Immunomodulatory role of vasoactive intestinal peptide and ghrelin in Oncorhynchus mykiss.

Neuropeptides are a group of peptides derived from precursor proteins synthesized in neuronal and nonneuronal cells. The classical functions of neuropeptides have been extensively studied in mammals, including neuromodulation in the central nervous system, molecular signaling in the peripheral nervous system, and immunomodulation associated mainly with anti-inflammatory activity. In contrast, in teleosts, studies of the immunomodulatory function of these neuropeptides are limited. In Oncorhynchus mykiss, vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) mRNA sequences have not been cloned, and the role of VIP in modulating the immune system has not been studied. Furthermore, in relation to other neuropeptides with possible immunomodulatory function, such as ghrelin, there are also few studies. Therefore, in this work, we performed molecular cloning, identification, and phylogenetic analysis of three VIP precursor sequences (prepro-VIP1, VIP2 and VIP3) in rainbow trout. In addition, the immunomodulatory function of both neuropeptides was evaluated in an in vitro model using the VIP1 sequence identified in this work and a ghrelin sequence already studied in O. mykiss. The results suggest that the prepro-VIP2 sequence has the lowest percentage of identity with respect to the other homologous sequences and is more closely related to mammalian orthologous sequences. VIP1 induces significant expression of both pro-inflammatory (IFN-γ, IL-1ß) and anti-inflammatory (IL-10 and TGF-ß) cytokines, whereas ghrelin only induces significant expression of proinflammatory cytokines such as IL-6 and TNF-α.

A Higher Skeletal Muscle Mass and Lower Adiposity Phenotype Is Associated with Better Cardiometabolic Control in Adults with Hip and Knee Osteoarthritis: Results from the Chilean National Health Survey 2016-2017.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to (1) characterize cardiometabolic factors in self-reported hip and knee osteoarthritis (OAD) across four body composition phenotypes defined by muscle mass and adiposity, and (2) associate risk factors with diabetes and hypertension (HTN). METHODS: A cross-sectional analysis of the Chilean National Health Survey 2016-17 (n = 4996) stratified participants into four groups: low skeletal muscle mass/high waist circumference (Low-SMM/High-WC), low SMM/low WC (Low-SMM/Low-WC), high SMM/high WC (High-SMM/High-WC), and high SMM/low WC (reference group). Each group was further divided into subgroups with or without diagnosed hip or knee OAD. The main outcomes were fasting plasma glucose, systolic (SBP)/diastolic (DBP) blood pressure (continuous outcomes), and other secondary factors such as cardiovascular risk (CVR). RESULTS: In the hip OAD subgroup, the Low-SMM/High-WC groups had significantly higher SBP versus the reference value (145 vs. 127 mmHg, p < 0.0001, diff +18 mmHg). In the knee OAD subgroup, the Low-SMM/High-WC groups had significantly higher SBP versus the reference value (141 vs. 134 mmHg, p < 0.0001, diff +7 mmHg). The SBP showed a significant interaction between the group and OAD diagnosis (p = 0.007 hip OAD; p < 0.0001 knee OAD). CONCLUSIONS: Hip and knee OAD associates with elevated SBP/DBP in older adults. OAD groups showed an OR above 2 for diabetes, 2.7 for HTN, 4.5 for metabolic syndrome, and over 2 for moderate-to-high cardiovascular risk. OAD interacts substantially with cardiometabolic factors, especially in low muscle mass/high adiposity phenotypes. Lifestyle optimization of physical activity and nutrition to preserve muscle mass and mitigate adiposity is essential for cardiometabolic health promotion in OAD patients.

Importancia de la medición de la Viscosidad sanguínea: retos y limitaciones

La sangre es una mezcla de componentes que tiene su propia identidad. Una de las propiedades físicas que adquiere es su viscosidad, la cual es la resistencia que ofrece para desplazarse. A diferencia de sus componentes (como glucosa, hemoglobina, colesterol, etc.), la sangre no posee un nivel único de viscosidad, sino que esta es variable debido a diversos factores. Exponemos algunos principios físicos que nos permitirán entender mejor esta dinámica de la viscosidad sanguínea, y su posible aplicación en algunos fenómenos hemodinámicos, así como la complejidad de su medición en la práctica clínica habitual.

