Systematic review and meta-analysis of the factors affecting waning of post-vaccination neutralizing antibody responses against SARS-CoV-2.

Mass COVID-19 vaccination and continued introduction of new SARS-CoV-2 variants increased prevalence of hybrid immunity at various stages of waning protection. We systematically reviewed waning of post-vaccination neutralizing antibody titers in different immunological settings to investigate differences. We searched published and pre-print studies providing post-vaccination neutralizing antibody responses against the Index strain or Omicron BA.1. We used random effects meta-regression to estimate fold-reduction from months 1 to 6 post last dose by primary vs booster regimen and infection-naïve vs hybrid-immune cohorts. Among 26 eligible studies, 65 cohorts (range 3-21 per stratum) were identified. Month-1 titers varied widely across studies within each cohort and by vaccine platform, number of doses and number of prior infections. In infection-naïve cohorts, the Index strain waned 5.1-fold (95%CI: 3.4-7.8; n = 19 cohorts) post-primary regimen and 3.8-fold (95%CI: 2.4-5.9; n = 21) post-booster from months 1 to 6, and against Omicron BA.1 waned 5.9-fold (95%CI: 3.8-9.0; n = 16) post-booster; Omicron BA.1 titers post-primary were too low to assess. In hybrid-immune, post-primary cohorts, titers waned 3.7-fold (95%CI: 1.7-7.9; n = 8) against the Index strain and 5.0-fold (95%CI: 1.1-21.8; n = 6) against Omicron BA.1; post-booster studies of hybrid-immune cohorts were too few (n = 3 cohorts each strain) to assess. Waning was similar across vaccination regimen and prior-infection status strata but was faster for Omicron BA.1 than Index strains, therefore, more recent sub-variants should be monitored. Wide differences in peak titers by vaccine platform and prior infection status mean titers drop to non-protective levels sooner in some instances, which may affect policy.

AP-1/c-Fos supports SIV and HIV-1 latency in CD4 T cells infected in vivo.

Persistent HIV-1 reservoirs of infected CD4 T cells are a major barrier to HIV-1 cure, although the mechanisms by which they are established and maintained in vivo remain poorly characterized. To elucidate host cell gene expression patterns that govern virus gene expression, we analyzed viral RNA+ (vRNA) CD4 T cells of untreated simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV)-infected macaques by single-cell RNA sequencing. A subset of vRNA+ cells distinguished by spliced and high total vRNA (7-10% of reads) expressed diminished FOS, a component of the Activator protein 1 (AP-1) transcription factor, relative to vRNA-low and -negative cells. Conversely, FOS and JUN, another AP-1 component, were upregulated in HIV DNA+ infected cells compared to uninfected cells from people with HIV-1 on suppressive therapy. Inhibiting c-Fos in latently infected primary cells augmented reactivatable HIV-1 infection. These findings implicate AP-1 in latency establishment and maintenance and as a potential therapeutic target to limit HIV-1 reservoirs.

Protocolo virtual autodirigido de Activación Conductual para la Depresión "ACTÍVATE"

La depresión es un trastorno psicológico de alta prevalencia a nivel mundial, tanto en hombres como en mujeres, que puede presentarse a lo largo el ciclo de vida y que requiere un tratamiento efectivo que se ajuste a las necesidades de cada persona, como lo hace la Activación Conductual en modalidad presencial o virtual. El objetivo de esta investigación de tipo instrumental fue establecer el diseño e Índice de Validez de Contenido de un protocolo virtual autodirigido de Activación Conductual para la Depresión. El diseño del protocolo se realizó con base en una revisión sistemática de la literatura y una revisión teórica de la temática, y para la validación por contenido se utilizó la evaluación por jueces expertos. Los datos de las evaluaciones se analizaron con base al modelo de Lawshe (1975), modificado por Tristán-López (2008). Los resultados indicaron la validez de contenido del protocolo virtual autodirigido de Activación Conductual para la Depresión, coincidiendo con los referentes teóricos y empíricos actuales. Emerge la necesidad de crear una guía de uso para terapeuta y de identificar la efectividad del protocolo.

