Association Between Gambling Motives, Violence and Early Maladaptive Schemas in Women with Gambling Disorder.

Analyzing why being a victim of violence has led women to have problems with gambling is a field yet to be explored. Thus, the objectives of the present study were (I) analyze the relationship between gambling motives, received psychological violence, and early maladaptive schemas in women; (II) study differences in the study variables in women with and without gambling disorder (GD); (III) analyze the predictive role of violence and schemas in gambling motives; and (IV) analyze the mediating role of schemas in the relationship between violence and gambling motives. The sample comprised 61 women with GD (M = 48.43, SD = 12.78) and 342 women without GD (M = 26.91, SD = 11.47). The results of the present study revealed positive correlations between gambling motives, psychological violence received and early maladaptive schemas. In addition, women with GD scored higher on the study variables. It was also found that early maladaptive schemas based on subjugation and defectiveness may be a vulnerability factor for engaging in gambling to cope with the negative emotions produced by gender violence. From a clinical perspective, knowing the risk factors related to gambling motives in women is crucial to developing effective prevention and intervention programs.

Gambling: Exploring the Role of Gambling Motives, Attachment and Addictive Behaviours Among Adolescents and Young Women.

There is a growing body of research that seeks to understand the aetiology, consequences and risk factors associated with addictive behaviours in youths. However, research examining the specific profile of adolescent females is very limited. Therefore, the objectives of the present study were, firstly, to explore the differences between attachment, gambling motives (social enhancement and coping), positive and negative affect, and addictive behaviours (gambling, drugs, spending, alcohol and video games) in female adolescents with and without risk of gambling problems. Secondly, the relationships between attachment, gambling motives, positive and negative affect and addictive behaviours were analysed in the subsample of female adolescents with problem gambling Thirdly, we examine the predictive role of positive and negative affect, gambling motives, and attachment in the aforementioned addictive behaviours. The sample was composed of 351 adolescents and young women, of which 312 had no risk of gambling and 39 had gambling problems. The results obtained revealed higher scores in drugs, spending, maternal attachment, and all gambling motives in the group of gambling problems. Likewise, analyses showed that the relevance of the predictor variables (attachment, gambling motives, and affect) varied according to the addiction that was taken as a reference point (i.e., gambling, drugs, spending, alcohol and video games).Consequently, the identification of the possible vulnerability factors for each addiction could be useful in the design of prevention and treatment approaches. In addition, the need for integrated and holistic health- and social- care programmes are suggested in terms of sex and age.

Mediating Role of Rumination Between Anger and Anxious-Depressive Symptomatology in Family Members of People with Gambling Disorder.

Gambling disorder is characterized by a behavioural pattern of dysfunctional gambling that persists despite its negative implications in different areas of people's daily life. One of the most negatively affected areas is the one related to family members. This study aimed, firstly, to study the differences between family members of people with gambling disorder and a general population sample in anger (state, trait, expression-out, expression-in. control-out and control-in), rumination (brooding, reflection and total), and anxiety and depression. The second aim was to analyse the correlation between these variables in the family members of people with gambling disorder, and thirdly, to analyse the mediating role of rumination between anger, anxiety and depression. This study consisted of 170 people, of whom 87 were family members of people with a gambling disorder, and 83 were from the general population. Instruments measuring anger, anxiety, depression, and ruminative responses were administered. Results showed that family members had significantly higher scores in anger (state), depression, anxiety, rumination (total and brooding). Also, results showed that anger correlated positively and significantly with rumination, depression and anxiety, which also correlated positively and significantly with each other. Third, rumination mediated the relationship between the following variables: anger (state) and depression; anger (trait) and anxiety and depression; anger (external expression) and anxiety and depression. A complete mediating effect was found in the latter case and a partial mediating effect in the first two cases. In conclusion, it is found that having a family member with a gambling disorder may increase levels of anger, anxiety, depression and rumination. Furthermore, it is shown that working on rumination may reduce depression and anxiety in family members of gamblers.

