RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: The brain cortex is responsible for many higher-level cognitive functions. Disruptions during cortical development have long-lasting consequences on brain function and are associated with the etiology of brain disorders. We previously found that the protein tyrosine phosphatase receptor delta Ptprd, which is genetically associated with several human neurodevelopmental disorders, is essential to cortical brain development. Loss of Ptprd expression induced an aberrant increase of excitatory neurons in embryonic and neonatal mice by hyper-activating the pro-neurogenic receptors TrkB and PDGFRß in neural precursor cells. However, whether these alterations have long-lasting consequences in adulthood remains unknown. RESULTS: Here, we found that in Ptprd+/- or Ptprd-/- mice, the developmental increase of excitatory neurons persists through adulthood, affecting excitatory synaptic function in the medial prefrontal cortex. Likewise, heterozygosity or homozygosity for Ptprd also induced an increase of inhibitory cortical GABAergic neurons and impaired inhibitory synaptic transmission. Lastly, Ptprd+/- or Ptprd-/- mice displayed autistic-like behaviors and no learning and memory impairments or anxiety. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that loss of Ptprd has long-lasting effects on cortical neuron number and synaptic function that may aberrantly impact ASD-like behaviors.
Asunto(s)
Trastorno Autístico , Neuronas , Proteínas Tirosina Fosfatasas Clase 2 Similares a Receptores , Animales , Proteínas Tirosina Fosfatasas Clase 2 Similares a Receptores/metabolismo , Proteínas Tirosina Fosfatasas Clase 2 Similares a Receptores/genética , Ratones , Trastorno Autístico/genética , Trastorno Autístico/fisiopatología , Modelos Animales de Enfermedad , Masculino , Corteza Cerebral/metabolismo , Ratones Noqueados , Transmisión Sináptica/fisiología , Ratones Endogámicos C57BL , FemeninoRESUMEN
Neurodevelopmental disorders are characterized by alterations in the development of the cerebral cortex, including aberrant changes in the number and function of neural cells. Although neurogenesis is one of the most studied cellular processes in these pathologies, little evidence is known about glial development. Genetic association studies have identified several genes associated with neurodevelopmental disorders. Indeed, variations in the PTPRD gene have been associated with numerous brain disorders, including autism spectrum disorder, restless leg syndrome, and schizophrenia. We previously demonstrated that constitutive loss of PTPRD expression induces significant alterations in cortical neurogenesis, promoting an increase in intermediate progenitors and neurons in mice. However, its role in gliogenesis has not been evaluated. To assess this, we developed a conditional knockout mouse model lacking PTPRD expression in telencephalon cells. Here, we found that the lack of PTPRD in the mouse cortex reduces glial precursors, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes. According to our results, this decrease in gliogenesis resulted from a reduced number of radial glia cells at gliogenesis onset and a lower gliogenic potential in cortical neural precursors due to less activation of the JAK/STAT pathway and reduced expression of gliogenic genes. Our study shows PTPRD as a regulator of the glial/neuronal balance during cortical neurodevelopment and highlights the importance of studying glial development to understand the etiology of neurodevelopmental diseases.
RESUMEN
In the original publication [...].
RESUMEN
Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by the progressive and irreversible destruction of the periodontium. Its aetiopathogenesis lies in the constant challenge of the dysbiotic biofilm, which triggers a deregulated immune response responsible for the disease phenotype. Although the molecular mechanisms underlying periodontitis have been extensively studied, the regulatory mechanisms at the transcriptional level remain unclear. To generate transcriptomic data, we performed RNA shotgun sequencing of the oral mucosa of periodontitis-affected mice. Since genes are not expressed in isolation during pathological processes, we disclose here the complete repertoire of differentially expressed genes (DEG) and co-expressed modules to build Gene Regulatory Networks (GRNs) and identify the Master Transcriptional Regulators of periodontitis. The transcriptional changes revealed 366 protein-coding genes and 42 non-coding genes differentially expressed and enriched in the immune response. Furthermore, we found 13 co-expression modules with different representation degrees and gene expression levels. Our GRN comprises genes from 12 gene clusters, 166 nodes, of which 33 encode Transcription Factors, and 201 connections. Finally, using these strategies, 26 master regulators of periodontitis were identified. In conclusion, combining the transcriptomic analyses with the regulatory network construction represents a powerful and efficient strategy for identifying potential periodontitis-therapeutic targets.