Blood is a mixture of components that has its own identity. One of the physical properties that it acquires is its viscosity, which is the resistance it offers to move. Unlike its components (such as glucose, hemoglobin, cholesterol, etc.), blood does not have a single level of viscosity, but it is variable due to various factors. We present some physical principles that will allow us to better understand these dynamics of blood viscosity, and its possible application in some hemodynamic phenomena, as well as the complexity of its measurement in routine clinical practice.

Lifestyle and cardiometabolic risk factors in the ethnic and non-ethnic population > 15 years of age: results from the National Chilean Health Survey 2016-2017 / Estilo de vida y factores de riesgo cardiometabólico en la población étnica y no étnica > 15 años: resultados de la Encuesta Nacional de Salud de Chile 2016-2017

Background: lifestyle and cardiometabolic risk factors information is scarce regarding youth and adults of Latin-American ethnics. Objective: the primary aim was to describe the lifestyle and cardiometabolic risk factors for arterial hypertension (HTN) and diabetes in ethnic Latin-American groups (Mapuche and Aymara) and other non-ethnics > 15 years of age in the Chilean population. A secondary aim was to determine the association between physical activity ‘intensity’ with HTN and diabetes markers. Material and methods: a representative sample from the National Chilean Health Survey 2016-2017, included Mapuche (EG-Map; women n = 166, men n = 300; total n = 466), Aymara (EG-Aym; women n = 96, men n = 55; total n = 151), and a non-ethnic population group (No-EG; women n = 2057, men n = 3445; total n = 5502). The main outcomes were; systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), fasting plasma glucose (GL), and secondary outcomes were other anthropometric, lipid profile, and lifestyle parameters. Results: GL was significantly associated with nutrition (0.9 %, p < 0.0001), tobacco and alcohol habits (0.6 %, p < 0.0001). SBP was significantly associated with nutrition (whole-grains 0.04, p = 0.001; water consumption 0.07, p < 0.0001), sleep hygiene (week 0.04, p = 0.030; on weekends -0.04, p = 0.026), and alcohol consumption (-0.06, p < 0.0001). Conclusion: in conclusion, lifestyle differences among Mapuche and Aymara ethnic groups in comparison with non-ethnic Chilean peers > 15 years are significantly associated with blood pressure and glycemia. (AU)

Antecedentes: la información sobre estilos de vida y factores de riesgo cardiometabólico es escasa en jóvenes y adultos de etnia latinoamericana. Objetivo: el objetivo principal fue describir el estilo de vida y los factores de riesgo cardiometabólico para la hipertensión arterial (HTA) y la diabetes en grupos étnicos latinoamericanos (Mapuche y Aymara) y otros no étnicos > 15 años de la población chilena. Un objetivo secundario fue determinar la asociación de la “intensidad” de la actividad física con la HTA y los marcadores de diabetes. Material y métodos: muestra representativa de la Encuesta Nacional de Salud de Chile 2016-2017, compuesta por mapuches (EG-Map; mujeres n = 166, hombres n = 300; total n = 466), aymaras (EG-Aym; mujeres n = 96, hombres n = 55; total n = 151) y un grupo poblacional no étnico (No-GE; mujeres n = 2057, hombres n = 3445; total n = 5502). Las principales evaluaciones fueron la presión arterial sistólica (PAS), la presión arterial diastólica (PAD) y la glucosa plasmática en ayunas (GL), y los resultados secundarios fueron otros parámetros antropométricos, del perfil lipídico y del estilo de vida. Resultados: la GL se asoció significativamente a los hábitos nutricionales (0,9 %, p < 0,0001) y los hábitos de tabaco y alcohol (0,6 %, p < 0,0001). La PAS se asoció significativamente con la nutrición (cereales integrales 0,04, p = 0,001; consumo de agua 0,07, p < 0,0001), higiene del sueño (semana 0,04, p = 0,030; fines de semana -0,04, p = 0,026) y consumo de alcohol (- 0,06, p < 0,0001). Conclusión: en conclusión, las diferencias de estilo de vida entre las etnias mapuche y aymara en comparación con sus pares chilenos no étnicos mayores de 15 años se asocian significativamente con la presión arterial y la glucemia. (AU)

Lifestyle and cardiometabolic risk factors in the ethnic and non-ethnic population > 15 years of age: results from the National Chilean Health Survey 2016-2017.

