Use of microRNAs as Diagnostic, Prognostic, and Therapeutic Tools for Glioblastoma.

Glioblastoma (GB) is the most aggressive and common type of cancer within the central nervous system (CNS). Despite the vast knowledge of its physiopathology and histology, its etiology at the molecular level has not been completely understood. Thus, attaining a cure has not been possible yet and it remains one of the deadliest types of cancer. Usually, GB is diagnosed when some symptoms have already been presented by the patient. This diagnosis is commonly based on a physical exam and imaging studies, such as computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), together with or followed by a surgical biopsy. As these diagnostic procedures are very invasive and often result only in the confirmation of GB presence, it is necessary to develop less invasive diagnostic and prognostic tools that lead to earlier treatment to increase GB patients' quality of life. Therefore, blood-based biomarkers (BBBs) represent excellent candidates in this context. microRNAs (miRNAs) are small, non-coding RNAs that have been demonstrated to be very stable in almost all body fluids, including saliva, serum, plasma, urine, cerebrospinal fluid (CFS), semen, and breast milk. In addition, serum-circulating and exosome-contained miRNAs have been successfully used to better classify subtypes of cancer at the molecular level and make better choices regarding the best treatment for specific cases. Moreover, as miRNAs regulate multiple target genes and can also act as tumor suppressors and oncogenes, they are involved in the appearance, progression, and even chemoresistance of most tumors. Thus, in this review, we discuss how dysregulated miRNAs in GB can be used as early diagnosis and prognosis biomarkers as well as molecular markers to subclassify GB cases and provide more personalized treatments, which may have a better response against GB. In addition, we discuss the therapeutic potential of miRNAs, the current challenges to their clinical application, and future directions in the field.

Abscopal Effect, Extracellular Vesicles and Their Immunotherapeutic Potential in Cancer Treatment.

The communication between tumor cells and the microenvironment plays a fundamental role in the development, growth and further immune escape of the tumor. This communication is partially regulated by extracellular vesicles which can direct the behavior of surrounding cells. In recent years, it has been proposed that this feature could be applied as a potential treatment against cancer, since several studies have shown that tumors treated with radiotherapy can elicit a strong enough immune response to eliminate distant metastasis; this phenomenon is called the abscopal effect. The mechanism behind this effect may include the release of extracellular vesicles loaded with damage-associated molecular patterns and tumor-derived antigens which activates an antigen-specific immune response. This review will focus on the recent discoveries in cancer cell communications via extracellular vesicles and their implication in tumor development, as well as their potential use as an immunotherapeutic treatment against cancer.

Interferon-stimulated gene 15 and ISGylation are upregulated in glioblastoma.

Interferon stimulated gene 15 (ISG15) encodes a 15-kDa ubiquitin-like protein that acts as a posttranslational modifier of target proteins via ISGylation, a catalytic process similar to ubiquitination. Protein ISGylation is associated with the modulation of protein stability and protein-protein interactions. Furthermore, non-conjugated ISG15 (free ISG15) is secreted to act as a cytokine-like protein in some cellular contexts. The expression of ISG15 in some cancer types is dysregulated, but its expression status in glioblastoma, a malignant brain tumor highly aggressive and invasive, requires more studies. To explore the potential of ISG15 as a biomarker for glioblastoma, we first evaluated the ISG15 levels in glioblastoma cell lines and the effect of IFN-γ treatment on protein levels and localization of ISG15. In addition, we analyzed the ISG15 levels in glioblastoma samples compared to healthy brain tissue. Our results indicate that ISG15 levels are increased in glioblastoma and are upregulated in response to IFN-γ stimulus, suggesting that ISG15 and ISGylation may play a central role in glioblastoma progression. Thus, ISG15/ISGyaltion may be useful as biomarkers of this type of malignant brain tumors.

Herpesvirus encephalitis diagnosed by polymerase chain reaction at the National Institute of Neurology of Mexico.

