Serpin-A3 is Associated with Persistent Albuminuria in Adolescents with Secondary Podocytopathy, in a Region with High Prevalence of Chronic Kidney Disease of Unknown Origin

Abstract Background: The state of Aguascalientes, Mexico, has been recognized as a chronic kidney disease hotspot. Screening studies have revealed a high prevalence of persistent albuminuria (pA), histologically characterized by glomerulomegaly, and incomplete podocyte fusion, probably associated with oligonephrony. To date, urinary biomarkers have not been explored in this population. Objective: The aim of the study was to identify the presence of potential biomarkers of early renal injury in patients with pA (pACR) and that correspond with the characteristic nephropathy profile that prevails in this entity. Methods: This is a cross-sectional, analytical, and comparative study. Four groups were recruited: adolescents aged 10-17 years with pACR, isolated albuminuria (iACR), no albuminuria (negative control), and adults with biopsy-confirmed glomerulopathy (positive control). Urinary excretion of SerpinA3, heat-shock protein-72 (HSP-72), podocalyxin (PCX), and nephrin was evaluated in urine samples. SerpinA3 and HSP-72 were analyzed by Western blot, and PCX and nephrin were quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: The mean GFR in the pACR group was 113.4 mL/min/1.73m2 and differed significantly only from that of the positive control group (65.1 mL/min/1.73m2). The mean albuminuria value in the pACR group was 48.9 mg/g. SerpinA3 concentration differed between groups (0.08 vs. 0.25 ng/mL, p < 0.001): it was significantly higher in the pACR group compared to the negative controls (p = 0.037). Conclusion: SerpinA3 was significantly associated with pA and could become a biomarker of early kidney injury. Further investigations are required to determine whether SerpinA3 precedes the development of albuminuria and its pathogenic role.

Suplementación de proteína de suero de leche y caseinato en pacientes oncológicos sometidos a cirugía electiva para la modificación de la capacidad funcional / Whey protein and caseinate supplementation in oncological patients undergoing elective surgery for the modification of functional capacity

Introducción: la intervención nutricia se ha convertido en un punto crítico para lograr la disminución de la morbimortalidad perioperatoria en el paciente oncológico. Existen distintos factores que jugarán un papel fundamental en la evolución y el pronóstico de esta patología, siendo el estado de nutrición y la dieta una piedra angular en estos aspectos. Objetivos: evaluar el efecto perioperatorio de la proteína aislada de suero de leche (WPI) y el caseinato de calcio (CaCNT) en pacientes oncológicos sometidos a cirugía electiva. Métodos: ensayo clínico controlado aleatorizado con tres grupos: grupo control (n = 15), que consistió en manejo convencional por parte de los servicios de cirugía oncológica, y dos grupos de intervención, uno con suplementación de caseinato de calcio (n = 15) y otro con suplementación con proteína aislada de suero de leche (n = 15) durante seis semanas de forma perioperatoria. Se evaluaron en tiempos preoperatorio y postoperatorio la fuerza de prensión de mano, la caminata de seis minutos y la composición corporal. Resultados: aquellos que fueron suplementados con WPI mantuvieron la fuerza de prensión y mostraron menor cantidad de agua extracelular (p < 0,02); se mostró un incremento en la masa visceral (p < 0,02). Finalmente, se encontró correlación con variables asociadas a la composición corporal y variables de evolución del paciente en comparación con el grupo control. Conclusiones: la suplementación nutricional requiere ser abordada desde el punto de vista funcional y metabólico para identificar factores que impacten favorablemente, así como la distinción entre carcinoma y el tipo de suplementación a implementar. (AU)