Depression is a psychological disorder with a high prevalence worldwide, both in men and women, which can occur throughout the life cycle and requires effective treatment that adjusts to the needs of each person, as it does Behavioral Activation in face-to-face or virtual mode. The objective of this instrumental type research was to establish the design and Content Validity Index of a self-directed virtual protocol of Behavioral Activation for Depression. The design of the protocol was carried out based on a Systematic Review of the Literature and a theoretical review of the subject, and for content validation, evaluation by expert judges was used. The data from the evaluations were analyzed based on the model of Lawshe (1975), modified by Tristán-López (2008). The results indicated the content validity of the self-directed virtual protocol of Behavioral Activation for Depression, coinciding with the referents current theoretical and empirical. The need to create a user guide for therapists and to identify the effectiveness of the protocol emerges.

Post-Vaccination Neutralization Responses to Omicron Sub-Variants.

BACKGROUND: The emergence of the Omicron variant (B.1.1.529), which correlated with dramatic losses in cross-neutralization capacity of post-vaccination sera, raised concerns about the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines against infection and disease. Several clinically relevant sub-variants subsequently emerged rapidly. METHODS: We evaluated published and pre-print studies reporting sub-variant specific reductions in cross-neutralization compared to the prototype strain of SARS-CoV-2 and between sub-variants. Median fold-reduction across studies was calculated by sub-variant and vaccine platform. RESULTS: Among 178 studies with post-vaccination data, after primary vaccination the sub-variant specific fold-reduction in neutralization capacity compared to the prototype antigen varied widely, from median 4.2-fold for BA.3 to 40.1-fold for BA.2.75; in boosted participants fold-reduction was similar for most sub-variants (5.3-fold to 7.0-fold); however, a more pronounced fold-change was observed for sub-variants related to BA.4 and BA.5 (10.4-fold to 14.2-fold). Relative to BA.1, the other Omicron sub-variants had similar neutralization capacity post-primary vaccination (range median 0.8-fold to 1.1-fold) and post-booster (0.9-fold to 1.4-fold) except for BA.4/5-related sub-variants which was higher (2.1-fold to 2.7-fold). Omicron sub-variant-specific responder rates were low post-primary vaccination (range median 28.0% to 65.9%) compared to the prototype (median 100%) but improved post-booster (range median 73.3% to 100%). CONCLUSIONS: Fold-reductions in neutralization titers were comparable post-booster except for sub-variants related to BA.4 and BA.5, which had higher fold-reduction. Assessment after primary vaccination was not possible because of overall poor neutralization responses causing extreme heterogeneity. Considering large fold-decreases in neutralization titers relative to the parental strain for all Omicron sub-variants, vaccine effectiveness is very likely to be reduced against all Omicron sub-variants, and probably more so against variants related to BA.4 or BA.5.

Post-vaccination T cell immunity to omicron.

In late 2021, the omicron variant of SARS Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) emerged and replaced the previously dominant delta strain. Effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines against omicron has been challenging to estimate in clinical studies or is not available for all vaccines or populations of interest. T cell function can be predictive of vaccine longevity and effectiveness against disease, likely in a more robust way than antibody neutralization. In this mini review, we summarize the evidence on T cell immunity against omicron including effects of boosters, homologous versus heterologous regimens, hybrid immunity, memory responses and vaccine product. Overall, T cell reactivity in post-vaccine specimens is largely preserved against omicron, indicating that vaccines utilizing the parental antigen continue to be protective against disease caused by the omicron variant.

Angiotensin II Triggers NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation by a Ca2+ Signaling-Dependent Pathway in Rat Cardiac Fibroblast Ang-II by a Ca2+-Dependent Mechanism Triggers NLRP3 Inflammasome in CF.

