Genetic Evidence of Endocannabinoid System on Perceived Stress and Restricted Food Intake: The Role of Variants rs324420 in FAAH Gene and rs1049353 in CNR1 Gene.

Background: The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is active in brain regions involved in stress, food intake, and emotional regulation. The CB1 receptor and the fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) enzyme regulate the ECS. Genetic variants in the FAAH gene (rs324420) and in the CNR1 gene (rs1049353) have been involved in both chronic stress and obesity. As a maladaptive strategy to evade the stress, three dysfunctional eating patterns may appear: cognitive restriction, disinhibition, and emotional eating. Aim: To evaluate the association of variants rs324420 in the FAAH gene and rs1049353 in the CNR1 gene with perceived stress, dysfunctional eating patterns, and anthropometric and body composition variables. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 189 participants from western Mexico. The Spanish version of the Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire and the Perceived Stress Scale were applied. Genotyping was performed with TaqMan® probes. Results: It was found that subjects with CA/AA genotypes in FAAH had a higher risk of presenting high scores in stress perception than CC genotype carriers (odds ratio [OR] 1.85, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.007-3.339; p = 0.048); in addition, the CC genotype of this genetic variant was related to higher body weight and body fat, but no association was found with dysfunctional eating patterns. As for the CNR1 single-nucleotide polymorphism, this variant showed no significant association with stress perception scores, but subjects with GA/AA genotypes in CNR1 had a lower risk of presenting high scores of restriction in food intake compared with GG genotype carriers (OR 0.11, 95% CI 0.046-0.322; p < 0.001). Therefore, this study suggests a differential role of the ECS genes FAAH and CNR1 in perceived stress and dysfunctional eating patterns, respectively. Further studies in other populations are required.

Cytokine Signatures and Immune Dysregulation in COVID-19 Patients: Transcriptomic and Serum Analysis.

COVID-19, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, has caused a global health crisis, necessitating a deeper understanding of its pathophysiology. In this study, we explored the immune and hematological dynamics in COVID-19 patients to gain insights into disease severity and prognosis. Our findings revealed distinct cytokine profiles in moderate and severe cases. IL12A was significantly upregulated in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from moderate cases, suggesting a potential role in initiating an effective immune response. Conversely, severe cases exhibited downregulation of key pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL23A, TNFalpha, IL1B, and IFNG) alongside an upregulation of the immunosuppressive IL10, indicative of a dysregulated immune environment. Serum analysis showed elevated IL6 and IL10 levels in both moderate and severe cases, emphasizing their potential as markers for disease severity. Notably, no significant differences in serum cytokines were found between recovery and lethal cases. In lethal cases of COVID-19, elevated D-dimer, urea, and creatinine correlated with IL6 and IL10. This study contributes valuable information to the ongoing efforts to understand and manage the dysregulated immune responses underlying COVID-19 pathology.

An Observational Study Suggests That Natural HAdV-36 Infection Decreases Blood Glucose Levels without Affecting Insulin Levels in Obese Young Subjects.

Human adenovirus-36 (HAdV-36) infection has been linked to obesity, low lipid levels, and improvements in blood glucose levels and insulin sensitivity in animal models and humans, although epidemiological studies remain controversial. Therefore, this study investigated the relationship between HAdV-36 seropositivity and glycemic control in youths. This observational study examined 460 youths (246 with normal weight and 214 obese subjects). All participants underwent assessments for anthropometry, blood pressure, circulating fasting levels of glucose, lipids, insulin, and anti-HAdV-36 antibodies; additionally, the homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was calculated. In all, 57.17% of the subjects were HAdV-36 seropositive. Moreover, HAdV-36 seroprevalence was higher in obese subjects compared to their normal weight counterparts (59% vs. 55%). BMI (33.1 vs. 32.3 kg/m2, p = 0.03), and waist circumference (107 vs. 104 cm, p = 0.02), insulin levels (21 vs. 16.3 µU/mL, p = 0.003), and HOMA-IR (4.6 vs. 3.9, p = 0.02) were higher in HAdV-36-positive subjects with obesity compared to seronegative subjects. In the obese group, HAdV-36 seropositivity was associated with a reducing effect in blood glucose levels in a model adjusted for total cholesterol, triglyceride levels, age and sex (ß = -10.44, p = 0.014). Furthermore, a statistically significant positive relationship was observed between HAdV-36 seropositivity and insulin levels in the obesity group. These findings suggest that natural HAdV-36 infection improves glycemic control but does not ameliorate hyperinsulinemia in obese subjects.

