Vasoactive properties of a cocoa shell extract: mechanism of action and effect on endothelial dysfunction in aged rats

Cocoa has cardiovascular beneficial effects related to its content of antioxidant phytochemicals. Cocoa manufacturing produces large amounts of waste, but some by-products may be used as ingredients with health-promoting potential. We aimed to investigate the vasoactive actions of an extract from cocoa shell (CSE), a by-product containing theobromine (TH), caffeine (CAF) and protocatechuic acid (PCA) as major phytochemicals. In carotid and iliac arteries from 5-month and 15-month-old rats, we investigated CSE vasoactive properties, mechanism of action, and the capacity of CSE, TH, CAF and PCA to improve age-induced endothelial dysfunction. Vascular function was evaluated using isometric tension recording and superoxide anion production by dihydroethidium (DHE) staining and confocal microscopy. CSE caused endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation, blocked by L-NAME, but not indomethacin, regardless of sex, age, or vessel type. CSE maximal responses and EC(50) were significantly lower compared to acetylcholine (ACh). Arterial preincubation with CSE, TH, CAF or PCA, significantly reduced the number of vascular DHE-positive cells. Compared to adult males, iliac arteries from aged males exhibited reduced ACh concentration-dependent vasodilatation but larger CSE responses. In iliac arteries from aged male and female rats, preincubation with 10(−4) M CSE and PCA, but not TH or CAF, improved ACh-relaxations. In conclusion, CSE has vasodilatory properties associated with increased nitric oxide bioavailability, related to its antioxidant phytochemicals, being particularly relevant PCA. Therefore, CSE is a potential food ingredient for diseases related to endothelial dysfunction

Evaluación de metodologías en el análisis de la pared celular vegetal

Tesis doctoral inédita leída en la Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Facultad de Ciencias, Departamento de Química Agricola, Geología y Geoquímica, 1993-11-2

Student-professional meetings of the degree in Human Nutrition and Dietetics. Complementary activities to the Academic Practicum

En este proyecto nos hemos centrado en la creación de un programa docente cuyo fin ha sido complementar la formación académica de los estudiantes del grado de Nutrición Humana y Dietética. Hemos acometido este proyecto con la idea de acercar a los estudiantes al desarrollo de la profesión desde el punto de vista práctico de manera interactiva. Consideramos que el programa de actividades que hemos realizado ayuda al alumno a reforzar habilidades necesarias para el desarrollo profesional, orientándoles en el emprendimiento, capacidad de comunicación eficaz, desarrollo de la creatividad y trabajo multidisciplinar.In this project we have focused on the creation of a teaching program whose purpose has been to complement the academic training of students in the Human Nutrition and Dietetics degree. We have undertaken this project with the idea of bringing students closer to the development of the profession from a practical point of view in an interactive way. We believe that the program of activities that we have carried out helps the student to reinforce the necessary skills for professional development, guiding them in entrepreneurship, effective communication skills, development of creativity and multidisciplinary work.Depto. de Inmunología, Oftalmología y ORLFac. de MedicinaFALSEsubmitte