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1.
J Thromb Haemost ; 2024 Jun 03.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38838952

BACKGROUND: The thrombin generation assay (TGA) evaluates the potential of plasma to generate thrombin over time, providing a global picture of an individual's hemostatic balance. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to identify novel biological determinants of thrombin generation using a multi-omics approach. METHODS: Associations between TGA parameters and plasma levels of 377 antibodies targeting 236 candidate proteins for cardiovascular risk were tested using multiple linear regression analysis in 770 individuals with venous thrombosis from the MARTHA study. Proteins associated with at least three TGA parameters were selected for validation in an independent population of 536 healthy individuals (EFS-AM). Proteins with strongest associations in both groups underwent additional genetic analyses and in vitro experiments. RESULTS: Eighteen proteins were associated (p<1.33x10-4) with at least three TGA parameters in MARTHA, among which 13 demonstrated a similar pattern of associations in EFS-AM. Complement proteins C5 and C9 had the strongest associations in both groups. Ex vivo supplementation of platelet-poor plasma with purified C9 protein had a significant dose-dependent effect on TGA parameters. No effect was observed with purified C5. Several single nucleotide polymorphisms associated with C5 and C9 plasma levels were identified, with the strongest association for the C5 missense variant rs17611, which was associated with a decrease in C5 levels, ETP and Peak in MARTHA. No association of this variant with TGA parameters was observed in EFS-AM. CONCLUSIONS: This study identified complement proteins C5 and C9 as potential determinants of thrombin generation. Further studies are warranted to establish causality and elucidate the underlying mechanisms.

3.
Sensors (Basel) ; 23(20)2023 Oct 18.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37896650

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive respiratory disease that, due to dyspnea, decreases patients' physical function and quality of life. The aim of the research was to evaluate the effectiveness of water-based exercise (WE) in improving functional capacity and respiratory muscle strength in patients with COPD. It consisted of a systematic review and meta-analysis of eight randomized clinical trials (RCTs) from the last 10 years, found in PubMed, PEDro, Scopus and Web of Science databases. Methodological quality was analyzed using the PEDro scale and the Cochrane Collaboration Risk of Bias Tool. Regarding the evaluation of functional capacity, mainly assessed were lung function, respiratory muscle strength, and maximal or aerobic exercise. The results showed that WE improves functional capacity compared to a non-exercising control group (SMD: 73.42; IC 95%: 40.40 to 106.45; I2: 0%). There are no statistically significant differences between a WE treatment and a land exercise (LE) treatment (p = 0.24) in functional capacity, nor with respect to respiratory muscle strength (p = 0.97). These data should be interpreted with caution, as more RCTs with aquatic intervention in COPD patients are needed to elucidate whether there are differences between WE or LE according to patient characteristics and comorbidities.


Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive , Water , Humans , Exercise Tolerance/physiology , Quality of Life , Exercise , Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive/therapy
4.
Nat Commun ; 14(1): 6669, 2023 10 20.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37863903

Atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumors (ATRT) are divided into MYC, TYR and SHH subgroups, suggesting diverse lineages of origin. Here, we investigate the imaging of human ATRT at diagnosis and the precise anatomic origin of brain tumors in the Rosa26-CreERT2::Smarcb1flox/flox model. This cross-species analysis points to an extra-cerebral origin for MYC tumors. Additionally, we clearly distinguish SHH ATRT emerging from the cerebellar anterior lobe (CAL) from those emerging from the basal ganglia (BG) and intra-ventricular (IV) regions. Molecular characteristics point to the midbrain-hindbrain boundary as the origin of CAL SHH ATRT, and to the ganglionic eminence as the origin of BG/IV SHH ATRT. Single-cell RNA sequencing on SHH ATRT supports these hypotheses. Trajectory analyses suggest that SMARCB1 loss induces a de-differentiation process mediated by repressors of the neuronal program such as REST, ID and the NOTCH pathway.