Asunto(s)
Periodontitis , Factores de Transcripción , Animales , Ratones , Factores de Transcripción/genética , Periodontitis/genética , Periodontitis/patología , Transcriptoma , Perfilación de la Expresión Génica , Periodoncio/patología , Redes Reguladoras de GenesRESUMEN
Background: Growing evidence suggests that the non-receptor tyrosine kinase, c-Abl, plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Here, we analyzed the effect of c-Abl on the cognitive performance decline of APPSwe/PSEN1ΔE9 (APP/PS1) mouse model for AD. Methods: We used the conditional genetic ablation of c-Abl in the brain (c-Abl-KO) and pharmacological treatment with neurotinib, a novel allosteric c-Abl inhibitor with high brain penetrance, imbued in rodent's chow. Results: We found that APP/PS1/c-Abl-KO mice and APP/PS1 neurotinib-fed mice had improved performance in hippocampus-dependent tasks. In the object location and Barnes-maze tests, they recognized the displaced object and learned the location of the escape hole faster than APP/PS1 mice. Also, APP/PS1 neurotinib-fed mice required fewer trials to reach the learning criterion in the memory flexibility test. Accordingly, c-Abl absence and inhibition caused fewer amyloid plaques, reduced astrogliosis, and preserved neurons in the hippocampus. Discussion: Our results further validate c-Abl as a target for AD, and the neurotinib, a novel c-Abl inhibitor, as a suitable preclinical candidate for AD therapies.
RESUMEN
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most prevalent age-associated neurodegenerative disease. A decrease in autophagy during aging contributes to brain disorders by accumulating potentially toxic substrates in neurons. Rubicon is a well-established inhibitor of autophagy in all cells. However, Rubicon participates in different pathways depending on cell type, and little information is currently available on neuronal Rubicon's role in the AD context. Here, we investigated the cell-specific expression of Rubicon in postmortem brain samples from AD patients and 5xFAD mice and its impact on amyloid ß burden in vivo and neuroblastoma cells. Further, we assessed Rubicon levels in human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs), derived from early-to-moderate AD and in postmortem samples from severe AD patients. We found increased Rubicon levels in AD-hiPSCs and postmortem samples and a notable Rubicon localization in neurons. In AD transgenic mice lacking Rubicon, we observed intensified amyloid ß burden in the hippocampus and decreased Pacer and p62 levels. In APP-expressing neuroblastoma cells, increased APP/amyloid ß secretion in the medium was found when Rubicon was absent, which was not observed in cells depleted of Atg5, essential for autophagy, or Rab27a, required for exosome secretion. Our results propose an uncharacterized role of Rubicon on APP/amyloid ß homeostasis, in which neuronal Rubicon is a repressor of APP/amyloid ß secretion, defining a new way to target AD and other similar diseases therapeutically.
Asunto(s)
Enfermedad de Alzheimer , Proteínas Relacionadas con la Autofagia , Neuroblastoma , Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas , Enfermedad de Alzheimer/metabolismo , Péptidos beta-Amiloides/metabolismo , Precursor de Proteína beta-Amiloide/metabolismo , Animales , Proteínas Relacionadas con la Autofagia/metabolismo , Humanos , Péptidos y Proteínas de Señalización Intracelular/metabolismo , Ratones , Ratones Transgénicos , Neuroblastoma/metabolismo , Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas/metabolismo , Neuronas/metabolismoRESUMEN
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) have emerged as a promising tool to treat inflammatory diseases, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), due to their immunoregulatory properties. Frequently, IBD is modeled in mice by using dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis. Recently, the modulation of autophagy in MSC has been suggested as a novel strategy to improve MSC-based immunotherapy. Hence, we investigated a possible role of Pacer, a novel autophagy enhancer, in regulating the immunosuppressive function of MSC in the context of DSS-induced colitis. We found that Pacer is upregulated upon stimulation with the pro-inflammatory cytokine TNFα, the main cytokine released in the inflammatory environment of IBD. By modulating Pacer expression in MSC, we found that Pacer plays an important role in regulating the autophagy pathway in this cell type in response to TNFα stimulation, as well as in regulating the immunosuppressive ability of MSC toward T-cell proliferation. Furthermore, increased expression of Pacer in MSC enhanced their ability to ameliorate the symptoms of DSS-induced colitis in mice. Our results support previous findings that autophagy regulates the therapeutic potential of MSC and suggest that the augmentation of autophagic capacity in MSC by increasing Pacer levels may have therapeutic implications for IBD.