Introduction: the nutritional intervention has become a critical point to achieve the reduction of perioperative morbidity and mortality in cancer patients. There are different factors that will play a fundamental role in the evolution and prognosis of this pathology, being the state of nutrition and diet a cornerstone in these aspects. Objective: to evaluate the perioperative effect of whey protein isolate (WPI) and calcium caseinate (CaCNT) in cancer patients undergoing elective surgery. Methods: randomized controlled clinical trial with three groups: the control group (n = 15), consisting in conventional management by the oncology surgery services, and two intervention groups, one with calcium caseinate supplementation (n = 15) and another one with whey protein isolate supplementation (n = 15) for six weeks perioperatively. Handgrip strength, six-minute walk, and body composition were assessed pre and postoperatively. Results: those who were supplemented with WPI maintained their handgrip strength and showed less extracellular water (p < 0.02); also an increase in visceral mass was shown (p < 0.02). Finally, a correlation was found with variables associated with body composition and patient evolution when compared to the control group. Conclusions: nutritional supplementation needs to be approached from the functional and metabolic point of view to identify factors that have a favorable impact, as well as the distinction between carcinoma and the type of supplementation to be implemented. (AU)

[Whey protein and caseinate supplementation in oncological patients undergoing elective surgery for the modification of functional capacity]. / Suplementación de proteína de suero de leche y caseinato en pacientes oncológicos sometidos a cirugía electiva para la modificación de la capacidad funcional.

Introduction: Introduction: the nutritional intervention has become a critical point to achieve the reduction of perioperative morbidity and mortality in cancer patients. There are different factors that will play a fundamental role in the evolution and prognosis of this pathology, being the state of nutrition and diet a cornerstone in these aspects. Objective: to evaluate the perioperative effect of whey protein isolate (WPI) and calcium caseinate (CaCNT) in cancer patients undergoing elective surgery. Methods: randomized controlled clinical trial with three groups: the control group (n = 15), consisting in conventional management by the oncology surgery services, and two intervention groups, one with calcium caseinate supplementation (n = 15) and another one with whey protein isolate supplementation (n = 15) for six weeks perioperatively. Handgrip strength, six-minute walk, and body composition were assessed pre and postoperatively. Results: those who were supplemented with WPI maintained their handgrip strength and showed less extracellular water (p < 0.02); also an increase in visceral mass was shown (p < 0.02). Finally, a correlation was found with variables associated with body composition and patient evolution when compared to the control group. Conclusions: nutritional supplementation needs to be approached from the functional and metabolic point of view to identify factors that have a favorable impact, as well as the distinction between carcinoma and the type of supplementation to be implemented.

Introducción: Introducción: la intervención nutricia se ha convertido en un punto crítico para lograr la disminución de la morbimortalidad perioperatoria en el paciente oncológico. Existen distintos factores que jugarán un papel fundamental en la evolución y el pronóstico de esta patología, siendo el estado de nutrición y la dieta una piedra angular en estos aspectos. Objetivos: evaluar el efecto perioperatorio de la proteína aislada de suero de leche (WPI) y el caseinato de calcio (CaCNT) en pacientes oncológicos sometidos a cirugía electiva. Métodos: ensayo clínico controlado aleatorizado con tres grupos: grupo control (n = 15), que consistió en manejo convencional por parte de los servicios de cirugía oncológica, y dos grupos de intervención, uno con suplementación de caseinato de calcio (n = 15) y otro con suplementación con proteína aislada de suero de leche (n = 15) durante seis semanas de forma perioperatoria. Se evaluaron en tiempos preoperatorio y postoperatorio la fuerza de prensión de mano, la caminata de seis minutos y la composición corporal. Resultados: aquellos que fueron suplementados con WPI mantuvieron la fuerza de prensión y mostraron menor cantidad de agua extracelular (p < 0,02); se mostró un incremento en la masa visceral (p < 0,02). Finalmente, se encontró correlación con variables asociadas a la composición corporal y variables de evolución del paciente en comparación con el grupo control. Conclusiones: la suplementación nutricional requiere ser abordada desde el punto de vista funcional y metabólico para identificar factores que impacten favorablemente, así como la distinción entre carcinoma y el tipo de suplementación a implementar.

Bioactive role of vitamins as a key modulator of oxidative stress, cellular damage and comorbidities associated with spinal cord injury (SCI).

