RESUMEN
Background Alcohol, a widely abused drug, significantly diminishes life quality, causing chronic diseases and psychiatric issues, with severe health, societal, and economic repercussions. Previously, we demonstrated that non-voluntary alcohol consumption increases the opening of Cx43 hemichannels and Panx1 channels in astrocytes from adolescent rats. However, whether ethanol directly affects astroglial hemichannels and, if so, how this impacts the function and survival of astrocytes remains to be elucidated. Results Clinically relevant concentrations of ethanol boost the opening of Cx43 hemichannels and Panx1 channels in mouse cortical astrocytes, resulting in the release of ATP and glutamate. The activation of these large-pore channels is dependent on Toll-like receptor 4, P2X7 receptors, IL-1β and TNF-α signaling, p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase, and inducible nitric oxide (NO) synthase. Notably, the ethanol-induced opening of Cx43 hemichannels and Panx1 channels leads to alterations in cytokine secretion, NO production, gliotransmitter release, and astrocyte reactivity, ultimately impacting survival. Conclusion Our study reveals a new mechanism by which ethanol impairs astrocyte function, involving the sequential stimulation of inflammatory pathways that further increase the opening of Cx43 hemichannels and Panx1 channels. We hypothesize that targeting astroglial hemichannels could be a promising pharmacological approach to preserve astrocyte function and synaptic plasticity during the progression of various alcohol use disorders.
RESUMEN
Using a non-experimental, transverse, co-relational design, we assess the relationship between optimism and quality of life (QoL) in adults aged between 18 and 65 years. Two questionnaires were administered: WHOQOL-BREF, which assessed QoL, and an instrument that assessed trait-state optimism. A total of 1190 subjects from various public and private high schools, institutions and commercial centers in the city of Antofagasta, Chile participated. The mean sample age was 40.0 years and 50.0% of respondents were male. There is a relationship between QoL and state optimism, with males demonstrating a higher QoL. Differences in optimism were observed only in age groups in which younger persons scored less than older persons. The results obtained indicate that there is a partial relationship between QoL and optimism, with state optimism having a significant effect on QoL.
Usando un diseño no experimental, transversal-correlacional, evaluamos la relación entre el optimismo y la calidad de vida (CV) en adultos de edades comprendidas entre 18 y 65 años. Se administraron dos cuestionarios: WHOQOL-BREF, que evaluaron la CV, y un instrumento que evalúa optimismo rasgo-estado. Participaron un total de 1190 sujetos de diversas escuelas secundarias públicas y privadas, instituciones y centros comerciales en la ciudad de Antofagasta, Chile. La edad media fue de 40.0 años y 50.0% de los encuestados eran varones. Existe una relación entre el CV y el optimismo estado, entre los varones demostrando una mayor CV. Se observaron diferencias en optimismo solo en grupos de edad en los que las personas más jóvenes puntuaron menos que las personas mayores. Los resultados obtenidos indican que existe una relación parcial de CV y optimismo, con el optimismo estado teniendo un efecto significativo en la CV.