Positron Emission Computed Tomography Spectrum of Large Vessel Vasculitis in a Tertiary Center: Differences in 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose Uptake between Large Vessel Vasculitis with Predominant Cranial and Extracranial Giant Cell Arteritis Phenotypes.

(1) Objective:To assess the spectrum of PET-CT-related large vessel vasculitis (LVV) in a Spanish tertiary center and to determine whether FDG uptake by PET-CT differs between giant cell arteritis (GCA) with predominant cranial or extracranial phenotypes. (2) Methods: The spectrum of patients diagnosed with LVV by PET-CT in a tertiary referral hospital that cares for 450,000 people over a period of two years was reviewed. Moreover, differences in FDG uptake between LVV-GCA with predominantly cranial and extracranial phenotype were analyzed. (3) Results: Eighty patients were diagnosed with LVV by PET-CT. Most were due to systemic vasculitis (n = 64; 80%), especially GCA (n = 54; 67.5%). Other conditions included the presence of rheumatic diseases (n = 4; 3.2%), tumors (n = 9; 7.2%) and infections (n = 3; 2.4%). LVV-GCA patients with predominant extracranial GCA phenotype were younger (mean ± SD: 68.07 ± 9.91 vs. 75.46 ± 7.64 years; p = 0.017) and had a longer delay to the diagnosis (median [interquartile range] 12 [4-18] vs. 4 [3-8]; p = 0.006), but had polymyalgia rheumatica symptoms more frequently than those with predominantly cranial GCA phenotype (46.3% vs. 15.4%, p = 0.057). When FDG uptake was compared according to the two different disease patterns, no statistically significant differences were observed. However, patients with extracranial LVV-GCA showed a non-significantly higher frequency of vasculitic involvement of lower-extremity arteries. (4) Conclusions: Regardless of the predominant phenotype, LVV identified by PET-CT is more commonly due to GCA in the Spanish population. In these GCA patients, younger age, PMR, and a higher frequency of lower-extremity artery vasculitis suggest the presence of LVV.

Disruption of Proteostasis by Natural Products and Synthetic Compounds That Induce Pervasive Unfolding of Proteins: Therapeutic Implications.

Exposure of many cancer cells, including multiple myeloma cells, to cytotoxic concentrations of natural products celastrol and withaferin A or synthetic compounds of the IHSF series resulted in denaturation of a luciferase reporter protein. Proteomic analysis of detergent-insoluble extract fractions from HeLa-derived cells revealed that withaferin A, IHSF058 and IHSF115 caused denaturation of 915, 722 and 991 of 5132 detected cellular proteins, respectively, of which 440 were targeted by all three compounds. Western blots showed that important fractions of these proteins, in some cases approaching half of total protein amounts, unfolded. Relatively indiscriminate covalent modification of target proteins was observed; 1178 different proteins were modified by IHSF058. Further illustrating the depth of the induced proteostasis crisis, only 13% of these proteins detectably aggregated, and 79% of the proteins that aggregated were not targets of covalent modification. Numerous proteostasis network components were modified and/or found in aggregates. Proteostasis disruption caused by the study compounds may be more profound than that mediated by proteasome inhibitors. The compounds act by a different mechanism that may be less susceptible to resistance development. Multiple myeloma cells were particularly sensitive to the compounds. Development of an additional proteostasis-disrupting therapy of multiple myeloma is suggested.

Comparative proteomic analysis of nuclear and cytoplasmic compartments in human cardiac progenitor cells.

