The sick adipose tissue : new insights into defective signaling and crosstalk with the myocardium

Adipose tissue (AT) biology is linked to cardiovascular health since obesity is associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) and positively correlated with excessive visceral fat accumulation. AT signaling to myocardial cells through soluble factors known as adipokines, cardiokines, branched-chain amino acids and small molecules like microRNAs, undoubtedly influence myocardial cells and AT function via the endocrine-paracrine mechanisms of action. Unfortunately, abnormal total and visceral adiposity can alter this harmonious signaling network, resulting in tissue hypoxia and monocyte/macrophage adipose infiltration occurring alongside expanded intra-abdominal and epicardial fat depots seen in the human obese phenotype. These processes promote an abnormal adipocyte proteomic reprogramming, whereby these cells become a source of abnormal signals, affecting vascular and myocardial tissues, leading to meta-inflammation, atrial fibrillation, coronary artery disease, heart hypertrophy, heart failure and myocardial infarction. This review first discusses the pathophysiology and consequences of adipose tissue expansion, particularly their association with meta-inflammation and microbiota dysbiosis. We also explore the precise mechanisms involved in metabolic reprogramming in AT that represent plausible causative factors for CVD. Finally, we clarify how lifestyle changes could promote improvement in myocardiocyte function in the context of changes in AT proteomics and a better gut microbiome profile to develop effective, non-pharmacologic approaches to CVD

Anti-Cyclic Citrullinated Peptide Antibodies and Severity of Interstitial Lung Disease in Women with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Objective. To evaluate whether serum titers of second-generation anticyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies (anti-CCP2) are associated with the severity and extent of interstitial lung disease in rheumatoid arthritis (RA-ILD). Methods. In across-sectional study, 39 RA-ILD patients confirmed by high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) were compared with 42 RA without lung involvement (RA only). Characteristics related to RA-ILD were assessed in all of the patients and serum anti-CCP2 titers quantified. Results. Higher anti-CCP2 titers were found in RA-ILD compared with RA only (medians 77.9 versus 30.2 U/mL, P<0.001). In the logistic regression analysis after adjustment for age, disease duration (DD), smoke exposure, disease activity, functioning, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and methotrexate (MTX) treatment duration, the characteristics associated with RA-ILD were higher anti-CCP2 titers (P=0.003) and + RF (P=0.002). In multivariate linear regression, the variables associated with severity of ground-glass score were anti-CCP2 titers (P=0.02) and with fibrosis score DD (P=0.01), anti-CCP2 titers (P<0.001), and MTX treatment duration (P<0.001). Conclusions. Anti-CCP2 antibodies are markers of severity and extent of RA-ILD in HRCT. Further longitudinal studies are required to identify if higher anti-CCP2 titers are associated with worst prognosis in RA-ILD

Weaker HLA footprints on HIV in the unique and highly genetically admixed host population of Mexico

HIV circumvents HLA class I-restricted CD8+ T-cell responses through selection of escape mutations that leave characteristic mutational “footprints,” also known as HLA-associated polymorphisms (HAPs), on HIV sequences at the population level. While many HLA footprints are universal across HIV subtypes and human populations, others can be region specific as a result of the unique immunogenetic background of each host population. Using a published probabilistic phylogenetically informed model, we compared HAPs in HIV Gag and Pol (PR-RT) in 1,612 subtype B-infected, antiretroviral treatment-naive individuals from Mexico and 1,641 individuals from Canada/United States. A total of 252 HLA class I allele subtypes were represented, including 140 observed in both cohorts, 67 unique to Mexico, and 45 unique to Canada/United States. At the predefined statistical threshold of a q value of <0.2, 358 HAPs (201 in Gag, 157 in PR-RT) were identified in Mexico, while 905 (534 in Gag and 371 in PR-RT) were identified in Canada/United States. HAPs identified in Mexico included both canonical HLA-associated escape pathways and novel associations, in particular with HLA alleles enriched in Amerindian and mestizo populations. Remarkably, HLA footprints on HIV in Mexico were not only fewer but also, on average, significantly weaker than those in Canada/United States, although some exceptions were noted. Moreover, exploratory analyses suggested that the weaker HLA footprint on HIV in Mexico may be due, at least in part, to weaker and/or less reproducible HLA-mediated immune pressures on HIV in this population. The implications of these differences for natural and vaccine-induced anti-HIV immunity merit further investigation

Impacts of land management and climate change in a developing and socioenvironmental challenging transboundary region

