Differential tissue development compromising the growth rate and physiological performances of mussel

Differences in the food acquisition rates and in the energetic costs of metabolism seem to affect the growth rate variability of mussels. The aim of this study was to analyze if the physiological performances responsible for such growth rate variability are accompanied by structural differences at tissue or cellular level in the main organs involved in energy acquisition (gill) and processing (digestive gland). Fast growers had higher cilia density and metabolic efficiency in their gill, and well-developed digestive tissue with barely no connective tissue or atrophy. Slow-growing mussels displayed stress signs that impede the proper acquisition, digestion and absorption of food: low cilia density, low mitochondrial capacity and high antioxidant activity levels in the gills, and high atrophy of the digestive gland. The data herein explains the growth rate variability of mussels, demonstrating that morphological and functional differences exist between fast and slow growers.This work was supported by the Basque Government through Consolidated Research Groups fellowship (CBET group, IT810-B) and through the predoctoral fellowship of Maitane Perez-Cebrecos

Design as an enabler of change: a model for measuring the impact of design in service organizations

Design is a human centred creative approach that transforms and improves organizational capabilities for innovation and strategic decision-making. The aim of this research is to identify the impact of design, in particular in service organizations that have embedded design capabilities. For that purpose, semi structured interviews were conducted with representatives of four service organizations operating in the banking, foodservice, contact centre and industrial property sectors, and that had recently developed design capabilities. The interviews followed a model for measuring the impact of design based on the four impact levels identified by Liedtka, King and Bennett (2013): results, perception, processes and culture. The findings show that design transformed the perception, processes and culture of the case organizations remarkably and immediately, yet its impact on business results was insignificant in the short term. Nevertheless, the interviewees asserted design had strengthen the organizational capabilities for innovation, differentiation and reaction against the increasing market demands. The article suggests using the measurement model in future studies to identify the long-term impact of design in organizations.El diseño es una disciplina creativa centrada en las personas que transforma y mejora las capacidades para la innovación y toma de decisiones estratégicas de las empresas. Este estudio tiene como objetivo identificar a través de un modelo de medición validado el impacto de la integración del diseño en las organizaciones y, en particular, en las empresas de servicios que están desarrollando capacidades de diseño. Con ese fin, se han analizado cuatro empresas de servicios de los sectores de banca, restauración colectiva, contact-centre y propiedad industrial, que están inmersos en un proceso de integración del diseño. Las entrevistas a las empresas han sido guiadas por el modelo de medición fundamentado en cuatro niveles: resultado, percepción, proceso y cultura del diseño. Los resultados del estudio muestran que el diseño ha transformado la percepción, los procesos internos y cultura de las empresas participantes de forma notable y rápida, mientras que su impacto en los resultados de negocio no es aún significativo. Se demuestra así la efectividad del modelo para identificar el impacto del diseño en los casos de estudio y se propone que futuras investigaciones validen la aplicación del modelo en empresas con mayor grado de madurez del diseño

Integrated biological response to environmentally-relevant concentration of amitriptyline in Sparus aurata

[EN]Amitriptyline (AMI) is a commonly tricyclic antidepressant to treat depression, anxiety, and other conditions. Like many other pharmaceuticals, AMI and its by-products are incompletely removed during wastewater treatment and therefore they are released to rivers, estuaries and coastal waters. The presence of this kind of compounds in the water environment may involve a negative impact on non-target aquatic organisms at relatively low concentrations. However, the knowledge of AMI effects on aquatic organisms in the environment is scarce. Thus, the objective of this work is to determine the effects of environmentally-relevant concentrations of AMI on biological responses at biochemical and cellular levels in marine teleost. Gilt-head seabream (S. aurata) were exposed to AMI for 7 days at 0.2 mu g/L in an open flow system and a battery of biomarkers were investigated: acetylcholinesterase, catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione S-transferase, cytochrome C oxidase, P450 CYP1A1 ethoxyresorufin (O) dealkylation, and lysosomal biomarkers. Biomarkers were integrated as IBR/n (biological response index). Overall, it can be concluded that AMI exposure at environmentally-relevant concentration induces significant biological responses to stress in marine teleost, especially in lysosomal biomarkers. However, further research is needed about the effects of AMI and other pharmaceuticals on biomarkers in nontargeted species, to raise the knowledge about the toxicity of this type of emerging pollutants.The authors are indebted to Ainhoa Camille for helping us with her invaluable technical support. This work was financially supported by the Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness through the project CTM2017-84763-C3-1-R and the Basque Government (IT-742-13 & IT1213-19). H. Ziarrusta is grateful to the Spanish Ministry predoctoral fellowship and L. Mijangos to the University of the Basque Country for her postdoctoral fellowship

Increase of the Adiponectin/Leptin Ratio in Patients with Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes after Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass

Bariatric surgery remains the most effective option for achieving important and sustained weight loss. We explored the effects of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) on the circulating levels of adiponectin, leptin, and the adiponectin/leptin (Adpn/Lep) ratio in patients with obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2D). Twenty-five T2D volunteers undergoing RYGB were included in the study, and further subclassified as patients that responded or not to RYBG, regarding remission of T2D. Anthropometric and biochemical variables were evaluated before and after RYGB. Obese patients with T2D exhibited an increase (p < 0.0001) in the Adpn/Lep ratio after RYGB. Changes in the Adpn/Lep ratio correlated better with changes in anthropometric data (p < 0.001) than with the variations of adiponectin or leptin alone. Multiple regression analysis revealed that the change in the Adpn/Lep ratio in patients with T2D was an independent predictor of the changes in body mass index (p < 0.001) and body fat percentage (p = 0.022). However, the Adpn/Lep ratio did not differ between individuals with or without T2D remission after RYGB. In summary, the current study demonstrated that after weight and body fat loss following RYGB, the Adpn/Lep ratio increased in patients with obesity and T2D

GLP-1 limits adipocyte inflammation and its low circulating pre-operative concentrations predict worse type 2 diabetes remission after bariatric surgery in obese patients

Objective: Glucagon-like peptide (GLP)-1 has been proposed as a key candidate in glucose improvements after bariatric surgery. Our aim was to explore the role of GLP-1 in surgically-induced type 2 diabetes (T2D) improvement and its capacity to regulate human adipocyte inflammation. Methods: Basal circulating concentrations of GLP-1 as well as during an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) were measured in lean and obese volunteers with and without T2D (n = 93). In addition, GLP-1 levels were determined before and after weight loss achieved by Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) (n = 77). The impact of GLP-1 on inflammation signalling pathways was also evaluated. Results: We show that the reduced (p < 0.05) circulating levels of GLP-1 in obese T2D patients increased (p < 0.05) after RYGB. The area under the curve was significantly lower in obese patients with (p < 0.01) and without (p < 0.05) T2D compared to lean volunteers while obese patients with T2D exhibited decreased GLP-1 levels at baseline (p < 0.05) and 120 min (p < 0.01) after the OGTT. Importantly, higher (p < 0.05) pre-operative GLP-1 concentrations were found in patients with T2D remission after RYGB. We also revealed that exendin-4, a GLP-1 agonist, downregulated the expression of inflammation-related genes (IL1B, IL6, IL8, TNF) and, conversely, upregulated the mRNA levels of ADIPOQ in human visceral adipocytes. Furthermore, exendin-4 blocked (p < 0.05) LPS-induced inflammation in human adipocytes via downregulating the expression and secretion of key inflammatory markers. Conclusions: Our data indicate that GLP-1 may contribute to glycemic control and exert a role in T2D remission after RYGB. GLP-1 is also involved in limiting inflammation in human visceral adipocytes

Itsas ingurumenerako mikrokutsatzaile organiko hidrofobikoen presentzia eta eraginak aztertzeko estrategien taxutzea

The efects of hydrophobic microcontaminants such as alkylphenols, organophosphorus compounds, organochloride pesticides, phthalates and musk fragances were studied in mussels. The proposed analytical strategy is based on the combination of passive sampling studies, bioconcentration measurements of micropollutants in mussels, environmental NMR metabolomics of two tissues (gonad, muscle) and hemolymph of mussels and histological analysis. By means of this work, it was verified the feasibility of this strategy in controlled conditions with intent to use it in future environmental studies. The micropollutants mixture was responsible of early spawning in mussels. In fact, the most significant metabolic changes were observed in the same day that spawning took place.; Lan honetan, ingurumen analisirako metodologia planteamendu berri bat proposatu da. Horretarako, kimikariek eta biologoek baldintza kontrolatuetako esposizioa egiteko elkarlanean jardun genuen. Esperimentu honetan, muskuiluak eta lagin-biltze pasiboko tresnak hainbat mikrokutsatzaile hidrofoboren eraginpean jarri ziren. Batetik, kutsatzaileen kontzentrazioak neurtu ziren, lagin-biltze puntualen zein lagin-biltze pasiboen bitartez. Bestetik, muskuiluetan kutsatzaileen kontzentrazioak neurtu ziren. Biologoek, euren aldetik, muskuiluen azterketa histopatologikoa egin zuten. Azkenik, NMR-n oinarritutako metabolomika erabili zen muskuiluek kutsatzaileen aurrean ematen zuten erantzuna aztertzeko. Lau estrategien konbinazioarekin, kausa (kokteleko mikrokutsatzaileen kontzentrazioak eta muskuiluek metatutakoa) eta eragindako efektuak (histologia azterketetan behatutakoak) hobeto uler ditzakegu. Kutsatzaileek eragiten dituzten aldaketak ulertzeko eta ondorioak azaltzeko metabolomika baliabide erabilgarria dela ondorioztatu genuen. Kutsatzaileen koktelak errute goiztiarra eragin zien muskuiluei; izan ere, NMR metabolomika erabiliz, aldaketa metaboliko nabarienak errute-egunean ikusi ziren