Cluster analysis based on gambling variables and mental health in a clinical population of gamblers.

BACKGROUND: Interest in characterizing individuals involved in addictive behaviors has been growing, which allows tailoring prevention and intervention strategies to the gambler's needs. The study aimed to 1) identify clusters of gamblers according to gambling-related characteristics and mental health; and 2) analyze differences in psychological variables between the clusters. METHODS: A total of 83 participants undergoing treatment for gambling disorder (Mage = 45.52, 51.8 % female) completed a set of questionnaires. Hierarchical cluster analysis was performed to classify gambling based on gambling variables (i.e., gambling severity and gambling motives) and mental health (i.e., depression, anxiety, and hostility). Several ANOVAs were conducted to illustrate the distinguishing features of each cluster, encompassing both the variables included in the cluster analysis and other relevant psychological variables. RESULTS: Findings suggest that gamblers can be classified into three clusters based on these variables: 1) "high gambling severity and good mental health," 2) "high gambling severity and poor mental health," and 3) "low gambling severity and good mental health." These clusters were differentiated as a function of psychological variables, such as emotional dependence, alexithymia, and stressful life events. CONCLUSIONS: Classifying gamblers according to their profile provides a better understanding of their needs and problems, allowing for a more tailored approach in terms of prevention and intervention strategies.

Electrochemical detection of extracellular hydrogen peroxide in Arabidopsis thaliana: a real-time marker of oxidative stress.

An electrochemical approach to directly measure the dynamic process of H2 O2 release from cultures of Arabidopsis thaliana cells is reported. This approach is based on H2 O2 oxidation on a Pt electrode in conjunction with continuous measurement of sample pH. For [H2 O2 ] <1 mm, calibration plots were linear and the amperometric response of the electrode was maximum at pH 6. At higher concentrations ([H2 O2 ] >1 mm), the amperometric response can be described by Michaelian-type kinetics and a mathematical expression relating current intensity and pH was obtained to quantitatively determine H2 O2 concentration. At pH 5.5, the detection limit of the sensor was 3.1 µm (S/N = 3), with a response sensitivity of 0.16 Am(-1 ) cm(-2) and reproducibility was within 6.1% in the range 1-5 × 10(-3 ) m (n = 5). Cell suspensions under normal physiological conditions had a pH between 5.5-5.7 and H2 O2 concentrations in the range 7.0-20.5 µm (n = 5). The addition of exogenous H2 O2 , as well as other potential stress stimuli, was made to the cells and the change in H2 O2 concentration was monitored. This real-time quantitative H2 O2 analysis is a potential marker for the evaluation of oxidative stress in plant cell cultures.

Pilot study for low-cost model validation in laparoscopic pediatric pyeloplasty simulation. / Estudio piloto para la validación de un modelo de bajo coste en la simulación de la pieloplastia laparoscópica pediátrica.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the creation of an original 3D-printed liquid latex model designed for laparoscopic pyeloplasty (LP) simulation in infants, and to assess its usefulness. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 3D model of a dilated pelvis and a ureter with ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) was designed. It was covered in liquid latex, which allowed flexible models to be achieved in order to conduct pyeloplasty in a pelvitrainer. The total price of each model was 6 euros. A nearly-experimental, non-randomized, blind study was carried out, while measuring operating times and OSATS (Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills) scores. Following simulation completion, a survey based on Likert scale was conducted to assess overall appearance, texture, usefulness, and probability of recommending the model for regular training. RESULTS: 8 pediatric surgeons spent a median of 71.5 minutes (range: 50-86), and rated the model with a median 20.1/30 (range: 17-24) OSATS score. The model received a 4.25 (range: 3-5) score in terms of overall appearance, a 4.37 (range: 3-5) score in terms of texture, a 4.5 (range: 4-5) score in terms of usefulness, and a 4.6 (range: 4-5) score in terms of probability of recommending the model for regular training. CONCLUSIONS: Our liquid latex model for laparoscopic pyeloplasty simulation is feasible, with favorable preliminary results. Its usefulness in laparoscopic pyeloplasty training is promising.

