The emergent role of mitochondrial RNA modifications in metabolic alterations

Mitochondrial epitranscriptomics refers to the modifications occurring in all the different RNA types of mitochondria. Although the number of mitochondrial RNA modifications is less than those in cytoplasm, substantial evidence indicates that they play a critical role in accurate protein synthesis. Recent evidence supported those modifications in mitochondrial RNAs also have crucial implications in mitochondrial-related diseases. In the light of current knowledge about the involvement, the association between mitochondrial RNA modifications and diseases arises from studies focusing on mutations in both mitochondrial and nuclear DNA genes encoding enzymes involved in such modifications. Here, we review the current evidence available for mitochondrial RNA modifications and their role in metabolic disorders, and we also explore the possibility of using them as promising targets for prevention and early detection. Finally, we discuss future directions of mitochondrial epitranscriptomics in these metabolic alterations, and how these RNA modifications may offer a new diagnostic and theragnostic avenue for preventive purposes.This work was supported by the European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST) Action CA16120 (European Epitranscriptomic Network). This work was also supported by “Centros de Investigación En Red” (CIBER, CB06/03/0018) of the “Instituto de Salud Carlos III” (ISCIII) (PI18/01399), and co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund (FEDER). This work was also supported by the Agencia Estatal de Investigación and European FEDER Funds (PID2019-109369RB-100 and AGL2018-78922-R). HB is supported by a predoctoral fellowship (“Plan Propio IBIMA 2020 A.1 Contratos predoctorales”, Ref.: predoc20_002). M.M.G. was the recipient of the Nicolas Monardes Programme from the “Servicio Andaluz de Salud, Junta de Andalucia”, Spain (RC-0001-2018 and C-0029-2014). funding for open access charge: Universidad de Málag

The ovarian bone morphogenetic protein system in Oreochromis mossambicus

Dissertação de mest., Biotecnologia, Faculdade de Engenharia dos Recursos Naturais, Universidade do Algarve, 2008The study of ovarian follicle growth in teleosts provides basic knowledge but it may also find applications in the biomedical sciences, fisheries management, environmental science and aquaculture. The processes regulating ovarian development are still largely unknown, particularly for teleosts. Many of the genes involved and their roles on the various processes associated with reproduction are yet to be found. Rising experimental data support TGF-β superfamily members has key role players in numerous features of follicle development. Here we have studied several TGF-β superfamily members, namely several BMP subfamily ligands and receptors, and the GDF subfamily member - GDF-9, to help understand their roles in the ovary physiology of the teleost Oreochromis mossambicus. The characterization of those ligands and receptors included cloning of their cDNA coding regions, the identification of protein conserved domains and phylogenetic analysis. Several TGF-β members received special attention due to their reported importance and relevance in mammalian ovarian follicle development, namely BMP-2, BMP-4, BMP-6, BMP-7, BMP-15, GDF-9, BMPR-IA, BMPR-IB and BMPR-II. mRNA expression analysis of mature gonads was carried out on these TGF-β members. Because of their crucial participation in ovarian follicle development, BMP-15, GDF-9 and BMPR-IB were further studied by northern blot and in situ hybridization. All BMP family members studied were detected in ovary and testis but, mainly in ovary. BMP-15 and GDF-9 mRNAs were expressed abundantly in ovary compared to other tissues. BMPR-IB, in addition to ovary, was expressed abundantly in brain. These results further reinforce the essential role BMP family members in ovarian physiology

Efectos de un extracto de uva enriquecido en resveratrol en el perfil aterogénico, inflamatorio y fibrinolítico de pacientes en prevención primaria y secundaria de riesgo cardiovascular. Evidencia en marcadores y expresión genética en dos ensayos clínicos aleatorios de un año.

Las enfermedades cardiovasculares son la causa principal de muerte prematura en los países desarrollados. El control de los factores de riesgo disminuye la aparición de estas enfermedades (Prevención Primaria) o su recaída (Prevención Secundaria). Sin embargo, a pesar del uso de tratamientos farmacológicos optimizados, en muchas ocasiones siguen apareciendo eventos adversos debido a un riesgo residual por lo que resulta esencial la búsqueda de estrategias complementarias a estos tratamientos farmacológicos. En dos ensayos clínicos aleatorios de un año, triple-ciego, de tres brazos, controlados por placebo, en 150 pacientes de Prevención Primaria y Secundaria, hemos constatado la mejora del perfil aterogénico, inflamatorio y fibrinolítico tras el consumo de un extracto de uva enriquecido en resveratrol. Nuestros resultados avalan que este suplemento contribuye a la prevención cardiovascular y complementa su tratamiento, sin efectos adversos, y supone un importante avance en la prevención del riesgo cardiovascular a través de un tratamiento no farmacológico. Polifenoles, resveratrol, enfermedad cardiovascular, uva, prevención, nutracéutico, ensayo clínico, aterosclerosis, inflamación, fibrinólisis, expresión génica Cardiovascular diseases are the main cause of premature death in developed countries. Controlling risk factors reduces the beginning (Primary Prevention) or relapse (Secondary Prevention) of these diseases. Nevertheless, a residual risk still remains and adverse outcomes often arise despite of optimized pharmacological treatments, thus the search for complementary strategies to these treatments is essential. In two randomized, triple blind, three-arm parallel, placebo-controlled clinical trials, with 150 primary and secondary prevention patients, we observed an improvement on the atherogenic, inflammatory and fibrinolytic profile after the consumption of a resveratrol enriched grape extract. Our results support that this supplement contributes to cardiovascular prevention and complements its treatment, without adverse effects, and is an important advance in cardiovascular risk prevention through a non-pharmacological treatment. Polyphenols, resveratrol, cardiovascular disease, grape, prevention, nutraceutical, clinical trial, atherosclerosis, inflammation, fibrinolysis, gene expressio