The frequency of central nervous system infections due to herpesvirus have been studied in various populations; however, studies in Mexican mestizo patients are scant. This paper documents the frequency of herpesvirus encephalitis in Mexican mestizo patients from the National Institute of Neurology and Neurosurgery (NINN) of Mexico. To study the frequency of herpetic viral encephalitis at the NINN in the period from 2004 to 2009. We reviewed clinical records from patients with clinically suspected encephalitis; polymerase chain reaction assays were done for detection of herpesviruses in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples. The total number of patients studied was 502; in 59 (12%), the diagnosis of herpetic encephalitis was confirmed by PCR-based testing of CSF. Of them, 21 (36%) were positive for herpes simplex virus type 1, 15 (25%) for Epstein-Barr virus, 10 (17%) for varicella zoster virus, 8 (14%) for cytomegalovirus, 3 (5%) for human herpesvirus 6, and 2 (3%) for herpes simplex virus 2. Our results show a varied frequency of viral encephalitis in mestizo patients due to herpesviruses in a tertiary neurological center and point out the importance of modern molecular technology to reach the etiological diagnosis in cases of encephalitis.

T-Cell Response against Varicella Zoster Virus in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis during Relapse and Remission.

An association between varicella zoster virus (VZV) and multiple sclerosis (MS) has been reported in Mexican populations. The aim of this study was to compare the response of T cells from MS patients, during relapse and remission, to in vitro stimulation with VZV, adenovirus (AV) and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). Proliferation and cytokine secretion of T cells from 29 relapsing-remitting MS patients and 38 healthy controls (HC) were analyzed by flow cytometry after stimulating with VZV, AV or EBV. IgG and IgM levels against VZV and EBV were quantified using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay. Relapsing MS patients showed a higher percentage of responding CD4+ and CD8+ T cells against VZV compared to AV. In HC and remitting MS patients, proliferation of CD4+ T cells was higher when stimulated with VZV as compared to EBV. Moreover, T cells isolated from remitting patients secreted predominantly Th1 cytokines when cell cultures were stimulated with VZV. Finally, high concentration of anti-VZV IgG was found in sera from patients and controls. The results support previous studies of an VZV-MS association in the particular population studied and provide additional information about the possible role of this virus in the pathogenesis of MS.

Malignant Glioma Therapy by Vaccination with Irradiated C6 Cell-Derived Microvesicles Promotes an Antitumoral Immune Response.

Glioblastoma is the most common and malignant tumor of the CNS, with a mean survival of 14 months after diagnosis. Its unfavorable prognosis reveals the need for novel therapies. It is known that radiation can induce a systemic antitumor effect. Tumor cells produce and release microvesicles in response to cell damage such as radiation. Microvesicles contain a plethora of bioactive molecules, including antigens involved in modulation of the immune response. In this study, we characterized and evaluated irradiated C6 cell-derived microvesicles as a therapeutic vaccination in C6 malignant glioma. Cultured C6 glioma cells were irradiated with a single dose of 50 Gy to obtain the microvesicles. Subcutaneous implantation of C6 cells was performed when the tumor reached 2 cm in diameter, and non-irradiated and irradiated C6 cell-derived microvesicles were administered subcutaneously. Tumor growth, apoptosis, and immunophenotypes were determined. Reduction of tumor volume (more than 50%) was observed in the group treated with irradiated C6 cell-derived microvesicles compared with the control (p = 0.03). The percentages of infiltrative helper, cytotoxic, and regulatory T lymphocytes as well as apoptotic cells were increased in tumors from immunized rats compared with controls. These findings make microvesicle-based vaccination a promising immunotherapeutic approach against glioblastoma.

Aged garlic extract and S-allylcysteine prevent apoptotic cell death in a chemical hypoxia model.

BACKGROUND: Aged garlic extract (AGE) and its main constituent S-allylcysteine (SAC) are natural antioxidants with protective effects against cerebral ischemia or cancer, events that involve hypoxia stress. Cobalt chloride (CoCl2) has been used to mimic hypoxic conditions through the stabilization of the α subunit of hypoxia inducible factor (HIF-1α) and up-regulation of HIF-1α-dependent genes as well as activation of hypoxic conditions such as reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, loss of mitochondrial membrane potential and apoptosis. The present study was designed to assess the effect of AGE and SAC on the CoCl2-chemical hypoxia model in PC12 cells. RESULTS: We found that CoCl2 induced the stabilization of HIF-1α and its nuclear localization. CoCl2 produced ROS and apoptotic cell death that depended on hypoxia extent. The treatment with AGE and SAC decreased ROS and protected against CoCl2-induced apoptotic cell death which depended on the CoCl2 concentration and incubation time. SAC or AGE decreased the number of cells in the early and late stages of apoptosis. Interestingly, this protective effect was associated with attenuation in HIF-1α stabilization, activity not previously reported for AGE and SAC. CONCLUSIONS: Obtained results show that AGE and SAC decreased apoptotic CoCl2-induced cell death. This protection occurs by affecting the activity of HIF-1α and supports the use of these natural compounds as a therapeutic alternative for hypoxic conditions.