Brain Neoplasms , Rhabdoid Tumor , Teratoma , Humans , Rhabdoid Tumor/genetics , Multiomics , SMARCB1 Protein/genetics , Transcription Factors/genetics , Brain Neoplasms/genetics , Diagnostic Imaging , Teratoma/pathology , Hedgehog Proteins/genetics
5.
Nat Commun ; 14(1): 3280, 2023 06 07.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37286573

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a common, multi-causal disease with potentially serious short- and long-term complications. In clinical practice, there is a need for improved plasma biomarker-based tools for VTE diagnosis and risk prediction. Here we show, using proteomics profiling to screen plasma from patients with suspected acute VTE, and several case-control studies for VTE, how Complement Factor H Related 5 protein (CFHR5), a regulator of the alternative pathway of complement activation, is a VTE-associated plasma biomarker. In plasma, higher CFHR5 levels are associated with increased thrombin generation potential and recombinant CFHR5 enhanced platelet activation in vitro. GWAS analysis of ~52,000 participants identifies six loci associated with CFHR5 plasma levels, but Mendelian randomization do not demonstrate causality between CFHR5 and VTE. Our results indicate an important role for the regulation of the alternative pathway of complement activation in VTE and that CFHR5 represents a potential diagnostic and/or risk predictive plasma biomarker.


Venous Thromboembolism , Humans , Biomarkers , Complement Activation , Complement Factor H/genetics , Complement System Proteins/metabolism , Factor V , Venous Thromboembolism/genetics
6.
Biomolecules ; 13(6)2023 05 24.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37371462

BACKGROUND: Intraplaque hemorrhage (IPH) is a hallmark of atherosclerotic plaque instability. Biliverdin reductase B (BLVRB) is enriched in plasma and plaques from patients with symptomatic carotid atherosclerosis and functionally associated with IPH. OBJECTIVE: We explored the biomarker potential of plasma BLVRB through (1) its correlation with IPH in carotid plaques assessed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and with recurrent ischemic stroke, and (2) its use for monitoring pharmacotherapy targeting IPH in a preclinical setting. METHODS: Plasma BLVRB levels were measured in patients with symptomatic carotid atherosclerosis from the PARISK study (n = 177, 5 year follow-up) with and without IPH as indicated by MRI. Plasma BLVRB levels were also measured in a mouse vein graft model of IPH at baseline and following antiangiogenic therapy targeting vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR-2). RESULTS: Plasma BLVRB levels were significantly higher in patients with IPH (737.32 ± 693.21 vs. 520.94 ± 499.43 mean fluorescent intensity (MFI), p = 0.033), but had no association with baseline clinical and biological parameters. Plasma BLVRB levels were also significantly higher in patients who developed recurrent ischemic stroke (1099.34 ± 928.49 vs. 582.07 ± 545.34 MFI, HR = 1.600, CI [1.092-2.344]; p = 0.016). Plasma BLVRB levels were significantly reduced following prevention of IPH by anti-VEGFR-2 therapy in mouse vein grafts (1189 ± 258.73 vs. 1752 ± 366.84 MFI; p = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS: Plasma BLVRB was associated with IPH and increased risk of recurrent ischemic stroke in patients with symptomatic low- to moderate-grade carotid stenosis, indicating the capacity to monitor the efficacy of IPH-preventive pharmacotherapy in an animal model. Together, these results suggest the utility of plasma BLVRB as a biomarker for atherosclerotic plaque instability.


Carotid Artery Diseases , Ischemic Stroke , Plaque, Atherosclerotic , Animals , Humans , Mice , Biomarkers/blood , Carotid Artery Diseases/blood , Carotid Artery Diseases/complications , Hemorrhage/blood , Hemorrhage/diagnostic imaging , Hemorrhage/etiology , Ischemic Stroke/blood , Ischemic Stroke/etiology , Plaque, Atherosclerotic/blood , Plaque, Atherosclerotic/diagnostic imaging , Plaque, Atherosclerotic/pathology , Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A/antagonists & inhibitors
7.
Healthcare (Basel) ; 11(2)2023 Jan 07.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36673555

The number of patients with post-COVID-19 syndrome continues to increase considerably, having serious healthcare, social and economic repercussions. The objective of this study is to describe the effectiveness of telerehabilitation to alleviate the symptoms of post-COVID-19 syndrome. A systematic review was conducted using the information available on four databases (PubMed, Medline, Scielo and PEDRo) on these patients until November 2022. The MeSH search terms were: Post-COVID syndrome, Post-COVID-19, Long COVID, Telerehabilitation, Physiotherapy, Rehabilitation, Virtual, Home care. Six articles were included which provided information on 140 patients, detailing their symptomatology, assessment, treatment and monitoring. The variables measured were dyspnea, fatigue, physical performance and quality of life. All studies included aerobic and anaerobic exercises. Most notable among the techniques used were rib cage expansion exercises, respiratory control and thoracic cage stretching, patient education, Mindfulness and virtual reality games to address physical, mental and relaxation aspects. The use of telerehabilitation could be an effective tool for the treatment of persistent symptoms after suffering from COVID-19. It has been shown in these studies that patients improve both their physical performance and their quality of life.

