Selective Secretase Targeting for Alzheimer's Disease Therapy.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is associated with marked atrophy of the cerebral cortex and accumulation of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles. Amyloid plaques are formed by oligomers of amyloid-ß (Aß) in the brain, with a length of 42 and 40 amino acids. α-secretase cleaves amyloid-ß protein precursor (AßPP) producing the membrane-bound fragment CTFα and the soluble fragment sAßPPα with neuroprotective activity; ß-secretase produces membrane-bound fragment CTFß and a soluble fragment sAßPPß. After α-secretase cleavage of AßPP, γ-secretase cleaves CTFα to produce the cytoplasmic fragment AICD and P3 in the non-amyloidogenic pathway. CTFß is cleaved by γ-secretase producing AICD as well as Aß in amyloidogenic pathways. In the last years, the study of natural products and synthetic compounds, such as α-secretase activity enhancers, ß-secretase inhibitors (BACE-1), and γ-secretase activity modulators, have been the focus of pharmaceuticals and researchers. Drugs were improved regarding solubility, blood-brain barrier penetration, selectivity, and potency decreasing Aß42. In this regard, BACE-1 inhibitors, such as Atabecestat, NB-360, Umibecestat, PF-06751979 Verubecestat, LY2886721, Lanabecestat, LY2811376 and Elenbecestat, were submitted to phase I-III clinical trials. However, inhibition of Aß production did not recover cognitive functions or reverse disease progress. Novel strategies are being developed, aiming at a partial reduction of Aß production, such as the development of γ-secretase modulators or α-secretase activity enhancers. Such therapeutic tools shall focus on slowing down or minimizing the progression of neuronal damage. Here, we summarize structures and activities of the latest compounds designed for AD treatment, with remarkable in vitro, in vivo, and clinical phase activities.

Repeated Challenge with Virulent Newcastle Disease Virus Does Not Decrease the Efficacy of Vaccines.

Globally, poultry producers report that birds well-vaccinated for Newcastle disease (ND) often present clinical disease and mortality after infection with virulent strains of Newcastle disease (vNDV), which is contrary to what is observed in experimental settings. One hypothesis for this discrepancy is that the birds in the field may be exposed to multiple successive challenges with vNDV, rather than one challenge dose, and that the repeated infection may overwhelm the immune system and neutralizing antibodies available to prevent clinical disease. In this study, we evaluated this hypothesis under highly controlled conditions. We challenged well-vaccinated chickens with high doses of vNDV daily for 10 days, and looked for signs of clinical disease, changes in antibody titers, and mortality. All sham-vaccinated birds died by the fourth day postchallenge. No morbidity or mortality was observed in any of the NDV-vaccinated birds up to 14 days postchallenge; repeated high-dose challenges of vNDV was not sufficient to overcome vaccine immunity.

Early infection with Marek's disease virus can jeopardize protection conferred by laryngotracheitis vaccines: a method to study MDV-induced immunosuppression.

Marek's disease virus (MDV) is a herpesvirus that induces lymphomas and immunosuppression in chickens. MDV-induced immunosuppression (MDV-IS) is divided into two phases: early-MDV-IS occurring mainly in chickens lacking maternal antibodies (MAb) against MDV and associated with lymphoid organ atrophy; and late-MDV-IS occurring once MDV enters latency and during tumour development. Our objectives were to document the impact of late-MDV-IS on commercial poultry (meat-type chickens bearing MAb against MDV and that were vaccinated or unvaccinated against MD) and to optimize a model to study late-MDV-IS under laboratory conditions. The impact of late-MDV-IS was evaluated by assessing the effect of early infection (day of age) with a very virulent plus MDV (vv+MDV) on the efficacy of chicken-embryo-origin (CEO) infectious laryngotracheitis (ILT) virus vaccine against ILT challenge. The CEO ILT vaccine was administered in water at 14 days of age and ILT virus (ILTV) challenge was done intratracheally at 30 days of age. Development of ILT was monitored by daily evaluation of clinical signs, development of gross and histological lesions in trachea, and quantification of ILTV transcripts in trachea. Infection with vv+MDV strain 648A resulted in total abrogation of protection conferred by the CEO vaccine against ILTV challenge even in chickens vaccinated at 1 day of age with either HVT, HVT+SB-1, or CVI988. Chickens exposed to vv+MDV prior to vaccination with CEO ILTV vaccine had similar (P < 0.05) clinical scores, gross lesions, histopathologic lesion scores, and load of ILTV transcripts in trachea after ILTV challenge, as chickens that were not vaccinated with CEO ILTV vaccine.

