QUALITY OF LIFE AND PSYCHOLOGICAL CHANGES IN BARIATRIC SURGERY: AN OBSERVATIONAL STUDY.

INTRODUCTION: Candidates for bariatric surgery may have psychiatric disorders that must be evaluated. The aim of this study was to describe the psychological state and quality of life (QoL) of patients with obesity awaiting bariatric surgery prior to surgical procedure and one year after surgery. METHODS: A longitudinal retrospective observational study was carried out in 71 patients awaiting bariatric surgery. Anthropometric data were collected, and the following were evaluated before and one year after the intervention: 44 patients were evaluated to rule out personality disorder, using the Salamanca Questionnaire of Personality Disorders; eating disorder, with the Bulimia Test of Edinburgh (BITE); depression, using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI); and 71 patients were evaluated QoL, with the "Short Form Health Survey"(SF-36). RESULTS: A total of 34.1% (n=15) of patients presented personality disorder (Group B most frequent). 31.8% (n=14) obtained scores suggesting anomalous food behavior (6.8% n=3 severe). According to the BDI, 43.2% (n=19) showed low mood prior to the intervention. Lower scores were obtained when evaluating QoL for physical functioning (physical function:56.81±24.9; physical problems:66.76±37.64). One year after the intervention, QoL improved in those patients who underwent the sleeve gastrectomy (SG). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with bariatric surgery more frequently presented with Type B and C personalities. One year after bariatric surgery an improvement in QoL test was observed. Patients who underwent SG technique showed better mean scores than those after bilopancreatic diversion (BPD).

[Disability status and consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages: analysis of a Colombian population survey]. / Condición de discapacidad y consumo de bebidas azucaradas: análisis de una encuesta poblacional colombiana.

INTRODUCTION: according to the World Health Organization (WHO), obesity has tripled in the world as a result of high caloric intake. People with disabilities are more likely to be overweight and obese. OBJECTIVES: this study aimed to estimate the association between disability status and consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages in the population aged 18 years and older in Colombia in 2017. METHODS: we conducted a secondary analysis of data from Colombia's 2017 National Quality of Life Survey (ECV). The dependent variable was the consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages, and the independent variable was the disability status. Additionally, confounding variables were incorporated. An ordinal logistic regression was performed to estimate the magnitude of the association. The complex sample design of the 2017 LCS was considered in all results. RESULTS: we included data from 18,957 persons aged 18 years and older; 7.9 % had a disability, and 64.4 % consumed sugar-sweetened beverages. People with moderate and severe disability were 18 % and 41 %, respectively, less likely to have a higher consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages compared to people without disability (OR: 0.82; 95 % CI: 0.72-0.95 and OR: 0.59; 95 % CI: 0.39-0.90). When stratified by age group, this association remained only in those older than 45. CONCLUSIONS: in Colombia, in 2017, people with disabilities older than 45 years consumed fewer sugar-sweetened beverages than people without disabilities.

Unraveling the genomic landscape of Campylorhynchus wrens along western Ecuador's precipitation gradient: Insights into hybridization, isolation by distance, and isolation by the environment.

Environmental gradients have the potential to influence genetic differentiation among populations ultimately leading to allopatric speciation. However, environmental gradients can also facilitate hybridization between closely related taxa. We investigated a putative hybrid zone in western Ecuador, involving two polytypic wren species (Aves: Troglodytidae), Campylorhynchus zonatus and C. fasciatus. Our study addressed two primary questions: (1) Is there evidence of population structure and genetic admixture between these taxa in western Ecuador? and (2) What are the relative contributions of isolation by distance and isolation by the environment to the observed genetic differentiation along the environmental gradient in this region? We analyzed 4409 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from 112 blood samples sequenced using ddRadSeq and a de novo assembly. The optimum number of genetic clusters ranged from 2 to 4, aligning with geographic origins, known phylogenetics, and physical or ecological constraints. We observed notable transitions in admixture proportions along the environmental gradient in western Ecuador between C. z. brevirostris and the northern and southern genetic clusters of C. f. pallescens. Genetic differentiation between the two C. f. pallescens populations could be attributed to an unreported potential physical barrier in central western Ecuador, where the proximity of the Andes to the coastline restricts lowland habitats, limiting dispersal and gene flow, especially among dry-habitat specialists. The observed admixture in C. f. pallescens suggests that this subspecies may be a hybrid between C. z. brevirostris and C. fasciatus, with varying degrees of admixture in western Ecuador and northwestern Peru. We found evidence of isolation by distance, while isolation by the environment was less pronounced but still significant for annual mean precipitation and precipitation seasonality. This study enhances our understanding of avian population genomics in tropical regions.