OBJETIVOS: Describir la creación de un modelo original de látex líquido diseñado para la simulación de la pieloplastia laparoscópica (PL) en lactantes, construido a partir de una impresión tridimensional (3D), y valorar su utilidad. MATERIAL Y METODOS: Se diseñó un modelo 3D de una pelvis dilatada y un uréter con estenosis pieloureteral (EPU), que fue recubierto por látex líquido obteniendo modelos flexibles para realizar la pieloplastia en un pelvitrainer. El precio total de cada modelo fue de 6 euros. Se realizó un estudio cuasiexperimental, ciego y no aleatorizado, midiendo el tiempo quirúrgico y la puntuación OSATS (Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills). Tras completar la simulación, se realizó una encuesta utilizando la escala de Likert, en la cual se valoró el aspecto general, la textura, la utilidad del modelo y el grado de recomendación en el entrenamiento habitual. RESULTADOS: 8 cirujanos pediátricos dedicaron una mediana de 71,5 minutos (R 50-86), y puntuaron una mediana de 20,1/30 (R 17-24) en la escala OSATS. El modelo obtuvo una valoración de 4,25 (R3-5) en aspecto general, 4,37 (R3-5) en textura, 4,5 (R 4-5) en utilidad y 4,6 (R 4-5) en recomendación para incorporar al entrenamiento habitual. CONCLUSIONES: El uso de nuestro modelo de látex líquido para la simulación de la pielopalstia laparoscópica es factible y los resultados preliminares han sido favorables. Su utilidad como herramienta en el entrenamiento de la pieloplastia laparoscópica es prometedora.

[Treatment of intrinsic brain tumors located in motor eloquent areas. Results of a protocol based in navigation, tractography and neurophysiological monitoring of cortical and subcortical structures]. / Tratamiento de los tumores cerebrales intrínsecos de áreas motoras elocuentes. Resultados de un protocolo basado en la navegación, tractografía y monitorización neurofisiológica de estructuras corticales y subcorticales.

OBJECTIVES: The role of the microsurgical management of intrinsic brain tumors is to maximize the volumetric resection of the tumoral tissue minimizing the postoperative morbidity. The purpose of our paper has been to study the benefits of an original protocol developed for the microsurgical treatment of tumors located in eloquent motor areas where the navigation and electrical stimulation of motor subcortical pathways have been implemented. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 17 patients operated on for resection of cortical or subcortical tumors in motor areas were included in the series. Preoperative planning for multimodal navigation was done integrating anatomic studies, motor functional MRI (f-MRI) and subcortical pathways volumes generated by diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). Intraoperative neuromonitorization included motor mapping by direct cortical and subcortical electrical stimulation (CS and sCS) and localization of the central sulcus using cortical multipolar electrodes and the N20 wave inversion technique. The location of all cortical and subcortical stimulated points with positive motor response was stored in the navigator and correlated with the cortical or subcortical motor functional structures defined preoperatively. RESULTS: The mean tumoral volumetric resection was 89.1±14.2% of the preoperative volume, with a total resection (≥100%) in twelve patients. Preoperatively a total of 58.8% of the patients had some motor deficit, increasing 24 hours after surgery to 76.5% and decreasing to 41.1% a month later. There was a great correlation between anatomic and functional data, both cortically and subcortically. However, in six cases it was not possible to identify the central sulcus and in many cases fMRI gave contradictory information. A total of 52 cortical points submitted to CS had positive motor response, with a positive correlation of 83.7%. Also, a total of 55 subcortical points had positive motor response, being in these cases 7.3±3.1 mm the mean distance from the stimulated point to the subcortical tract. CONCLUSIONS: The integration of preoperative and intraoperative anatomic and functional studies allows a safe functional resection of the brain tumors located in eloquent areas, compared to the tumoral resection based on anatomic imaging studies. Multimodal navigation allows the integration and correlation among preoperative and intraoperative anatomic and functional data. Cortical motor functional areas are anatomically and functionally located preoperatively thanks to MRI and fMRI and subcortical motor pathways with TDI and tractography. Intraoperative confirmation is done with CS and N20 inversion wave for cortical structures and with sCS for subcortical pathways. With this protocol we achieved a mean of 90% of volumetric resection in cortical and subcortical tumors located in eloquent motor areas with an increase of neurological deficits in the immediate postoperative period that significantly decreased one month later. Ongoing studies will define the safe limits for functional resection taking into account the intraoperative brain shift. Finally, it must be demonstrated if this protocol has any benefit for patients concerning disease free or overall survival.