8.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35564413

BACKGROUND: The diagnosis of celiac disease (CD) has been substantially improved with the availability of highly sensitive CD-specific IgA-TG2, Ig-GDP, and IgA-EMA. The European Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition (ESPGHAN) published (2012) and updated (2020) diagnostic criteria for CD in order to simplify CD diagnosis and to avoid biopsies in selected patients. METHODS: A prospective study including 5641 pediatric patients (0-16 years old) from January 2012 to January 2019 was performed. CD diagnosis was made according to the ESPGHAN algorithm. The objective of this study was to evaluate the utility of biomarkers and the relationship between TGA-IgA and EMA titers. RESULTS: CD diagnoses were confirmed in 113 patients, 110 were IgA-TG2-positive and 3 (2.7%) had IgA deficiency. The diagnosis was made by serologic tests in 95 (84.1%) patients. Only 18 (15.9%) patients underwent intestinal biopsy. We obtained 100% concordance between IgA-EMA and positive results for IgA-TG2 ≥ 10 ULN with IgA-EMA antibody titer ≥ 1:80. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides evidence of a positive correlation between IgA-TG2 antibody serum levels and IgA-EMA. The diagnosis could be guaranteed with strict application of IgA-TG2 values ≥ 10 ULN (confirmed by subsequent testing) plus the serological response to the gluten-free diet (GFD).


Celiac Disease , Adolescent , Autoantibodies , Biomarkers , Celiac Disease/diagnosis , Celiac Disease/pathology , Child , Child, Preschool , Humans , Immunoglobulin A , Infant , Infant, Newborn , Prospective Studies , Transglutaminases
9.
Res Pract Thromb Haemost ; 6(3): e12706, 2022 Mar.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35494505

A State of the Art lecture titled "Proteomics in Thrombosis Research" was presented at the ISTH Congress in 2021. In clinical practice, there is a need for improved plasma biomarker-based tools for diagnosis and risk prediction of venous thromboembolism (VTE). Analysis of blood, to identify plasma proteins with potential utility for such tools, could enable an individualized approach to treatment and prevention. Technological advances to study the plasma proteome on a large scale allows broad screening for the identification of novel plasma biomarkers, both by targeted and nontargeted proteomics methods. However, assay limitations need to be considered when interpreting results, with orthogonal validation required before conclusions are drawn. Here, we review and provide perspectives on the application of affinity- and mass spectrometry-based methods for the identification and analysis of plasma protein biomarkers, with potential application in the field of VTE. We also provide a future perspective on discovery strategies and emerging technologies for targeted proteomics in thrombosis research. Finally, we summarize relevant new data on this topic, presented during the 2021 ISTH Congress.

10.
Ther Adv Respir Dis ; 16: 17534666221089467, 2022.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35485916

INTRODUCTION: Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an autosomal recessive disease that involves the cells that produce mucus and sweat, affecting many organs, especially the lungs. Positive expiratory pressure (PEP) devices generate a pressure opposite to that exerted by the airways during expiration, thus improving mucociliary clearance. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the efficacy of PEP devices as a resource to facilitate the mucus removal and other outcomes in people with CF, as well as the possible adverse effects derived from their use. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted according to PRISMA standards. The descriptors were 'cystic fibrosis', 'PEP', and 'physiotherapy and/or physical therapy'. The search was performed in four databases: PubMed, PEDro, and Web of Science and Scopus, in July 2021. The inclusion criteria were randomized controlled trials (RCTs) over the last 10 years. The methodological quality of the studies was analyzed and meta-analysis was performed with Review Manager software. RESULTS: Ten RCTs met the objectives and criteria, with a total of 274 participants. The trials score a moderate methodological quality on the PEDro scale. No clear results were obtained on whether PEP provides better lung function than other breathing techniques (such as airway clearance); but it does achieve a higher rate of lung clearance than physical exercise. CONCLUSIONS: PEP is more effective than usual care or no intervention, although there is not enough evidence to confirm that PEP achieves improvements in forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) compared with other techniques. It is a safe technique, without adverse effects.


