Insulin: A connection between pancreatic ß cells and the hypothalamus.

Insulin is a hormone secreted by pancreatic ß cells. The concentration of glucose in circulation is proportional to the secretion of insulin by these cells. In target cells, insulin binds to its receptors and activates phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/protein kinase B, inducing different mechanisms depending on the cell type. In the liver it activates the synthesis of glycogen, in adipose tissue and muscle it allows the capture of glucose, and in the hypothalamus, it regulates thermogenesis and appetite. Defects in insulin function [insulin resistance (IR)] are related to the development of neurodegenerative diseases in obese people. Furthermore, in obesity and diabetes, its role as an anorexigenic hormone in the hypothalamus is diminished during IR. Therefore, hyperphagia prevails, which aggravates hyper-glycemia and IR further, becoming a vicious circle in which the patient cannot regulate their need to eat. Uncontrolled calorie intake induces an increase in reactive oxygen species, overcoming cellular antioxidant defenses (oxidative stress). Reactive oxygen species activate stress-sensitive kinases, such as c-Jun N-terminal kinase and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase, that induce phos-phorylation in serine residues in the insulin receptor, which blocks the insulin signaling pathway, continuing the mechanism of IR. The brain and pancreas are organs mainly affected by oxidative stress. The use of drugs that regulate food intake and improve glucose metabolism is the conventional therapy to improve the quality of life of these patients. Currently, the use of antioxidants that regulate oxidative stress has given good results because they reduce oxidative stress and inflammatory processes, and they also have fewer side effects than synthetic drugs.

Ficus crocata leaf extracts decrease the proliferation and invasiveness of breast cancer cells.

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most aggressive breast cancer subtype due to its greater invasive capacity and non-response to hormone therapy. Several species of the Ficus genus have been used as an alternative to traditional medicine against malignant diseases. Previously, leaf extracts from Ficus crocata (Miq.) Mart. ex Miq. (F. crocata) showed antiproliferative activity in vitro against breast and cervical tumor cells without having a cytotoxic effect on non-tumor cell lines. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the effect of hexane (Hex-EFc), dichloromethane (Dic-EFc), and acetone (Ace-EFc) extracts from F. crocata on the proliferative and invasive capacity of breast cancer cells MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231. Materials and methods: The phytochemical profile was carried out by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Cell proliferation, migration, and invasion were determined by MTT, wound closure, and transwell assays, respectively. MMPs activity was analyzed using gelatin zymography, and fluorescence microscopy was used to visualize F-actin distribution. Results: Hex-EFc, Dic-EFc, and Ace-EFc showed cytotoxic activity on MDA-MB-231 tumor cells and, to a lesser extent, on MCF-7 cells, without presenting cytotoxicity at the same concentrations in MCF-10A non-tumor cells. Dic-EFc and Ace-EFc (5-10 µg/mL) reduced the migration capacity of MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells. Interestingly, exposure to Dic-EFc and Ace-EFc (5-10 µg/mL) inhibited the invasive ability of MDA-MB-231 cells, reducing the secretion and activity of MMP-2 and MMP-9, as well as the F-actin distribution. Conclusions: Dic-EFc and Ace-EFc at low concentrations decreased breast cancer cell proliferation and invasiveness, mainly of MDA-MB-231 cells. The above supports the potential use of compounds from leaf extracts of F. crocata in neoadjuvant therapy to reduce the progression of breast cancer tumors, mainly triple-negative tumors.

EMMPRIN is an emerging protein capable of regulating cancer hallmarks.

EMMPRIN, also known as Basigin or CD147, is a transmembrane glycoprotein member of the immunoglobulin superfamily. It is expressed basally in cells that regulate physiological processes of the cardiovascular, nervous, and immune systems. However, EMMPRIN is also capable of interacting with different proteins, like VEGFR, SMAD4, Integrin, MCT, CyPA, GLUT1, CAIV, Annexin II, Cav-1, CAML, etc., and regulating signaling pathways that stimulate the cell processes of proliferation, apoptosis, metabolism, adhesion, invasion, migration, metastasis, tumor immune response, and angiogenesis processes, which favors the development of different types of cancer. EMMPRIN is the first protein reported that favors cancer development due to its ability to interact with extracellular, intracellular, and membrane proteins. In conclusion, EMMPRIN regulates several proteins associated with the development of tumor processes. Therefore, blocking the expression of EMMPRIN can be a therapeutic target, and the analysis of its expression can be used as an important biomarker in cancer.

