Subchronic Graphene Exposure Reshapes Skin Cell Metabolism

In recent years, the toxicity of graphene-related materials (GRMs) has been evaluated in diverse models to guarantee their safety. In most applications, sublethal doses of GRMs contact human barriers such as skin in a subchronic way. Herein, the subchronic effect (30 day exposure) of three GRMs (GO 1, GO 2, and FLG) with different oxidation degrees and sizes was studied. The effects of these materials on human skin cells, HaCaTs, were assayed through high-throughput metabolic-based readout and other cell-based assays. A differential effect was found between the different GRMs. GO 2 induced a metabolic remodeling in epithelial cells, increasing the level of tricarboxylic acid components, mirrored by increased cell proliferation and changes in cell phenotype. The oxidation degree, size, and method of manufacture of GRMs dictated harmful effects on cell metabolism and behavior generated by nontoxic exposures. Therefore, a “safe by design” procedure is necessary when working with these nanomaterial

Desplazamiento climático y resiliencia: modelos de atención a familias afectadas por el invierno en el Caribe colombiano : el caso del sur del Atlántico (2010-2011)

Parte I. Descripción de la problemática -- Capítulo 1. El desplazamiento climático: una mirada desde el desarrollo compatible con el clima -- Capítulo 2. Ola invernal de 2010-2011 en el departamento del Atlántico -- Capítulo 3. Análisis institucional y respuestas a la ola invernal 2010-2011 -- Parte II. Implementación de un modelo de la resiliencia con desplazados climáticos -- Capítulo 4. Buscando alternativas de acción -- Capítulo 5. Momento aplicado de la investigación -- Tipo de investigación -- Capítulo 6. Modelo de intervención -- Parte III. Resultados y lecciones aprendidas -- Capítulo 7. Factores personales de resiliencia en desplazados climáticos -- Capítulo 8. Recomendaciones para políticas públicas.Universidad del Norte, Centro de Investigaciones en Desarrollo Human

Oxygen Saturation on Admission Is a Predictive Biomarker for PD-L1 Expression on Circulating Monocytes and Impaired Immune Response in Patients With Sepsis

Sepsis is a pathology in which patients suffer from a proinflammatory response and a dysregulated immune response, including T cell exhaustion. A number of therapeutic strategies to treat human sepsis, which are different from antimicrobial and fluid resuscitation treatments, have failed in clinical trials, and solid biomarkers for sepsis are still lacking. Herein, we classified 85 patients with sepsis into two groups according to their blood oxygen saturation (SaO2): group I (SaO2 ≤ 92%, n = 42) and group II (SaO2 > 92%, n = 43). Blood samples were taken before any treatment, and the immune response after ex vivo LPS challenge was analyzed, as well as basal expression of PD-L1 on monocytes and levels of sPD-L1 in sera. The patients were followed up for 1 month. Taking into account reinfection and exitus frequency, a significantly poorer evolution was observed in patients from group I. The analysis of HLA-DR expression on monocytes, T cell proliferation and cytokine profile after ex vivo LPS stimulation confirmed an impaired immune response in group I. In addition, these patients showed both, high levels of PD-L1 on monocytes and sPD-L1 in serum, resulting in a down-regulation of the adaptive response. A blocking assay using an anti-PD-1 antibody reverted the impaired response. Our data indicated that SaO2 levels on admission have emerged as a potential signature for immune status, including PD-L1 expression. An anti-PD-1 therapy could restore the T cell response in hypoxemic sepsis patients with SaO2 ≤ 92% and high PD-L1 levels

A comprehensive systematic review of CSF proteins and peptides that defne Alzheimer’s disease

Background: During the last two decades, over 100 proteomics studies have identifed a variety of potential bio‑ markers in CSF of Alzheimer’s (AD) patients. Although several reviews have proposed specifc biomarkers, to date, the statistical relevance of these proteins has not been investigated and no peptidomic analyses have been generated on the basis of specifc up- or down- regulation. Herein, we perform an analysis of all unbiased explorative proteom‑ ics studies of CSF biomarkers in AD to critically evaluate whether proteins and peptides identifed in each study are consistent in distribution; direction change; and signifcance, which would strengthen their potential use in studies of AD pathology and progression. Methods: We generated a database containing all CSF proteins whose levels are known to be signifcantly altered in human AD from 47 independent, validated, proteomics studies. Using this database, which contains 2022 AD and 2562 control human samples, we examined whether each protein is consistently present on the basis of reliable statistical studies; and if so, whether it is over- or under-represented in AD. Additionally, we performed a direct analysis of available mass spectrometric data of these proteins to generate an AD CSF peptide database with 3221 peptides for further analysis. Results: Of the 162 proteins that were identifed in 2 or more studies, we investigated their enrichment or depletion in AD CSF. This allowed us to identify 23 proteins which were increased and 50 proteins which were decreased in AD, some of which have never been revealed as consistent AD biomarkers (i.e. SPRC or MUC18). Regarding the analysis of the tryptic peptide database, we identifed 87 peptides corresponding to 13 proteins as the most highly consistently altered peptides in AD. Analysis of tryptic peptide fngerprinting revealed specifc peptides encoded by CH3L1, VGF, SCG2, PCSK1N, FBLN3 and APOC2 with the highest probability of detection in AD. Conclusions: Our study reveals a panel of 27 proteins and 21 peptides highly altered in AD with consistent statistical signifcance; this panel constitutes a potent tool for the classifcation and diagnosis of AD

