Estrés oxidativo y osteonecrosis de la cabeza femoral

La osteonecrosis no traumática de la cabeza femoral representa un problema clínico importante, ya que hasta un 80% de los casos terminan en un colapso osteocondral con gran destrucción ósea y daño articular, con dolor y pérdida de la función de la cadera, necesitando finalmente una intervención de prótesis de sustitución a una edad temprana. La patogénesis de esta enfermedad es multifactorial y se conocen diversidad de factores etiológicos asociados a ella: consumo de alcohol y tabaco, uso de costicosteroides, alteraciones hemostáticas, alteraciones en el metabolismo lipídico y presencia de ciertos polimorfismos genéticos. Sin embargo, un gran número están descritas como idiopáticas y no presentan factores de riesgo. Recientes estudios en modelos animales de ONF inducida por esteroides sugieren que el estrés oxidativo podría estar involucrado en el desarrollo de la enfermedad. Estos estudios muestran que la administración de sustancias oxidantes aumenta el riesgo de padecer la enfermedad y que la administración de antioxidantes podría prevenir el desarrollo de la misma.Non-traumatic osteonecrosis of the femoral head represents a significant clinical problem. Chondral collapse occurs in up to 80% of the untreated cases resulting in bone destruction, pain and loss of joint function and prosthetic hip replacement at an early age is needed. The pathogenesis of the disease is likely multifactorial and seve- ral etiologic factors are known to be associated with it: alcohol intake, smoking, corticosteroid use, impaired hemos- tasis and lipid metabolism, and the presence of certain polymorphisms. However, a significant number are described, as idiopathic and do not present any risk factor. Recent studies in steroid-induced ONF animal models suggest that oxidative stress could be involved in the development of the disease. These studies show that the administration of pro-oxidant substances increase the risk of disease and antioxidants administration might prevent the development thereo

Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sobrinus detection by Polymerase Chain Reaction and their relation to dental caries in 12 and 15 year-old schoolchildren in Valencia (Spain)

A cross-sectional study was carried out to determine the prevalence of Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sobrinus and the association of the two in a random sample (n=614) of the child population of the region of Valencia (Spain). Saliva samples were analyzed by the quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method to study the relation of these bacteria to caries prevalence and the DMFT index. The prevalence of S. mutans was 35.4% at age 12 and 22.9% at age 15, that of S. sobrinus 18.9% and 8.4% and that of the S. mutans-S. sobrinus association 18.2% and 6.8% respectively. At both 12 and 15 years of age, the caries prevalence rates were lower in the Streptococcus-free group of children (37.6% and 48.5% respectively) and higher in the S.mutans-only group (67.3% and 74.0%). At the age of 12, the DMFT index was significantly higher in the mutans-only carriers (2.1) than in the Streptococcus-free and S. mutans-S. sobrinus association groups (both 0.9). At the age of 15, the DMFT index was significantly higher in the S. mutans-S. sobrinus association (3.71) and mutans-only (3.1) carrier groups than in the Streptococcus-free group (1.4). Determination of S. mutans and S. sobrinus by real-time quantitative PCR can provide valuable information for caries risk assessment in epidemiological studies

Prevalence of fimA genotypes of Porphyromonas gingivalis and other periodontal bacteria in a Spanish population with chronic periodontitis

Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of the different fimA genotypes of Porphyromonas gingivalis in adult Spanish patients with chronic periodontitis, patients with gingivitis and periodontally healthy subjects, and the relationship between these genotypes and other periodontopathogenic bacteria. Study design: Samples of subgingival plaque were taken from 86 patients (33 with chronic periodontitis, 16 with gingivitis, and 37 periodontally healthy) in the course of a full periodontal examination. PCR was employed to determine the presence of the 6 fimA genotypes of Porphyromonas gingivalis (I-V and Ib) and of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Tannerella forsythia and Treponema denticola. Results: Porphyromonas gingivalis fimA genotypes II and Ib were present in significantly higher percentages in periodontal patients (39.4% and 12.1% respectively) than in healthy or gingivitis subjects. The prevalence of Tannerella forsythia, Treponema denticola , and Porphyromonas gingivalis fimA genotype IV was significantly higher in the group that presented bleeding greater than 30%. A positive correlation was found between Porphyromonas gingivalis fimA genotype IV and Treponema denticola . Conclusions: A strong association between Porphyromonas gingivalis fimA genotypes II and Ib and chronic periodontitis exists in the Spanish population. The most prevalent genotype in periodontal patients is I