Introduction: Background: lifestyle and cardiometabolic risk factors information is scarce regarding youth and adults of Latin-American ethnics. Objective: the primary aim was to describe the lifestyle and cardiometabolic risk factors for arterial hypertension (HTN) and diabetes in ethnic Latin-American groups (Mapuche and Aymara) and other non-ethnics > 15 years of age in the Chilean population. A secondary aim was to determine the association between physical activity 'intensity' with HTN and diabetes markers. Material and methods: a representative sample from the National Chilean Health Survey 2016-2017, included Mapuche (EG-Map; women n = 166, men n = 300; total n = 466), Aymara (EG-Aym; women n = 96, men n = 55; total n = 151), and a non-ethnic population group (No-EG; women n = 2057, men n = 3445; total n = 5502). The main outcomes were; systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), fasting plasma glucose (GL), and secondary outcomes were other anthropometric, lipid profile, and lifestyle parameters. Results: GL was significantly associated with nutrition (0.9 %, p < 0.0001), tobacco and alcohol habits (0.6 %, p < 0.0001). SBP was significantly associated with nutrition (whole-grains 0.04, p = 0.001; water consumption 0.07, p < 0.0001), sleep hygiene (week 0.04, p = 0.030; on weekends -0.04, p = 0.026), and alcohol consumption (-0.06, p < 0.0001). Conclusion: in conclusion, lifestyle differences among Mapuche and Aymara ethnic groups in comparison with non-ethnic Chilean peers > 15 years are significantly associated with blood pressure and glycemia.

Introducción: Antecedentes: la información sobre estilos de vida y factores de riesgo cardiometabólico es escasa en jóvenes y adultos de etnia latinoamericana. Objetivo: el objetivo principal fue describir el estilo de vida y los factores de riesgo cardiometabólico para la hipertensión arterial (HTA) y la diabetes en grupos étnicos latinoamericanos (Mapuche y Aymara) y otros no étnicos > 15 años de la población chilena. Un objetivo secundario fue determinar la asociación de la "intensidad" de la actividad física con la HTA y los marcadores de diabetes. Material y métodos: muestra representativa de la Encuesta Nacional de Salud de Chile 2016-2017, compuesta por mapuches (EG-Map; mujeres n = 166, hombres n = 300; total n = 466), aymaras (EG-Aym; mujeres n = 96, hombres n = 55; total n = 151) y un grupo poblacional no étnico (No-GE; mujeres n = 2057, hombres n = 3445; total n = 5502). Las principales evaluaciones fueron la presión arterial sistólica (PAS), la presión arterial diastólica (PAD) y la glucosa plasmática en ayunas (GL), y los resultados secundarios fueron otros parámetros antropométricos, del perfil lipídico y del estilo de vida. Resultados: la GL se asoció significativamente a los hábitos nutricionales (0,9 %, p < 0,0001) y los hábitos de tabaco y alcohol (0,6 %, p < 0,0001). La PAS se asoció significativamente con la nutrición (cereales integrales 0,04, p = 0,001; consumo de agua 0,07, p < 0,0001), higiene del sueño (semana 0,04, p = 0,030; fines de semana -0,04, p = 0,026) y consumo de alcohol (- 0,06, p < 0,0001). Conclusión: en conclusión, las diferencias de estilo de vida entre las etnias mapuche y aymara en comparación con sus pares chilenos no étnicos mayores de 15 años se asocian significativamente con la presión arterial y la glucemia.

Prediction of Blood Viscosity Based on Usual Hematological Parameters in a Clinically Healthy Population Living in a High-Altitude City.

