Aguiñiga Sánchez Itzen Quantum Lab

Ph.D. Itzen Aguiñiga Sánchez

Specialty: Antineoplastic activity of plant compounds
An outstanding researcher with a D. in Biological Scienceswhose career has focused on the study of innovative cancer therapies and academic training. He has been instrumental in several projects on leukemia, antitumor compounds of natural origin y regenerative medicinehas led high-impact research in the last decade. His scientific contributions are reflected in a prolific academic production, which ranges from the development of phytochemical anticarcinogenic agents until the application of mesenchymal stem cells in tissue regeneration. She has contributed to the training of human resources as a thesis director and advisor, and has been recognized as a National Researcher Level I (SNI) by CONACyT, in addition to receiving awards for his work in experimental oncology, which exemplifies his commitment to cutting-edge biomedical research.

Academic Background

  • Bachelor's Degree in Biology - National Autonomous University of Mexico (FES Zaragoza, 2004-2008). He obtained his degree in 2008 after completing a thesis on the effect of sodium caseinate on myeloid cell line proliferation and differentiation murine. This experience marked the beginning of his interest in alternative approaches to cancer therapy.
  • Master of Science (Biology) - Postgraduate School (2010-2013). She obtained the degree of Master of Science in 2013 with a thesis focused on the in vitro anti-leukemic potential of extracts from genotypes of Sechium spp. (chayote). Their findings demonstrated the cytotoxic activity of these extracts against leukemic cells, laying the groundwork for therapies based on natural compounds.
  • Master's Degree in Nutrition and Food-Drug Interactions - University of Barcelona, Spain (2020-2022). She completed a postgraduate degree oriented to clinical nutrition, delving into how diet can influence the efficacy of medical treatments. This complementary training allowed her to integrate knowledge of metabolism y health with its oncology research, especially in the search for nutritional interventions to support cancer treatment.
  • D. in Science (Biology) - Postgraduate College (2014-2017). She obtained the degree of Doctor of Science in 2017 after developing a doctoral research on the. in vivo antitumor effect of Sechium P. browne. His experiments demonstrated that extracts of this plant reduced tumor growth in animal models, consolidating his specialty in compounds of this plant. anti-cancer phytochemicals.
  • Doctorate in Education - UTEL University (2023 - ongoing). With the aim of strengthening science education, Dr. Aguiñiga undertook a second doctorate focused on education. This facet underlines her commitment to the training of new generations of scientists, seeking to innovate pedagogical methods in health sciences.

Lines of Research and Scientific Contributions

  • Antineoplastic Compounds of Plant Origin: Dr. Aguiñiga's main line of research is the search for and characterization of bioactive plant compounds with anticarcinogenic effect. He has researched several medicinal plants -notably the Sechium edule (chayote) - by identifying extracts with the capacity to induce apoptosis selectively in cancer cells. These studies are the basis for the development of complementary therapies based on phytocompoundsThe results of these studies, which have been published in the last few years, underpin potential therapeutic innovations and have laid the scientific groundwork for new adjuvant oncological strategies.
  • Experimental Oncology and Combination Therapies: Dr. Aguiñiga has participated in projects of experimental oncology aimed at improving the efficacy of treatments for hematological cancers. He demonstrated in one study that the combination of sodium caseinate with conventional chemotherapy in murine models of myeloid leukemia significantly increased survival without increased toxicity. This approach to combination therapy demonstrated the synergy between nutraceutical agents and cytotoxic drugs, opening the door to less toxic therapeutic strategies.
  • Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cells: In collaboration with colleagues at UNAM, Dr. Aguiñiga Sánchez has extended her work to research with mesenchymal stem cells applied to tissue regeneration. He co-authored a clinical study in which dental pulp stem cells were used to treat periodontal disease in older adults. The results showed regeneration of gingival tissue and reduction of inflammation, demonstrating the benefits of MSCs in tissue repair.

Achievements and Recognitions

Dr. Itzen Aguiñiga Sánchez's career has been distinguished by multiple achievements that highlight her scientific excellence:

  • National System of Researchers (SNI) Level I: Recognized as a National Researcher Level I (SNI-CONACyT) during the period 2017-2024, a distinction that endorses the relevance of her scientific work at the national level.
  • Research Awards: She has been awarded since early stages of her career, winning prizes in 2005 and 2009-2012 for papers presented in scientific forums. Of particular note is the Dr. Luis Sánchez" Award awarded in 2013 by the Agrupación Mexicana de Hematología to the best basic research, thanks to his innovative study with casein in leukemia.
  • Innovation and Patent: He has contributed to the development of new therapies, as evidenced by his participation in obtaining a patent in the pipeline for a pharmaceutical formulation of sodium caseinate with chemotherapeutics for the treatment of cancer. This achievement was recognized in 2020 by the UNAM program focused on the promotion of patenting (PROFOPI), placing his project among the most outstanding at the institutional level.
  • Academic and Teaching Excellence: During her graduate studies she obtained Honorable Mentions for the excellence of her theses. As a professor at FES Zaragoza she has directed multiple undergraduate and graduate theses in areas of biology, cancer and nutrition, inspiring new talent (in 2017 she was recognized as a "Academic who inspires scientific vocation." by UNAM). She also collaborates as a reviewer of scientific projects and articles at national and international level, contributing to the rigor and dissemination of knowledge in her discipline.

Outstanding Scientific Publications

  • "Casein induces the proliferation of bone marrow mononuclear cells, apoptosis of WEHI-3 leukemic cells and increased survival in a leukemia mouse model." Oncology Letters, 4(3):461-466 (2012). Fundamental article (co-authorship) that demonstrated the antitumor effect of a dietary protein (casein) in a leukemia model, opening new lines of research in combined therapies against cancer.
  • "Phytochemical Analysis and Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Capacity of the Extracts of Fruits of the Sechium Hybrid." Molecules, 25(20):4637 (2020). Multidisciplinary study as lead author, which characterized the phytochemical compounds of a chayote hybrid and confirmed its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capacity, consolidating the scientific basis for its potential use in the prevention of cell damage and cancer.
  • "Dental Pulp Mesenchymal Stem Cells as a Treatment for Periodontal Disease in Older Adults." Stem Cells International, 2020. Publication that evidences Dr. Aguiñiga's participation in translational research, applying mesenchymal stem cells in a clinical model of periodontal tissue regeneration in older adults and demonstrating its therapeutic efficacy.