Plant-Based Diets Reduce Blood Pressure: A Systematic Review of Recent Evidence

Purpose of review: Accumulating data on the consumption of plant-based diets and their impact on blood pressure indicate a consensus that plant-based diets are linked to reduced blood pressure. The suggested mechanisms of action are manifold, and, in this systematic review, we provide a summary of the most recent findings on plant-based diets and their impact on blood pressure, along with an analysis of the molecules accountable for the observed effects. Recent findings: The overwhelming majority of intervention studies demonstrate that plant-based diets result in lower blood pressure readings when compared to diets that are based on animal products. The various mechanisms of action are being clarified. The data discussed in this systematic review allow us to conclude that plant-based diets are associated with lower blood pressure and overall better health outcomes (namely, on the cardiovascular system) when compared to animal-based diets. The mechanisms of action are being actively investigated and involve many macro- and micronutrients plentiful in plants and the dishes prepared with them

Milk fat globule membrane-enriched milk improves episodic memory: A randomized, parallel, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in older adults

Cognitive decline is one of the most important consequences of aging and pharmacological therapies had been largely unsuccessful. Other strategies include the use of functional foods to reduce the burden of cognitive decline. The MFGM is an important source of polar lipids and glycoproteins that decline in the aging brain. We have developed a milk drink fortified with MFGM (MFGM-M) as a dietary supplement and studied it in a randomized clinical pilot study. Forty-four > 65-year-old healthy or mildly cognitively impaired subjects received MFGM-M or control milk (CM) for 14 weeks, during which they underwent a battery of cognitive tests. Lipidomic analyzes were also performed. The female participants showed improvement in episodic memory, the ability to recall events in our lives. It is conceivable that any intervention should be started before clinical symptoms manifest, as a preventive measure against cognitive decline. Future long-term studies may shed further light on this point

Milk fat globule membrane-enriched milk improves episodic memory: A randomized, parallel, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in older adults

Cognitive decline is one of the most important consequences of aging and pharmacological therapies had been largely unsuccessful. Other strategies include the use of functional foods to reduce the burden of cognitive decline. The MFGM is an important source of polar lipids and glycoproteins that decline in the aging brain. We have developed a milk drink fortified with MFGM (MFGM-M) as a dietary supplement and studied it in a randomized clinical pilot study. Forty-four > 65-year-old healthy or mildly cognitively impaired subjects received MFGM-M or control milk (CM) for 14 weeks, during which they underwent a battery of cognitive tests. Lipidomic analyzes were also performed. The female participants showed improvement in episodic memory, the ability to recall events in our lives. It is conceivable that any intervention should be started before clinical symptoms manifest, as a preventive measure against cognitive decline. Future long-term studies may shed further light on this point.Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y UniversidadesDepto. de Nutrición y Ciencia de los AlimentosFac. de FarmaciaTRUEpubAPC financiada por la UC

Climate change impacts on Pinus pinea L. silvicultural system for cone production and ways to contour those impacts: a review complemented with data from permanent plots

ReviewUmbrella pine (Pinus pinea L.) cones take three years to develop. With the increasing frequency of extreme droughts, water available for trees has decreased—climate change is a reality. The cone’s survival in its first two years of development and the average cone weight during its last year of maturation is affected, thus, reducing kernel quantity and quality. Climate change has resulted in forest fires becoming an inescapable issue in forest management planning. A literature review was carried out, focusing, on one hand, the predicted climatic changes for the Mediterranean basin and, on the other hand, the umbrella pine silvicultural mechanisms at tree, stand, and landscape levels that may help to face these constraints. Finally, the Portuguese case was focused, describing the management practices that are being adopted to achieve, even when the period of cone formation and growth include dry years, one to six tons of cones per hectare per year in adult standsinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio