Antimalarial evaluation of alkyl-linked bis-thiadiazine derivatives in murine model infected with two Plasmodium strains.

Background and Purpose: Plasmodium falciparum and P. vivax are responsible for most malaria cases in humans in the African Region and the Americas; these parasites have developed resistance to classic antimalarial drugs. On the other hand, previous investigations of the alkyl-linked bis tetrahydro-(2H)-1,3,5-thiadiazine-2-thione (bis-THTT) derivatives compounds show satisfactory results against protozoan parasites such as Trypanosoma cruzi, Trypanosoma vaginalis, Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense and Leishmania donovani. Therefore, it is possible to see some effect of bis-THTT derivatives on other protozoan parasites, such as Plasmodium. Experimental Approach: This study aimed to perform an in vivo biological evaluation of bis-THTT (JH1 to JH6) derivatives compounds as possible anti-malaria drugs in BALB/c mice infected with Plasmodium berghei ANKA and Plasmodium yoelii 17XL strains. In this work, we evaluated the compounds as potential antimalarial drugs in BALB/c mice infected with Plasmodium strains. Key Results: For each compound, we assess the percentages of parasitemia by smears from tail blood and the humoral response by indirect ELISA test using each compound as an antigen. We also evaluated the B lymphocyte response and the cytotoxicity of the bis-THTT derivatives compounds with MTT cell proliferation assays. Conclusions: Our results show that the bis-THTT derivatives JH2 and JH4 presented effective parasitemia control in mice infected with P. berghei; JH5 and JH6 compounds have similar infection control results as chloroquine in mice infected P. yoelii strain. The evaluation of bis-THTT derivatives compounds in a model of BALB/c mice infected with P. berghei and P. yoelii allowed us to conclude that some of them have an antimalarial effect; however, none of the tested compounds exceeded the efficiency of chloroquine.

Detection of thermotolerant coliforms and SARS-CoV-2 RNA in sewage and recreational waters in the Ecuadorian coast: A call for improving water quality regulation.

Wastewater surveillance represents an alternative approach to regulating contamination and the early detection of infectious agents and outbreaks of diseases of public health importance. This study evaluated domestic wastewater effects on recreational waters in estuarine and seawater bodies in Guayas and Santa Elena provinces in Ecuador, South America. Fecal indicator bacteria (thermotolerant coliforms) served as key indicators for evaluation. Physical, chemical, and microbiological quality markers following the Ecuadorian environmental quality standard and the discharge of effluents to the water resource were analyzed. Samples were collected from 44 coastal sites and 2 oxidation lagoons during the dry and rainy seasons of 2020 and 2021, respectively. SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected in samples with higher E. coli concentrations using reverse transcription quantitative PCR to detect the genes N and ORF1ab. All samples analyzed for SARS-CoV-2 showed Ct ˂ 40 for at least one gene. Four samples showed at least 20 genome copies of gene N per reaction. These were at an artisanal fishing port, an estuarine area (Palmar), a recreational bay, and an oxidation lagoon. A moderate correlation was found between SARS-CoV-2 RNA, thermotolerant coliform and E. coli (p-value ≤ 0.0037), and a strong and positive correlation between thermotolerant coliform and E. coli. (p-value ≤ 0.00001), highlighting the utility of these established parameters as a proxy of the virus. Significant differences were found in the concentrations of thermotolerant coliforms between seasons (p-value = 0.016) and sites (p-value = 0.005). The highest levels of coliforms were found in the dry season (63000 MPN/100 mL) in Anconcito and during the rainy season (14000 MPN/100 mL) at Esterillo in Playas County. It is recommended that the decentralized autonomous governments of the surveyed provinces in Ecuador implement urgent corrective actions and establish medium-term mechanisms to minimize a potential contamination route. Additional parameters must be included in the monitoring, such as Enterococcus and intestinal parasites, due to their public health implications. In the oxidation lagoons, maintenance actions must be carried out, including the dissolution of sediments, an increase in water retention times, and in situ treatment of the sludge, to improve the system's performance.

Citizen scientists study beach litter along 12,000 km of the East Pacific coast: A baseline for the International Plastic Treaty.