Angiotensin II (Ang-II) is a widely studied hypertensive, profibrotic, and pro-inflammatory peptide. In the heart, cardiac fibroblasts (CF) express type 1 angiotensin II receptors (AT1R), Toll-like receptor-4 (TLR4), and the NLRP3 inflammasome complex, which play important roles in pro-inflammatory processes. When activated, the NLRP3 inflammasome triggers proteolytic cleavage of pro-IL-1, resulting in its activation. However, in CF the mechanism by which Ang-II assembles and activates the NLRP3 inflammasome remains not fully known. To elucidate this important point, we stimulated TLR4 receptors in CF and evaluated the signaling pathways by which Ang-II triggers the assembly and activity. In cultured rat CF, pro-IL-1ß levels, NLRP3, ASC, and caspase-1 expression levels were determined by Western blot. NLRP3 inflammasome complex assembly was analyzed by immunocytochemistry, whereas by ELISA, we analyzed NLRP3 inflammasome activity and [Formula: see text] release. In CF, Ang-II triggered NLRP3 inflammasome assembly and caspase-1 activity; and in LPS-pretreated CF, Ang-II also triggered [Formula: see text] secretion. These effects were blocked by losartan (AT1R antagonist), U73221 (PLC inhibitor), 2-APB (IP3R antagonist), and BAPTA-AM (Ca2+ chelator) indicating that the AT1R/PLC/IP3R/Ca2+ pathway is involved. Finally, bafilomycin A1 prevented Ang-II-induced [Formula: see text] secretion, indicating that a non-classical protein secretion mechanism is involved. These findings suggest that in CF, Ang-II by a Ca2+-dependent mechanism triggers NLRP3 inflammasome assembly and activation leading to [Formula: see text] secretion through a non-conventional protein secretion mechanism.

CD11b agonists offer a novel approach for treating lupus nephritis.

Lupus nephritis (LN) develops in more than a third of all systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients and is the strongest predictor of morbidity and mortality. Increased circulating levels of type I interferon (IFN I) and anti-double stranded DNA (anti-dsDNA) and anti-RNA binding protein (anti-RNP) antibodies lead to increased glomerular injury via leukocyte activation and glomerular infiltration. Uncontrolled Toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling in leukocytes results in increased production of IFN I and anti-dsDNA antibodies. ITGAM gene codes for integrin CD11b, the α-chain of integrin heterodimer CD11b/CD18, that is highly expressed in leukocytes and modulates TLR-dependent pro-inflammatory signaling. Three nonsynonymous SNPs in the ITGAM gene strongly correlate with increased risk for SLE and LN and with IFN I levels. Here we review the literature on the role of CD11b on leukocytes in LN. We also incorporate conclusions from several recent studies that show that these ITGAM SNPs result in a CD11b protein that is less able to suppress TLR-dependent pro-inflammatory pathways in leukocytes, that activation of CD11b via novel small molecule agonists suppresses TLR-dependent pathways, including reductions in circulating levels of IFN I and anti-dsDNA antibodies, and that CD11b activation reduces LN in model systems. Recent data strongly suggest that integrin CD11b is an exciting new therapeutic target in SLE and LN and that allosteric activation of CD11b is a novel therapeutic paradigm for effectively treating such autoimmune diseases.

Exploring the outcomes and experiences of Black and White athletes following a sport-related concussion: a retrospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: Young American athletes, at risk of sport-related concussion (SRC), represent many races; however, it is unknown how race may influence the experience and outcome of SRC. The authors' objective was to compare White and Black athletes' recovery and subjective experiences after SRC. METHODS: A retrospective study was performed using the Vanderbilt Sports Concussion registry. Self-reported White and Black young athletes (ages 12-23 years) who had been treated for SRC between 2012 and 2015 were included. Athletes with learning disabilities or psychiatric conditions were excluded. Data were collected by electronic medical record review and phone calls to athletes and parents or guardians. The primary outcomes were as follows: 1) days to symptom resolution (SR), 2) days to return to school, and changes in 3) any daily activity (binary) and 4) sport behavior (binary). Secondary outcomes were changes (more, unchanged, or less) in specific activities such as sleep, schoolwork, and television time, as well as equipment (binary) or playing style (more reckless, unchanged, or less reckless) and whether the athlete retired from sport. Descriptive analyses, multivariable Cox proportional hazards models, and logistic regression were performed. RESULTS: The final cohort included 247 student-athletes (36 Black, 211 White). Black athletes were male (78% vs 58%) more often than White athletes, but both races were similar in age, sport, and medical/family histories. Black athletes more frequently had public insurance (33.3% vs 5.7%) and lived in areas with a low median income (41.2% vs 26.6%). After adjusting for age, sex, concussion history, insurance status, and zip code median income, Black athletes reached an asymptomatic status (HR 1.497, 95% CI 1.014-2.209, p = 0.042) and returned to school earlier (HR 1.522, 95% CI 1.020-2.270, p = 0.040). Black athletes were less likely to report a change in any daily activity than White athletes (OR 0.368, 95% CI 0.136-0.996, p = 0.049). Changes in sport behavior were comparable between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Racial differences appear to exist in the outcomes and experience of SRC for young athletes, as Black athletes reached SR and return to school sooner than White athletes. Race should be considered as an important social determinant in SRC treatment.