Targeting Leishmania infantum Mannosyl-oligosaccharide glucosidase with natural products: potential pH-dependent inhibition explored through computer-aided drug design.

Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL) is a serious public health issue, documented in more than ninety countries, where an estimated 500,000 new cases emerge each year. Regardless of novel methodologies, advancements, and experimental interventions, therapeutic limitations, and drug resistance are still challenging. For this reason, based on previous research, we screened natural products (NP) from Nuclei of Bioassays, Ecophysiology, and Biosynthesis of Natural Products Database (NuBBEDB), Mexican Compound Database of Natural Products (BIOFACQUIM), and Peruvian Natural Products Database (PeruNPDB) databases, in addition to structural analogs of Miglitol and Acarbose, which have been suggested as treatments for VL and have shown encouraging action against parasite's N-glycan biosynthesis. Using computer-aided drug design (CADD) approaches, the potential inhibitory effect of these NP candidates was evaluated by inhibiting the Mannosyl-oligosaccharide Glucosidase Protein (MOGS) from Leishmania infantum, an enzyme essential for the protein glycosylation process, at various pH to mimic the parasite's changing environment. Also, computational analysis was used to evaluate the Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion, and Toxicity (ADMET) profile, while molecular dynamic simulations were used to gather information on the interactions between these ligands and the protein target. Our findings indicated that Ocotillone and Subsessiline have potential antileishmanial effects at pH 5 and 7, respectively, due to their high binding affinity to MOGS and interactions in the active center. Furthermore, these compounds were non-toxic and had the potential to be administered orally. This research indicates the promising anti-leishmanial activity of Ocotillone and Subsessiline, suggesting further validation through in vitro and in vivo experiments.

Neurodegenerative Diseases: Unraveling the Heterogeneity of Astrocytes.

The astrocyte population, around 50% of human brain cells, plays a crucial role in maintaining the overall health and functionality of the central nervous system (CNS). Astrocytes are vital in orchestrating neuronal development by releasing synaptogenic molecules and eliminating excessive synapses. They also modulate neuronal excitability and contribute to CNS homeostasis, promoting neuronal survival by clearance of neurotransmitters, transporting metabolites, and secreting trophic factors. Astrocytes are highly heterogeneous and respond to CNS injuries and diseases through a process known as reactive astrogliosis, which can contribute to both inflammation and its resolution. Recent evidence has revealed remarkable alterations in astrocyte transcriptomes in response to several diseases, identifying at least two distinct phenotypes called A1 or neurotoxic and A2 or neuroprotective astrocytes. However, due to the vast heterogeneity of these cells, it is limited to classify them into only two phenotypes. This review explores the various physiological and pathophysiological roles, potential markers, and pathways that might be activated in different astrocytic phenotypes. Furthermore, we discuss the astrocyte heterogeneity in the main neurodegenerative diseases and identify potential therapeutic strategies. Understanding the underlying mechanisms in the differentiation and imbalance of the astrocytic population will allow the identification of specific biomarkers and timely therapeutic approaches in various neurodegenerative diseases.

Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Mediated by Punica granatum Peel Waste: An Effective Additive for Natural Rubber Latex Nanofibers Enhancement.

