One Strategy for Nanoparticle Assembly onto 1D, 2D, and 3D Polymer Micro and Nanostructures.

The integration of nanoparticles (NPs) into photonic devices and plasmonic sensors requires selective patterning of these NPs with fine control of their size, shape, and spatial positioning. In this article, we report on a general strategy to pattern different types of NPs. This strategy involves the functionalization of photopolymers before their patterning by two-photon laser writing to fabricate micro- and nanostructures that selectively attract colloidal NPs with suitable ligands, allowing their precise immobilization and organization even within complex 3D structures. Monolayers of NPs without aggregations are obtained and the surface density of NPs on the polymer surface can be controlled by changing either the time of immersion in the colloidal solution or the type of amine molecule chemically grafted on the polymer surface. Different types of NPs (gold, silver, polystyrene, iron oxide, colloidal quantum dots, and nanodiamonds) of different sizes are introduced showing a potential toward nanophotonic applications. To validate the great potential of our method, we successfully demonstrate the integration of quantum dots within a gold nanocube with high spatial resolution and nanometer precision. The promise of this hybrid nanosource of light (plasmonic/polymer/QDs) as optical nanoswitch is illustrated through photoluminescence measurements under polarized exciting light.

The PI3Kδ Inhibitor Idelalisib Diminishes Platelet Function and Shows Antithrombotic Potential.

BACKGROUND: Clinical management of ischemic events and prevention of vascular disease is based on antiplatelet drugs. Given the relevance of phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase (PI3K) as a candidate target in thrombosis, the main goal of the present study was to identify novel antiplatelet agents within the existing inhibitors blocking PI3K isoforms. METHODS: We performed a biological evaluation of the pharmacological activity of PI3K inhibitors in platelets. The effect of the inhibitors was evaluated in intracellular calcium release and platelet functional assays, the latter including aggregation, adhesion, and viability assays. The in vivo drug antithrombotic potential was assessed in mice undergoing chemically induced arterial occlusion, and the associated hemorrhagic risk evaluated by measuring the tail bleeding time. RESULTS: We show that PI3K Class IA inhibitors potently block calcium mobilization in human platelets. The PI3K p110δ inhibitor Idelalisib inhibits platelet aggregation mediated by ITAM receptors GPVI and CLEC-2, preferentially by the former. Moreover, Idelalisib also inhibits platelet adhesion and aggregation under shear and adhesion to collagen. Interestingly, an antithrombotic effect was observed in mice treated with Idelalisib, with mild bleeding effects at high doses of the drug. CONCLUSION: Idelalisib may have antiplatelet effects with minor bleeding effects, which provides a rationale to evaluate its antithrombotic efficacy in humans.

Analysis of platelets from a diet-induced obesity rat model: elucidating platelet dysfunction in obesity.

Obesity is one of the main health problems in industrialized countries. The contribution of multiple factors developed in obesity can hardly be modeled in vitro. In this context, the development of animal models mimicking human obesity could be essential. The aim of the present study was to compare platelets from a diet-induced obesity (DIO) rat model with their lean control group in order to elucidate platelet dysfunction mechanisms in obesity and correlate the results with previous data from morbid obese patients. In parallel, we also established a blood collection and platelet isolation methodology to study the DIO rat model at biochemical and functional level. Optimal blood collection was obtained from vena cava and platelet isolation was based on a serial of centrifugations avoiding platelet activation. Our results show that the DIO rat model simulate obesity pathologically since weight gain, fasting glucose and platelet counts are increased in obese rats. Interestingly, platelet levels of the active form of Src (pTyr419) showed a tendency to increase in DIO rats pointing towards a potential dysfunction in Src family kinases-related signalling pathways in obesity. Moreover, platelets from DIO rats adhere more to collagen compared with the control group, pointing towards Glycoprotein VI (GPVI) as one of the dysregulated receptors in obesity, in agreement with our recent studies in humans. These results confirm that obesity, in line with human studies, present a platelet dysregulation, and highlight the relevance of considering novel antithrombotic drug targets in these patients, such as GPVI.