Anthropogenic Marine Litter (AML) accumulating on beaches causes damage to coastal ecosystems and high costs to local communities. Volunteers sampled AML on 130 beaches along the central and southern East Pacific coasts, with AML densities ranging from 0.46 to 2.26 items m-2 in the different countries. AML composition was dominated by plastics and cigarette butts, the latter especially in Mexico and Chile. The accumulation of AML in the upper zones of the beaches and substantial proportions of cigarette butts, glass and metal pointed mainly to local sources. Statistical modelling of litter sources on continental beaches revealed that tourism, access and related infrastructure (e.g. parking lots) best explained AML densities, while plastic densities were also influenced by the distance from river mouths and national Gross Domestic Product. Large-scale monitoring can be a useful tool to evaluate the effectiveness of public policies that should primarily focus on land sources.

Serological Cross-Reaction between Six Thiadiazine by Indirect ELISA Test and Their Antimicrobial Activity.

Malaria is a parasitic infection caused by a protozoon of the genus Plasmodium, transmitted to humans by female biting mosquitoes of the genus Anopheles. Chloroquine and its derivates have caused the parasite to develop drug resistance in endemic areas. For this reason, new anti-malarial drugs as treatments are crucial. This work aimed to evaluate the humoral response. with hyper-immune sera, of mice immunized with six derivatives of tetrahydro-(2H)-1,3,5-thiadiazine-2-thione (bis-THTT) by indirect ELISA test. The cross-reactivity between the compounds as antigens and their microbial activity on Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria was evaluated. The results of the humoral evaluation by indirect ELISA show that three bis-THTTs react with almost all of the above. Besides, three compounds used as antigens stimulate the BALB/c mice's immune system. The best combination of two antigens as a combined therapy displays similar absorbances between the antigens in the mixture, showing similar recognition by antibodies and their compounds. In addition, our results showed that different bis-THTT presented antimicrobial activity on Gram-positive bacteria, mainly on Staphylococcus aureus strains, and no inhibitory activity was observed on the Gram-negative bacteria tested.

Cuidados de la placenta y seguridad del recién nacido en el nacimiento Lotus / Placenta care and newborn safety in Lotus Birth

OBJETIVO: revisar la evidencia científica referente a los cuidados de la placenta y a la seguridad del recién nacido en el nacimiento Lotus. MÉTODO: revisión narrativa. Se llevaron a cabo diferentes estrategias de búsqueda en las siguientes bases de datos y plataformas: Pubmed, Cochrane, Ovid, Scielo, Cuiden, Clinical key, BMJ, Metas de Enfermería y Google Scholar. Palabras usadas: Lotus birth, umbilical non severance, cord clamping, care, safety, nacimiento Lotus. Filtros: 2016-2020, sobre cuidados placenta y seguridad recién nacido, estudios epidemiológicos. RESULTADOS: se localizaron 169 documentos. Se seleccionaron seis artículos. En dos artículos se trataban los cuidados de la placenta que eran lavadas con agua tibia en las primeras horas, secadas y envueltas en paños de tejidos naturales, usando sales y hierbas aromáticas para acelerar el proceso de secado, y dejándola a la altura del recién nacido. En los otros cuatro documentos se describían seis casos de complicaciones infecciosas que se resolvieron con antibioterapia, en madres que habían presentado bolsa rota prolongada, cultivos vaginales positivos y ausencia de antibioterapia periparto. DISCUSIÓN: el Lotus birth es una práctica infrecuente, asociada tradicionalmente al parto domiciliario, que se va introduciendo en el medio hospitalario. Es escasa la evidencia disponible sobre los cuidados de la placenta en el nacimiento Lotus y la seguridad de esta práctica para los recién nacidos

OBJECTIVE: to review the scientific evidence regarding placenta care and newborn safety in Lotus Birth. METHODS: a narrative review. Different search strategies were conducted in the following databases and platforms: Pubmed, Cochrane, Ovid, Scielo, Cuiden, Clinical key, BMJ, Metas de Enfermería and Google Scholar. Terms used: Lotus Birth, umbilical non severance, cord clamping, care, safety, nacimiento lotus. Filters: 2016-2020, on placenta care and newborn safety, epidemiological studies. RESULTS: in total. 169 documents were located. Six articles were selected. Two articles discussed placenta care: they were washed with warm water during the first hours, dried and wrapped in natural fabric cloths, using salts and aromatic plants to accelerate the drying process, and placed at the same height as the newborn. The other four documents described six cases of infectious complications, which were solved with antibiotic therapy, in mothers who had presented prolonged broken sac, positive vaginal cultures, and lack of peripartal antibiotic therapy. DISCUSSION: Lotus Birth is a rare practice, traditionally associated with home births, which has been increasingly introduced in the hospital setting. There is limited evidence available about placenta care in Lotus Birth, and the safety of this practice for newborns

Composition, abundance and sources of anthropogenic marine debris on the beaches from Ecuador - A volunteer-supported study.