Land-use/cover change is the major cause of terrestrial ecosystem degradation. However, its impacts will be exacerbated due to climate change and population growth, driving agricultural expansion because of higher demand of food and lower agricultural yields in some tropical areas. International strategies aimed to mitigate impacts of climate change and land use-cover change are challenging in developing regions. This study aims to evaluate alternatives to minimize the impacts of these threats under socioeconomic trajectories, in one of the biologically richest regions in Guatemala and Mexico. This study is located at the Usumacinta watershed, a transboundary region that shares a common history, with similar biophysical properties and economic constraints which have led to large land use/cover changes. To understand the impacts on deforestation and carbon emissions of different land-management practices, we developed three scenarios (1): business as usual (BAU), (2) a reducing emissions scenario aimed to reduce deforestation and degradation (REDD+), and (3) zero-deforestation from 2030 onwards based on the international commitments. Our results suggest that by 2050, natural land cover might reduce 22.3 and 12.2% of its extent under the BAU and REDD + scenarios, respectively in comparison with 2012. However, the zero-deforestation scenario shows that by 2050, it would be possible to avoid losing 22.4% of the forested watershed (1.7 million ha) and recover 5.9% (0.4 million hectares) of it. In terms of carbon sequestration, REDD + projects can reduce the carbon losses in natural vegetation, but a zero-deforestation policy can double the carbon sequestration produced by REDD + projects only. This study shows that to reduce the pressures on ecosystems, particularly in regions highly marginalized with significant migration, it is necessary to implement transboundary land-management policies that also integrate poverty alleviation strategies

Características morfológicas de cordeiros Blackbelly criados extensivamente nos trópicos

Twelve Blackbelly lambs under extensive grazing were morphologically characterized through linear regression equations and coefficient of determination. The morphological characteristics of the lambs were obtained through the measurement of live weight (LW) and body measurements. Morphological data were adjusted by variable in a linear model using regression analysis, the equation and the coefficient of determination were recorded. In the study it was found that the variables body length (BL; 60.54%), distance between eyes (BE; 55.14%) and tail base circumference (TBC; 6.41%) did not fit the linear model. On the other hand, the variables of LW (96%) and abdominal perimeter (AP; 94%) present the highest coefficient of determination. In conclusion, the linear models fit the behavior of some morphological measurements of Blackbelly lambs under extensive grazing conditions in the tropics.Fueron caracterizados morfológicamente 12 corderos Blackbelly en pastoreo extensivo a través de ecuaciones de regresión lineal y coeficiente de determinación. Las características morfológicas de los corderos fueron obtenidas a través de la medición del peso vivo (PV) y mediciones corporales. Los datos morfológicos se ajustaron por variable en un modelo lineal usando el análisis de regresión, se registró la ecuación y el coeficiente de determinación. En el estudio se encontró que las variables largo del cuerpo (LC; 60.54%), distancia entre ojos (DO; 55.14%) y circunferencia de la base de la cola (CBC; 6.41%) no se ajustaron al modelo lineal. Por su parte, las variables de PV (96%) y perímetro abdominal (PA; 94%) presentan el coeficiente de determinación más alto. En conclusión, los modelos lineales se ajustaron al comportamiento de algunas mediciones morfológicas de corderos Blackbelly en condiciones de pastoreo extensivo en el trópico

Características físicas do líquido ruminal e das fezes de cordeiros alimentados com restolho de folha de mangueira

In 12 hair lambs (2 groups of 6/e) fed with dried ground mango leaf stubble, the physical characteristics of the rumen liquid and feces were analyzed. Group 1 (G1) consisted of the basal diet + 20 % corn stubble and group 2 (G2) basal diet + 20 % ground mango dried leaf stubble. The experiment lasted 40 days in which the characteristics of the rumen fluid and feces were evaluated weekly. The data were analyzed with the statistical program SAS (2021), and the means between groups were compared with the Pearson chi-square test. In the study, a significant difference was found in the physical characteristics of the rumen fluid between groups (P&lt;0.001). The color of the feces was always yellow in G1 and brown in G2. For its part, the consistency was pasty in G1 and liquid in G2. On the other hand, the odor of feces was 100 % fetid for both groups, and the color in G1 was light-brown (11.11 %) and green-brown (88.89 %). Instead, the consistency of the feces was varied in G1 and normal in G2 (P&lt;0.001). In conclusion, the lambs fed with mango leaf stubble presented brown color and liquid in the rumen content, and the consistency of the feces was normal. These characteristics are common in weaned lambs that are beginning to stabilize the rumen microbiota or in adult sheep fed with high-protein diets.En 12 corderos de pelo (2 grupos de 6/c.u.) alimentados con rastrojo de hoja seca de mango molida se analizaron las características físicas del líquido ruminal y las heces. El grupo 1 (G1) consistió en la dieta basal + 20 % de rastrojo de maíz y el grupo 2 (G2) dieta basal + 20 % de rastrojo de hoja seca de mango molida. El experimento tuvo una duración de 40 días en los que se evaluaron semanalmente las características del líquido ruminal y las heces. Los datos se analizaron con el programa estadístico SAS (2021), y se compararon las medias entre grupos con la prueba de Ji-cuadrado de Pearson. En el estudio se encontró una diferencia significativa en las características físicas del líquido ruminal entre grupos (P&lt;0.001). El color de las heces siempre fue de color amarillo en el G1 y café en el G2. Por su parte, la consistencia fue pastosa en el G1 y líquida en el G2. Por otro lado, el olor de las heces fue 100 % fétido para los dos grupos, y el color en el G1 fue café-claro (11.11 %) y café-verde (88.89 %). En cambio, la consistencia de las heces fue variada en el G1 y normal en el G2 (P&lt;0.001). En conclusión, los corderos alimentados con rastrojo de hoja de mango presentaron color café y líquido en el contenido ruminal, y la consistencia de las heces fue normal. Estas características son comunes en corderos destetados que comienzan a estabilizar la microbiota ruminal o en ovinos adultos alimentados con dietas altas en proteína