Asunto(s)
Colitis , Enfermedades Inflamatorias del Intestino , Trasplante de Células Madre Mesenquimatosas , Células Madre Mesenquimatosas , Animales , Autofagia , Colitis/tratamiento farmacológico , Colitis/terapia , Citocinas/metabolismo , Sulfato de Dextran/farmacología , Modelos Animales de Enfermedad , Enfermedades Inflamatorias del Intestino/metabolismo , Trasplante de Células Madre Mesenquimatosas/métodos , Células Madre Mesenquimatosas/metabolismo , Ratones , Factor de Necrosis Tumoral alfa/metabolismoRESUMEN
During normal aging, there is a decline in all physiological functions in the organism. One of the most affected organs is the brain, where neurons lose their proper synaptic function leading to cognitive impairment. Aging is one of the main risk factors for the development of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease. One of the main responsible factors for synaptic dysfunction in aging and neurodegenerative diseases is the accumulation of abnormal proteins forming aggregates. The most studied brain aggregates are the senile plaques, formed by Aß peptide; however, the aggregates formed by phosphorylated tau protein have gained relevance in the last years by their toxicity. It is reported that neurons undergo severe mitochondrial dysfunction with age, with a decrease in adenosine 5'-triphosphate production, loss of the mitochondrial membrane potential, redox imbalance, impaired mitophagy, and loss of calcium buffer capacity. Interestingly, abnormal tau protein interacts with several mitochondrial proteins, suggesting that it could induce mitochondrial dysfunction. Nevertheless, whether tau-mediated mitochondrial dysfunction occurs indirectly or directly is still unknown. A recent study of our laboratory shows that phosphorylated tau at Ser396/404 (known as PHF-1), an epitope commonly related to pathology, accumulates inside mitochondria during normal aging. This accumulation occurs preferentially in synaptic mitochondria, which suggests that it may contribute to the synaptic failure and cognitive impairment seen in aged individuals. Here, we review the main tau modifications promoting mitochondrial dysfunction, and the possible mechanism involved. Also, we discuss the evidence that supports the possibility that phosphorylated tau accumulation in synaptic mitochondria promotes synaptic and cognitive impairment in aging. Finally, we show evidence and argue about the presence of phosphorylated tau PHF-1 inside mitochondria in Alzheimer's disease, which could be considered as an early event in the neurodegenerative process. Thus, phosphorylated tau PHF-1 inside the mitochondria could be considered such a potential therapeutic target to prevent or attenuate age-related cognitive impairment.
RESUMEN
Purpose: Virtual reality (VR) and eye tracking may provide detailed insights into spatial cognition. We hypothesized that virtual reality and eye tracking may be used to assess sub-types of spatial neglect in stroke patients not readily available from conventional assessments. Method: Eighteen stroke patients with spatial neglect and 16 age and gender matched healthy subjects wearing VR headsets were asked to look around freely in a symmetric 3D museum scene with three pictures. Asymmetry of performance was analyzed to reveal group-level differences and possible neglect sub-types on an individual level. Results: Four out of six VR and eye tracking measures revealed significant differences between patients and controls in this free-viewing task. Gaze-asymmetry between-pictures (including fixation time and count) and head orientation were most sensitive to spatial neglect behavior on a group level analysis. Gaze-asymmetry and head orientation each identified 10 out of 18 (56%), compared to 12 out of 18 (67%) for the best conventional test. Two neglect patients without deviant performance on conventional measures were captured by the VR and eyetracking measures. On the individual level, five stroke patients revealed deviant gaze-asymmetry within-pictures and six patients revealed deviant eye orientation in either direction that were not captured by the group-level analysis. Conclusion: This study is a first step in using VR in combination with eye tracking measures as individual differential neglect subtype diagnostics. This may pave the way for more sensitive and elaborate sub-type diagnostics of spatial neglect that may respond differently to various treatment approaches.
