Yacon (Smallanthus sonchifolius) is part of our food and medicinal biodiversity and both roots and leaves are used due to their antioxidant, hypoglycemic and antibacterial properties. Consequently its use as functional food and/or nutraceutical is promising. Objectives: To determine the antioxidant capacity of 10 yacon accessions native from Cajamarca. Design: Descriptive, cross sectional and prospective study. Setting: Biochemistry and Nutrition Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos (UNMSM), and Universidad Nacional de Cajamarca (UNC), Peru. Biological material: Yacon leaves and roots. Interventions: Yacon leaves and roots of plants cultivated in the Experimental Field of the Roots and Andean Tubers Program, Cajamarca's city (2 536 meters above sea level), were used, from the collection that supports the UNC Faculty of Agrarian Sciences. Origin o...

Objetivos: Evaluar el efecto hepatoprotector del extracto acuoso de hojas de yacón (EHY) en ratas intoxicadas con acetaminofén, mediante biomarcadores de estrés oxidativo. Diseño: Analítico, experimental. Institución: Centro de Investigación de Bioquímica y Nutrición, Facultad de Medicina, UNMSM. Material biológico: EHY, obtenido de Yauyos-Lima. Intervenciones: Se formó 4 grupos de ratas hembras (n=6). Se les administró por vía oral lo siguiente; G1: control (suero fisiológico (SF)) por 11 días; G2, G3 y G4: paracetamol 300 mg/kg por 6 días y, luego, por 5 días SF, EHY, 400 mg/kg y silimarina 50 mg/kg, respectivamente. Principales medidas de los resultados: Lipoperoxidación, superóxido-dismutasa (SOD), catalasa (CAT), glutatión peroxidasa y glutatión S-transferasa. Resultados: Los niveles de lipoperoxidación de G3 (6,5 umol/L) fueron menores que G1 (7,9 umol/L). La ...

Objetivo: Purificar una proteína rica en lisina de la fracción albúmina del grano de Amaranthus caudatus. Diseño: Estudio observacional descriptivo. Lugar: Centro de Investigación de Bioquímica y Nutrición, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos. Material biológico: Semillas de amaranto (Amaranthus caudatus), variedad Oscar Blanco. Intervenciones: Se empleó técnicas cromatográficas (filtración en gel) y electroforéticas (SDS–PAGE y electroelución) para purificar dicha proteína y determinar su peso molecular. Asimismo, se analizó su composición de aminoácidos por cromatografía líquida de alta performance (HPLC). Principales medidas de resultados: Aislamiento y purificación de una proteína de 35 kDa, rica en lisina. Resultados: Se aisló una proteína con peso molecular de 35 kDa, según PAGE-SDS, y la composición en aminoácidos esenciales ...

Objective: To determine by TBARS test (substances reactive to thiobarbituric acid) the antioxidant and liver protection effect induced by Vitts vinifera L. grape skin and seeds in animals of experimentation with alcoholic aggression. Design: Experimental study. Setting: Alberto Guzman Barron Biochemistry and Nutrition Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima, Peru. Biologic material: Albino male adult mice and Vitis vinifera L. (grape) skin and seeds. Methods: Grape skin and seeds were brought from Cañete Valley; they were separated manually, squeezed in gauze and dissecated with flowing air at 40º C for 24 hours; then they were grinded and the skin and seeds mixture (skin-seeds) were administered ad libitum in the diet. We used 104 albino male adult mice, separated in groups, that received: (A) skin-seeds at 20%; (B) alcohol at 5%; (C) skin-...

Pre eclampsia is one of the most frecuent pathologies during pregnancy. The placental tissue plays an important role in the development of the pathology. In this report we performed a study of the activities of two regulatory enzymes [ Phosphofructokinase I (E.C. 2.7.1.11) and Glucose 6-P-dehidrogenase (E.C. 1.1.1.49)] of the carbohydrate metabolism in both normal and pre emclampsia placental tissue. It has been found a pronounced decreased in both activities in the pathological tissue. We discussed the possible mechanisms.