Huamaní, Charles, William Sarmiento, Golda Córdova-Heredia, Luz Cruz-Huanca, Paulina Damián-Saavedra, and Dario Antonio. Prediction of blood viscosity based on usual hematological parameters in a clinically healthy population living in a high-altitude city. High Alt Med Biol. 23:78-84, 2022. Background and Aims: Variations in blood viscosity are mainly determined by the hematocrit level, but in residents of high-altitude cities, the hemoglobin levels and blood viscosity values are often high. We aimed to determine the blood viscosity values in clinically healthy chronic hypoxia-acclimatized individuals and establish a predictive model based on the hematocrit level and other common hematological parameters. Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted in asymptomatic young adults living in Cusco (a city located at 3,399 m). Venous blood samples were collected to determine the hemoglobin, hematocrit, and albumin and serum protein levels and blood viscosity values. Results: Altogether, 253 volunteers were included, of whom 147 (58.1%) were women. The hematological values were mean values of hemoglobin, 16.32 ± 2.0 g/dl; hematocrit, 48.12% ± 5.24%; triglycerides, 130.68 ± 90.64 mg/dl; globulin, 3.07 ± 0.36 g/dl; and mean blood viscosity, 6.17 ± 0.94 centipoises. The prediction model with the highest explained variance (R2 = 68.07%) and parsimony conservation comprised hematocrit, globulin, and triglycerides [blood viscosity = hematocrit × (0.176) + globulin × (0.595) + triglycerides × (1.77/1,000) - 4.13]. Conclusions: In a population living at high altitude, the blood viscosity level is extremely high and mainly determined by the hematocrit level. This population has chronic high blood viscosity levels, which can be predicted using other blood elements.

Effects of bariatric surgery on cardiorespiratory fitness: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Although bariatric surgery (BS) is recognized as an effective strategy for body weight loss, its impact on cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is still unclear. We aimed to examine postoperative changes in CRF (VO2max/peak ) and its relationship with weight loss among adults undergoing BS. We systematically searched the WoS, PubMed, MEDLINE, and Scopus databases. Observational and intervention studies were selected reporting the presurgery and postsurgery CRF, measured by breath-by-breath VO2 or its estimation. Eleven articles (312 patients) revealed that BS leads to a reduction in absolute VO2max/peak in the short term (effect size, ES = -0.539; 95%CI = -0.708, -0.369; p < 0.001), and those patients who suffered a more significant decrease in BMI after BS also had a greater loss of absolute VO2max/peak . However, VO2max/peak relative to body weight increased after surgery (ES = 0.658; 95%CI = 0.473, 0.842; p < 0.001). An insufficient number of studies were found investigating medium and long-term changes in CRF after BS. This study provides moderate-quality evidence that the weight loss induced by BS can reduce CRF in the short term, which represents a therapeutic target to optimize BS outcomes. More high-quality studies are needed to evaluate the impact of BS on VO2max/peak in the short, medium, and long term including normalized values for fat-free mass.

Can strength exercise affect the muscle oxygen saturation response?

PURPOSE: The objective of the study was to describe and compare the acute response of muscle oxygen saturation (SmO2) and hemoglobin concentration (Hgb) in the vastus lateralis (VL) during resistance exercise protocols until failure. METHODS: Sixteen males were considered (mean ± SD, age = 36.12 ± 6.40 years). Two familiarization sessions and one evaluation session were carried out where three force protocols were executed in the VL, one of them was isometric load (P1) and two of dynamic load (P2 and P3). SmO2 [%] and Hgb [g/dL] were measured before and after each of these protocols. For P1, three series of 8 s of maximum isometric strength with the rest of 60 s between each set, the average isometric strength (AIS), and the isometric peak strength (IPS) were also recorded. After five minutes, P2 was performed, with an initial load of 40% of AIS. Then, at 30 minutes, P3 was performed considering an initial load of 40% of IPS. RESULTS: The results suggest (I) minimum levels of SmO2 (66.31 ± 9.38%) and Hgb (12.22 ± 0.55 g/dL) during P2, (II) no significant differences were observed between the average loads of the respective protocols for SmO2 and (III) muscle Hgb differed significantly between rest with P1 and P3. CONCLUSIONS: Exercises of increasing intensity and of short duration do not significantly modify SmO2. However, Hgb increases substantially compared baseline values.