Comparative evaluation of Panbio and SD Biosensor antigen rapid diagnostic tests for COVID-19 diagnosis.

The aim of our study was to evaluate the diagnostic performance of two antigen rapid diagnostic tests (Ag-RDTs) to diagnose severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. We evaluated Panbio and SD-Biosensor Ag-RDTs. We employed 186 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) negative samples to evaluate the specificity and 170 PCR positive samples to assess the sensitivity. We evaluated their sensitivity according to Cycle threshold (C t ) values and days post onset of symptoms (d.p.o.). Tests were compared using the McNemar's test. Agreement was evaluated using the kappa score. Specificity was 100% for Panbio and 97.3% for SD-Biosensor. Sensitivity for samples with C t ≤ 20 was 100% for both assays and for samples with C t = 20-25 was 93.0% (Panbio) and 95.3% (SD-Biosensor) (p = 1.000). Sensitivity decreased for samples wit C t = 25-30 (Panbio: 41.3%, SD-Biosensor: 52.2%, p = 0.125) and samples with C t ≥ 30 (Panbio: 5.0%, SD-Biosensor: 17.5%, p = 0.063). Sensitivity within seven d.p.o. was 87.7% for Panbio and 90.4% for SD-Biosensor and notably decreased after seven d.p.o. Agreement with PCR was excellent for high viral load samples (C t ≤ 25): Panbio, 98.9%, kappa = 0.974; SD-Biosensor, 97.4%, kappa = 0.940. Agreement between Ag-RDTs was excellent (94.9%, kappa = 0.882). Panbio and SD-Biosensor Ag-RDTs showed excellent agreement and diagnostic performance results for samples with high viral loads (C t ≤ 25) or samples within seven d.p.o.

Cytotoxicity of Ficus Crocata Extract on Cervical Cancer Cells and Protective Effect against Hydrogen Peroxide-Induced Oxidative Stress in HaCaT Non-Tumor Cells.

Oxidative stress causes several chronic diseases including cancer. Some chemotherapeutic agents are not selective against tumor cells, causing oxidative stress in non-tumor cells. This study aimed to evaluate the cytotoxic effect of acetone extract of Ficus crocata (Miq.) Mart. ex Miq. (F. crocata) leaves (Ace-EFc) on cervical cancer cells, as well as its protective effect on hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced lipoperoxidation and cytotoxicity in non-tumor HaCaT cells. Antioxidant activity was determined using the DPPH and ABTS radicals. Cell viability and lipoperoxidation were determined with MTT and 1-methyl-2-phenylindole assays, respectively. A model of H2O2-induced cytotoxicity and oxidative damage in HaCaT cells was established. HaCaT cells were exposed to the extract before or after exposure to H2O2, and oxidative damage and cell viability were evaluated. Ace-EFc inhibited the DPPH and ABTS radicals and showed a cytotoxic effect on SiHa and HeLa cells. Furthermore, the extract treatment had a protective effect on hydrogen peroxide-induced lipoperoxidation and cytotoxicity, avoiding the increase in MalonDiAldehyde (MDA) levels and the decrease in cell viability (p < 0.001). These results suggest that the metabolites of F. crocata leaves possess antioxidant and cytoprotective activity against oxidative damage. Thus, they could be useful for protecting cells from conditions that cause oxidative stress.

Use of coumarins as complementary medicine with an integrative approach against cervical cancer: background and mechanisms of action.