Association of polymorphisms in the TNFA, TNFRSF1A and TNFRSF1B genes with lepromatous leprosy in Western Mexican patients.

INTRODUCTION: Studies in different populations have shown that single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα) and TNF receptors 1 and 2 (TNFR1 and TNFR2) may be involved in the pathogenesis of lepromatous leprosy (LL). To further explore the results in a Mexican population, we compared the frequencies of the polymorphisms in - 308 G>A TNFA (rs1800629), - 383 A>C TNFRS1A (rs2234649), and + 196 T >G TNFSR1B (rs1061622) genes in LL patients (n = 133) and healthy subjects (n = 198). METHODOLOGY: The genotyping was performed with the polymerase chain reaction-based restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) technique. Statistical analysis was performed using the χ2 test, within the 95% confidence interval. Odds ratios (OR) were calculated and Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium was verified for all control subjects and patients. RESULTS: We found an association between the TNFSR1 -383 A>C genotype and the risk of lepromatous leprosy when leprosy patients were compared to controls (OR = 1.71, CI: 1.08-2.69, p = 0.02). Furthermore, it was also associated with the risk of LL in a dominant model (AC + CC vs AA, OR: 1.65, 95% CI: 1.05-2.057, p = 0.02). Similar genotype and allele frequencies for the SNPs TNFA - 308 G>A and TNFSR2 + 196 T>G were observed between leprosy patients and healthy subjects. CONCLUSIONS: The TNFSR1 -383 A>C could be a potential marker for the identification of high-risk populations. However, additional studies, using larger samples of different ethnic populations, are required.

Evaluation of Toll-like Receptor 4 (TLR4) Involvement in Human Atrial Fibrillation: A Computational Study.

In the present study, we have explored the involvement of Toll-like Receptor 4 (TLR4) in atrial fibrillation (AF), by using a meta-analysis of publicly available human transcriptomic data. The meta-analysis revealed 565 upregulated and 267 downregulated differentially expressed genes associated with AF. Pathway enrichment analysis highlighted a significant overrepresentation in immune-related pathways for the upregulated genes. A significant overlap between AF differentially expressed genes and TLR4-modulated genes was also identified, suggesting the potential role of TLR4 in AF-related transcriptional changes. Additionally, the analysis of other Toll-like receptors (TLRs) revealed a significant association with TLR2 and TLR3 in AF-related gene expression patterns. The examination of MYD88 and TICAM1, genes associated with TLR4 signalling pathways, indicated a significant yet nonspecific enrichment of AF differentially expressed genes. In summary, this study offers novel insights into the molecular aspects of AF, suggesting a pathophysiological role of TLR4 and other TLRs. By targeting these specific receptors, new treatments might be designed to better manage AF, offering hope for improved outcomes in affected patients.

Exploring Cellulose Triacetate Nanofibers as Sustainable Structuring Agent for Castor Oil: Formulation Design and Rheological Insights.

Developing gelled environmentally friendly dispersions in oil media is a hot topic for many applications. This study aimed to investigate the production of electrospun cellulose triacetate (CTA) nanofibers and to explore their potential application as a thickening agent for castor oil. The key factors in the electrospinning process, including the intrinsic properties of CTA solutions in methylene chloride (DCM)/ethanol (EtOH), such us the shear viscosity, surface tension, and electrical conductivity, were systematically studied. The impact of the CTA fiber concentration and the ratio of DCM/EtOH on the rheological properties of the gel-like dispersions in castor oil was then investigated. It was found that dispersions with a non-Newtonian response and above a critical concentration (5 wt.%), corresponding to approximately 2-2.5 times the entanglement concentration, are required to produce defect-free nanofibers. The average fiber diameter increased with CTA concentration. Further, the morphology and texture of the electrospun nanofibers are influenced by the ratio of solvents used. The rheological properties of dispersions are strongly influenced by the concentration and surface properties of nanofibers, such as their smooth or porous textures, which allow their modulation. Compared to other commonly used thickeners, such as synthetic polymers and metal soaps, CTA electrospun nanofibers have a much higher oil structuring capacity. This work illustrated the potential of using CTA nanofibers as the foundation for fabricating gel-like dispersions in oil media, and thus exerting hierarchical control of rheological properties through the use of a nanoscale fabrication technique.