Cystic Fibrosis , Cystic Fibrosis/therapy , Forced Expiratory Volume , Humans , Mucociliary Clearance , Mucus , Respiratory Function Tests
11.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36612390

Red cell distribution width (RDW) could be of interest by its potential use in the assessment of celiac disorder (CD). The main objective of this study was to evaluate the case positive rate of CD and the utility of red cell distribution width (RDW) in the CD diagnosis. This prospective study included 9.066 middle adult (≥45 years old) and elderly patients (≥60 years old) from 2012 to 2021. CD diagnosis was performed by CD antibody tests (serology and Human Leucocyte Antigen genotype (HLA)) and biopsy. Gastrointestinal and extra-intestinal manifestations as well as hematological and biochemical parameters were analyzed. CD diagnoses were confirmed in 101 patients (median (IQR) age = 62 (52.3−73); 68.32% women) by serologic tests (100%) and intestinal biopsy (88.12%), showing mainly marked or complete atrophy (76.24%, MARSH 3a−c). Anemia was the most commonly presenting extra-intestinal manifestation (28.57%). Among 8975 individuals without CD, 168 age and sex matched were included. By comparison of CD and no CD individuals, we observed that high >14.3% RDW was exhibited by 58.40% and 35.2% individuals with CD and without CD, respectively. Furthermore, high RDW is associated with CD and grade III atrophy. We suggest that RDW could be used as a CD screening criterion.


Celiac Disease , Adult , Humans , Female , Aged , Middle Aged , Male , Celiac Disease/diagnosis , Celiac Disease/epidemiology , Erythrocyte Indices , Prospective Studies , Intestines , Atrophy
12.
Sci Rep ; 11(1): 14015, 2021 07 07.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34234248

Venous thromboembolism is the third common cardiovascular disease and is composed of two entities, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and its potential fatal form, pulmonary embolism (PE). While PE is observed in ~ 40% of patients with documented DVT, there is limited biomarkers that can help identifying patients at high PE risk. To fill this need, we implemented a two hidden-layers artificial neural networks (ANN) on 376 antibodies and 19 biological traits measured in the plasma of 1388 DVT patients, with or without PE, of the MARTHA study. We used the LIME algorithm to obtain a linear approximate of the resulting ANN prediction model. As MARTHA patients were typed for genotyping DNA arrays, a genome wide association study (GWAS) was conducted on the LIME estimate. Detected single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were tested for association with PE risk in MARTHA. Main findings were replicated in the EOVT study composed of 143 PE patients and 196 DVT only patients. The derived ANN model for PE achieved an accuracy of 0.89 and 0.79 in our training and testing sets, respectively. A GWAS on the LIME approximate identified a strong statistical association peak (rs1424597: p = 5.3 × 10-7) at the PLXNA4 locus. Homozygote carriers for the rs1424597-A allele were then more frequently observed in PE than in DVT patients from the MARTHA (2% vs. 0.4%, p = 0.005) and the EOVT (3% vs. 0%, p = 0.013) studies. In a sample of 112 COVID-19 patients known to have endotheliopathy leading to acute lung injury and an increased risk of PE, decreased PLXNA4 levels were associated (p = 0.025) with worsened respiratory function. Using an original integrated proteomics and genetics strategy, we identified PLXNA4 as a new susceptibility gene for PE whose exact role now needs to be further elucidated.