RESUMEN
Protein phosphatases are major regulators of signal transduction and they are involved in key cellular mechanisms such as proliferation, differentiation, and cell survival. Here we focus on one class of protein phosphatases, the type IIA Receptor-type Protein Tyrosine Phosphatases (RPTPs), or LAR-RPTP subfamily. In the last decade, LAR-RPTPs have been demonstrated to have great importance in neurobiology, from neurodevelopment to brain disorders. In vertebrates, the LAR-RPTP subfamily is composed of three members: PTPRF (LAR), PTPRD (PTPδ) and PTPRS (PTPσ), and all participate in several brain functions. In this review we describe the structure and proteolytic processing of the LAR-RPTP subfamily, their alternative splicing and enzymatic regulation. Also, we review the role of the LAR-RPTP subfamily in neural function such as dendrite and axon growth and guidance, synapse formation and differentiation, their participation in synaptic activity, and in brain development, discussing controversial findings and commenting on the most recent studies in the field. Finally, we discuss the clinical outcomes of LAR-RPTP mutations, which are associated with several brain disorders.
RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Disturbances in the autophagy/endolysosomal systems are proposed as early signatures of Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, few studies are available concerning autophagy gene expression in AD patients. OBJECTIVE: To explore the differential expression of classical genes involved in the autophagy pathway, among them a less characterized one, DEF8 (Differentially expressed in FDCP 8), initially considered a Rubicon family member, in peripheralblood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and probable AD (pAD) and correlate the results with the expression of DEF8 in the brain of 5xFAD mice. METHOD: By real-time PCR and flow cytometry, we evaluated autophagy genes levels in PBMCs from MCI and pAD patients. We evaluated DEF8 levels and its localization in brain samples of the 5xFAD mice by real-time PCR, western blot, and immunofluorescence. RESULTS: Transcriptional levels of DEF8 were significantly reduced in PBMCs of MCI and pAD patients compared with healthy donors, correlating with the MoCA and MoCA-MIS cognitive tests scores. DEF8 protein levels were increased in lymphocytes from MCI but not pAD, compared to controls. In the case of brain samples from 5xFAD mice, we observed a reduced mRNA expression and augmented protein levels in 5xFAD compared to age-matched wild-type mice. DEF8 presented a neuronal localization. CONCLUSION: DEF8, a protein proposed to act at the final step of the autophagy/endolysosomal pathway, is differentially expressed in PBMCs of MCI and pAD and neurons of 5xFAD mice. These results suggest a potential role for DEF8 in the pathophysiology of AD.
Asunto(s)
Enfermedad de Alzheimer/metabolismo , Autofagia/fisiología , Encéfalo/metabolismo , Disfunción Cognitiva/metabolismo , Péptidos y Proteínas de Señalización Intracelular/fisiología , Anciano , Anciano de 80 o más Años , Enfermedad de Alzheimer/genética , Enfermedad de Alzheimer/patología , Animales , Biomarcadores/metabolismo , Encéfalo/patología , Disfunción Cognitiva/genética , Disfunción Cognitiva/patología , Femenino , Humanos , Péptidos y Proteínas de Señalización Intracelular/genética , Masculino , Ratones , Ratones Transgénicos , Persona de Mediana EdadRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: During periodontitis, tooth-supporting alveolar bone is resorbed when there is an increased expression of the pro-osteolytic factor termed receptor activator of nuclear factor κB ligand (RANKL), which is responsible for osteoclast differentiation and activation. In periodontitis-affected tissues, the imbalance between T-helper type-17 (Th17) and T-regulatory (Treg) lymphocyte activity favors this RANKL overexpression. In this context, immunotherapeutic strategies aimed at modulating this Th17/Treg imbalance could eventually arrest the RANKL-mediated alveolar bone loss. Boldine has been reported to protect from pathological bone loss during rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis, whose pathogenesis is associated with a Th17/Treg imbalance. However, the effect of boldine on alveolar bone resorption during periodontitis has not been elucidated yet. This study aimed to determine whether boldine inhibits alveolar bone resorption by modulating the Th17/Treg imbalance during periodontitis. METHODS: Mice with ligature-induced periodontitis were orally treated with boldine (10/20/40 mg/kg) for 15 consecutive days. Non-treated periodontitis-affected mice and non-ligated mice were used as controls. Alveolar bone loss was analyzed by micro-computed tomography and scanning electron microscopy. Osteoclasts were quantified by histological identification of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase-positive cells. Production of RANKL and its competitive antagonist osteoprotegerin (OPG) were analyzed by ELISA, quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), and immunohistochemistry. The Th17 and Treg responses were analyzed by quantifying the T-cell frequency and number by flow cytometry. Also, the expression of their signature transcription factors and cytokines were quantified by qPCR. RESULTS: Boldine inhibited the alveolar bone resorption. Consistently, boldine caused a decrease in the osteoclast number and RANKL/OPG ratio in periodontal lesions. Besides, boldine reduced the Th17-lymphocyte detection and response and increased the Treg-lymphocyte detection and response in periodontitis-affected tissues. CONCLUSION: Boldine, administered orally, inhibited the alveolar bone resorption and modulated the Th17/Treg imbalance during experimental periodontitis.