Change in the Low-Cycle Performance on the 3D-Printed Materials ABS, ASA, HIPS, and PLA Exposed to Mineral Oil.

Three-dimensionally printed parts are increasingly used in industry for quick repairs. They are often operated in the presence of grease, oil, and others. This article describes the effect of engine mineral oil on the fatigue life of 3D-printed FDM plastic samples. For this reason, this article aimed to investigate the influence of oil on the fatigue life of materials made using this technology. Samples made of ABA, ASA, PLA, and HIPS materials were printed with 100% fill. Divided into groups, they were stored for 15, 30, and 60 days in an oil bath at a room temperature of 23 °C and an increased temperature of 70 °C. To compare the effect of storage in oil, static tests were performed to determine the tensile strength of the specimens and to determine the load levels for the cyclic tests. Cyclic tests were performed to determine the effect of oil and temperature on the fatigue life. Internal structure studies of the specimens were performed using computed microtomography to determine the changes in the porosity of the specimens under the influence of oil. In the case of ABS, the oil-bathed samples showed a clear increase in the fatigue life, especially at 23 °C. For the ASA specimens, an increase was also evident, especially for the lower stress value. For HIPS and PLA, no clear effect of the oil bath on the fatigue life value of the samples was determined. Porosity studies using computed microtomography showed a clear decrease in the porosity of the samples as a result of the oil bath for all of them.

Neutralizing antibody responses to the Delta variant of SARS-CoV-2 following vaccination with Ad5-nCoV (CanSino) in the Mexican population.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ad5-nCoV vaccine was applied to the Mexican population before the WHO approved it. In a transversal study, we compare the CanSino vaccine efficacy and a natural SARS-CoV-2 infection in eliciting neutralizing antibodies against the SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant in Guadalajara, Mexico. Participants between 30-60 years were included in the study and classified into three groups: 1) Natural immunity (unvaccinated), 2) Vaccine-induced immunity (vaccinated individuals without a COVID-19 history), and 3) Natural immunity + vaccine-induced immunity. These groups were matched by age and gender. We assessed the ability of individuals' serum to neutralize the Delta variant and compared the results of the different groups using a neutralization test followed by plaque-forming units. Results showed that 39% of individuals' serum with a history of COVID-19 (natural immunity, Group 1) could not neutralize the Delta variant, compared to 33% in vaccinated individuals without COVID-19 (vaccine immunity, Group 2). In contrast, only 7% of vaccinated individuals with a history of COVID-19 (natural + vaccine immunities) could not neutralize the Delta variant. We concluded that the effectiveness of the Ad5-nCoV vaccine to induce neutralizing antibodies against the Delta variant is comparable to that of natural infection (61% vs. 67%). However, in individuals with both forms of immunity (Group 3), it increased to 93%. Based on these results, despite the Ad5-nCoV vaccine originally being designed as a single-dose regimen, it could be recommended that even those who have recovered from COVID-19 should consider vaccination to boost their immunity against this variant.

Analysis of 26 STR loci (PowerPlex® Fusion 6C System) in a mestizo population from Mexico city.