This study represents an inter-institutional effort that was supported by more than 400 volunteers. We sampled Anthropogenic Marine Debris (AMD) on 26 beaches, including one beach from Galapagos Islands. AMD was mainly composed of plastics (>60%), followed by cigarette butts, paper and metal. Average AMD density on the continental beaches was 1.31 ± 1.03 items m-2 (mean ± SD). AMD densities and the proportion of plastics were higher on some beaches located on the Gulf of Guayaquil, suggesting that many of the plastic items found on these beaches were, likely, drifted by the swift currents of the Guayas River. Additionally, the overall results indicate that most litter on continental beaches from Ecuador has local sources. Recommendations include marine pollution education and public awareness campaigns to reduce the consumption of plastic bags, as well as a ban on harmful single-use plastics.

Cuidados de la matrona en la versión cefálica externa / Midwife care in external cephalic version

La versión cefálica externa (VCE) es una maniobra obstétrica que intenta convertir una presentación fetal podálica o transversa en cefálica, más favorable de cara al parto. La matrona, como parte del equipo multidisciplinar, está presente durante el proceso de su realización, aplicando los cuidados necesarios para una atención integral de la mujer gestante. El objetivo de este artículo es presentar el caso clínico de una mujer embarazada durante el procedimiento de VCE. Se elabora el plan de cuidados enfermeros basado en las necesidades básicas de Virginia Henderson y guiado por la taxonomía NANDA-NIC-NOC, donde se identifican tres diagnósticos de Enfermería, que serán la base de la realización de este proceso enfermero: temor, dolor agudo y riesgo de alteración de la díada materno/fetal. La aplicación de este plan de cuidados supuso una mejora en la atención a la mujer y en la organización del trabajo

External cephalic version (ECV) is an obstetric manoeuvre intended to change a breech or transversal fetal presentation into cephalic, more favourable in terms of delivery. The midwife, as a member of the multidisciplinary team, will be present during this procedure, implementing any necessary measures for a comprehensive care of the pregnant woman. The objective of this article is to present the clinical case of a pregnant woman during the ECV procedure. The nursing care plan is prepared on the basis of Virginia Henderson’s basic needs, and guided by the NANDA-NIC-NOC taxonomy, where three nursing diagnoses will be identified as the basis for conducting this nursing process: fear, acute pain and risk of alteration of the maternal/fetal dyad. The application of this healthcare plan represented an improvement in women care and work organization

Uso de analgesia epidural y valores de pH y Apgar del recién nacido / Use of epidural analgesia and pH value and Apgar score in newborns

Objetivo: evaluar las diferencias en los resultados neonatales (pH y de Apgar en el recién nacido) entre las mujeres que dieron a luz en el paritorio del Hospital Universitario de Burgos con analgesia epidural (AE) y sin ella. Método: estudio de cohorte retrospectivo en 15.506 partos eutócicos atendidos entre 2002 y el 2015 (9.739 con y 5.767 sin AE). Variables dependientes: pH de arteria umbilical fetal (< 7,10), Apgar al minuto (< 7), Apgar a los cinco minutos (< 7). Para el análisis bivariante se utilizó la prueba no paramétrica U de Mann-Whitney y el test de Chi cuadrado. Resultados: la media de pH fue 7,26 y 7,23, grupo sin AE y con AE respectivamente (p< 0,0001). El porcentaje de pH< 7,10 fue 2,7% y 4,3%, grupo sin AE y con AE, respectivamente (p< 0,0001). La media de Apgar al minuto fue 8,88 y 8,79, grupo sin AE y con AE, respectivamente (p< 0,0001). El porcentaje de Apgar al minuto < 7 fue 1,1% y 2,4%, grupo sin AE y con AE respectivamente (p< 0,0001). La media de Apgar a los cinco minutos fue 9,92 y 9,87, grupo sin AE y con AE, respectivamente (p < 0,0001). El porcentaje de Apgar a los cinco minutos < 7 fue 0,1% y 0,2%, grupo sin AE y con AE, respectivamente (p= 0,045). Conclusiones: el grupo de mujeres con AE tenía recién nacidos con menor pH, menor Apgar al minuto y a los cinco minutos. Está asociado el uso de analgesia epidural con peores resultados neonatales (AU)

