Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine, 2019
Objective: To evaluate the potential of Smallanthus sonchifolius (S. sonchifolius) roots in ameli... more Objective: To evaluate the potential of Smallanthus sonchifolius (S. sonchifolius) roots in ameliorating hepatic damage of rats fed with a high fructose diet. Methods: The effect of S. sonchifolius roots on energy intake, body weight, fat and liver mass was determined in male rats fed with a high-fructose diet. Plasma glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol, lipoproteins and aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase were analyzed. Histological changes of the livers were evaluated by electronic microscopy and apoptosis was examined using the TUNEL method. The levels of malondialdehyde, reduced-glutathione and antioxidant enzymes (catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione S-transferase) activities were also determined. Results: S. sonchifolius roots significantly decreased energy intake, body weight, fat and liver mass (P < 0.05). S. sonchifolius roots ameliorated liver steatosis and mitochondrial morphology, avoiding cellular apoptosis and normalizing transaminase activity in the liver of rats fed with high fructose. Enzymatic assays revealed that S. sonchifolius roots had a modulatory effect on the oxidative stress induced by fructose-feeding by reducing lipid peroxidation (P < 0.05) and antioxidant enzyme activities (P < 0.05) in liver. Conclusions: S. sonchifolius roots can ameliorate non-alcoholic fatty liver disease by improving oxidative stress and liver injury.
Smallanthus macroscyphus is an herb native to South America whose leaves are a source of antidiab... more Smallanthus macroscyphus is an herb native to South America whose leaves are a source of antidiabetic compounds, although complete information about their safe use is not available yet. This study was developed to evaluate the toxicity profile of both 10% decoction and the sesquiterpene lactone polymatin A from S. macroscyphus leaves through in vitro cytotoxicity assays and in vivo subchronic oral toxicity. Cell viability of Hep-G2, COS1, CHO-K1 and Vero cell lines decreased in a concentration-dependent manner when cells were incubated with 0.4-200 μg ml(-1) of dry extract or 0.12-60 μg ml(-1) of polymatin A. In subchronic studies, decoction was orally administered to Wistar rats for 90 days at daily doses of 70, 140 and 280 mg kg(-1) of dry extract, whereas polymatin A was administered in the same way at doses of 7, 14 and 28 mg kg(-1) . No toxicity signs or deaths were observed. There were no changes in the behavior, body or organ weights, hematological, biochemical or urine param...
Smallanthus sonchifolius (yacon), a native plant of South America, was observed to improve lipid ... more Smallanthus sonchifolius (yacon), a native plant of South America, was observed to improve lipid profile in rodents and humans. This study aimed to investigate the antiobesity properties of yacon roots in a high-fat-diet (HFD) model and the underlying mechanisms. A total of 30 Wistar male rats were divided into five groups (n=6): the standard chow diet (SD) group was fed a SD; the HFD group was fed a HFD; and the HFD Y340 and HFD Y680 groups were fed a HFD plus yacon flour (340 and 680 mg FOS/kg b. w./day, respectively). HFD Y340 and HFD Y680 rats exhibited marked attenuation of weight gain, a decrease in visceral fat pad weight, a restoration of the serum lipid profile and atherogenic index in a dose-dependent manner, being the higher dose more effective (p<0.05). In addition, we found that HFD Y680 rats showed lower glucose and insulin levels, improved glucose tolerance, and insulin sensitivity (p<0.5). A downregulation of several adipocyte specific-transcription factors, in...
The International journal of developmental biology, 1996
In the present study, we analyzed the localization of vitronectin-like protein in oocytes during ... more In the present study, we analyzed the localization of vitronectin-like protein in oocytes during oogenesis as well as in the serum and liver tissue of the amphibian Bufo arenarum. Vitronectin-like protein was purified from serum by heparin-affinity chromatography and showed to have the two biological properties in common with most animal vitronectins (VN): heparin binding activity and an RGD-dependent cell-spreading activity. SDS-PAGE of vitronectin-like protein revealed that it consists of two bands of 64 kDa and 72 kDa, while immunoblotting analyses showed that this protein strongly cross-reacts with two monoclonal antibodies against human VN. No immunofluorescent staining of vitronectin-like protein was observed in previtellogenic oocytes (stages I and II). In vitellogenic oocytes (stages III, IV and V) fluorescence was observed in the cortical cytoplasm localized in yolk platelets, extending concomitantly with the vitellogenic process. When we examined the yolk platelet formatio...