Dismetría pélvica en una muestra radiológica de adolescentes de la ciudad de Temuco-Chile / Pelvic asymmetry in a radiographic sample of adolescents from the city of Temuco-Chile

La dismetría de la pelvis es frecuente en los adolescentes y puede ser un factor que provoque dolores en la columna vertebral y estar asociada a escoliosis funcionales de la región lumbar. Estas disfunciones de la columna vertebral producen incapacidad laboral, son de alta prevalencia en el mundo. Este problema de salud pública es de origen multifactorial afecta a la mayoría de las personas principalmente en la edad media de la vida. El propósito del estudio fue conocer cómo se comportan nuestros adolescentes con respecto a la variable dismetría pélvica. Para ello se analizaron 49 radiografías panorámicas de columna vertebral, de escolares entre 13 y 17 años de ambos géneros, 24 hombres y 25 mujeres, de la ciudad de Temuco, Chile. Del total de sujetos, 33 presentaron algún grado de desnivel pélvico lo que corresponde al 67,3 por ciento de los individuos. En 27 sujetos estaban en el rango 1 a 10 mm y 4 sujetos en el rango de 11 a 15 mm. En 33 sujetos tenían algún grado de desviación de la columna lumbar en el plano frontal y 16 sujetos no se observó desviación. Es importante conocer estos parámetros en nuestra población adolescente, para incorporar a la educación formal la prevención en todos los aspectos de la vida y así disminuir la sintomatología, costos de atención y rehabilitación.

Lower limb asymmetry is common in adolescents and may be a factor causing pain the spine and may also be associated with functional scoliosis of the lumbar region. Spine dysfunctions causing work related disabilities are highly prevalent throughout the world This public health issue is of multifactorial origin and affects he majority of those in mid life, the result of pelvic drop and increased lumbar lordosis. The aim of this work was to study the performance of our teenagers with respect to the mentioned variables. We analyzed 49 panoramic radiographs of the spines of schoolchildren between 13 and 17 years, 24 male and 25 female in the city of Temuco, Chile. Of total subjects 33 showed some degree of pelvic tilt which corresponds to 67.3 percent of subjects.. In 27 cases subjects were in the 1 to 10mm range and 4 subjects in the 11 to 15mm range. In 16 subjects no deviation was observed in frontal plane and 33 subjects had some degree of deviation. It is important to know these parameters in our adolescent population, to include formal education prevention in all aspects of life and to reduce the symptoms and costs of care and rehabilitation.

Effect of diluting Marek's disease vaccines on the outcomes of Marek's disease virus infection when challenged with highly virulent Marek's disease viruses.

Dilution of Marek's disease (MD) vaccines is a common practice in the field to reduce the cost associated with vaccination. In this study we have evaluated the effect of diluting MD vaccines on the protection against MD, vaccine and challenge MD virus (MDV) kinetics, and body weight when challenged with strains Md5 (very virulent MDV) and 648A (very virulent plus MDV) by contact at day of age. The following four vaccination protocols were evaluated in meat-type chickens: turkey herpesvirus (HVT) at manufacturer-recommended full dose; HVT diluted 1:10; HVT + SB-1 at the manufacturer-recommended full dose; and HVT + SB-1 diluted 1:10 for HVT and 1:5 for SB-1. Vaccine was administered at hatch subcutaneously. One-day-old chickens were placed in floor pens and housed together with ten 15-day-old chickens that had been previously inoculated with 500 PFU of either Md5 or 648A MDV strains. Chickens were individually identified with wing bands, and for each chicken samples of feather pulp and blood were collected at 1, 3, and 8 wk posthatch. Body weights were recorded at 8 wk for every chicken. Viral DNA load of wild-type MDV, SB-1, and HVT were evaluated by real time-PCR. Our results showed that dilution of MD vaccines can lead to reduced MD protection, reduced relative body weights, reduced vaccine DNA during the first 3 wk, and increased MDV DNA load. The detrimental effect of vaccine dilution was more evident in females than in males and was more evident when the challenge virus was 648A. However, lower relative body weights and higher MDV DNA load could be detected in chickens challenged with strain Md5, even in the absence of obvious differences in protection.