A Comprehensive Tyrosine Phosphoproteomic Analysis Reveals Novel Components of the Platelet CLEC-2 Signaling Cascade.

C-type lectin-like receptor 2 (CLEC-2) plays a crucial role in different platelet-related physiological and pathological processes. It signals through a tyrosine kinase-mediated pathway that is highly dependent on the positive feedback exerted by the platelet-derived secondary mediators, adenosine diphosphate (ADP) and thromboxane A2 (TXA2). Here, we aimed to analyze the tyrosine phosphoproteome of platelets activated with the CLEC-2 agonist rhodocytin to identify relevant phosphorylated tyrosine residues (p-Tyr) and proteins involved in platelet activation downstream of this receptor. We identified 363 differentially p-Tyr residues, corresponding to the majority of proteins previously known to participate in CLEC-2 signaling and also novel ones, including adaptors (e.g., DAPP1, Dok1/3, CASS4, Nck1/2), kinases/phosphatases (e.g., FAK1, FES, FGR, JAK2, SHIP2), and membrane proteins (e.g., G6F, JAM-A, PECAM-1, TLT-1). To elucidate the contribution of ADP and TXA2 at different points of the CLEC-2 signaling cascade, we evaluated p-Tyr levels of residues identified in the analysis and known to be essential for the catalytic activity of kinases Syk(p-Tyr525+526) and Src(p-Tyr419), and for PLCγ2 activity (p-Tyr759). We demonstrated that Syk phosphorylation at Tyr525+526 also happens in the presence of ADP and TXA2 inhibitors, which is not the case for Src-pTyr419 and PLCγ2-pTyr759. Kinetics studies for the three phosphoproteins show some differences in the phosphorylation profile. Ca2+ mobilization assays confirmed the relevance of ADP and TXA2 for full CLEC-2-mediated platelet activation. The present study provides significant insights into the intracellular events that take place following CLEC-2 activation in platelets, contributing to elucidate in detail the CLEC-2 signalosome.

Proteomic analysis of extracellular vesicles derived from platelet concentrates treated with Mirasol® identifies biomarkers of platelet storage lesion.

In blood banks, platelets are stored until 7 days after a pathogen reduction technology (PRT) treatment, Mirasol® (vitamin B2 plus UVB light) in the present case. The storage time under these conditions may have an impact on platelets and their releasate leading to potential adverse reactions following transfusion to patients. The aim of this study was to analyze the proteome of extracellular vesicles generated by platelets at different storage days (2 and 7) to gain deeper information on the platelet concentrates state at those moments. EVs were isolated by a centrifugation-based approach and characterized by dynamic light scattering and transmission electron microscopy. Proteomic analysis was by LC-MS/MS and quantification by SWATH. In this way, 151 proteins were found up-regulated at day 7 of storage. This group includes CCL5 and Platelet Factor 4, chemokines with power to attract neutrophils and monocytes, which could generate transfusion adverse reactions. In addition, other glycoproteins and platelet activation markers were also found elevated at day 7. Proteins related to glycolysis and lactate production were found altered with high fold changes, showing a deregulation of platelet metabolism at day 7. The obtained results provide novel information about possible effects of platelet-derived EVs on transfusion adverse reactions. SIGNIFICANCE: We performed the first proteomic analysis of extracellular vesicles derived from platelets upon storage at different time points on blood bank conditions after Mirasol® treatment. We identified a high number of proteins related to platelet activation and platelet storage lesion that could have a role in possible transfusion adverse reactions.

Data on hyper-activation of GPVI signalling in obese patients: Towards the identification of novel antiplatelet targets in obesity.

This data article is associated with the manuscript "GPVI surface expression and signalling pathway activation are increased in platelets from obese patients: elucidating potential anti-atherothrombotic targets in obesity" [1]. The study refers to a combination of different approaches in order to identify platelet-derived biomarkers in obesity. A total of 34 obese patients and their lean-matched controls were included in the study. We carried out a proteomic and functional (aggregation assays) analysis to find alterations in platelet-derived signalling pathways. After that, biochemical and mechanistic (flow cytometry assays) approaches were done in order to confirm a hyperactivation of the GPVI-related signalling pathway.

