Alicia del Carmen Mondragon Portocarrero

Background/Objectives: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a multifactorial metabolic disorder characterized by chronic hyperglycemia, oxidative stress, protein glycation, low-grade inflammation, and dysregulation of signaling pathways, including those involving nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB). Isoflavones from Fabaceae species exhibit diverse biological activities and may represent multifunctional candidates for addressing the interconnected mechanisms underlying T2DM. This study performed a consensus in silico pharmacodynamic screening of twelve representative Fabaceae isoflavones to prioritize compounds with predicted antiglycating, deglycating, antidiabetic, antioxidant, and NF-κB-related anti-inflammatory activities. Methods: Twelve representative Fabaceae isoflavones were evaluated using a multimethod computational workflow. Antiglycating and deglycating activities were predicted using IT Microcosm, antidiabetic and hypoglycemic activities were assessed using Prediction of Activity Spectra for Substances (PASS), antioxidant potential was evaluated using similarity-based prediction and quantum-chemical calculations, and NF-κB-related anti-inflammatory activity was investigated using similarity-based prediction combined with molecular docking. Molecular docking was applied specifically to the NF-κB-related anti-inflammatory analysis and did not contribute to the hypoglycemic/antidiabetic prediction. The individual predictions were integrated using a consensus scoring strategy to prioritize compounds across multiple pharmacodynamic domains. Results: The investigated isoflavones demonstrated moderate but broad predicted multifunctional activities. Malonylgenistin, biochanin A, and formononetin showed the most favorable predicted antiglycating profiles. Genistin, acetyldaidzin, acetylglycitin, and puerarin ranked highest in terms of predicted antidiabetic activity, whereas genistein exhibited the strongest predicted antioxidant profile. Daidzin and genistin received the highest integrated NF-κB-related computational rankings, although these predictions apply to intact glycosides rather than their expected in vivo hydrolysis products. Conclusions: This study presents a consensus computational framework for the comparative prioritization of Fabaceae isoflavones based on their predicted multifunctional pharmacodynamic profiles. The results provide a rational basis for selecting candidate compounds for future biochemical, cell-based, pharmacokinetic, and in vivo investigations, although it is emphasized that the present findings are based exclusively on computational predictions and require experimental validation.

An integrated study was conducted to evaluate quality loss in small marine fish—sardine (Sardina pilchardus), horse mackerel (Trachurus trachurus), and megrim (Lepidorhombus whiffiagonis)—during a 9-day chilled storage. A progressive increase in microbial counts was observed in all species; aerobic mesophiles exceeded the spoilage limit (7 log CFU·g⁻¹) only in horse mackerel by day 9 (7.02 log CFU·g⁻¹), while remaining below this threshold in sardine (4.49 log CFU·g⁻¹) and megrim (5.42 log CFU·g⁻¹). Lipid oxidation showed species-specific behaviour, with sardine and horse mackerel exhibiting higher peroxide values (up to 19.73 and 10.73 meq O₂·kg⁻¹ lipids, respectively) and TBARS formation, whereas megrim showed limited primary and secondary oxidation but a marked increase in tertiary products (ca. six-fold). Lipid hydrolysis increased significantly, with free fatty acids rising by factors of approximately 4.1 (sardine), 13.7 (horse mackerel), and 18.6 (megrim). Similarly, trimethylamine formation increased markedly, with values rising by factors of about 13.1, 19.0, and 51.8, respectively. Sensory evaluation indicated that all species remained acceptable up to day 6 but were unacceptable by day 9, establishing a shelf life of approximately 6 days. Overall, horse mackerel showed the fastest deterioration, highlighting the need for species-specific shelf life assessment strategies.

Natural deep eutectic solvents (NADESs) have emerged as promising green alternatives to conventional solvents for the extraction of bioactive compounds from plant materials. In this study, eight natural deep eutectic solvents were synthesized and evaluated for their efficiency in extracting betulin from birch bark. Extraction yield was assessed using high-performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection. Among the tested systems, N3 (choline chloride and urea in a 1:1 molar) and N4 (choline chloride and fructose in a 1:1 molar) were the most effective, yielding 101.26 ± 0.03 and 243.32 ± 0.26 mg betulin per gram of dry extract, respectively. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis confirmed the structural similarity of the N4 extract to pure betulin. In addition to increased extraction performance, the N4 extract demonstrated the greatest antioxidant activity (DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl): 63% and ABTS (2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)): 97% inhibition) and total phenolic content (12.12 mg GAE/g extract), and betulin yield was strongly correlated with total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activity (FRAP (ferric ion reducing antioxidant power), DPPH, and ABTS), indicating the preservation of bioactivity. These findings underscore the potential of NADESs as sustainable solvents for the extraction of bioactive compounds from birch bark, supporting greener extraction technologies for biomass valorization and natural product processing.