Experimental evidence reveals both cross-infection and cross-contamination risk of embryos storage in liquid nitrogen biobanks

[EN] This study was conducted to demonstrate the potential hazards of cross-infection and cross-contamination of embryos during storage in liquid nitrogen biobanks. For the harmless and successful cryopreservation of embryos, the vitrification method must be chosen meticulously to guarantee not only a high post-thaw survival of embryos, but also to reduce the risk of disease transmission when those embryos are in storage for long periods. In recent decades, gamete and embryo cryopreservation have become routine procedures in livestock and human assisted reproduction. However, the safe storage of germplasm and the prevention of disease transmission continue to be potential hazards of disease transmission through embryo transfer. This study aimed to demonstrate the potential risk of cross-infection of embryos from contaminated liquid nitrogen, and cross-contamination of sterile liquid nitrogen from infected embryos in naked and closed devices. Additionally, we examined the effects of antibiotic-free media on culture development of infected embryos. The study was a laboratory-based analysis using rabbit as a model. Two experiments were performed to evaluate both cross-infection (liquid nitrogen to embryos) and cross-contamination (embryos to liquid nitrogen) of artificially inoculated Salmonella Typhimurium, Staphylococcus aureus, Enterobacter aerogenes, and Aspergillus brasiliensis. Rapid cooling through vitrification was conducted on rabbit embryos, stored for a year, thawed, and cultured. In vivo produced late morulae-early blastocyst stages (72 h) embryos were used (n = 480). Embryos were cultured for 1 h in solutions with and without pathogens. Then, the embryos were vitrified and stored in naked and closed devices for one year in two liquid nitrogen biobanks (one pathogen-free and the other artificially contaminated). Embryos were warmed and cultured for a further 48 h, assessing the development and the presence of microorganism (chromogenic media, scanning electron microscopy). Embryos stored in naked devices in artificially contaminated liquid nitrogen became infected (12.5%), while none of the embryos stored in closed devices were infected. Meanwhile, storage of artificially infected embryos incurred liquid nitrogen biobank contamination (100%). Observations by scanning electron microscopy revealed that all the microorganisms were caught in the surface of embryos after the vitrification-thawed procedure. Nevertheless, embryos cultured in antibiotics and antimycotic medium developed to the hatched blastocyst stage, while artificially infected embryos cultured in antibiotic-free medium failed to develop. In conclusion, our findings support that both cross-contamination and cross-infection during embryo storage in liquid nitrogen biobanks are plausible. So, to ensure biosafety for the cryogenic storage, closed systems that avoid direct contact with liquid nitrogen must be used. Moreover, it seems essential to provide best practice guidelines for the cryogenic preservation and storage of gametes and embryos, to define appropriate quality and risk management procedures.This research was supported by the Ministry of Economy, Industry and Competitiveness (MICINN), through a Spanish research project (AGL2017-85162-C2-1-R).Marín, C.; Garcia-Dominguez, X.; Montoro-Dasí, L.; Lorenzo-Rebenaque, L.; Vicente Antón, JS.; Marco-Jiménez, F. (2020). Experimental evidence reveals both cross-infection and cross-contamination risk of embryos storage in liquid nitrogen biobanks. Animals. 10(4):1-13. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani10040598S113104Kushnir, V. A., Barad, D. H., Albertini, D. F., Darmon, S. K., & Gleicher, N. (2017). Systematic review of worldwide trends in assisted reproductive technology 2004–2013. Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology, 15(1). doi:10.1186/s12958-016-0225-2De Geyter, C., Calhaz-Jorge, C., Kupka, M. S., Wyns, C., Mocanu, E., Motrenko, T., … Goossens, V. (2018). ART in Europe, 2014: results generated from European registries by ESHRE†. Human Reproduction, 33(9), 1586-1601. doi:10.1093/humrep/dey242Bielanski, A., Bergeron, H., Lau, P. C. K., & Devenish, J. (2003). Microbial contamination of embryos and semen during long term banking in liquid nitrogen. Cryobiology, 46(2), 146-152. doi:10.1016/s0011-2240(03)00020-8Bielanski, A., & Vajta, G. (2009). Risk of contamination of germplasm during cryopreservation and cryobanking in IVF units. Human Reproduction, 24(10), 2457-2467. doi:10.1093/humrep/dep117Molina, I., Mari, M., Martínez, J. V., Novella-Maestre, E., Pellicer, N., & Pemán, J. (2016). Bacterial and fungal contamination risks in human oocyte and embryo cryopreservation: open versus closed vitrification systems. Fertility and Sterility, 106(1), 127-132. doi:10.1016/j.fertnstert.2016.03.024Bielanski, A. (2014). Biosafety in Embryos and Semen Cryopreservation, Storage, Management and Transport. Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology, 429-465. doi:10.1007/978-1-4939-0820-2_17Bielanski, A., Nadin-Davis, S., Sapp, T., & Lutze-Wallace, C. (2000). Viral Contamination of Embryos Cryopreserved in Liquid Nitrogen. Cryobiology, 40(2), 110-116. doi:10.1006/cryo.1999.2227Tedeschi, R., & De Paoli, P. (2010). Collection and Preservation of Frozen Microorganisms. Methods in Biobanking, 313-326. doi:10.1007/978-1-59745-423-0_18Kuwayama, M., Vajta, G., Ieda, S., & Kato, O. (2005). Comparison of open and closed methods for vitrification of human embryos and the elimination of potential contamination. Reproductive BioMedicine Online, 11(5), 608-614. doi:10.1016/s1472-6483(10)61169-8Bielanski, A. (2007). Disinfection procedures for controlling microorganisms in the semen and embryos of humans and farm animals. Theriogenology, 68(1), 1-22. doi:10.1016/j.theriogenology.2007.03.025Alikani, M. (2018). Cryostorage of human gametes and embryos: a reckoning. Reproductive BioMedicine Online, 37(1), 1-3. doi:10.1016/j.rbmo.2018.05.004Bielanski, A. (2012). A review of the risk of contamination of semen and embryos during cryopreservation and measures to limit cross-contamination during banking to prevent disease transmission in ET practices. Theriogenology, 77(3), 467-482. doi:10.1016/j.theriogenology.2011.07.043Joaquim, D. C., Borges, E. D., Viana, I. G. R., Navarro, P. A., & Vireque, A. A. (2017). Risk of Contamination of Gametes and Embryos during Cryopreservation and Measures to Prevent Cross-Contamination. BioMed Research International, 2017, 1-11. doi:10.1155/2017/1840417Hubálek, Z. (2003). Protectants used in the cryopreservation of microorganisms. Cryobiology, 46(3), 205-229. doi:10.1016/s0011-2240(03)00046-4Pomeroy, K. O., Harris, S., Conaghan, J., Papadakis, M., Centola, G., Basuray, R., & Battaglia, D. (2010). Storage of cryopreserved reproductive tissues: evidence that cross-contamination of infectious agents is a negligible risk. Fertility and Sterility, 94(4), 1181-1188. doi:10.1016/j.fertnstert.2009.04.031Kastrop, P. M. M., de Graaf-Miltenburg, L. A. M., Gutknecht, D. R., & Weima, S. M. (2007). Microbial contamination of embryo cultures in an ART laboratory: sources and management. Human Reproduction, 22(8), 2243-2248. doi:10.1093/humrep/dem165THIBIER, M. (2011). Embryo transfer: a comparative biosecurity avantage in international movements of germplasm. Revue Scientifique et Technique de l’OIE, 30(1), 177-188. doi:10.20506/rst.30.1.2024Dissanayake, D. M. A. B., Perera, R. R. D. P., Wijesinghe, P., & Amaranath, K. (2014). Antibiotics supplemented culture media can eliminate non-specific bacteria from human semen during sperm preparation for intra uterine insemination. Journal of Human Reproductive Sciences, 7(1), 58. doi:10.4103/0974-1208.130859Magli, M. C., Gianaroli, L., Fiorentino, A., Ferraretti, A. P., Fortini, D., & Panzella, S. (1996). Fertilization and early