The present study was undertaken to investigate structural alterations at the surface of presumpt... more The present study was undertaken to investigate structural alterations at the surface of presumptive neural cells after primary embryonic induction. For this purpose, plant lectin-mediated agglutinability of dissociated cells from the epiblast of Bufo arenarum gastrulae was tested. Two fragments of epiblast were excised from the same mid-gastrula: one from the dorsal side of the egg, making contact with the invaginating chordamesoblast and assumed to be composed of determined cells and the other from the ventral region of the egg, facing the blastocoele cavity and assumed to be composed of undetermined cells. Cells of the pooled fragments were dissociated in calcium-free Holtfreter’s solution with potassium oxalate and incubated in the presence of different concentrations of phytohemagglutinin and concanavalin A. Epiblast cells overlying the archenteron roof are less agglutinated with both lectins than undetermined cells. On the other hand, when egg fragments were removed from the d...
Biocell : official journal of the Sociedades Latinoamericanas de Microscopía Electronica ... et. al, 1996
The formation of vitelline envelope (VE) during the oogenesis of Bufo arenarum (Amphibia Anura) i... more The formation of vitelline envelope (VE) during the oogenesis of Bufo arenarum (Amphibia Anura) is described. At the stage of early vitellogenesis, the first structures appear: the number of oocyte microvilli increases, and many cross sections of them are observed between the follicle cells and the oocyte. A filamentous material is observed inside the follicle cells and between the follicle cells and the oocyte. Multivesicular bodies are also found in the follicle cells, and in the perivitelline space. The micrographs also suggest the participation of the oocyte in the process of VE formation: large vesicles are present in the cortex of the oocyte, filled with an amorphous material of low and uniform electron density. Some of them are in the process of releasing their content to the perivitelline space. Many vesicles (probably resulting from microvilli fragmentation) are also observed in the perivitelline space. During late vitellogenesis the VE is a continuous structure between the...
This research uses the service design method to propose an innovative intergenerational interacti... more This research uses the service design method to propose an innovative intergenerational interaction platform to provide solutions to the growing gaps and the interaction problems between generations. This research begins with an introduction on the prototype of an intergenerational communication, collaboration, and time management application called ShareCare. ShareCare proposes an interdisciplinary application that uses design thinking and service design to analyze the problems and provide some solutions. Secondly, we used Service Design methods to extend ShareCare and propose an Intergenerational Service Innovation Framework (ISIF) that integrates virtual and physical services with the application of the Internet of Things (IoT) technologies. Then, this research evaluated the ISIF using the Kano Model to analyze and classify the proposed functions and their related satisfaction factors. At the end of this research, we provided future development and implementation strategies of IS...
Cells remodel their structure in response to mechanical strain. However, how mechanical forces ar... more Cells remodel their structure in response to mechanical strain. However, how mechanical forces are translated into biochemical signals that coordinate the structural changes observed at the plasma membrane (PM) and the underlying cytoskeleton during mechanoadaptation is unclear. Here, we show that PM mechanoadaptation is controlled by a tension-sensing pathway composed of c-Abl tyrosine kinase and membrane curvature regulator FBP17. FBP17 is recruited to caveolae to induce the formation of caveolar rosettes. FBP17 deficient cells have reduced rosette density, lack PM tension buffering capacity under osmotic shock, and cannot adapt to mechanical strain. Mechanistically, tension is transduced to the FBP17 F-BAR domain by direct phosphorylation mediated by c-Abl, a mechanosensitive molecule. This modification inhibits FBP17 membrane bending activity and releases FBP17-controlled inhibition of mDia1-dependent stress fibers, favoring membrane adaptation to increased tension. This mechano...