BACKGROUND: Short tandem repeats (STRs) are the most widely used genetic markers in forensic genetics. Therefore, it is essential to document genetic population data of new kits designed for human identification purposes to enable laboratories to use these genetic systems to interpret and solve forensic casework. However, in Mexico, there are no studies with the PowerPlex Fusion 6C System, which includes 26 STRs (23 autosomal STRs and 3 Y-STRs). METHODS AND RESULTS: 600 DNA samples from Mexico City were subjected to genotyping using the PowerPlex Fusion 6C System. For autosomal STRs, 312 different alleles were observed. Combined PE and PD were 99.999999809866% and 99.99999999999999999999999818795%, respectively. Genetic distances and AMOVA test showed low but significant differentiation between Mexican populations. CONCLUSIONS: The results reported in this work demonstrate the efficacy of this system for human identification purposes in the population studied and justify its possible application in other Mexican Mestizo populations.

Reservoir Effect of Textile Substrates on the Delivery of Essential Oils Microencapsulated by Complex Coacervation.

Microcapsules are being used in textile substrates increasingly more frequently, availing a wide spectrum of possibilities that are relevant to future research trends. Biofunctional Textiles is a new field that should be carefully studied, especially when dealing with microencapsulated essential oils. In the final step, when the active principle is delivered, there are some possibilities to quantify and simulate its doses on the skin or in the environment. At that stage, there is a phenomenon that can help to better control the delivery and the reservoir effect of the textile substrate. Depending on the chemical characteristics of the molecule to be delivered, as well as the structure and chemical nature of the fabric where it has been applied, there is physicochemical retention exerted by fibers that strongly controls the final rate of principle active delivery to the external part of the textile substrate. The study of this type of effect in two different substrates (cotton and polyester) will be described here regarding two different essential oils microencapsulated and applied to the substrates using padding technology. The experimental results of the final drug delivery demonstrate this reservoir effect in both essential oils.

PTCH1 Gene Variants, mRNA Expression, and Bioinformatics Insights in Mexican Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma Patients.

BACKGROUND: Skin cancer is one of the most frequent types of cancer, and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) constitutes 20% of non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) cases. PTCH1, a tumor suppressor gene involved in the Sonic hedgehog signaling pathway, plays a crucial role in neoplastic processes. METHODS: An analytical cross-sectional study, encompassing 211 cSCC patients and 290 individuals in a control group (CG), was performed. A subgroup of samples was considered for the relative expression analysis, and the results were obtained using quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) with TaqMan® probes. The functional, splicing, and disease-causing effects of the proposed variants were explored via bioinformatics. RESULTS: cSCC was predominant in men, especially in sun-exposed areas such as the head and neck. No statistically significant differences were found regarding the rs357564, rs2236405, rs2297086, and rs41313327 variants of PTCH1, or in the risk of cSCC, nor in the mRNA expression between the cSCC group and CG. A functional effect of rs357564 and a disease-causing relation to rs41313327 was identified. CONCLUSION: The proposed variants were not associated with cSCC risk in this Mexican population, but we recognize the need for analyzing larger population groups to elucidate the disease-causing role of rare variants.

Vitamin A Positively Correlates with Secretory Immunoglobulin A: A Cross-Sectional Study in Omicron COVID-19 Outpatients.

Background: Respiratory tract infections remain among the leading causes of mortality worldwide. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of mucosal immunity in defending against infectious agents. Vitamin A is known to influence the production of secretory immunoglobulin A (SIgA) predominantly in the gut, where it is a critical component of the first line of defense on mucosal surfaces. Methods: This cross-sectional study, conducted 14 days post-positive COVID-19 diagnosis, aimed to determine the relationship between the nutritional status of vitamin A and SIgA levels in COVID-19 outpatients. Serum and saliva samples were collected. Vitamin A nutritional status was determined based on the assessment of dietary intake and the analysis of retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4). SIgA levels were analyzed from salivary samples. In addition, serum antibodies were analyzed. Results: Dietary vitamin A intake and RBP4 levels positively correlated with SIgA. Patients with higher vitamin A intake showed higher SIgA/IgG1 and SIgA/IgG3 ratios, while those with higher RBP4 levels showed higher SIgA/IgM, SIgA/IgG1, and SIgA/IgG2 ratios. Conclusions: These findings underscore a significant correlation between vitamin A nutritional status and SIgA levels in COVID-19 outpatients, which may suggest the potential importance of maintaining optimal vitamin A levels for the prevention of viral infections.

