Effect of Germinated Soy Protein on the Growth of HeLa Cervical Cancer Cells in Female Athymic Mice

Previous studies showed that germination could improve the antiproliferative effect of soy protein on cervical cancer cells and that a peptide fraction (MAPF) from germinated soybeans decreases the expression of PTTG1 and TOP2A (2 genes considered as therapeutic targets) causing apoptosis of cancer cells. The aim of this work was to study the effect of feeding germinated soybean protein diets on the tumor growth in nude mice inoculated with cervical cancer cells and identify the bioactive component. Mice were randomly assigned to 1 of the 6 dietary groups based in AIN-93G formulation with 6 protein sources: casein, ungerminated soy protein (SP), and SP from 2 and 6 days of germination, with and without ethanol-soluble phytochemicals (ESPC). Compared with casein-fed controls, the tumor volumes after 5 wk were reduced by 44.6% by ungerminated SP, 98.9% by 2-day-germinated SP, 97.7% by 2-day-germinated SP without ESPC, 94.7% by 6-day-germinated SP, and 92.7% by 6-day-germinated SP without ESPC (P < 0.05). Liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry analysis of MAPF showed that the bioactive peptide might be the leginsulin, a peptide involved in signal transduction of soybean cells. Germination is a simple procedure that could help to increase the anticancer activity of soy protein probably through generation of biologically active peptides.     

El cáncer colorrectal en España. Costes por incapacidad temporal y opciones preventivas desde las empresas

BackgroundColorectal cancer is one of the most frequent cancers in both sexes and the most frequent in the developed countries, if men and women are considered together as a group. It has an important associated morbidity and mortality in all countries and constitutes a public health problem with a high direct and indirect economic cost. The number of workdays lost due to temporary disability (TD) is one of the quantifiable references of these indirect costs.AimsTo determine the indirect cost associated with TD due to colorectal cancer in Spain during the year 2011, a cost that aids in the prevention cost/benefit estimation.MethodsThe number of TD processes, the number of workdays lost due to TD, and the mean duration of those processes, based on the CIE 9-MC codes related to this pathology, as well as the calculated cost, using the Spanish minimum wage as a reference, during the period of January to December 2011, were all reviewed.ResultsColorectal cancer in Spain during 2011 represented 1,046 TD processes, 202,784 workdays lost, and a mean process duration of 194 days/year. The resulting cost of the pathology due to TD was 4,335,521.92 euros.ConclusionsThese results are beneficial for evaluating the usefulness of implementing public health support strategies for a greater reduction in colorectal cancer prevalence and mortality, and an improvement in quality of life of the affected individuals and their families, together with an economic savings resulting from a reduction in TD as a consequence of this disease.     

Analysis of polymorphisms and haplotypes in genes associated with vascular tone,hypertension and oxidative stress in Mexican-Mestizo women with severe preeclampsia

ObjectiveSeveral studies have reported the association of genes related to vascular tone, hypertension, oxidative stress and preeclampsia. We investigated the possible association among three polymorphisms in eNOS (as well their haplotypes): one of MTHFR, one of GSTP1 and one of AGT, with severe preeclampsia in Mexican-Mestizo women.MethodsTwo hundred thirty women with severe preeclampsia and 350 control subjects were genotyped; for rs2070744 and rs1799983 of eNOS, rs1801133 of MTHFR, rs1695 of GSTP1 and rs699 of AGT we used real-time PCR allelic discrimination and for VNTR of eNOS, PCR. Allele frequency differences were assessed by χ². Logistic regression was used to test for associations and for haplotype frequencies using Haploview 4.2.ResultsGenotypic and allelic distribution of the polymorphisms was similar between cases and controls; likewise, haplotype frequencies of the three polymorphisms of eNOS did not differ significantly.ConclusionsTo our knowledge, this is the first time that these polymorphisms have been analyzed together and exclusively in women with severe preeclampsia. However, we did not find an association between polymorphisms of eNOS, MTHFR, GSTP1 and AGT with severe preeclampsia in our population. Additionally, we observed differences in the distribution of the alleles and genotypes of these polymorphisms in our population in comparison to those described in other ethnic groups.     

Sex differences in anti-allodynic,anti-hyperalgesic and anti-edema effects of Δ-tetrahydrocannabinol in the rat

Cannabinoid agonists such as Δ⁹-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are more potent and/or efficacious antinociceptive agents in female than male rats using acute pain models. We tested the hypothesis that THC is more effective in females than males using a model of longer-lasting, inflammatory pain. THC’s anti-allodynic, anti-hyperalgesic, and anti-edema effects were examined 1, 3, and 7 days after injection of complete Freund’s adjuvant (CFA) into the hind paw. Systemically administered THC (0.32–3.2 mg/kg, intraperitoneally [i.p.], same dose each day) was significantly more effective in females than males in attenuating CFA-induced thermal hyperalgesia, but was also more sedative in females. When administered locally into the inflamed hind paw, THC (250–500 μg intraplantar, i.pl.) did not affect locomotor activity in either sex, yet produced greater anti-allodynic and anti-hyperalgesic effects in females than males. Despite THC’s greater anti-allodynic and anti-hyperalgesic effects in females, both i.p. and i.pl. THC reduced hind paw thickness (edema) more in males. The anti-hyperalgesic effect of i.p. THC was blocked by the CB1 receptor-selective antagonist rimonabant in both sexes. Similarly, i.pl. rimonabant antagonized i.pl. THC’s effects in both sexes; in contrast, the CB2 antagonist SR144528 significantly attenuated i.pl. THC’s anti-allodynic effect only in females. Intraplantar SR144528 also antagonized i.pl. THC’s anti-edema effect in males. This study suggests that cannabinoids may be better at reducing edema in males while being more effective against inflammatory pain in females. Furthermore, sex differences in THC’s peripheral effects against inflammatory pain may be a result of activation of both types of cannabinoid receptors in females, in contrast to predominantly CB1 receptors in males.     

Screening of Alcoholic Yeast Strains for Petite Mutation Frequency and Killer Phenotypes

Seventeen strains of alcoholic yeasts were screened for petite mutation frequency and killer phenotypes with an objective to develop them as industrial strains. The frequency of petite mutations varied with the strain. Though some strains have shown high frequency mutations, a few strains were found to be genetically stable. The killer property was found to vary with the strains. Interestingly, though some strains proved to be sensitive, some strains were found to be killer strains for marker killer strain also. Thus, the study provides the evidence that the killer principle varies with the strain.