Association between AT1 and AT2 angiotensin II receptor expression with cell proliferation and angiogenesis in operable breast cancer.

Angiotensin II (ANGII) has been associated with vascular proliferation in tumor and non-tumor models through its receptors AT1 and AT2. Our objective was to determine AT1 and AT2 receptor expression in operable breast cancer and its association with tumor grade, vascular density, and cellular proliferation. Seventy-seven surgically malignant breast tumors with no distant metastasis were included, and 7 benign lesions were used as controls. AT1 and AT2 receptor expression was determined by RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry (IHC) in 68 out of the 77 malignant lesions and in the 7 benign lesions. AT1 and AT2 receptor expression was detected in 35.3 and 25 % of cases, in both RT-PCR and IHC. Tumors that express AT1 showed an increase in T3 stage (92.3 vs. 7.7 % p < 0.001), mitotic index (4 ± 1 vs 2 ± 1, p = 0.05), vascular density (15 ± 3 vs 8 ± 5, p = 0.05), and cellular proliferation (85 ± 18 vs 55 ± 10, p = 0.01) versus AT1-negative lesions. Non-differences between clinical-pathologic variables and AT2 expression were found. AT1 receptor expression was associated to enhance angiogenesis and cellular proliferation rate, but no relationship with AT2 was found. ANGII and its peptides might play a role in the development and pathophysiology of breast cancer, and this could be valuable in the in the development of targeted therapies.

RB mutation and RAS overexpression induce resistance to NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity in glioma cells.

Several theories aim to explain the malignant transformation of cells, including the mutation of tumor suppressors and proto-oncogenes. Deletion of Rb (a tumor suppressor), overexpression of mutated Ras (a proto-oncogene), or both, are sufficient for in vitro gliomagenesis, and these genetic traits are associated with their proliferative capacity. An emerging hallmark of cancer is the ability of tumor cells to evade the immune system. Whether specific mutations are related with this, remains to be analyzed. To address this issue, three transformed glioma cell lines were obtained (Rb(-/-), Ras(V12), and Rb(-/-)/Ras(V12)) by in vitro retroviral transformation of astrocytes, as previously reported. In addition, Ras(V12) and Rb(-/-)/Ras(V12) transformed cells were injected into SCID mice and after tumor growth two stable glioma cell lines were derived. All these cells were characterized in terms of Rb and Ras gene expression, morphology, proliferative capacity, expression of MHC I, Rae1δ, and Rae1αßγδε, mult1, H60a, H60b, H60c, as ligands for NK cell receptors, and their susceptibility to NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity. Our results show that transformation of astrocytes (Rb loss, Ras overexpression, or both) induced phenotypical and functional changes associated with resistance to NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity. Moreover, the transfer of cell lines of transformed astrocytes into SCID mice increased resistance to NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity, thus suggesting that specific changes in a tumor suppressor (Rb) and a proto-oncogene (Ras) are enough to confer resistance to NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity in glioma cells and therefore provide some insight into the ability of tumor cells to evade immune responses.

