TGF-ß1 induced up-regulation of B1 kinin receptor promotes antifibrotic activity in rat cardiac myofibroblasts.

Cardiac myofibroblast (CMF) are non-muscle cardiac cells that play a crucial role in wound healing and in pathological remodeling. These cells are mainly derived of cardiac fibroblast (CF) differentiation mediated by TGF-ß1. Evidence suggests that bradykinin (BK) regulates cardiac fibroblast function in the heart. Both B1 and B2 kinin receptors (B1R and B2R, respectively) mediate the biological effects of kinins. We recently showed that both receptors are expressed in CMF and its stimulation decreases collagen secretion. Whether TGF-ß1 regulates B1R and B2R expression, and how these receptors control antifibrotic activity in CMF remains poorly understood. In this work, we sought to study, the regulation of B1R expression in cultured CMF mediated by TGF-ß1, and the molecular mechanisms involved in B1R activation on CMF intracellular collagen type-I levels. Cardiac fibroblast-primary culture was obtained from neonatal rats. Hearts were digested and CFs were attached to dishes and separated from cardiomyoctes. CMF were obtained from CF differentiation with TGF-ß1 5 ng/mL. CF and CMF were treated with B1R and B2R agonists and with TGF-ß1 at different times and concentrations, in the presence or absence of chemical inhibitors, to evaluate signaling pathways involved in B1R expression, collagen type-I and prostacyclin levels. B1R and collagen type-I levels were evaluated by western blot. Prostacyclin levels were quantified by an ELISA kit. TGF-ß1 increased B1R expression via TGFß type I receptor kinase (ALK5) activation and its subsequent signaling pathways involving Smad2, p38, JNK and ERK1/2 activation. Moreover, in CMF, the activation of B1R and B2R by their respective agonists, reduced collagen synthesis. This effect was mediated by the canonical signaling pathway; phospholipase C (PLC), protein kinase C (PKC), phospholipase A2 (PLA2), COX-2 activation and PGI2 secretion and its autocrine effect. TGF-ß1 through ALK5, Smad2, p38, JNK and ERK1/2 increases B1R expression; whereas in CMF, B1R and B2R activation share common signaling pathways for reducing collagen synthesis.

Resolvin-D1 attenuation of angiotensin II-induced cardiac inflammation in mice is associated with prevention of cardiac remodeling and hypertension.

AIMS: Despite the broad pharmacological arsenal to treat hypertension, chronic patients may develop irreversible cardiac remodeling and fibrosis. Angiotensin II, the main peptide responsible for the Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone-System, has been closely linked to cardiac remodeling, hypertrophy, fibrosis, and hypertension, and some of these effects are induced by inflammatory mediators. Resolvin-D1 (RvD1) elicits potent anti-inflammatory and pro-resolving effects in various pathological models. In this study, we aimed to examine whether RvD1 ameliorates cardiac remodeling and hypertension triggered by angiotensin II. METHODS AND RESULTS: Alzet® osmotic mini-pumps filled with angiotensin II (1.5 mg/kg/day) were implanted in male C57BL/6 J mice for 7 or 14 days. RvD1 (3 µg/kg/day, i.p) was administered one day after the surgery and during the complete infusion period. Blood pressure and myocardial functional parameters were assessed by echocardiography. At the end of the experimental procedure, blood and heart tissue were harvested, and plasma and histological parameters were studied. After 7 and 14 days, RvD1 reduced the increase of neutrophil and macrophage infiltration triggered by angiotensin II, and also reduced ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 expression levels. RvD1 also reduced cytokine plasma levels (IL-1ß, TNF-α, IL-6, KC, MCP-1), cardiac hypertrophy, interstitial and perivascular fibrosis, and hypertension. CONCLUSIONS: This study unveils novel cardioprotective effects of RvD1 in angiotensin II-induced hypertension and cardiac remodeling by attenuating inflammation and provides insights into a potential clinical application.

Integrated Use of Biomarkers (O : N Ratio and Acetylcholinesterase Inhibition) on Aulacomya ater (Molina, 1782) (Bivalvia: Mytilidae) as a Criteria for Effects of Organophosphate Pesticide Exposition.

The effect of residual concentrations of organophosphate pesticide chlorpyrifos (Lorsban 4E) on the activity of the acetylcholinesterase enzyme and oxygen : nitrogen ratio in the mussel Aulacomya ater was analyzed. Toxicity tests show a sensitivity to the pesticide in the bivalve estimated at 16 µg L(-1) (LC(50-96 hours)). Concentrations between 0.2 and 1.61 µg L(-1) were able to inhibit significantly the AChE activity, and concentrations between 0.8 and 1.61 µg L(-1) stimulate ammonia excretion and decrease oxygen : ammonia-N (O : N) ratio, with respect to the control group. A. ater proved to be a species sensitive to pesticide exposure and easy to handle in lab conditions. Thus, it is recommended as a bioindicator for use in programs of environmental alertness in the Eastern South Pacific coastal zone.

