Molding the future: Optimization of bioleaching of rare earth elements from electronic waste by Penicillium expansum and insights into its mechanism.

The recovery of rare earth elements (REE) from electronic waste is crucial for ensuring future demand security, as there is a high supply risk for this group of elements, and mitigating the environmental impacts of conventional mining. This research focuses on extracting REE from waste printed circuit boards through bioleaching, addressing the limited attention given to this source. A strain of Penicillium expansum demonstrated efficient bioleaching under optimal conditions of 7.5 initial pH, 0.1 mM phosphate concentration, and excluding a buffering agent. The study achieved significant improvements in La and Tb extraction and enhancements in Pr, Nd, and Gd recovery, approaching 70 % within 24 h. Fungal mechanisms involved in REE extraction included fungal pH control, organic acid biosynthesis, phosphate bioavailability, and potential fungal proton pump involvement. This approach offers a promising solution for sustainable REE recovery from e-waste, contributing to resource security and circular economy.

Differential tissue distribution of discrete typing units after drug combination therapy in experimental Trypanosoma cruzi mixed infection.

The aim of the present work was to evaluate the distribution of the different clones of the parasite prevailing after treatment with benznidazole (BZ) and clomipramine (CLO), in mice infected with Trypanosoma cruzi, Casibla isolate which consists of a mixture of two discrete typing units (DTUs). Albino Swiss mice were infected and treated with high and low concentrations of BZ (100 or 6.25 mg/kg), CLO (5 or 1.25 mg/kg), or the combination of both low doses (BZ6.25 + CLO1.25), during the acute phase of experimental infection. Treatment efficacy was evaluated by comparing parasitaemia, survival and tissular parasite presence. For DTUs genotyping, blood, skeletal and cardiac muscle samples were analysed by multiplex quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The combined treatment had similar outcomes to BZ6.25; BZ100 was the most effective treatment, but it failed to reach parasite clearance and produced greater histological alterations. Non-treated mice and the ones treated with monotherapies showed both DTUs while BZ6.25 + CLO1.25 treated mice showed only TcVI parasites in all the tissues studied. These findings suggest that the treatment may modify the distribution of infecting DTUs in host tissues. Coinfection with T. cruzi clones belonging to different DTUs reveals a complex scenario for the treatment of Chagas disease and search for new therapies.

El análisis inmunohistoquímico para el diagnóstico del tumor fibroso solitario/hemangiopericitoma / Immunohistochemical analysis for the diagnosis of solitary fibrous tumor/hemangiopericytoma

Resumen El tumor fibroso solitario/ hemangiopericitoma (TFS/HP) es un tumor extraaxial de origen mesenquimático de infrecuente observación, que usualmente se confunde con el meningioma, del cual puede ser clínica y radiológicamente indistinguible. El análisis molecular con la detección de la expresión nuclear STAT6 (signal transducer and activator of transcription 6) o la fusión NAB2-STAT6 (NGFI-A binding protein 2) es recomendable para confirmar el diagnóstico. Presentamos 3 casos clínicos, 2 mujeres y 1 varón, con diagnóstico anatomopatológico de meningioma meningotelial en el primer caso; y los casos 2 y 3 con sospecha radiológica de meningioma. La revisión anatomopatológica con estudio molecular permitió certificar el diagnóstico de TFS/ HP. Para el diagnóstico diferencial entre TFS/HP meníngeo y meningioma, se recomienda buscar la expresión de STAT6 como primer paso o la fusión NAB2-STAT6. La revisión de las muestras de biopsia debe estar garantizada en todos los pacientes, inclusive en aquellas que fueron estudiadas en Servicios de Patología Nivel 3.

Abstract The solitary fibrous tumor/ hemangiopericytoma (TFS/HP) is a rare mesenchymal extraaxial tumour. TFS/HP can sometimes be difficult to distinguish from other extra-axial tumors like meningioma, which can be clinically and radiologically indistinguishable. Molecular analysis with STAT6 (signal transducer and activator of transcription 6) nuclear expression or NAB2-STAT6 (NGFI-A binding protein 2) fusion is recommended to confirm the diagnosis. We present 3 cases, 2 women and 1 male, with pathological diagnosis of meningothelial meningioma in the first case; cases 2 and 3 with radiological suspicion of meningioma. The pathological review with molecular study certified the diagnosis of TFS/HP. For differential diagnosis between meningeal TFS/HP and meningioma, it is recommended to look for STAT6 expression as a first step, or NAB2-STAT6 fusion in order to confirm TFS/HP. The review of biopsy samples must be guaranteed in all patients, including those who were studied in Pathology Services Level 3.

[Immunohistochemical analysis for the diagnosis of solitary fibrous tumor/ hemangiopericytoma]. / El análisis inmunohistoquímico para el diagnóstico del tumor fibroso solitario/ hemangiopericitoma.