Background: The Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes (F/B) ratio has been proposed as a microbial biomarker of obesity and metabolic alterations; however, its reliability remains controversial, particularly in young populations. Methods: This study evaluated the relationship between the F/B ratio, body fat percentage, and metabolic markers in 70 university students aged 18–25 years, classified as normal weight (29.5%), overweight (27.4%), or obese (43.2%). Anthropometric measurements and biochemical parameters (glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol, and HDL-C) were obtained using standard methods, and stool samples were analyzed to determine the F/B ratio. Results: Mean glucose and cholesterol were within normal ranges, whereas triglycerides showed high variability, and HDL-C was lower in men. Although the F/B ratio increased across nutritional groups, regression analyses showed weak correlations (R < 0.5) and no significant associations (p > 0.05). Conclusions: The F/B ratio is not an adequate standalone indicator of metabolic status in Mexican young adults.

Saturated fatty aldehydes are products from lipid oxidation that negatively affect the organoleptic properties and nutritional quality of food and represent a risk to human health. For this reason, they are frequently used as indicators of oxidation in food safety. Usually, their determination is carried out by derivatization using an excess of 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine (DNPH), but the excessive use of derivatizing agents requires a high proportion compared to the analyte concentration to ensure a complete reaction, which causes interferences and limits the chromatographic separation of derivatized products. In this context, the encapsulation of DNPH in alginate spheres is proposed to determine aldehydes concentration in edible vegetable oil samples, allowing the gradual release of DNPH to form the corresponding hydrazones, which were subsequently separated and analyzed by HPLC-DAD. The proposed method was optimized by a Taguchi L₉(3⁴) experimental design, validated, and applied for the determination of aldehydes in edible oils. Limits of detection in the intervals of 0.77 to 1.41 mg L⁻¹ were obtained with adequate precision (expressed as relative standard deviation < 10%), which are suitable values for monitoring lipid oxidation in foods The proposed methodology represents a viable alternative to apply in quality control studies and lipid degradation profiles.

Whey accounts for up to 90% of the total milk volume and is often discarded directly into drains. Due to its rich protein composition—particularly β-lactoglobulin, α-lactalbumin, and serum albumin—whey has been recognized as a valuable source of bioactive peptides, many of which exhibit antihypertensive properties via ACE inhibition. In this study, whey protein concentrate (WPC-80) was subjected to controlled enzymatic hydrolysis using Proteinase K, a broad-specificity serine protease known for its ability to cleave peptide bonds adjacent to hydrophobic and aromatic amino acids—residues frequently found in ACE-inhibitory peptide sequences (e.g., IPP, VPP). This hydrolysis yielded a degree of hydrolysis reflected by 29.98 µg/mL of free amino groups, generating a pool of intermediate peptides and oligopeptides with exposed C- and N-termini. Subsequently, three fermentations were performed using Streptococcus thermophilus SY-102 and Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG—individually and in co-culture—to further process the hydrolysate. Lactic acid bacteria possess cell-envelope proteinases (e.g., PrtS in S. thermophilus and PrtP in L. rhamnosus) and intracellular peptidases that can selectively hydrolyze larger fragments into smaller, bioactive peptides (often 2–12 amino acids), enhance peptide stability, and modify peptide sequences to optimize ACE-binding affinity (e.g., by enriching C-terminal tripeptides with Pro or aromatic residues). The antihypertensive capacity was evaluated via in vitro ACE inhibition assay. Fermentation with S. thermophilus SY-102 achieved the highest ACE inhibition (81.96%), likely due to its robust proteolytic system and preferential release of potent tripeptides such as IPP/VPP. In contrast, the co-fermentation showed significantly lower inhibition (19.73%), possibly due to competitive or antagonistic interactions between the strains altering peptidase expression, substrate preference, or peptide degradation profiles. These results demonstrate that a sequential strategy—initial hydrolysis with Proteinase K to unfold and partially cleave whey proteins, followed by targeted microbial fermentation—synergistically enhances the generation and/or preservation of ACE-inhibitory peptides, offering a promising valorization route for whey byproducts. Graphical