Varias teorías pretenden explicar la transformación maligna de las células, como es la mutación de genes supresores de tumor y proto-oncogenes. La deleción de Rb (un supresor de tumor), la sobreexpresión de Ras mutado (un proto-oncogén), o ambos, son suficientes para desarrollar gliomagénesis in vitro, y estas características genéticas se asocian con su alta tasa de proliferación. Un rasgo distintivo del cáncer es la capacidad de las células tumorales para evadir el sistema inmune. Por lo que en este estudio analizamos si las mutaciones específicas están relacionadas con la evasión de la respuesta inmune. Para abordar esta cuestión, tres líneas celulares de glioma transformadas se obtuvieron (Rb−/−, RasV12, y Rb−/−/RasV12) mediante transformación retroviral de astrocitos in vitro, reportado anteriormente. Además, las células transformadas RasV12 y Rb−/−/RasV12 fueron inyectadas en ratones SCID y después del crecimiento del tumor se obtuvieron dos líneas celulares de glioma estables. En todas las células se determinaron la expresión génica Rb y Ras, morfología, capacidad de proliferación, expresión de MHC I, Rae1δ, and Rae1αßγδε, mult1, H60a, H60b, H60c, como ligandos para receptores de células NK, y su susceptibilidad a la citotoxicidad mediada por células NK. Nuestros resultados muestran que la transformación de los astrocitos (pérdida de Rb, la sobreexpresión de Ras, o ambos) indujo cambios fenotípicos y funcionales asociados con la resistencia a la citotoxicidad mediada por células NK. Además, la transferencia de astrocitos transformados dentro de ratones SCID aumento la resistencia a la citotoxicidad mediada por células NK, lo que se sugiere que los cambios específicos en un supresor de tumores (Rb) y un proto-oncogén (Ras) son suficientes para conferir resistencia a la citotoxicidad mediada por células NK en células de glioma y, por tanto, proporcionar una idea de la capacidad de las células tumorales para evadir la respuesta inmune.

Initial immunopathogenesis of multiple sclerosis: innate immune response.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory, demyelinating, and neurodegenerative disease of the central nervous system. The hallmark to MS is the demyelinated plaque, which consists of a well-demarcated hypocellular area characterized by the loss of myelin, the formation of astrocytic scars, and the mononuclear cell infiltrates concentrated in perivascular spaces composed of T cells, B lymphocytes, plasma cells, and macrophages. Activation of resident cells initiates an inflammatory cascade, leading to tissue destruction, demyelination, and neurological deficit. The immunological phenomena that lead to the activation of autoreactive T cells to myelin sheath components are the result of multiple and complex interactions between environment and genetic background conferring individual susceptibility. Within the CNS, an increase of TLR expression during MS is observed, even in the absence of any apparent microbial involvement. In the present review, we focus on the role of the innate immune system, the first line of defense of the organism, as promoter and mediator of cross reactions that generate molecular mimicry triggering the inflammatory response through an adaptive cytotoxic response in MS.

Antioxidant properties of xanthones from Calophyllum brasiliense: prevention of oxidative damage induced by FeSO4.

BACKGROUND: Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are important mediators in a number of degenerative diseases. Oxidative stress refers to the imbalance between the production of ROS and the ability to scavenge these species through endogenous antioxidant systems. Since antioxidants can inhibit oxidative processes, it becomes relevant to describe natural compounds with antioxidant properties which may be designed as therapies to decrease oxidative damage and stimulate endogenous cytoprotective systems. The present study tested the protective effect of two xanthones isolated from the heartwood of Calophyllum brasilienses against FeSO4-induced toxicity. METHODS: Through combinatory chemistry assays, we evaluated the superoxide (O2·â»), hydroxyl radical (OH·), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and peroxynitrite (ONO⁻) scavenging capacity of jacareubin (xanthone III) and 2-(3,3-dimethylallyl)-1,3,5,6-tetrahydroxyxanthone (xanthone V). The effect of these xanthones on murine DNA and bovine serum albumin degradation induced by an OH· generator system was also evaluated. Additionally, we investigated the effect of these xanthones on ROS production, lipid peroxidation and glutathione reductase (GR) activity in FeSO4-exposed brain, liver and lung rat homogenates. RESULTS: Xanthone V exhibited a better scavenging capacity for O2·â», ONOO⁻ and OH· than xanthone III, although both xanthones were unable to trap H2O2. Additionally, xanthones III and V prevented the albumin and DNA degradation induced by the OH· generator system. Lipid peroxidation and ROS production evoked by FeSO4 were decreased by both xanthones in all tissues tested. Xanthones III and V also prevented the GR activity depletion induced by pro-oxidant activity only in the brain. CONCLUSIONS: Altogether, the collected evidence suggests that xanthones can play a role as potential agents to attenuate the oxidative damage produced by different pro-oxidants.