We have determined the fate of presumptive mesodermal cells in the early Pleurodeles waltl gastru... more We have determined the fate of presumptive mesodermal cells in the early Pleurodeles waltl gastrula. We labeled all cells in a gastrula with RLDx cell lineage tracer and superficial cells with 125I and then grafted small pieces of the marginal zone orthotopically into unlabeled host embryos. Labeled progeny were identified in sectioned embryos at the tail bud stage. The use of double-labeled grafts allowed us to study the relative contributions by superficial and deep cells to different derivatives. We found that the presumptive regions are generally distributed according to classical fate maps for urodeles but that the boundaries between presumptive regions are indistinct, due to extensive intermingling between cells at the edges of grafted regions. We have shown that there is a high dorsal to low ventral gradient of mixing between superficial and deep cells.
María Susana Velarde1*, María Mercedes Prado1*, Teresita del Rosario Carrizo2*, Adela Victoria Ab... more María Susana Velarde1*, María Mercedes Prado1*, Teresita del Rosario Carrizo2*, Adela Victoria Abregú3*, Sara Serafina Sánchez3** ... 1. Bioquímica Especialista en Bioquímica Clí-nica. 2. Bioquímica. 3. Dra. en Bioquímica. ... * Cátedra de Práctica Hospitalaria, Facultad de ...
Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disease that develops mainly due to insulin deficiency o... more Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disease that develops mainly due to insulin deficiency or resistance to insulin action. All forms of diabetes are characterized by chronic hyperglycemia, which has an important role in the pathogenesis of diabetic complications. Leaves of Smallanthus sonchifolius (Poepp.&Endl.) H. Robinson (yacon) have been used since ancient times to prepare medicinal herbal tea with beneficial health properties. This review aims to discuss some key aspects related to the potential use of S. sonchifolius leaves and their natural biomolecules for the prophylaxis and treatment of diabetes as well as the potential mechanisms of action.
Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine, 2019
Objective: To evaluate the potential of Smallanthus sonchifolius (S. sonchifolius) roots in ameli... more Objective: To evaluate the potential of Smallanthus sonchifolius (S. sonchifolius) roots in ameliorating hepatic damage of rats fed with a high fructose diet. Methods: The effect of S. sonchifolius roots on energy intake, body weight, fat and liver mass was determined in male rats fed with a high-fructose diet. Plasma glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol, lipoproteins and aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase were analyzed. Histological changes of the livers were evaluated by electronic microscopy and apoptosis was examined using the TUNEL method. The levels of malondialdehyde, reduced-glutathione and antioxidant enzymes (catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione S-transferase) activities were also determined. Results: S. sonchifolius roots significantly decreased energy intake, body weight, fat and liver mass (P < 0.05). S. sonchifolius roots ameliorated liver steatosis and mitochondrial morphology, avoiding cellular apoptosis and normalizing transaminase activity in the liver of rats fed with high fructose. Enzymatic assays revealed that S. sonchifolius roots had a modulatory effect on the oxidative stress induced by fructose-feeding by reducing lipid peroxidation (P < 0.05) and antioxidant enzyme activities (P < 0.05) in liver. Conclusions: S. sonchifolius roots can ameliorate non-alcoholic fatty liver disease by improving oxidative stress and liver injury.
Smallanthus macroscyphus is an herb native to South America whose leaves are a source of antidiab... more Smallanthus macroscyphus is an herb native to South America whose leaves are a source of antidiabetic compounds, although complete information about their safe use is not available yet. This study was developed to evaluate the toxicity profile of both 10% decoction and the sesquiterpene lactone polymatin A from S. macroscyphus leaves through in vitro cytotoxicity assays and in vivo subchronic oral toxicity. Cell viability of Hep-G2, COS1, CHO-K1 and Vero cell lines decreased in a concentration-dependent manner when cells were incubated with 0.4-200 μg ml(-1) of dry extract or 0.12-60 μg ml(-1) of polymatin A. In subchronic studies, decoction was orally administered to Wistar rats for 90 days at daily doses of 70, 140 and 280 mg kg(-1) of dry extract, whereas polymatin A was administered in the same way at doses of 7, 14 and 28 mg kg(-1) . No toxicity signs or deaths were observed. There were no changes in the behavior, body or organ weights, hematological, biochemical or urine param...
