Cytokine and microbiota profiles in obesity-related hypertension patients.

Background: Systemic arterial hypertension is linked to a heightened risk of cardiovascular diseases on a global scale. In Mexico, nearly half of adults in vulnerable conditions experience hypertension. Imbalance in the oral and intestinal microbiota composition has been observed in patients with hypertension, documented by a decrease of bacteria producing short-chain fatty acids, which play a critical role in blood pressure regulation. Aim: To examine the cytokines' profile and assess the characteristics of oral and gut microbiota in obesity-related hypertension in Mexican patients. Methods: A cross-sectional, observational, and analytical study was carried out. Twenty-two patients were categorized by their body mass index (BMI) as overweight and obese, and the diagnosis of primary hypertension. DNA from supragingival dental plaque and feces samples was used to carry out 16S rRNA sequencing. Additionally, 13 cytokines were quantified. Results: In the oral microbiota, Kluyvera was found to be significantly enriched in obese compared to overweight patients. Instead, the gut microbiota was dominated by Firmicutes. However, the correlation between certain genera and proinflammatory cytokines was noted. Conclusion: This exploratory study provides insights into the complex relationship between the oral and gut microbiota and their association with systemic inflammation in obesity-related hypertension.

Nitazoxanide Exerts Immunomodulatory Effects on Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells from Type 2 Diabetes Patients.

BACKGROUND: Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a low-grade inflammatory condition with abnormalities in the immune response mediated by T lymphocytes and macrophages. Drug repositioning for immunomodulatory molecules is an attractive proposal for treating T2D. Nitazoxanide (NTZ) is a broad-spectrum drug with promising immunomodulatory effects. Thus, we investigated the immunomodulatory effect of NTZ on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from patients with T2D. METHODS: Fifty patients with T2D were selected, and the proliferative response of T lymphocytes and the M1/M2 ratio of macrophages post cell culture were evaluated by flow cytometry, as well as measuring the concentration of cytokines by ELISA and the relative expression of microRNAs (miRNAs) related to the immune response by real-time PCR. RESULTS: NTZ exerts an inhibitory effect on the cell proliferation of T lymphocytes stimulated with anti-CD3 and anti-CD28 antibodies without modifying cell viability, and significant decreases in the supernatant concentrations of interleukin (IL)-1ß, IL-2, IL-6, IL-10, and IL-12. Furthermore, NTZ negatively regulates the relative expression of miR-155-5p without changes in miR-146a-5p. The M1/M2 ratio of monocytes/macrophages decreased the M1 and increased the M2 subpopulation by NTZ. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that NTZ exerts immunomodulatory effects on PBMCs from T2D patients, and shows potential alternative therapeutic benefits.

[C-reactive protein: cardiovascular issues of an acute-phase protein]. / Proteína C reactiva: aspectos cardiovasculares de una proteína de fase aguda.

C-reactive protein (CRP) is a nonspecific acute phase protein that has been used as an inflammatory marker for decades. More recently, it has been proposed as a predictor of cardiovascular disease (myocardial infarction, stroke, peripheral artery disease and sudden heart death). Physiologic functions of CRP as an anti-inflammatory scavenger molecule have begun to emerge. CRP binds to damaged lipoproteins and facilitates their removal by phagocytes, partially activating the complement cascade. Increased levels of CRP may result in direct effects on vascular cells, including the induction of cytokines and prothrombotic factors. Although previous studies suggested a potent independent association of CRP levels with cardiac events, the strength of this association has been shown to be weaker than previously reported in a recent large meta-analysis and in prospective studies. Therapy with statins in patients with coronary artery disease has been found to reduce adverse outcomes in association with reductions of CRP levels, independently of their effects on the lipid profile.

Proteína C reactiva: aspectos cardiovasculares de una proteína de fase aguda / C-reactive protein: cardiovascular issues of an acute-phase protein

C-reactive protein (CRP) is a nonspecific acute phase protein that has been used as an inflammatory marker for decades. More recently, it has been proposed as a predictor of cardiovascular disease (myocardial infarction, stroke, peripheral artery disease and sudden heart death). Physiologic functions of CRP as an anti-inflammatory scavenger molecule have begun to emerge. CRP binds to damaged lipoproteins and facilitates their removal by phagocytes, partially activating the complement cascade. Increased levels of CRP may result in direct effects on vascular cells, including the induction of cytokines and prothrombotic factors. Although previous studies suggested a potent independent association of CRP levels with cardiac events, the strength of this association has been shown to be weaker than previously reported in a recent large meta-analysis and in prospective studies. Therapy with statins in patients with coronary artery disease has been found to reduce adverse outcomes in association with reductions of CRP levels, independently of their effects on the lipid profile.