embryology: Improved cleavage rate of human embryos cultured in antibiotic-free medium. Human Reproduction, 11(7), 1520-1524. doi:10.1093/oxfordjournals.humrep.a019430Zhou, H., McKiernan, S. H., Ji, W., & Bavister, B. D. (2000). Effect of antibiotics on development in vitro of hamster pronucleate ova. Theriogenology, 54(7), 999-1006. doi:10.1016/s0093-691x(00)00408-8Larman, M. G., Hashimoto, S., Morimoto, Y., & Gardner, D. K. (2014). Cryopreservation in ART and concerns with contamination during cryobanking. Reproductive Medicine and Biology, 13(3), 107-117. doi:10.1007/s12522-014-0176-2Marco-Jiménez, F., Jiménez-Trigos, E., Almela-Miralles, V., & Vicente, J. S. (2016). Development of Cheaper Embryo Vitrification Device Using the Minimum Volume Method. PLOS ONE, 11(2), e0148661. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0148661Cobo, A., Romero, J. L., Pérez, S., de los Santos, M. J., Meseguer, M., & Remohí, J. (2010). Storage of human oocytes in the vapor phase of nitrogen. Fertility and Sterility, 94(5), 1903-1907. doi:10.1016/j.fertnstert.2009.10.042Nakashima, A., Ino, N., Kusumi, M., Ohgi, S., Ito, M., Horikawa, T., … Saito, H. (2010). Optimization of a novel nylon mesh container for human embryo ultrarapid vitrification. Fertility and Sterility, 93(7), 2405-2410. doi:10.1016/j.fertnstert.2009.01.063Chen, Y., Zheng, X., Yan, J., Qiao, J., & Liu, P. (2013). Neonatal outcomes after the transfer of vitrified blastocysts: closed versus open vitrification system. Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology, 11(1). doi:10.1186/1477-7827-11-107Panagiotidis, Y., Vanderzwalmen, P., Prapas, Y., Kasapi, E., Goudakou, M., Papatheodorou, A., … Maroulis, G. (2013). Open versus closed vitrification of blastocysts from an oocyte-donation programme: a prospective randomized study. Reproductive BioMedicine Online, 26(5), 470-476. doi:10.1016/j.rbmo.2013.01.016Cai, H., Niringiyumukiza, J. D., Li, Y., Lai, Q., Jia, Y., Su, P., & Xiang, W. (2018). Open versus closed vitrification system of human oocytes and embryos: a systematic review and meta-analysis of embryologic and clinical outcomes. Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology, 16(1). doi:10.1186/s12958-018-0440-0Paffoni, A., Guarneri, C., Ferrari, S., Restelli, L., Nicolosi, A. E., Scarduelli, C., & Ragni, G. (2011). Effects of two vitrification protocols on the developmental potential of human mature oocytes. Reproductive BioMedicine Online, 22(3), 292-298. doi:10.1016/j.rbmo.2010.11.004García-Domínguez, X., Marco-Jiménez, F., Puigcerver-Barber, M., Más-Pellicer, A., & Vicente, J. S. (2020). The harmful effect of removing the extracellular vitrification medium during embryo cryopreservation using a nylon mesh device in rabbit. Cryobiology, 93, 44-48. doi:10.1016/j.cryobiol.2020.02.013Mehaisen, G. M. K., & Saeed, A. M. (2013). In vitro development rate of preimplantation rabbit embryos cultured with different levels of melatonin. Zygote, 23(1), 111-115. doi:10.1017/s0967199413000415Parmegiani, L., Accorsi, A., Bernardi, S., Arnone, A., Cognigni, G. E., & Filicori, M. (2012). A reliable procedure for decontamination before thawing of human specimens cryostored in liquid nitrogen: three washes with sterile liquid nitrogen (SLN2). Fertility and Sterility, 98(4), 870-875. doi:10.1016/j.fertnstert.2012.06.028Arav, A., & Natan, Y. (2019). The Near Future of Vitrification of Oocytes and Embryos: Looking into Past Experience and Planning into the Future. Transfusion Medicine and Hemotherapy, 46(3), 182-187. doi:10.1159/000497749Tedder, R. ., Zuckerman, M. ., Brink, N. ., Goldstone, A. ., Fielding, A., Blair, S., … Irwin, D. (1995). Hepatitis B transmission from contaminated cryopreservation tank. The Lancet, 346(8968), 137-140. doi:10.1016/s0140-6736(95)91207-xIaffaldano, N., Reale, A., Sorrentino, E., Coppola, R., Di Iorio, M., & Rosato, M. P. (2010). Risk of Salmonella transmission via cryopreserved semen in turkey flocks. Poultry Science, 89(9), 