Asunto(s)
Pérdida de Hueso Alveolar , Resorción Ósea , Periodontitis , Pérdida de Hueso Alveolar/prevención & control , Animales , Aporfinas , Ratones , Osteoclastos , Osteoprotegerina , Periodontitis/tratamiento farmacológico , Ligando RANK , Linfocitos T Reguladores , Microtomografía por Rayos XRESUMEN
The adverse environmental conditions found in the periodontium during periodontitis pathogenesis stimulate local autophagy responses, mainly due to a continuous inflammatory response against the dysbiotic subgingival microbiome. The junctional epithelium represents the main site of the initial interaction between the host and the dysbiotic biofilm. Here, we investigated the role of autophagy in junctional epithelium keratinocytes (JEKs) in response to Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans or its purified lipopolysaccharides (LPS). Immunofluorescence confocal analysis revealed an extensive nuclear translocation of transcription factor EB (TFEB) and consequently, an increase in autophagy markers and LC3-turnover assessed by immunoblotting and qRT-PCR. Correspondingly, challenged JEKs showed a punctuate cytosolic profile of LC3 protein contrasting with the diffuse distribution observed in untreated controls. Three-dimensional reconstructions of confocal images displayed a close association between intracellular bacteria and LC3-positive vesicles. Similarly, a close association between autophagic vesicles and the protein p62 was observed in challenged JEKs, indicating that p62 is the main adapter protein recruited during A. actinomycetemcomitans infection. Finally, the pharmacological inhibition of autophagy significantly increased the number of bacteria-infected cells as well as their death, similar to treatment with LPS. Our results indicate that A. actinomycetemcomitans infection induces autophagy in JEKs, and this homeostatic process has a cytoprotective effect on the host cells during the early stages of infection.
Asunto(s)
Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans/fisiología , Autofagia , Inserción Epitelial/patología , Queratinocitos/microbiología , Queratinocitos/patología , Factores de Transcripción Básicos con Cremalleras de Leucinas y Motivos Hélice-Asa-Hélice/metabolismo , Biomarcadores/metabolismo , Recuento de Células , Línea Celular , Núcleo Celular/metabolismo , Supervivencia Celular , Humanos , Imagenología Tridimensional , Lipopolisacáridos/aislamiento & purificación , Modelos Biológicos , Transporte de Proteínas , Proteína Sequestosoma-1/metabolismoRESUMEN
The construction industry offers one of the most attractive options in the use of recycled materials due to its large consumption of raw materials and high construction work rates. Also, the debris from construction and demolition is responsible for a high participation rate in the generation of waste, with concrete being a major contributor in this category. Waste glass powder, on the other hand, is a material that offers an excellent alternative to replace cement due to its well-known pozzolanic properties. Hence, the combined behaviour of fine recycled concrete aggregates and glass powder of different particle sizes in mortars has been studied. Different mixtures are analyzed with the aim of minimizing losses in mechanical properties and durability in an attempt to maximize the amount of replaced materials. Due to the delayed pozzolanic reaction by the glass powder, the samples present highly satisfactory results at 90â¯days of curing, with values of their properties close to those of the control mortar. The results are encouraging when glass powder with a smaller particle size is used due to its filler effect combined with its pozzolanic activity, making it possible to replace up to 20% of glass powder with a maximum size of 38⯵m, with up to 30% of fine recycled concrete aggregates. Finally, the evaluation of greenhouse gases showed that the simultaneous incorporation of both types of waste reduces the CO2 emissions associated with concrete by up to 19%.
