Bisphenol A Exposure and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: An Increasing Problem

Cada vez es más patente la relación existente entre los disruptores endocrinos, grupo de contaminantes ambientales a los que pertenece el bisfenol A, y distintos trastornos en la salud reproductiva, como es el caso del síndrome de ovario poliquístico (SOP). En esta revisión narrativa se ha tratado de definir aspectos clave tanto del bisfenol A como del SOP, así como unificar el conocimiento actual existente entre ambos con el fin de establecer una base sólida de su relación y su repercusión en la salud. Diversos estudios señalan una posible relación no solo entre el SOP y la exposición a bisfenol A, sino también con otras enfermedades que se presentan con mayor prevalencia en mujeres con dicho síndrome, tales como alteraciones de la regulación hormonal o del metabolismo, entre otras. Sin embargo, es necesario ahondar en el conocimiento de la relación existente entre el bisfenol A y el SOP, con el objetivo de aportar una mayor evidencia. En este sentido, sería interesante el desarrollo de diferentes estudios epidemiológicos enfocados a fortalecer y reafirmar la posible asociación causal existente.Bisphenol A belongs to a group of environmental pollutants, called endocrine disruptors, whose relationship with various health disorders is becoming increasingly evident. One of these disorders is polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). This narrative review attempts to define key aspects of both bisphenol A and PCOS, as well as to consolidate the current knowledge about them with the aim to establish a solid basis for their relationship and implication in health. Different studies point out a possible relationship not only between PCOS and exposure to bisphenol A, but also to other diseases that are more prevalent in women with this syndrome, such as disorders in hormone regulation or metabolism. It is necessary, however, to deepen the knowledge about the relationship between bisphenol A and PCOS in order to provide more evidence. To this effect, it would be interesting to develop different epidemiological studies focused on strengthening and reaffirming the potential causal association

Associations between heart rate variability and maximal fat oxidation in two different cohorts of healthy sedentary adults

Background and aims: Resting heart rate variability (HRV) and maximal fat oxidation (MFO) during exercise are both considered as a noninvasive biomarkers for early detection of car-diovascular risk factors. Thus, this study aimed to analyze the relationship between resting HRV parameters and MFO during exercise, and the intensity of exercise that elicit MFO (Fatmax) in healthy sedentary adults. Methods and results: A total of 103 healthy young adults (22.2 +/- 2.3 years old, 67% female; from the ACTIBATE cohort) and 67 healthy middle-aged adults (53.1 +/- 5.0 years old, 52% female; from the FIT-AGEING cohort) were included in this cross-sectional study. HRV was assessed using a Polar RS800CX heart rate monitor, while MFO and Fatmax were determined during a graded ex-ercise treadmill test using indirect calorimetry. No significant associations were observed for healthy young adults (standardized b coefficients ranged from-0.063 to 0.094, and all P >= 0.347) and for middle-aged adults (standardized b coefficients ranged from-0.234 to 0.090, and all P >= 0.056). Nevertheless, only a weak association was observed between one HRV parameter in time-domain (the percentage of R-R intervals that shows a difference higher than 50 ms [pNN50]) and MFO in the cohort of middle-aged adults (b coefficient =-0.279, and P = 0.033). Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that resting HRV parameters are not associated with MFO and Fatmax during exercise in two independent cohorts of healthy sedentary young and middle-aged adults, respectively.Spanish Government DEP2016-79512-R PTA 12264-I FPU 16/02760 FPU15/04059 FPU14/04172University of Granada,PlanPropio de Investigacion 2020 Programa de Contratos PuenteUnit of Excel-lence on Exercise and Health (UCEES)EXERNET Research Network on Exercise and Health in Special Populations DEP2005-00046/ACTIUnit of Excellence in Sport and Health (UCEES) - University of GranadaJunta de AndaluciaEuropean Commission SOMM17/6107/UGRUniversidad de Granada / CBU

Effect of Punicalagin and Ellagic Acid on Human Fibroblasts In Vitro: A Preliminary Evaluation of Their Therapeutic Potential