Smallanthus sonchifolius (yacon), a native plant of South America, was observed to improve lipid ... more Smallanthus sonchifolius (yacon), a native plant of South America, was observed to improve lipid profile in rodents and humans. This study aimed to investigate the antiobesity properties of yacon roots in a high-fat-diet (HFD) model and the underlying mechanisms. A total of 30 Wistar male rats were divided into five groups (n=6): the standard chow diet (SD) group was fed a SD; the HFD group was fed a HFD; and the HFD Y340 and HFD Y680 groups were fed a HFD plus yacon flour (340 and 680 mg FOS/kg b. w./day, respectively). HFD Y340 and HFD Y680 rats exhibited marked attenuation of weight gain, a decrease in visceral fat pad weight, a restoration of the serum lipid profile and atherogenic index in a dose-dependent manner, being the higher dose more effective (p<0.05). In addition, we found that HFD Y680 rats showed lower glucose and insulin levels, improved glucose tolerance, and insulin sensitivity (p<0.5). A downregulation of several adipocyte specific-transcription factors, in...
The International journal of developmental biology, 1996
In the present study, we analyzed the localization of vitronectin-like protein in oocytes during ... more In the present study, we analyzed the localization of vitronectin-like protein in oocytes during oogenesis as well as in the serum and liver tissue of the amphibian Bufo arenarum. Vitronectin-like protein was purified from serum by heparin-affinity chromatography and showed to have the two biological properties in common with most animal vitronectins (VN): heparin binding activity and an RGD-dependent cell-spreading activity. SDS-PAGE of vitronectin-like protein revealed that it consists of two bands of 64 kDa and 72 kDa, while immunoblotting analyses showed that this protein strongly cross-reacts with two monoclonal antibodies against human VN. No immunofluorescent staining of vitronectin-like protein was observed in previtellogenic oocytes (stages I and II). In vitellogenic oocytes (stages III, IV and V) fluorescence was observed in the cortical cytoplasm localized in yolk platelets, extending concomitantly with the vitellogenic process. When we examined the yolk platelet formatio...
The present study was undertaken to investigate structural alterations at the surface of presumpt... more The present study was undertaken to investigate structural alterations at the surface of presumptive neural cells after primary embryonic induction. For this purpose, plant lectin-mediated agglutinability of dissociated cells from the epiblast of Bufo arenarum gastrulae was tested. Two fragments of epiblast were excised from the same mid-gastrula: one from the dorsal side of the egg, making contact with the invaginating chordamesoblast and assumed to be composed of determined cells and the other from the ventral region of the egg, facing the blastocoele cavity and assumed to be composed of undetermined cells. Cells of the pooled fragments were dissociated in calcium-free Holtfreter’s solution with potassium oxalate and incubated in the presence of different concentrations of phytohemagglutinin and concanavalin A. Epiblast cells overlying the archenteron roof are less agglutinated with both lectins than undetermined cells. On the other hand, when egg fragments were removed from the d...
Biocell : official journal of the Sociedades Latinoamericanas de Microscopía Electronica ... et. al, 1996
The formation of vitelline envelope (VE) during the oogenesis of Bufo arenarum (Amphibia Anura) i... more The formation of vitelline envelope (VE) during the oogenesis of Bufo arenarum (Amphibia Anura) is described. At the stage of early vitellogenesis, the first structures appear: the number of oocyte microvilli increases, and many cross sections of them are observed between the follicle cells and the oocyte. A filamentous material is observed inside the follicle cells and between the follicle cells and the oocyte. Multivesicular bodies are also found in the follicle cells, and in the perivitelline space. The micrographs also suggest the participation of the oocyte in the process of VE formation: large vesicles are present in the cortex of the oocyte, filled with an amorphous material of low and uniform electron density. Some of them are in the process of releasing their content to the perivitelline space. Many vesicles (probably resulting from microvilli fragmentation) are also observed in the perivitelline space. During late vitellogenesis the VE is a continuous structure between the...