Asunto(s)
Industria de la Construcción , Materiales de Construcción , Vidrio , Ensayo de Materiales , ReciclajeRESUMEN
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Over the past few years, the importance of interleukin-22 (IL-22) and T-helper (Th)22 lymphocytes in the pathogenesis of periodontitis has become apparent; however, there are still aspects that are not addressed yet. Cells expressing IL-22 and aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), transcription factor master switch gene implicated in the differentiation and function of Th22 lymphocytes, have been detected in periodontal tissues of periodontitis-affected patients. In addition, IL-22 has been associated with osteoclast differentiation and their bone resorptive activity in vitro. However, the destructive potential of IL-22-expressing AhR+ Th22 lymphocytes over periodontal tissues during periodontitis has not been demonstrated in vivo yet. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze whether IL-22-expressing CD4+ AhR+ T lymphocytes detected in periodontal lesions are associated with alveolar bone resorption during experimental periodontitis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Using a murine model of periodontitis, the expression levels of IL-22 and AhR, as well as the Th1-, Th2-, Th17- and T regulatory-associated cytokines, were analyzed in periodontal lesions using qPCR. The detection of CD4+ IL-22+ AhR+ T lymphocytes was analyzed in periodontal lesions and cervical lymph nodes that drain these periodontal lesions using flow cytometry. In addition, the expression of the osteoclastogenic mediator called receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL) was analyzed by qPCR, western blot, and immunohistochemistry. Finally, alveolar bone resorption was analyzed using micro-computed tomography and scanning electron microscopy, and the bone resorption levels were correlated with IL-22 and RANKL expression. RESULTS: Higher levels of IL-22, AhR, and RANKL, as well as IL-1ß, IL-6, IL-12, IL-17, IL-23, and TNF-α, were expressed in periodontal lesions of infected mice compared with periodontal tissues of sham-infected and non-infected controls. Similarly, high RANKL immunoreaction was observed in periodontal tissues of infected mice; however, few or absent RANKL immunoreaction was observed in controls. This association between RANKL and periodontal infection was ratified by western blot. Furthermore, a higher detection of CD4+ IL-22+ AhR+ T lymphocytes was found in periodontal lesions and cervical lymph nodes that drain these periodontal lesions in infected mice compared with non-infected controls. Finally, the increased IL-22 and RANKL expression showed positive correlation between them and with the augmented alveolar bone resorption observed in experimental periodontal lesions. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates the increase of IL-22-expressing CD4+ AhR+ T lymphocytes in periodontitis-affected tissues and shows a positive correlation between IL-22, RANKL expression, and alveolar bone resorption.
Asunto(s)
Pérdida de Hueso Alveolar , Resorción Ósea , Interleucinas , Periodontitis , Ligando RANK , Animales , Humanos , Interleucinas/metabolismo , Ratones , Periodontitis/metabolismo , Ligando RANK/farmacología , Receptores de Hidrocarburo de Aril , Microtomografía por Rayos X , Interleucina-22RESUMEN
INTRODUCTION: Esophageal adenocarcinoma is a lethal malignancy which is increasing in incidence, and many patients receive chemotherapy as part of their treatment. We have previously demonstrated that esophageal adenocarcinoma-derived cell lines respond to treatment with estrogen receptor modulators, such as tamoxifen. Reports from breast cancer suggest that tamoxifen may attenuate the efficacy of other chemotherapeutic agents. We have therefore assessed the response of esophageal adenocarcinoma cell lines to tamoxifen therapy when given in combination with conventional agents. METHODS: Two estrogen receptor (ER)-positive esophageal adenocarcinoma cell lines (OE-19 and OE-33) were treated with combinations of tamoxifen, cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). Effects on cell viability were measured using an MTS assay, and cell death was detected with annexin V/propidium iodide flow cytometry. To assess whether the efficacy of tamoxifen in these cell lines might be relevant to the clinical setting, we analyzed ER status in 10 esophageal adenocarcinoma tissue specimens by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: IC50 values (µM) for OE-19 and OE-33 were 11.2 and 7.1 for tamoxifen, 19.6 and 4.7 for cisplatin, and 1.7 and 5.9 for 5-FU, respectively. Cell death was detected in 11.9% and 15.8% of cells treated with tamoxifen, 7.9% and 8.7% cells treated with cisplatin, and 3.6% and 8.6% cells treated with 5-FU at their IC50s. The addition of tamoxifen to cisplatin increased cell death by 11.4% in OE-19 (p < 0.0001) and 16.3% in OE-33 (p < 0.0001). Similarly, the addition of tamoxifen to 5-FU increased cell death by 11.6% in OE-19 (p < 0.0001) and 15.9% in OE-33 (p < 0.0001). Eight of 10 tissue specimens showed positive staining for ERα and 7 of 10 for ERß. CONCLUSIONS: In a cell culture model the addition of tamoxifen to conventional chemotherapy appears to be both feasible and beneficial. Expression of ERα and ERß was also confirmed in esophageal adenocarcinoma tissues.
