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Lectins comprise a heterogeneous class of proteins that recognize the carbohydrate moieties of glycoconjugates with high specificity. Numerous studies have shown that lectins are capable of recognizing specific carbohydrate moieties displayed by malignant cells or tissues. The present work was performed to investigate the effects of tepary bean (Phaseolus acutifolius) lectins on proliferation, colony formation, and alteration of DNA synthesis of human malignant cells. Tepary bean lectin showed dose dependent effects on the inhibition of viability as well as on colony formation in two human malignant cells lines (C33-A, Sw480); By contrast, tepary bean lectin only showed significant effects on DNA synthesis on Sw480 cells. Our results provide evidence of the anti- proliferative and cytotoxic effects of the tepary bean lectins on C33-A and Sw480 cells lines.

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The opening of the cyclohexane ring over metallic nanoparticles of rhodium and iridium supported on alumina is reported in this paper. HRTEM micrographs of the catalysts, prepared by simple impregnation and in situ reduction, showed metallic nanoparticles 4.4 nm (S.D ( 1. 7) in size for Rh and 4.6 nm (S.D ( 1. 2) for Ir. The iridium catalyst showed a higher cyclohexane conversion and better stability than the rhodium catalyst. The main products with the iridium catalyst are n -hexane and n-pentane, while with the rhodium catalyst, there is also a significant production of benzene. Methylcyclopentane and light paraffins (C1-C4) are produced in small amounts with both catalysts. In general, the iridium catalyst has a higher selectivity toward n-hexane and a much lower selectivity toward benzene than the rhodium catalyst.