Introduction: Spinal cord injury (SCI) cause significant disability and impact the quality of life of those affected by it. The nutritional status and diet are fundamental to diminish the progression of complications; vitamins modulate the inflammatory response and oxidative stress, promote blood-spinal cord barrier preservation and the prompt recovery of homeostasis. A deep knowledge of the benefits achieved from vitamins in patients with SCI are summarized. Information of dosage, time, and effects of vitamins in these patients are also displayed. Vitamins have been extensively investigated; however, more clinical trials are needed to clarify the scope of vitamin supplementation.Objective: The objective of this review was to offer relevant therapeutic information based on vitamins supplementation for SCI patients.Methods: Basic and clinical studies that have implemented the use of vitamins in SCI were considered. They were selected from the year 2000-2022 from three databases: PubMed, Science Direct and Google Scholar.Results: Consistent benefits in clinical trials were shown in those who were supplemented with vitamin D (prevents osteoporosis and improves physical performance variables), B3 (improves lipid profile) and B12 (neurological prophylaxis of chronic SCI damage) mainly. On the other hand, improvement related to neuroprotection, damage modulation (vitamin A) and its prophylaxis were associated to B complex vitamins supplementation; the studies who reported positive results are displayed in this review.Discussion: Physicians should become familiar with relevant information that can support conventional treatment in patients with SCI, such as the use of vitamins, a viable option that can improve outcomes in patients with this condition.

Serpin-A3 is Associated with Persistent Albuminuria in Adolescents with Secondary Podocytopathy, in a Region with High Prevalence of Chronic Kidney Disease of Unknown Origin.

Background: The state of Aguascalientes, Mexico, has been recognized as a chronic kidney disease hotspot. Screening studies have revealed a high prevalence of persistent albuminuria (pA), histologically characterized by glomerulomegaly, and incomplete podocyte fusion, probably associated with oligonephrony. To date, urinary biomarkers have not been explored in this population. Objective: The aim of the study was to identify the presence of potential biomarkers of early renal injury in patients with pA (pACR) and that correspond with the characteristic nephropathy profile that prevails in this entity. Methods: This is a cross-sectional, analytical, and comparative study. Four groups were recruited: adolescents aged 10-17 years with pACR, isolated albuminuria (iACR), no albuminuria (negative control), and adults with biopsy-confirmed glomerulopathy (positive control). Urinary excretion of SerpinA3, heat-shock protein-72 (HSP-72), podocalyxin (PCX), and nephrin was evaluated in urine samples. SerpinA3 and HSP-72 were analyzed by Western blot, and PCX and nephrin were quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: The mean GFR in the pACR group was 113.4 mL/min/1.73m2 and differed significantly only from that of the positive control group (65.1 mL/min/1.73m2). The mean albuminuria value in the pACR group was 48.9 mg/g. SerpinA3 concentration differed between groups (0.08 vs. 0.25 ng/mL, p < 0.001): it was significantly higher in the pACR group compared to the negative controls (p = 0.037). Conclusion: SerpinA3 was significantly associated with pA and could become a biomarker of early kidney injury. Further investigations are required to determine whether SerpinA3 precedes the development of albuminuria and its pathogenic role.

Potential metabolic and behavioural roles of the putative endocannabinoid receptors GPR18, GPR55 and GPR119 in feeding.

Endocannabinoids are ancient biomolecules involved in several cellular (e.g., metabolism) and physiological (e.g., eating behaviour) functions. Indeed, eating behaviour alterations in marijuana users have led to investigate the orexigenic/anorexigenic effects of cannabinoids in animal/ human models. This increasing body of research suggests that the endocannabinoid system plays an important role in feeding control. Accordingly, within the endocannabinoid system, cannabinoid receptors, enzymes and genes represent potential therapeutic targets for dealing with multiple metabolic and behavioural dysfunctions (e.g., obesity, anorexia, etc.). Paradoxically, our understanding on the endocannabinoid system as a cellular mediator is yet limited. For example: (i) only two cannabinoid receptors have been classified, but they are not enough to explain the pharmacological profile of several experimental effects induced by cannabinoids; and (ii) several orphan G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) interact with cannabinoids and we do not know how to classify them (e.g., GPR18, GPR55 and GPR119; amongst others). On this basis, the present review attempts to summarize the lines of evidence supporting the potential role of GPR18, GPR55 and GPR119 in metabolism and feeding control that may explain some of the divergent effects and puzzling data related to cannabinoid research. Moreover, their therapeutic potential in feeding behaviour alterations will be considered.