Asunto(s)
Adenocarcinoma/patología , Protocolos de Quimioterapia Combinada Antineoplásica/uso terapéutico , Apoptosis/efectos de los fármacos , Sinergismo Farmacológico , Neoplasias Esofágicas/patología , Receptores de Estrógenos/metabolismo , Adenocarcinoma/tratamiento farmacológico , Adenocarcinoma/metabolismo , Anciano , Anciano de 80 o más Años , Proliferación Celular/efectos de los fármacos , Cisplatino/administración & dosificación , Neoplasias Esofágicas/tratamiento farmacológico , Neoplasias Esofágicas/metabolismo , Femenino , Fluorouracilo/administración & dosificación , Estudios de Seguimiento , Humanos , Técnicas para Inmunoenzimas , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Estadificación de Neoplasias , Pronóstico , Tamoxifeno/administración & dosificación , Células Tumorales CultivadasRESUMEN
Despite a paucity of data regarding both the incidence of ocular candidiasis and the utility of ophthalmic examination in critically ill patients, routine ophthalmic examination is recommended for critically ill patients with candidaemia. The objectives were to estimate the incidence of ocular candidiasis and evaluate whether ophthalmic examination influenced subsequent management of these patients. We conducted a ten-year retrospective observational study. Data were extracted for all ICU patients who were blood culture positive for fungal infection. Risk factors for candidaemia and eye involvement were quantified and details regarding ophthalmic examination were reviewed. Candida species were cultured in 93 patients. Risk factors for ocular candidiasis were present in 57% of patients. Forty-one percent of patients died prior to ophthalmology examination and 2% of patients were discharged before candidaemia was identified. During examination, signs of ocular candidiasis were only present in one (2.9%) patient, who had a risk factor for ocular candidiasis. Based on these findings, the duration of antifungal treatment for this patient was increased. Ocular candidiasis occurs rarely in critically ill patients with candidaemia, but because treatment regimens may be altered when diagnosed, routine ophthalmic examination is still indicated.
Asunto(s)
Candidemia/complicaciones , Candidiasis/epidemiología , Infecciones Fúngicas del Ojo/epidemiología , Adulto , Anciano , Candidiasis/tratamiento farmacológico , Candidiasis/etiología , Enfermedad Crítica , Infecciones Fúngicas del Ojo/diagnóstico , Infecciones Fúngicas del Ojo/tratamiento farmacológico , Infecciones Fúngicas del Ojo/etiología , Femenino , Humanos , Incidencia , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Estudios Retrospectivos , Factores de RiesgoRESUMEN
The phenotypic methods of smear microscopy, culture and indirect drug susceptibility testing (DST) remain the 'gold standard' diagnostics for tuberculosis (TB) in 2015. However, this review demonstrates that genotypic methods are in the ascendancy. Current-generation nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) are important supplementary tests for the rapid direct detection of (multidrug-resistant) TB in specific clinical settings. Genotypic detection is already the preferred method of detecting rifampicin and pyrazinamide resistance. Next-generation NAATs able to detect about 10 colony forming units/mL of sputum could replace culture as the initial test for detecting TB. Whole genome sequencing could also plausibly replace phenotypic DST but much work is required in method standardisation, database development and elucidation of all resistance gene determinants. The challenge then will be to rollout these increasingly complex and expensive diagnostics in the low-income countries where TB is prevalent.