The solitary fibrous tumor/ hemangiopericytoma (TFS/HP) is a rare mesenchymal extraaxial tumour. TFS/HP can sometimes be difficult to distinguish from other extra-axial tumors like meningioma, which can be clinically and radiologically indistinguishable. Molecular analysis with STAT6 (signal transducer and activator of transcription 6) nuclear expression or NAB2-STAT6 (NGFI-A binding protein 2) fusion is recommended to confirm the diagnosis. We present 3 cases, 2 women and 1 male, with pathological diagnosis of meningothelial meningioma in the first case; cases 2 and 3 with radiological suspicion of meningioma. The pathological review with molecular study certified the diagnosis of TFS/HP. For differential diagnosis between meningeal TFS/HP and meningioma, it is recommended to look for STAT6 expression as a first step, or NAB2-STAT6 fusion in order to confirm TFS/HP. The review of biopsy samples must be guaranteed in all patients, including those who were studied in Pathology Services Level 3.

El tumor fibroso solitario/ hemangiopericitoma (TFS/HP) es un tumor extraaxial de origen mesenquimático de infrecuente observación, que usualmente se confunde con el meningioma, del cual puede ser clínica y radiológicamente indistinguible. El análisis molecular con la detección de la expresión nuclear STAT6 (signal transducer and activator of transcription 6) o la fusión NAB2-STAT6 (NGFI-A binding protein 2) es recomendable para confirmar el diagnóstico. Presentamos 3 casos clínicos, 2 mujeres y 1 varón, con diagnóstico anatomopatológico de meningioma meningotelial en el primer caso; y los casos 2 y 3 con sospecha radiológica de meningioma. La revisión anatomopatológica con estudio molecular permitió certificar el diagnóstico de TFS/HP. Para el diagnóstico diferencial entre TFS/HP meníngeo y meningioma, se recomienda buscar la expresión de STAT6 como primer paso o la fusión NAB2-STAT6. La revisión de las muestras de biopsia debe estar garantizada en todos los pacientes, inclusive en aquellas que fueron estudiadas en Servicios de Patología Nivel 3.

Principales biomarcadores moleculares en la caracterización de los tumores del sistema nervioso central / Main molecular biomarkers in the characterization of central nervous system tumors

La Clasificación de Tumores del Sistema Nervioso Central de la OMS 2016 incorpora biomarcadores moleculares junto a las características histológicas clásicas, en un diagnóstico integrado, con el fin de definir distintas entidades de gliomas con la mayor precisión posible. Los estudios de perfiles moleculares en el genoma han revelado las alteraciones genéticas características y los perfiles epigenéticos asociados con diferentes tipos de gliomas. Estas características moleculares pueden usarse para refinar la clasificación del glioma, mejorar la predicción de los resultados obtenidos con los tratamientos actuales y futuros en los pacientes, y como guía de un tratamiento personalizado. Asimismo, tener una aproximación pronóstica en cada paciente. Este cambio de paradigma ha modificado la forma en que se diagnostica el glioma y sus implicancias en la práctica diaria en la indicación de los diferentes tratamientos al paciente. Aquí, sintéticamente, revisamos y destacamos los biomarcadores moleculares clínicamente relevantes. Intentamos dejar plasmado cómo los avances en la genética molecular de los gliomas pueden promover y allanar el camino hacia la medicina de precisión en neurooncología.

The Classification of Tumors of the Central Nervous System of the WHO 2016 incorporates molecular biomarkers together with the classical histological characteristics, in an integrated diagnosis, in order to define different glioma entities with the highest possible accuracy. Studies of molecular profiles in the genome have revealed characteristic genetic alterations and epigenetic profiles associated with different types of gliomas. These molecular characteristics can be used to refine the classification of gliomas, improve the prediction of the results obtained with current and future treatments in patients and as a guide for a personalized treatment. Also, have a prognostic approach in each patient. This paradigm shift has modified the way glioma is diagnosed and its implications in daily practice in the indication of different treatments to the patient. Here, synthetically, we review and highlight clinically relevant molecular biomarkers. We try to capture how advances in the molecular genetics of gliomas can promote and pave the way to precision medicine in neuro-oncology.