Gut-derived acetate promotes B10 cells with antiinflammatory effects.

Autoimmune diseases are characterized by a breakdown of immune tolerance partly due to environmental factors. The short-chain fatty acid acetate, derived mostly from gut microbial fermentation of dietary fiber, promotes antiinflammatory Tregs and protects mice from type 1 diabetes, colitis, and allergies. Here, we show that the effects of acetate extend to another important immune subset involved in tolerance, the IL-10-producing regulatory B cells (B10 cells). Acetate directly promoted B10 cell differentiation from mouse B1a cells both in vivo and in vitro. These effects were linked to metabolic changes through the increased production of acetyl-coenzyme A, which fueled the TCA cycle and promoted posttranslational lysine acetylation. Acetate also promoted B10 cells from human blood cells through similar mechanisms. Finally, we identified that dietary fiber supplementation in healthy individuals was associated with increased blood-derived B10 cells. Direct delivery of acetate or indirect delivery via diets or bacteria that produce acetate might be a promising approach to restore B10 cells in noncommunicable diseases.

Peripheral neuropeptide Y Y1 receptors regulate lipid oxidation and fat accretion.

OBJECTIVE: Neuropeptide Y and its Y receptors are important players in the regulation of energy homeostasis. However, while their functions in feeding regulation are well recognized, functions in other critical aspects of energy homeostasis are largely unknown. To investigate the function of Y1 receptors in the regulation of energy homeostasis, we examined energy expenditure, physical activity, body composition, oxidative fuel selection and mitochondrial oxidative capacity in germline Y1(-/-) mice as well as in a conditional Y1-receptor-knockdown model in which Y1 receptors were knocked down in peripheral tissues of adult mice. RESULTS: Germline Y1(-/-) mice of both genders not only exhibit a decreased respiratory exchange ratio, indicative of increased lipid oxidation, but interestingly also develop late-onset obesity. However, the increased lipid oxidation is a primary effect of Y1 deletion rather than secondary to increased adiposity, as young Y1(-/-) mice are lean and show the same effect. The mechanism behind this is likely because of increased liver and muscle protein levels of carnitine palmitoyltransferase-1 (CPT-1) and maximal activity of key enzymes involved in beta-oxidation; beta-hydroxyacyl CoA dehydrogenase (betaHAD) and medium-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (MCAD), leading to increased mitochondrial capacity for fatty acid transport and oxidation. These effects are controlled by peripheral Y1-receptor signalling, as adult-onset conditional Y1 knockdown in peripheral tissues also leads to increased lipid oxidation, liver CPT-1 levels and betaHAD activity. Importantly, these mice are resistant to diet-induced obesity. CONCLUSIONS: This work shows the primary function of peripheral Y1 receptors in the regulation of oxidative fuel selection and adiposity, opening up new avenues for anti-obesity treatments by targeting energy utilization in peripheral tissues rather than suppressing appetite by central effects.

[Using thermal diffusion flowmetry in the assesment of regional cerebral blood flow in cerebral aneurysm microsurgery]. / Flujometría por difusióón termal para la medida del flujo sanguíneo cerebral regional en la cirugía de los aneurismas cerebrales.