Objective: To identify the secondary metabolites present in Bixa orellana leaves extract, to evaluate the extract protection against ethanol injury, and histopathology study of the stomach glandular region. Design: Prospective, experimental and analytical research. Setting: Biochemistry and Nutrition Research Center laboratories, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos. Biological material: Bixa orellana leaves extract and male albino rats. Interventions: Secondary metabolites from the extract were analyzed using identification chemical tests. For evaluation of the gastro-protective effect proposed by Robert 1979 the extract was used at 200 and 400 mg/kg doses, and for macroscopic evaluation Marhuenda scale was employed. Tissues were preserved in 10% formaldehyde for histopathology examination by hematoxylineosin staining. Main outcome measures: Gastric lesions inhibition. Results: Bixa...

Background: Diabetes mellitus and its complications are public health problems. Hyperglycemia triggers harmful biochemical effects to the body, such as oxidative stress and inflammatory process. The use of medicinal plants with high antioxidant capacity as Lepidium meyenii Walp (maca) is an alternative in treatment of this disease. Objective: To determine whether ingestion of maca flour improves the relation reduced/oxidized glutathione (GSH/GSSG) in diabetic rats. Design: Experimental. Setting: Biochemistry and Nutrition Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima, Peru. Biological material: Yellow maca flour and adult male Holtzman albino rats. Interventions: Diabetes was induced in 24 rats with streptozotocin (STZ) 40 mg/kg body mass; rats were randomly divided into four groups of six animals each: control (CO), glibenclamide (GL) 10 mg/kg body...

Objective: To determine the effect of Bixa orellana (achiote) leaves hydroalcoholic extract on non-protein sulphydryles groups (NP-SG), gastric mucus pH and gastric secretion total acidity. Design: Prospective, analytical-experimental and transversal study. Setting: Biochemistry and Nutrition Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos. Biologic material: To determine the effect of the extract on gastric mucosa we used the pyloric ligation model proposed by Vissher and modified by Sandoval. For NPSG determination Sadlak and Lindsay method was used, Corne’s method for gastric mucus production, pH and total acidity potentiometer by titration with NaOH. Main outcome measures: Levels of sulphydryle non-protein groups (NP-SG), gastric mucus, pH and total acidity. Results: Bixa orellana leaves hydroalcoholic extract NP-SG increased in 133% and 168% (p <0...

Introduction: Lepidium meyenii Walp (maca) is a Peruvian Andean root used as food due to its nutritional value and ethnomedical properties, being part of traditional medicine. Objectives: To determine yellow maca aqueous extract adaptogen role on muscle tissue enzymes in an endurance and oxidative stress animal model. Design: Experimental. Setting: Biochemistry and Nutrition Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima, Peru. Biological material: Yellow maca aqueous extract and newly weaned male rats. Interventions: Administration of yellow maca aqueous extract in newly weaned male rats divided into four groups: (I) control, (II) 0,4 mg maca/g weight, (III) 0,8 mg maca/g, and (IV) 1,2 mg maca/g. The aqueous extract was administered by orogastric cannula. Weights were controlled. Swimming test was applied after 30 days of treatment. The animals were...

Objetivos: Determinar la capacidad antioxidante y el índice glicémico (IG) de frutos promisorios amazónicos del Perú. Diseño: Cuantitativo, descriptivo, transversal. Institución: Centro de Investigación de Bioquímica y Nutrición, Facultad de Medicina, UNMSM. material biológico: Ratas albinas machos y frutos amazónicos. Intervenciones: Se utilizó 12 ratas con peso aproximado de 250 g, para determinar el IG de los frutos amazónicos. En los frutos se determinó la capacidad antioxidante mediante el método de DPPH, y contenido de fenoles totales mediante el reactivo de Folin-Ciocalteu. Principales medidas de resultados: Se determinó IG, capacidad antioxidante y contenido de fenoles. Resultados: Los IG: cajú 76; cajá 74; caimito 71,6; mango ciruela 59,7; pitujaya 51,8 y arazá 43,8. La capacidad antioxidante fue: arazá 268%, caimito 302%, pitujaya 524%, cajú 107%, cajá 201...

Objetivos: Evaluar la capacidad antioxidante total y el contenido de metabolitos secundarios antioxidantes en papas nativas. Diseño: Estudio descriptivo. Institución: Centro de Investigación de Bioquímica y Nutrición, Facultad de Medicina, UNMSM. Material biológico: 62 variedades de papas nativas (Solanum tuberosum) proporcionadas por el Centro Internacional de la Papa. Intervenciones: Se preparó extractos hidroalcohólicos de papas nativas frescas. Se determinó la materia soluble y la densidad aparente. Principales medidas de resultados: La capacidad antioxidante fue determinada mediante la captación de los radicales libres DPPH y ABTS.+. Para los polifenoles y antocianinas se empleó el reactivo de Folin Ciocalteau y por absorbancia diferencial a pH1 y pH 4,5, respectivamente. Resultados: Los valores de TEAC-ABTS de las 62 muestras estuvieron entre 3,8 y 47,6 mmol % de materia...

Introduction: Studies made at preclinical level have demonstrated the Medicago sativa L, alfalfa (CPA)’s concentrated protein biological value; as such this product could be an alternative to reduce undernourishment. Objective: To determine CPA consuming effects in kindergarten children with chronic undernourishment by biochemical and hematologic indicators. Design: Intervention analytical, longitudinal and prospective study. Setting: Biochemistry and Nutrition Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos. Participants: Pampas, Huancavelica, Peru, preschool children with chronic undernourishment. Interventions: Previous parents informed consent we determined the nourishment-nutritional, biochemical and hematologic status of 23 less than six year-old children in order to establish undernourishment. Then a CPA nutritional nourishment intervention in the ...

Objetivos: Demostrar la actividad antiinflamatoria de la enzima superóxido dismutasa (SOD) purificada de Allium sativum (ajo). Diseño: Experimental. Institución: Centro de Investigación de Bioquímica y Nutrición, Facultad de Medicina, UNMSM Material biológico: Ratas y Allium sativum. Principales medidas de resultados: Muestra de ajo triturada con tampón fosfato 50 mM pH 7,4, incubada 40 minutos y filtrada; fue sometida a extracción con cloroformo:etanol 1:1 (v/v). Se descartó la fase acuosa. La fase orgánica fue concentrada en un sistema vacío-evaporación a 43-45 ºC; se midió actividad de SOD y de proteína. Para la actividad antiinflamatoria in vivo se formó 4 grupos de ratas hembras y se les administró vía subplantar: grupo control (NaCl), referencia (indometacina 10 mg/kg de peso) y dos grupos con SOD de ajo (extracto crudo y SOD parcialmente purificada). Después de...

CIENCIACTIVA-CONCYTEC funded this research under contract 007-2014-FONDECYT. The professional collaboration and unconditional support of the Business administrator Pawel Moscoso-Mujica in carrying out the research are appreciated.

Objetivos: Determinar el daño oxidativo en suero y la toxicidad hepática tras la ingesta del extracto etanólico de la Cesalpinia spinosa (tara), en un modelo animal. Diseño: Estudio experimental, transversal. Institución: Centro de Investigación de Bioquímica y Nutrición, Facultad de Medicina, UNMSM. Material biológico: Ratas machos, extracto del fruto de la tara, molida y seca. Intervenciones: Se formó 5 grupos de 6 ratas cada uno, de 250 g aproximadamente. Se les administró el extracto de tara por 45 días, a la dosis que se indica en los grupos (mg/kg peso): G1 (control), G2 (100), G3 (200), G4 (400), G5 (800). Transcurrido el tiempo de tratamiento, se sacrificó las ratas. Principales medidas de resultados: En suero: lipoperoxidación (MDA), transaminasas (GOT y GPT) y gamma-glutamil transferasa (γ-GGT). Resultados: Los niveles de MDA (μmol/L) fueron: 5,02; 4,25; 4,83; 5...