Increased obesity-associated circulating levels of the extracellular matrix proteins Osteopontin, Chitinase-3 Like-1 and Tenascin C are associated with colon cancer

Excess adipose tissue represents a major risk factor for the development of colon cancer with inflammation and extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling being proposed as plausible mechanisms. The aim of this study was to investigate whether obesity can influence circulating levels of inflammation-related extracellular matrix proteins in patients with colon cancer (CC), promoting a microenvironment favorable for tumor growth. Methods Serum samples obtained from 79 subjects [26 lean (LN) and 53 obese (OB)] were used in the study. Enrolled subjects were further subclassified according to the established diagnostic protocol for CC (44 without CC and 35 with CC). Anthropometricmeasurements as well as circulating metabolites and hormoneswere determined. Circulating concentrations of the ECM proteins osteopontin (OPN), chitinase-3-like protein 1 (YKL-40), tenascin C (TNC) and lipocalin-2 (LCN-2) were determined by ELISA. Results Significant differences in circulating OPN, YKL-40 and TNC concentrations between the experimental groups were observed, being significantly increased due to obesity (P<0.01) and colon cancer (P<0.05). LCN-2 levels were affected by obesity (P<0.05), but no differences were detected regarding the presence or not of CC. A positive association (P<0.05) with different inflammatorymarkers was also detected.Conclusions To our knowledge, we herein show for the first time that obese patients with CC exhibit increased circulating levels of OPN, YKL-40 and TNC providing furtherevidence for the influence of obesity on CC development via ECM proteins, representing promising diagnostic biomarkers or target molecules for therapeutics

The Role and Potential Therapeutic Implications of the Fibroblast Growth Factors in Energy Balance and Type 2 Diabetes

Purpose of Review: Obesity and its associated metabolic diseases have reached epidemic proportions worldwide, reducing life expectancy and quality of life. Several drugs have been tested to treat these diseases but many of them have damaging side effects. Consequently, there is an urgent need to develop more effective therapies. Recently, endocrine fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) have become attractive targets in the treatment of metabolic diseases. This review summarizes their most important functions as well as FGF-based therapies for the treatment of obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2D). Recent Findings: Recent studies demonstrate that circulating levels of FGF19 are reduced in obesity. In fact, exogenous FGF19 administration is associated with a reduction in food intake as well as with improvements in glycaemia. In contrast, FGF21 levels are elevated in subjects with abdominal obesity, insulin resistance and T2D, probably representing a compensatory response. Additionally, elevated levels of circulating FGF23 in individuals with obesity and T2D are reported in most clinical studies. Finally, increased FGF1 levels in obese patients associated with adipogenesis have been described. Summary: FGFs constitute important molecules in the treatment of metabolic diseases due to their beneficial effects on glucose and lipid metabolism. Among all members, FGF19 and FGF21 have demonstrated the ability to improve glucose, lipid and energy homeostasis, along with FGF1, which was recently discovered to have beneficial effects on metabolic homeostasis. Additionally, FGF23 may also play a role in insulin resistance or energy homeostasis beyond mineral metabolism control. These results highlight the relevant use of FGFs as potential biomarkers for the early diagnosis of metabolic diseases. In this regard, notable progress has been made in the development of FGF-based therapies and different approaches are being tested in different clinical trials. However, further studies are needed to determine their potential therapeutic use in the treatment of obesity and obesity-related comorbidities

Increase of the Adiponectin/Leptin Ratio in Patients with Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes after Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass

Bariatric surgery remains the most effective option for achieving important and sustained weight loss. We explored the effects of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) on the circulating levels of adiponectin, leptin, and the adiponectin/leptin (Adpn/Lep) ratio in patients with obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2D). Twenty-five T2D volunteers undergoing RYGB were included in the study, and further subclassified as patients that responded or not to RYBG, regarding remission of T2D. Anthropometric and biochemical variables were evaluated before and after RYGB. Obese patients with T2D exhibited an increase (p < 0.0001) in the Adpn/Lep ratio after RYGB. Changes in the Adpn/Lep ratio correlated better with changes in anthropometric data (p < 0.001) than with the variations of adiponectin or leptin alone. Multiple regression analysis revealed that the change in the Adpn/Lep ratio in patients with T2D was an independent predictor of the changes in body mass index (p < 0.001) and body fat percentage (p = 0.022). However, the Adpn/Lep ratio did not differ between individuals with or without T2D remission after RYGB. In summary, the current study demonstrated that after weight and body fat loss following RYGB, the Adpn/Lep ratio increased in patients with obesity and T2D