Background: Pomegranate is a fruit that contains various phenolic compounds, including punicalagin and ellagic acid, which have been attributed to anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticarcinogenic properties, among others. Objective: To evaluate the effect of punicalagin and ellagic acid on the viability, migration, cell cycle, and antigenic profile of cultured human fibroblasts (CCD-1064Sk). MTT spectrophotometry was carried out to determine cell viability, cell culture inserts were used for migration trials, and flow cytometry was performed for antigenic profile and cell cycle analyses. Cells were treated with each phenolic compound for 24 h at doses of 10−5 to 10−9 M. Results: Cell viability was always significantly higher in treated versus control cells except for punicalagin at 10−9 M. Doses of punicalagin and ellagic acid in subsequent assays were 10−6 M or 10−7 M, which increased the cell migration capacity and upregulated fibronectin and α-actin expression without altering the cell cycle. Conclusions: These in vitro findings indicate that punicalagin and ellagic acid promote fibroblast functions that are involved in epithelial tissue healing.FEDER/Junta de Andalucía-Consejería de Universidad, Investigación e Innovación/B-CTS-134-UGR20 Projec

Current Understanding of the Physiopathology, Diagnosis and Therapeutic Approach to Alzheimer’s Disease

L.M.-R. and J.J.R.-R. are funded by P20-01293 from Junta de Andalucia, Spain. J.J.R.-R. is additionally funded by PECART-0096-2020 from Junta de Andalucia, Spain and PID2020-117544RB-100 from the Ministry of Science and Innovation, Spain.Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia. It is characterized by cognitive decline and progressive memory loss. The aim of this review was to update the state of knowledge on the pathophysiological mechanisms, diagnostic methods and therapeutic approach to AD. Currently, the amyloid cascade hypothesis remains the leading theory in the pathophysiology of AD. This hypothesis states that amyloid-beta (A beta) deposition triggers a chemical cascade of events leading to the development of AD dementia. The antemortem diagnosis of AD is still based on clinical parameters. Diagnostic procedures in AD include fluid-based biomarkers such as those present in cerebrospinal fluid and plasma or diagnostic imaging methods. Currently, the therapeutic armory available focuses on symptom control and is based on four pillars: pharmacological treatment where acetylcholinesterase inhibitors stand out; pharmacological treatment under investigation which includes drugs focused on the control of A beta pathology and tau hyperphosphorylation; treatment focusing on risk factors such as diabetes; or nonpharmacological treatments aimed at preventing development of the disease or treating symptoms through occupational therapy or psychological help. AD remains a largely unknown disease. Further research is needed to identify new biomarkers and therapies that can prevent progression of the pathology.Junta de Andalucia European Commission P20-01293 PECART-0096-2020Spanish Government European Commission PID2020-117544RB-10

Soy Niña

Este libro pretende contribuir al reencuentro de la educación con esas finalidades que verdaderamente importan a una niña o un niño: ser feliz, jugar, vivir juntos y (no) aprender. Para ello hemos puesto el arte, nuestras experiencias y el saber acumulado al servicio del disfrute, el cuestionamiento, el análisis crítico y la construcción común de un presente deseable. Un texto colaborativo coordinado por Ignacio Calderón Almendros y realizado por alumnado de Educación y Cambio Social en el Grado en Educación Infantil de la Universidad de Málaga

Extra Virgin Olive Oil Phenolic Compounds Modulate the Gene Expression of Biomarkers Involved in Fibroblast Proliferation and Differentiation

Acknowledgments: This study was supported by the research group BIO277 (Junta de Andalucía) and the Department of Nursing (University of Granada).Extra virgin olive oil phenolic compounds have been identified as possible biostimulant agents against different pathological processes, including alterations in healing processes. However, there is little evidence on the molecular mechanisms involved in this process. The aim was to analyse the effect of hydroxytyrosol, tyrosol, and oleocanthal on fibroblast gene expression. PCR was used to determine the expression of different differentiation markers, extracellular matrix elements, and growth factors in cultured human fibroblasts CCD-1064Sk treated with different doses of hydroxytyrosol (10−5 M and 10−6 M), tyrosol (10−5 M and 10−6 M), and oleocanthal (10−6 M and 10−7 M). After 24 h of hydroxytyrosol treatment, increased expression of connective tissue growth factor, fibroblast growth factor (FGF), platelet-derived growth factor, vascular endothelial growth factor, transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1), and their receptors was observed. Tyrosol and olecanthal modulated the expression of FGF and TGFβR1. All phytochemicals tested modified the expression of differentiation markers and extracellular matrix elements, increasing gene expression of actin, fibronectin, decorin, collagen I, and III. Phenolic compounds present in extra virgin olive could have a beneficial effect on tissue regeneration by modulating fibroblast physiology.FEDER/Junta de Andalucía-Consejería de Universidad, Investigación e Innovación/B-CTS-134-UGR20 Projec