Platelet membrane lipid rafts protein composition varies following GPVI and CLEC-2 receptors activation.

Lipid rafts are membrane microdomains that have been proposed to play an important role in several platelet-signalling cascades, including those mediated by the receptors Glycoprotein VI (GPVI), and C-type lectin domain family 1 member B (CLEC-2), both involved in thrombus formation. We have performed a LC-MS/MS proteomic analysis of lipid rafts isolated from platelets activated through GPVI and CLEC-2 as well as from resting platelets. Our aim was to determine the magnitude of changes in lipid rafts protein composition and to elucidate the relevance of these alterations in platelet function. A number of relevant signalling proteins were found enriched in lipid rafts following platelet activation (such as the tyrosine protein kinases Fyn, Lyn and Yes; the G proteins G(i) and G(z); and cAMP protein kinase). Interestingly, our results indicate that the relative enrichment of lipid rafts in these signalling proteins may not be a consequence of protein translocation to these domains upon platelet stimulation, but the result of a massive loss in cytoskeletal proteins after platelet activation. Thus, this study may help to better understand the effects of platelet activation in the reorganization of lipid rafts and set the basis for further proteomic studies of these membrane microdomains in platelets. SIGNIFICANCE: We performed the first proteomic comparative analysis of lipid rafts- protein composition in platelets activated through GPVI and CLEC-2 receptors and in resting state. We identified a number of signalling proteins essential for platelet activation relatively enriched in platelets activated through both receptors, and we show that lipid rafts reorganization upon platelet activation leads to a loss in cytoskeletal proteins, highly associated to these domains in resting platelets.

GPVI surface expression and signalling pathway activation are increased in platelets from obese patients: Elucidating potential anti-atherothrombotic targets in obesity.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Platelets play a fundamental role in the increased atherothrombotic risk related to central obesity since they show hyperactivation and lower sensitivity to antiplatelet therapy in obese patients. The main goal of this study was to identify platelet biomarkers related to the risk of atherothrombosis in obese patients, confirm platelet activation levels in these patients, and identify altered activation pathways. METHODS: Platelets were obtained from cohorts of obese patients and age- and sex-matched lean controls. Biochemical and proteome analyses were done by two-dimensional differential in-gel electrophoresis (2D-DIGE), mass spectrometry, and immunoblotting. Functional and mechanistic studies were conducted with aggregation assays and flow cytometry. RESULTS: We confirmed an up-regulation of αIIb and fibrinogen isoforms in platelets from obese patients. A complementary platelet aggregation approach showed platelets from obese patients are hyper-reactive in response to collagen and collagen-related peptide (CRP), revealing the collagen receptor Glycoprotein VI (GPVI) signalling as one of the altered pathways. We also found the active form of Src (pTyr418) is up-regulated in platelets from obese individuals, which links proteomics to aggregation data. Moreover, we showed that CRP-activated platelets present higher levels of tyrosine phosphorylated PLCγ2 in obese patients, confirming alterations in GPVI signalling. In line with the above, flow cytometry studies show higher surface expression levels of total GPVI and GPVI-dimer in obese platelets, both correlating with BMI. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest a higher activation state of SFKs-mediated signalling pathways in platelets from obese patients, with a primary involvement of GPVI signalling.

A Combination of Proteomic Approaches Identifies A Panel of Circulating Extracellular Vesicle Proteins Related to the Risk of Suffering Cardiovascular Disease in Obese Patients.

Plasma-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) have been extensively described as putative biomarkers in different diseases. Interestingly, increased levels of EVs subpopulations are well known to associate with obesity. The goal of this study is to identify EVs-derived biomarkers in plasma from obese patients in order to predict the development of pathological events associated with obesity. Samples are obtained from 22 obese patients and their lean-matched controls are divided into two cohorts: one for a 2D fluorescence difference gel electrophoresis (2D-DIGE)-based study, and the other one for a label free LC-MS/MS-based approach. EVs are isolated following a serial ultracentrifugation protocol. Twenty-two and 23 differentially regulated features are detected from 2D-DIGE and label free LC-MS/MS, respectively; most of them involve in the coagulation and complement cascades. Remarkably, there is an upregulation of complement C4, complement C3, and fibrinogen in obese patients following both approaches, the latter two also validated by 2D-western-blotting in an independent cohort. These results correlate with a proinflammatory and prothrombotic state of those individuals. On the other hand, a downregulation of adiponectin leading to an increased risk of suffering cardiovascular diseases has been shown. The results suggest the relevance of plasma-derived-EVs proteins as a source of potential biomarkers for the development of atherothrombotic events in obesity.

