4-hydroxy-2-nonenal as a marker of the oxidative stress in brains of dogs with canine distemper / 4-hidroxi-2-nonenal como marcador de estresse oxidativo no cérebro de cães com cinomose

Canine Distemper is a disease caused by Canine morbillivirus (CM), a pantropic virus that can affect the central nervous system (CNS), causing demyelination. However, the pathogenesis of this lesion remains to be clarified. Brain samples of 14 naturally infected dogs by CM were analyzed to evaluate the presence of oxidative stress and demyelination. RT-PCR assay was performed to confirm a diagnosis of canine distemper in the brain, immunohistochemistry anti-CM was used to localize the viral proteins in the tissue, and anti-4-hydroxy-2-nonenal (4-HNE) was a marker of a product of lipid peroxidation. The results showed the presence of viral proteins in the demyelinated area with the presence of 4-HNE. Our results suggest that the CM virus infection causes oxidative stress leading to lipid peroxidation, which causes tissue damage and demyelination. In conclusion, oxidative stress plays a significant role in canine distemper pathogenesis in the CNS.(AU)

A cinomose canina é uma doença causada pelo Morbilivírus canino (CM), um vírus pantrópico que pode afetar o sistema nervoso central (SNC), causando desmielinização. No entanto, a patogênese dessa lesão não está totalmente esclarecida. RT-PCR e imuno-histoquímica foram realizadas para confirmação do diagnóstico de cinomose em amostras de encéfalo de 14 cães naturalmente infectados. Após confirmação, foi realizada uma avaliação do estresse oxidativo por imuno-histoquímica com uso de anti-4-hidroxi-nonenal (4HNE) como marcador de produtos resultantes da peroxidação lipídica. Os resultados sugerem que a infecção pelo CM causa estresse oxidativo no tecido, levando a peroxidação lipídica, a qual causa danos ao tecido, culminando com desmielinização. Conclui-se que o estresse oxidativo tem papel importante na patogênese da cinomose canina no sistema nervoso central.(AU)

Multiple metals and agricultural use affects oxidative stress biomarkers in freshwater Aegla crabs / Presença de múltiplos metais e agricultura afetam biomarcadores de estresse oxidativo em caranguejos de água doce (Aegla)

Abstract Metals and agrochemicals are among the main aquatic contaminants, being able to trigger oxidative stress in exposed organisms. The objective of this work was to evaluate the correlation between the level of oxidative stress biomarkers in Aegla crabs (Crustacea, Anomura) with (i) the set of metals present in the streams sediment and (ii) with land uses of three hydrographic basins. The study was carried out in streams (≤ 2nd order) of hydrographic basins in southern Brazil (Basins of Rio Suzana, Rio Ligeirinho-Leãozinho and Rio Dourado). In these streams were quantified the land uses and Cu, Cr, Cd, Fe, Mn and Zn concentrations in the sediment. The enzymes Catalase (CAT) and Glutathione Reductase (GR), as well as the level of membrane lipid peroxidation (TBARS), were analyzed in adult females. The PCA analysis showed that the distribution of metals was different between the basins. Cd, Cr and Fe were correlated positively with CAT and negatively with TBARS and GR. The Dourado basin had the lowest concentrations of these three metals and the highest levels of TBARS. However, in Dourado basin there is predominance of agriculture land use, and TBARS was positively correlated with agricultural land use. Besides in Dourado basin, GR activity was higher than in the others basins, indicating a compensatory response in relation to CAT inhibition. The basins of Suzana and Ligeirinho-Leãozinho rivers had lower TBARS values, which may be due to the induction of CAT in response to metals accumulated in sediment. In summary, this work indicates that in the basins with a higher concentration of toxic metals there is an adaptive response of CAT induction, which reduces TBARS in Aegla. On the other hand, in the basin with lower metallic contamination, TBARS occurrence was primarily influenced by agricultural land use.

Resumo Os metais e agroquímicos estão entre os principais contaminantes aquáticos, podendo desencadear estresse oxidativo em organismos expostos. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar uma possível correlação entre o nível de biomarcadores de estresse oxidativo em Aegla (Crustacea, Anomura) com (i) o conjunto de metais presentes no sedimento e (ii) com os usos da terra, em três bacias hidrográficas distintas. O estudo foi realizado em riachos (≤ 2ª ordem) de bacias hidrográficas do Sul do Brasil (Bacias do Rio Suzana, do Rio Ligeirinho-Leãozinho e do Rio Dourado), as quais foram caracterizadas em função do percentual de usos da terra e do nível de Cu, Cr, Cd, Fe, Mn e Zn no sedimento. As enzimas Catalase (CAT) e Glutationa Redutase (GR), bem como o nível de peroxidação lipídica das membranas (TBARS), foram analisadas em fêmeas adultas. Uma análise de PCA mostrou que a distribuição de metais foi distinta entre as bacias. Cd, Cr e Fe no sedimento correlacionaram positivamente com a CAT e negativamente com TBARS e GR. Entretanto, a bacia do Dourado apresentou os menores níveis destes três metais e os maiores níveis de TBARS, o que pode ser justificado pelo predomínio da agricultura nesta bacia, já que o TBARS correlacionou positivamente com o percentual de uso agrícola. Nesta bacia, a atividade da GR foi mais alta do que nas outras, indicando uma resposta compensatória em relação a inibição da CAT. As bacias do rio Suzana e rio Ligeirinho-Leãozinho apresentaram valores menores de TBARS, o que pode decorrer da indução da CAT em função dos metais acumulados no sedimento. Em síntese, este trabalho indica que nas bacias com maior concentração de metais tóxicos ocorre uma resposta adaptativa de indução da CAT, o que reduz os níveis de TBARS em Aegla. Por outro lado, na bacia com menor contaminação metálica os níveis de TBARS foram primariamente influenciados pelo uso agrícola.