Comparison of blood and feather pulp samples for the diagnosis of Marek's disease and for monitoring Marek's disease vaccination by real time-PCR.

Comparison of blood and feather pulp (FP) samples for the diagnosis of Marek's disease (MD) and for monitoring Marek's diseases vaccination in chickens (serotypes 2 and 3 vaccines) by real time-PCR was evaluated. For diagnosis of MD, quantification of serotype 1 Marek's disease virus (MDV) DNA load was evaluated in 21 chickens suffering from MD. For each chicken, samples of blood and FP were collected and MDV DNA load was quantified. Solid tumors are the sample of choice for MD diagnosis by real time-PCR and, hence, 14 solid tumors were included in the study as positive controls. Load of MDV DNA in FP was equivalent to that detected in solid tumors (threshold cycle [Ct] ratio above 1.7). MDV DNA load in blood samples was lower than in solid tumors and FP samples. Nonetheless, there was a statistically significant correlation of the results obtained from FP and blood (r = 0.92). Results of the Pearson correlation test showed that Ct ratio values of 1.7 in FP correspond to Ct ratio values of 1.2 in peripheral blood. For monitoring vaccines, serotypes 2 and 3 MDV DNA load was evaluated in blood and FP samples of vaccinated chickens. Serotype 2 MDV DNA load was evaluated in samples of blood and FP from 34 chickens vaccinated with SB-1 strain. Serotype 3 MDV DNA load was evaluated in blood and FP samples from 53 chickens vaccinated with HVT strain. For both serotypes, frequency of positive samples and load of vaccine DNA was higher in FP than in blood samples. There was not a statistically significant correlation between the load of SB-1 DNA (r = 0.17) or HVT DNA (r = -0.04) in FP and blood. Our results show that the load of serotypes 1, 2, and 3 DNA is higher in FP than in blood. Diagnosis of MD could be done using both FP and blood samples. Monitoring of MD vaccination by real time-PCR required the use of FP samples. There were a high percentage of false negative samples when using blood to detect serotypes 2 and 3 MDV by real time-PCR.

Validation of Marek's disease diagnosis and monitoring of Marek's disease vaccines from samples collected in FTA cards.

The use of Flinders Technology Associates (FTA) filter cards to quantify Marek's disease virus (MDV) DNA for the diagnosis of Marek's disease (MD) and to monitor MD vaccines was evaluated. Samples of blood (43), solid tumors (14), and feather pulp (FP; 36) collected fresh and in FTA cards were analyzed. MDV DNA load was quantified by real-time PCR. Threshold cycle (Ct) ratios were calculated for each sample by dividing the Ct value of the internal control gene (glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase) by the Ct value of the MDV gene. Statistically significant correlation (P < 0.05) within Ct ratios was detected between samples collected fresh and in FTA cards by using Pearson's correlation test. Load of serotype 1 MDV DNA was quantified in 24 FP, 14 solid tumor, and 43 blood samples. There was a statistically significant correlation between FP (r = 0.95), solid tumor (r = 0.94), and blood (r = 0.9) samples collected fresh and in FTA cards. Load of serotype 2 MDV DNA was quantified in 17 FP samples, and the correlation between samples collected fresh and in FTA cards was also statistically significant (Pearson's coefficient, r = 0.96); load of serotype 3 MDV DNA was quantified in 36 FP samples, and correlation between samples taken fresh and in FTA cards was also statistically significant (r = 0.84). MDV DNA samples extracted 3 days (t0) and 8 months after collection (t1) were used to evaluate the stability of MDV DNA in archived samples collected in FTA cards. A statistically significant correlation was found for serotype 1 (r = 0.96), serotype 2 (r = 1), and serotype 3 (r = 0.9). The results show that FTA cards are an excellent media to collect, transport, and archive samples for MD diagnosis and to monitor MD vaccines. In addition, FTA cards are widely available, inexpensive, and adequate for the shipment of samples nationally and internationally.

Bilateral effects of vaccination against infectious bursal disease and Newcastle disease in specific-pathogen-free layers and commercial broiler chickens.