This research uses the service design method to propose an innovative intergenerational interacti... more This research uses the service design method to propose an innovative intergenerational interaction platform to provide solutions to the growing gaps and the interaction problems between generations. This research begins with an introduction on the prototype of an intergenerational communication, collaboration, and time management application called ShareCare. ShareCare proposes an interdisciplinary application that uses design thinking and service design to analyze the problems and provide some solutions. Secondly, we used Service Design methods to extend ShareCare and propose an Intergenerational Service Innovation Framework (ISIF) that integrates virtual and physical services with the application of the Internet of Things (IoT) technologies. Then, this research evaluated the ISIF using the Kano Model to analyze and classify the proposed functions and their related satisfaction factors. At the end of this research, we provided future development and implementation strategies of IS...
Cells remodel their structure in response to mechanical strain. However, how mechanical forces ar... more Cells remodel their structure in response to mechanical strain. However, how mechanical forces are translated into biochemical signals that coordinate the structural changes observed at the plasma membrane (PM) and the underlying cytoskeleton during mechanoadaptation is unclear. Here, we show that PM mechanoadaptation is controlled by a tension-sensing pathway composed of c-Abl tyrosine kinase and membrane curvature regulator FBP17. FBP17 is recruited to caveolae to induce the formation of caveolar rosettes. FBP17 deficient cells have reduced rosette density, lack PM tension buffering capacity under osmotic shock, and cannot adapt to mechanical strain. Mechanistically, tension is transduced to the FBP17 F-BAR domain by direct phosphorylation mediated by c-Abl, a mechanosensitive molecule. This modification inhibits FBP17 membrane bending activity and releases FBP17-controlled inhibition of mDia1-dependent stress fibers, favoring membrane adaptation to increased tension. This mechano...
We have determined the fate of presumptive mesodermal cells in the early Pleurodeles waltl gastru... more We have determined the fate of presumptive mesodermal cells in the early Pleurodeles waltl gastrula. We labeled all cells in a gastrula with RLDx cell lineage tracer and superficial cells with 125I and then grafted small pieces of the marginal zone orthotopically into unlabeled host embryos. Labeled progeny were identified in sectioned embryos at the tail bud stage. The use of double-labeled grafts allowed us to study the relative contributions by superficial and deep cells to different derivatives. We found that the presumptive regions are generally distributed according to classical fate maps for urodeles but that the boundaries between presumptive regions are indistinct, due to extensive intermingling between cells at the edges of grafted regions. We have shown that there is a high dorsal to low ventral gradient of mixing between superficial and deep cells.
María Susana Velarde1*, María Mercedes Prado1*, Teresita del Rosario Carrizo2*, Adela Victoria Ab... more María Susana Velarde1*, María Mercedes Prado1*, Teresita del Rosario Carrizo2*, Adela Victoria Abregú3*, Sara Serafina Sánchez3** ... 1. Bioquímica Especialista en Bioquímica Clí-nica. 2. Bioquímica. 3. Dra. en Bioquímica. ... * Cátedra de Práctica Hospitalaria, Facultad de ...
Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disease that develops mainly due to insulin deficiency o... more Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disease that develops mainly due to insulin deficiency or resistance to insulin action. All forms of diabetes are characterized by chronic hyperglycemia, which has an important role in the pathogenesis of diabetic complications. Leaves of Smallanthus sonchifolius (Poepp.&Endl.) H. Robinson (yacon) have been used since ancient times to prepare medicinal herbal tea with beneficial health properties. This review aims to discuss some key aspects related to the potential use of S. sonchifolius leaves and their natural biomolecules for the prophylaxis and treatment of diabetes as well as the potential mechanisms of action.
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