Clinical trials evaluating cardiac progenitor cells (CPC) demonstrated feasibility and safety, but no clear functional benefits. Therefore a deeper understanding of CPC biology is warranted to inform strategies capable to enhance their therapeutic potential. Here we have defined, using a label-free proteomic approach, the differential cytoplasmic and nuclear compartments of human CPC (hCPC). Global analysis of cytoplasmic repertoire in hCPC suggested an important hypoxia response capacity and active collagen metabolism. In addition, comparative analysis of the nuclear protein compartment identified a significant regulation of a small number of proteins in hCPC versus human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSC). Two proteins significantly upregulated in the hCPC nuclear compartment, IL1A and IMP3, showed also a parallel increase in mRNA expression in hCPC versus hMSC, and were studied further. IL1A, subjected to an important post-transcriptional regulation, was demonstrated to act as a dual-function cytokine with a plausible role in apoptosis regulation. The knockdown of the mRNA binding protein (IMP3) did not negatively impact hCPC viability, but reduced their proliferation and migration capacity. Analysis of a panel of putative candidate genes identified HMGA2 and PTPRF as IMP3 targets in hCPC. Therefore, they are potentially involved in hCPC proliferation/migration regulation.

Telangiectasia hemorrágica hereditaria durante el embarazo: Reporte de caso / Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia during pregnancy: Case report

Resumen ANTECEDENTES: La telangiectasia hemorrágica hereditaria, o síndrome de Rendu-Osler-Weber, es una enfermedad vascular, hereditaria y autosómica caracterizada por telangiectasias mucocutáneas y malformaciones arteriovenosas en el pulmón, el cerebro e hígado. La prevalencia estimada es de 1.5 a 2 personas afectadas por cada 10,000 habitantes. El 90% de los casos se debe a una mutación en el gen endoglina y en el de la cinasa 1 similar al receptor de activina (ACVRL1). En la mujer embarazada, la telangiectasia hemorrágica hereditaria es de alto riesgo, sobre todo durante el segundo y tercer trimestre. OBJETIVO: Reportar un caso de telangiectasia hemorrágica hereditaria y exponer las complicaciones que pueden registrarse durante el embarazo. CASO CLÍNICO: Paciente de 23 años, con antecedente heredofamiliar de madre con diagnóstico de telangiectasia hemorrágica hereditaria (síndrome de Osler-Weber-Rendu) que falleció a los 38 años. Antecedente personal patológico de telangiectasia hemorrágica hereditaria, con diagnóstico a los 12 años luego de múltiples episodios de epistaxis. Recibió tratamiento con transfusiones sanguíneas en múltiples ocasiones y 200 mg de sulfato ferroso cada 24 horas. CONCLUSIÓN: La telangiectasia hemorrágica hereditaria condiciona, en la mujer embarazada, la aparición de complicaciones que pueden poner en riesgo la vida de la madre y el feto. Las mujeres con antecedente conocido deben valorarse antes de la concepción con el propósito de conocer el estado de la enfermedad.

Abstract BACKGROUND: Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia, or Rendu-Osler-Weber syndrome, is an autosomal inherited vascular disease characterized by mucocutaneous telangiectasias and arteriovenous malformations in the lung, brain and liver. The estimated prevalence is 1.5 to 2 affected persons per 10,000 population. Ninety percent of cases are due to a mutation in the endoglin gene and in the activin receptor-like kinase 1 gene (ACVRL1). In pregnant women, hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia is high risk, especially during the second and third trimester. OBJECTIVE: To report a case of hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia and to expose the complications that can occur during pregnancy. CLINICAL CASE: 23-year-old patient, with hereditary family history of mother diagnosed with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (Osler-Weber-Rendu syndrome) who died at 38 years of age. Personal pathological history of hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia, diagnosed at the age of 12 years after multiple episodes of epistaxis. She was treated with multiple blood transfusions and 200 mg of ferrous sulfate every 24 hours. CONCLUSION: Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia conditions, in pregnant women, the appearance of complications that can put the life of the mother and fetus at risk. Women with a known history should be evaluated before conception in order to know the status of the disease.

Cardiovascular Risk Stratification Based on Oxidative Stress for Early Detection of Pathology.

