Identification and characterization of key long non-coding RNAs in the mouse cochlea.

The auditory system is a complex sensory network with an orchestrated multilayer regulatory programme governing its development and maintenance. Accumulating evidence has implicated long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) as important regulators in numerous systems, as well as in pathological pathways. However, their function in the auditory system has yet to be explored. Using a set of specific criteria, we selected four lncRNAs expressed in the mouse cochlea, which are conserved in the human transcriptome and are relevant for inner ear function. Bioinformatic characterization demonstrated a lack of coding potential and an absence of evolutionary conservation that represent properties commonly shared by their class members. RNAscope®  analysis of the spatial and temporal expression profiles revealed specific localization to inner ear cells. Sub-cellular localization analysis presented a distinct pattern for each lncRNA and mouse tissue expression evaluation displayed a large variability in terms of level and location. Our findings establish the expression of specific lncRNAs in different cell types of the auditory system and present a potential pathway by which the lncRNA Gas5 acts in the inner ear. Studying lncRNAs and deciphering their functions may deepen our knowledge of inner ear physiology and morphology and may reveal the basis of as yet unresolved genetic hearing loss-related pathologies. Moreover, our experimental design may be employed as a reference for studying other inner ear-related lncRNAs, as well as lncRNAs expressed in other sensory systems.

Diferencias angiográficas y epidemiológicas entre hombres y mujeres que desarrollan síndrome coronario agudo / Angiographic and epidemiological differences between men and women who developacute coronary syndrome

Resumen Introducción: la enfermedad cardiovascular es la principal causa de muerte en Colombia. Se han demostrado peores resultados clínicos en las mujeres a pesar de ser más prevalente en hombres. Objetivo: describir las diferencias angiográficas y epidemiológicas entre género de pacientes con síndrome coronario agudo. Métodos: se hizo un estudio descriptivo retrospectivo entre 2013-2014, en el que se incluyeron pacientes con síndrome coronario agudo que fueron separados por género. Se describieron factores de riesgo cardiovascular, biomarcadores de isquemia, angiografía coronaria y mortalidad intrahospitalaria. Los datos se analizaron en SPSS 20.0 Resultados: se estudiaron 148 pacientes; 35% tenían infarto con elevación del ST, 42,9% sin elevación del ST y 21% angina inestable. La prevalencia de enfermedad renal crónica para hombres y mujeres fue de 18,9 vs. 4,1% (p = 0,004); ataque cerebrovascular 2,7% vs. 14,9% (p = 0,009), de predominio femenino, este último. El valor de troponina fue mayor en hombres, 71,6 vs. 56,8% (p = 0,043). Las mujeres requirieron mayor implante de stent, 72,6 vs. 58,1% (p = 0,002); sin embargo, en el género masculino la prevalencia de enfermedad multivaso con indicación de revascularización coronaria fue mayor, 25,7 vs. 6,8% (p = 0,002). La afectación simultánea de las arterias descendente anterior proximal y circunfleja como criterio de severidad, fue mayor en hombres, 5,4 vs. 16,4%, con diferencias significativas (p = 0,032). Conclusiones: este estudio plantea la posibilidad de que en nuestra población pueden existir diferencias clínicas y fisiopatológicas entre género, constituyéndose en un factor fundamental para posibles cambios en su diagnóstico e intervención.

Abstract Introduction: Cardiovascular disease is the primary cause of death in Colombia. Poorer results have been shown in women, despite it being more prevalent in males. Objective: To describe the between-gender angiographic and epidemiological differences in patients with acute coronary syndrome. Methods: Between the years 2013 and 2014, a retrospective descriptive study was performed on patients with acute coronary syndrome that were grouped according to gender. An analysis was made of cardiovascular risk factors, ischaemia biomarkers, coronary angiography, and hospital mortality. The data were analysed using the SPSS 20.0 statistics package. Results: Of the 148 patients studied, 35% had an infarction with an ST elevation, 42.9% an infarction with no ST elevation, and 21% with unstable angina. The prevalence of chronic kidney disease for men and women was 18.9% vs. 4.1% (P=.004), and stroke 2.7% vs. 14.9% (P=.009), with the latter predominantly female. The Troponin value was higher in males, 71.6% vs. 56.8% (P=.043). The women required more stent implants, 72.6% vs. 58.1% (P=.002). However, the prevalence of multivessel disease with a coronary re-vascularisation indication was higher in males, 25.7% vs. 6.8% (P=.002). The simultaneous involvement of the proximal anterior descending and circumflex arteries as a criterion of severity was higher in males, 16.4% vs. 5.4%, with significant differences (P=.032). Conclusions: This study establishes the possibility that there can be between-gender clinical and pathophysiological differences, which may be a fundamental factor for possible changes in its diagnosis and intervention.