Detección de personas mayores en riesgo de desnutrición / Detection of elderly in risk of malnutrition

Introducción. Las personas de 65 y más años, aparentemente sanas, que mantienen su autonomía funcional y no están institucionalizadas, constituyen un colectivo de riesgo nutricional por disminución de la ingestión de alimentos y por los cambios fisiológicos, psicológicos y sociales que influyen en el envejecimiento. La malnutrición es un problema urgente de salud pública que ha llevado a la Unión Europea a recomendar la implantación en los centros de Atención Primaria, métodos de cribado nutricional rápidos y sencillos, especialmente en población de riesgo. Objetivo. Incluir, en el protocolo de Atención del Adulto Mayor, dos escalas de cribado nutricional orientado a la detención de personas mayores en riesgo de desnutrición. Metodología. Seleccionar dos herramientas de cribado nutricional, sencillas y de fácil aplicación, entre las disponibles en la literatura, para su aplicación por los profesionales de enfermería de los centros de Atención Primaria. Asimismo, se añaden los posibles diagnósticos enfermeros y un plan de cuidados sistematizado que sirva de guía para llevar a cabo una atención individualizada. Conclusiones. Se propone realizar, mediante intervenciones enfermeras, atención a la salud nutricional, respondiendo a la demanda de las instituciones europeas de luchar contra la desnutrición (AU)

Introduction: The over sixty fives apparently healthy, still functional autonomous and who are not in care, constitute a nutritional risk group by the decrease of the food intake and by the physiological, psychological and social changes produce during ageing. Malnutrition reduces quality life. It encouraged, in 2009 during the Czech Presidency of the European Union, the approval of the Prague Declaration with the unanimous conclusion that malnutrition is an urgent public health issue that requires health care in Europe. It recommends introducing in primary health centres, quick and simple nutritional screening tools especially for population in risk. Objective: Include in the older adult care protocol two nutritional screening scales oriented to detect old people on risk of malnutrition. Methodology: Select from the available literature two nutritional screening scales; simple and easy to use by the nursing staff in the primary health centres in the Community of Madrid. Additionally, add the nursing diagnosis and systematic care plan as a guideline for an individual care. Target population. Those patients meeting the criteria of the nutritional screening methods application. Conclusion: The target is to attend nutritional health using nursing interventions, in response of the European institutions demand to fight against malnutrition (AU)

Plan de cuidado a personas de edad avanzada en riesgo nutricional / Care plan for elderly people at nutritional risk

Introducción: La intervención de enfermería es determinante en la identificación de las personas en riesgo nutricional mediante la inclusión de pruebas de cribado dentro del plan de cuidados enfermero a personas de edad avanzada. Esto facilitaría la identificación precoz de individuos en riesgo nutricional, así como el enunciado de propuestas de intervención para reducir la morbimortalidad de este grupo poblacional. Desarrollo del plan de cuidados: Se han seleccionado dos escalas de cribado nutricional, entre las disponibles en la literatura especializada, para su aplicación por los profesionales de enfermería, y se han propuesto dos diagnósticos enfermeros para el diseño de un plan de cuidados sistematizado que sirva de guía para llevar a cabo una atención individualizada. Discusión: Se propone realizar, mediante intervenciones enfermeras, atención a la salud nutricional, en respuesta a la demanda de las instituciones europeas de luchar contra la desnutrición

Introduction: Nursing intervention is a key determinant in identifiying people at nutritional risk by including screening tests within the nursing care plan for the elderly. This would facilitate early identification of individuals at nutritional risk, as well as the terms of reference of offers of intervention for to reducing the morbidity and mortality in this population group. Methodology: Select from the available literature two nutritional screening scales to use by the nursing staff. Additionally, add the nursing diagnosis and systematic care plan as a guideline for an individual care. Conclusion: The target is to attend nutritional health using nursing interventions, in response of the European institutions demand to fight against malnutrition

Platelet proteomics applied to the search for novel antiplatelet therapeutic targets.