Different infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) live vaccines (intermediate, intermediate plus) were compared for their immunosuppressive abilities in specific-pathogen-free (SPF) layer-type chickens or commercial broilers. The Newcastle disease virus (NDV) vaccination model was applied to determine not only IBDV-induced immunosuppression but also bilateral effects between IBDV and NDV. None of the IBDV vaccines abrogated NDV vaccine-induced protection. All NDV-vaccinated SPF layers and broilers were protected against NDV challenge independent of circulating NDV antibody levels. Sustained suppression of NDV antibody development was observed in SPF layers, which had received the intermediate plus IBDV vaccine. We observed a temporary suppression of NDV antibody development in broilers vaccinated with one of the intermediate, as well as the intermediate plus, IBDV vaccines. Different genetic backgrounds, ages, and residual maternal antibodies might have influenced the pathogenesis of IBDV in the different types of chickens. Temporary suppression of NDV antibody response in broilers was only seen if the NDV vaccine was administered before and not, as it was speculated previously, at the time the peak of IBDV-induced bursa lesions was detected. For the first time, we have demonstrated that the NDV vaccine had an interfering effect with the pathogenesis of the intermediate as well as the intermediate plus IBDV vaccine. NDV vaccination enhanced the incidence of IBDV bursa lesions and IBDV antibody development. This observation indicates that this bilateral effect of an IBDV and NDV vaccination should be considered in the field and could have consequences for the performance of broiler flocks.

Obtaiment of Pudu (Pudu pudu) deer embryos by the somatic nuclear transfer technique

RESUMEN: Los objetivos de este trabajo fueron los de producir embriones de pudú, obtenidos por la transferencia de núcleos de fibroblastos de la oreja de pudú en ovocitos de un rumiante domésticos que es el bovino. Para posteriormente en un trabajo futuro proceder a la transferencia de embriones de pudú, al útero de hembras receptoras sincronizadas de otra especie. Se obtuvieron biopsias de 1 mm aproximadamente del borde externo de la orejas de dos ciervos pudu machos del jardín zoológico Buin-Zoo, Santiago de Chile. Las líneas celulares han sido establecidas y conservadas según los protocolos utilizados para las bovinos. Los ovocitos son obtenidos por punción del complejo cúmulos-ovocito (COC).desde ovarios de vacas recuperados del matadero. Cada ovocito es enucleado y fusionado con un fibroblasto aislado insertado bajo la zona pelúcida. La fusión de membranas celulares es obtenida por choques eléctricos. En cuanto a la cronología, observamos que al segundo día se forma una etapa de dos blastómeras, al tercer día mórulas de 8 a 16 células, y desde el cuarto día se ha diferenciado como blastocisto, el cuál al séptimo día termina por eclosionar de la zona pelúcida.La obtención de blastocistos embrionarios indica que es posible obtener embriones de pudú mediante clonaje heteroespecífico, aunque, el porcentaje de éxito obtenido es relativamente bajo. Queda aun por verificar la viabilidad de los embriones así obtenidos después de la transferencia in útero.

Attempts at Applying Cloning to the Conservation of Species in Danger of Extinction / Intentos de Aplicar la Clonación en la Conservación de Especies en Riesgo de Extinción

The somatic cloning by transfer of the nuclei of differentiated adult cells to previously enucleated oocytes is a promising technique for the production of embryos of high genetic value. The better mastering of somatic cloning gives us the possibility to produce embryos from endangered species. The huemul is an Andean native deer, that has been declared an endangered species, it holds a great patrimonial value and it is a Chilean national emblem. In Chile the huemul has the status of protected animal on thirteen Parks and National Reserves managed by Corporacion Nacional Forestal (CONAF). This protection, however, is considered insufficient due to the few geographical connections between the different protected areas. Furthermore, a great proportion of these areas are not subjected to use or they do not constitute adequate habitats. Many authors have proposed that the use of biotechnological methods in reproduction and assisted procreation may help conservational programs orientated to the protection of deer species threatened by extinction. All the anterior prompted us to initiate this study concerning the production of cloned huemul embryos.