Metaboloma use in ophthalmology / Uso de metaboloma em oftalmologia: uma revisão narrativa

ABSTRACT It is part of the omic sciences to search for an understanding of how the cellular system of organisms works as well as studying their biological changes. As part of the omic sciences, we can highlight the genomics whose function is the study of genes, the transcriptomics that studies the changes in the transcripts, the proteomics responsible for understanding the changes that occur in proteins, and the metabolomics that studies all the metabolic changes that occur in a certain system when it is submitted to different types of stimuli. Metabolomics is the science that studies the endogenous and exogenous metabolites in biological systems, which aims to provide comparative quantitative or semi-quantitative information about all metabolites in the system. This review aims to describe the main applications of metabolomics science in ophthalmolog. We searched the literature on main applications of metabolomics science in ophthalmology, using the MEDLINE and LILACS databases, with the keywords "metabolomics" and "ophthalmology", from January 1, 2009, to April 5, 2021. We retrieved 216 references, of which 58 were considered eligible for intensive review and critical analysis. The study of the metabolome allows a better understanding of the metabolism of ocular tissues. The results are important to aid diagnosis and as predictors of the progression of many eye and systemic diseases.

RESUMO Faz parte das ciências ômicas buscar entender como funciona o sistema celular dos organismos e estudar suas alterações biológicas. Como parte das ciências ômicas, destacam-se a genômica, cuja função é o estudo dos genes; a transcriptômica, que estuda as mudanças nos transcritos; a proteômica, responsável por entender as mudanças que ocorrem nas proteínas, e a metabolômica, que estuda todo o metabolismo das alterações que ocorrem em um determinado sistema quando ele é submetido a diferentes tipos de estímulos. A metabolômica é a ciência que estuda os metabólitos endógenos e exógenos em sistemas biológicos, visando fornecer informações comparativas quantitativas ou semiquantitativas sobre todos os metabólitos do sistema. Esta revisão teve como objetivo descrever as principais aplicações da ciência metabolômica na oftalmologia. Trata-se de revisão narrativa desenvolvida por um grupo de pesquisa da Universidade Federal de São Paulo, em São Paulo (SP). Buscaram-se, na literatura, as principais aplicações da ciência metabolômica em oftalmologia, utilizando as bases de dados Medline® e Lilacs, com as palavras-chave "metabolomics" e "oftalmologia", de 1º de janeiro de 2009 a 5 de abril de 2021. Foram recuperadas 216 referências, das quais 58 foram consideradas elegíveis para revisão intensiva e análise crítica. O estudo do metaboloma permite um melhor entendimento do metabolismo dos tecidos oculares. Os resultados são importantes para auxiliar no diagnóstico e como preditores da progressão de muitas doenças oculares e sistêmicas.

PRKCDBP Methylation is a Potential and Promising Candidate Biomarker for Non-small Cell Lung Cancer / 中国肺癌杂志

BACKGROUND@#The occurrence and development of lung cancer are closely linked to epigenetic modification. Abnormal DNA methylation in the CpG island region of genes has been found in many cancers. Protein kinase C delta binding protein (PRKCDBP) is a potential tumor suppressor and its epigenetic changes are found in many human malignancies. This study investigated the possibility of PRKCDBP methylation as a potential biomarker for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).@*METHODS@#We measured the methylation levels of PRKCDBP in the three groups of NSCLC tissues. Promoter activity was measured by the dual luciferase assay, with 5'-aza-deoxycytidine to examine the effect of demethylation on the expression level of PRKCDBP.@*RESULTS@#The methylation levels of PRKCDBP in tumor tissues and 3 cm para-tumor were higher than those of distant (>10 cm) non-tumor tissues. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis between tumor tissues and distant non-tumor tissues showed that the area under the line (AUC) was 0.717. Dual luciferase experiment confirmed that the promoter region was able to promote gene expression. Meanwhile, in vitro methylation of the fragment (PRKCDBP_Me) could significantly reduce the promoter activity of the fragment. Demethylation of 5'-aza-deoxycytidine in lung cancer cell lines A549 and H1299 showed a significant up-regulation of PRKCDBP mRNA levels.@*CONCLUSIONS@#PRKCDBP methylation is a potential and promising candidate biomarker for non-small cell lung cancer.

Sperm-specific protein ACTL7A as a biomarker for fertilization outcomes of assisted reproductive technology / 亚洲男科学杂志(英文版)

Obtaining high-quality embryos is one of the key factors to improve the clinical pregnancy rate of assisted reproductive technologies (ART). So far, the clinical evaluation of embryo quality depends on embryo morphology. However, the clinical pregnancy rate is still low. Therefore, new indicators are needed to further improve the evaluation of embryo quality. Several studies have shown that the decrease of sperm-specific protein actin-like 7A (ACTL7A) leaded to low fertilization rate, poor embryo development, and even infertility. The aim of this study was to study whether the different expression levels of ACTL7A on sperm can be used as a biomarker for predicting embryo quality. In this study, excluding the factors of severe female infertility, a total of 281 sperm samples were collected to compare the ACTL7A expression levels of sperms with high and low effective embryo rates and analyze the correlation between protein levels and in-vitro fertilization (IVF) laboratory outcomes. Our results indicated that the ACTL7A levels were significantly reduced in sperm samples presenting poor embryo quality. Furthermore, the protein levels showed a significant correlation with fertilization outcomes of ART. ACTL7A has the potential to be a biomarker for predicting success rate of fertilization and effective embryo and the possibility of embryo arrest. In conclusion, sperm-specific protein ACTL7A has a strong correlation with IVF laboratory outcomes and plays important roles in fertilization and embryo development.