Cervical cancer is characterized by the cellular transformation caused by Human Papillomavirus (HPV), favoring cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and metastasis. Cervical cancer is conventionally treated with radiation therapy, and chemotherapy focused on the destruction of tumor cells. However, chemoresistance and low selectivity between tumor and non-tumor cells have been reported, causing side effects in patients. Metabolites of natural origin have shown selectivity against tumor cells, suggesting their use for reducing the side effects caused by drugs used in conventional therapy. Among these compounds, several natural coumarins stand out, such as auraptene, scopoletin, osthole, and praeruptorin, of which antiproliferative, anti-migratory, and anti-invasive activity have been reported. Auraptene, scopoletin, osthole, and praeruptorin show a cytotoxic or antiproliferative effect on cervical tumor cells, arresting the cell cycle by inducing the overexpression of negative regulators of the cell cycle, or inducing cell death by increasing the expression of pro-apoptotic proteins and decreasing that of anti-apoptotic proteins. On the other hand, auraptene, scopoletin, and praeruptorin inhibit the capacity for migration, invasion, and metastasis of cervical tumor cells, mainly by inhibiting the expression and activity of matrix metalloproteinase-2 and -9. The PI3K/Akt signal pathway appears to be central to the anti-tumor activity of the coumarins analyzed in this review. In addition, auraptene, osthole, and praeruptorin are useful in sensitizing tumor cells to radiotherapy or chemotherapeutic molecules, such as FOLFOX, cisplatin, or DOX. Coumarins offer an excellent possibility for developing new drugs as complementary medicine with an integrative approach against cervical cancer.

Conocimiento y uso de la píldora de emergencia en jóvenes universitarias de Tabasco / Knowledge and use of emergency pill in young college women of Tabasco / Conhecimento e uso de pílula de emergência nas mulheres da universidade de Tabasco / Connaissance et utilisation de la pilule d'urgence chez les jeunes étudiantes universitaires de Tabasco

Resumen Objetivo: Analizar el grado de conocimiento que las jóvenes universitarias tienen de la píldora de emergencia (PAE) y su nivel de consumo, así como saber si tienen conocimiento de las consecuencias de su uso excesivo. Materiales y métodos: La investigación se basó en dos fases: análisis documental, y trabajo de campo. Se realizó un muestreo probabilístico, con participantes voluntarias y anónimas pertenecientes a universidades de Villahermosa, Tabasco, México. Resultados: Se hace una descripción del nivel de conocimiento que tienen las universitarias hacia el uso de métodos anticonceptivos, haciendo énfasis en el consumo de la llamada "píldora de emergencia"; se presentan los datos de sus fuentes de información y de la influencia al momento de adquirir dicho producto, así como las marcas más vendidas y el posicionamiento de las mismas a través del "Top of Mind" es decir, la marca que surge primero en la mente del consumidor y la recordación asistida. Conclusiones: Para evitar embarazos no planeados las jóvenes universitarias hacen uso excesivo de la píldora de emergencia, sin tomar en cuenta que su consumo frecuente puede ocasionar importantes daños a la salud.

Abstract Objective: Analyze the extent of knowledge that university students have of the emergency pill (CEP) , as well as knowing if they are aware of the consequences of its excessive use. Materials and methods: The research was based on two phases: documentary analysis, and fieldwork. A non-probabilistic sampling was carried out, with voluntary participants belonging to the universities of Villahermosa, Tabasco, Mexico. Results: A description is given of the level of knowledge that the university students have regarding the use of contraceptive methods, emphasizing the consumption of the so-called "emergency pill", the data of their sources of information and of the influence at the moment of acquiring are presented. This product, as well as the best-selling brands and the positioning of the same through the "Top of Mind", that is, the brand that comes first to the mind of the consumer and assisted reminding. Conclusions: To avoid unplanned pregnancies, university students make excessive use of the emergency pill, without taking into account that frequent consumption can cause significant damage to their health.

Resumo Objetivo: Analisar o grau de conhecimento que os universitários tem da pílula de emergencia (PAE), bem como saber se estão cientes das conseqüencias de seu uso excessivo. Materiais e métodos: A investigação baseou-se em duas fases: análise documental e trabalho de campo. Uma amostragem não probabilística foi realizada, com participantes voluntários pertencentes as universidades de Villahermosa, Tabasco, México. Resultados: É feita uma descrção do nivel de conhecimento que os universitários têm em relação ao uso de métodos contraceptivos, enfatizando o consumo da chamada "pílula de emergencia", os dados de suas fontes de informação e da influencia no momento da aquisção sáo apresentados. Este produto, bem como as marcas mais vendidas e o posicionamento dos mesmos através do "Top of Mind", ou seja, a marca que vem em primeiro lugar a mente do consumidor e lembrete assistido. Conclusões: Para evitar gravidezes não planejadas, meninas universitárias fazem uso excessivo da pílula de emergencia, sem levar em conta que o consumo freqüente pode causar danos significativos a saúde.