Pomegranate waste poses an environmental challenge in Arequipa. Simultaneously, interest in sustainable materials like natural rubber latex (NRL) is growing, with Peruvian communities offering a promising source. This study explores the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using pomegranate peel extract and their incorporation into NRL nanofibers for enhanced functionalities. An eco-friendly process utilized silver nitrate and pomegranate peel extract as a reducing and capping agent to synthesize AgNPs. The resulting AgNPs and NRL/AgNPs nanofibers were characterized using imaging and spectroscopic techniques such as UV-vis, TGA, FTIR, XRD, Raman, SEM, and DLS. Green-synthesized AgNPs were spherical and crystalline, with an average diameter of 59 nm. They showed activity against K. pneumoniae, E. coli, B. cereus, and S. aureus (IC50: 51.32, 4.87, 27.72, and 69.72 µg/mL, respectively). NRL and NRL/AgNPs nanofibers (300-373 nm diameter) were successfully fabricated. The composite nanofibers exhibited antibacterial activity against K. pneumoniae and B. cereus. This study presents a sustainable approach by utilizing pomegranate waste for AgNP synthesis and NRL sourced from Peruvian communities. Integrating AgNPs into NRL nanofibers produced composites with antimicrobial properties. This work has potential applications in smart textiles, biomedical textiles, and filtration materials where sustainability and antimicrobial functionality are crucial.

Boosting Synergistic Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Properties Blending Cereal-Based Nutraceuticals Produced Using Sprouting and Hydrolysis Tools.

Nutraceuticals obtained from sprouted wheat and oat grains and processing by-products (bran and hull, respectively) naturally containing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds were evaluated. The objective of this study was the development of a cereal-based nutraceutical formula combining extracts from sprouts and by-products and the exploration for potential synergetic effects in their bioactive properties. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capacities, glycemic index, phytic acid, and ß-glucan of individual wheat bran hydrolysate (EH-WB), sprouted wheat (SW), oat hull hydrolysate (EH-OH), sprouted oat (SO), and combined ingredients (CI 1, CI 2, and CI3) were used to tailor an optimal nutraceutical formula. The three blend ingredients (CI 1, CI2, and CI3) were formulated at different ratios (EH-WB:SW:EH-OH:SO; 1:1:1:1, 2:1:2:1, and 1:2:1:2, w:w:w:w, respectively). The resulting mixtures showed total phenol (TPs) content ranging from 412.93 to 2556.66 µmol GAE 100 g-1 and antioxidant capacity values from 808.14 to 22,152.54 µmol TE 100 g-1 (ORAC) and 1914.05 to 7261.32 µmol TE 100 g-1 (ABTS•+), with Fe3+ reducing ability from 734. 02 to 8674.51 mmol reduced Fe 100 g-1 (FRAP) for the individual ingredients produced from EH-WB and EH-OH, where high antioxidant activity was observed. However, the anti-inflammatory results exhibited an interesting behavior, with a potentially synergistic effect of the individual ingredients. This effect was observed in CI2 and CI3, resulting in a higher ability to inhibit IL-6 and TNF-α than expected based on the anti-inflammatory values of their individual ingredients. Similar to the antioxidant properties, oat-based ingredients significantly contributed more to the anti-inflammatory properties of the overall mixture. This contribution is likely associated with the ß-glucans and avenanthramides present in oats. To ensure the bioaccessibility of these ingredients, further studies including simulated digestion protocols would be necessary. The ingredient formulated with a 2:1 hydrolysate-to-sprout ratio was the most effective combination, reaching higher biological characteristics.

Alpha-Synuclein Gene Alterations Modulate Tyrosine Hydroxylase in Human iPSC-Derived Neurons in a Parkinson's Disease Animal Model.

