Altered CD39 and CD73 Expression in Rheumatoid Arthritis: Implications for Disease Activity and Treatment Response.

In rheumatoid arthritis (RA) synovium, ATP, and ADP are released, sparking inflammation. Ectoenzymes CD39 and CD73 metabolize these purine nucleotides, generating anti-inflammatory adenosine. Therefore, dysregulated CD39 and CD73 expression may impact RA development. We assessed CD39 and CD73 expression in peripheral blood from 15 healthy controls (Cs) and 35 RA patients at baseline and after 3 and 6 months of tocilizumab treatment using flow cytometry. Additionally, ectoenzyme expression was examined on cultured T cells to understand activation and IL-6 effects. At baseline, RA patients exhibited a lower CD8+CD39-CD73+ cell percentage, which inversely correlated with DAS28. Additionally, they had lower percentages of Treg CD39+CD73+ and CD39-CD73- cells. Good responders tended to have lower B CD39+CD73+ cell percentages at baseline and 3 months. Additionally, Treg, CD8+ T and B cells inversely correlated with DAS28. T-cell activation increased CD39 and decreased CD73 expression, regardless of IL-6. IL-6 reduced IFNγ-secreting CD4+ T-cell percentage in Cs, but increased the percentage of IFNγ-secreting CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in RA patients. These findings indicate differing CD39 and CD73 expression in RA and Cs, influenced by T-cell activation and IL-6. Correlations between these molecules and RA activity suggest their role in dysregulated inflammation in RA.

Aporte de la solidaridad médica cubana a la salud de la población de Timor-Leste / Contribution of Cuban medical solidarity to the health of Timor-Leste´s population

Introducción: La solidaridad médica cubana llega a Timor-Leste cuando no habían transcurrido dos años de su independencia, con una infraestructura de salud muy dañada y prácticamente sin médicos disponibles para garantizar los servicios básicos de salud. Objetivo: Analizar el aporte de la solidaridad médica cubana en la mejora del estado de salud de la población de Timor-Leste en el periodo 2004-2019. Métodos: Se realizó una investigación cualitativa, que se apoyó en el estudio descriptivo y retrospectivo y se aplicó el método etnográfico. El periodo de estudio abarcó 15 años, desde 2004 hasta 2019. Conclusiones: La solidaridad médica cubana en la salud de Timor-Leste, durante estos 15 años, ha contribuido a modificar el cuadro sanitario que tenía ese país cuando logró su independencia en el año 2002, convirtiéndose en uno de los países con mejores indicadores en la Región de Oceanía. La asistencia médica y la formación de estudiantes en Cuba y en el propio Timor-Leste son elementos decisivos de la cooperación de Cuba en la trasformación y fortalecimiento del sistema sanitario timorense, factores esenciales para alcanzar la cobertura universal de salud(AU)

Introduction: Cuban medical solidarity arrives in Timor-Leste two years after its independence, with a badly damaged health infrastructure and practically no doctors available to guarantee basic health services. Objective: Analyze the contribution of Cuban medical solidarity in improving the health status of Timor-Leste´s population in the period 2004-2019. Methods: A qualitative research was carried out, which was based on the descriptive and retrospective study and the ethnographic method was applied. The study period spanned 15 years, from 2004 to 2019. Conclusions: Cuban medical solidarity in Timor-Leste, during these 15 years, has contributed to modify the health picture that the country had when it achieved its independence in 2002, becoming one of the countries with the best indicators in the Oceania Region. Medical assistance and the training of students in Cuba and in Timor-Leste itself are decisive elements of Cuba's cooperation in the transformation and strengthening of the Timorese health system, which are essential factors in achieving universal health coverage(AU)