Extracellular FABP4 uptake by endothelial cells is dependent on cytokeratin 1 expression.

AIMS: The aim of this study is to determine the physical and functional interplay between fatty acid-binding protein 4 (FABP4) and its membrane receptor-like candidate protein, cytokeratin 1 (CK1), and to determine the effect of hindering CK1-mediated FABP4 cellular uptake on non-disturbed or metabolically stressed endothelial cells. METHODS: We monitored the direct interaction between FABP4 and CK1 using surface plasmon resonance, and the effects of blocking exogenous FABP4 (eFABP4) cellular uptake were determined by using specific siRNA to knock down the expression of CK1 in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). The expression and nuclear translocation of transcription factors involved in oxidative stress (NRF2) and inflammation (p65 subunit of NF-ĸB transcription factor) were determined by Western blotting analysis. RESULTS: Our data showed that FABP4 and CK1 bind to each other and that the putative FABP4 binding domain would be within the 151GIQEVTINQSLLQPLNVEID170 CK1 sequence. We determined that in non-disturbed or metabolically stressed endothelial cells, eFABP4 regulates the cellular response to oxidative stress. In addition, we also found that in the presence of palmitate, eFABP4 increases the pro-inflammatory effects induced by palmitate per se, probably due to an increase in the transport of palmitate inside cells, suggesting that these FABP4-mediated pro-oxidative and pro-inflammatory effects are dependent on CK1 expression. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrated that CK1 facilitates eFABP4 cellular uptake in endothelial cells. Therefore, the CK1-targeted inhibition of exogenous FABP4 cellular uptake might be a potential therapeutic strategy to protect endothelial cells against FABP4-induced activation of inflammation and oxidative stress.

Vacuna de hepatitis B entre personal de Atención Primaria / Hepatitis vaccine among Primary Care personnel

OBJETIVOS. Conocer la prevalencia de vacunados y protegidos contra el virus de la hepatitis B (VHB), estimar el riesgo que perciben en su actividad laboral y describir marcadores serológicos, distribuidos por catorce categorías profesionales, sexo, edad, antigüedad laboral y centro de trabajo. MÉTODO. Estudio observacional y transversal realizado en 2003. Población de estudio: 550 trabajadores de los centros de salud de Palencia. Fuente de información: cuestionario autoaplicable. Variables principales: vacunado correctamente (tres dosis de 20 mg de HBsAg en pautas 0-1-6 o 0-1-2 meses), protegido contra el VHB (vacunado correctamente con anticuerpos anti-HBs posvacunal > 10 UI) y riesgo percibido por el trabajador en su actividad laboral (valores de 0-9). El análisis estadístico de los datos se realizó con EPIINFO V.6. RESULTADOS. Participación: 50,45%. Vacunados correcta- mente: 59,1% (intervalo de confianza [IC] del 95%, 53,3%- 64,9%). Protegido: 35,1% (IC del 95%, 29,5%-40,7%). Media aritmética del riesgo percibido: 5,36 (IC del 99%, 5,28-5,44), con valores altos (7-9) en odontólogos, auxiliares de enfermería y enfermeros y valores medios (4-6) en médicos, personal de limpieza y matronas. CONCLUSIONES. La prevalencia de vacunados hallada es más alta que en otros estudios similares, una tercera parte de la población podría no estar vacunada y más de un 40% sería vacunable. Se concluye que hay que registrar más controles serológicos y ampliar las campañas informativas sobre hepatitis B, dirigiéndose sobre todo al personal no sanitario en riesgo y al personal médico, varones mayores de 45 años con más de 20 de antigüedad y que ejercen en el medio rural (AU)

AIM. To know the prevalence of those who are vaccinated and protected against the hepatitis B virus (HBV), to estimate the risks they have at their work and describe antibody markers, considering 14 professional categories, gender, age, seniority and workplace. METHOD. A cross-sectional observational study conducted in 2003 in a study population of 550 health care site workers in Palencia. Source of information: self-completed questionnaire. Main variables: correctly vaccinated (three doses of 20 micrograms of HBsAg, with a regime of 0, 1, 6 or 0, 1, 2 months), protected against the HBV (correctly vaccinated with postvaccination anti-HBs antibodies > 10 IU) and risk perceived by the worker in his/her work activity (values from 0 to 9). The statistical analysis of the data was conducted with EPIIN- FOV.6. RESULTS. A total of 50.45% participated and 59.1% (CI 95%, 53.3-64.9) were correctly vaccinated. Responsive subjects: 35.1% (CI 95%, 29.5-40.7%). Arithmetic mean of perceived risk: 5.36 (CI 99%, 5.28-5.44), there being high values (7-9) in odontologists, nursing assistants and nurses, and middle values (4-6) in doctors, cleaning staff and midwives. CONCLUSIONS. The prevalence of vaccinated subjects found is higher than in other similar studies; possibly one third of the population might not be vaccinated and more than 40% could be candidates for vaccination. In conclusion, more antibody controls must be recorded and informative campaigns made on hepatitis B, mainly aimed at high-risk non-health care staff and at male health care workers who are over 45 and have been practicing in rural areas for more than 20 years (AU)