Parkinson's disease (PD) caused by SNCA gene triplication (3XSNCA) leads to early onset, rapid progression, and often dementia. Understanding the impact of 3XSNCA and its absence is crucial. This study investigates the differentiation of human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived floor-plate progenitors into dopaminergic neurons. Three different genotypes were evaluated in this study: patient-derived hiPSCs with 3XSNCA, a gene-edited isogenic line with a frame-shift mutation on all SNCA alleles (SNCA 4KO), and a normal wild-type control. Our aim was to assess how the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) microenvironment, damaged by 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA), influences tyrosine hydroxylase-positive (Th+) neuron differentiation in these genetic variations. This study confirms successful in vitro differentiation into neuronal lineage in all cell lines. However, the SNCA 4KO line showed unusual LIM homeobox transcription factor 1 alpha (Lmx1a) extranuclear distribution. Crucially, both 3XSNCA and SNCA 4KO lines had reduced Th+ neuron expression, despite initial successful neuronal differentiation after two months post-transplantation. This indicates that while the SNpc environment supports early neuronal survival, SNCA gene alterations-either amplification or knock-out-negatively impact Th+ dopaminergic neuron maturation. These findings highlight SNCA's critical role in PD and underscore the value of hiPSC models in studying neurodegenerative diseases.

Validation of an Artificial Intelligence-Based Ultrasound Imaging System for Quantifying Muscle Architecture Parameters of the Rectus Femoris in Disease-Related Malnutrition (DRM).

(1) Background: The aim was to validate an AI-based system compared to the classic method of reading ultrasound images of the rectus femur (RF) muscle in a real cohort of patients with disease-related malnutrition. (2) Methods: One hundred adult patients with DRM aged 18 to 85 years were enrolled. The risk of DRM was assessed by the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM). The variation, reproducibility, and reliability of measurements for the RF subcutaneous fat thickness (SFT), muscle thickness (MT), and cross-sectional area (CSA), were measured conventionally with the incorporated tools of a portable ultrasound imaging device (method A) and compared with the automated quantification of the ultrasound imaging system (method B). (3) Results: Measurements obtained using method A (i.e., conventionally) and method B (i.e., raw images analyzed by AI), showed similar values with no significant differences in absolute values and coefficients of variation, 58.39-57.68% for SFT, 30.50-28.36% for MT, and 36.50-36.91% for CSA, respectively. The Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) for reliability and consistency analysis between methods A and B showed correlations of 0.912 and 95% CI [0.872-0.940] for SFT, 0.960 and 95% CI [0.941-0.973] for MT, and 0.995 and 95% CI [0.993-0.997] for CSA; the Bland-Altman Analysis shows that the spread of points is quite uniform around the bias lines with no evidence of strong bias for any variable. (4) Conclusions: The study demonstrated the consistency and reliability of this new automatic system based on machine learning and AI for the quantification of ultrasound imaging of the muscle architecture parameters of the rectus femoris muscle compared with the conventional method of measurement.

[Spanish translation, cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the ADTC scale (Atopic Dermatitis Control Tool)] / Traducción al español, adaptación transcultural y validación de la escala ADTC (Atopic Dermatitis Control Tool).

OBJETIVES: Obtain a version to validate it in a population of adults with AD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 1) Translation into Spanish and cross-cultural adaptation of the questionnaire from the original version in English, through a seven-step process. 2) Evaluation of the unidimensionality of the resulting scale by means of an exploratory factor analysis (EFA), of its reliability by means of Cronbach's alpha coefficient, and of its validity by evaluating the correlation of its score with those of the POEM and DLQI questionnaires. (external reference criteria). RESULTS: The version resulting from the translation and cross-cultural adaptation process was well understood by the target population. The AFE of the 66 questionnaires documented the unidimensionality of the scale based on compliance with all the criteria used for its verification. Its reliability was excellent (Cronbach's Alpha: 0.917) and its score had a very high correlation with the external reference criteria (POEM: Spearman's Rho 0.85; p < 0.0001; DLQI Spearman's Rho = 0.81; p < 0 .0001). CONCLUSIONS: The version translated into Spanish and adapted for transculturation of the ADCT questionnaire has appropriate psychometric characteristics, which will contribute to optimizing the care processes of Spanish-speaking patients.