Variability in sub-threshold signaling linked to Alzheimer's disease emerges with age and amyloid plaque deposition in mouse ventral CA1 pyramidal neurons.

The hippocampus is vulnerable to deterioration in Alzheimer's disease (AD). It is, however, a heterogeneous structure, which may contribute to the differential volumetric changes along its septotemporal axis during AD progression. Here, we investigated amyloid plaque deposition along the dorsoventral axis in two strains of transgenic AD (ADTg) mouse models. We also used patch-clamp physiology in these mice to probe for functional consequences of AD pathogenesis in ventral hippocampus, which we found bears significantly higher plaque burden in the aged ADTg group compared to corresponding dorsal regions. Despite dorsoventral differences in amyloid load, ventral CA1 pyramidal neurons of aged ADTg mice exhibited subthreshold physiological changes similar to those previously reported in dorsal neurons, indicative of an HCN channelopathy, but lacked exacerbated suprathreshold accommodation. Additionally, HCN channel function could be rescued by pharmacological manipulation of the endoplasmic reticulum. These observations suggest that an AD-linked HCN channelopathy emerges in both dorsal and ventral CA1 pyramidal neurons, but that the former encounter an additional integrative obstacle in the form of reduced intrinsic excitability.

CD9 and ITGA3 are regulated during HIV-1 infection in macrophages to support viral replication.

Monocytes/macrophages are important target cells for HIV-1. Here, we investigated whether HIV-1 induces changes in the macrophage gene expression profile to support viral replication. We observed that the macrophage gene expression profiles dramatically changed upon HIV-1 infection. The majority of the HIV-1 regulated genes were also differentially expressed in M2a macrophages. The biological functions associated with the HIV-1 induced gene expression profile in macrophages were mainly related to inflammatory responses. CD9 and ITGA3 were among the top genes upregulated upon HIV-1 infection. We showed that these genes support viral replication and that downregulation of these genes decreased HIV-1 replication in macrophages. Here we showed that HIV-1 infection of macrophages induces a gene expression profile that may dampen inflammatory responses. CD9 and ITGA3 were among the top genes regulated by HIV-1 and were shown to support viral production most likely at the level of viral budding and release.

Toll-Like Receptor 4 Activation Prevents Rat Cardiac Fibroblast Death Induced by Simulated Ischemia/Reperfusion.

Death of cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) by ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) has major implications for cardiac wound healing. In in vivo models of myocardial infarction, toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) activation has been reported as a cardioprotector; however, it remains unknown whether TLR4 activation can prevent CF death triggered by simulated I/R (sI/R). In this study, we analyzed TLR4 activation in neonate CFs exposed to an in vitro model of sI/R and explored the participation of the pro-survival kinases Akt and ERK1/2. Simulated ischemia was performed in a free oxygen chamber in an ischemic medium, whereas reperfusion was carried out in normal culture conditions. Cell viability was analyzed by trypan blue exclusion and the MTT assay. Necrotic and apoptotic cell populations were evaluated by flow cytometry. Protein levels of phosphorylated forms of Akt and ERK1/2 were analyzed by Western blot. We showed that sI/R triggers CF death by necrosis and apoptosis. In CFs exposed only to simulated ischemia or only to sI/R, blockade of the TLR4 with TAK-242 further reduced cell viability and the activation of Akt and ERK1/2. Preconditioning with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or treatment with LPS in ischemia or reperfusion was not protective. However, LPS incubation during both ischemia and reperfusion periods prevented CF viability loss induced by sI/R. Furthermore, LPS treatment reduced the sub-G1 population, but not necrosis of CFs exposed to sI/R. On the other hand, the protective effects exhibited by LPS were abolished when TLR4 was blocked and Akt and ERK1/2 were inhibited. In conclusion, our results suggest that TLR4 activation protects CFs from apoptosis induced by sI/R through the activation of Akt and ERK1/2 signaling pathways.