The current status of COVID-19 vaccines. A scoping review.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a new disease that has led to a worldwide pandemic, resulting in millions of deaths and a high economic burden. Here, we analyze the current status of preventive vaccines authorized by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Published clinical trials have shown the effectiveness of mRNA (BNT162b2 and Spikevax), adenovirus vector-based (Ad26.COV2.S and ChAdOx1 nCoV-19), and recombinant protein S (NVX-CoV2373) vaccines to be between 52.9% and 100%. The most-frequent adverse effects include local pain, fatigue, headache, or chills. Serious events are associated with Ad26.COV2.S and ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccines

The Benefits of Olive Oil for Skin Health: Study on the Effect of Hydroxytyrosol, Tyrosol, and Oleocanthal on Human Fibroblasts

Fibroblasts contribute to maintaining tissue integrity and homeostasis and are a key cell population in wound healing. This cell population can be stimulated by some bioactive compounds such as extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) polyphenols. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of hydroxytyrosol (htyr), tyrosol (tyr), and oleocanthal (ole) phenolic compounds present in EVOO on the proliferation, migration, cell cycle, and antigenic profile of cultured human fibroblasts. CCD-1064Sk human fibroblast cells were treated for 24 h with each polyphenol at doses ranging 10−5 to 10−9 M. Cell proliferation was evaluated using the MTT spectrophotometric technique, migration capacity by culture insert assay, and cell cycle and antigenic profile with flow cytometry. Cell proliferation was significantly increased by treatment with all compounds. The highest increases followed treatments with htyr or tyr at doses of 10−5 or 10−6 M and with ole at 10−6 and 10−7 M, and these compounds and doses were used for assays of antigenic profile, cell cycle, and migration. During the first few hours after treatment, increased fibronectin and α-actin expressions and greater cell migration were observed, with no cell cycle changes. In conclusion, these in vitro results suggest that phenolic compounds in EVOO might contribute to wound healing through action on fibroblasts related to tissue regeneration

Extra Virgin Olive Oil Phenolic Compounds Modulate the Gene Expression of Biomarkers Involved in Fibroblast Proliferation and Differentiation

Extra virgin olive oil phenolic compounds have been identified as possible biostimulant agents against different pathological processes, including alterations in healing processes. However, there is little evidence on the molecular mechanisms involved in this process. The aim was to analyse the effect of hydroxytyrosol, tyrosol, and oleocanthal on fibroblast gene expression. PCR was used to determine the expression of different differentiation markers, extracellular matrix elements, and growth factors in cultured human fibroblasts CCD-1064Sk treated with different doses of hydroxytyrosol (10−5 M and 10−6 M), tyrosol (10−5 M and 10−6 M), and oleocanthal (10−6 M and 10−7 M). After 24 h of hydroxytyrosol treatment, increased expression of connective tissue growth factor, fibroblast growth factor (FGF), platelet-derived growth factor, vascular endothelial growth factor, transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1), and their receptors was observed. Tyrosol and olecanthal modulated the expression of FGF and TGFβR1. All phytochemicals tested modified the expression of differentiation markers and extracellular matrix elements, increasing gene expression of actin, fibronectin, decorin, collagen I, and III. Phenolic compounds present in extra virgin olive could have a beneficial effect on tissue regeneration by modulating fibroblast physiology

Therapeutic Approach to Alzheimer’s Disease: Current Treatments and New Perspectives

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia. The pathophysiology of this disease is characterized by the accumulation of amyloid-β, leading to the formation of senile plaques, and by the intracellular presence of neurofibrillary tangles based on hyperphosphorylated tau protein. In the therapeutic approach to AD, we can identify three important fronts: the approved drugs currently available for the treatment of the disease, which include aducanumab, donepezil, galantamine, rivastigmine, memantine, and a combination of memantine and donepezil; therapies under investigation that work mainly on Aβ pathology and tau pathology, and which include γ-secretase inhibitors, β-secretase inhibitors, α-secretase modulators, aggregation inhibitors, metal interfering drugs, drugs that enhance Aβ clearance, inhibitors of tau protein hyperphosphorylation, tau protein aggregation inhibitors, and drugs that promote the clearance of tau, and finally, other alternative therapies designed to improve lifestyle, thus contributing to the prevention of the disease. Therefore, the aim of this review was to analyze and describe current treatments and possible future alternatives in the therapeutic approach to AD