Effects of Porphyromonas gingivalis injected through tail vein on the expressions of biomarkers in neural stem cells and neurons of wild-type rats hippocampus / 中华口腔医学杂志

Objectives: To study the effects of Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg) injected through tail vein on the molecular expression levels of biomarkers of neural stem cells (NSC) and neurons in the hippocampus of wild-type adult rats, and the effects on hippocampal neurogenesis. Methods: Eighteen male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into 3 groups based on the table of random numbers (n=6 in each group). In low-intensity group and high-intensity group, rats were injected intravenously through tail vein with 200 μl Pg ATCC33277 [1.0×103 and 1.0×108 colony forming unit (CFU), respectively] 3 times per week for 8 weeks. In the sham group, 200 μl of phosphate buffer saline (PBS) was given instead. Behavioral tests: the navigation and the exploration tests using Morris water maze (MWM) were applied to evaluate learning and memory ability of rats. Immunohistochemistry was performed to detect cells positively expressing nestin, doublecortin (DCX) and neuronal nuclei (NeuN) in the subgranular zone (SGZ) of rats in each group. Western blotting was used to evaluate the expression levels of nestin, DCX and NeuN in rat hippocampus. Results: Learning and memory abilities: on day 5 of navigation test, the lagency time was 22.83 (16.00, 38.34) s in the high-intensity group, significantly longer than the sham group [5.59 (5.41, 6.17) s] (t=-11.17, P<0.001). There were no significant differences between the low-intensity group [9.85 (8.75, 21.01) s] and the sham group (t=-6.83, P=0.080). Results in the exploration test showed that, in the high-intensity group, the number of fime crossing over the previous platform area within 60 s was 1.50 (1.00, 2.00), significantly less than the sham group [4.00 (2.75, 4.00)] (t=9.75, P=0.003); no significant differences between the low-intensity group [2.50 (2.00, 3.00)] and the sham one (t=4.50, P=0.382). Immunohistochemistry showed that the nestin+ cell density in the low-intensity group [(35.36±4.32) cell/mm2] and high-intensity group [(26.51±5.89) cell/mm2] were significantly lower than the sham group [(59.58±14.15) cell/mm2] (t=24.21, P=0.018; t=33.07, P=0.005); as for the mean absorbance of DCX+ cells, the low-intensity group (0.007±0.002) and the high-intensity group (0.006±0.002) were significantly lower than the sham group (0.011±0.001) (t=0.004, P=0.018; t=0.006, P=0.005); compared with the sham group [(1.13±0.14)×103 cell/mm2], the density of NeuN+ neurons in the high-intensity group [(0.75±0.08)×103 cell/mm2] was significantly reduced (t=0.38, P=0.017), and was not significantly changed in the low-intensity group [(0.88±0.19)×103 cell/mm2] (t=0.25, P=0.075). Western blotting results showed that, compared with the sham group, the expression levels of nestin, DCX, and NeuN were significantly reduced in the high-intensity group (t=0.74, P<0.001; t=0.18, P=0.014; t=0.35, P=0.008), but were not statistically changed in the low-intensity group (t=0.18, P=0.108; t=0.08, P=0.172; t=0.19, P=0.077). Conclusions: Pg injected through tail vein may reduce learning and memory abilities of wild-type rats, and may reduce the number of nestin, DCX, and NeuN-positive cells, and the protein expression levels of the above molecules in the hippocampus.

Expression and Significance of Circulating microRNA-29b in Adult Fulminant Myocarditis / 中国医学科学院学报

Objective To explore the expression profiles of circulating microRNA(miRNA)and potential markers for the diagnosis of adult fulminant myocarditis(FM). Methods The expression profiles of circulating miRNA were determined by microarray analysis and verified by real-time quantitative PCR.The key role of circulating miRNA in FM was determined via KEGG pathway enrichment.The correlations between miRNA and cardiac function parameters in patients with FM were analyzed.The receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was established to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of circulating miRNA in the diagnosis of FM. Results Compared with healthy controls,the FM patients had up-regulated expression levels of miR-29b(t=18.925,P<0.001)and miR-125b(t=5.981,P=0.029)in the plasma.After treatment,the expression levels of miR-29b(t=12.943,P<0.001)and miR-125b(t=14.016,P<0.001)were significantly down-regulated.KEGG pathway enrichment showed that the targets of miR-29b were involved in inflammatory response and apoptosis pathways.The results of cell proliferation and apoptosis assay demonstrated the transfection of miR-29b mimic had a more significant inducing effect on cardiomyocyte apoptosis than that of miR-125b mimic(χ 2=6.168,P=0.047),whereas there was no significant difference in the inhibition of cell proliferation between the two groups(χ2=1.452,P=0.417).The expression levels of miR-29b and miR-125b were negatively correlated with left ventricular ejection fraction(r=-0.67,P=0.071;r=-0.49,P=0.003).They were positively correlated with cardiac troponin I level(r=0.61,P=0.019;r=0.52,P=0.016),interferon β level(r=0.42,P=0.014;r=0.36,P=0.021),and myocardial edema area(r=0.86,P=0.005;r=0.73,P=0.013).The ROC curve analysis demonstrated that miR-29b had higher sensitivity for the diagnosis of FM(93.6% vs.89.2%;t=0.896,P=0.795)and specificity(72.4% vs.59.6%;t=9.478,P=0.002)than miR-125b. Conclusion The circulating miR-29b may be a potential biomarker for the diagnosis of FM.