Arteriopatía periférica en adultos de tres Unidades de Salud Familiar del Paraguay en 2019

RESUMEN Introducción: la detección de enfermedad arterial periférica permite identificar a un grupo de alto riesgo cardiovascular. La prueba del índice tobillo-brazo con esfigmomanómetro digital es una técnica muy fiable, fácil de aplicar y de interpretar. Objetivos: determinar la frecuencia y características clínicas de la enfermedad arterial periférica en sujetos adultos de Atención Primaria de Areguá, Paraguay, en el 2019. Metodología: estudio observacional, descriptivo, prospectivo, multicéntrico. Se incluyó a varones y mujeres mayores de 50 años que asisten a tres Unidades de Salud Familiar de Areguá, Paraguay, en el 2019. Previo consentimiento informado, todos fueron sometidos a determinaciones socioeconómicas, clínicas y detección del índice tobillo-brazo con esfigmomanómetro digital. Se consideró anormal todo índice tobillo-brazo <0,9. Resultados: se incluyeron 124 pacientes, con edad media 64±8 años. Predominaron los sujetos del sexo femenino, con escolaridad primaria, casados y sin independencia económica. Las comorbilidades más frecuentes fueron la hipertensión arterial y diabetes mellitus. Se detectaron 7 casos (5,6%) compatibles con arteriopatía periférica. Entre éstos, sólo 43% referían claudicación intermitente de miembros. Conclusiones: la frecuencia de índice tobillo-brazo compatible con arteriopatía periférica fue 5,6%. Entre éstos, los síntomas de claudicación de miembros fueron referidos por 43%.

ABSTRACT Introduction: The detection of the peripheral arterial disease allows identifying a group of high cardiovascular risk. The ankle-brachial index test with a digital sphygmomanometer is a very reliable technique, easy to apply and interpret. Objectives: To determine the frequency and clinical characteristics of peripheral arterial disease in adult subjects of Primary Care in Areguá, Paraguay, in 2019. Methodology: This was an observational, descriptive, prospective, multicenter study. Men and women over 50 years of age who attended three Family Health Units of Areguá, Paraguay, in 2019 were included prior informed consent. They all underwent socioeconomic and clinical measurements and detection of the ankle-brachial index with a digital sphygmomanometer. All ankle-brachial indexes <0.9 were considered abnormal. Results: One hundred and twenty-four patients were included, with a mean age of 64±8 years. Female subjects predominated, with primary education, married and without economic independence. The most frequent comorbidities were high blood pressure and diabetes mellitus. Seven cases (5.6%) compatible with peripheral artery disease were detected. Among these, only 43% reported intermittent limb claudication. Conclusions: The frequency of the ankle-brachial index compatible with peripheral artery disease was 5.6%. Among these, limb claudication symptoms were reported by 43%.

Analysis of mitochondrial enzymatic activity in blood lymphomonocyte fractions during infection with different Trypanosoma cruzi strains.

Proinflammatory and inflammatory mediators induced by Trypanosoma cruzi infection increase the oxidative stress, generating toxicity for cells targeting mitochondria of different tissues. We studied the activity of citrate synthase and complexes I-IV of respiratory chain in mitochondria of blood lymphomonocyte fraction, from albino Swiss mice infected with different isolates of T. cruzi , during Chagas disease evolution. Complexes I-IV were modified in infected groups (p<0.05) in all the stages, and an inflammatory process of different magnitudes was detected in the heart and skeletal muscle according to the isolate. The citrate synthase activity presented modifications in the SGO Z12 and the Tulahuen group (p<0.05). Hearts showed fiber fragmentation and fibrosis; skeletal muscle presented inflammatory infiltrates and in the Tulahuen infected group, there were also amastigote nests. The inflammatory processes produced an oxidative stress that induced different alterations of mitochondrial enzymes activities in the lymphomonocyte fraction that can be detected by a simple blood extraction, suggesting that they could be used as disease markers, especially in the indeterminate phase of Chagas disease.

Characterisation of "flushable" and "non-flushable" commercial wet wipes using microRaman, FTIR spectroscopy and fluorescence microscopy: to flush or not to flush.

The introduction to the market of wet wipes, advertised and labelled as "flushable", has been the subject of controversy due to their perceived potential to block sewer systems as observed with other non-woven cloths such as traditional non-flushable wipes. Non-woven cloths that enter wastewater systems can find their way into the aquatic environment via wastewater effluents and it has been suggested that the breakdown of these fabrics can release materials such as microplastics into the environment. Worldwide research has revealed the alarming number of aquatic organisms affected by the presence of plastic debris in the aquatic environment harbouring a potential risk to humans through the introduction of microplastics into the food chains. However, the actual material composition of flushable wipes, their fate and impacts in the aquatic environment have not yet been scientifically studied. This paper investigates the fibre composition of flushable and non-flushable wipes, specifically with regard to synthetic polymer material, using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and microRaman spectroscopy along with fluorescence microscopy. The study demonstrated the presence of polyester (polyethylene terephthalate, (PET)), high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and polyethylene/vinyl acetate (PEVA/EVA) in some flushable wipes and PET in all non-flushable. Other polymers such us polypropylene (PP), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), expanded polystyrene (EPS) and polyurethane (PU) were also identified as potential components in the flushable material. Hence, commercially available wet wipes labelled as flushable could also be considered as a possible source of microplastic fibres in the wastewater streams and, if not retained, in the environment.

In vitro and in vivo drug combination for the treatment of Trypanosoma cruzi infection: A multivariate approach.