Asunto(s)
Técnicas Microbiológicas , Técnicas de Diagnóstico Molecular , Tuberculosis/diagnóstico , Humanos , Técnicas Microbiológicas/tendencias , Técnicas de Diagnóstico Molecular/tendenciasRESUMEN
The unpleasant sensory and emotional experience of pain is initiated by excitation of primary afferent nociceptive neurons. Nerve damage or inflammation induces changes in nociceptive DRG neurons which contribute to both peripheral and central sensitization of pain-sensitive pathways. Recently, blockade of microRNA synthesis has been found to modulate the response of nociceptive neurons to inflammatory stimuli. However, little is known about the contributions of individual miRNAs to painful conditions. We compared miRNA expression in mouse sensory neurons and focussed on the localisation and control of miR-143. Using miRNA-arrays we compared the microRNA expression profile of intact lumbar DRG with one-day-old DRG cultures and found that nine miRNAs including miR-143 showed lower expression levels in cultures. Subsequent RT-qPCR confirmed array data and in-situ hybridisation localised miR-143 in the cytosol of sensory DRG neurons in situ and in vitro. Analysis of microbead-enriched neuron cultures showed significantly higher expression levels of miR-143 in isolectin B4 (I-B4) binding sensory neurons compared with neurons in the I-B4 negative flow-through fraction. In animal models of peripheral inflammation (injection of Complete Freund's Adjuvant, CFA) and nerve damage (transection of the sciatic nerve), we found that expression levels of miR-143 were significantly lower in DRGs ipsilateral to CFA injection or after nerve damage. Taken together, our data demonstrate for the first time miR-143 expression in nociceptive neurons. Since expression levels of miR-143 were higher in I-B4 positive neurons and declined in response to inflammation but not axotomy, miR-143 could selectively contribute to mRNA regulation in specific populations of nociceptors.
Asunto(s)
Ganglios Espinales/metabolismo , Regulación de la Expresión Génica , MicroARNs/genética , Neuronas/metabolismo , Animales , Células Cultivadas , Biología Computacional , Adyuvante de Freund , Ganglios Espinales/embriología , Ganglios Espinales/patología , Perfilación de la Expresión Génica , Hibridación in Situ , Inflamación/complicaciones , Inflamación/genética , Inflamación/patología , Masculino , Ratones , Ratones Endogámicos C57BL , MicroARNs/metabolismo , Neuronas/patología , Análisis de Secuencia por Matrices de Oligonucleótidos , Dolor/complicaciones , Dolor/genética , Dolor/patología , Transducción de Señal/genéticaRESUMEN
OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess the validity of self-reported height and weight and resulting body-mass-index (BMI) in adolescents, to identify influencing factors and to generate appropriate algorithms for the correction of self-reported values. METHODS: In the Kiel Obesity Prevention Study (KOPS) height and weight were assessed in 2,706 12- to 17-year-old adolescents by self-report and by measurements. Differences between self-reported and measured values were calculated. Algorithms for correction of self-reported data were generated in a random sample (n=941) and validated in another random sample (n=946). RESULTS: Overestimation of height and underestimation of weight resulted in a remarkable underestimation of BMI. Girls underestimated BMI more than boys (-0.8±1.0 kg/m² vs. -0.4±1.1 kg/m²; p<0.01), overweight adolescents underestimated more than normal weight adolescents (boys: -1.4±1.4 kg/m² vs. -0.3±0.9 kg/m²; p<0.01; girls:-1.6±1.3 kg/m² vs. -0.7±0.8 kg/m²; p<0.01). Prevalence of overweight and obesity was underestimated by 2.0% and 1.5%, respectively, in boys and by 2.2% and 2.0%, respectively in girls. Differences between self-reported and measured values were influenced by gender and weight status. Correction of self-reported data resulted in approaching the valid overweight prevalence. However, underestimations persisted. CONCLUSIONS: Self-reported height, weight and BMI calculated from these values are discrepant from measured data and cause underestimation of the prevalence of overweight and obesity in adolescents. Correction of self-reported values is possible. However, valid data can only be assessed by measurements of height and weight.