Characteristics of amino acid metabolism in myeloid-derived suppressor cells in septic mice / 北京大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the amino acid metabolomics characteristics of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) in mice with sepsis induced by the cecal ligation and puncture (CLP).@*METHODS@#The sepsis mouse model was prepared by CLP, and the mice were randomly divided into a sham operation group (sham group, n = 10) and a CLP model group (n = 10). On the 7th day after the operation, 5 mice were randomly selected from the surviving mice in each group, and the bone marrow MDSCs of the mice were isolated. Bone marrow MDSCs were separated to measure the oxygen consumption rate (OCR) by using Agilent Seahorse XF technology and to detect the contents of intracellular amino acids and oligopeptides through ultra-performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) technology. Different metabolites and potential biomarkers were analyzed by univariate statistical analysis and multivariate statistical analysis. The major metabolic pathways were enriched using the small molecular pathway database (SMPDB).@*RESULTS@#The proportion of MDSCs in the bone marrow of CLP group mice (75.53% ± 6.02%) was significantly greater than that of the sham group (43.15%± 7.42%, t = 7.582, P < 0.001), and the basal respiratory rate [(50.03±1.20) pmol/min], maximum respiration rate [(78.07±2.57) pmol/min] and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production [(25.30±1.21) pmol/min] of MDSCs in the bone marrow of CLP group mice were significantly greater than the basal respiration rate [(34.53±0.96) pmol/min, (t = 17.41, P < 0.001)], maximum respiration rate [(42.57±1.87) pmol/min, (t = 19.33, P < 0.001)], and ATP production [(12.63±0.96) pmol/min, (t = 14.18, P < 0.001)] of sham group. Leucine, threonine, glycine, etc. were potential biomarkers of septic MDSCs (all P < 0.05). The increased amino acids were mainly enriched in metabolic pathways, such as malate-aspartate shuttle, ammonia recovery, alanine metabolism, glutathione metabolism, phenylalanine and tyrosine metabolism, urea cycle, glycine and serine metabolism, β-alanine metabolism, glutamate metabolism, arginine and proline metabolism.@*CONCLUSION@#The enhanced mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation, malate-aspartate shuttle and alanine metabolism in MDSCs of CLP mice may provide raw materials for mitochondrial aerobic respiration, thereby promoting the immunosuppressive function of MDSCs. Blocking the above metabolic pathways may reduce the risk of secondary infection in sepsis and improve the prognosis.

Effect of long-term consumption of oxidized polyunsaturated fatty acids on atherosclerotic lesion in LDL receptor knockout mice / Efeito do consumo crônico de ácidos graxos poliinsaturados oxidados na aterosclerose em camundongos knockout para receptor de LDL

Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) are susceptible to enzymatic and non-enzymatic oxidation, leading to the production of secondary compounds that present different physiological effects. Among the PUFA, the products formed from Omega 6 (n-6 FA) and Omega 3 (n-3 FA) fatty acids oxidation can modulate inflammation, dyslipidemia and oxidative stress preventing or reducing the atherosclerosis progression. In fact, the effect of chronic intake of edible oils containing products of polyunsaturated fatty acids oxidation (POPs) on atherosclerosis is still controversial. In general POPs from n-6 FA have a more pro-inflammatory profile than POPs from n-3 FA. Thus, the objective of this study was to compare the chronic intake of partially oxidized n-6 FA and n-3 FA rich oils on atherosclerosis biomarkers. Initially, six edible oils containing a higher amount of n-6 and n-3 FA were submitted to oxidative conditions, simulating the steps of transport, storage and consume. It was observed that oxidative reaction started in all oils since the first step and at the moment of consumption, some oxidative chemical markers were out the legal range suggested by the Official Agencies. In addition, it was possible to identify the type of secondary product formed from each precursor oil, providing a better information for oils quality control. After this step, fish and soybean oils were chosen as n-3 FA and n-6 FA rich oils, respectively. Using LDLr(-/-) mice, the effect of three oxidative levels of soybean oil was evaluated after 24 weeks of supplementation. Animals fed with the oil with the highest level of oxidation (fried and reused oil) showed no body weight gain, suggesting that POPs from soybean oil at this level could promote a browning effect on white adipose tissue by increasing UCP-1 expression. This group also showed the highest concentration of lipoproteins in plasma. However, these metabolic differences did not accelerate atherosclerosis in the animals. Finally, the effect of POPs from n-3 FA and n-6 FA oxidation were compared also using LDLr(-/-) mice as model for experimental atherosclerosis. Some alterations observed after n-3 FA supplementation, such as the increase of liver weight, IL-6, SONPC, 8-HETE and 15-F2-Isop and the decrease of BAT and glucose, were reversed by their POPs. In addition, POPs from n-6 FA caused increased of LDL and 5-HETE. As observed in the previous study, these metabolic alterations were not enough to prevent or accelerate atherosclerosis, as measured by histological analysis of the lesion size in the aorta. These results suggest that although a significant amount of POPs are being consumed by diet, their metabolic effects did not influence atherosclerotic plaques in the animal model. However, besides lesion area in the aortas, new studies should also evaluate the plaques stability

Os ácidos graxos poliinsaturados (PUFA) são suscetíveis à oxidação enzimática e não enzimática, levando à produção de compostos secundários que apresentam diferentes efeitos fisiológicos. Entre os PUFA, os produtos formados a partir da oxidação dos ácidos graxos ômega 6 (n-6 FA) e ômega 3 (n-3 FA) podem modular a inflamação, dislipidemia e estresse oxidativo, impedindo ou reduzindo a progressão da aterosclerose. De fato, o efeito da ingestão crônica de óleos contendo produtos da oxidação de ácidos graxos poliinsaturados (POPs) na aterosclerose ainda é controverso. Em geral, os POPs dos n-6 FA têm um perfil mais pró-inflamatório do que os POPs dos n-3 FA. Assim, o objetivo deste estudo foi comparar a ingestão crônica de POPs provenientes de óleos ricos em n-6 FA e n-3 FA em biomarcadores de aterosclerose. Inicialmente, seis óleos ricos em n-6 FA e n-3 FA foram submetidos a condições oxidativas, simulando as etapas de transporte, armazenamento e consumo. Observou-se que a reação oxidativa iniciou-se em todos os óleos desde a primeira etapa e, no momento do consumo, alguns marcadores oxidativos estavam fora da faixa legal sugerida pelas agências reguladoras. Além disso, foi possível identificar o tipo de produto secundário formado a partir de cada óleo precursor, fornecendo melhores informações para o controle de qualidade dos óleos. Após esta etapa, os óleos de peixe e soja foram escolhidos como óleos ricos em n-3 FA e n-6 FA, respectivamente. Utilizando camundongos LDLr(-/-), o efeito de três níveis oxidativos de óleo de soja foi avaliado após 24 semanas de suplementação. Os animais alimentados com o óleo com maior nível de oxidação (óleo frito e de reuso) não apresentaram ganho de peso corporal, sugerindo que os POPs do óleo de soja nesse nível de oxidação pudessem promover um efeito de Browning no tecido adiposo branco, aumentando a expressão de UCP-1. Este grupo também mostrou a maior concentração de lipoproteínas no plasma. No entanto, essas diferenças metabólicas não aceleraram a aterosclerose nos animais. Finalmente, o efeito de POPs da oxidação de óleos ricos em n-3 FA e n-6 FA foi comparado também usando camundongos LDLr(-/-), como modelo para aterosclerose experimental. Algumas alterações observadas após a suplementação com óleo de peixe fresco, como aumento do peso hepático, IL-6, SONPC, 8-HETE e 15-F2-IsoP e diminuição da BAT e glicose, foram revertidas por seus POPs. Além disso, os POPs do óleo de soja causaram aumento de LDL e 5-HETE. Como observado no estudo anterior, essas alterações metabólicas não foram suficientes para prevenir ou acelerar a aterosclerose, medida pela análise histológica do tamanho da lesão na aorta. Esses resultados sugerem que, embora uma quantidade significativa de POPs esteja sendo consumida pela dieta, seus efeitos metabólicos não influenciaram as placas ateroscleróticas no modelo animal. Porém, além da área de lesão nas aortas, novos estudos também devem avaliar a estabilidade das placas

