SARS-CoV-2 Infection Alters the Phenotype and Gene Expression of Adipocytes.

Epidemiological evidence emphasizes that excess fat mass is associated with an increased risk of severe COVID-19 disease. Nevertheless, the intricate interplay between SARS-CoV-2 and adipocytes remains poorly understood. It is crucial to decipher the progression of COVID-19 both in the acute phase and on long-term outcomes. In this study, an in vitro model using the human SGBS cell line (Simpson-Golabi-Behmel syndrome) was developed to investigate the infectivity of SARS-CoV-2 in adipocytes, and the effects of virus exposure on adipocyte function. Our results show that SGBS adipocytes expressing ACE2 are susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection, as evidenced by the release of the viral genome into the medium, detection of the nucleocapsid in cell lysates, and positive immunostaining for the spike protein. Infected adipocytes show remarkable changes compared to uninfected controls: increased surface area of lipid droplets, upregulated expression of genes of inflammation (Haptoglobin, MCP-1, IL-6, PAI-1), increased oxidative stress (MnSOD), and a concomitant reduction of transcripts related to adipocyte function (leptin, fatty acid synthase, perilipin). Moreover, exogenous expression of spike protein in SGBS adipocytes also led to an increase in lipid droplet size. In conclusion using the human SGBS cell line, we detected SARS-CoV-2 infectivity in adipocytes, revealing substantial morphological and functional changes in infected cells.

Circulating Levels of MiRNAs From 320 Family in Subjects With Lipodystrophy: Disclosing Novel Signatures of the Disease.

Lipodystrophy (LD) indicates a group of rare disorders, with generalized or partial loss of white adipose tissue (WAT) often associated with metabolic derangements. Heterogeneity/wide spectrum of the disease and lack of biomarkers make diagnosis often difficult. MicroRNAs are important to maintain a correct WAT function and WAT is a source of circulating miRNAs (cmiRs). miRNAs from 320 family were previously detected in the WAT and variably associated to the metabolic syndrome. Our aim was then to investigate if LD can result in altered abundance of cmiRs-320. We collected samples from a cohort of LD subjects of various subtypes and from age matched controls. Use of quantitative PCR determined that cmiRs- 320a-3p, 320b, 320c, 320e are upregulated, while 320d is downregulated in LD. CmiRs-320 power as classifiers was more powerful in the most extreme and defined forms of LD, including the generalized and the Dunnigan subtypes. cmiR-320a-3p showed significant inverse relationships with plasma leptin (P < 0.0001), typically low in LD. The hepatic enzymes gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and the marker of inflammation C-reactive protein (CRP) were inversely related to cmiR 320d (P < 0.05, for CRP and GGT; P < 0.01, for AST and ALT). Gene ontology analysis revealed cell-cell adhesion as a process regulated by 320 miRNAs targets, thus disclosing a novel route to investigate origin of WAT loss/dysfunction. In conclusion, cmiRs-320 constitute novel biomarkers of LD, abundance of miR320a-3p is inversely associated to indicators related to WAT function, while downregulation of cmiR-320d predicts an altered hepatic profile and higher inflammation.

Avaliação dos tratamentos propostos pelos dentistas em casos de fraturas coronárias / Evaluation of treatments plans for managment of crown fractures proposed by dentists

Introdução: a odontologia prioriza a manutenção e integridade dos dentes na boca e a ocorrência de traumatismos dentais vem dificultando o cumprimento desta meta, uma vez que suas consequências envolvem danos funcionais, estéticos, psicológicos, sociais e terapêuticos, além dos altos custos para a reabilitação e acompanhamento por longos períodos de tempo. Objetivo: avaliar o conhecimento dos cirurgiões dentistas da região metropolitana de Juazeiro do Norte sobre as condutas clínicas baseadas nos planos de tratamentos propostos por estes profissionais sobre fraturas coronárias com ou sem exposição pulpar. Método: a partir de um questionário descritivo, foram abordadas questões referentes ao perfil dos profissionais entrevistados e procedimentos empregados na conduta frente a fraturas coronárias. Setenta e cinco questionários foram devidamente preenchidos, sendo 34 mulheres e 41 homens. Resultados: dos entrevistados 13 relataram nunca terem atendido casos de trauma dental, 26% relataram serem incapazes de tratar todos os casos de traumatismo dentário. E mesmo a maioria tendo formação especializada, grandes dificuldades foram encontradas nos planos de tratamento propostos em relação a fraturas mais complicadas. Discussão: as lesões dentais traumáticas envolvendo tecidos duros e de sustentação podem representar padrões de cicatrização bastante complexos. As lesões traumáticas do tipo fraturas coronárias apresentam um prognóstico favorável para a manutenção da vitalidade pulpar em relação às fraturas coronárias complicadas. As fraturas corono-radiculares com ou sem envolvimento pulpar, foram as que apresentaram mais indicações inadequadas de tratamento, provavelmente por necessitarem de uma abordagem multidisciplinar. Conclusão: considera-se primordial a multidisciplinaridade durante a formação acadêmica do clinico geral, bem como o aperfeiçoamento ao atendimento a pacientes com trauma dental. (AU)

Introduction: Dentistry prioritizes the maintenance and integrity of teeth in the mouth and the occurrence of dental trauma is hampering the achievement of this goal, since its consequences involve functional, aesthetic, psychological, social and therapeutic damage, in addition to high costs for rehabilitation and monitoring for extended periods of time. Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the knowledge of dentists in the metropolitan region of Juazeiro do Norte on the clinical management based on treatment plans proposed by these professionals on crown fractures with or without pulp exposure. Methods: For that, starting from a descriptive questionnaire, some questions regarding the profile of inquired professionals and procedures used in the performance of treatment of crown fractures. Results: Seventy-five questionnaires were fully completed, 34 women and 41 men. Only 13 reported ever having met cases of dental trauma, 26% reported being unable to deal with all cases of dental trauma. And even most having specialized training, great difficulties were encountered in the proposed treatment plans for the most complicated fractures. Discussion: Traumatic injuries involving pulp and periapical tissues can represent very complex healing patterns. The crown fractures have a favorable prognosis for the maintenance of pulpal vitality in relation to coronary complicated fractures. The corono-root fractures with or without pulp involvement, were the ones that had more inadequate treatment, probably because they require a multidisciplinary approach. Conclusion: it is essential for multidisciplinary academic training of general practitioner as well as improving service to patients with dental trauma. (AU)