El clonaje somático por transferencia del núcleo de células diferenciadas adultas a un ovocito, al que se le ha extraído el núcleo (enucleado), es una técnica prometedora para la producción de embriones de alto valor genético. El mejor dominio del clonaje somático da la posibilidad de producir embriones de especies amenazadas de extinción. El huemul es un ciervo andino autóctono, declarado como especie en peligro de extinción. tiene un gran valor patrimonial, y es emblema de la nación chilena. En este país, el huemul se encuentra protegido en trece Parques y Reservas Nacionales, manejadas por la Corporación Nacional Forestal (CONAF). Sin embargo, su protección se considera insuficiente debido a la baja conectividad entre las áreas protegidas y además, una gran proporción de estas áreas no son utilizadas o no constituyen un hábitat adecuado. Para las especies de cérvidos en vías de extinción el uso de biotecnología reproductiva y métodos de procreación asistida, según varios autores, pueden ayudar a los programas de conservación. Las técnicas clásicas de producción de embriones basados en superovulación, inseminación artificial y transferencia embrionaria,en los cérvidos, han resultado muy dificultosa. Esto, sumado a las características del huemul, que no permite su estabulación en cautiverio, nos ha movido a iniciar un estudio tendiente a la producción de embriones clonados de esta especie.

Histology of the jaw deformation in salmon of southern Chile (salmo salar)

In adult salmon of the sea centres in southern Chile, a jaw deformation (JD) has been identified. It affects the dental and hyomandibular bones, which bend ventrally up to 90° of their normal position. The deformation affects also the dental articular bone. This pathology is related to weight loss and increased mortality of the salmons. It was empirically postulated that a probable cause for this anomaly was food from vegetal origin in the diet of the fishes (which are carnivores) Therefore, the present work aims at comparing the biostructure of jaw bone of salmons fed either with vegetal (soja and gluten) formulation or animal formulation, mostly fish powder. Fifty specimens were analyzed from Puerto Montt, 35 having JD and 15 normal control. Samples were obtained in June, July and September 1999. (group 1) and March, Sept and October, 2000 (group 2). Group 1 was fed mostly with vegetal flour and group 2 with fish flour. Each group was subdivided in two subgroups, one of healthy animals and the other of fishes with JD. Jaw and articular bones were fixed in 10 per cent formaldehyde and 1 per cent glutaraldehyde and processed for histology (hematoxylin.eosin, Alcian blue, Masson trichrome) histochemistry (Syrius red and von Kossa) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The mandibular bone of group 1 with JD presented large amounts of osteoid tissue compared with its control. Collagen I disminishes and its architecture and composition changes, collagen III increases. No significant difference was found in calcium content between normal and JD fishes. SEM shows that the dental bone close to the joint in the fishes with JD displayed a disorganized structure and no trabecular formation, compared to controls, In group 2, these pathological findings were less evident, both macro- and microscopically. Results suggest that JD is of multifactorial origin; the primary cause can be a genetic or congenital alteration of the Jaw cartilage. There should be susceptibility for presentation of the defect in this group of fishes, but its expression is triggered by deficit of phosphorous of animal origin in food, so that this pathology is not seen in fishes with adequate nutrition.

Estudio comparado entre métodos de enseñanza tradicional y computacional en histología humana / Comparative study between traditional teaching methods and computational methods in the human histology

Se han realizado diversos estudios de la metología docente en Anatomía y se ha observado que el uso de programas computacionales es de gran utilidad en el proceso de enseñanza aprendizaje. Nuestro interés fue evaluar el impacto que tiene el uso de los computadores en la enseñanza de la Histologia Humana Normal. Se trabajó con alumnos del segundo año de la Carrera de Obstetricia y Puericultura de la Facultad de Medicina de la Universidad de Chile. Para las actividades prácticas el curso fue dividido en dos grupos (A y B). El grupo A trabajó en la sala de Multimedia de la Facultad de Medicina, con disposición de un computador por alummo y acceso a imágenes complementarias impresas a color. El grupo B trabajó en el laboratorio de microscopía tradicional y con sesiones de proyección de diapositivas. Los profesores se distribuyeron de acuerdo a sus preferencias metodológicas. Las evaluaciones fueron sobre la base de diapositivas diseñadas especialmente e imágenes impresas a color. Paralelamente se realizó un cuestionario de preferencias sobre las metodologías empleadas durante el curso. En los resultados, no hubo diferencias significativas del promedio general de notas entre grupos, sin embargo, el cuestionario de opiniones mostró que los alumnos prefieren el uso de computadores e imágenes impresas para aprender Histología. Estos resultados permiten sugerir que la metodología interactiva de enseñanza, basada en el reforzamiento a través del computador, es un complemento útil a los métodos tradicionales de docencia en Histología