Aims: Current cardiovascular (CV) risk prediction algorithms are able to quantify the individual risk of CV disease. However, CV risk in young adults is underestimated due to the high dependency of age in biomarker-based algorithms. Because oxidative stress is associated with CV disease, we sought to examine CV risk stratification in young adults based on oxidative stress to approach the discovery of new markers for early detection of pathology. Results: Young adults were stratified into (i) healthy controls, (ii) subjects with CV risk factors, and (iii) patients with a reported CV event. Plasma samples were analyzed using FASILOX, a novel approach to interrogate the dynamic thiol redox proteome. We also analyzed irreversible oxidation by targeted searches using the Uniprot database. Irreversible oxidation of cysteine (Cys) residues was greater in patients with reported CV events than in healthy subjects. These results also indicate that oxidation is progressive. Moreover, we found that glutathione reductase and glutaredoxin 1 proteins are differentially expressed between groups and are proteins involved in antioxidant response, which is in line with the impaired redox homeostasis in CV disease. Innovation: This study, for the first time, describes the oxidative stress (reversible and irreversible Cys oxidation) implication in human plasma according to CV risk stratification. Conclusion: The identification of redox targets and the quantification of protein and oxidative changes might help to better understand the role of oxidative stress in CV disease, and aid stratification for CV events beyond traditional prognostic and diagnostic markers. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 35, 602-617.

Clinical profile and outcome of cardiac amyloidosis in a Spanish referral center.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Cardiac amyloidosis (CA) is produced by amyloid fiber deposition in the myocardium. The most frequent forms are those caused by light chains (AL) and transthyretin (ATTR). Our objective was to describe the diagnosis, treatment and outcomes of CA in a specialized Spanish center. METHODS: We included all patients diagnosed with CA in Hospital Universitario Puerta de Hierro Majadahonda from May 2008 to September 2018. We analyzed their clinical characteristics, outcomes, and survival. RESULTS: We included 180 patients with CA, of whom 64 (36%) had AL (50% men; mean age, 65±11 years) and 116 had ATTR (72% men; mean age 79±11 years; 18 with hereditary ATTR). The most common presentation was heart failure in both groups (81% in AL and 45% in ATTR, P <.01). Other forms of presentation in ATTR patients were atrial arrhythmias (16%), conduction disorders (6%), and incidental finding (6%); 70 patients (40%), had a previous alternative cardiac diagnosis. Diagnosis was noninvasive in 75% of ATTR patients. Diagnostic delay was higher in ATTR (2.8±4.3 vs 0.6±0.7 years, P <.001), but mortality was greater in AL patients (48% vs 32%, P=.028). Independent predictors of mortality were AL subtype (HR, 6.16; 95%CI, 1.56-24.30; P=.01), female sex (HR, 2.35; 95%CI, 1.24-4.46; P=.01), and NYHA functional class III-IV (HR, 2.07; 95%CI, 1.11-3.89; P=.02). CONCLUSIONS: CA is a clinical challenge, with wide variability in its presentation depending on the subtype, leading to diagnostic delay and high mortality. Improvements are needed in the early diagnosis and treatment of these patients.

Prediction of low birth weight with hypoglycemia in glucose tolerance test / Predicción de bajo peso al nacer con hipoglucemia en la prueba de tolerancia a la glucosa

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE: Determine the value of the combination of fasting glucose less than the 10th percentile (FG < p10) during 75 gram oral glucose tolerance test (75g OGTT) with maternal characteristics to predict low birth weight (LBW) established by Intergrowth-21st tables. METHODS: Prospective cohort study of pregnant women who was underwent 75g OGTT between 24 and 28.6 weeks. The 10th percentile fasting glucose of the population was determined at 65 mg/dL and women with risk factors that could modify fetal weight, including those related to intrauterine growth restriction, were excluded. Two groups were formed: group FG < p10 and group with normal fasting glucose. The main finding was the diagnosis of LBW. The association between FG < p10, maternal characteristics and LBW was established by multivariate logistic regression. The predictive performance of the models constructed was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and area under the curve (AUC) analysis. RESULTS: 349 women were eligible for study, of whom 66 (18.91%) had FG < p10; neonates in this group had lower birth weights (2947.28 g and 3138.26 g, p = 0.001), higher frequencies of LBW (25% and 6.81%, p < 0.001) and of weights < 2500 g in term births (8.6% and 2.3%, p = 0.034). The basal prediction model consisted of nulliparity by achieving an AUC of 60%, while the addition of FG < p10 resulted in the significant improvement of the previous model (AUC 72%, DeLong: p = 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: In pregnant women without factors that could modify fetal weight, the predictive model created by combining FG < p10 during 75g OGTT with nulliparity was significantly associated with increased risk of LBW. REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04144595.