A Prospective, Multicenter, Real-World Registry of Coronary Lithotripsy in Calcified Coronary Arteries: The REPLICA-EPIC18 Study.

BACKGROUND: Intravascular lithotripsy (IVL) has demonstrated effectiveness in the treatment of calcified lesions in selected patients with stable coronary disease. OBJECTIVES: The authors sought to assess the performance of coronary IVL in calcified coronary lesions in a real-life, all comers, setting. METHODS: The REPLICA-EPIC18 study prospectively enrolled consecutive patients treated with IVL in 26 centers in Spain. An independent core laboratory performed the angiographic analysis and event adjudication. The primary effectiveness endpoint assessed procedural success (successful IVL delivery, final diameter stenosis <20%, and absence of in-hospital major adverse cardiovascular events [MACE]). The primary safety endpoint measured freedom from MACE at 30 days. A predefined substudy compared outcomes between acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and chronic coronary syndrome (CCS) patients. RESULTS: A total of 426 patients (456 lesions) were included, 63% of the patients presenting with ACS. IVL delivery was successful in 99% of cases. Before IVL, 49% of lesions were considered undilatable. The primary effectiveness endpoint was achieved in 66% of patients, with similar rates among CCS patients (68%) and ACS patients (65%). Likewise, there were no significant differences in angiographic success after IVL between CCS and ACS patients. The rate of MACE at 30 days (primary safety endpoint) was 3% (1% in CCS and 5% in ACS patients [P = 0.073]). CONCLUSIONS: Coronary IVL proved to be a feasible and safe procedure in a "real-life" setting, effectively facilitating stent implantation in severely calcified lesions. Patients with ACS on admission showed similar angiographic success rates but showed a trend toward higher 30-day MACE compared with patients with CCS. (REPLICA-EPIC18 study [Registry of Coronary Lithotripsy in Spain]; NCT04298307).

STAT4 Gene Variant rs7574865 Is Associated with Rheumatoid Arthritis Activity and Anti-CCP Levels in the Western but Not in the Southern Population of Mexico.

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a multifactorial autoimmune disease. Currently, several genes play an important role in the development of the disease. The objective was to evaluate the association of the STAT4 rs7574865 and rs897200 gene variants with RA susceptibility, DAS28, RF, and anti-CCP in Western and Southern Mexico populations. Genotyping was performed on 476 samples (cases = 240; controls = 236) using the Taqman® system and qPCR probes. Disease activity was assessed using DAS28 and HAQ DI. CRP, ESR, RF, and anti-CCP were determined for clinical assessment. Our study showed there is a statistically significant association with susceptibility to RA for the rs7574865 variant in the Western population for the GT and TT genotypes. The same genotypes also showed a moderate-to-high activity according to DAS28 and positive anti-CCP compared to the control group. This association was not found in the Southern population. This work confirms the association of the rs7574865 variant with RA, as well as a moderate-to-high activity and positive anti-CCP in the Western population but not in the Southern population. No association of the rs897200 variant was found in any of the studied populations.

Seroprevalence of IgM/IgG and Neutralizing Antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 in Unvaccinated Young Adults from Mexico Who Reported Not Having Had a Previous COVID-19 Infection.

Background: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the virus that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). It is estimated that more than half of new infections are transmitted by asymptomatic people; therefore, the isolation of symptomatic people is not enough to control the spread of the disease. Methods: A total of 171 unvaccinated young adults (18-35 years) from Sonora, Mexico, who underwent a structured survey to identify prior COVID-19 infections, were included in this study. A qualitative determination of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in serum was performed by lateral flow immunoassay (Certum IgG/IgM Rapid Test™ cassette kit) and neutralizing antibodies were also determined (GenScript cPass assay). Results: A total of 36 people reported a history of COVID-19 infection, and 135 reported no history of COVID-19. In contrast, 49.6% (67/135) of individuals who had not reported a previous SARS-CoV-2 infection were seropositive to the rapid anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody test, and 48.1% (65/135) of them had neutralizing antibodies. Conclusions: These results suggest that in young adults, SARS-CoV-2 infections could be asymptomatic in a high percentage of individuals, which could contribute in part to the slow control of the current pandemic due to the large number of asymptomatic cases that are contagious and that could be a silent spread of the virus.