Statin treatment prevents the development of pulmonary arterial hypertension in a nonhuman primate model of HIV-associated PAH.

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a life-threatening disease characterized by pulmonary vascular remodeling, elevated pulmonary arterial pressure, and right heart failure. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected individuals have a higher incidence of PAH than the non-HIV infected population and evidence suggests a role for systemic and pulmonary inflammation in the pathogenesis of HIV-associated PAH. Due to their pleiotropic effects, including immune-modulatory and anti-inflammatory effects, 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors (statins) have been considered for the treatment of PAH, with conflicting results. The effects of statins on HIV-associated PAH have not been specifically evaluated. We have developed a non-human primate (NHP) model of HIV-associated PAH that closely mimics HIV-PAH using simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV)-infected rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta). We determined that treatment of healthy macaques with atorvastatin prior to and throughout SIV infection prevented the development of SIV-associated PAH. Additionally, SIV-infected macaques that initiated atorvastatin treatment during the early chronic disease stage had reduced incidence of PAH compared to untreated animals. Statin treatment reduced inflammatory mediators TGF-ß, MIP-1α, and TNF-α and the numbers of CD14dimCD16+ non-classical monocytes, and CD14+CCR7-CD163-CD206+ alveolar macrophages previously shown to be associated with SIV-PAH. These results support the concept that statins reduce inflammatory processes that contribute to PAH and may provide a safe and effective prophylactic strategy for the prevention of PAH in HIV-infected individuals.

Immunization with Pneumocystis recombinant KEX1 induces robust and durable humoral responses in immunocompromised non-human primates.

Infection with the opportunistic fungal pathogen, Pneumocystis jirovecii causes life-threatening pneumonia in immunocompromised individuals. In addition to HIV-1 infected patients, individuals at risk of Pneumocystis infection include those receiving immunosuppressive therapies due to transplantation, cancer or autoimmune disease. Antibiotic treatment is not always successful, and it does not prevent obstructive lung disease after clearance of the pathogen. Therefore, it is essential to develop therapeutic alternatives that are more effective against PCP. We reported that Pneumocystis recombinant protein KEX1 induces protective immunity against the development of PCP in a non-human primate model of HIV-induced immunosuppression. In this study, we tested the immunogenicity KEX1 immunization of healthy rhesus macaques and the durability of these responses during drug-induced immunosuppression using tacrolimus (FK506) and methylprednisolone. We observed that vaccination with KEX1 prior to the start of the immunosuppressive regimen generated a robust and long-lasting antibody response that was maintained throughout the immunosuppressive treatment. Furthermore, boosting with KEX1 during immunosuppression induced recall of memory responses against recombinant KEX1. The durability of the anti-KEX1 response and the ability to induce a recall response during immunosuppressive therapy provide a proof-of-concept data supporting further investigation of the KEX1 as a prophylactic vaccine to prevent PCP in drug-induced immunosuppression. This approach provides fundamental knowledge for the elaboration of therapeutic and prophylactic alternatives for PCP in patients undergoing severe immunosuppressive therapy.

Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Novel Thiazolyl-Coumarin Derivatives as Potent Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors with Antifibrotic Activity.

New histone deacetylases (HDAC) inhibitors with low toxicity to non-cancerous cells, are a prevalent issue at present because these enzymes are actively involved in fibrotic diseases. We designed and synthesized a novel series of thiazolyl-coumarins, substituted at position 6 (R = H, Br, OCH3), linked to classic zinc binding groups, such as hydroxamic and carboxylic acid moieties and alternative zinc binding groups such as disulfide and catechol. Their in vitro inhibitory activities against HDACs were evaluated. Disulfide and hydroxamic acid derivatives were the most potent ones. Assays with neonatal rat cardiac fibroblasts demonstrated low cytotoxic effects for all compounds. Regarding the parameters associated to cardiac fibrosis development, the compounds showed antiproliferative effects, and triggered a strong decrease on the expression levels of both α-SMA and procollagen I. In conclusion, the new thiazolyl-coumarin derivatives inhibit HDAC activity and decrease profibrotic effects on cardiac fibroblasts.