INTRODUCCIÓN: El cuestionario ADCT (Atopic Dermatitis Control Tool) permite objetivar en forma breve y autoadministrada la repercusión de la dermatitis atópica (DA) sobre la vida cotidiana de quien la padece. OBJETIVO: Obtener una versión validarla en una población de adultos con DA. MATERIALES Y METODOS: 1) Traducción al español y adaptación transcultural del cuestionario a partir de la versión original en inglés, a través de un proceso de siete pasos. 2) Evaluación de la unidimensionalidad de la escala resultante mediante un análisis factorial exploratorio (AFE), de su confiabilidad mediante el coeficiente alfa de Cronbach, y de su validez mediante la evaluación de la correlación de su puntaje con los de los cuestionarios POEM y DLQI (criterios externos de referencia). RESULTADOS: La versión resultante del proceso de traducción y adaptación transcultural fue bien comprendida por la población blanco. El AFE de los 66 cuestionarios documentó la unidimensionalidad de la escala a partir del cumplimiento de todos los criterios utilizados para su verificación. Su confiabilidad fue excelente (Alfa de Cronbach: 0,917) y su puntaje tuvo muy alta correlación con los criterios de referencia externos (POEM: Spearman's Rho 0,85; p < 0,0001; DLQI Spearman's Rho = 0,81; p < 0,0001). CONCLUSION: La versión traducida al español y adaptada transculturación del cuestionario ADCT tiene características psicométricas apropiadas, lo que contribuirá a optimizar los procesos de cuidado de pacientes de habla hispana.

Impact of the rs822393 Variant on Adiponectin Levels and Metabolic Parameters after Weight Loss Secondary to a High-Fat Hypocaloric Diet with Mediterranean Pattern.

INTRODUCTION: The effects of the rs822393 variant of ADIPOQ gene on metabolic parameters such as insulin resistance and adiponectin levels following weight loss through dietary intervention are still uncertain. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of rs822393 of ADIPOQ gene on adiponectin levels and metabolic parameters after weight loss with a high-fat hypocaloric diet with Mediterranean pattern during 12 weeks. METHODS: A population of 283 patients with obesity was allocated to a dietary intervention trial with a high-fat hypocaloric diet during 12 weeks. Adiposity and biochemical parameters were determined. rs822393 was assessed with a dominant model analysis (CC vs. CT + TT). RESULTS: These patients had three different genotypes: CC (59.0%), CT (33.6%), and TT (7.4%). The allelic frequencies for C and T were 0.89 and 0.20, respectively. Basal and post-intervention HDL cholesterol, adiponectin levels, and adiponectin/leptin ratio were lower in T-allele than non-T-allele carriers. After dietary intervention, BMI, weight, fat mass, waist circumference, systolic blood pressure, insulin, HOMA-IR, leptin, total cholesterol, and LDL cholesterol levels improved significantly in both genotype groups. Moreover, HDL cholesterol (CC vs. CT + TT) (delta: 8.9 ± 1.1 mg/dL vs. 1.7 ± 0.8 mg/dL; p = 0.02), serum adiponectin in non-T-allele carriers (43.1 ± 5.9 ng/dL vs. 2.8 ± 3 0.0 ng/dL; p = 0.01), and adiponectin/leptin ratio (1.37 ± 0.1 units vs. 0.17 ± 0.08 units; p = 0.02) improved only in non-T-allele carriers after weight loss. CONCLUSION: Individuals with obesity and without the T allele of rs822393 experienced improvements in adiponectin levels, adiponectin/leptin ratio, and HDL cholesterol levels after following a high-fat hypocaloric diet with a Mediterranean pattern.

Decoding the Gut Microbiota-Gestational Diabetes Link: Insights from the Last Seven Years.