Effect of supplementing a Bacillus subtilis-based probiotic on performance, intestinal integrity, and serum antioxidant capacity and metabolites concentrations of heat-stressed growing pigs.

Exposing pigs to heat stress (HS) seems to modify the intestinal microbiota which may compromise the integrity of the small intestine epithelia. Probiotics, live microorganisms, can help pigs to maintain a healthy intestinal environment. Eighty pigs (21.6 ±â€…3.4 kg body weight) exposed to HS or thermal neutral (TN) conditions were used to evaluate the effect of a Bacillus subtilis-based probiotic on performance, body temperature, and intestinal integrity. Treatments were: TN pigs fed a control diet without (TN-C) or with 1 × 106 CFU probiotic/g of feed (TN-P), and HS pigs fed a control without (HS-C) or with probiotic (HS-P). The control diet was formulated with wheat, soybean meal, and free amino acids (AA). Feed and water were freely available during the 21-d study. At completion, samples from duodenum, jejunum, and ileum were collected to analyze epithelial histology and tight junction protein expression; antioxidant activity, and free AA and metabolites in serum. Relative abundance of Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Escherichia coli, and Bacillus in ileal content was analyzed. Ambient temperature in the TN room ranged from 19 to 25 °C, and in HS room from 30 to 38.5 °C. Intestinal temperature in HS-P pigs was lower than in HS-C pigs. Weight gain and feed intake reduced, but feed:gain and respiration rate increased in HS compared to TN pigs, regardless of diet (P < 0.01). Probiotic increased weight gain and improved feed:gain (P < 0.05) in both TN and HS pigs, but feed intake did not differ. Heat stress decreased villi height in jejunum and villi height:crypt depth in duodenum and jejunum (P < 0.05). Probiotic increased villi height in duodenum and ileum, and villi height:crypt depth in all small intestine segments (P < 0.05). Relative abundance of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium tended to reduce, and E. coli tended to increase (P < 0.10) in ileal content of HS-C pigs. Ileal relative abundance of Bacillus was higher (P < 0.01) in HS-P pigs than in HS-C and TN-C pigs. Cystathionine, homocysteine, hydroxylysine, α-amino-adipic acid, citrulline, α-amino-n-butyric acid, P-Ser, and taurine were higher in HS than in TN pigs (P < 0.05). These data confirm the negative effect of HS on performance, body temperature, and intestinal integrity of pigs. These data suggest that supplementing 1 × 106 CFU probiotic/g of feed based on Bacillus subtilis DSM 32540 may help to counteract the negative effects of HS on the performance and intestinal integrity of pigs.

High ambient temperature provokes heat stress in animals, and pigs are highly affected showing low performance, and intestinal integrity and microbiota compromised. Probiotics could help pigs to maintain a healthy intestinal environment. We analyzed the effect of a probiotic based on Bacillus subtilis on growth performance, intestinal integrity of small intestine, intestinal microbiota, antioxidant activity, and serum concentration of amino acids in pigs under heat stress (HS) and thermal neutral (TN) conditions. Ambient temperature under TN and HS conditions was 19­25 and 30­38.5 °C, respectively. Weight gain and feed intake reduced in HS pigs compared to TN pigs, but probiotic increased weight gain in both TN and HS pigs. Heat stress decreased villi size in duodenum and jejunum, and probiotic restored them. Relative abundance of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium reduced and Escherichia coli increased in the small intestine content of HS pigs; probiotic increased the abundance of Bacillus. The activity of antioxidant enzymes increased in HS pigs fed the probiotic diet. Serum concentration of amino acid metabolites was affected by HS. These data suggest that supplementing a Bacillus subtilis-based probiotic may help to counteract the negative effects of HS on the performance and intestinal integrity of pigs.

PTCH1 gene variants rs357564, rs2236405, rs2297086 and rs41313327, mRNA and tissue expression in basal cell carcinoma patients from Western Mexico.