Objective: to evaluate the differences in neonatal scores (pH and Apgar in newborns) among women who gave birth in the delivery room of the Hospital Universitario de Burgos with and without epidural analgesia (EA). Method: a retrospective cohort study in 15,506 normal deliveries managed between 2002 and 2015 (9,739 with and 5,767 without AE). The dependent variables were: fetal umbilical artery pH (< 7.10), Apgar at 1 minute (< 7), Apgar at 5 minutes (< 7). The non-parametric Mann-Whitney U test and the Chi-Square Test were used for bivariate analysis. Results: the mean pH was 7.26 and 7.23, for the groups without EA and with EA respectively (p< 0.0001). The proportion of pH< 7.10 was 2.7% and 4.3%, for the groups without EA and with EA respectively (p< 0.0001). The mean Apgar score at 1 minute was 8.88 and 8.79, for the groups without EA and with EA respectively (p< 0.0001). The proportion of Apgar at 1 minute < 7 was 1.1% and 2.4%, respectively for the groups without EA and with EA (p< 0.0001). The mean Apgar score at five minutes was 9.92 and 9.87, respectively for the groups without EA and with EA (p < 0.0001). The proportion of Apgar at five minutes < 7 was 0.1% and 0.2%, respectively for the groups without EA and with EA (p= 0.045). Conclusions: the group of women with EA gave birth to babies with a lower pH, and lower Apgar score at 1 minute and at 5 minutes. The use of epidural analgesia was associated with worse neonatal results (AU)

Influencia de la edad materna avanzada en la incidencia de cesárea / The influence of advanced maternal age upo the incidence of C-sections

OBJETIVO: describir la incidencia de cesárea en el Hospital Universitario de Burgos (HUBU) de 2004 a 2014; así como explorar la influencia de la edad materna avanzada, teniendo en cuenta dos edades de corte (35 y 40 años), en dicha incidencia. MATERIAL Y MÉTODO: estudio descriptivo longitudinal retrospectivo (2004-2014) sobre los 24.521 partos realizados en el HUBU. Se utilizó el registro informatizado de partos. La variable principal del estudio fue la cesárea, y la variable independiente, la edad de la mujer, teniendo en cuenta dos edades de corte (mayores de 40 vs. iguales o menores de 40 años; mayores de 35 vs. iguales o menores de 35 años). Se utilizó prueba z para el contraste de hipótesis; se calcularon intervalos de confianza (IC) al 95% de seguridad. RESULTADOS: se contó una población de 24.426 partos. La diferencia de incidencia de cesárea entre mayores de 40 e igual o menor de 40 años fue de un 11% (IC 95%: 8%-14%; p< 0,001) a favor de una mayor incidencia en la mayores de 40. Atendiendo a la edad de corte de 35 años, esta diferencia fue de un 5% (IC 95%: 3,8%-6,2%; p< 0,001), y en la misma dirección anteriormente señalada. La incidencia acumulada global de cesárea fue del 22,5% (IC 95%: 21,98%-23,02%). CONCLUSIÓN: existen diferencias en la incidencia de cesárea en función de la edad, independientemente del corte de edad a los 35 o a los 40 años, y con una mayor incidencia en las más mayores. Cabe preguntarse el efecto de las técnicas de reproducción asistida y el posible aumento de cesáreas electivas

OBJECTIVE: to describe the incidence of C-sections at the Hospital Universitario de Burgos (HUBU) from 2004 to 2014; as well as to explore the influence of advanced maternal age, considering two cut-off ages (35 and 40 years) for said incidence. MATERIAL AND METHODS: a descriptive longitudinal retrospective study (2004-2014) on the 24,521 labours conducted at the HUBU. The computerized record of labours was used. The primary variable of the study was C-section, and the independent variable was maternal age, considering two cut-off ages (>40-year-old vs. is less than or equal to40 year-old; >35-year old vs. is less than or equal to35-year-old). The z-test was used for hypothesis contrast, and a 95% confidence interval (CI) was estimated. RESULTS: the study included a population of 24,426 labours. The difference in the incidence of C-sections between >40-year old and is less than or equal to40-year-old was 11% (CI 95%: 8%-14%; p< 0.001), showing a higher incidence in >40-year-old women. Regarding the cut-off age of 35 years, the difference was 5% (CI 95%: 3.8%-6.2%; p< 0.001), and in the same direction previously mentioned. There was an overall cumulative incidence of C-sections of 22.5% (CI 95%: 21.98%-23.02%). CONCLUSION: there are differences in the incidence of C-sections based on age, regardless of the cut-off age of 35 or 40 years, showing a higher incidence in older mothers. It is worth considering the effect of assisted reproduction techniques, and the potential increase in elective C-sections