Age-related macular degeneration: an overview / Degeneração macular relacionada à idade: um panorama geral

ABSTRACT Age-related macular degeneration is the most important cause of irreversible vision loss in the elderly and has been considered a severe public health problem. Current treatments have only been successful in delaying the loss of central vision. Due to increased life expectancy, governments and researchers have been challenged to seek more efficient and successful treatments for age-related macular degeneration. Considering its relevance for public health and the need of further research, this article aims to address age-related macular degeneration objectively, tackling on the current knowledge about its pathophysiology, potential molecular biomarkers, main prevention procedures and treatments, as well as introducing possible molecules that may be a therapeutic target in this disease.

RESUMO Degeneração macular relacionada à idade é a causa mais importante de perda irreversível da visão em idosos, e é considerada um sério problema de saúde pública. Os tratamentos atuais são bem-sucedidos apenas ao postergar a perda da visão central. Devido à maior expectativa de vida, os governos e pesquisadores têm dificuldade de encontrar tratamentos mais eficientes e exitosos para degeneração macular relacionada à idade. Considerando sua relevância para saúde pública e a necessidade de mais pesquisas, este artigo procura abordar a degeneração macular relacionada à idade de forma objetiva, abordando os conhecimentos atuais sobre sua fisiopatologia, potenciais biomarcadores moleculares, principais procedimentos de prevenção e tratamentos, e apresentar possíveis moléculas que podem ser alvo terapêutico nessa doença.

Effect of / 生物医学与环境科学（英文）

Objective@#This study aimed to investigate the effects of @*Methods@#In this study, 0.1% DMG was supplemented in 20% casein diets that were either folate-sufficient (20C) or folate-deficient (20CFD). Blood and liver of rats were subjected to assays of Hcy and its metabolites. Hcy and its related metabolite concentrations were determined using a liquid chromatographic system.@*Results@#Folate deprivation significantly increased pHcy concentration in rats fed 20C diet (from 14.19 ± 0.39 μmol/L to 28.49 ± 0.50 μmol/L; @*Conclusion@#DMG supplementation exhibited hypohomocysteinemic effects under folate-sufficient conditions. By contrast, the combination of folate deficiency and DMG supplementation has deleterious effect on pHcy concentration.

Associations between trunk-to-peripheral fat ratio and cardiometabolic risk factors in elderly Japanese men: baseline data from the Fujiwara-kyo Osteoporosis Risk in Men (FORMEN) study

BACKGROUND@#Body mass-independent parameters might be more appropriate for assessing cardiometabolic abnormalities than weight-dependent indices in Asians who have relatively high visceral adiposity but low body fat. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA)-measured trunk-to-peripheral fat ratio is one such body mass-independent index. However, there are no reports on relationships between DXA-measured regional fat ratio and cardiometabolic risk factors targeting elderly Asian men.@*METHODS@#We analyzed cross-sectional data of 597 elderly men who participated in the baseline survey of the Fujiwara-kyo Osteoporosis Risk in Men (FORMEN) study, a community-based single-center prospective cohort study conducted in Japan. Whole-body fat and regional fat were measured with a DXA scanner. Trunk-to-appendicular fat ratio (TAR) was calculated as trunk fat divided by appendicular fat (sum of arm and leg fat), and trunk-to-leg fat ratio (TLR) as trunk fat divided by leg fat.@*RESULTS@#Both TAR and TLR in the group of men who used ≥ 1 medication for hypertension, dyslipidemia, or diabetes ("user group"; N = 347) were significantly larger than those who did not use such medication ("non-user group"; N = 250) (P < 0.05). After adjusting for potential confounding factors including whole-body fat, both TAR and TLR were significantly associated with low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglyceride, fasting serum insulin, and the insulin resistance index in the non-user group and non-overweight men in the non-user group (N = 199).@*CONCLUSION@#The trunk-to-peripheral fat ratio was associated with cardiometabolic risk factors independently of whole-body fat mass. Parameters of the fat ratio may be useful for assessing cardiometabolic risk factors, particularly in underweight to normal-weight populations.

