Pumpkin extract and fermented whey individually and in combination alleviated AFB1- and OTA-induced alterations on neuronal differentiation invitro.

Food and feed are daily exposed to mycotoxin contamination which effects may be counteracted by functional compounds like carotenoids and fermented whey. Among mycotoxins, the most toxic and studied are aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and ochratoxin A (OTA), which neurotoxicity is not well reported. Therefore, SH-SY5Y human neuroblastoma cells ongoing differentiation were exposed during 7 days to digested bread extracts contained pumpkin and fermented whey, individually and in combination, along with AFB1 and OTA and their combination, in order to evaluate their presumed effects on neuronal differentiation. The immunofluorescence analysis of ßIII-tubulin and dopamine markers pointed to OTA as the most damaging treatment for cell differentiation. Cell cycle analysis reported the highest significant differences for OTA-contained bread compared to the control in phase G0/G1. Lastly, RNA extraction was performed and gene expression was analyzed by qPCR. The selected genes were related to neuronal differentiation and cell cycle. The addition of functional ingredients in breads not only enhancing the expression of neuronal markers, but also induced an overall improvement of gene expression compromised by mycotoxins activity. These data confirm that in vitro neuronal differentiation may be impaired by AFB1 and OTA-exposure, which could be modulated by bioactive compounds naturally found in diet.

The role of pumpkin pulp extract carotenoids against mycotoxin damage in the blood brain barrier in vitro.

Some mycotoxins such as beauvericin (BEA), ochratoxin A (OTA), and zearalenone (ZEA) can cross the blood brain barrier, which is why we tested the anti-inflammatory action of a pumpkin carotenoid extract (from the pulp) against these mycotoxins and their combinations (OTA+ZEA and OTA+ZEA+BEA) on a blood brain barrier model with co-cultured ECV304 and C6 cells using an untargeted metabolomic approach. The cells were added with mycotoxins at a concentration of 100 nmol/L per mycotoxin and pumpkin carotenoid extract at 500 nmol/L. For control we used only vehicle solvent (cell control) or vehicle solvent with pumpkin extract (extract control). After two hours of exposure, samples were analysed with HPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS. Metabolites were identified against the Metlin database. The proinflammatory arachidonic acid metabolite eoxin (14,15-LTE4) showed lower abundance in ZEA and BEA+OTA+ZEA-treated cultures that also received the pumpkin extract than in cultures that were not treated with the extract. Another marker of inflammation, prostaglandin D2-glycerol ester, was only found in cultures treated with OTA+ZEA and BEA+OTA+ZEA but not in the ones that were also treated with the pumpkin extract. Furthermore, the concentration of the pumpkin extract metabolite dihydromorelloflavone significantly decreased in the presence of mycotoxins. In conclusion, the pumpkin extract showed protective activity against cellular inflammation triggered by mycotoxins thanks to the properties pertinent to flavonoids contained in the pulp.

Fascitis necrotizante en cicatriz de cesárea. A propósito de un caso / Necrotizing fasciitis in the surgical wound. A case report

Resumen Antecedentes: La fascitis necrotizante es una infección poco frecuente de los tejidos blandos, caracterizada por un proceso infeccioso agresivo y de rápida extensión que resulta en necrosis de la piel, tejido celular subcutáneo y fascia muscular. Caso clínico: Paciente de 25 años, con 41 semanas de embarazo; ingresó a la unidad hospitalaria por trabajo de parto. Pese a la buena evolución de la dilatación cervical, el embarazo finalizó mediante cesárea. Durante el posoperatorio se observaron signos de anemia moderada y para ello se le indicó hierro y vitamina C por vía oral; sin embargo, al tercer día posquirúrgico se evidenció la herida quirúrgica con signos de inflamación intensa y exudado seroso. Tuvo fiebre de 38.1 ºC en las últimas horas; su estado general empeoró significativamente. Los estudios de laboratorio reportaron: leucocitosis, anemia severa, plaquetopenia, hiponatremia, hiperglucemia, acidosis metabólica compensada e hipoxemia. El cultivo del exudado de la herida quirúrgica confirmó una infección por Pseudomonas aeruginosa y Staphylococcus aureus. Se estableció el diagnóstico de fascitis necrotizante. El tratamiento consistió en reapertura de la herida, asepsia y desbridamiento de la piel, tejido celular subcutáneo y fascia muscular. La paciente permaneció cinco días más en la unidad de cuidados intensivos, con oxígeno complementario, apoyo inotrópico, antibióticos por vía intravenosa (imipenem, clindamicina, amikacina) y nutrición parenteral. La evolución fue favorable; no se reportaron complicaciones adicionales y la herida quirúrgica cerró por completo. Conclusiones: El pronóstico de las pacientes con fascitis necrotizante varía en función del diagnóstico y tratamiento oportunos. La tasa de morbilidad y mortalidad se estima, incluso, en 76%.