RESUMEN OBJETIVO: Determinar el valor de la combinación de la glucosa en ayunas menor que el percentil 10 (GA < p10) durante la prueba de tolerancia oral a la glucosa con 75 gramos (PTG-75g) con características maternas para predecir bajo peso al nacer (BPN) establecido mediante tablas de Intergrowth-21st. MÉTODOS: Estudio de cohorte prospectivo de mujeres embarazadas que se realizaron PTG-75g entre las 24 y 28.6 semanas. Se determinó el percentil 10 de glucosa en ayunas de la población en 65 mg/dL y fueron excluidas aquellas mujeres con factores de riesgo que pudieran modificar el peso fetal incluyendo los relacionados con la restricción del crecimiento intrauterino. Se formaron dos grupos: grupo GA < p10 y grupo con glucosa en ayunas normal. El hallazgo principal fue el diagnóstico de BPN. La asociación entre GA < p10, características maternas y BPN se estableció mediante regresión logística multivariante. El desempeño predictivo de los modelos construidos fue evaluado por el análisis de la curva característica operativa del receptor (ROC) y del área bajo la curva (ABC). RESULTADOS: Fueron elegibles para estudio 349 mujeres, de las cuales 66 (18,91%) tuvieron GA < p10; los neonatos de este grupo tuvieron pesos al nacer más bajos (2947.28 g y 3138.26 g, p = 0,001), frecuencias más altas de BPN (25% y 6,81%, p < 0,001) y de pesos < 2500 g en nacimientos de término (8,6% y 2,3%, p = 0,034). El modelo basal de predicción consistió en nuliparidad al lograr un ABC del 60%, mientras que al añadir la GA < p10 se obtuvo la mejora significativa del modelo previo (ABC 72%, DeLong: p = 0,005). CONCLUSIONES: En mujeres embarazadas sin factores que pudieran modificar el peso fetal, el modelo predictivo creado combinando GA < p10 durante la PTG-75g con nuliparidad estuvo asociado significativamente con riesgo incrementado de BPN. REGISTRO: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04144595.

Mammalian lipid droplets are innate immune hubs integrating cell metabolism and host defense.

Lipid droplets (LDs) are the major lipid storage organelles of eukaryotic cells and a source of nutrients for intracellular pathogens. We demonstrate that mammalian LDs are endowed with a protein-mediated antimicrobial capacity, which is up-regulated by danger signals. In response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS), multiple host defense proteins, including interferon-inducible guanosine triphosphatases and the antimicrobial cathelicidin, assemble into complex clusters on LDs. LPS additionally promotes the physical and functional uncoupling of LDs from mitochondria, reducing fatty acid metabolism while increasing LD-bacterial contacts. Thus, LDs actively participate in mammalian innate immunity at two levels: They are both cell-autonomous organelles that organize and use immune proteins to kill intracellular pathogens as well as central players in the local and systemic metabolic adaptation to infection.

ECM deposition is driven by caveolin-1-dependent regulation of exosomal biogenesis and cargo sorting.

The composition and physical properties of the extracellular matrix (ECM) critically influence tumor progression, but the molecular mechanisms underlying ECM layering are poorly understood. Tumor-stroma interaction critically depends on cell communication mediated by exosomes, small vesicles generated within multivesicular bodies (MVBs). We show that caveolin-1 (Cav1) centrally regulates exosome biogenesis and exosomal protein cargo sorting through the control of cholesterol content at the endosomal compartment/MVBs. Quantitative proteomics profiling revealed that Cav1 is required for exosomal sorting of ECM protein cargo subsets, including Tenascin-C (TnC), and for fibroblast-derived exosomes to efficiently deposit ECM and promote tumor invasion. Cav1-driven exosomal ECM deposition not only promotes local stromal remodeling but also the generation of distant ECM-enriched stromal niches in vivo. Cav1 acts as a cholesterol rheostat in MVBs, determining sorting of ECM components into specific exosome pools and thus ECM deposition. This supports a model by which Cav1 is a central regulatory hub for tumor-stroma interactions through a novel exosome-dependent ECM deposition mechanism.

Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells Support Acute Myeloid Leukemia Bioenergetics and Enhance Antioxidant Defense and Escape from Chemotherapy.

Like normal hematopoietic stem cells, leukemic stem cells depend on their bone marrow (BM) microenvironment for survival, but the underlying mechanisms remain largely unknown. We have studied the contribution of nestin+ BM mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) to MLL-AF9-driven acute myeloid leukemia (AML) development and chemoresistance in vivo. Unlike bulk stroma, nestin+ BMSC numbers are not reduced in AML, but their function changes to support AML cells, at the expense of non-mutated hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). Nestin+ cell depletion delays leukemogenesis in primary AML mice and selectively decreases AML, but not normal, cells in chimeric mice. Nestin+ BMSCs support survival and chemotherapy relapse of AML through increased oxidative phosphorylation, tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle activity, and glutathione (GSH)-mediated antioxidant defense. Therefore, AML cells co-opt energy sources and antioxidant defense mechanisms from BMSCs to survive chemotherapy.

Improved integrative analysis of the thiol redox proteome using filter-aided sample preparation.

Changes in the oxidation state of protein Cys residues are involved in cell signalling and play a key role in a variety of pathophysiological states. We had previously developed GELSILOX, an in-gel method that enables the large-scale, parallel analysis of dynamic alterations to the redox state of Cys sites and protein abundance changes. Here we present FASILOX, a further development of the GELSILOX approach featuring: i) significantly increased peptide recovery, ii) enhanced sensitivity for the detection of Cys oxidative alterations, and iii) streamlined workflow that results in shortened assay duration. In mitochondria isolated from the adipose tissue of obese, diabetic patients, FASILOX revealed a sexually dimorphic trait of Cys oxidation involving mainly mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation complexes. These results provide the first evidence for a decreased efficiency in the antioxidant response of men as compared to women.

Successful Management of Heterotopic Cervical Pregnancy with Ultrasonographic-guided Laser Ablation.

Heterotopic pregnancy refers to the simultaneous presence of ectopic pregnancy and intrauterine pregnancy. With the advent of assisted reproductive technology, the overall incidence of heterotopic pregnancies has risen. We report a case of a 36-year-old woman with type 2 diabetes mellitus and 1-year of primary infertility. Following oral ovulation induction cycles and intrauterine insemination, diagnosis of heterotopic cervical pregnancy was made by ultrasonography at 7.4 weeks of gestation. Laser ablation of the cervical pregnancy was performed achieving adequate homeostasis at the implantation site and preserving the intrauterine pregnancy. A healthy infant was delivered at 36 0/7 weeks by cesarean section. Laser ablation is a minimally invasive procedure that appears to lead to successful outcomes in the treatment of heterotopic cervical pregnancy.

Endometriosis polipoide: una variante de la endometriosis / Polypoid endometriosis: A variant of endometriosis

Resumen: ANTECEDENTES: La endometriosis polipoide describe una variante poco común de la endometriosis, con características histológicas que simulan un pólipo endometrial y posibilidad de transformación maligna. CASO CLÍNICO: Paciente de 46 años, acudió a consulta por dolor abdominal y sangrado uterino anormal. Los estudios de imagen revelaron una masa heterogénea de forma irregular, adyacente al ovario. Los análisis de sangre reportaron concentraciones elevadas de Ca-125 (75.2 U/mL). El tratamiento consistió en resección quirúrgica mediante laparotomía. El reporte de histopatología fue: endometriosis polipoide. Actualmente la paciente permanece en vigilancia médica, sin recidiva de la enfermedad. CONCLUSIONES: La endometriosis polipoide es una variante poco común de la endometriosis, con posibilidad de evolución maligna. Es importante conocer la enfermedad, con la finalidad de ofrecer el tratamiento adecuado.

