Exploring the Role of Mediterranean and Westernized Diets and Their Main Nutrients in the Modulation of Oxidative Stress in the Placenta: A Narrative Review.

Oxidative stress is a major cellular event that occurs in the placenta, fulfilling critical physiological roles in non-pathological pregnancies. However, exacerbated oxidative stress is a pivotal feature of different obstetric complications, like pre-eclampsia, fetal growth restriction, and other diseases. Compelling evidence supports the relevant role of diet during pregnancy, with pleiotropic consequences for maternal well-being. The present review aims to examine the complex background between oxidative stress and placental development and function in physiological conditions, also intending to understand the relationship between different dietary patterns and the human placenta, particularly how this could influence oxidative stress processes. The effects of Westernized diets (WDs) and high-fat diets (HFDs) rich in ultra-processed foods and different additives are compared with healthy patterns such as a Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) abundant in omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, monounsaturated fatty acids, polyphenols, dietary fiber, and vitamins. Although multiple studies have focused on the role of specific nutrients, mostly in animal models and in vitro, further observational and intervention studies focusing on the placental structure and function in women with different dietary patterns should be conducted to understand the precise influence of diet on this organ.

Considering the Effects and Maternofoetal Implications of Vascular Disorders and the Umbilical Cord.

The umbilical cord is a critical anatomical structure connecting the placenta with the foetus, fulfilling multiple functions during pregnancy and hence influencing foetal development, programming and survival. Histologically, the umbilical cord is composed of three blood vessels: two arteries and one vein, integrated in a mucous connective tissue (Wharton's jelly) upholstered by a layer of amniotic coating. Vascular alterations in the umbilical cord or damage in this tissue because of other vascular disorders during pregnancy are worryingly related with detrimental maternofoetal consequences. In the present work, we will describe the main vascular alterations presented in the umbilical cord, both in the arteries (Single umbilical artery, hypoplastic umbilical artery or aneurysms in umbilical arteries) and the vein (Vascular thrombosis, aneurysms or varicose veins in the umbilical vein), together with other possible complications (Velamentous insertion, vasa praevia, hypercoiled or hypocoiled cord, angiomyxoma and haematomas). Likewise, the effect of the main obstetric vascular disorders like hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (specially pre-eclampsia) and chronic venous disease on the umbilical cord will also be summarized herein.

Patients with Invasive Lobular Carcinoma Show a Significant Increase in IRS-4 Expression Compared to Infiltrative Ductal Carcinoma-A Histopathological Study.

Background and Objectives: Breast cancer (BC) is the first diagnosed type of cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality in women. In addition, despite the improvement in treatment and survival in these patients, the global prevalence and incidence of this cancer are rising, and its mortality may be different according to the histological subtype. Invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC) is less common but entails a poorer prognosis than infiltrative ductal carcinoma (IDC), exhibiting a different clinical and histopathological profile. Deepening study on the molecular profile of both types of cancer may be of great aid to understand the carcinogenesis and progression of BC. In this sense, the aim of the present study was to explore the histological expression of Insulin receptor substrate 4 (IRS-4), cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2), Cyclin D1 and retinoblastoma protein 1 (Rb1) in patients with ILC and IDC. Patients and Methods: Thus, breast tissue samples from 45 patients with ILC and from 45 subjects with IDC were analyzed in our study. Results: Interestingly, we observed that IRS-4, COX-2, Rb1 and Cyclin D1 were overexpressed in patients with ILC in comparison to IDC. Conclusions: These results may indicate a differential molecular profile between both types of tumors, which may explain the clinical differences among ILC and IDC. Further studies are warranted in order to shed light onto the molecular and translational implications of these components, also aiding to develop a possible targeted therapy to improve the clinical management of these patients.

Retrospective Analysis of Patients with Gynaecological Uterine Sarcomas in a Tertiary Hospital.

Uterine sarcomas are rare and heterogeneous malignancies accounting for 1% to 3% of all gynaecological tumours. There are many histological subtypes recognised, including leiomyosarcomas, endometrial stromal sarcoma, and uterine carcinosarcoma, although the latest has been recently discarded in this group. Despite its low incidence, these types of cancer currently entail multiple challenges, either in diagnostics or clinical management, with a poor prognosis associated. The present work aimed to complete a comparative analysis of the different histological subtypes based on the clinicopathological characteristics of our population, the therapeutic characteristics, and associated prognosis in 161 patients treated in our centre during the period between 1985 and 2020. Moreover, a systematic review grouped a total of 2211 patients with a diagnosis of uterine sarcoma from 19 articles published in 16 countries from 2002 to 2021 was performed, all with retrospective analyses. Our results showed that apart from uterine carcinosarcoma, leiomyosarcoma is the most frequent subtype of uterine sarcoma, with unique clinical, demographic, and survival parameters. To our knowledge, this is the first systematic review conducted in this field and, thus, it shows the difficulties of collecting a significant number of patients per year, a valid reason why multicentre or national registries are recommended to allow a more exhaustive analysis of this pathology.

An Updated Review of SARS-CoV-2 Vaccines and the Importance of Effective Vaccination Programs in Pandemic Times.

Since the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic was declared a year ago, the search for vaccines has become the top priority in order to restore normalcy after 2.5 million deaths worldwide, overloaded sanitary systems, and a huge economic burden. Vaccine development has represented a step towards the desired herd immunity in a short period of time, owing to a high level of investment, the focus of researchers, and the urge for the authorization of the faster administration of vaccines. Nevertheless, this objective may only be achieved by pursuing effective strategies and policies in various countries worldwide. In the present review, some aspects involved in accomplishing a successful vaccination program are addressed, in addition to the importance of vaccination in a pandemic in the face of unwillingness, conspiracy theories, or a lack of information among the public. Moreover, we provide some updated points related to the landscape of the clinical development of vaccine candidates, specifically, the top five vaccines that are already being assessed in Phase IV clinical trials (BNT162b2, mRNA-1273, AZD1222, Ad26.COV2.S, and CoronaVac).