Pelvic + Anatomy: A new interactive pelvic anatomy model. Prospective randomized control trial with first-year midwife residents.

Detailed knowledge of female pelvic floor anatomy is essential for midwifery and other professionals in obstetrics. Physical models have shown great potential for teaching anatomy and enhancing surgical skills. In this article, we introduce an innovative physical anatomy model called "Pelvic+" to teach anatomical relationships in the female pelvis. The Pelvic+ model's value was compared to a traditional lecture in 61 first-year midwifery students randomly allocated to either the Pelvic+ (n = 30) or a control group (n = 32). The primary outcome measure was a quiz comprised of 15 multiple choice questions on pelvic anatomy. Participants were assessed at baseline (Pre-Test), upon completion of the intervention (Post-Test1) and 4 months afterward (Post-Test2). Satisfaction with the approach was assessed at Post-Test1. Increase in knowledge was greater and the approach more accepted among resident midwives when Pelvic+ was used instead of standard lectures. Four months after the intervention, the improvement in knowledge was preserved in the Pelvic+ group. This randomized study demonstrates that the Pelvic+ simulator is more effective than classical learning for pelvic anatomy education, and offers a higher level of satisfaction among students during the educational process. Medical students training in obstetrics and gynecology, or any professional who specializes in the female pelvic floor might also benefit from incorporation of the Pelvic+ model into their training program.

Melatonin in Combination with Albendazole or Albendazole Sulfoxide Produces a Synergistic Cytotoxicity against Malignant Glioma Cells through Autophagy and Apoptosis.

Glioblastoma is the most aggressive and lethal brain tumor in adults, presenting diffuse brain infiltration, necrosis, and drug resistance. Although new drugs have been approved for recurrent patients, the median survival rate is two years; therefore, new alternatives to treat these patients are required. Previous studies have reported the anticancer activity of albendazole, its active metabolite albendazole sulfoxide, and melatonin; therefore, the present study was performed to evaluate if the combination of melatonin with albendazole or with albendazole sulfoxide induces an additive or synergistic cytotoxic effect on C6 and RG2 rat glioma cells, as well as on U87 human glioblastoma cells. Drug interaction was determined by the Chou-Talalay method. We evaluated the mechanism of cell death by flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, and crystal violet staining. The cytotoxicity of the combinations was mainly synergistic. The combined treatments induced significantly more apoptotic and autophagic cell death on the glioma cell lines. Additionally, albendazole and albendazole sulfoxide inhibited proliferation independently of melatonin. Our data justify continuing with the evaluation of this proposal since the combinations could be a potential strategy to aid in the treatment of glioblastoma.

Kynureninase Promotes Immunosuppression and Predicts Survival in Glioma Patients: In Silico Data Analyses of the Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas (CGGA) and of the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA).

Kynureninase (KYNU) is a kynurenine pathway (KP) enzyme that produces metabolites with immunomodulatory properties. In recent years, overactivation of KP has been associated with poor prognosis of several types of cancer, in particular by promoting the invasion, metastasis, and chemoresistance of cancer cells. However, the role of KYNU in gliomas remains to be explored. In this study, we used the available data from TCGA, CGGA and GTEx projects to analyze KYNU expression in gliomas and healthy tissue, as well as the potential contribution of KYNU in the tumor immune infiltrate. In addition, immune-related genes were screened with KYNU expression. KYNU expression correlated with the increased malignancy of astrocytic tumors. Survival analysis in primary astrocytomas showed that KYNU expression correlated with poor prognosis. Additionally, KYNU expression correlated positively with several genes related to an immunosuppressive microenvironment and with the characteristic immune tumor infiltrate. These findings indicate that KYNU could be a potential therapeutic target for modulating the tumor microenvironment and enhancing an effective antitumor immune response.

Early treatment with dapsone after spinal cord injury in rats decreases the inflammatory response and promotes long-term functional recovery.

