Fermented Non-Digestible Fraction of Andean Berry ( Swartz) Juice Induces Apoptosis in Colon Adenocarcinoma Cells.

Swartz, known as Andean berry, has a high content of anthocyanins, phenolic acids, and other flavonoids due to their putative anticancer activity. However, after consumption, the structures and function of these molecules may be altered. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the pro-apoptotic effect of fermented non-digestible fraction (FNDF) of Andean berry juice (ABJ) on colon adenocarcinoma HT29 cells.

Re-expressing Epigenetically Silenced Genes by Inducing DNA Demethylation Through Targeting of Ten-Eleven Translocation 2 to Any Given Genomic Locus.

Epigenetic editing is a novel methodology to modify the epigenetic landscape of any genomic location. As such, the approach might reprogram expression profiles, without altering the DNA sequence. Epigenetic alterations, including promoter hypermethylation, are associated with an increasing number of human diseases.

Molecular characterization of occult hepatitis B virus infection in patients with end-stage liver disease in Colombia.

Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) occult infection (OBI) is a risk factor to be taken into account in transfusion, hemodialysis and organ transplantation. The aim of this study was to identify and characterize at the molecular level OBI cases in patients with end-stage liver disease.

Methods: Sixty-six liver samples were obtained from patients with diagnosis of end-stage liver disease submitted to liver transplantation in Medellin (North West, Colombia).

Virus-host interplay in hepatitis B virus infection and epigenetic treatment strategies.

Worldwide, chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major health problem and no cure exists. Importantly, hepatocyte intrusion by HBV particles results in a complex deregulation of both viral and host cellular genetic and epigenetic processes. Among the attempts to develop novel therapeutic approaches against HBV infection, several options targeting the epigenomic regulation of HBV replication are gaining attention.

Evidence of the circulation of hepatitis A virus, subgenotype IA, in environmental samples from Antioquia, Colombia.

Introduction: Hepatitis A virus (HAV) is an important pathogen, typically transmitted via the faecal-oral route. The epidemiology of the infection is directly related to drinking water access and adequate disposal of sewage water. 

Objective: To determine the presence and identify the genotype of HAV in environmental samples from eight municipalities and two villages in Antioquia, northwestern Colombia.

Analysis of hepatitis B virus genotypes by restriction fragment length polymorphism.

Introduction: Ten viral genotypes (A-J) distributed in all continents have been described for hepatitis B virus (HBV). One of the methodologies for determining the viral genotype is the restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) technique, a simple and relatively inexpensive method, albeit with some limitations.

Objective: The initial objective of the project was to identify the HBV genotypes by RFLP in serum samples obtained from patients and blood donors.

[Hepatitis E virus infection in patients with clinical diagnosis of viral hepatitis in Colombia].

Introduction: Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is an emergent virus of global importance; it is the etiological agent of sporadic cases and outbreaks of hepatitis. The epidemiology of this infection in Colombia is unknown.

Objective: To determine the seropositivity for hepatitis E virus in Colombia in cases with clinical diagnosis of viral hepatitis.