BACKGROUND: Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) represents about 80% of all cases of skin cancer. The PTCH1 is a transmembrane protein of the Sonic Hedgehog signaling pathway that regulates cell proliferation. Genetic variants in PTCH1 gene have been previously described in association with BCC development. In addition, PTCH1 mRNA and protein expression analysis are also significant to understand its role in skin cancer physiopathology. METHODS: An analytical cross-sectional study was performed, and a total of 250 BCC patients and 290 subjects from the control group (CG) were included, all born in western Mexico. The genotypes and relative expression of the mRNA were determined by TaqMan® assay. The protein expression was investigated in 70 BCC paraffin-embedded samples with PTCH1 antibodies. Semi-quantitative analysis was performed to determine the expression level in the immunostained cells. RESULTS: We did not find evidence of an association between PTCH1 rs357564, rs2297086, rs2236405, and rs41313327 genetic variants and susceptibility to BCC. Likewise, no statistically significant differences were found in the comparison of the mRNA level expression between BCC and CG (p > 0.05). The PTCH1 protein showed a low expression in 6 of the analyzed samples and moderate expression in 1 sample. No association was found between genetic variants, protein expression, and demographic-clinical characteristics (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The studied PTCH1 variants may not be associated with BCC development in the Western Mexico population. The PTCH1 mRNA levels were lower in patients with BCC compared to the control group, but its protein was underexpressed in the tissue samples.

Bioethanol lignin-rich residue from olive stones for electrospun nanostructures development and castor oil structuring.

This work describes the chemical and structural characterization of a lignin-rich residue from the bioethanol production of olive stones and its use for nanostructures development by electrospinning and castor oil structuring. The olive stones were treated by sequential acid/steam explosion pretreatment, further pre-saccharification using a hydrolytic enzyme, and simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (PSSF). The chemical composition of olive stone lignin-rich residue (OSL) was evaluated by standard analytical methods, showing a high lignin content (81.3 %). Moreover, the structural properties were determined by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance, and size exclusion chromatography. OSL showed a predominance of ß-ß' resinol, followed by ß-O-4' alkyl aryl ethers and ß-5' phenylcoumaran substructures, high molecular weight, and low S/G ratio. Subsequently, electrospun nanostructures were obtained from solutions containing 20 wt% OSL and cellulose triacetate with variable weight ratios in N, N-Dimethylformamide/Acetone blends and characterized by scanning electron microscopy. Their morphologies were highly dependent on the rheological properties of polymeric solutions. Gel-like dispersions can be obtained by dispersing the electrospun OSL/CT bead nanofibers and uniform nanofiber mats in castor oil. The rheological properties were influenced by the membrane concentration and the OSL:CT weight ratio, as well as the morphology of the electrospun nanostructures.

Antibodies Reactive to Leptin in Adults with Type 2 Diabetes and Its Relationship with Clinical, Metabolic and Cardiovascular Risk Parameters.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Patients with obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2D) have shown alterations in the affinity of IgG anti-leptin antibodies which are possibly related to metabolic alterations. In the present exploratory study, we analyzed serum samples from adults with T2D classified by body mass index (BMI) and evaluated the relationship of IgG anti-leptin antibodies with body composition, metabolic and cardiovascular risk parameters. METHODS: Serum IgG anti-leptin antibodies (total, free and immune complexes fractions) were measured by in-house ELISA. Body composition, metabolic biomarkers (glucose, glycated hemoglobin, lipid profile, insulin, leptin) and cardiometabolic risk indexes (AIP, HOMA-IR, HOMA-ß) were evaluated in one hundred T2D patients. RESULTS: Patients with T2D and obesity presented a decrease in the percentage of IgG anti-leptin immune complexes compared to patients with T2D and overweight (p < 0.0053). Negative correlations of IgG anti-leptin immune complexes with triglycerides (TG) (r=-0.412, p = 0.023) and VLDL-C (r=-0.611, p = 0.017) were found in normal weight T2D patients. Free IgG anti-leptin antibodies correlated positively with TC (r = 0.390, p = 0.032) and LDL-C (r = 0.458, p = 0.011) in overweight individuals with T2D. Finally, total IgG anti-leptin antibodies correlated positively with leptin hormone levels (r = 0.409, p = 0.024) and negatively with HOMA-IR (r =-0.459, p = 0.012) in T2D patients with obesity. CONCLUSIONS: The decrease of IgG anti-leptin immune complexes observed in patients with T2D and obesity suggests a reduction in antibody affinity to the hormone that may impact its transport and signaling, lipid, lipoprotein and insulin metabolism.