Combination therapies based on the available drugs have been proposed as promising therapeutic alternatives for many diseases. Clomipramine (CLO) has been found to modify the evolution of the experimental infection. The objective of this study was to evaluate the combined effect of benznidazole (BZ) and clomipramine (CLO) against different life-stages of Trypanosoma cruzi in vitro and their efficacy in a murine model. Life-stages of T. cruzi, BZ-partially-resistant (Y) strain, were incubated with BZ and CLO and isobolograms and combination index (CI) were obtained. Swiss mice were infected with trypomastigotes and different treatment schedules were performed, each of which consisted of 30 consecutive daily doses. Treatment efficacy was evaluated by comparing parasitemia, qPCR, survival and histological analysis. These results were analyzed using multivariate analysis to determine the combined effect of the drugs in vivo. CLO + BZ showed synergistic activity in vitro against the clinically relevant life-stages of T. cruzi. The most susceptible forms were the intracellular amastigotes (CI: 0.20), followed by trypomastigotes (CI: 0.60), with no toxicity upon mammalian cells. The combination of both drugs CLO (1.25 mg/kg) and BZ (6.25 mg/kg), in vivo, significantly diminished the parasitic load in blood and the mortality rate. CLO + BZ presented a similar inflammatory response in cardiac and skeletal muscle (amount of inflammatory cells) to BZ (6.25 mg/kg). Finally, the results from the principal component analysis reaffirmed that both drugs administered in combination presented higher activity compared with the individual administration in the acute experimental model.

Differential tissue distribution of Trypanosoma cruzi during acute experimental infection: Further evidence using natural isolates.

In the present work, we evaluated the effect of mixed Trypanosoma cruzi infections, studying the biological distribution of the different parasites in blood, heart and skeletal muscle during the acute phase. Albino Swiss mice were infected with different parasite strain/isolates or with a combination of them. The parasites in the different tissues were typified through specific PCR, population variability was analyzed through RFLP studies and parasitological and histopathological parameters were evaluated. We found a predominance of TcII and TcVI in all tissues samples respect to TcV and different parasite populations were found in circulation and in the tissues from the same host. These results verify the distribution of parasites in host tissues from early stages of infection and show biological interactions among different genotypes and populations of T. cruzi.

[Analysis of the mitochondrial function and ultrastructure in healthy albino mice treated with heart failure medications] / Análisis de la función y ultraestructura mitocondrial en ratones albinos sanos tratados con medicamentos para insuficiencia cardíaca.

Background: Mitochondrial activity is essential for cardiac and skeletal muscle. The relationship between mitochondrial dysfunction and different cardiovascular conditions has been well described. Pharmacological treatment for heart failure involves different drugs as: angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, B-adrenergic blockers, digitalis glycosides and diuretics. The clinical benefit from medication is clear, however, the role of this drugs in mitochondrial metabolisms is not well understood. Aim of the study: The objective of our study was to analyze structural and functional characteristics of cardiac and skeletal muscle mitochondria in mice treated with drugs normally used for heart failure and compare it to a control group. Methods: Twenty-five Albino Mice divided in five groups were treated with heart failure medication during 30 days (group I to IV). 30 days after treatment they were sacrificed, heart and skeletal muscle were analyzed and compared with a control group (V). Results: Enzymatic activity was slightly increased in groups treated with heart failure medication compared to control group (p>0.05). Mitochondrial morphology was significantly altered in groups treated compared to control group, in addition, mitochondrial area was significantly increased in the treated groups, in both cardiac and skeletal muscle. Conclusions: We concluded that heart failure medication could produce modifications in mitochondrial function; we believe that mitochondria maintains the enzymatic activity by increasing size and modifying morphology. Methods: Twenty-five Albino Mice divided in five groups were treated with heart failure medication during 30 days (group I to IV). 30 days after treatment they were sacrificed, heart and skeletal muscle were analyzed and compared with a control group (V). Results: Enzymatic activity was slightly increased in groups treated with heart failure medication compared to control group (p>0.05). Mitochondrial morphology was significantly altered in groups treated compared to control group, in addition, mitochondrial area was significantly increased in the treated groups, in both cardiac and skeletal muscle. Conclusions: We concluded that heart failure medication could produce modifications in mitochondrial function; we believe that mitochondria maintains the enzymatic activity by increasing size and modifying morphology. Results: Enzymatic activity was slightly increased in groups treated with heart failure medication compared to control group (p>0.05). Mitochondrial morphology was significantly altered in groups treated compared to control group, in addition, mitochondrial area was significantly increased in the treated groups, in both cardiac and skeletal muscle. Conclusions: We concluded that heart failure medication could produce modifications in mitochondrial function; we believe that mitochondria maintains the enzymatic activity by increasing size and modifying morphology. Conclusions: We concluded that heart failure medication could produce modifications in mitochondrial function; we believe that mitochondria maintains the enzymatic activity by increasing size and modifying morphology.