[Survival difference due to types of health coverage in breast cancer patients treated at a specialized cancer center in Medellín, Colombia]. / Diferencias en supervivencia debidas al aseguramiento en salud en pacientes con cáncer de mama atendidas en un centro oncológico de referencia en Medellín, Colombia.

The study aimed to estimate the effect of health insurance on overall survival and disease-free survival in breast cancer patients undergoing surgery at the Las Américas Oncology Institute in Medellín, Colombia, with data from the institutional registry. The variables were compared between subsidized coverage and contributive coverage with chi-squared test (χ2) or Student t test, Kaplan-Meier, and log-rank test. The target variable was adjusted with Cox regression. There were 2,732 patients with a median follow-up of 36 months. Ten percent of the women with contributive coverage died, compared to 23% of the subsidized coverage group. There were differences in time-to-treatment (contributive group with 52 days versus subsidized group with 112 days, p < 0.05). Disease-free survival and overall survival were better in women with contributive coverage compared to those with subsidized coverage (p < 0.05), and overall survival varied according to tumor and treatment variables. Overall survival and disease-free survival and early time-to-diagnosis and treatment were better in patients with contributive coverage compared to those with subsidized coverage.

El objetivo fue estimar el efecto del aseguramiento en salud sobre la supervivencia global y libre de enfermedad en pacientes con cáncer de mama. La muestra se compuso de mujeres operadas en el Instituto de Cancerología, Medellín, Colombia, con datos del registro institucional. Las variables se compararon entre régimen subsidiado y contributivo com chi cuadrado test (χ2) o test t de Student, método de Kaplan-Meier y prueba de rangos logarítmicos (log-rank test). La variable de interés se ajustó con una regresión de Cox. Se incluyeron 2.732 pacientes con mediana de seguimiento de 36 meses. Del régimen contributivo murieron el 10% y del régimen subsidiado murieron 23%. Hubo diferencias en tiempos de acceso a tratamiento (régimen contributivo: 52 vs. régimen subsidiado: 112 días, p < 0,05). Supervivencia libre de enfermedad y supervivencia global fueron mejores en régimen contributivo que en régimen subsidiado (p < 0,05); supervivencia global depende de variables del tumor y del tratamiento. Supervivencia global y supervivencia libre de enfermedad y tiempos de acceso para atención y diagnóstico en etapa temprana fueron mejores en régimen contributivo que en régimen subsidiado.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi estimar o efeito do seguro de saúde sobre a sobrevivência global e livre de doença em pacientes com câncer de mama. A amostra foi composta por mulheres operadas no Instituto de Cancerologia Las Américas em Medellín, Colombia, com dados do registro institucional. As variáveis foram comparadas entre o regime subsidiado e contributivo com teste do qui-quadrado (χ2) ou teste t de Student, método de Kaplan-Meier e log-rank test. A variável de interesse foi ajustada por meio de uma regressão de Cox. Foram incluídas 2.732 pacientes durante um período médio de acompanhamento de 36 meses. Do regime contributivo morreram 10% das mulheres e do regime subsidiado morreram 23%. Houve diferenças nos tempos de acesso ao tratamento (regime contributivo: 52 vs. regime subsidiado: 112 dias; p < 0,05). Sobrevivência livre de doença e sobrevivência global foram melhores em regime contributivo do que em regime subsidiado (p < 0,05); sobrevivência global depende de variáveis do tumor e do tratamento. Sobrevivência global e sobrevivência livre de doença e os tempos de acesso para atenção e diagnóstico no estágio inicial foram melhores em regime contributivo do que em regime subsidiado.

IFN-ß Plays Both Pro- and Anti-inflammatory Roles in the Rat Cardiac Fibroblast Through Differential STAT Protein Activation.

Cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) contribute to theinflammatory response to tissue damage, secreting both pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. Interferon beta (IFN-ß) induces the phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) proteins through the activation of its own receptor, modulating the secretion of cytokines and chemokines which regulate inflammation. However, the role of IFN-ß and STAT proteins in modulating the inflammatory response of CF remains unknown. CF were isolated from adult male rats and subsequently stimulated with IFN-ß to evaluate the participation of STAT proteins in secreting chemokines, cytokines, cell adhesion proteins expression and in their capacity to recruit neutrophils. In addition, in CF in which the TRL4 receptor was pre-activated, the effect of INF-ß on the aforementioned responses was also evaluated. Cardiac fibroblasts stimulation with IFN-ß showed an increase in STAT1, STAT2, and STAT3 phosphorylation. IFN-ß stimulation through STAT1 activation increased proinflammatory chemokines MCP-1 and IP-10 secretion, whereas IFN-ß induced activation of STAT3 increased cytokine secretion of anti-inflammatory IL-10. Moreover, in TLR4-activated CF, IFN-ß through STAT2 and/or STAT3, produced an anti-inflammatory effect, reducing pro-IL-1ß, TNF-α, IL-6, MCP-1, and IP-10 secretion; and decreasing neutrophil recruitment by decreasing ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 expression. Altogether, our results indicate that IFN-ß exerts both pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory effects in non-stimulated CF, through differential activation of STAT proteins. When CF were previously treated with an inflammatory agent such as TLR-4 activation, IFN-ß effects were predominantly anti-inflammatory.

Expression and function of TLR4- induced B1R bradykinin receptor on cardiac fibroblasts.

Cardiac fibroblasts (CF) are key cells for maintaining extracellular matrix (ECM) protein homeostasis in the heart, and for cardiac repair through CF-to-cardiac myofibroblast (CMF) differentiation. Additionally, CF play an important role in the inflammatory process after cardiac injury, and they express Toll like receptor 4 (TLR4), B1 and B2 bradykinin receptors (B1R and B2R) which are important in the inflammatory response. B1R and B2R are induced by proinflammatory cytokines and their activation by bradykinin (BK: B2R agonist) or des-arg-kallidin (DAKD: B1R agonist), induces NO and PGI2 production which is key for reducing collagen I levels. However, whether TLR4 activation regulates bradykinin receptor expression remains unknown. CF were isolated from human, neonatal rat and adult mouse heart. B1R mRNA expression was evaluated by qRT-PCR, whereas B1R, collagen, COX-2 and iNOS protein levels were evaluated by Western Blot. NO and PGI2 were evaluated by commercial kits. We report here that in CF, TLR4 activation increased B1R mRNA and protein levels, as well as COX-2 and iNOS levels. B1R mRNA levels were also induced by interleukin-1α via its cognate receptor IL-1R1. In LPS-pretreated CF the DAKD treatment induced higher responses with respect to those observed in non LPS-pretreated CF, increasing PGI2 secretion and NO production; and reducing collagen I protein levels in CF. In conclusion, no significant response to DAKD was observed (due to very low expression of B1R in CF) - but pre-activation of TLR4 in CF, conditions that significantly enhanced B1R expression, led to an additional response of DAKD.

Heparan sulfate potentiates leukocyte adhesion on cardiac fibroblast by enhancing Vcam-1 and Icam-1 expression.

Cardiac fibroblasts (CF) act as sentinel cells responding to chemokines, cytokines and growth factors released in cardiac tissue in cardiac injury events, such as myocardial infarction (MI). Cardiac injury involves the release of various damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) including heparan sulfate (HS), a constituent of the extracellular matrix (ECM), through the TLR4 receptor activation triggering a strong inflammatory response, inducing leukocytes recruitment. This latter cells are responsible of clearing cell debris and releasing cytokines that promote CF differentiation to myofibroblast (CMF), thus initiating scar formation. CF were isolated from adult male rats and subsequently stimulated with HS or LPS, in the presence or absence of chemical inhibitors, to evaluate signaling pathways involved in ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 expression. siRNA against ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 were used to evaluate participation of these adhesion molecules on leukocytes recruitment. HS through TLR4, PI3K/AKT and NF-ΚB increased ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 expression, which favored the adhesion of spleen mononuclear cells (SMC) and bone marrow granulocytes (PMN) to CF. These effects were prevented by siRNA against ICAM-1 and VCAM-1. Co-culture of CF with SMC increased α-SMA expression, skewing CF towards a pro-fibrotic phenotype, while CF pretreatment with HS partially reverted this effect. CONCLUSION: These data show the dual role of HS during the initial stages of wound healing. Initially, HS enhance the pro-inflammatory role of CF increasing cytokines secretion; and later, by increasing protein adhesion molecules allows the adhesion of SMC on CF, which trigger CF-to-CMF differentiation.