Spatial and Temporal Protein Modules Signatures Associated with Alzheimer Disease in 3xTg-AD Mice Are Restored by Early Ubiquinol Supplementation

Despite its robust proteopathic nature, the spatiotemporal signature of disrupted protein modules in sporadic Alzheimer's disease (AD) brains remains poorly understood. This considered oxidative stress contributes to AD progression and early intervention with coenzyme Q10 or its reduced form, ubiquinol, delays the progression of the disease. Using MALDI-MSI and functional bioinformatic analysis, we have developed a protocol to express how deregulated protein modules arise from hippocampus and cortex in the AD mice model 3xTG-AD in an age-dependent manner. This strategy allowed us to identify which modules can be efficiently restored to a non-pathological condition by early intervention with ubiquinol. Indeed, an early deregulation of proteostasis-related protein modules, oxidative stress and metabolism has been observed in the hippocampus of 6-month mice (early AD) and the mirrored in cortical regions of 12-month mice (middle/late AD). This observation has been validated by IHC using mouse and human brain sections, suggesting that these protein modules are also affected in humans. The emergence of disrupted protein modules with AD signature can be prevented by early dietary intervention with ubiquinol in the 3xTG-AD mice model.A pesar de su robusta naturaleza proteopática, la firma espaciotemporal de los módulos de proteínas interrumpidos en los cerebros de la enfermedad de Alzheimer (EA) esporádica sigue siendo poco conocida. Este considerado estrés oxidativo contribuye a la progresión de la EA y la intervención precoz con coenzima Q10 o su forma reducida, el ubiquinol, retrasa la progresión de la enfermedad. Usando MALDI-MSI y análisis bioinformático funcional, hemos desarrollado un protocolo para expresar cómo surgen módulos de proteína desregulados del hipocampo y la corteza en el modelo de ratones AD 3xTG-AD de una manera dependiente de la edad. Esta estrategia nos permitió identificar qué módulos se pueden restaurar de manera eficiente a una condición no patológica mediante una intervención temprana con ubiquinol. De hecho, una desregulación temprana de los módulos proteicos relacionados con la proteostasis, Se ha observado estrés oxidativo y metabolismo en el hipocampo de ratones de 6 meses (EA temprana) y se refleja en regiones corticales de ratones de 12 meses (EA media/tardía). Esta observación ha sido validada por IHC utilizando secciones de cerebro humano y de ratón, lo que sugiere que estos módulos de proteína también se ven afectados en humanos. La aparición de módulos de proteínas interrumpidos con la firma AD puede prevenirse mediante una intervención dietética temprana con ubiquinol en el modelo de ratones 3xTG-AD

CoQ10 reduces glioblastoma growth and infiltration through proteome remodeling and inhibition of angiogenesis and inflammation