Evolución de la tasa de episiotomías en el Hospital Universitario de Burgos y su relación con los resultados perineales y neonatales / Evolution of the rate of episiotomies in the University Hospital of Burgos and its relation with perineal and neonatal outcomes

OBJETIVO: Analizar la evolución del uso de episiotomías en el Hospital Universitario de Burgos en relación con la implantación de la Estrategia de Atención al Parto Normal (EAPN), y valorar su relación con los resultados maternofetales. MÉTODO: Estudio correlacional retrospectivo. Se estudiaron los partos eutócicos y los recién nacidos a término en parto eutócico entre el 1 de enero de 2002 y el 31 de diciembre de 2013. Las variables estudiadas fueron las siguientes: paridad, realización o no de episiotomía, desgarro perineal, test de Apgar y pH de arteria umbilical. El análisis de los datos se realizó mediante técnicas paramétricas de contraste de hipótesis. RESULTADOS: Del total de 26.163 partos atendidos en el Hospital Universitario de Burgos durante el periodo citado, se incluyeron 16.222 partos eutócicos, y para el estudio de resultados fetales 15.132 recién nacidos. El porcentaje de episiotomías en partos eutócicos disminuyó significativamente (p <0,001) del 92,36 al 43,09%. La comparación de los datos antes y después de la EAPN muestra una disminución del porcentaje de episiotomías del 71,40 al 47,30%. Respecto a las lesiones perineales, con y sin epi-siotomía, se encontraron diferencias en el porcentaje de perinés íntegros (del 0 frente al 32,26%), pero no en el porcentaje de desgarros graves. Además, no se hallaron diferencias en los resultados del test de Apgar ni en el pH que indicaran unos peores resultados neonatales sin episiotomía. CONCLUSIONES: El porcentaje de episiotomías ha disminuido significativamente. No se encontró ninguna relación entre los partos sin episiotomía y un mayor porcentaje de daños perineales graves ni unos peores resultados neonatales. Aumentó el porcentaje de perinés íntegros al no realizar episiotomías

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the evolution in the use of episiotomy in the University Hospital of Burgos, regarding the establishment of the Strategy for Assistance at Normal Childbirth; and evaluate its relation with fetal and maternal outcomes. METHODS: Cross-sectional retrospective study in the University Hospital of Burgos. From the 26,163 deliveries between 1/1/2002 and 12/31/2013 only normal vaginal deliveries were included (16,222); and for the study of the fetal outcomes only term newborns with normal vaginal birth (15,132). The variables used were: parity, episiotomy, perineal tears, Apgar score and pH of umbilical artery. Data analysis was delivered with parametric tools of hypothesis testing. RESULTS: The rate of episiotomy in normal vaginal births decreased significantly (p <0.001) from 92.36 to 43.09%. Data contrast between before and after the Normal Delivery Strategy show a decrease in the rate of episiotomy from 71.40 to 47.30%. Concerning perineal tears with and without episiotomy, we found a difference in the rate of intact perineum (from 0 to 32.26%); but no difference at all in the rate of third and fourth degree lacerations. Neither were differences in the Apgar score or pH that could indicate worst neonatal outcomes without episiotomy. CONCLUSIONS: Our episiotomy rate has decreased significantly; not showing statistic relation between deliveries without episiotomy and higher rates of third and fourth degree lacerations, or with worst neonatal outcomes. There is, indeed, relation between not performing episiotomy and an increase in the intact perineum rate

Potential role of oxidative exoenzymes of the extremophilic fungus Pestalotiopsis palmarum BM-04 in biotransformation of extra-heavy crude oil.