Genetic Predisposition to Disease/genetics , Neural Networks, Computer , Proteomics , Pulmonary Embolism/blood , Pulmonary Embolism/genetics , Receptors, Cell Surface/blood , Receptors, Cell Surface/genetics , Adult , COVID-19/complications , Female , Genome-Wide Association Study , Humans , Male , Phenotype , Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide , Pulmonary Embolism/complications , Pulmonary Embolism/metabolism
13.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34200062

Pregnancy can affect the mother's oral health, increasing their susceptibility to oral diseases that have been associated with harmful effects on the newborn. Despite the severity of oral diseases during pregnancy, the demand for dental care during the gestational period is low, which may improve with the participation of midwives in promoting oral health activities. The objectives of this study were: (i) to determine the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of Spanish midwives and midwifery students regarding oral health in pregnant women; and (ii) to identify the barriers faced by these healthcare professionals in addressing oral health promotion during pregnancy. An observational cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted. A total of 128 midwives and/or midwifery students ≥ 18 years old and of both sexes were invited to self-complete a questionnaire between January and April 2020. A total of 85 people participated in the study. Participants had a regular level of knowledge about oral health during pregnancy (overall knowledge score: 6.53), and although they were interested in activities that promote oral healthcare, their oral healthcare practices during pregnancy were limited. As midwives play an important role in promoting health, their training in oral healthcare could help to improve pregnant women's oral health.


Midwifery , Adolescent , Cross-Sectional Studies , Female , Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice , Humans , Infant, Newborn , Male , Oral Health , Pregnancy , Students , Surveys and Questionnaires
14.
Methods Mol Biol ; 2344: 65-78, 2021.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34115352

Protein biomarkers in biological fluids represent an important resource for improving the clinical management of diseases. Current proteomics technologies are capable of performing high-throughput and multiplex profiling in different types of fluids, often leading to the shortlisting of tens of candidate biomarkers per study. However, before reaching any clinical setting, these discoveries require thorough validation and an assay that would be suitable for routine analyses. In the path from biomarker discovery to validation, the performance of the assay implemented for the intended protein quantification is extremely critical toward achieving reliable and reproducible results. Development of robust sandwich immunoassays for individual candidates is challenging and labor and resource intensive, and multiplies when evaluating a panel of interesting candidates at the same time. Here we describe a versatile pipeline that facilitates the systematic and parallel development of multiple sandwich immunoassays using a bead-based technology.


Body Fluids/chemistry , Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay , Proteome/analysis , Proteomics , Biomarkers/analysis , Humans
15.
Methods Mol Biol ; 2344: 163-179, 2021.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34115359

Systematic exploration of the dynamic human plasma proteome enables the discovery of novel protein biomarkers. Using state-of-the-art technologies holds the promise to facilitate a better diagnosis and risk prediction of diseases. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) pathophysiology is characterized for unbalancing of processes such as vascular inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, or lipid profiles among others. Such processes have a direct impact on the dynamic and complex composition of blood and hence the plasma proteome. Therefore, the study of the plasma proteome comprises an excellent exploratory source of biomarker research particularly for CVD. We describe the protocol for performing the discovery of protein biomarker candidates using the suspension bead array technology. The process does not require depletion steps to remove abundant proteins and consumes only a few microliters of sample from the body fluid of interest. The approach is scalable to measure many analytes as well as large numbers of samples. Moreover, we describe a bead-assisted antibody-labeling process that helps to develop quantitative assays for validation purposes and facilitate the translation of the identified candidates into clinical studies.


Cardiovascular Diseases/blood , Proteome/analysis , Proteomics , Biomarkers/blood , Cardiovascular Diseases/physiopathology , Humans
16.
Neurooncol Adv ; 2(Suppl 1): i98-i106, 2020 Jul.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32642735

BACKGROUND: Pediatric neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1)-associated optic pathway gliomas (OPGs) exhibit different clinico-radiological features, treatment, and outcome compared with sporadic OPGs. While NF1-associated OPGs are caused by complete loss-of-function of the NF1 gene, other genetic alterations of the RAS-MAPK pathway are frequently described in the sporadic cases. We identified a group of patients who presented OPGs with typical radiological features of NF1-associated OPGs but without the NF1 diagnostic criteria. We aim to investigate into the possible molecular mechanisms underlying this "NF1-like" pediatric OPGs presentation. METHODS: We analyzed clinico-radiological features of 16 children with NF1-like OPGs and without NF1 diagnostic criteria. We performed targeted sequencing of the NF1 gene in constitutional samples (n = 16). The RAS-MAPK pathway major genes were sequenced in OPG tumor samples (n = 11); BRAF FISH and IHC analyses were also performed. RESULTS: In one patient's blood and tumor samples, we identified a NF1 nonsense mutation (exon 50: c.7285C>T, p.Arg2429*) with ~8% and ~70% VAFs, respectively, suggesting a mosaic NF1 mutation limited to the brain (segmental NF1). This patient presented signs of neurodevelopmental disorder. We identified a somatic alteration of the RAS-MAPK pathway in eight tumors: four BRAF activating p.Val600Glu mutations, three BRAF:KIAA oncogenic fusions, and one putative gain-of-function complex KRAS indel inframe mutation. CONCLUSIONS: NF1-like OPGs can rarely be associated with mosaic NF1 that needs specific constitutional DNA analyses for diagnosis. Further studies are warranted to explore unknown predisposition condition leading to the NF1-like OPG presentation, particularly in patients with the association of a neurodevelopmental disorder.