Purpose: Most monotherapies available against glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) target individual hallmarks of this aggressive brain tumor with minimal success. In this article, we propose a therapeutic strategy using coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) as a pleiotropic factor that crosses the blood-brain barrier and accumulates in cell membranes acting as an antioxidant, and in mitochondrial membranes as a regulator of cell bioenergetics and gene expression. Methods: Xenografts of U251 cells in nu/nu mice were used to assay tumor growth, hypoxia, angiogenesis, and inflammation. An orthotopic model was used to explore microglial infiltration, tumor growth, and invasion into the brain parenchyma. Cell proliferation, migration, invasion, proteome remodeling, and secretome were assayed in vitro. Conditioned media were used to assay angiogenesis, monocyte chemoattraction, and differentiation into macrophages in vitro. Results: CoQ10 treatment decreased tumor volume in xenografts and orthotopic models, although its effect on tumor cell proliferation was not direct. Tumors from mice treated with CoQ10 were less hypoxic and vascularized, having less infiltration from inflammatory cells. Treatment-induced downregulation of HIF-1α and NF-kB led to a complete remodeling of the tumor cells proteome and secretome, impacting angiogenesis, monocyte infiltration, and their differentiation into macrophages. Besides, tumor cell migration and invasion were drastically restricted by mechanisms involving modulation of the actin cytoskeleton and downregulation of matrix metalloproteases (MMPs). Conclusions: CoQ10 has a pleiotropic effect on GBM growth, targeting several hallmarks simultaneously. Thus, its integration into current treatments of this fatal disease should be considered. Keywords: Angiogenesis; Coenzyme Q10; Glioblastoma; Inflammation; Invasion.Propósito: La mayoría de las monoterapias disponibles contra el glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) se dirigen a las características individuales de este tumor cerebral agresivo con un éxito mínimo. En este artículo proponemos una estrategia terapéutica utilizando la coenzima Q 10 (CoQ 10 ) como factor pleiotrópico que atraviesa la barrera hematoencefálica y se acumula en las membranas celulares actuando como antioxidante, y en las membranas mitocondriales como regulador de la bioenergética celular y gen expresión. Métodos: Se utilizaron xenoinjertos de células U251 en ratones nu/nu para analizar el crecimiento tumoral, la hipoxia, la angiogénesis y la inflamación. Se utilizó un modelo ortotópico para explorar la infiltración microglial, el crecimiento tumoral y la invasión del parénquima cerebral. Se ensayaron in vitro la proliferación celular, la migración, la invasión, la remodelación del proteoma y el secretoma. Se usaron medios acondicionados para analizar la angiogénesis, la quimioatracción de monocitos y la diferenciación en macrófagos in vitro. Resultados: el tratamiento con CoQ 10 disminuyó el volumen tumoral en xenoinjertos y modelos ortotópicos, aunque su efecto sobre la proliferación de células tumorales no fue directo. Los tumores de ratones tratados con CoQ 10 eran menos hipóxicos y vascularizados, con menos infiltración de células inflamatorias. La regulación a la baja inducida por el tratamiento de HIF-1α y NF-kB condujo a una remodelación completa del proteoma y el secretoma de las células tumorales, lo que impactó en la angiogénesis, la infiltración de monocitos y su diferenciación en macrófagos. Además, la migración e invasión de células tumorales se vieron drásticamente restringidas por mecanismos que involucran la modulación del citoesqueleto de actina y la regulación a la baja de las metaloproteasas de matriz (MMP). Conclusiones: CoQ 10 tiene un efecto pleiotrópico en el crecimiento de GBM, apuntando a varios sellos simultáneamente. Por lo tanto, se debe considerar su integración en los tratamientos actuales de esta enfermedad mortal

Colaboración universidad/empresa para la promoción de las titulaciones de grado en química y grado en ingeniería química

Memoria ID-0018. Ayudas de la Universidad de Salamanca para la innovación docente, curso 2013-2014

Clonal chromosomal mosaicism and loss of chromosome Y in elderly men increase vulnerability for SARS-CoV-2

The pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19) had an estimated overall case fatality ratio of 1.38% (pre-vaccination), being 53% higher in males and increasing exponentially with age. Among 9578 individuals diagnosed with COVID-19 in the SCOURGE study, we found 133 cases (1.42%) with detectable clonal mosaicism for chromosome alterations (mCA) and 226 males (5.08%) with acquired loss of chromosome Y (LOY). Individuals with clonal mosaic events (mCA and/or LOY) showed a 54% increase in the risk of COVID-19 lethality. LOY is associated with transcriptomic biomarkers of immune dysfunction, pro-coagulation activity and cardiovascular risk. Interferon-induced genes involved in the initial immune response to SARS-CoV-2 are also down-regulated in LOY. Thus, mCA and LOY underlie at least part of the sex-biased severity and mortality of COVID-19 in aging patients. Given its potential therapeutic and prognostic relevance, evaluation of clonal mosaicism should be implemented as biomarker of COVID-19 severity in elderly people. Among 9578 individuals diagnosed with COVID-19 in the SCOURGE study, individuals with clonal mosaic events (clonal mosaicism for chromosome alterations and/or loss of chromosome Y) showed an increased risk of COVID-19 lethality

Mutation Arg336 to Lys in Saccharomyces cerevisiae phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase originates an enzyme with increased oxaloacetate decarboxylase activity

AbstractSaccharomyces cerevisiae phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP) carboxykinase catalyzes one of the first reactions in the biosynthesis of carbohydrates. Apart from the physiologically important reaction, the enzyme also presents low oxaloacetate decarboxylase and pyruvate kinase-like activities. Data from the crystalline structure of homologous Escherichia coli PEP carboxykinase suggest that Arg333 may be involved in stabilization of enolpyruvate, a postulated reaction intermediate. In this work, the equivalent Arg336 from the S. cerevisiae enzyme was changed to Lys or Gln. Kinetic analyses of the varied enzymes showed that a positive charge at position 336 is critical for catalysis of the main reaction, and further suggested different rate limiting steps for the main reaction and the secondary activities. The Arg336Lys altered enzyme showed increased oxaloacetate decarboxylase activity and developed the ability to catalyze pyruvate enolization. These last results support the proposal that enolpyruvate is an intermediate in the PEP carboxykinase reaction and suggest that in the Arg336Lys PEP carboxykinase a proton donor group has appeared