1975-1980. doi:10.3382/ps.2009-00573Ayatollahi, A. A., Amini, A., Rahimi, S., Takrami, S. R., Darsanaki, R. K., & Nezhad, M. S. (2017). Prevalence of gram-negative bacilli isolated from the equipment and surfaces in hospital wards of Golestan province, North of Iran. European Journal of Microbiology and Immunology, 7(4), 261-266. doi:10.1556/1886.2017.00015Vancraeynest, D., Haesebrouck, F., Deplano, A., Denis, O., Godard, C., Wildemauwe, C., & Hermans, K. (2006). International Dissemination of a High Virulence Rabbit Staphylococcus aureus Clone. Journal of Veterinary Medicine Series B, 53(9), 418-422. doi:10.1111/j.1439-0450.2006.00977.xPaterson, G. K., Harrison, E. M., & Holmes, M. A. (2014). The emergence of mecC methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Trends in Microbiology, 22(1), 42-47. doi:10.1016/j.tim.2013.11.003Edwards, J. F., Lassala, A. L., & Spencer, T. E. (2008). Staphylococcus-associated Abortions in Ewes with Long-term Central Venous Catheterization. Veterinary Pathology, 45(6), 881-888. doi:10.1354/vp.45-6-881Ardigò, P., D’Incau, M., & Pongolini, S. (2014). Abortion in cattle due to infection with Staphylococcus lugdunensis. Journal of Veterinary Diagnostic Investigation, 26(6), 818-820. doi:10.1177/1040638714550182EL-KEST, S. E., & MARTH, E. H. (1992). Freezing of Listeria monocytogenes and Other Microorganisms: A Review. Journal of Food Protection, 55(8), 639-648. doi:10.4315/0362-028x-55.8.639Bortolami, A., Williams, N. J., McGowan, C. M., Kelly, P. G., Archer, D. C., Corrò, M., … Timofte, D. (2017). Environmental surveillance identifies multiple introductions of MRSA CC398 in an Equine Veterinary Hospital in the UK, 2011–2016. Scientific Reports, 7(1). doi:10.1038/s41598-017-05559-8Friedman, N. D., Temkin, E., & Carmeli, Y. (2016). The negative impact of antibiotic resistance. Clinical Microbiology and Infection, 22(5), 416-422. doi:10.1016/j.cmi.2015.12.002Lemeire, K., Van Merris, V., & Cortvrindt, R. (2007). The antibiotic streptomycin assessed in a battery of in vitro tests for reproductive toxicology. Toxicology in Vitro, 21(7), 1348-1353. doi:10.1016/j.tiv.2007.05.004Levy, S. B., & Marshall, B. (2004). Antibacterial resistance worldwide: causes, challenges and responses. Nature Medicine, 10(S12), S122-S129. doi:10.1038/nm1145Blair, J. M. A., Webber, M. A., Baylay, A. J., Ogbolu, D. O., & Piddock, L. J. V. (2014). Molecular mechanisms of antibiotic resistance. Nature Reviews Microbiology, 13(1), 42-51. doi:10.1038/nrmicro3380Boucher, H. W., Talbot, G. H., Bradley, J. S., Edwards, J. E., Gilbert, D., Rice, L. B., … Bartlett, J. (2009). Bad Bugs, No Drugs: No ESKAPE! An Update from the Infectious Diseases Society of America. Clinical Infectious Diseases, 48(1), 1-12. doi:10.1086/595011Khan, S. N., & Khan, A. U. (2016). Breaking the Spell: Combating Multidrug Resistant ‘Superbugs’. Frontiers in Microbiology, 7. doi:10.3389/fmicb.2016.00174Asokan, G., Ramadhan, T., Ahmed, E., … Sanad, H. (2019). WHO Global Priority Pathogens List: A Bibliometric Analysis of Medline-PubMed for Knowledge Mobilization to Infection Prevention and Control Practices in Bahrain. Oman Medical Journal, 34(3), 184-193. doi:10.5001/omj.2019.37Anjum, M. F., Marco-Jimenez, F., Duncan, D., Marín, C., Smith, R. P., & Evans, S. J. (2019). Livestock-Associated Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus From Animals and Animal Products in the UK. Frontiers in Microbiology, 10. doi:10.3389/fmicb.2019.02136Schulze, M., Schäfer, J., Simmet, C., Jung, M., & Gabler, C. (2018). Detection and characterization of Lactobacillus spp. in the porcine seminal plasma and their influence on boar semen quality. PLOS ONE, 13(9), e0202699. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0202699Nicolas, I., Bordeau, V., Bondon, A., Baudy-Floc’h, M., & Felden, B. (2019). Novel antibiotics effective against gram-positive and -negative multi-resistant bacteria with limited resistance. PLOS Biology, 17(7), e3000337. doi:10.1371/journal.pbio.300033