17.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32268474

Marijuana use for medical purposes dates back to ancient times. Despite its high therapeutic potential, its adverse effects have raised important legal restrictions. However, this situation in Spain may soon undergo significant changes, without anyone so far having studied the knowledge and/or the level of acceptance of medical marijuana by future healthcare professionals. The aim of the present study was to determine nursing students' knowledge of and attitudes towards medical marijuana. A cross-sectional design was used. A total of 578 nursing students from the University of Santiago de Compostela (Spain), ≥18 years old and of both sexes, were invited to complete the Spanish version of the questionnaire "Medical Marijuana" between January and May 2019. A total of 364 students decided to participate in the study. More than 75% of the students agreed with the legalization of medical marijuana, although their knowledge and confidence levels regarding efficacy, safety and drug interactions of medical marijuana were low. Nursing students showed a clear lack of knowledge about medical marijuana and thus, in light of possible regulatory changes, it would be necessary to strengthen the training of nurses with respect to medical marijuana in order to make responsible use of it.


Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice , Medical Marijuana , Students, Nursing , Attitude of Health Personnel , Cross-Sectional Studies , Female , Humans , Male , Spain , Surveys and Questionnaires
18.
J Neurosci ; 40(16): 3203-3216, 2020 04 15.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-32209609

Giving birth triggers a wide repertoire of physiological and behavioral changes in the mother to enable her to feed and care for her offspring. These changes require coordination and are often orchestrated from the CNS, through as of yet poorly understood mechanisms. A neuronal population with a central role in puerperal changes is the tuberoinfundibular dopamine (TIDA) neurons that control release of the pituitary hormone, prolactin, which triggers key maternal adaptations, including lactation and maternal care. Here, we used Ca2+ imaging on mice from both sexes and whole-cell recordings on female mouse TIDA neurons in vitro to examine whether they adapt their cellular and network activity according to reproductive state. In the high-prolactin state of lactation, TIDA neurons shift to faster membrane potential oscillations, a reconfiguration that reverses upon weaning. During the estrous cycle, however, which includes a brief, but pronounced, prolactin peak, oscillation frequency remains stable. An increase in the hyperpolarization-activated mixed cation current, Ih, possibly through unmasking as dopamine release drops during nursing, may partially explain the reconfiguration of TIDA rhythms. These findings identify a reversible plasticity in hypothalamic network activity that can serve to adapt the dam for motherhood.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Motherhood requires profound behavioral and physiological adaptations to enable caring for offspring, but the underlying CNS changes are poorly understood. Here, we show that, during lactation, neuroendocrine dopamine neurons, the "TIDA" cells that control prolactin secretion, reorganize their trademark oscillations to discharge in faster frequencies. Unlike previous studies, which typically have focused on structural and transcriptional changes during pregnancy and lactation, we demonstrate a functional switch in activity and one that, distinct from previously described puerperal modifications, reverses fully on weaning. We further provide evidence that a specific conductance (Ih) contributes to the altered network rhythm. These findings identify a new facet of maternal brain plasticity at the level of membrane properties and consequent ensemble activity.