Diferencias en supervivencia debidas al aseguramiento en salud en pacientes con cáncer de mama atendidas en un centro oncológico de referencia en Medellín, Colombia / Survival difference due to types of health coverage in breast cancer patients treated at a specialized cancer center in Medellín, Colombia / Diferenças em sobrevivência devidas ao seguro de saúde em pacientes com câncer de mama atendidas em um centro ontológico de referência em Medellín, Colômbia

Resumen: El objetivo fue estimar el efecto del aseguramiento en salud sobre la supervivencia global y libre de enfermedad en pacientes con cáncer de mama. La muestra se compuso de mujeres operadas en el Instituto de Cancerología, Medellín, Colombia, con datos del registro institucional. Las variables se compararon entre régimen subsidiado y contributivo com chi cuadrado test (χ2) o test t de Student, método de Kaplan-Meier y prueba de rangos logarítmicos (log-rank test). La variable de interés se ajustó con una regresión de Cox. Se incluyeron 2.732 pacientes con mediana de seguimiento de 36 meses. Del régimen contributivo murieron el 10% y del régimen subsidiado murieron 23%. Hubo diferencias en tiempos de acceso a tratamiento (régimen contributivo: 52 vs. régimen subsidiado: 112 días, p < 0,05). Supervivencia libre de enfermedad y supervivencia global fueron mejores en régimen contributivo que en régimen subsidiado (p < 0,05); supervivencia global depende de variables del tumor y del tratamiento. Supervivencia global y supervivencia libre de enfermedad y tiempos de acceso para atención y diagnóstico en etapa temprana fueron mejores en régimen contributivo que en régimen subsidiado.

Abstract: The study aimed to estimate the effect of health insurance on overall survival and disease-free survival in breast cancer patients undergoing surgery at the Las Américas Oncology Institute in Medellín, Colombia, with data from the institutional registry. The variables were compared between subsidized coverage and contributive coverage with chi-squared test (χ2) or Student t test, Kaplan-Meier, and log-rank test. The target variable was adjusted with Cox regression. There were 2,732 patients with a median follow-up of 36 months. Ten percent of the women with contributive coverage died, compared to 23% of the subsidized coverage group. There were differences in time-to-treatment (contributive group with 52 days versus subsidized group with 112 days, p < 0.05). Disease-free survival and overall survival were better in women with contributive coverage compared to those with subsidized coverage (p < 0.05), and overall survival varied according to tumor and treatment variables. Overall survival and disease-free survival and early time-to-diagnosis and treatment were better in patients with contributive coverage compared to those with subsidized coverage.

Resumo: O objetivo deste trabalho foi estimar o efeito do seguro de saúde sobre a sobrevivência global e livre de doença em pacientes com câncer de mama. A amostra foi composta por mulheres operadas no Instituto de Cancerologia Las Américas em Medellín, Colombia, com dados do registro institucional. As variáveis foram comparadas entre o regime subsidiado e contributivo com teste do qui-quadrado (χ2) ou teste t de Student, método de Kaplan-Meier e log-rank test. A variável de interesse foi ajustada por meio de uma regressão de Cox. Foram incluídas 2.732 pacientes durante um período médio de acompanhamento de 36 meses. Do regime contributivo morreram 10% das mulheres e do regime subsidiado morreram 23%. Houve diferenças nos tempos de acesso ao tratamento (regime contributivo: 52 vs. regime subsidiado: 112 dias; p < 0,05). Sobrevivência livre de doença e sobrevivência global foram melhores em regime contributivo do que em regime subsidiado (p < 0,05); sobrevivência global depende de variáveis do tumor e do tratamento. Sobrevivência global e sobrevivência livre de doença e os tempos de acesso para atenção e diagnóstico no estágio inicial foram melhores em regime contributivo do que em regime subsidiado.