Relationship between lipid profile, anthropometric indicators, and appetite-regulating hormones in infants according to type of feeding / Relación entre perfil lipídico, indicadores antropométricos y hormonas reguladoras del apetito en lactantes según tipo de alimentación

Background: infants receiving full breastfeeding (FBF) regulate their appetites differently from those receiving human milk substitutes (HMS). In addition, early exposure to the dietary cholesterol in human milk could lead to better cholesterol regulation in later stages of life. Therefore, the purpose was to compare lipid profiles in 4-month-old infants and to correlate lipid profile with anthropometric indicators and appetite-regulating hormones according to the type of feeding. Methods: this was a cross-sectional and correlational study, which included 145 mother-infant dyads according to the type of feeding; 64 received FBF, 47 partial breastfeeding (PBF), and 34 HMS. The complete lipid profile, total ghrelin, leptin, peptide YY, and glucagon-like peptide type 1 were measured. Z-scores for weight/age, length/age, weight/length, triceps (TSF) and subscapular folds (SSF) and body mass index for age were also obtained. Results: there were significant differences in triglycerides and LDL cholesterol according to the type of feeding. In the HMS group, an inverse relationship was observed between ghrelin and triglycerides (p = 0.038), ghrelin and total cholesterol (TC) (p = 0.026), and peptide YY and HDL cholesterol (p = 0.017). In the PBF group, a direct relationship was observed between length/age (z) and triglycerides (p = 0.001) and between subscapular folds and TC (p = 0.049). In infants receiving HMS, a direct correlation was observed between weight/age (z) and TC (p = 0.045) and between length/age (z) and LDL cholesterol (p = 0.010). Conclusion: these findings show a relationship between growth, energy reserve, lipid profile, and modulation of appetite-regulating hormones according to the type of feeding they received. (AU)

Introducción: los lactantes que reciben lactancia materna completa (LMC) regulan su apetito de manera diferente a los que reciben sucedáneos de la leche humana (SLH). Además, la exposición temprana al colesterol en la leche humana conduciría a mejor regulación del colesterol en etapas posteriores de la vida. El propósito fue de comparar el perfil lípidos en lactantes de cuatro meses y correlacionarlo con indicadores antropométricos y hormonas reguladoras del apetito según el tipo de alimentación. Métodos: en un estudio transversal y correlacional se incluyeron 145 díadas madre-lactante según el tipo de alimentación; 64 recibieron LMC, 47 lactancia materna parcial (LMP) y 34 SLH. Se midió el perfil lipídico, grelina total, leptina, péptido YY y péptido tipo 1 similar al glucagón. Se obtuvieron puntajes Z para peso/edad, longitud/edad, peso/longitud, pliegue cutáneo tricipital y subescapular e índice de masa corporal para la edad. Resultados: hubo diferencias significativas en triglicéridos y colesterol LDL según el tipo de alimentación. En el grupo HMS se observó una relación inversa entre grelina y triglicéridos (p = 0,038), grelina y colesterol total (TC) (p = 0,026), y péptido YY y colesterol HDL (p = 0,017). En el grupo PBF hubo relación directa entre longitud/edad (z) y triglicéridos (p = 0,001) y entre pliegues subescapulares y CT (p = 0,049). En los lactantes que recibieron HMS, se observó una correlación directa entre peso/edad (z) y CT (p = 0,045) y entre longitud/edad (z) y colesterol LDL (p = 0,010). Conclusión: los hallazgos muestran una relación entre perfil lipídico, crecimiento, reserva energética y modulación de las hormonas reguladoras del apetito según el tipo de alimentación. (AU)