Introducción: la actividad mitocondrial es esencial para el músculo cardíaco y esquelético. La relación entre la disfunción mitocondrial y diferentes condiciones cardiovasculares ha sido bien descrita. El tratamiento farmacológico de la insuficiencia cardíaca implica diferentes medicamentos como: inhibidores de la enzima convertidora de la angiotensina, bloqueadores B-adrenérgicos, glucósidos digitálicos y diuréticos. Los beneficios clínicos del tratamiento son claros, sin embargo, el papel de estos fármacos en el metabolismo mitocondrial no esta bien establecido.Objetivo del estudio: El objetivo de nuestro estudio fue analizar las características estructurales y funcionales de las mitocondrias del músculo cardíaco y esquelético en ratones tratados con fármacos habitualmente utilizados para la insuficiencia cardíaca y compararlo con un grupo control.Métodos: Veinticinco ratones albinos divididos en cinco grupos fueron tratados con la medicación para insuficiencia cardíaca durante 30 días (grupo I a IV). 30 días después del tratamiento se sacrificaron, el corazón y el músculo esquelético se analizaron y se compararon con un grupo control (V).Resultados: La actividad enzimática se incrementó ligeramente en los grupos tratados con medicamentos insuficiencia cardiaca en comparación con el grupo control (p> 0,05). morfología mitocondrial se modificó significativamente en los grupos tratados en comparación con el grupo control, además, el área mitocondrial fue significativamente mayor en los grupos tratados, tanto en el músculo cardíaco y estriado.Conclusiones: Concluimos que la medicación insuficiencia cardíaca podría producir modificaciones en la función mitocondrial; creemos que las mitocondrias pueden mantener la actividad enzimática mediante el aumento de tamaño y modificación de la morfología. Objetivo: El objetivo de nuestro estudio fue analizar las características estructurales y funcionales de las mitocondrias del músculo cardíaco y esquelético en ratones tratados con fármacos habitualmente utilizados para la insuficiencia cardíaca y compararlo con un grupo control. Métodos: Veinticinco ratones albinos divididos en cinco grupos fueron tratados con la medicación para insuficiencia cardíaca durante 30 días (grupo I a IV). 30 días después del tratamiento se sacrificaron, el corazón y el músculo esquelético se analizaron y se compararon con un grupo control (V).Resultados: La actividad enzimática se incrementó ligeramente en los grupos tratados con medicamentos insuficiencia cardiaca en comparación con el grupo control (p> 0,05). morfología mitocondrial se modificó significativamente en los grupos tratados en comparación con el grupo control, además, el área mitocondrial fue significativamente mayor en los grupos tratados, tanto en el músculo cardíaco y estriado.Conclusiones: Concluimos que la medicación insuficiencia cardíaca podría producir modificaciones en la función mitocondrial; creemos que las mitocondrias pueden mantener la actividad enzimática mediante el aumento de tamaño y modificación de la morfología. Resultados: La actividad enzimática se incrementó ligeramente en los grupos tratados con medicamentos insuficiencia cardiaca en comparación con el grupo control (p> 0,05). morfología mitocondrial se modificó significativamente en los grupos tratados en comparación con el grupo control, además, el área mitocondrial fue significativamente mayor en los grupos tratados, tanto en el músculo cardíaco y estriado.Conclusiones: Concluimos que la medicación insuficiencia cardíaca podría producir modificaciones en la función mitocondrial; creemos que las mitocondrias pueden mantener la actividad enzimática mediante el aumento de tamaño y modificación de la morfología. Conclusiones: Concluimos que la medicación insuficiencia cardíaca podría producir modificaciones en la función mitocondrial; creemos que las mitocondrias pueden mantener la actividad enzimática mediante el aumento de tamaño y modificación de la morfología.

Quantitative PCR and unconventional serological methods to evaluate clomipramine treatment effectiveness in experimental Trypanosoma cruzi infection.

Clomipramine (CLO), a tricyclic antidepressant drug, has been used for the treatment of mice infected with Trypanosoma cruzi. In this work we evaluated the effectiveness of CLO treatment upon T. cruzi-infected mice in the chronic phase of the experimental infection using Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and recombinant ELISA. Sixty Swiss albino mice were inoculated with 50 trypomastigote forms of T. cruzi (Tulahuen strain). CLO treatment consisted of 5mg/kg/day during 60days by intraperitoneal injection, beginning on day 90 post infection (p.i) when the mice presented electrocardiographic (ECG) alterations compatible with the chronic phase of the disease. The evolution of experimental infection and the treatment efficacy were studied through survival, electrocardiography, serology using a mixture and individual (1, 2, 13, 30, 36 and SAPA) recombinant proteins from epimastigotes and trypomastigotes of T. cruzi; and qPCR on days 180 and 270 p.i. CLO treatment in the chronic phase decreased the parasite load, reduced the levels of antibodies against antigen 13 throughout 270days p.i and reversed the ECG abnormalities in the treated animals, from 100% of the mice with alterations at the beginning of the treatment to only 20% of the mice with alterations by day 270 p.i. This study shows that qPCR and the use of recombinant antigens are more sensitive to evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment and proves that clomipramine may be considered as a new chemotherapy for the chronic phase of the disease.

