The glycan-binding protein galectin-1 controls survival of epithelial cells along the crypt-villus axis of small intestine

Abstract: Intestinal epithelial cells serve as mechanical barriers and active components of the mucosal immune system. These cells migrate from the crypt to the tip of the villus, where different stimuli can differentially affect their survival. Here we investigated, using in vitro and in vivo strategies, the role of galectin-1 (Gal-1), an evolutionarily conserved glycan-binding protein, in modulating the survival of human and mouse enterocytes. Both Gal-1 and its specific glyco-receptors were broadly expressed in small bowel enterocytes. Exogenous Gal-1 reduced the viability of enterocytes through apoptotic mechanisms involving activation of both caspase and mitochondrial pathways. Consistent with these findings, apoptotic cells were mainly detected at the tip of the villi, following administration of Gal-1. Moreover, Gal-1-deficient (Lgals-1-) mice showed longer villi compared with their wild-type counterparts in vivo. In an experimental model of starvation, fasted wild-type mice displayed reduced villi and lower intestinal weight compared with Lgals-1- mutant mice, an effect reflected by changes in the frequency of enterocyte apoptosis. Of note, human small bowel enterocytes were also prone to this pro-apoptotic effect. Thus, Gal-1 is broadly expressed in mucosal tissue and influences the viability of human and mouse enterocytes, an effect which might influence the migration of these cells from the crypt, the integrity of the villus and the epithelial barrier function.Facultad de Ciencias Exacta

The glycan-binding protein galectin-1 controls survival of epithelial cells along the crypt-villus axis of small intestine

Abstract: Intestinal epithelial cells serve as mechanical barriers and active components of the mucosal immune system. These cells migrate from the crypt to the tip of the villus, where different stimuli can differentially affect their survival. Here we investigated, using in vitro and in vivo strategies, the role of galectin-1 (Gal-1), an evolutionarily conserved glycan-binding protein, in modulating the survival of human and mouse enterocytes. Both Gal-1 and its specific glyco-receptors were broadly expressed in small bowel enterocytes. Exogenous Gal-1 reduced the viability of enterocytes through apoptotic mechanisms involving activation of both caspase and mitochondrial pathways. Consistent with these findings, apoptotic cells were mainly detected at the tip of the villi, following administration of Gal-1. Moreover, Gal-1-deficient (Lgals-1-) mice showed longer villi compared with their wild-type counterparts in vivo. In an experimental model of starvation, fasted wild-type mice displayed reduced villi and lower intestinal weight compared with Lgals-1- mutant mice, an effect reflected by changes in the frequency of enterocyte apoptosis. Of note, human small bowel enterocytes were also prone to this pro-apoptotic effect. Thus, Gal-1 is broadly expressed in mucosal tissue and influences the viability of human and mouse enterocytes, an effect which might influence the migration of these cells from the crypt, the integrity of the villus and the epithelial barrier function.Facultad de Ciencias Exacta

Evidence-based maternal and perinatal healthcare practices in public hospitals in Argentina

Evidence-based medicine Maternal and perinatal health services Prevalence studies Use of maternal and perinatal health practices Objective: To investigate the use of beneficial maternal and perinatal healthcare practices in a network of public maternity hospitals in Argentina. Method: A multicenter, prospective, descriptive study of 6661 deliveries in 9 hospitals. The use of 5 obstetric care practices that reduce maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality was evaluated. Results: Median use rates for the selected practices were: continuous support for women during childbirth (17.9%); corticosteroids for preterm birth (35.3%); avoidance of episiotomy in primiparous women (41.2%); iron and folate supplementation (52.5%); active management of third stage of labor (93.5%). Conclusion: There is limited use of the selected evidence-based maternal and perinatal practices in public hospitals in Argentina and a large variation in their use among and within hospitals. Efforts should be made to increase the use of these evidence-based practices

Sistema de valoración del desarrollo infantil, una apuesta de ciudad : lineamientos para la implementación de políticas, programas y proyectos educativos

A continuación se presenta el Sistema de Valoración del Desarrollo Infantil- SVDI en relación con sus antecedentes, su fundamentación conceptual, sus objetivos y estructura, la experiencia y aprendizajes derivados de su primera fase de puesta en marcha y los retos que demandan las subsiguientes fases de su implementación a nivel distrital

The argentinean paradox: the case of contradictory child malnutrition epidemics

Área de Salud, Economía y Socieda

La pediatría social: ¿una forma de pensar el espacio de la consulta?

Área de Salud, Economía y Socieda

Salud infantil y plomo en Argentina

Área de Salud, Economía y Socieda

Mortalidad materna: un problema de salud pública y derechos humanos

Área de Salud, Economía y Socieda

A comprehensive assessment of maternal deaths in Argentina: translating multicentre collaborative research into action

Área de Salud, Economía y Socieda

The need for youth-oriented policies and programmes on responsible sexuality in Argentina

Desde mediados de los años 90 en Argentina, se han promulgado varias leyes provinciales que crean programas de servicios y educación en planificacion familiar y salud sexual. Un Plan Nacional de Atención en Salud Integral para Adolescentes también fue aprobado, pero los recursos y los programas existentes son todavía limitados. El proceso político ha estado plagado de dificultades, debido a una alianza fuerte entre el Estado y la Iglesia Católica. Uno de los temas de mayor controversia ha sido la provision de anticonceptivos a adolescentes, ya que ellos son legalmente menores de edad y par lo tanto necesitan el permiso de sus padres para usar un método de planificacion familiar. Las ONG están trabajando con los jovenes para ayudarles a expresar sus perspectivas y sus demandas. El Programa de Sexualidad Responsable fue lanzado par la Provincia de Buenos Aires en 1999, en respuesta a las demandas concretas de las comunidades pobres de servicios de salud sexual y reproductiva, inclusive para los jóvenes. Dicho programa se terminó abruptamente con el cambio de gobemador en ese mismo año, ejemplificando la complejidad del proceso politico. Estas experiencias demuestran la urgencia de desarrollar estrategias y conformar grupos de trabajo que incidan efectivamente en los programas sociales y de salud, y de elevar la conciencia de los dirigentes politicos de los costos sociales de no apoyar estos programasÁrea de Salud, Economía y Socieda