Ácido úrico y gamma-glutamiltransferasa como biomarcadores de enfermedad cardiovascular a través del estrés oxidativo / Uric acid and gamma-glutamyltransferase as biomarkers of cardiovascular disease via oxidative stress

Introducción: Las enfermedades cardiovasculares constituyen la principal causa de mortalidad y morbilidad a nivel mundial. Reconocidas como problemas de salud de impacto social, han motivado a muchos científicos a tratar de explicar su patogénesis. Actualmente se plantea de la existencia de otros factores de riesgo, independientemente de los clásicos. Entre estos factores se describen el papel de las altas concentraciones de ácido úrico y la actividad de la enzima gamma-glutamiltransferasa en sangre, biomarcadores de estrés oxidativo. Estos elementos que de manera individual pudieran contribuir a las enfermedades cardiovasculares, parecen tener un efecto sinérgico. Objetivo: Revisar las evidencias que sostienen que altas concentraciones de ácido úrico y la actividad de la enzima gamma-glutamiltransferasa en sangre pueden constituir factores de riesgo que desde el estrés oxidativo contribuyan a las enfermedades cardiovasculares. Métodos: Se recopiló la información a partir de las bases de datos de diferentes buscadores (Medline-Pubmed, Cochrane, Scopus y SciELO) entre el 1 de marzo del 2019 y el 23 de mayo 2020. Conclusiones: Se encontró que, tanto el ácido úrico como la gamma-glutamiltransferasa son productos horméticos que a bajas concentraciones tienen efecto antioxidante en el organismo, pero al elevarse involucran la ocurrencia de procesos oxidativos que conducen a la disfunción endotelial y las enfermedades cardiovasculares(AU)

Introduction: Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. Recognized as a health problem of social impact; they have prompted many scientists to try to explain their pathogenesis. New risk factors are currently acknowledged alongside the classic ones. These factors include the role of high uric acid concentrations and the activity of the enzyme gamma-glutamyltransferase in blood, both of which are biomarkers of oxidative stress. These elements may individually contribute to the development of cardiovascular diseases, and seem to have a synergistic effect. Objective: Review the evidence supporting the idea that high uric acid concentrations and the activity of the enzyme gamma-glutamyltransferase in blood may be risk factors contributing to the development of cardiovascular diseases via oxidative stress. Methods: Data were collected from the databases of various search engines (Medline-Pubmed, Cochrane, Scopus and SciELO) from 1 March 2019 to 23 May 2020. Conclusions: It was found that uric acid and gamma-glutamyltransferase are hormetic products causing an antioxidant effect on the organism at low concentrations. However, when concentrations rise, they are involved in the occurrence of oxidative processes leading to endothelial dysfunction and cardiovascular diseases(AU)

Estresse oxidativo e diminuição de HSP70 tecidual envolvidos na gênese da sepse: HSP70 como alvo terapêutico / Oxidative stress and decreased tissue HSP70 are involved in the genesis of sepsis: HSP70 as a therapeutic target

RESUMO A sepse é uma infecção sistêmica que acarreta disfunção múltipla dos órgãos. A HSP70 é uma proteína responsiva ao estresse celular, assim como o estresse oxidativo. Esta revisão da literatura buscou investigar a HSP70 e o estresse oxidativo quanto à fisiopatologia da sepse e ao papel da HSP70 como possível alvo terapêutico. A HSP70 exerce efeito protetor quando localizada na célula (iHSP70), e sua diminuição, assim como seu aumento no ambiente extracelular (eHSP70) e o estresse oxidativo, é um biomarcador de gravidade na sepse. Além disso, terapias que aumentam a iHSP70 ou o próprio tratamento com HSP70 promovem a melhora na sepse.

Abstract Sepsis is a systemic infection that causes multiple organ dysfunction. HSP70 is a protein responsive to cell stress, in particular oxidative stress. Therefore, this literature review sought to investigate the roles of HSP70 and oxidative stress in the pathophysiology of sepsis and the possibility of HSP70 as a therapeutic target. HSP70 exerts a protective effect when located in cells (iHSP70), and its decrease, as well as its increase in the extracellular environment (eHSP70), under oxidative stress is a biomarker of sepsis severity. In addition, therapies that increase iHSP70 and treatment with HSP70 promote sepsis improvement.

Capacidad funcional, densidad mineral ósea y marcadores de neoformación-reabsorción ósea en pacientes menores de 18 años con movilidad reducida / Functional capacity, bone mineral density and neoformation-resorption bone markers in patients under 18 years of age with reduced mobility

Resumen: Introducción: La inmovilización prolongada asociada a diversas enfermedades neurológicas, causa osteoporosis secundaria con fracturas patológicas y dolor óseo persistente. Objetivos: Establecer la asociación entre densidad mineral ósea (DMO), marcadores de neoformación y reabsorción ósea y grado de capacidad funcional en pacientes menores de 18 años con movilidad reducida. Pacientes y Método: Estudio transversal, realizado entre 1/1/2016 y 31/12/2017 en pacientes de 6 a 18 años diagnosticados de distintas enfermedades neurológicas en Ciudad Real (España). Se analizaron las variables biodemográficas, capacidad funcional según la Functional Mobility Scale (FMS), que valora la movilidad en 5, 50 y 500 metros, DMO, 25-hidroxi-vitamina D, fosfatasa alcalina, osteocalcina en sangre y telopéptido amino terminal de cadena cruzada de colágeno tipo I en orina (NTX-I). Se expresan DMO, fosfatasa alcalina, osteocalcina y NTX-I en Z score según valores de referencia para edad y sexo. Se utilizaron estadísticas descriptivas y correlaciones de Pearson y Spearman. Resulta dos: 36 pacientes (52,7% niñas), edad media de 8,6 ± 4,7 años. Valor medio de FMS: 5,3 sobre 18. DMO media: -1,99 ± 1,7 desviaciones estándar (DE), fosfatasa alcalina media: -2,64 ± 1,08, osteocalcina media: -2,15 ± 1,39, y NTX-I medio: +3 ± 1,72. Hubo asociación significativa entre DMO y FMS para 5 metros (r = 0,395; p = 0,017) y para la puntuación total (r = 0,365; p = 0,029). No se encon traron diferencias significativas según estadios de desarrollo puberal. Conclusiones: En la población estudiada se observa disminución en la DMO y en marcadores de neoformación ósea y elevación de marcadores de reabsorción ósea sin asociación con el desarrollo puberal. Los pacientes con menor grado de movilidad presentan una DMO inferior.