INTRODUCTION: the thermal diffusion flowmetry (TDF) is a technique that allows the measurement of the regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) through an implanted microprobe in a cerebral region of interest. The monitoring is continuous, real-time and quantitative (ml/100g/min). The purpose of our clinical work has been to show the technical details and preliminary results by using this monitoring technique during the microsurgical management of cerebral aneurysms and along the postoperative period. The aim of the monitoring of the rCBF is to identify and evaluate ischemic events related with the temporary artery clipping or malposition of the final clip. CLINICAL MATERIALS: a total of five patients have been monitored (4 woman and one man with an average age of 50.8 years). Two patients harboured one aneurysm in the middle cerebral artery, other two patients had two aneurysms each one on the internal carotid artery in the exit of the posterior communicating and anterior choroidal artery and the fifth harboured a paraclinoid internal carotid artery aneurysm. All patients were operated on using standard microsurgical techniques through a pterional approach. Surgery was done under neurophysiological monitoring and direct microdoppler fluometry assesment. Just before craniotomy the TDF microprobe was inserted 2.5 cm deep into the white matter through a small burr-hole placed on the coronal line and 2 cm away the midline to measure in the anterior cereral artery vascular sector and 6cm away of the midline to measure in the middle cerebral artery territory. Patients were under continuous monitoring during surgery and along the postoperative period in the recovery unit. A total of 14 temporary artery clippings (between 2-4) with an average total clipping time of 7.2 minutes (ranging 1.6 to 16) and 16 definitive clip replacements (ranging 2 to 8) were done at surgery. Patient with paraclinoid aneurysm was operated on using the retrograde aspiration technique and the internal carotid artery was kept closed 45 mimutes. keeping Some illustrative cases and demonstrative records are presented. CONCLUSIONS: the use of TDF allows a quantitative real-time measurement of the rCBF in the areas of interest monitored during the microsurgical management of the cerebral aneurysms which leads to detect ischemic events helpping to avoid ischemic sequelae. The detection of ischemic events in real time would make possible the use of therapeutic measures ealier and more efficienty.

[Microsurgical treatment of internal carotid bifurcation aneurysms]. / Tratamiento microquirúrgico de los aneurismas de la bifurcación de la carótida interna.

Clinical and imaging findings of a series of 14 internal carotid artery bifurcation aneurysms microsurgically treated are presented. A total of 10 lesions were diagnosed before rupture and 4 patients presented with subarachnoidal hemorrhage and frontobasal intracerebral bleeding. Diagnosis was done using neuroimaging (CT scan, angio-CT-3D, angio-MRI, angiography) but patients with ruptured aneurysms were treated with the sole information provided by the angio-CT-3D. The average fundus size was 8.4mm (3-13.3) and the average neck size was 6.8mm (3-9.6), being the fundus-to-neck ratio 1.32 (0.46-2.05). All lesions were microsurgically treated through a pterional approach with the help of temporary clipping of the afferent vessels in all cases. We used peroperative neuroprotective, neuromonitorization and micro-doppler cerebral flow measurement. Clinical results were excellent with 13 patients GOS grade 5 and one grade 4 three month afterwards of hospital discharge and complete exclusion of the lesion in angiographic controls done solely in patients with ruptured lesions.

Gambling motives: Association with addictive disorders and negative and positive mood in youth.