Obesity and diabetes have reached alarming prevalence rates globally, with Mexico being one of the most affected countries. This review explores the epidemiology of these metabolic disorders and analyzes their prevalence and risk factors, as well as the crucial role of the intestinal microbiota in their development. Obesity and diabetes in Mexico have been linked to lifestyle factors, genetic predispositions, and alterations in the gut microbial composition. The intestinal microbiota plays a significant role in metabolic regulation, and its dysbiosis has been associated with insulin resistance, chronic inflammation, and increased fat accumulation. Studies in Mexico have highlighted specific microbial patterns in individuals with obesity and diabetes, suggesting a unique interplay between diet, microbiota composition, and metabolic health. Strategies to restore microbial balance, such as dietary modifications and probiotic interventions, have shown promising results in improving metabolic parameters and reducing disease progression. However, challenges remain in understanding the long-term effects of microbiota-targeted therapies and their individual variability. This review underscores the need for further research to develop personalized interventions aimed at modulating the gut microbiota for obesity and diabetes management. Future directions should focus on integrative approaches combining nutrition, prebiotics, and microbiome-based therapeutics to combat the increasing burden of metabolic diseases in Mexico.

The incidence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) has increased worldwide in recent years. Many factors can contribute to the progression of CKD, some of which are dietary patterns. Adequate control of protein, phosphorus, potassium, and sodium intake can significantly slow the progression of CKD. Most studies and nutritional guidelines addressing the care of people with CKD have focused primarily on dietary recommendations regarding macronutrient intake and the restriction of individual micronutrients. Traditionally, the consumption of fiber-rich fruits and vegetables has been restricted in patients with CKD to combat hyperkalemia. Among the reasons often given for this restriction are concerns about their high potassium and phosphorus contents. Limiting the intake of whole grains in CKD patients has also been recommended. However, findings indicate that phosphorus in plant foods is not fully absorbed in humans. Potassium contribution from vegetables can be reduced by culinary treatments, and when highly insoluble fiber is present in vegetables, it promotes potassium excretion through the intestine, which could help control the risk of hyperkalemia in CKD patients. Other recent findings have shown beneficial effects of vegetable bioactive compounds and resistant starch on CKD patients. The aim of the present review was to compile and discuss traditional recommendations for the use of plant-based foods for patients with CKD, as well as the mechanisms through which such foods may contribute to improving CKD progression.

Many qualified voices have recently questioned the methods used to establish the relationship between CO₂ emissions and global warming

Background/Objectives: Brown seaweeds, such as Himanthalia elongata, are a promising source of dietary fiber. However, in vivo evidence regarding the effects of H. elongata intake on the human gut microbiota remains limited. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of daily H. elongata consumption on the gut microbiota composition and short-chain fatty acid production in overweight adults. Methods: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted in which 10 overweight adult participants consumed 2 g/day of whole H. elongata for 30 days. Fecal samples were collected before and after the intervention for 16S rRNA sequencing and short-chain fatty acid analysis. Dietary intake was evaluated using a 24 h recall and a 3-day dietary record. Nutritional assessment was performed to determine habitual macronutrient consumption. Results: Baseline dietary analysis revealed an imbalanced macronutrient profile characterized by high intakes of total and saturated fats and protein, along with low carbohydrate and fiber consumption. In addition, 50% of the participants were obese, and 50% were overweight based on the BMI. Notable changes in the gut microbiota composition were observed after the intervention, including increases in short-chain fatty acid-producing species, such as Parabacteroides distasonis, Bacteroides eggerthii, Bacteroides uniformis, and Bacteroides obeum. Conclusions: This study provides the first clinical evidence in humans that whole H. elongata can beneficially modulate the gut microbiota composition. These results support the potential use of this seaweed as a functional prebiotic ingredient in dietary strategies aimed at enhancing gut health.