Juana Rosado-Pérez

Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is driven by constitutive BCR–ABL1 activity and remains clinically challenging due to disease persistence and resistance to tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). SIRT1, a NAD⁺-dependent deacetylase, has been implicated in leukemic cell survival and chemoresistance through negative regulation of p53. In this study, we evaluated the antileukemic effects of the Sechium hybrid H387 extract and its impact on the SIRT1–p53 signaling axis in K562 CML cells. Cell proliferation was assessed using a crystal violet assay, while gene and protein expression were analyzed by RT-qPCR, immunofluorescence, and flow cytometry. Apoptosis was determined by Annexin V/7-AAD staining. The extract significantly inhibited K562 cell proliferation and downregulated SIRT1 expression, reducing its nuclear localization. These effects were associated with increased p53 acetylation at lysine 382 (Ac-K382-p53) and enhanced apoptosis. Notably, a higher percentage of apoptotic cells was observed following extract treatment than with imatinib under the experimental conditions used, although the two agents have distinct mechanisms of action. These findings suggest that the antileukemic activity of Sechium hybrid H387 extract is associated with modulation of the SIRT1–p53 axis and induction of apoptosis in K562 cells.

Consumption of Sechium edule var. nigrum spinosum has antioxidant and hypoglycemic effects. Regarding the former, certain signaling pathways that influence these effects have already been proposed; however, the underlying molecular mechanisms of the hypoglycemic effects remain unknown. It has been recognized that the sirtuin-mediated signaling cascade responds to various stressors, such as oxidative stress, and regulates glucose metabolism. Therefore, it would be of great interest to determine whether there is a link between these two properties and whether it is mediated by sirtuins. Hence, the present study aimed to evaluate the effect of Sechium edule on the gene expression of the sirtuin family (SIRT1-SIRT6) in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). A quasi-experimental study was conducted with a convenience sample of 26 older adults diagnosed with T2DM, divided into a (i) placebo group (PG; n = 14) and (ii) experimental group (EG; n = 12). Clinical, biochemical, and anthropometric measurements were performed, and total oxidant/antioxidant capacity (TOS/TAS) and mRNA expression of genes encoding sirtuins were determined. All parameters were measured at baseline, three months, and six months after the intervention. In the EG, the expression levels of SIRT1, SIRT3, SIRT5, and SIRT6 increased by 52%, 69%, 62%, and 69%, respectively, six months after treatment. A 50% decrease in TOS and a 44% increase in TAS were also observed. Our findings suggest that the bioactive components of Sechium edule enhance sirtuin expression and exhibit antioxidant effects in older adults with T2DM.

Background/Objectives: Tai Chi (TC) practice has been shown to positively affect the physical, psychological, and cognitive health of older adults. However, discrepancies persist regarding its effectiveness compared to strength training (ST). This study aimed to determine the effect of TC training compared to ST on body composition, physical performance, cognitive function, and psychological well-being in older adults. Methods: A quasi-experimental study was conducted with a convenience sample of 68 women 60 years or older, divided into three groups: (i) Tai Chi Group (TCG) n = 26; (ii) Strength Training Group (STG) n = 21; and (iii) Control Group (CG) n = 21. TCG and STG performed physical training four days a week, 60 min/day, for six months. All participants were assessed for body composition (BFP, body fat percentage; SMM, skeletal muscle mass; SMMI, skeletal muscle mass index); physical performance (4MWT, 4 m walk test; STST, sit-to-stand test; OPP, overall physical performance; HGS, handgrip strength) and Wellbeing (PWBS, psychological well-being scale of Ryff, validated for the Mexican population). The data were analyzed per protocol using repeated-measures ANOVA (TCG & STG vs. CG; TCG vs. STG), and the mean difference (MD) was calculated. Results: TCG showed statistically significant changes in body composition, BFP (MD, −3.4 ± 8.2, p < 0.05), SMM (MD, 1.6 ± 1.4, p < 0.001), and SMMI (MD, 0.72 ± 0.61, p < 0.001) after the intervention compared to CG. However, no differences were observed between TCG and STG (p > 0.05). Regarding physical performance, TCG showed significant changes in 4MWT (MD, −1.0 ± 1.8, p < 0.01) and STST (MD, −3.7 ± 4.8, p < 0.05) compared to CG. Differences were also observed in STST between TCG and STG (MD, −3.7 ± 4.8 vs. 0.45 ± 3, p < 0.05). In addition, TCG showed a significant increase in HGS (MD, 1.1 ± 1.9, p < 0.05) compared to CG, although no differences were observed with STG (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Our findings suggest that TC is more effective than strength training for improving body composition, physical performance, and handgrip strength in older adults living in the community.

Consumption of Sechium edule var. nigrum spinosum has been shown to have hypoglycemic and antioxidant effects. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying these effects remain unknown, with the sirtuin-mediated signaling cascade among the possible mechanisms, as sirtuins regulate glucose metabolism and respond to various stressors. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of Sechium edule on the gene expression of the sirtuin family (SIRT1-SIRT6) in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). A quasi-experimental study was conducted with a convenience sample of 26 older adults diagnosed with T2DM: (i) placebo group (PG; n=12); (ii) experimental group (EG; n=14). Clinical, biochemical, and anthropometric measurements were performed, and total oxidant/antioxidant capacity (TOS/TAS) and mRNA expression of genes encoding sirtuins were determined. All parameters were measured at baseline, three months, and six months after the intervention. In the EG, gene expression levels of SIRT1, SIRT3, SIRT5, and SIRT6 increased by 52%, 69%, 62%, and 69%, respectively, six months after treatment. A 50% decrease in TOS and a 44% increase in TAS were also observed. Our findings suggest that the bioactive components of Sechium edule enhance sirtuin expression and exhibit antioxidant effects in older adults with T2DM.

Background/Objectives: Tai Chi (TC) practice has been shown to have positive effects on the physical, psychological, and cognitive health of older adults. However, dis-crepancies persist regarding its effectiveness compared to strength training (ST). The aim of this study was to determine the impact of TC training compared to ST on phys-ical performance, body composition, cognitive function, and psychological well-being in older adults. Methods: A quasi-experimental study was conducted with a conven-ience sample of 68 women ≥60 years, divided into three groups: (i) Tai Chi Group (TCG) n=26; (ii) Strength Training Group (STG) n=21; and (iii) Control Group (CG) n=21. The TC and STG groups performed physical training four days a week, 60min/day, for six months. All participants were assessed for physical performance (FP), body composition, cognition, and psychological well-being before and after the intervention. Results: TCG showed statistically significant positive changes compared to CG after the intervention in the following physical fitness tests: 4-meter walk (base-line, 4.7 ± 2.2; post, 3.7 ± 0.9, p = 0.01); chair stand-up and sit-down (baseline, 13.2 ± 4; post, 9.5 ± 3.2, p = 0.021). Similarly, the TCG group showed a significant increase in handgrip strength (baseline, 19.8 kg; post, 20.9 kg, p = 0.02), along with a reduction in body fat percentage (baseline, 49.2%; post, 45.8%, p = 0.045); an increase in skeletal muscle mass (baseline, 16.3 kg; post, 18.0 kg, p = 0.0001); and skeletal muscle mass in-dex (p = 0.001). Furthermore, in the TCG showed an increase in psychological well-being (+15%) and a decrease in depressive symptoms (-12.5%; p< 0.05). Conclu-sion: Our findings suggest that Tai Chi has a better effect than strength training on physical performance, body composition, and hand strength in older adults living in the community. It also helps maintain cognitive function and improve depression and well-being.

Chronic hyperglycemia, characteristic of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2), promotes oxidative stress (OxS). Therefore, it is necessary to strengthen the antioxidant defenses of diabetic patients, especially the elderly. Sechium edule contains high amounts of bioactives, which possess hypoglycemic and antioxidant properties, so we aimed to determine its effects in older diabetic patients. A quasi-experimental study was carried out in 33 older diabetic adults: (i) placebo group (PG; n = 14); (ii) experimental group (EG; n = 19). Glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), lipoperoxides (LPO), protein carbonylation (PC), Total Oxidant Status (TOS), total antioxidant status (TAS), oxidative stress index (OSI), superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and catalase enzyme activity were measured pre and post-intervention. In the EG, a statistically significant decrease in HbA1c was observed (EG baseline 8.9 ± 2.2 post 7.8 ± 2.0), as well as in LPO, PC, TOS and OSI (LPO baseline 0.243 ± 0.067, post 0.222 ± 0.050; PC baseline 29.4 ± 10, post 19.2 ± 6; TOS baseline 6.0 ± 2.6, post 3.1 ± 1.8; OSI baseline 5.7 ± 3.1 post 2.0 ± 1.1); coupled with a significative increase in TAS (baseline 0.94 ± 0.29 post 1.22 ± 0.28), modifications not observed in the PG. The results suggest Sechium edule has hypoglycemic and antioxidant effects.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and metabolic syndrome (MS) are chronic disorders characterized by hyperglycemia. Sechium edule (S. edule) has emerged as a complementary option due to its bioactive compounds. A systematic review of preclinical and clinical studies was carried out until 25 May 2025 in the databases PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, SciELO, and TESIUNAM. The keywords were “diabetes mellitus”, “Sechium edule”, “Squash”, “Chayote”, “hypoglycemic effect”, and “Older adults”. A total of 110 articles were found; 11 met eligibility criteria (six clinical trials and five preclinical trials). Three clinical trials met the requirements for meta-analysis. The mean difference (MD) was calculated, and data were analyzed using RevMan 5.4 software. The meta-analysis showed a statistically significant decrease in serum glucose after three months (MD = −20.56, 95% CI −29.35 to −11.77, p < 0.0001) and six months after intervention (MD = −12.96, 95% CI = −21.90 to −4.02, p = 0.004). Likewise, there was a significant decrease in glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) after three months (MD = −1.12, 95% CI = −1.45, −0.78, p < 0.0001) and after six months of intervention (MD = −0.92, 95% CI = −1.13, −0.25, p = 0.002). Our findings showed that S. edule intake has a statistically significant hypoglycemic effect in older adults with T2DM or MS by decreasing serum glucose and HbA1c levels. However, the magnitude of the decrease is clinically modest, so it cannot be a substitute for pharmacological treatment. For this reason, the intake of S. edule can only be considered as a complement to pharmacological treatment.

INPLASY202540025 Hypoglycemic effects of Sechium edule. A systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical and preclinical trials Keywords: Sechium edule , hypoglycemic effect, older adults, diabete…

Background/Objectives: Chronic hyperglycemia, characteristic of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2), promotes the development of complications through oxidative stress. Therefore, it is necessary to strengthen the antioxidant defenses of diabetic patients, even more so if they are elderly. Sechium edule contains high amounts of flavonoids, cucurbitacins, and phenolic acids, which is why it is attributed hypoglycemic and antioxidant properties, so our aim was to determine the antioxidant and hypoglycemic effect of Schium edule in older diabetic patients. Methods: A quasi-experimental study was carried out in a convenience sample of 33 older diabetic adults: (i) placebo group (PG; n = 14); (ii) experimental group (EG; n = 19). Glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), lipoperoxides (LPO), protein carbonylation (PC), Total Oxidant Status (TOS), total antioxidant status (TAS), oxidative stress index (OSI), superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and catalase enzyme activity were measured at baseline and three months post-intervention. Results: In the EG, a statistically significant decrease in HbA1c was observed (EG baseline 8.9 2.2 post 7.8 2.0), as well as in the oxidative damage markers LPO, PC, TOS and OSI (LPO baseline 0.243 0.067, post 0.222 0.050; PC baseline 29.4 10, post 19.2 6; TOS baseline 6.0 2.6, post 3.1 1.8; OSI baseline 5.7 3.1 post 2.0 1.1); coupled with a significative increase in TAS (baseline 0.94 0.29 post 1.22 0.28), modifications not observed in the PG. Conclusions: Our results suggest that Sechium edule has a hypoglycemic and antioxidant effect in older adults with DM2.