Cambios en la composición proximal de harina de maíz precocida, arroz, pastas y cereales infantiles al prepararlos en el hogar para su consumo / Changes in the proximate composition of pre-cooked cornmeal, pastas, and baby cereals when prepared at home for their consumption

Los cereales son fuente importante de macronutrientes que varían con el procesamiento y preparación antes de su consumo. La cocción mejora el sabor de los alimentos, los hace agradables y más digeribles. El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar los cambios producidos en la composición proximal de la harina de maíz precocida, arroz blanco, pasta alimenticia y cereales infantiles al momento de la preparación en el hogar, a fin de actualizar y aportar datos a la Tabla de Composición de Alimentos (TCA) de Venezuela. Se adquirieron 87 muestras de productos alimenticios entre harina de maíz precocida, arroz blanco, pasta alimenticia y cereales infantiles. Las muestras fueron captadas en expendios oficiales (MERCAL) y cadenas de supermercados en diferentes zonas de Caracas. Se obtuvieron 11 lotes, los cuales fueron analizados crudos y cocidos (forma habitual de preparación en el hogar). Los análisis realizados fueron humedad, proteínas, grasas y cenizas utilizando métodos oficiales. Los resultados porcentuales indican que existen diferencias significativas (p<0,05) entre los parámetros evaluados para las diferentes marcas, entre los productos crudos y cocidos. Todos los cereales crudos tienen una humedad menor de 11,12 % y presentan variaciones porcentuales en proteínas de 7,07 a 15,02, grasas de 1,18 a 2,50 y cenizas de 0,40 a 2,38 cumpliendo lo establecido en la Norma COVENIN correspondiente. En las muestras preparadas para el consumo, las variaciones porcentuales son: humedad entre 56,31 y 75,97, las proteínas de 2,53 a 5,38, las grasas de 0,36 a 1,22, y las cenizas 0,16 a 0,72. Se concluye que el mayor cambio que experimentan los alimentos en su procesamiento doméstico es la humedad (absorción y evaporación de agua), la cual diluye y modifica los componentes, que en el caso de las proteínas se reducen en mas del 50%, por esto para el efecto de cálculo de aporte de macronutrientes debe considerarse el contenido tal y como se consume el alimento. Los resultados obtenidos son semejantes a los reportados en la versión 2000 de la TCA(AU)

Cereals are an important source of macronutrients that vary with the processing and preparation before their consumption. Cooking improves the taste of food, nice and makes them nicer and more digestible. The objective was to evaluate the changes produced in the proximate composition of precooked cornmeal, white rice, pasta and baby cereals at the time of preparation at home, aiming to update and provide data to the Venezuelan Food Composition Table (TCA). Eighty-seven samples of food products were purchased among precooked cornmeal, white rice, pasta and baby cereals. The samples were acquired at government outlets (MERCAL) and supermarket chains in different areas of Caracas. Eleven lots were obtained, which were analysed raw and cooked (usual home preparation). The analyses performed were moisture, protein, fat and ash, using official methods. The percentage results indicate significant differences (p <0.05) for the evaluated parameters between raw and cooked products for different brands. All raw cereals have humidity lower than 11.12%, and show protein percentage variations from 7.07 to 15.02, fat from 1.18 to 2.50 and ash from 0.40 to 2.38 meeting the provisions of the corresponding COVENIN standard. In the samples prepared for consumption, the percentage variations are: humidity between 56.31 and 75.97, protein from 2.53 to 5.38, fat from 0.36 to 1.22, and ash from 0.16 to 0 72. The major change these foodstuffs experience by domestic food processing is the moisture (water absorption and evaporation), which dilutes and modifies the components, which in the case of proteins are reduced by more than 50%, and thus for calculating the supply of macronutrients, the content should be considered as the foodstuff is consumed. The results obtained are similar to those reported in the 2000 version of the TCA(AU)

Uso de malla de polipropileno subalbugínea en orquiectomía bilateral por cáncer de próstata / Use of a testicular intralbugineal polypropylene mesh in bilateral orchiectomy for prostate cancer

Se presenta la experiencia del Servicio de Urología del Hospital Carlos Van Büren en el uso de malla de polipropileno intralbugínea como prótesis testicular, contemporánea a la orquiectomía subalbugínea bilateral por cáncer de próstata. Nuestra serie es de 30 pacientes, con un total de 60 testículos, correspondientes al período comprendido entre noviembre de 2001 y septiembre de 2002. Los resultados iniciales son alentadores.