Large amount of drilling waste associated with the expansion of the Orinoco Oil Belt (OOB), the biggest proven reserve of extra-heavy crude oil (EHCO) worldwide, is usually impregnated with EHCO and highly salinized water-based drilling fluids. Oxidative exoenzymes (OE) of the lignin-degrading enzyme system (LDS) of fungi catalyse the oxidation of a wide range of toxic pollutants. However, very little evidences on fungal degradation or biotransformation of EHCO have been reported, which contain high amounts of asphaltenes and its biodegradation rate is very limited. The aims of this work were to study the ability of Pestalotiopsis palmarum BM-04 to synthesize OE, its potential to biotransform EHCO and to survive in extreme environmental conditions. Enzymatic studies of the LDS showed the ability of this fungus to overproduce high amounts of laccase (LACp) in presence of wheat bran or lignin peroxidase (LIPp) with EHCO as sole carbon and energy source (1300 U mgP(-1) in both cases). FT-IR spectroscopy with Attenuated Total Reflectance (ATR) analysis showed the enzymatic oxidation of carbon and sulfur atoms in both maltenes and asphaltenes fractions of biotreated EHCO catalysed by cell-free laccase-enriched OE using wheat bran as inducer. UV-visible spectrophotometry analysis revealed the oxidation of the petroporphyrins in the asphaltenes fraction of biotreated EHCO. Tolerance assays showed the ability of this fungus to grow up to 50,000 p.p.m. of EHCO and 2000 mM of NaCl. These results suggest that P. palmarum BM-04 is a hopeful alternative to be used in remediation processes in extreme environmental conditions of salinity and EHCO contamination, such as the drilling waste from the OOB.

Suppressive and additive effects in protection mediated by combinations of monoclonal antibodies specific for merozoite surface protein 1 of Plasmodium yoelii.

BACKGROUND: The merozoite surface protein (MSP)-1 is a target antigen of protective immunity and a malaria vaccine candidate. The nature of this protective immune response warrants further investigation: although specific antibody is thought to play a major role, the mechanisms of protection are still unclear. Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) specific for the C-terminus of MSP-1 from Plasmodium yoelii have been shown previously to provide protection against challenge infection when administered by passive immunization to mice. Three protective mAbs were re-examined and, in particular, the effect of combinations of antibodies on the protection provided was studied. It was found that a combination of two antibodies can either provide additive protective effects or result in a suppression of protection. In this report the importance of antibody subclass and epitope specificity in the outcome of these passive immunization experiments are discussed. METHODS: The minimum protective dose (MPD) for each mAb was determined, and then combinations of antibody at their MPD were investigated for their ability to control parasitaemia and promote survival in groups of mice. Mice were inoculated over three days with the MPD and challenged with a blood stage infection of the virulent P. yoelii 17 XL. The resultant parasitaemia was assessed daily on Giemsa-stained blood films. Following the infection the presence of MSP-1 specific antibodies in the sera was monitored, and the proliferative responses of cells in the spleen of protected mice were measured. RESULTS: Combining antibodies resulted in either an additive effect on protection, with reduced peak parasitaemia and better survival, or resulted in a suppression of protection over that achieved by a single antibody alone. An additive effect was observed when B6 and F5 that have the same isotype and similar fine specificity, were combined. However, a combination of mAb D3, an IgG2a, with either B6 or F5 (both IgG3) suppressed protection, an effect that may have been due to the combination of different isotypes or to the different fine specificity of the antibodies. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that a combination of protective antibodies with either the same or different isotypes can produce either an additive or a suppressive effect in passive immunization. This phenomenon may be important in better understanding immunity in this experimental mouse model of malaria.

Biomarcadores de contaminación por cadmio en las plantas / Biomarkers of cadmium pollution in plants

Debido a la función vital que desempeñan las plantas en los ecosistemas, estos organismos han sido utilizados para la diagnosis o predicción de las consecuencias negativas de actividades antropogénicas mediante el estudio de sus procesos fisiológicos, respuestas bioquímicas, mecanismos de adaptación y mortalidad. Las respuestas que tienen lugar en los organismos como consecuencia del efecto de un contaminante se han denominado biomarcadores. Éstos pueden definirse como las variaciones bioquímicas, celulares, fisiológicas o comportamentales que pueden ser medidas en el tejido, en los fluidos corporales y/o a nivel del organismo completo, y brindan evidencia de la exposición a uno o más componentes químicos. Los biomarcadores ofrecen información completa y biológicamente relevante sobre el potencial impacto de los contaminantes tóxicos en la salud de los organismos. Tienen la ventaja de poner en evidencia síntomas tempranos del daño causado por el contaminante y, por tanto, pueden ser utilizados como señales de alarma ante la presencia de contaminantes químicos. En este trabajo se analiza información referente a las plantas como posibles bioindicadoras de contaminación por cadmio y de los biomarcadores que pueden ser utilizados para monitoreo ambiental. Para este fin, se describe al Cd como contaminante ambiental, se presenta su ciclo biogeoquímico, las fuentes naturales y antropogénicas, y sus efectos sobre las plantas y el medio ambiente. Seguidamente se presentan las principales respuestas moleculares de las plantas como señales de alarma temprana del daño generado por Cd y se propone su uso en el monitoreo de la contaminación por este metal.