PrP C as a Transducer of Physiological and Pathological Signals.

After the discovery of prion phenomenon, the physiological role of the cellular prion protein (PrP C ) remained elusive. In the past decades, molecular and cellular analysis has shed some light regarding interactions and functions of PrP C in health and disease. PrP C , which is located mainly at the plasma membrane of neuronal cells attached by a glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) anchor, can act as a receptor or transducer from external signaling. Although the precise role of PrP C remains elusive, a variety of functions have been proposed for this protein, namely, neuronal excitability and viability. Although many issues must be solved to clearly define the role of PrP C , its connection to the central nervous system (CNS) and to several misfolding-associated diseases makes PrP C an interesting pharmacological target. In a physiological context, several reports have proposed that PrP C modulates synaptic transmission, interacting with various proteins, namely, ion pumps, channels, and metabotropic receptors. PrP C has also been implicated in the pathophysiological cell signaling induced by ß-amyloid peptide that leads to synaptic dysfunction in the context of Alzheimer's disease (AD), as a mediator of Aß-induced cell toxicity. Additionally, it has been implicated in other proteinopathies as well. In this review, we aimed to analyze the role of PrP C as a transducer of physiological and pathological signaling.

Therapeutic Use of Vitamin C in Cancer: Physiological Considerations.

Since the early studies of William J. McCormick in the 1950s, vitamin C has been proposed as a candidate for the treatment of cancer. A number of reports have shown that pharmacological concentrations of vitamin C selectively kill cancer cells in vitro and decrease the growth rates of a number of human tumor xenografts in immunodeficient mice. However, up to the date there is still doubt regarding this possible therapeutic role of vitamin C in cancer, mainly because high dose administration in cancer patients has not showed a clear antitumor activity. These apparent controversial findings highlight the fact that we lack information on the interactions that occurs between cancer cells and vitamin C, and if these transformed cells can uptake, metabolize and compartmentalize vitamin C like normal human cells do. The role of SVCTs and GLUTs transporters, which uptake the reduced form and the oxidized form of vitamin C, respectively, has been recently highlighted in the context of cancer showing that the relationship between vitamin C and cancer might be more complex than previously thought. In this review, we analyze the state of art of the effect of vitamin C on cancer cells in vitro and in vivo, and relate it to the capacity of cancer cells in acquiring, metabolize and compartmentalize this nutrient, with its implications on the potential therapeutic role of vitamin C in cancer.

Impacto de la gastrectomía vertical sobre la cinética de consumo de oxígeno en mujeres post cirugía bariátrica / Impact of sleeve gastrectomy on the kinetics of oxygen consumption in women after bariatric surgery

Introducción: La obesidad es considerada uno de los principales problemas de salud de la sociedad moderna, existiendo variados tratamientos para revertirla, siendo la cirugía bariátrica (CB) el método más efectivo en los casos de obesidad severa. La capacidad cardiorrespiratoria (CCR) es un componente de la condición física valorada a través del consumo máximo de oxígeno (VO2max); la cinética del VO2 es un aspecto poco estudiado de la CCR; se ha descrito que esta variable permite estimar la CCR sin elevados esfuerzos físicos en comparación con otras formas de evaluación; a pesar de lo anterior, no existe información respecto del impacto que tiene la gastrectomía vertical (GV) sobre la CCR evaluada a través de esta variable. Objetivo: Determinar el impacto de la GV en la cinética del VO2 de mujeres con obesidad. Material y método: Estudio de tipo cuasi experimental, participaron 15 mujeres con edad de 32,9±10,3 años y un IMC inicial de 35,2 ± 3,9 kg/m2. La muestra es de tipo no probabilística a través de grupo de voluntarios evaluados en tres momentos: previo a la cirugía (pre), 30 y 90 días post gastrectomía vertical (30post y 90post respectivamente). Se evaluó peso corporal, índice de masa corporal (IMC), circunferencia cintura (CC), VO2peak y cinética del VO2. Resultados: Post cirugía las variables peso corporal, CC e IMC reportan disminución significativa (p < 0,001) respecto del momento pre-cirugía. El VO2peak relativo (ml/kg/min) aumentó entre 30post y 90post (p < 0,001); el VO2peak absoluto (L/min) disminuyó entre los momentos pre con 30post y pre con 90post (p < 0,05); la cinética del VO2 presentó un incremento del tiempo a los 30post (p < 0,05). Conclusión: La cinética del VO2 se ve incrementada en mujeres obesas intervenidas con GV a los 30 días post cirugía, lo que evidencia un deterioro de la capacidad cardiorrespiratoria