Abstract Background: Necrotizing fasciitis is a rare soft tissue infection, distinguised by an aggressive and rapidly expanding infectious process, that it results in necrosis of the skin, subcutaneous cellular tissue and muscular fascia. Clinical case: A 25 years-old patient, with 41 weeks of pregnancy; entered the hospital due to delivery labor. Despite the good evolution of the dilation cervical, the pregnancy was completed by caesarean section. During the postoperative were observed signs of moderate anemia; iron and vitamin C were indicated orally; however, on the third postoperative day, the surgical wound with signs was evidenced of intense inflammation and serous exudate. Observed fever of 38.1 ºC in the last hours; his general condition worsened significantly. Laboratory studies reported: leukocytosis, severe anemia, thrombocytopenia, hyponatremia, hyperglycemia, acidosis compensated metabolism and hypoxemia. The culture of exudate from a surgical wound confirmed an infection by Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. We established the diagnosis of necrotizing fasciitis. The treatment consisted of reopening of the wound, asepsis and debridement of the skin, subcutaneous cellular tissue and fascia muscular. The patient stayed five more days in the intensive care unit, with complementary oxygen, inotropic support, intravenous antibiotics (imipenem, clindamycin, amikacin) and parenteral nutrition. The evolution was favorable; do not observed complications and the surgical wound closed completely. Conclusions: The prognosis of patients with necrotizing fasciitis varies according of timely diagnosis and treatment. The morbimortality rate it is estimated, even, at 76%.

Interference of cross-reactive carbohydrates in the determination of specific IgE in alcohol drinkers and strategies to minimize it: the example of latex.

BACKGROUND: Cross-reactive carbohydrate determinants (CCDs) are N-glycans in plant and invertebrate proteins that interfere with specific IgE determinations. The prevalence of IgE to Man2XylFucGlcNAc2 (MUXF), the CCD from bromelain, may be increased in heavy drinkers. OBJECTIVE: To further investigate the relationship of alcohol consumption to CCD specific IgE. Latex was used as an example for investigating CCD interference with in vitro allergy testing and how to minimize the interference by using nonglycosylated recombinant allergens and inhibition assays. METHODS: We determined the levels of IgE to CCD markers (MUXF and ascorbate oxidase) and natural rubber latex in 270 adults without a history of latex allergy (73 abstainers or occasional drinkers, 76 light drinkers, 47 moderate drinkers, and 74 heavy drinkers). In cases with latex reactivity, we performed inhibition assays with MUXF and screened for IgE to a panel of recombinant latex allergens. Fourteen-day serologic follow-up was available for a subset of individuals. RESULTS: Moderate to heavy drinkers displayed an increased prevalence of IgE to CCD markers. The presence of CCD specific IgE was closely associated with latex IgE reactivity. Inhibition studies and the absence of reactivity to nonglycosylated recombinant latex allergens indicated CCD interference in latex IgE determinations. Serum levels of specific IgE decreased with alcohol abstention. CONCLUSIONS: In this population, alcohol consumption is associated with an increased prevalence of IgE reactivity to natural rubber latex due to CCD interference. The use of nonglycosylated recombinant allergens and inhibition assays may help to minimize CCD interference in populations in which IgE to CCDs is common.