well as microbiological quality were analyzed. Analysis of polyphenols was carried out by UPLC-DAD in the raw juice and the sample selected by surface response methodology and treated with ultrasound. The highest levels of polyphenols and monomeric anthocyanins in juice were obtained at a time of 60 s of microwave processing and a concentration of 500 mg/kg citric acid in the blackberry mash. Phenolic acids, flavonols and cyanidin were detected in both samples. During storage, juice processed with ultrasound retained more than 90% of monomeric anthocyanins and showed a significant microbial load reduction, agreeing with the quality parameters established by the Mexican standards. This study highlights the potential application of microwaves and ultrasound to increase the functional value of blackberry juice.

Background Blue corn is a cereal rich in phenolic compounds used to make blue tortillas. Tortillas are an important part of the Mexican diet. Blue corn and tortilla represent an important source of the natural antioxidants anthocyanins. However, studies on their biological activity on cancer cell lines are limited. The goal of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant and antiproliferative activity of blue corn and tortilla on different cancer cell lines. Methods Total polyphenol content, monomeric anthocyanins, and antioxidant activity by the DPPH and TBARS methods of blue corn and tortilla were determined. The anthocyanin profile of tortilla was obtained by means of HPLC–ESI-MS. The antiproliferative activity of blue corn and tortilla extract on HepG2, H-460, Hela, MCF-7 and PC-3 was evaluated by the MTT assay. Results Blue corn had higher content of total polyphenols and monomeric anthocyanins as well as lower percentage of polymeric color than tortilla; however, both showed similar antioxidant activity by DPPH. In addition, although a higher degradation of anthocyanins was observed on tortilla extract, both extracts inhibited lipid peroxidation (IC50) at a similar concentration. The anthocyanin profile showed 28 compounds which are primarily derived from cyanidin, including acylated anthocyanins and proanthocyanidins. Blue corn and tortilla extracts showed antiproliferative effects against HepG2, H-460, MCF-7 and PC-3 cells at 1000 μg/mL, however Hela cells were more sensitive at this concentration. Conclusion This is the first report to demonstrate anticancer properties in vitro of tortilla derived from blue corn, suggesting that this product has beneficial health effects. In addition, blue corn could be a potential source of nutraceuticals with anticancer activity.

The high cost of cellulolytic enzymes used in the ethanol production process has led to a growing interest in situ production. The evaluation of the influence of several factors in the fungus Penicillium sp. cellulase production using pretreated sugarcane bagasse is very interesting. Penicillium sp. cellulase production by using filter paper as cellulosic substrate and the use of glucose, sucrose and lactose like co-substrates was assessed. In the experiments using filter paper as a cellulosic substrate, the highest FPase enzyme activity obtained was 280 FPU.L-1 using sucrose as co-substrate. Subsequently, the study of pretreated sugarcane bagasse was conducted using Plackett-Burman experimental design with analysis of 6 factors influencing the process. The highest FPase activity was 615.1 FPU.L-1. The factors influencing FPase and β- glucosidase activity were the use of molasses and the solid loading. The successful use of molasses as co-substrate opens perspectives for future researches.