Arcuate Nucleus of Hypothalamus/physiology , Dopaminergic Neurons/physiology , Lactation/physiology , Nerve Net/physiology , Neuronal Plasticity/physiology , Action Potentials/physiology , Animals , Female , Male , Mice , Mice, Transgenic
19.
Int J Mol Sci ; 20(20)2019 Oct 09.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31600887

Glucosinolate-degradation products (GS-degradation products) are believed to be responsible for the anticancer effects of cruciferous vegetables. Furthermore, they could improve the efficacy and reduce side-effects of chemotherapy. The aim of the present study was to determine the cytotoxic effects of GS-degradation products on androgen-insensitive human prostate cancer (AIPC) PC-3 and DU 145 cells and investigate their ability to sensitize such cells to chemotherapeutic drug Docetaxel (DOCE). Cells were cultured under growing concentrations of allyl-isothiocyanate (AITC), sulforaphane (SFN), 4-pentenyl-isothiocyanate (4PI), iberin (IB), indole-3-carbinol (I3C), or phenethyl-isothiocyanate (PEITC) in absence or presence of DOCE. The anti-tumor effects of these compounds were analyzed using the trypan blue exclusion, apoptosis, invasion and RT-qPCR assays and confocal microscopy. We observed that AITC, SFN, IB, and/or PEITC induced a dose- and time-dependent cytotoxic effect on PC-3 and DU 145 cells, which was mediated, at least, by apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. Likewise, we showed that these GS-degradation products sensitized both cell lines to DOCE by synergic mechanisms. Taken together, our results indicate that GS-degradation products can be promising compounds as co-adjuvant therapy in prostate cancer.


Adjuvants, Pharmaceutic , Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic/pharmacology , Glucosinolates/pharmacology , Prostatic Neoplasms/etiology , Prostatic Neoplasms/metabolism , Apoptosis/drug effects , Cell Line, Tumor , Cell Movement/drug effects , Cell Proliferation/drug effects , Cell Survival/drug effects , Chemoprevention , Dose-Response Relationship, Drug , Humans , Male , Prostatic Neoplasms/drug therapy , Prostatic Neoplasms/pathology
20.
Clin Cancer Res ; 25(22): 6788-6800, 2019 11 15.
Article En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-31481512

PURPOSE: Diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas (DIPG) are the most severe pediatric brain tumors. Although accepted as the standard therapeutic, radiotherapy is only efficient transiently and not even in every patient. The goal of the study was to identify the underlying molecular determinants of response to radiotherapy in DIPG. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: We assessed in vitro response to ionizing radiations in 13 different DIPG cellular models derived from treatment-naïve stereotactic biopsies reflecting the genotype variability encountered in patients at diagnosis and correlated it to their principal molecular alterations. Clinical and radiologic response to radiotherapy of a large cohort of 73 DIPG was analyzed according to their genotype. Using a kinome-wide synthetic lethality RNAi screen, we further identified target genes that can sensitize DIPG cells to ionizing radiations. RESULTS: We uncover TP53 mutation as the main driver of increased radioresistance and validated this finding in four isogenic pairs of TP53WT DIPG cells with or without TP53 knockdown. In an integrated clinical, radiological, and molecular study, we show that TP53MUT DIPG patients respond less to irradiation, relapse earlier after radiotherapy, and have a worse prognosis than their TP53WT counterparts. Finally, a kinome-wide synthetic lethality RNAi screen identifies CHK1 as a potential target, whose inhibition increases response to radiation specifically in TP53MUT cells. CONCLUSIONS: Here, we demonstrate that TP53 mutations are driving DIPG radioresistance both in patients and corresponding cellular models. We suggest alternative treatment strategies to mitigate radioresistance with CHK1 inhibitors. These findings will allow to consequently refine radiotherapy schedules in DIPG.


Brain Stem Neoplasms/metabolism , Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma/metabolism , Radiation Tolerance , Signal Transduction , Tumor Suppressor Protein p53/metabolism , Brain Stem Neoplasms/genetics , Brain Stem Neoplasms/mortality , Brain Stem Neoplasms/radiotherapy , Cell Cycle/genetics , Cell Cycle/radiation effects , Cell Line, Tumor , Cell Survival/radiation effects , Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma/genetics , Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma/mortality , Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma/radiotherapy , Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation , Gene Knockdown Techniques , Histones/genetics , Histones/metabolism , Humans , Mutation , Neoplastic Stem Cells/metabolism , Neoplastic Stem Cells/radiation effects , Prognosis , RNA Interference , RNA, Small Interfering/genetics , Radiation Tolerance/genetics , Tumor Suppressor Protein p53/genetics
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