Abstract: Introduction: Prolonged immobilization associated with several neurological disorders causes se condary osteoporosis with pathological fractures and persistent bone pain. Objectives: To establish the association between bone mineral density (BMD), neoformation and bone resorption markers and the degree of functional capacity in children under 18 years of age with reduced mobility. Pa tients and Method: Cross-sectional study conducted in Ciudad Real, Spain between January 1, 2016, and December 31, 2017 with patients aged between 6 and 18 years diagnosed with different neurological disorders. The following variables were analyzed: age, sex, pubertal stage, functional capacity according to the Functional Mobility Scale (FMS), which assesses the ability to walk from 5, 50 to 500 meters, BMD, 25-hydroxy-vitamin D, alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin in blood, and N-terminal telopeptide crosslinks in collagen type I (NTX-I) in urine. BMD, alkaline phosphatase, osteocalcin, and NTX-I values are expressed in Z score according to reference values for age and sex. The Pear son and Spearman correlations were used for data analysis. Results: 36 patients (52.7% girls) with an average age of 8.6±4.7 years. Mean FMS value: 5.3 out of 18. Mean BMD: -1.99 ± 1.7 standard deviations (SD), mean alkaline phosphatase: -2.64 ± 1.08, mean osteocalcin: -2.15 ± 1.39, and mean NTX-I: +3 ± 1.72. There was a significant association between BMD and FMS for 5 meters (r = 0.395; p = 0.017) and for total score (r = 0.365; p = 0.029). There were no significant differences according to the stages of pubertal development. Conclusions: In this population, there was a decrease in BMD and bone neoformation markers, and an increase of bone resorption markers with no association with pubertal development. Patients with a lower degree of mobility present a lower BMD.

Can natural killer cell activity help screen patients requiring a biopsy for the diagnosis of prostate cancer?

ABSTRACT Purpose To evaluate the usefulness of natural killer cell activity (NKA) in diagnosing prostate cancer (PC). Materials and Methods The medical records of patients who underwent transrectal prostate biopsy (TRBx) at Korea University Ansan Hospital between May 2017 and December 2017 were retrospectively reviewed. NKA levels were measured using NK Vue® Tubes (ATgen, Sungnam, Korea). All blood samples were obtained at 8 AM on the day of biopsy. Patients with other malignancies, chronic inflammatory conditions, high prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level (>20ng/mL), or history of taking 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor or testosterone replacement therapy were excluded. Results A total of 102 patients who underwent TRBx for PC diagnosis were enrolled. Among them, 50 were diagnosed with PC. Significant differences in age and NKA level were observed between the PC and no-PC groups. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis showed that the optimal cut-off of NKA level for the prediction of PC was 500pg/dL, with a sensitivity of 68.0% and a specificity of 73.1%. In addition, NKA level (0.630) had the greatest area under the ROC curve compared to those for the ratio of total PSA to free PSA (0.597) and PSA density (0.578). Conclusions The results of this pilot study revealed that low NKA and high PSA levels were likely to be associated with a positive TRBx outcome. NKA detection was easy and improved the diagnostic accuracy of PC.

Salivary biomarkers in Alzheimer´s disease / Biomarcadores salivales en la enfermedad de Alzheimer

The hypotheses currently considered the most likely causes of Alzheimer's disease (AD) are amyloid beta peptide deposition in the cerebral cortex and hyperphosphorylation of the Tau protein, with the consequent formation of neurofibrillary tangles. In clinical practice, although not accurate, AD diagnosis is based on the exclusion of other diseases, behavioural assessments and complementary examinations, such as imaging and blood tests. Advances in the field of biotechnology have created exciting prospects for the early detection of AD via biomarker assessment, which is considered a safer and more efficient procedure. Molecules recognised as biomarkers can be expressed in some body fluids, including cerebrospinal fluid, saliva and blood. The presence of amyloid beta peptide and Tau can be confirmed in saliva, which is also an easily and non-invasively collectable material with an accessible cost. The objective was evaluate the concentrations of the t-Tau protein and Ab42 peptide in the saliva of elderly individuals with and without dementia of the AD type Method: The objective of this case-control study, involving a total of 120 individuals, was to analyse whether a correlation exists between variations in the concentrations of the t-Tau and Ab42 biomarkers in the saliva of patients with confirmed AD and individuals in the inclusion group but without AD . We found that t-Tau expression in AD patients is significantly lower than that in individuals without AD, whereas the salivary concentration of Ab42 is higher in patients with AD but not significantly different from that of the group without AD. Conclusion: Thus, we demonstrate the feasibility of using salivary biomarkers as predictive markers for diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease.

Las hipótesis consideradas actualmente como las causas más probables de la enfermedad de Alzheimer (EA) son la deposición de péptido beta amiloide en la corteza cerebral y la hiperfosforilación de la proteína Tau, con la consiguiente formación de ovillos neurofibrilares. En la práctica clínica, aunque no es precisa, el diagnóstico de la EA se basa en la exclusión de otras enfermedades, evaluaciones de comportamiento y exámenes complementarios, como imágenes y análisis de sangre. Los avances en el campo de la biotecnología han creado interesantes perspectivas para la detección temprana de la EA a través de la evaluación de biomarcadores, que se considera un procedimiento más seguro y más eficiente. Las moléculas reconocidas como biomarcadores se pueden expresar en algunos fluidos corporales, incluidos el líquido cerebroespinal, la saliva y la sangre. La presencia del péptido beta amiloide (AB) y la proteína Tau (t-Tau) se puede confirmar en la saliva, que también es un material fácil y no invasivo de recolección con un costo accesible. El objetivo fue evaluar las concentraciones de la proteína t-Tau y el péptido Ab42 en la saliva de las personas de edad avanzada con y sin demencia del tipo de tipo EA. El estudio de casos y controles, se realizó en un total de 120 personas, para analizar si existe una correlación entre las variaciones en las concentraciones de los biomarcadores t-Tau y Ab42 en la saliva de pacientes con EA confirmada e individuos en el grupo de inclusión pero sin AD. Encontramos que la expresión de t-Tau en pacientes con EA es significativamente menor que en individuos sin EA, mientras que la concentración salival de Ab42 es mayor en pacientes con EA pero no significativamente diferente de la del grupo sin la enfermedad . Por lo tanto, se demuestra la viabilidad del uso de biomarcadores salivales como marcadores predictivos para el diagnóstico de la enfermedad de Alzheimer.