The human microbiome, a complex ecosystem of bacteria, viruses, and protozoans living in symbiosis with the host, plays a crucial role in human health, influencing everything from metabolism to immune function. Dysbiosis, or an imbalance in this ecosystem, has been linked to various health issues, including diabetes and gestational diabetes (GD). In diabetes, dysbiosis affects the function of adipose tissue, leading to the release of adipokines and cytokines, which increase inflammation and insulin resistance. During pregnancy, changes to the microbiome can exacerbate glucose intolerance, a common feature of GD. Over the past years, burgeoning insights into the gut microbiota have unveiled its pivotal role in human health. This article comprehensively reviews literature from the last seven years, highlighting the association between gut microbiota dysbiosis and GD, as well as the metabolism of antidiabetic drugs and the potential influences of diet and probiotics. The underlying pathophysiological mechanisms discussed include the impact of dysbiosis on systemic inflammation and the interplay with genetic and environmental factors. By focusing on recent studies, the importance of considering microbial health in the prevention and treatment of GD is emphasized, providing insights into future research directions and clinical applications to improve maternal-infant health outcomes.

Biofilm Eradication and Inhibition of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Clinical Isolates by Curcumin-Chitosan Magnetic Nanoparticles.

Biofilm-producing methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and coagulase-negative Staphylococci (MR-CoNS) are a clinical challenge for the treatment of healthcare-associated infections. As alternative antimicrobial options are needed, we aimed to determine the effect of curcumin-chitosan magnetic nanoparticles on the biofilm of staphylococcal clinical isolates. MRSA and CoNS clinical isolates were identified by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed by broth microdilution. Nanoparticles were synthesized by co-precipitation of magnetic nanoparticles (MNP) and encapsulation by ionotropic gelation of curcumin (Cur) and chitosan (Chi). Biofilm inhibition and eradication by nanoparticles with and without the addition of oxacillin was assessed on staphylococcal strains. Cur-Chi-MNP showed antimicrobial activity on planktonic cells of MRSA and MR-CoNS strains and inhibited biofilm of MRSA. The addition of OXA to Cur-Chi-MNP increased biofilm inhibition and eradication activity against all Staphylococci strains (p=0.0007); higher biofilm activity was observed in early biofilm stages. Cur-Chi-MNP showed antimicrobial and biofilm inhibition activity against S. aureus. The addition of OXA increased biofilm inhibition and eradication activity against all Staphylococci strains. A combination treatment of Cur-Chi-MNP and OXA could be potentially used to treat staphylococcal biofilm-associated infections in its early stages before the establishment of biofilm bacterial cells.

Quality of life, diabetes-related stress and treatment satisfaction are correlated with glycemia risk index (GRI), time in range and hypoglycemia/hyperglycemia components in type 1 diabetes.

INTRODUCTION: To evaluate the relationship between the GRI -component of hypoglycemia (CHypo) and hyperglycemia (CHyper)- with diabetes quality of life (DQoL), diabetes-related stress (DDS), perception of hypoglycemia (Clarke Test), visual analogic scale (VAS) and diabetes-knowledge (DKQ2) in T1D. METHODS: Cross-sectional study in 92 patients with T1D under intensive insulin treatment (21.7% CSII) and flash glucose monitoring (isCGM). Clinical, metabolic and glycometric parameters and quality of life/satisfaction questionnaires were analyzed. RESULTS: 92 patients (54.3% male, BMI 25.4 ± 4.5 kg/m2, HbA1c 7.5 ± 1.0%, TIR 53.9 ± 15.9%) with mean age 36.1 ± 12.6years and 17.8 ± 11.3 T1D duration. The mean GRI was 60.6 ± 22.2 with a CHypo and CHyper of 5.9 ± 4.8 and 27.3 ± 14.4, respectively. 19.1% presented a pathological Clarke's test. Patients with TIR > 70% and GRI < 40 showed better VAS (8.8 ± 1.3 vs 9.3 ± 0.9, p < 0.05) and DDS (46.4 ± 22.1 vs 36.7 ± 16.6, p < 0.05) scores, showing no differences between groups. CHyper > 15 and Chypo > 3.4 were related to worse levels of DQoL (91.1 ± 23.9 vs 76.6 ± 18.6 and 94.6 ± 24.8 vs 79.8 ± 20.1, p < 0.01), DDS(49.8 ± 22.4 vs 35.7 ± 16.5 and 49.8 ± 22.4 vs 35.7 ± 16.5, p < 0.01),and DKQ2 (24.4 ± 4.3 vs 26.8 ± 5.2 and 24.1 ± 4.8 vs 26.0 ± 4.6, p < 0.05), respectively. Worse metabolic control defined by GRI correlated with worse scores in VAS (r = -0.209, p < 0.05), DQoL (r = 0.205, p < 0.05), and DDS (r = 0.205, p < 0.05). No difference was observed in knowledge´s scale. CHyper correlated with worse scores in VAS (r = -0.231, p < 0.05), DQoL (r = 0.422, p < 0.01), and DDS (r = 0.341, p < 0.01) and lower degree of knowledge DKQ2 (r = -0.231, p < 0.05). When analyzing DQoL as a dependent variable in a multiple lineal regression, only age (ß = 0.747; p < 0.001) and CHyper (ß = 0.717; p < 0.001) maintained statistical significance. CONCLUSIONS: Higher GRI was related to worse quality of life, diabetes-related stress and satisfaction with treatment, analogous to the TIR results.CHyper an Chypo were related to a greater decline in quality of life, diabetes-related stress, and lower satisfaction with treatment.However, in a multiple linear regression, only CHyper maintained statistical significance.