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Polypoid endometriosis was first introduced in 1980. It was used to describe an uncommon variant of endometriosis with histological features simulating an endometrial polyp and may be at risk of malignant transformation. CLINICAL CASE: A 46-year-old female presented with lower abdominal pain and Abnormal uterine bleeding. Image studies revealed an irregular shaped, heterogeneous mass adjacent to the ovary. Blood tests showed an elevated CA-125 value (75.2 U/ml). Resection of the mass was performed by laparotomy and the definitive study of histopathology revealed polypoid endometriosis. Currently the patient continues in surveillance without disease recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: Polypoid endometriosis is an uncommon variant of endometriosis, with the possibility of malignant evolution. This rare form of disease should be known, in order to provide adequate treatment for the patient.

p38γ is essential for cell cycle progression and liver tumorigenesis.

The cell cycle is a tightly regulated process that is controlled by the conserved cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK)-cyclin protein complex1. However, control of the G0-to-G1 transition is not completely understood. Here we demonstrate that p38 MAPK gamma (p38γ) acts as a CDK-like kinase and thus cooperates with CDKs, regulating entry into the cell cycle. p38γ shares high sequence homology, inhibition sensitivity and substrate specificity with CDK family members. In mouse hepatocytes, p38γ induces proliferation after partial hepatectomy by promoting the phosphorylation of retinoblastoma tumour suppressor protein at known CDK target residues. Lack of p38γ or treatment with the p38γ inhibitor pirfenidone protects against the chemically induced formation of liver tumours. Furthermore, biopsies of human hepatocellular carcinoma show high expression of p38γ, suggesting that p38γ could be a therapeutic target in the treatment of this disease.

Definition of a cell surface signature for human cardiac progenitor cells after comprehensive comparative transcriptomic and proteomic characterization.

Adult cardiac progenitor/stem cells (CPC/CSC) are multipotent resident populations involved in cardiac homeostasis and heart repair. Assisted by complementary RNAseq analysis, we defined the fraction of the CPC proteome associable with specific functions by comparison with human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSC), the reference population for cell therapy, and human dermal fibroblasts (HDF), as a distant reference. Label-free proteomic analysis identified 526 proteins expressed differentially in CPC. iTRAQ analysis confirmed differential expression of a substantial proportion of those proteins in CPC relative to MSC, and systems biology analysis defined a clear overrepresentation of several categories related to enhanced angiogenic potential. The CPC plasma membrane compartment comprised 1,595 proteins, including a minimal signature of 167 proteins preferentially or exclusively expressed by CPC. CDH5 (VE-cadherin),  OX2G (OX-2 membrane glycoprotein; CD200), GPR4 (G protein-coupled receptor 4), CACNG7 (calcium voltage-gated channel auxiliary subunit gamma 7) and F11R (F11 receptor; junctional adhesion molecule A; JAM-A; CD321) were selected for validation. Their differential expression was confirmed both in expanded CPC batches and in early stages of isolation, particularly when compared against cardiac fibroblasts. Among them, GPR4 demonstrated the highest discrimination capacity between all cell lineages analyzed.

Tratamiento y desenlace obstétrico de una paciente con artrogriposis múltiple congénita / Clinical treatment and outcome of a patient with arthrogryposis multiplex congenita