Résumé Objectif: Analyser le degré de connaissance des jeunes femmes universitaires sur la pilule contraceptive (PC), son niveau de consommation, et si elles sont conscientes des conséquences de son emploi excessif. Matériaux et méthodes: L'étude s'est articulée en deux phases: analyse documentaire et travail sur le terrain. Un échantillonnage probabiliste a été effectué avec des participants volontaires et anonymes appartenant a des universités de Villahermosa, Tabasco, Mexique. Résultats: Une description du niveau de connaissance des jeunes femmes universitaires sur l'utilisation de méthodes contraceptives est présentée, en mettant l'accent sur la consommation de la « pilule d'urgence ¼ et en indiquant leurs sources d'information et d'influence pour l'achat de ce produit, ainsi que les marques les plus vendues et leur positionnement dans le « Top of mind ¼, c'est-a-dire le nombre de fois ou ces marques surgissent a l'esprit du consommateur en premiere place, de maniere spontanée ou a travers le rappel assisté. Conclusions: Pour éviter les grossesses non désirées, les étudiantes universitaires font une utilisation excessive de la pilule d'urgence, sans tenir compte du fait que sa consommation fréquente peut causer des dommages importants a la santé

Resultados de un programa de ejercicios de equilibrio para adultos mayores / Results of a program of balance exercises for elderly people

Fundamento: la pérdida del equilibrio puede ocasionar caídas fuertes y constituye un problema por solucionar en los adultos mayores. Objetivo: describir los resultados de un programa de ejercicios de equilibrio para disminuir el riesgo de las caídas en los adultos mayores, atendidos en dos salas de rehabilitación integral del municipio de Las Tunas, desde abril de 2011 a mayo de 2016. Métodos: se realizó un estudio de intervención en una muestra de 120 pacientes adultos mayores con trastorno del equilibrio, divididos en dos grupos escogidos al azar: el grupo A (estudio) recibió tratamiento con un programa de equilibrio y el grupo B (control) actividades de cultura física terapéutica. Se utilizó la escala de equilibrio de Berg del adulto mayor, para evaluar las limitaciones funcionales asociadas con la práctica de actividades diarias que requieren equilibrio y definir el riesgo de las caídas, antes y después del tratamiento. Resultados: el mayor número de pacientes estuvo comprendido entre personas de 60 y 69 años de edad, con mayor presencia femenina; las enfermedades del SOMA, cardiovasculares y respiratorias, fueron los principales antecedentes patológicos. Los pacientes disminuyeron el riesgo de caídas y mejoraron su funcionalidad; los ejercicios de equilibrio demostraron ser un método eficiente para devolver a los pacientes su independencia y el mantenimiento de su salud. Conclusiones: el programa de ejercicios de equilibrio demostró ser beneficioso, mejora la funcionalidad y logra disminuir el riesgo de las caídas(AU)

Background: balance loss may cause strong falls and is a problem to be solved in elderly people. Objective: to describe the results of a program of balance exercises to reduce the risk of falls in elderly people attended to in two comprehensive rehabilitation rooms of the municipality of Las Tunas, from April 2011 to May 2016. Methods: an intervention study was carried out involving a sample of 120 elderly patients with balance disorders and divided into two groups selected at random: group A (study) underwent a treatment with a balance program and group B (control) developed activities of therapeutic physical culture. The study used the Bergdel balance scale for the elderly to assess the functional limitations associated to the practice of daily activities that require balance, as well as to define the risk of falls, before and after treatment.Results: the greatest number of patient belonged to the 60 to 69 age group with a higher female presence. The diseases of the musculoskeletal, cardiovascular and respiratory systems were the main pathologic entities in terms of history. The risk of falls decreased and the patients had a better functional capacity. The balance exercises showed to be an effective method to restore the patients independence and to maintain their health. Conclusions: the program of balance exercises showed to be beneficial as it improved the functional capacity and reduced the risk of falls(AU)