Role of rs2282679 in 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels and insulin resistance after a sleeve gastrectomy.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Some studies have reported links between 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels and the presence of obesity and some genetic variants. The aim of our design was to evaluate the effects of rs2282679 genetic variant of CG gene on 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels, weight loss and metabolic parameters after a robotic sleeve gastrectomy in premenopausal females with obesity. METHODS: 76 participants were enrolled. 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels, biochemical evaluation and anthropometric parameters were registered before surgery and after 3, 6 and 12 months follow up. Genotype of rs2282679 CG gene was evaluated. RESULTS: The improvements in anthropometric parameters, blood pressure and lipid profile were similar in both genotypes (TT vs TG + GG). Basal insulin levels and HOMA-IR were greater in G allele carriers than non-carriers (Delta: 6.7 ± 1.2 mUI/L; p = 0.01) and (Delta: 1.3 ± 0.1 units; p = 0.02). 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels were lower in G allele carriers than non-carriers (Delta: 8.1 ± 1.1 ng/dl; p = 0.03). The levels of insulin and HOMA-IR remained greater in G allele carriers than non-carriers throughout all the visits. The levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D remained lower in G allele carriers than non-G allele. The average level of 25-hydroxyvitamin D at 12 months in non-G allele carriers were above 30 ng/dl (36.0 ± 3.1 ng/dl) and the level in G allele carriers were below (24.9 ± 4.9 ng/dl). CONCLUSIONS: rs 2282679 (GC) was related with low 25 hydroxyvitamin D levels and insulin resistance. In addition, the presence of G allele produced a decrease in the improvement of 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels and insulin resistance after weight loss during 12 months.

Incidence of microvascular dysfunction is increased in hyperlipidemic mice, reducing cerebral blood flow and impairing remote memory.

Introduction: The development of cognitive dysfunction is not necessarily associated with diet-induced obesity. We hypothesized that cognitive dysfunction might require additional vascular damage, for example, in atherosclerotic mice. Methods: We induced atherosclerosis in male C57BL/6N mice by injecting AAV-PCSK9DY (2x1011 VG) and feeding them a cholesterol-rich Western diet. After 3 months, mice were examined for cognition using Barnes maze procedure and for cerebral blood flow. Cerebral vascular morphology was examined by immunehistology. Results: In AAV-PCSK9DY-treated mice, plaque burden, plasma cholesterol, and triglycerides are elevated. RNAseq analyses followed by KEGG annotation show increased expression of genes linked to inflammatory processes in the aortas of these mice. In AAV-PCSK9DY-treated mice learning was delayed and long-term memory impaired. Blood flow was reduced in the cingulate cortex (-17%), caudate putamen (-15%), and hippocampus (-10%). Immunohistological studies also show an increased incidence of string vessels and pericytes (CD31/Col IV staining) in the hippocampus accompanied by patchy blood-brain barrier leaks (IgG staining) and increased macrophage infiltrations (CD68 staining). Discussion: We conclude that the hyperlipidemic PCSK9DY mouse model can serve as an appropriate approach to induce microvascular dysfunction that leads to reduced blood flow in the hippocampus, which could explain the cognitive dysfunction in these mice.