Silencing of Foxp3 enhances the antitumor efficacy of GM-CSF genetically modified tumor cell vaccine against B16 melanoma

The antitumor response after therapeutic vaccination has a limited effect and seems to be related to the presence of T regulatory cells (Treg), which express the immunoregulatory molecules CTLA4 and Foxp3. The blockage of CTLA4 using antibodies has shown an effective antitumor response conducing to the approval of the human anti-CTLA4 antibody ipilimumab by the US Food and Drug Administration. On the other hand, Foxp3 is crucial for Treg development. For this reason, it is an attractive target for cancer treatment. This study aims to evaluate whether combining therapeutic vaccination with CTLA4 or Foxp3 gene silencing enhances the antitumor response. First, the "in vitro" cell entrance and gene silencing efficacy of two tools, 2'-O-methyl phosphorotioate-modified oligonucleotides (2'-OMe-PS-ASOs) and polypurine reverse Hoogsteen hairpins (PPRHs), were evaluated in EL4 cells and cultured primary lymphocytes. Following B16 tumor transplant, C57BL6 mice were vaccinated with irradiated B16 tumor cells engineered to produce granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) and were intraperitoneally treated with CTLA4 and Foxp3 2'-OMe-PS-ASO before and after vaccination. Tumor growth, mice survival, and CTLA4 and Foxp3 expression in blood cells were measured. The following results were obtained: 1) only 2'-OMe-PS-ASO reached gene silencing efficacy "in vitro"; 2) an improved survival effect was achieved combining both therapeutic vaccine and Foxp3 antisense or CTLA4 antisense oligonucleotides (50% and 20%, respectively); 3) The blood CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ (Treg) and CD4+CTLA4+ cell counts were higher in mice that developed tumor on the day of sacrifice. Our data showed that tumor cell vaccine combined with Foxp3 or CTLA4 gene silencing can increase the efficacy of therapeutic antitumor vaccination