Mitochondrial dysfunction in skeletal muscle during experimental Chagas disease.

Trypanosoma cruzi invasion and replication in cardiomyocytes and other tissues induce cellular injuries and cytotoxic reactions, with the production of inflammatory cytokines and nitric oxide, both sources of reactive oxygen species. The myocyte response to oxidative stress involves the progression of cellular changes primarily targeting mitochondria. Similar alterations could be taking place in mitochondria from the skeletal muscle; if that is the case, a simple skeletal muscle biopsy would give information about the cardiac energetic production that could be used as a predictor of the chagasic cardiopathy evolution. Therefore, in the present paper we studied skeletal muscle mitochondrial structure and the enzymatic activity of citrate synthase and respiratory chain complexes I to IV (CI-CIV), in Albino Swiss mice infected with T. cruzi, Tulahuen strain and SGO Z12 and Lucky isolates, along the infection. Changes in the mitochondrial structure were detected in 100% of the mitochondria analyzed from the infected groups: they all presented at least 1 significant abnormality such as increase in their matrix or disorganization of their cristae, which are probably related to the enzymatic dysfunction. When we studied the Krebs cycle functionality through the measurement of the specific citrate synthase activity, we found it to be significantly diminished during the acute phase of the infection in Tulahuen and SGO Z12 infected groups with respect to the control one; citrate synthase activity from the Lucky group was significantly increased (p<0.05). The activity of this enzyme was reduced in all the infected groups during the chronic asymptomatic phase (p<0.001) and return to normal values (Tulahuen and SGO Z12) or increased its activity (Lucky) by day 365 post-infection (p.i.). When the mitochondrial respiratory chain was analyzed from the acute to the chronic phase of the infection through the measurement of the activity of complexes I to IV, the activity of CI remained similar to control in Tulahuen and Lucky groups, but was significantly augmented in the SGO Z12 one in the acute and chronic phases (p<0.05). CII increased its activity in Tulahuen and Lucky groups by day 75 p.i. and in SGO Z12 by day 365 p.i. (p<0.05). CIII showed a similar behavior in the 3 infected groups, remaining similar to control values in the first two stages of the infection and significantly increasing later on (p<0.0001). CIV showed an increase in its activity in Lucky throughout all stages of infection (p<0.0001) and an increase in Tulahuen by day 365days p.i. (p<0.0001); SGO Z12 on the other hand, showed a decreased CIV activity at the same time. The structural changes in skeletal muscle mitochondria and their altered enzyme activity began in the acute phase of infection, probably modifying the ability of mitochondria to generate energy; these changes were not compensated in the rest of the phases of the infection. Chagas is a systemic disease, which produces not only heart damage but also permanent skeletal muscle alterations.

Trypanothione reductase inhibitors: Overview of the action of thioridazine in different stages of Chagas disease.

Thioridazine (TDZ) is a phenothiazine that has been shown to be one of the most potent phenothiazines to inhibit trypanothione reductase irreversibly. Trypanothione reductase is an essential enzyme for the survival of Trypanosoma cruzi in the host. Here, we reviewed the use of this drug for the treatment of T. cruzi experimental infection. In our laboratory, we have studied the effect of TDZ for the treatment of mice infected with different strains of T. cruzi and treated in the acute or in the chronic phases of the experimental infection, using two different schedules: TDZ at a dose of 80 mg/kg/day, for 3 days starting 1h after infection (acute phase), or TDZ 80 mg/kg/day for 12 days starting 180 days post infection (d.p.i.) (chronic phase). In our experience, the treatment of infected mice, in the acute or in the chronic phases of the infection, with TDZ led to a large reduction in the mortality rates and in the cardiac histological and electrocardiographical abnormalities, and modified the natural evolution of the experimental infection. These analyses reinforce the importance of treatment in the chronic phase to decrease, retard or stop the evolution to chagasic myocardiopathy. Other evidence leading to the use of this drug as a potential chemotherapeutic agent for Chagas disease treatment is also revised.