Introduction: Obesity is considered one of the main health problems of modern society, there are several treatments to reverse it, being bariatric surgery (BS) the most effective method in cases of severe obesity. Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is an aspect of physical condition assessed through maximum oxygen consumption (VO2max); the kinetics of VO2 is a less studied aspect of CRF; it has been described that this variable allows estimation of the CRF without high physical efforts in comparison with other forms of evaluation; In spite of the above, there is no information regarding the impact that sleeve gastrectomy (SG) has on the CRF evaluated through this variable.Objective: To determine the impact of SG on the VO2 kinetics of women with obesity. Material and method: Quasi-experimental study, 15 women with an age of 32,9 ± 10,3 years and an initial BMI of 35,2 ± 3,9 kg/m2 participated. The sample is non-probabilistic through a group of volunteers evaluated at three times: before surgery (pre), 30 and 90 days post vertical gastrectomy (30post and 90post respectively). Body weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), VO2peak and VO2 kinetics were evaluated. Results: After surgery, the variables body weight, CC and BMI reported a significant decrease (p < 0,001) compared to the pre-surgery moment. The relative VO2peak (ml/kg/min) increases between 30post and 90post (p < 0,001); the absolute VO2peak (L/min) decreased between the pre moments with 30post and pre with 90post (p < 0,05); the kinetics of VO2 showed an increase intime at 30post (p < 0,05). Conclusion: The VO2 kinetics is increased in obese women undergoing SG at 30post surgery, which shows a deterioration of this capacity

Physical fitness and physical activity in women with obesity: short term effects of sleeve gastrectomy.

INTRODUCTION: Introduction: the increase on prevalence of obesity has been linked to a higher number of bariatric surgeries, being sleeve gastrectomy (SG) the most frequent bariatric procedures in the world. However, there are few studies that determine the impact of SG on health's determinants such as physical fitness (PF) and physical activity (PA). Objectives: to describe the changes in PF and PA of patients after SG. Methods: twenty-three women with obesity (mean 36.1 ± 11.1 years old and body mass index [BMI] of 35.1 ± 3.4 kg/m2) were evaluated preoperatively to SG and at one and three months after surgery. An assessment of PF was conducted, including handgrip (HGS) and quadriceps muscle strength (QMS) with dynamometers and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) with an ergospirometer. PA was assessed with a three-axis accelerometer. Results: the absolute VO2 peak decreased after the first and third month (p < 0.001) post SG. The VO2 peak relative to body weight showed an increase from baseline after the SG (p = 0.002). After SG, there was a reduction in absolute values for HGS and QMS (p < 0.001) and an increase in relative HGS after three months post-surgery compared to preoperative (p = 0.011), without changes in relative QMS (p = 0.596). No changes in PA were observed. Conclusions: after SG, there is a short term decline on PF when it is expressed on absolute values. However, when it is expressed in relative terms to body weight, some components of PF improve, while others showed no change. There was no modification in PA levels of the participants.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Introducción: el incremento en la prevalencia de la obesidad se ha relacionado con un mayor número de cirugías bariátricas, siendo la gastrectomía vertical (SG) el procedimiento bariátrico más frecuente en el mundo. Sin embargo, hay pocos estudios que analicen el impacto de la SG en determinantes de la salud, como la condición física (PF) y la actividad física (PA). Objetivo: describir los cambios en la PF y la PA después de la SG. Métodos: veintitrés mujeres con obesidad (36,1 ± 11,1 años e índice de masa corporal [IMC] de 35,1 ± 3,4 kg/m2) fueron evaluadas previo a una SG y al primer y tercer mes postoperatorio. Las evaluaciones incluyeron la valoración de fuerza de prensión manual (HGS) y de cuádriceps (QMS) con dinamómetros y de capacidad cardiorrespiratoria (CRF) con ergoespirometría. La PA fue evaluada con acelerómetros triaxiales. Resultados: el VO2 peak absoluto disminuyó al primer y tercer mes (p < 0,001) luego de la SG. El VO2 peak relativo al peso corporal aumentó después de la SG (p = 0,002). Luego de la cirugía disminuyeron HGS y QMS absolutas (p < 0,001) y aumentó HGS relativa al peso corporal al tercer mes postoperatorio (p = 0,011), sin cambios en QMS relativa (p = 0,559). No se observaron cambios en la PA posterior a SG. Conclusiones: después de SG hay un deterioro a corto plazo de la PF expresada en términos absolutos, pero al expresarse en relación al peso corporal, algunos componentes de la PF no cambian y otros mejoran. No se observaron cambios en la PA poscirugía.