Modelo metabonômico para avaliação da regressão do diabetes mellitus tipo 2 após cirurgia bariátrica / Metabonomic model for the assessment of type 2 diabetes remission after bariatric/metabolic surgery

RESUMO Objetivo: avaliar as diferenças no perfil metabonômico de pacientes que atingiram remissão de diabetes mellitus tipo 2 (DM2) após cirurgia bariátrica em relação aos que apresentaram manutenção ou recidiva dessa condição após a cirurgia. Métodos: Participaram do estudo 33 pacientes obesos diabéticos tipo 2, dos quais 22 tiveram remissão completa da DM2 e 11 tiveram recidiva da DM2 ou não apresentaram remissão da doença no pós-operatório. Amostras de sangue foram coletadas para avaliação dos perfis metabonômicos séricos através de um estudo metabonômico baseado em RMN de 1H. Resultados: o modelo metabonômico para avaliação da recidiva da diabetes apresentou uma acurácia de 93,9%, sensibilidade de 81,8%, especificidade de 100%, valor preditivo positivo (VPP) igual a 100% e valor preditivo negativo (VPN) igual a 91,7%. Conclusão: a cirurgia bariátrica promove efeitos específicos na distribuição dos metabólitos de pacientes que atingiram remissão de DM2, e essa nova distribuição pode ser avaliada através de um modelo metabonômico.

ABSTRACT Purpose: To evaluate the differences in the metabonomic profile of patients who achieved remisison of Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) after bariatric surgery in relation to those who presented maintenance or recurrence of this condition after surgery. Methods: Thirthy-three patients with obesity and T2D were submitted to bariatric/metabolic surgery, among which, 22 experienced complete remission of T2D, and 11 did not experience remission in the postoperative period. Blood samples were taken in order to assess the serum profiles through a 1H NMR-based metabonomic study. Results: The metabonomic model for the assessment of T2D recurrence presented an accuracy of 93.9%, sensibility of 81.8%, specificity of 100%, positive predictive value of 100% and a negative predictive value of 91.7%. Conclusion: bariatric surgery provide specific effects on the distribution of metabolites in those patients who achieved remission of T2DM, and this new distribution can be assessed through a metabonomic model.

miR-22 and cerebral microbleeds in brainstem and deep area are associated with depression one month after ischemic stroke

In this study, we aimed to explore the relationship among miR-22, deep cerebral microbleeds (CMBs), and post-stroke depression (PSD) 1 month after ischemic stroke. We consecutively recruited 257 patients with first-ever and recurrent acute cerebral infarction and performed PSD diagnosis in accordance with the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual IV criteria for depression. Clinical information, assessments of stroke severity, and imaging data were recorded on admission. We further detected plasma miR-22 using quantitative PCR and analyzed the relationship among miR-22, clinical data, and PSD using SPSS 23.0 software. Logistic regression showed that deep (OR=1.845, 95%CI: 1.006-3.386, P=0.047) and brain stem CMBs (OR=2.652, 95%CI: 1.110-6.921, P=0.040), as well as plasma miR-22 levels (OR=2.094, 95%CI: 1.066-4.115, P=0.032) were independent risk factors for PSD. In addition, there were significant differences in baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale scores (OR=1.881, 95%CI: 1.180-3.011, P=0.007) and Widowhood scores (OR=1.903, 95%CI: 1.182-3.063, P=0.012). Analysis of the receiver operating curve (AUC=0.723, 95%CI: 0.562-0.883, P=0.016) revealed that miR-22 could predict PSD one month after ischemic stroke. Furthermore, plasma miR-22 levels in brainstem and deep CMBs patients showed an upward trend (P=0.028) relative to the others. Patients with acute ischemic stroke, having brainstem and deep cerebral microbleeds, or a higher plasma miR-22 were more likely to develop PSD. These findings indicate that miR-22 might be involved in cerebral microvascular impairment and post-stroke depression.

Un enfoque actual para el diagnóstico precoz y tratamiento de la insuficiencia renal aguda / A current view on the early diagnosis and treatment of acute kidney failure

La insuficiencia renal aguda es el síndrome caracterizado por una disminución brusca, sostenida y potencialmente reversible de la velocidad de filtración glomerular y de las funciones tubulares, afectando de forma global la función renal. Comprende una serie de eventos que se inician con la presencia de factores de riesgo que conducen hacia las fases de progresión de la insuficiencia renal aguda (estrés, lesión e insuficiencia renal), que culmina con la necesidad de terapias de reemplazo renal o muerte. Actualmente, el uso de biomarcadores que diferencien entre un daño funcional temprano o daño estructural de inicio tardío del riñón, le permite al médico realizar un diagnóstico y manejo oportuno antes de que se establezcan las fases previas a la insuficiencia renal, mejorando así la sobrevida de estos pacientes. Esta revisión busca integrar evidencia científica disponible que describe las fases previas de la insuficiencia renal aguda, revisando sus posibles causas, clasificaciones y métodos actuales de diagnóstico, junto con las principales recomendaciones vigentes para su manejo.

Acute kidney injury is a syndrome characterized by a sudden, sustained, and potentially reversible decrease in glomerular filtration rate and tubular function, which globally impacts renal function. It comprises of a series of events starting with the presence of risk factors, then evolving towards acute kidney injury progression, characterized by stress, injury, and renal failure, culminating with either the use of renal replacement therapy or death. Currently, the use of biomarkers that differentiate between the initial functional deterioration and late-onset structural damage of the kidney enables the clinician to perform an early diagnosis and indicate treatment before the stages of acute kidney injury progression are established, thus increasing survival rates.