Gambling disorder and other comorbid addictive disorders may have similar underlying affective and motivational patterns. This study aims at examining the association between gambling disorder, comorbid addictive disorders (i.e., alcohol, drugs, spending, and videogames), positive and affective mood, and gambling motives in a community sample. A sample of 1099 adolescents and young adults was recruited from educational centres, from which 569 (51.7%) scored as non-problem gamblers, 42 (3.8%) as at-risk gamblers, and 53 (4.8%) as problem gamblers. Results suggest that enhancement, social, and coping motives are greater among problem gamblers and at-risk gamblers as compared to non-problem gamblers. Problem gamblers scored higher in gambling and comorbid disorders than at-risk gamblers, and also higher in gambling motives and negative mood when compared to non-problem gamblers. Likewise, gambling severity was significantly associated to gambling motives, negative mood, and other addictive disorders. Finally, enhancement motives were predictive of gambling, alcohol, drugs, and spending while controlling for the effect of age, sex, and positive and negative mood. These results shed light into the nature of the relationship between gambling and other comorbid addictions and can be used to tailor prevention and treatment strategies.

Outcomes from a Male-to-Male Promotores Intervention in an Emerging Latino Community.

Emerging Latino communities experience social isolation and lack services tailored to their culture. Few male-to-male promotores (community health workers in Spanish) interventions exist. This 6-month participatory study aimed to improve social support, healthcare access, depressive symptoms, and decrease alcohol consumption among Latino immigrant men. Promotores delivered non-directive social support to participants recruited from community venues. We analyzed baseline and 6-month questionnaires data (n = 89) using paired chi square tests. All participants were immigrants; 47% had not finished high school, 29% had depression symptoms, 35% reported past month binge drinking and 93% were uninsured. The intervention significantly improved having a usual source of care (24 to 43%), doctor's visits (41 to 62%) and dentist's visits (27 to 42%) in the past year. Other outcomes did not improve. Male promotores increased healthcare access among vulnerable Latino men. Addressing drinking behavior and depression may require longer interventions or specialized providers.

Trends and Disparities in Mortality Among Spanish-Born and Foreign-Born Populations Residing in Spain, 1999-2008.

Spain's immigrant population has increased 380% in the last decade, accounting for 13.1% of the total population. This fact has led her to become during 2009 the eighth recipient country of international immigrants in the world. The aim of this article is to describe the evolution of mortality and the main causes of death among the Spanish-born and foreign-born populations residing in Spain between 1999 and 2008. Age-standardised mortality rates (ASRs), average age and comparative mortality ratios among foreign-born and Spanish-born populations residing in Spain were computed for every year and sub-period by sex, cause of death and place of birth as well as by the ASR percentage change. During 1999-2008 the ASR showed a progressive decrease in the risk of death in the Spanish-born population (-17.8% for men and -16.6% for women) as well as in the foreign-born one (-45.9% for men and -35.7% for women). ASR also showed a progressive decrease for practically all the causes of death, in both populations. It has been observed that the risk of death due to neoplasms and respiratory diseases among immigrants is lower than that of their Spanish-born counterparts, but risk due to external causes is higher. Places of birth with the greater decreases are Northern Europe, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, Southern Europe, and Latin America and the Caribbean. The research shows the differences in the reduction of death risk between Spanish-born and immigrant inhabitants between 1999 and 2008. These results could contribute to the ability of central and local governments to create effective health policy. Further research is necessary to examine changes in mortality trends among immigrant populations as a consequence of the economic crisis and the reforms in the Spanish health system. Spanish data sources should incorporate into their records information that enables them to find out the immigrant duration of permanence and the possible impact of this on mortality indicators.

Roles y responsabilidades del odontólogo como auxiliar de la justicia / Dentists´ roles and responsibilities as auxiliaries to justice

La ciencia odontológica cuenta con diversas metodologías a la hora de brindar auxilio a la Justicia, tanto en la resolución de casos criminales como en procedimientos de índole civil y laboral. La odontología legal requiere de un trabajo interdisciplinario con las otrasespecialidades odontológicas. En ese contexto, el rol capital del perito odontólogo es contribuir al esclarecimiento de la identidad de unapersona. El diente es susceptible de variantes fisiológicas y patológicas en sus estructuras, como así también estigmas inherentes a los tratamientos restauradores, hechos que confiere información dental que individualiza a una persona. Las piezas dentarias pueden ser utilizadas como un arma en determinadas circunstancias, brindando información relevante sobre los caracteres odontológicos de la víctimay/o del agresor, pudiendo entonces desempeñar la odontología legal un importante rol en la investigación de situaciones de agresión sexual yabuso en todas las edades. El odontólogo en su tarea asistencial tiene la responsabilidad de labrar y documentar de manera fiel y completasu devenir profesional, pudiendo ser requerido por las autoridades encargadas de administrar Justicia en casos de responsabilidad profesional, negligencia, fraude, abuso, e identificación de restos humanos.