In vitro immunomodulatory activities of peptides derived from Salmo salar NK-lysin and cathelicidin in fish cells.

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are amphipathic peptides, which play an important role in innate defence. These peptides are gene-encoded and either constitutively expressed and/or upregulated during an infection. NK-lysins are AMPs with a three-dimensional globular structure. They are larger molecules, which comprise 74-78 amino acid residues and six conserved cysteine residues forming three disulphide bonds. Cathelicidins are a family of antimicrobial peptides that act as important components of the innate immune system with a broad spectrum of antimicrobial activity and immunomodulatory properties. Although they are widely studied in mammals, little is known about their immunomodulatory function. In the present study, we identified and characterized for the first time four NK-lysin-like transcripts from Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) based on EST reported sequences. In vitro, NK-lysin derived peptides were able to induce the expression of IL-1ß and IL-8 in Salmo salar head kidney leukocytes. We also tested Salmo salar cathelicidin 1 derived peptide in a similar assay, showing its ability to induce the expression of IFN-γ. These results indicate that NK-lysin and cathelicidin 1 derived peptides are able to modulated immune response, suggesting their potential use to enhance immune response in fish.

Post-translational modification of a chimeric EPO-Fc hormone is more important than its molecular size in defining its in vivo hematopoietic activity.

BACKGROUND: Recombinant erythropoietin (EPO) has been marketed as biopharmaceutical for anemia and chronic renal failure. Long-acting EPO variants that aimed at achieving less frequent dosing have been generated, either by the addition of glycosylation sites or increasing its molecular weight. METHODS: The hEPO cDNA linked to the human IgG Fc fragment was cloned as a single codifying gene on the pAdtrack-CMV vector, yielding the recombinant adenoviral genome. For in vitro and in vivo expression assays cervical cancer cell line (SiHa) and nulliparous goats were used, respectively. The hematopoietic activity of EPO-Fc, expressed as the differential increment of hematocrit was evaluated in B6D2F1 mice. NP-HPLC of the 2AB-labeled N-glycan was carried out to profile analysis. RESULTS: The direct transduction of mammary secretory cells with adenoviral vector is a robust methodology to obtain high levels of EPO of up to 3.5mg/mL in goat's milk. SiHa-derived EPO-Fc showed significant improvement in hematopoietic activity compared to the commercial hEPO counterpart or with the homologous milk-derived EPO-Fc. The role of the molecular weight seemed to be important in enhancing the hematopoietic activity of SiHa-derived EPO-Fc. However, the lack of sialylated multi-antennary glycosylation profile in milk-derived EPO-Fc resulted in lower biological activity. CONCLUSIONS: The low content of tri- or tetra-antennary sialylated N-glycans linked to the chimeric EPO-Fc hormone, expressed in the goat mammary gland epithelial cells, defined its in vivo hematopoietic activity. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE: The sialylated N-glycan content plays a more significant role in the in vivo biological activity of hEPO than its increased molecular weight.