Abstract The aim of this work is to study three cultivars of artichoke (Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus): Gauchito, Guri and Oro Verde in terms of their in vitro chemoprevention and anti-inflammatory properties. These cultivars show good productive performance. The phenolic composition of their fresh leaves and edible bracts was analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography and high resolution mass spectrometry (HPLC-HRMS), showing mainly caffeoylquinic acids and flavonoids. Caffeoylquinic acids were quantified and the highest content was found in Gauchito cultivar. In this cultivar, the content of dicaffeoylquinic acids in fresh bracts was six times higher than that in fresh leaves (10064.5 ± 378.3 mg/kg versus 1451.0 ± 209.3 mg/kg respectively). Luteolin flavonoids were detected in leaves. The extracts from fresh bracts and leaves were assessed in their in vitro bioactivity against human neuroblastoma cells (SH-SY5Y). Inhibition of SH-SY5Y cells proliferation by Gauchito and Guri leaf extracts (8 µg/mL) was higher than 50 %. The leaf extracts of the same cultivars showed an inhibitory effect on human interferon IFN-I, decreasing its activity 50% at 40 µg/mL. Interestingly, the bract extracts did not show in vitro bioactivity at these concentrations, nor did the pure compounds chlorogenic acid, cynarin, apigenin and luteolin (at 2 µg/mL). These results suggest that Gauchito and Guri leaf extracts have potential for human neuroblastoma chemoprevention and treatment of inflammatory processes.

Objective: To review and discuss the latest information on agroindustrial, functional and nutritional value of one of the most produced/consumed fruit crop in Mexico: The mango. Methods: A search was conducted in several databases (PubMed, Cochrane, ScienceDirect) and public repositories (Google Scholar) on Mangifera indica L. This information was further sub-classified into agroindustrial, nutritional, functional aspects and health effects. Results: One out of twenty mangoes consumed worldwide is Mexican. The variety �"Ataulfo�" variety is the most important crop. Minimal processing of its pulp (MP) generates peel (MC) and seeds as biowastes, which have nutraceutical potential. MP and MC are good sources of ascorbate, fructose, soluble (MP, starches and rhamnogalacturonans) and insoluble (MC, lignin and hemicelluloses) dietary fibers as well as functional lipids (MP). MP and MC are good sources of monomeric (MP) phenolic compounds (PC) such as gallic and protocatehuic acids and polymeric PC (MC) such as ß-PGG with associated anti-obesigenic, anti-inflammatory, anti-carcinogenic and anti-diabetic potential. However, these benefits are dependent on their bioaccessibility (release from its food matrix) and metabolic fate (bioavailability). Discussion: Mango is a valuable source of antioxidant compounds with proven health benefits. However, factors such as its variety, seasonality, pre and post-harvest handling, extraction of bioactives and some physiological barriers, can modify their nutraceutical potential.

Objetivo: Revisar y discutir la información mas reciente sobre el valor agroindustrial, funcional y nutricional de uno de los frutos de mayor cultivo, exportación y consumo en México: el Mango. Métodos: Se realizó una búsqueda en diversas bases de datos (PubMed, Cochrane, ScienceDirect) y documentos de libre acceso (Google Scholar) sobre Mangifera indica L. Esta información fue posteriormente sub-clasificada en aspectos agroindustriales, nutricionales, funcionales y efectos a la salud. Resultados: Uno de cada veinte mangos consumidos mundialmente, es mexicano. �"Ataulfo�" es la variedad la de mayor importancia agronómica. El procesamiento mínimo de su pulpa (MP) genera residuos de cáscara (MC) y semilla con alto potencial nutraceutico. MP y MC son buenas fuentes de ascorbato, fructosa, fibra dietarias soluble (MP, almidones y ramnogalacturonanos) e insoluble (MC, ligninas y hemicelulosa) y lípidos funcionales (MP). MP y MC poseen un perfil de compuestos fenólicos (CF) monomericos (MP) como el acido gálico y el protocatehuico y poliméricos (MC) como la ß-PGG asociados con efectos anti-obesigenicos, anti-inflamatorios, anti-cancerigenos y anti-diabeticos. Estos beneficios son dependientes de la bioaccesibilidad (liberación de su matriz alimentaria) y destino metábolico (biodisponibilidad) de estos CF. Discusión: El mango resulta una valiosa fuente de compuestos antioxidantes con comprobado beneficio a la salud. Sin embargo, factores como la variedad, temporalidad de cultivos, tratamientos pre y post-cosecha, extracción de bioactivos y algunas barreras fisiologicas pueden modificar su potencial nutraceutico.

Several research projects are developed in animal genetics and plant breeding at Facultad Ciencias Agrarias UNR. A new ovine genotype has been obtained by crossing Ideal breed to Texel breed following by a breeding plan where the objectives were to improve female fertility and lamb growth rate. This new ovine genotype has the trade mark of Magrario and now this ovine new genotype is well known to produce lean meat and precocious lambs. Regarding Solanum lycopersicum species, 18 lines have been obtained introducing genes from a wild relative S. pimpinellifolium. This program included an agonistic-divergent selection to fruit weight and fruit shelf life. Molecular markers like as AFLP and SRAP to characterize these new tomato genotypes have been developed. Appropriate QTLs associated to fruit quality traits were found. Moreover, fruit protein profiles - associated to several fruit traits - were also detected. In sunflower the effort is focused on determining resistance to herbicides belonging to the family of imidazolinones (IMI) in early stages of the plants. A lot of experience was made through the development of several protocols in vivo and in vitro to detect the resistant, intermediate and susceptible genotypes. Root growth variables were useful parameters for the selection of sunflower genotypes differing in IMI resistance. This bioassay allowed the implementation of fast, reliable and low cost effective diagnosis method to assist breeding programs. Biochemical characterization of resistant process of the genotypes was also made through the quantification of ALS enzymatic activity.

En el ámbito de la Cátedra de Genética de la Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias de la UNR se desarrollan proyectos de genética y mejoramiento en ovinos, tomate y girasol. En ovinos se ha logrado un nuevo genotipo por retrocruzas de la raza Ideal hacia la Texel, seguido por un programa de mejora para la fertilidad femenina y la tasa de crecimiento en corderos. Este genotipo está registrado como Magrario y se lo reconoce como productor de carne magra. Con respecto al tomate (Solanum lycopersicum) se han obtenido 18 nuevos genotipos con la incorporación de genes de la especie silvestre S. pimpinellifolium en un cultivar a través de la selección antagónica-divergente para el peso y la vida poscosecha de los frutos. Se han identifcado marcadores de AFLP, SRAP, SSR y proteicos que permiten discriminar entre el genotipo cultivado y el silvestre para distintos atributos de calidad del fruto. En girasol se cuenta con una línea de investigación para la detección de genotipos resistentes a herbicidas de la familia de las imidazolinonas. Está basada en el desarrollo de protocolos in vivo e in vitro para detectar genotipos resistentes, medianamente resistentes y susceptibles, inspeccionando el desarrollo radicular de la planta. También se completó la caracterización bioquímica de la resistencia a través de la cuantificación de la actividad enzimática de ALS.