INTRODUCTION: Unwanted platelet activation is associated with numerous diseases, mainly thrombosis-related. In this context, proteomics has emerged as a novel tool with potential for drug target discovery and to scrutinize the effects of antiplatelet drugs. Areas covered: The present review presents the main findings of platelet proteomic studies to date in the context of drug target discovery and perspectives for the future ahead. It includes data and evidences obtained from literature searches on PubMed as well as commentaries derived from the authors' experience and opinions. Expert commentary: Platelet proteomics applied to drug target discovery is a young field. Recent studies have shown promising data, especially in the context of coronary artery disease. However, challenges remain such as establishing definitive guidelines for blood collection and platelet isolation, essential to guarantee data reproducibility. Recent advances in quantitative platelet proteomics should lead to novel studies with higher clinical impact in the near future.

Proteomic identification of putative biomarkers for early detection of sudden cardiac death in a family with a LMNA gene mutation causing dilated cardiomyopathy.

UNLABELLED: Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a severe heart disease characterized by progressive ventricular dilation and impaired systolic function of the left ventricle. We recently identified a novel pathogenic mutation in the LMNA gene in a family affected by DCM showing sudden death background. We now aimed to identify potential biomarkers of disease status, as well as sudden death predictors, in members of this family. We analysed plasma samples from 14 family members carrying the mutation, four of which (with relevant clinical symptoms) were chosen for the proteomic analysis. Plasma samples from these four patients and from four sex- and age-matched healthy controls were processed for their enrichment in low- and medium-abundance proteins (ProteoMiner™) prior to proteomic analysis by 2D-DIGE and MS. 111 spots were found to be differentially regulated between mutation carriers and control groups, 83 of which were successfully identified by MS, corresponding to 41 different ORFs. Some proteins of interest were validated either by turbidimetry or western blot in family members and healthy controls. Actin, alpha-1-antytripsin, clusterin, vitamin-D binding protein and antithrombin-III showed increased levels in plasma from the diseased group. We suggest following these proteins as putative biomarkers for the evaluation of DCM status in LMNA mutation carriers. BIOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE: We developed a proteomic analysis of plasma samples from a family showing history of dilated cardiomyopathy caused by a LMNA mutation, which may lead to premature death or cardiac transplant. We identified a number of proteins augmented in mutation carriers that could be followed as potential biomarkers for dilated cardiomyopathy on these patients.

A 2D-DIGE-based proteomic analysis reveals differences in the platelet releasate composition when comparing thrombin and collagen stimulations.

Upon stimulation, platelets release a high number of proteins (the releasate). There are clear indications that these proteins are involved in the pathogenesis of several diseases, such as atherosclerosis. In the present study we compared the platelet releasate following platelet activation with two major endogenous agonists: thrombin and collagen. Proteome analysis was based on 2D-DIGE and LC-MS/MS. Firstly, we showed the primary role of thrombin and collagen receptors in platelet secretion by these agonists; moreover, we demonstrated that GPVI is the primary responsible for collagen-induced platelet activation/aggregation. Proteomic analysis allowed the detection of 122 protein spots differentially regulated between both conditions. After excluding fibrinogen spots, down-regulated in the releasate of thrombin-activated platelets, 84 differences remained. From those, we successfully identified 42, corresponding to 37 open-reading frames. Many of the differences identified correspond to post-translational modifications, primarily, proteolysis induced by thrombin. Among others, we show vitamin K-dependent protein S, an anticoagulant plasma protein, is up-regulated in thrombin samples. Our results could have pathological implications given that platelets might be playing a differential role in various diseases and biological processes through the secretion of different subsets of granule proteins and microvesicles following a predominant activation of certain receptors.