Functional and structural alterations of cardiac and skeletal muscle mitochondria in heart failure patients.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The fundamental mechanisms involved in the genesis and progression of heart failure are not clearly understood. The present study was conducted to analyze the cardiac mitochondrial involvement in heart failure, the possible parallelism between cardiac and skeletal muscle and if there is a link between clinical symptoms and mitochondrial damage. METHODS: Left ventricle and pectoral biopsies were obtained from patients with heart failure (n: 21) and patients with inter-auricular communication as the unique diagnosis for surgery (n: 6). Mitochondria were isolated from these tissues and studied through electron microscopy, spectrophotometry to measure the activity of respiratory complex III and immunohistochemistry to determine the presence of reactive oxygen species. RESULTS: More than 90% of cardiac and skeletal muscle mitochondria presented structural and functional alterations in relation to an increment in the reactive oxygen species production, even in patients without the presence of any clinical Framingham criteria. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrated some parallelism between cardiac and skeletal muscle mitochondrial alterations in patients with heart failure and that these alterations begin before the major clinical Framingham criteria are installed, pointing to mitochondria as one of the possibly responsible factors for the evolution of cardiac disease.

Circulating Trypanosoma cruzi populations differ from those found in the tissues of the same host during acute experimental infection.

We evaluated the presence and distribution of two Trypanosoma cruzi natural isolates in blood, heart, skeletal muscle, liver, and spleen tissues in the acute phase of the experimental infection (35 days postinfection) in order to determine if the populations present in blood were different to those found in the tissues of the same host. Thirty mice were infected with 50 forms of each isolate or with a combination of them. Presence and molecular characterization of the parasites in the host tissues were determined by specific PCR. Cardiac and skeletal muscle alterations were analyzed by histological studies. T. cruzi variability in the host tissues was analyzed through RFLP studies. Both isolates used consisted of a mixture of two T. cruzi lineages. Specific PCRs were positive for most of the samples from the 3 groups analyzed. Cardiac and skeletal muscle sections from the groups infected with one isolate presented mild to moderate inflammatory infiltrates; the group infected with both isolates showed severe inflammatory infiltrates and the presence of amastigote nests in both tissues. Different parasite populations were found in circulation and in the tissues from the same host. These results are important for patients with high probability of mixed infections in endemic areas and contribute to the knowledge of parasite/host interactions.

Búsqueda de marcadores de fisiopatogenia y evolución de la miocardiopatía por enfermedad de Chagas / Search markers pathophysiology and evolution of Chagas disease cardiomyopathy

Las mitocondrias son una de las organelas más importantes del miocardiocito, ya que aportan el 90% de la energía utilizada por el miocardio y la fibra muscular. La infección por T. cruzi induce la producción de mediadores proinflamatorios e inflamatorios que juegan un rol importante en modular la resistencia del parásito; estos mediadores producen aumento del estrés oxidativo generando toxicidad para los componentes celulares y para la misma organela, esto está asociado con una actividad modificada de los complejos respiratorios, lo que hace indispensable identificar marcadores de inicio y de evolución de lesiones en miocardio y en el tejido muscular, como así también en sangre, que nos permitiría con una simple muestra conocer el estado mitocondrial y predecir la evolución de la miocardiopatía, para prevenir la instalación o disminuír la gravedad de la enfermedad. Es por ello que en el presente trabajo hemos reproducido en modelos experimentales el inicio de la infección por T. cruzi y la evolución de la enfermedad en miocardio, músculo esquelético y sangre para comprobar si existen alteraciones a nivel histopatológico y ultraestructural de las mitocondrias, lo que implicaría una menor producción de energía y como consecuencia una disminución en la capacidad contráctil. Se analizaron los efectos de la infección de ratones con dos aislamientos (SGO Z12 y Lucky) y una cepa (Tulahuen) de T.cruzi. El estudio se llevó a cabo en los estadios agudo (35 días post-infección), crónico indeterminado (75 días post-infección) y crónico cardiaco (365 días post-infección) de la infección, analizando la histopatología de los tejidos, la ultraestructura mitocondrial y su función a través de la actividad enzimática de la citrato sintasa (enzima del ciclo de Krebs) y de los complejos (I-IV) de la cadena respiratoria...

Mitochondria are important organelles for myocardiocyte as provide 90% of the energy used by the myocardium and muscle fiber. T. cruzi infection induces the production of proinflammatory and inflammatory mediators that play an important role in modulating parasite resistance; these mediators cause increased oxidative stress causing cellular toxicity for the same components and organelles, this is associated with a modified activity of the respiratory complexes, which is essential to identify markers of evolution starting and myocardial injury and tissue muscle, as well as in blood, which would allow us to know a single sample mitochondrial state and predict the evolution of cardiomyopathy, to prevent installation or diminish the severity of the disease. That is why in this paper we have reproduced in experimental models starting T. cruzi infection and disease progression in myocardium, skeletal muscle and blood to check for histopathological and ultrastructural alterations of mitochondria level, would imply a lower energy output and consequently a decrease in contractility. The effects of infection of mice with two isolates (SGO Z12 and Lucky) and a strain (Tulahuen) of T. cruzi were analyzed. The study was carried out in the acute stage (35 days post-infection), indeterminate chronic (75 days post-infection) and chronic cardiac (365 days post-infection) of infection, analyzing tissue histopathology, ultrastructure mitochondrial and function through the enzymatic activity of citrate synthase (Krebs cycle) and the complexes (I-IV) of the respiratory chain...