Failure of therapeutic strategies for the management and recovery from traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) is a serious concern. Dapsone (DDS) has been reported as a neuroprotective drug after SCI, although the phase after SC damage (acute or chronic) of its major impact on functional recovery has yet to be defined. Here, we evaluated DDS acute-phase anti-inflammatory effects and their impact on early functional recovery, one week after moderate SCI, and late functional recovery, 7 weeks thereafter. Female Wistar rats were randomly assigned to each of five experimental groups: sham group; four groups of rats with SCI, treated with DDS (0, 12.5, 25.0, and 37.5 mg/kg ip), starting 3 h after injury. Plasma levels of GRO/KC, and the number of neutrophils and macrophages in cell suspensions from tissue taken at the site of injury were measured as inflammation biomarkers. Hindlimb motor function of injured rats given DDS 12.5 and 25.0 mg/kg daily for 8 weeks was evaluated on the BBB open-field ordinal scale. Six hours after injury all DDS doses decreased GRO/KC plasma levels; 24 h after injury, neutrophil numbers decreased with DDS doses of 25.0 and 37.5 mg/kg; macrophage numbers decreased only at the 37.5 mg/kg dose. In the acute phase, functional recovery was dose-dependent. Final recovery scores were 57.5 and 106.2% above the DDS-vehicle treated control group, respectively. In conclusion, the acute phase dose-dependent anti-inflammatory effects of DDS impacted early motor function recovery affecting final recovery at the end of the study.

Conversion Predictors of Clinically Isolated Syndrome to Multiple Sclerosis in Mexican Patients: A Prospective Study.

BACKGROUND: Clinically Isolated Syndrome (CIS) is the first clinical episode suggestive of Clinical Definite Multiple Sclerosis (CDMS). There are no reports on possible predictors of conversion to CDMS in Mexican mestizo patients. AIM OF THE STUDY: To investigate immunological markers, clinical and paraclinical findings, and the presence of herpesvirus DNA to predict the transition from CIS to CDMS in Mexican patients. METHODS: A single-center prospective cohort study was conducted with newly diagnosed patients with CIS in Mexico between 2006 and 2010. Clinical information, immunophenotype, serum cytokines, anti-myelin protein immunoglobulins, and herpes viral DNA were determined at the time of diagnosis. RESULTS: 273 patients diagnosed with CIS met the enrolment criteria; after 10 years of follow-up, 46% met the 2010 McDonald criteria for CDMS. Baseline parameters associated with conversion to CDMS were motor symptoms, multifocal syndromes, and alterations of somatosensory evoked potentials. The presence of at least one lesion on magnetic resonance imaging was the main factor associated with an increased risk of conversion to CDMS (RR 15.52, 95% CI 3.96-60.79, p = 0.000). Patients who converted to CDMS showed a significantly lower percentage of circulating regulatory T cells, cytotoxic T cells, and B cells, and the conversion to CDMS was associated with the presence of varicella-zoster virus and herpes simplex virus 1 DNA in cerebrospinal fluid and blood. CONCLUSION: There is scarce evidence in Mexico regarding the demographic and clinical aspects of CIS and CDMS. This study shows several predictors of conversion to CDMS to be considered in Mexican patients with CIS.

Mechanisms Associated with Cognitive and Behavioral Impairment Induced by Arsenic Exposure.

Arsenic (As) is a metalloid naturally present in the environment, in food, water, soil, and air; however, its chronic exposure, even with low doses, represents a public health concern. For a long time, As was used as a pigment, pesticide, wood preservative, and for medical applications; its industrial use has recently decreased or has been discontinued due to its toxicity. Due to its versatile applications and distribution, there is a wide spectrum of human As exposure sources, mainly contaminated drinking water. The fact that As is present in drinking water implies chronic human exposure to this metalloid; it has become a worldwide health problem, since over 200 million people live where As levels exceed safe ranges. Many health problems have been associated with As chronic exposure including cancer, cardiovascular diseases, gastrointestinal disturbances, and brain dysfunctions. Because As can cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB), the brain represents a target organ where this metalloid can exert its long-term toxic effects. Many mechanisms of As neurotoxicity have been described: oxidative stress, inflammation, DNA damage, and mitochondrial dysfunction; all of them can converge, thus leading to impaired cellular functions, cell death, and in consequence, long-term detrimental effects. Here, we provide a current overview of As toxicity and integrated the global mechanisms involved in cognitive and behavioral impairment induced by As exposure show experimental strategies against its neurotoxicity.