Proceedings of the 2nd BEAT-PCD conference and 3rd PCD training school: part 1

Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) is a rare heterogenous condition that causes progressive suppurative lung disease, chronic rhinosinusitis, chronic otitis media, infertility and abnormal situs. 'Better Experimental Approaches to Treat Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia' (BEAT-PCD) is a network of scientists and clinicians coordinating research from basic science through to clinical care with the intention of developing treatments and diagnostics that lead to improved long-term outcomes for patients. BEAT-PCD activities are supported by EU funded COST Action (BM1407). The second BEAT-PCD conference, and third PCD training school were held jointly in April 2017 in Valencia, Spain. Presentations and workshops focussed on advancing the knowledge and skills relating to PCD in: basic science, epidemiology, diagnostic testing, clinical management and clinical trials. The multidisciplinary conference provided an interactive platform for exchanging ideas through a program of lectures, poster presentations, breakout sessions and workshops. Three working groups met to plan consensus statements. Progress with BEAT-PCD projects was shared and new collaborations were fostered. In this report, we summarize the meeting, highlighting developments made during the meeting

Differential Expression of PGC-1α and Metabolic Sensors Suggest Age-Dependent Induction of Mitochondrial Biogenesis in Friedreich Ataxia Fibroblasts

11 pages, 6 figures. PMID:21687738[PubMed] PMCID: PMC3110204BACKGROUND: Friedreich's ataxia (FRDA) is a mitochondrial rare disease, which molecular origin is associated with defect in the expression of frataxin. The pathological consequences are degeneration of nervous system structures and cardiomyopathy with necrosis and fibrosis, among others. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Using FRDA fibroblasts we have characterized the oxidative stress status and mitochondrial biogenesis. We observed deficiency of MnSOD, increased ROS levels and low levels of ATP. Expression of PGC-1α and mtTFA was increased and the active form of the upstream signals p38 MAPK and AMPK in fibroblasts from two patients. Interestingly, the expression of energetic factors correlated with the natural history of disease of the patients, the age when skin biopsy was performed and the size of the GAA expanded alleles. Furthermore, idebenone inhibit mitochondriogenic responses in FRDA cells. CONCLUSIONS: The induction of mitochondrial biogenesis in FRDA may be a consequence of the mitochondrial impairment associated with disease evolution. The increase of ROS and the involvement of the oxidative phosphorylation may be an early event in the cell pathophysiology of frataxin deficiency, whereas increase of mitochondriogenic response might be a later phenomenon associated to the individual age and natural history of the disease, being more evident as the patient age increases and disease evolves. This is a possible explanation of heart disease in FRDA.This work was supported by grants SAF2008-01338, SAF2006-01047 and SAF2009-07063 from the Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación and financial support from the CIBERER (Biomedical Network Research Center for Rare Diseases). A.G. thanks the Conselleria de Educación of the Generalitat Valenciana for the financial support by grants GVPRE/2008/154. A.B.-A. is the recipient of a JAE-CSIC predoctoral fellowship. The CIBERER is an initiative of the Instituto de Salud Carlos III and INGENIO 2010.Peer reviewe

Desenvolvimento de um roteiro conceitual para a gestão da biodiversidade e dos serviços ecossistêmicos no Caribe mexicano