Resumen ANTECEDENTES: La artrogriposis múltiple congénita es una alteración excepcional, caracterizada por contracturas musculares en diversas partes del cuerpo. Las pacientes embarazadas con esta enfermedad tienen mayor riesgo de complicaciones obstétricas. CASO CLÍNICO: Paciente de 19 años, con artrogriposis múltiple congénita, de ocho semanas de embarazo, quien acudió al servició médico para iniciar el control prenatal. Recibió asesoría de los riesgos cardiovasculares y del sistema respiratorio, secundarios a la enfermedad de base, que pudieran exacerbarse por el embarazo. El ultrasonido efectuado en la semana 22 del embarazo no reportó alteraciones estructurales. La paciente continuó en control prenatal, sin dificultad respiratoria ni alteraciones cardiovasculares. No recibió anticoagulantes profilácticos, ni manifestó signos de trombosis durante el embarazo. Se decidió la interrupción del embarazo por cesárea, debido a la limitación del movimiento de la cadera. Se programó para cirugía en la semana 38.3 del embarazo, con valoración del servicio de Cardiología, quienes reportaron fracción de eyección del ventrículo izquierdo adecuada y sin evidencia de miocardiopatía. Se aplicó anestesia por vía epidural sin complicaciones. El examen físico del neonato no mostró alteraciones. Actualmente, la madre y su hijo permanecen con buen estado de salud. CONCLUSIONES: Las pacientes embarazadas con artrogriposis múltiple congénita deben recibir asesoría de los riesgos inherentes y posibles complicaciones de la enfermedad. Es importante la intervención de un equipo multidisciplinario, para evaluar la función cardiovascular y respiratoria, además de efectuar revisiones seriadas para asegurar el bienestar materno-fetal.

Abstract BACKGROUND: Arthrogryposis multiplex congenita is a rare entity characterized by the appearance of multiple muscle contractures in various parts of the body. Pregnant patients with this condition have a higher risk of complications in obstetric management. CLINICAL CASE: A 19-year-old patient, with arthrogryposis multiplex congenita, eight weeks pregnant, attended in medical service to start prenatal care. Received advice on the cardiovascular and respiratory system risks, secondary to the underlying disease, that could be exacerbated by pregnancy. The ultrasound during the 22nd week of pregnancy did not report any structural alterations. The patient continued in prenatal control, without respiratory difficulty or cardiovascular alterations. Did not receive prophylactic anticoagulants, neither showed signs of thrombosis. We decide finished the pregnancy by caesarean section, due to the limited movement of the hip. Surgery was scheduled at week 38.3 of pregnancy, with assessment by the Cardiology service, who reported adequate left ventricular ejection fraction and no evidence of cardiomyopathy. Epidural anesthesia was applied without complications. The physical examination of the newborn showed no alterations. Currently, the mother and her son remain in good health. CONCLUSIONS: In pregnant patients with arthrogryposis multiplex congenita its important to explain the inherent risks of their condition and their possible complications. Multidisciplinary management should be performed with cardiovascular, respiratory, and serial reviews to ensure the welfare of the maternal-fetal binomial.

Caveolin-1 Modulates Mechanotransduction Responses to Substrate Stiffness through Actin-Dependent Control of YAP.

The transcriptional regulator YAP orchestrates many cellular functions, including tissue homeostasis, organ growth control, and tumorigenesis. Mechanical stimuli are a key input to YAP activity, but the mechanisms controlling this regulation remain largely uncharacterized. We show that CAV1 positively modulates the YAP mechanoresponse to substrate stiffness through actin-cytoskeleton-dependent and Hippo-kinase-independent mechanisms. RHO activity is necessary, but not sufficient, for CAV1-dependent mechanoregulation of YAP activity. Systematic quantitative interactomic studies and image-based small interfering RNA (siRNA) screens provide evidence that this actin-dependent regulation is determined by YAP interaction with the 14-3-3 protein YWHAH. Constitutive YAP activation rescued phenotypes associated with CAV1 loss, including defective extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling. CAV1-mediated control of YAP activity was validated in vivo in a model of pancreatitis-driven acinar-to-ductal metaplasia. We propose that this CAV1-YAP mechanotransduction system controls a significant share of cell programs linked to these two pivotal regulators, with potentially broad physiological and pathological implications.

Exosomes promote restoration after an experimental animal model of intracerebral hemorrhage.