Comportamento de ingestão de cordeiros deslanados terminados em baias alimentadas com restolho de folha de mangueira

In the study, the ingestive behavior of hair lambs finished in pens fed with mango leaf stubble was evaluated. Twelve hair lambs were divided into two groups, G1 (6 lambs) basal diet + 20 % corn stubble and G2 (6 lambs) basal diet + 20 % ground mango dry leaf stubble. The feeding period lasted 40 days and every third day the feeding behavior was measured for 8 continuous hours: lambs feeding, drinking, seeking water, lying down, idle, ruminating, (standing or lying down), urinating, defecating, defecating standing, defecating lying down, individual grooming, grooming a partner and agonistic behaviors, as well as the consumption and rejection of water. The data were analyzed with the statistical program SAS (2021), using a general linear model and the means were compared with the Tukey test. During the experiment, G1 lambs had a higher frequency of feeding and ruminating (lying down or standing) than G2 lambs (P&lt;0.001). In contrast, G2 lambs had a higher frequency of lying down, idleness, and agonistic behaviors than G1 lambs (P&lt;0.001). On the other hand, G1 lambs had higher water consumption during the experiment than G2 lambs (P&lt;0.01). It is concluded that the lambs fed with corn stubble had a higher frequency of feeding, rumination and water consumption.En el estudio se evaluó la conducta ingestiva de corderos de pelo finalizados en corral alimentados con rastrojo de hoja de mango. Doce corderos de pelo fueron divididos en dos grupos, el G1 (6 corderos) dieta basal + 20 % de rastrojo de maíz y el G2 (6 corderos) dieta basal + 20 % de rastrojo de hoja seca de mango molida. El periodo de alimentación duró 40 días y cada tercer día se midió la conducta de alimentación por 8 horas continuas: corderos alimentándose, bebiendo, buscan agua, echados, ociosos, rumiando (parados o echados), orinando, defecando (parados o echados), acicalamiento individual, acicalamiento a un compañero y conductas agonistas, así como, el consumo y rechazo de agua. Los datos fueron analizados con el programa estadístico SAS (2021), utilizando un modelo general lineal y se compararon las medias con la prueba de Tukey. Durante el experimento los corderos del G1 tuvieron mayor frecuencia alimentándose y rumiando (echados o parados) que los corderos del G2 (P&lt;0.001). En cambio, los corderos del G2 tuvieron mayor frecuencia echados, ociosos y conductas agonistas que los corderos del G1 (P&lt;0.001). Por otro lado, los corderos del G1 tuvieron mayor consumo de agua durante el experimento que los corderos del G2 (P&lt;0.01). Se concluye que los corderos alimentados con rastrojo de maíz tuvieron mayor frecuencia de alimentación, rumia y consumo de agua

IFNAR2 relevance in the clinical outcome of individuals with severe COVID-19

Interferons (IFNs) are a group of cytokines with antiviral, antiproliferative, antiangiogenic, and immunomodulatory activities. Type I IFNs amplify and propagate the antiviral response by interacting with their receptors, IFNAR1 and IFNAR2. In COVID-19, the IFNAR2 (interferon alpha and beta receptor subunit 2) gene has been associated with the severity of the disease, but the soluble receptor (sIFNAR2) levels have not been investigated. We aimed to evaluate the association of IFNAR2 variants (rs2236757, rs1051393, rs3153, rs2834158, and rs2229207) with COVID-19 mortality and to assess if there was a relation between the genetic variants and/or the clinical outcome, with the levels of sIFNAR2 in plasma samples from hospitalized individuals with severe COVID-19. We included 1,202 subjects with severe COVID-19. The genetic variants were determined by employing Taqman® assays. The levels of sIFNAR2 were determined with ELISA in plasma samples from a subgroup of 351 individuals. The rs2236757, rs3153, rs1051393, and rs2834158 variants were associated with mortality risk among patients with severe COVID-19. Higher levels of sIFNAR2 were observed in survivors of COVID-19 compared to the group of non-survivors, which was not related to the studied IFNAR2 genetic variants. IFNAR2, both gene, and soluble protein, are relevant in the clinical outcome of patients hospitalized with severe COVID-19