Modulation of Kynurenic Acid Production by N-acetylcysteine Prevents Cognitive Impairment in Adulthood Induced by Lead Exposure during Lactation in Mice.

Lead (Pb2+) exposure during early life induces cognitive impairment, which was recently associated with an increase in brain kynurenic acid (KYNA), an antagonist of NMDA and alpha-7 nicotinic receptors. It has been described that N-acetylcysteine (NAC) favors an antioxidant environment and inhibits kynurenine aminotransferase II activity (KAT II, the main enzyme of KYNA production), leading to brain KYNA levels decrease and cognitive improvement. This study aimed to investigate whether the NAC modulation of the brain KYNA levels in mice ameliorated Pb2+-induced cognitive impairment. The dams were divided into four groups: Control, Pb2+, NAC, and Pb2++NAC, which were given drinking water or 500 ppm lead acetate in the drinking water ad libitum, from 0 to 23 postnatal days (PNDs). The NAC and Pb2++NAC groups were simultaneously fed NAC (350 mg/day) in their chow from 0 to 23 PNDs. At PND 60, the effect of the treatment with Pb2+ and in combination with NAC on learning and memory performance was evaluated. Immediately after behavioral evaluation, brain tissues were collected to assess the redox environment; KYNA and glutamate levels; and KAT II activity. The NAC treatment prevented the long-term memory deficit exhibited in the Pb2+ group. As expected, Pb2+ group showed redox environment alterations, fluctuations in glutamate levels, and an increase in KYNA levels, which were partially avoided by NAC co-administration. These results confirmed that the excessive KYNA levels induced by Pb2+ were involved in the onset of cognitive impairment and could be successfully prevented by NAC treatment. NAC could be a tool for testing in scenarios in which KYNA levels are associated with the induction of cognitive impairment.

Shining the light on clinical application of mesenchymal stem cell therapy in autoimmune diseases.

The autoimmune diseases are associated with the host immune system, chronic inflammation, and immune reaction against self-antigens, which leads to the injury and failure of several tissues. The onset of autoimmune diseases is related to unbalanced immune homeostasis. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent cells which have capability to self-renew and differentiate into various cell types that exert a critical role in immunomodulation and regenerative therapy. Under the certain condition in vitro, MSCs are able to differentiate into multiple lineage such as osteoblasts, adipocytes, and neuron-like cells. Consequently, MSCs have a valuable application in cell treatment. Accordingly, in this review we present the last observations of researches on different MSCs and their efficiency and feasibility in the clinical treatment of several autoimmune disorders including rheumatoid arthritis, type 1 diabetes, multiple sclerosis, systemic lupus erythematosus, inflammatory bowel disease, autoimmune liver disease, and Sjogren's syndrome.

Bioinformatic Analysis of Kynurenine Pathway Enzymes and Their Relationship with Glioma Hallmarks.

Indoleamine dioxygenase (IDO), a rate limiting enzyme of the tryptophan catabolism through the kynurenine pathway (KP), has been related with a lower survival and a poor patient prognosis on several solid tumors, including gliomas. However, the use of IDO inhibitors as a therapeutic strategy for tumor treatment remains controversial in clinical trials and the role of other KP enzymes on tumor progression has remained poorly understood so far. Recently, different studies on different types of cancer have pointed out the importance of KP enzymes downstream IDO. Because of this, we conducted a bioinformatic analysis of the expression of different KP enzymes and their correlation with the gene expression of molecules related to the hallmarks of cancer in transcriptomic datasets from patients with different types of brain tumors including low grade gliomas, glioblastoma multiforme, neuroblastoma, and paraganglioma and pheochromocytoma. We found that KP enzymes that drive to NAD+ synthesis are overexpressed on different brain tumors compared to brain cortex data. Moreover, these enzymes presented positive correlations with the expression of genes related to immune response modulation, angiogenesis, Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription (STAT) signaling, and Rho GTPase expression. These correlations suggest the relevance of the expression of the KP enzymes in brain tumor pathogenesis.