Tendencia de cáncer colorrectal en España durante 1951–2007 y consumo de alcohol y cigarrillos / Trends in colorectal cancer in Spain from 1951–2007 and alcohol and cigarette consumption

Material y métodosAnálisis de correlación entre las tasas de incidencia, mortalidad y años potenciales de vida perdidos y la edad media del fallecimiento y el consumo per cápita de alcohol y cigarrillos con un período de retardo de 15 años.ResultadosLa incidencia de cáncer colorrectal ha experimentado un aumento constante en ambos sexos en contraposición con lo ocurrido en otros países. La mortalidad aumentó durante el período 1951–2000, para después estabilizarse en varones y decrecer en mujeres. Los años potenciales de vida perdidos presentan un comportamiento similar a la mortalidad, mientras que la edad media del fallecimiento experimenta un continuo aumento en el período de estudio en ambos sexos.ResultadosEn cuanto al consumo de alcohol, los coeficientes en ambos sexos varían desde 0,41 a 0,67 y destacan los valores obtenidos en relación con la incidencia en Zaragoza. Para el consumo de cigarrillos, los coeficientes de correlación presentan valores positivos próximos a uno respecto a la incidencia en Navarra y Zaragoza y algo menores para la mortalidad y los años potenciales de vida perdidos en ambos sexos.ConclusionesSe deben aplicar medidas legislativas y educativas en materia de promoción de la salud respecto al consumo de alcohol y cigarrillos por parte de las autoridades de forma urgente para disminuir las tasas de incidencia, mortalidad y años potenciales de vida perdidos por cáncer colorrectal(AU)

ObjectivesTo analyze trends in colorectal cancer in Spain from 1951–2007, and their relationship with alcohol and cigarette consumption.Material and methodsWe performed a correlation analysis between incidence, mortality and potential years of life lost rates, the mean age at death, and per capita consumption of alcohol and cigarettes with a time span of 15 years.ResultsIn contrast with the tendency in other countries, the incidence of colorectal cancer steadily increased in both genders. Mortality increased from 1951–2000 and then stabilized in men and decreased in women. Years of potential life lost showed a similar pattern to mortality, while the mean age at death continuously increased during the study period in both genders.ResultsFor alcohol consumption, the coefficients in both genders ranged from 0.41 to 0.67, with the highest incidence values being obtained for Zaragoza. For cigarette consumption, the correlation coefficients showed positive values close to 1 in the incidence in Zaragoza and Navarre, and somewhat lower values for mortality and potential years of life lost in both genders.ConclusionsLegislative measures on alcohol and cigarette consumption should be urgently applied by authorities in the field of education and health promotion to decrease the incidence, mortality and potential years of life lost rates for colorectal cancer(AU)

[Trends in colorectal cancer in Spain from 1951-2007 and alcohol and cigarette consumption]. / Tendencia de cáncer colorrectal en España durante 1951-2007 y consumo de alcohol y cigarrillos.

OBJECTIVES: To analyze trends in colorectal cancer in Spain from 1951-2007, and their relationship with alcohol and cigarette consumption. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We performed a correlation analysis between incidence, mortality and potential years of life lost rates, the mean age at death, and per capita consumption of alcohol and cigarettes with a time span of 15 years. RESULTS: In contrast with the tendency in other countries, the incidence of colorectal cancer steadily increased in both genders. Mortality increased from 1951-2000 and then stabilized in men and decreased in women. Years of potential life lost showed a similar pattern to mortality, while the mean age at death continuously increased during the study period in both genders. For alcohol consumption, the coefficients in both genders ranged from 0.41 to 0.67, with the highest incidence values being obtained for Zaragoza. For cigarette consumption, the correlation coefficients showed positive values close to 1 in the incidence in Zaragoza and Navarre, and somewhat lower values for mortality and potential years of life lost in both genders. CONCLUSIONS: Legislative measures on alcohol and cigarette consumption should be urgently applied by authorities in the field of education and health promotion to decrease the incidence, mortality and potential years of life lost rates for colorectal cancer.