Effects of Hypoxia and Reoxygenation on Metabolic Profiles of Cardiomyocytes.

In vitro cellular models provide valuable insights into the adaptive biochemical mechanisms triggered by cells to cope with the stress situation induced by hypoxia and reoxygenation cycles. The first biological data generated in studies based on this micrometric life-scale has the potential to provide us a global overview about the main biochemical phenomena presented in some reported preconditioning therapies in life-scale of higher dimensions. Thus, in this study, a cell incubator was designed and manufactured to produce a cellular model of heart hypoxia followed by reoxygenation (HfR) through consecutive repetitions of hypoxia-normoxia gas exchange. Samples of cellular extracts and culture media were obtained from non-proliferative cardiomyocytes (CMs) cultivated under challenging HfR (stressed CMs) and regular cultivation (unstressed CMs) in rounds of four days for each case. Metabolomic based on proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS) was used as an analytical approach to identify and quantify the metabolomes of these samples, the endo- and exo-metabolome. Despite the stressed CMs presented over 90% higher cellular death rate compared to the unstressed CMs, the metabolic profiles indicates that the surviving cells up-regulate their amino acid metabolism either by active protein degradation or by the consumption of culture media components to increase coenzyme A-dependent metabolic pathways. This cell auto-regulation mechanism could be well characterized in the first two days when the difference smears off under once the metabolomes become similar. The metabolic adaptations of stressed CMs identified the relevance of the cyclic oxidation/reduction reactions of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate molecules, NADP+/NADPH, and the increased tricarboxylic acid cycle activity in an environment overloaded with such a powerful antioxidant agent to survive an extreme HfR challenge. Thus, the combination of cellular models based on CMs, investigative methods, such as metabolomic and 1H-MRS, and the instrumental development of hypoxia incubator shown in this work were able to provide the first biochemical evidences behind therapies of gaseous exchanges paving the way to future assays.

Clinical, glycometric features and treatment in a family with monogenic diabetes due to a new mutation in the insulin gene.

Monogenic diabetes caused by changes in the gene that encodes insulin (INS) is a very rare form of monogenic diabetes (<1%). The aim of this work is to describe the clinical and glycaemic control characteristics over time from four members of a family diagnosed with monogenic diabetes with the novel mutation: c.206del,p.(Gly69Aalfs*62) located in exon 3 of the gene INS. 75% are females, with debut in adolescence and negative autoimmunity. In all cases, C-peptide is detectable decades after diagnosis (>0.6ng/ml). Currently, patients are being treated either with insulin in a bolus-basal regimen, oral antidiabetics or hybrid closed loop system. Monogenic diabetes due to mutation in the INS is an entity with heterogeneous presentation, whose diagnosis requires high suspicion and presents an important clinical impact. Given the lack of standards in this regard, therapy must be individualized, although insulin therapy could help preserve beta cell functionality in these subjects.

Quercetin, a Flavonoid with Great Pharmacological Capacity.

Quercetin is a flavonoid with a low molecular weight that belongs to the human diet's phenolic phytochemicals and nonenergy constituents. Quercetin has a potent antioxidant capacity, being able to capture reactive oxygen species (ROS), reactive nitrogen species (RNS), and reactive chlorine species (ROC), which act as reducing agents by chelating transition-metal ions. Its structure has five functional hydroxyl groups, which work as electron donors and are responsible for capturing free radicals. In addition to its antioxidant capacity, different pharmacological properties of quercetin have been described, such as carcinostatic properties; antiviral, antihypertensive, and anti-inflammatory properties; the ability to protect low-density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation, and the ability to inhibit angiogenesis; these are developed in this review.