Dental science has various methodologies when providing aid to justice, both in solving criminal cases and civil procedures and labor issues.Legal Dentistry requires interdisciplinary work with other dental specialties. In this context, the principal role of the dentist expert is helpclarify the identity of a person. The tooth is subject to physiological and pathological variations in their structures, as well as inherentstigmas restorative treatments, facts which confers dental individualized information to a person. The teeth can be used as a weapon incertain circumstances, providing relevant information about dental characteristics of the victim and/or perpetrator can then LegalDentistry play an important role in investigating cases of sexual assault and abuse in all the ages. The dentist in their care task isresponsible for faithfully document and complete their professional procedure that may be required by the authorities responsible foradministering justice in cases of professional liability, negligence, fraud, abuse, and identification of human remains.

Influence of high-fat feeding on both naive and antigen-experienced T-cell immune response in DO10.11 mice.

Obesity is becoming one of the most serious public health problems in industrialized societies, due to the profound changes in lifestyle, and notably in nutrition. Beside diabetes, cardiovascular diseases or hypertension, increased susceptibility to infection is one of the pathological consequences of being overweight. In this paper, we have assessed the influence of a high-fat diet (HFD) rich in saturated fatty acids on the immune system of DO11.10 mice, which are transgenic for a T-cell receptor specifically recognizing a peptide of ovalbumin. We showed that the specific T-cell immune response was impaired by high-fat feeding, and that the expression of this defect is different depending on whether T cells are naive or Ag experienced. Indeed, on in vitro ovalbumin stimulation, spleen T cells from naive HFD-fed transgenic mice showed proliferation similar to that of cells from standard diet (SD)-fed mice, but exhibited a strong inflammatory profile as shown by the markedly increased IFN-gamma/IL-4 ratio. Inversely, spleen T cells from ovalbumin-immunized HFD mice were impaired in their Ag-dependent proliferation compared to cells from SD mice. By co-culture experiments, we showed that both T cells and antigen-presenting cells were involved in this impairment. Moreover, in ovalbumin-immunized HFD animals, a trend towards Th2 response was noted, compared to immunized SD mice. This data implies that naive T cells could participate actively in the low-grade systemic inflammation observed in overweight patients. Moreover, the impaired activity of Ag-experienced T cells could have major consequences both in defence against infection and/or in vaccination protocols.

Genes involved in obesity: Adipocytes, brain and microflora.

The incidence of obesity and related metabolic disorders such as cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes, are reaching worldwide epidemic proportions. It results from an imbalance between caloric intake and energy expenditure leading to excess energy storage, mostly due to genetic and environmental factors such as diet, food components and/or way of life. It is known since long that this balance is maintained to equilibrium by multiple mechanisms allowing the brain to sense the nutritional status of the body and adapt behavioral and metabolic responses to changes in fuel availability. In this review, we summarize selected aspects of the regulation of energy homeostasis, prevalently highlighting the complex relationships existing between the white adipose tissue, the central nervous system, the endogenous microbiota, and nutrition. We first describe how both the formation and functionality of adipose cells are strongly modulated by the diet before summarizing where and how the central nervous system integrates peripheral signals from the adipose tissue and/or the gastro-intestinal tract. Finally, after a short description of the intestinal commensal flora, rangingfrom its composition to its importance in immune surveillance, we enlarge the discussion on how nutrition modified this perfectly well-balanced ecosystem.