Exosomes are gaining importance because they show great promise in therapeutic applications for several diseases. Particularly in stroke, exosomes derived from mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy work as paracrine effectors responsible for promoting neurovascular remodeling and functional recovery. Adult male rats were subjected to intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) by intrastriatal injection of collagenase type IV; 24 h after surgery, MSC-derived exosomes were administered through the tail vein. The rats were euthanized at 7 or 28 days after treatment. Functional evaluation, lesion size, fiber tract integrity, axonal sprouting and white matter repair markers, biodistribution of exosomes and secretome proteomics were analyzed. DiI-labeled exosomes were found in the brains of the ICH-treated group and in the liver, lung and spleen. Animals receiving treatment with exosomes showed significantly better results in terms of functional recovery, lesion size, fiber tract integrity, axonal sprouting and white matter repair markers compared with the control group 28 days after stroke. Proteomics analysis of the exosomes identified more than 2000 proteins that could be implicated in brain repair function. In conclusion, white matter integrity was partly restored by exosome administration mediated by molecular repair factors. Exosomes as a treatment could be a heterogeneous process by nature and presents many factors that can influence brain plasticity in an adaptable and versatile manner.

CXCL6 is an important paracrine factor in the pro-angiogenic human cardiac progenitor-like cell secretome.

Studies in recent years have established that the principal effects in cardiac cell therapy are associated with paracrine/autocrine factors. We combined several complementary techniques to define human cardiac progenitor cell (CPC) secretome constituted by 914 proteins/genes; 51% of these are associated with the exosomal compartment. To define the set of proteins specifically or highly differentially secreted by CPC, we compared human mesenchymal stem cells and dermal fibroblasts; the study defined a group of growth factors, cytokines and chemokines expressed at high to medium levels by CPC. Among them, IL-1, GROa (CXCL1), CXCL6 (GCP2) and IL-8 are examples whose expression was confirmed by most techniques used. ELISA showed that CXCL6 is significantly overexpressed in CPC conditioned medium (CM) (18- to 26-fold) and western blot confirmed expression of its receptors CXCR1 and CXCR2. Addition of anti-CXCL6 completely abolished migration in CPC-CM compared with anti-CXCR2, which promoted partial inhibition, and anti-CXCR1, which was inefficient. Anti-CXCL6 also significantly inhibited CPC CM angiogenic activity. In vivo evaluation also supported a relevant role for angiogenesis. Altogether, these results suggest a notable angiogenic potential in CPC-CM and identify CXCL6 as an important paracrine factor for CPC that signals mainly through CXCR2.

Paraoxonase-1 overexpression prevents experimental abdominal aortic aneurysm progression.

Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a permanent dilation of the aorta due to excessive proteolytic, oxidative and inflammatory injury of the aortic wall. We aimed to identify novel mediators involved in AAA pathophysiology, which could lead to novel therapeutic approaches. For that purpose, plasma from four AAA patients and four controls were analysed by a label-free proteomic approach. Among identified proteins, paraoxonase-1 (PON1) was decreased in plasma of AAA patients compared with controls, which was further validated in a bigger cohort of samples by ELISA. The phenylesterase enzymatic activity of PON1 was also decreased in serum of AAA patients compared with controls. To address the potential role of PON1 as a mediator of AAA, experimental AAA was induced by aortic elastase perfusion in wild-type (WT) mice and human transgenic PON1 (HuTgPON1) mice. Similar to humans, PON1 activity was also decreased in serum of elastase-induced AAA mice compared with healthy mice. Interestingly, overexpression of PON1 was accompanied by smaller aortic dilation and higher elastin and vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) content in the AAA of HuTgPON1 compared with WT mice. Moreover, HuTgPON1 mice display decreased oxidative stress and apoptosis, as well as macrophage infiltration and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP1) expression, in elastase-induced AAA. In conclusion, decreased circulating PON1 activity is associated with human and experimental AAA. PON1 overexpression in mice protects against AAA progression by reducing oxidative stress, apoptosis and inflammation, suggesting that strategies aimed at increasing PON1 activity could prevent AAA.