Coral reefs and mangroves support rich biodiversity and provide ecosystem services that range from food, recreational benefits and coastal protection services, among others. They are one of the most threatened ecosystems by urbanization processes. In this context, we developed a conceptual framework for the management of biodiversity and ecosystem services for these coastal environments. We based our workflow on two sections: “Information base” and “Governance” and use the Puerto Morelos Coastal region as a case study for coastal protection. Puerto Morelos is between two of the most touristic destinations of Mexico (Playa del Carmen and Cancun) that has experienced an increase of population in the past four decades resulting in an intensification of multiple threats to its ecosystems. We characterized the two ecosystems with a “Management Units” strategy. An expert-based ecosystem services matrix was also described in order to connect mangroves and coral reef ecosystems with the multiple beneficiaries. Then an ecosystem model (conceptual model and Global Biodiversity model) was developed. The conceptual model was useful in understanding the interplay processes between systems regarding the ecosystem service of “Coastal Protection”. The Global Biodiversity model evidenced the human-induced shifts in the biodiversity for mangrove and coral reefs ecosystems. Also, a projection for 2035 of “best” and “worst” scenarios was applied using GLOBIO3. A DPSIR conceptual framework was used to analyze environmental problems regarding ecosystem services maintenance. Finally, we evaluated a set of policies associated with these ecosystems that favor coastal protection integrity. This framework facilitates the identification of the most relevant processes and controls about the provision of coastal protection service. It can also be useful to better target management actions and as a tool to identify future management needs to tackle the challenges preventing more effective conservation of coastal environments.Recifes de coral e manguezais possuem rica biodiversidade e fornecem serviços ecossistêmicos, tais como, alimento, recreação, proteção costeira, entre outros. Esses ecossistemas encontram-se entre os mais ameaçados pelos processos de urbanização. Nesse contexto, desenvolvemos um roteiro conceitual para a gestão da biodiversidade e dos serviços ecossistêmicos desses ambientes costeiros. Organizamos nossa sequência de passos de trabalho em duas seções: “Base de informações” e “Governança” e usamos a região costeira da cidade de Puerto Morelos (México) como um estudo de caso para analisar o serviço de proteção de costa. Puerto Morelos encontra-se entre dois dos destinos mais turísticos do México (Playa del Carmen e Cancún), e portanto sua população vem aumentando nas últimas quatro décadas, resultando na intensificação de múltiplas ameaças para os ecossistemas. Primeiramente, caracterizamos os dois ecossistemas identificando-os como “Unidades de Gestão”, detalhando seus principais componentes e processos. Através de uma “Matriz de serviços ecossistêmicos”, construída com base na opinião de especialistas, foram sistematizados os principais serviços ecossistêmicos prestados pelos manguezais e recifes de corais aos múltiplos beneficiários. Em seguida, foi desenvolvida uma modelagem do sistema (e ecossistemas) através de sua representação na forma de um modelo conceitual e um modelo numérico de Biodiversidade Global. O modelo conceitual facilitou a compreensão dos processos de interação entre sistemas em relação ao serviço “Proteção Costeira”. O modelo numérico evidenciou as mudanças induzidas pelo homem na biodiversidade dos ecossistemas de manguezal e recifes de coral. Além disso, uma projeção dos cenários “melhor” e “pior” foi desenvolvida para 2035 usando GLOBIO3. A Estrutura conceitual DPSIR foi aplicada para analisar problemas ambientais relacionados à manutenção dos serviços ecossistêmicos. Finalmente, avaliamos um conjunto de políticas públicas associadas a esses ecossistemas e que favorecem a integridade da proteção costeira. Portanto, o roteiro facilitou a identificação dos principais processos e controles para a provisão de um serviço ecossistêmico. Além disso, pode ser útil para direcionar melhor as ações de gerenciamento, bem como, uma ferramenta para identificar necessidades futuras de planejamento e gestão para enfrentar desafios que permitam uma conservação mais eficaz dos ambientes costeiros.Fil: Sánchez Quinto, Andrés. Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México; MéxicoFil: Costa, Julliet Correa da. Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina; BrasilFil: Zamboni, Nadia Selene. Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte; BrasilFil: Sanches, Fábio H. C.. Universidade Federal de Sao Paulo; BrasilFil: Principe, Silas C.. Universidade de Sao Paulo; BrasilFil: Viotto, Evangelina del Valle. Provincia de Entre Ríos. Centro de Investigaciones Científicas y Transferencia de Tecnología a la Producción. Universidad Autónoma de Entre Ríos. Centro de Investigaciones Científicas y Transferencia de Tecnología a la Producción. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Santa Fe. Centro de Investigaciones Científicas y Transferencia de Tecnología a la Producción; ArgentinaFil: Casagranda, Maria Elvira. Universidad Nacional de Tucumán. Instituto de Ecología Regional. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Tucumán. Instituto de Ecología Regional; ArgentinaFil: Lima, Francisco A. da Veiga. Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina; BrasilFil: Possamai, Bianca. Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande.; BrasilFil: Faroni Perez, Larisse. Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora; Brasi