[Utility of 11C-methionine PET/CT in neuro-oncology]. / Utilidad de 11C-metionina PET/CT en neurooncología.

Positron emission tomography (PET) with 11C-methionine (11C-methionine PET/CT) is a new technique used to evaluate primary central nervous system (CNS) tumors. We describe our experience regarding the first 4 patients with glial tumors and 11C-methionine PET/CT. This is a descriptive, observational and prospective study of 4 patients between 38-50 years of age, with different gliomas (WHO classification). MRI and 11C-methionine PET/CT were performed in all cases. Case 1, gliomatosis cerebri grade II post-radiotherapy. Case 2, oligodendroglioma grade II diagnosed and treated with radiotherapy in 1993. Case 3, glioblastoma grade IV post-radiotherapy + temozolomide. Case 4, anaplastic oligoastrocytoma grade III post-radiotherapy + temozolomide. The pattern of 11C-methionine uptake compared with MRI showed tumor progression in cases 1, 3 and 4, and in case 2 showed uptake although the final diagnosis was pseudoprogression. Unlike 18fluordeoxiglucose PET/TC, 11C-methionine uptake in normal brain tissue and pseudoprogression is low, and gliomas are displayed as metabolically active areas. The 11C-methionine PET/CT provided valuable information on the tumoral behavior and extension, although in one case presented did not differentiate tumor progression from pseudoprogression. 11C-methionine PET/CT could be a useful tool in the study and follow-up to patients with gliomas.

Utilidad de 11C-metionina PET/CT en neurooncología / Utility of 11C-methionine PET/CT in neuro-oncology

La tomografía por emisión de positrones con metionina carbono 11 (11C-metionina PET/TC) se utiliza en la evaluación de los tumores primarios del sistema nervioso central. Describimos nuestra experiencia sobre los primeros 4 pacientes con tumores de la serie glial estudiados con 11C-metionina PET/TC. Este es un estudio descriptivo, observacional y prospectivo. Se presentan 4 pacientes entre 38-50 años de edad con diagnóstico de gliomas (clasificación de la OMS). A todos se les realizó RM y 11C-metionina PET/TC para evaluar actividad tumoral y diferenciar progresión tumoral de pseudoprogresión. Caso 1, gliomatosis cerebri grado II posradioterapia. Caso 2, glioblastoma grado IV postratamiento RT + temozolomida. Caso 3, oligodendroglioma grado II posradioterapia en 1993. Caso 4, oligoastrocitoma anaplásico grado III postratamiento RT + temozolomida. El patrón de captación de la 11C-metionina comparativamente con la RM, demostró progresión tumoral en los casos 1, 3 y 4; en el caso 2 mostró captación aunque el diagnóstico final fue pseudoprogresión. A diferencia del PET con 18fluordeoxiglucosa, la captación de 11C-metionina en el tejido cerebral normal y en la pseudoprogresión es baja, y los gliomas se visualizan como áreas metabólicamente activas. En los casos presentados, el 11C-metionina PET/TC proveyó información valiosa sobre el comportamiento y extensión de la lesión, aunque en uno de los casos presentados no diferenció progresión tumoral de pseudoprogresión. El 11C-metionina PET/TC sería una herramienta útil en el estudio y seguimiento de los pacientes con gliomas.(AU)

Positron emission tomography (PET) with 11C-methionine (11C-methionine PET/CT) is a new technique used to evaluate primary central nervous system (CNS) tumors. We describe our experience regarding the first 4 patients with glial tumors and 11C-methionine PET/CT. This is a descriptive, observational and prospective study of 4 patients between 38-50 years of age, with different gliomas (WHO classification). MRI and 11C-methionine PET/CT were performed in all cases. Case 1, gliomatosis cerebri grade II post-radiotherapy. Case 2, oligodendroglioma grade II diagnosed and treated with radiotherapy in 1993. Case 3, glioblastoma grade IV post-radiotherapy + temozolomide. Case 4, anaplastic oligoastrocytoma grade III post-radiotherapy + temozolomide. The pattern of 11C-methionine uptake compared with MRI showed tumor progression in cases 1, 3 and 4, and in case 2 showed uptake although the final diagnosis was pseudoprogression. Unlike 18fluordeoxiglucose PET/TC, 11C-methionine uptake in normal brain tissue and pseudoprogression is low, and gliomas are displayed as metabolically active areas. The 11C-methionine PET/CT provided valuable information on the tumoral behavior and extension, although in one case presented did not differentiate tumor progression from pseudoprogression. 11C-methionine PET/CT could be a useful tool in the study and follow-up to patients with gliomas.(AU)