Ciencias Biosanitarias

Potentiation of mitochondrial function by mitoDREADD-Gs reverses pharmacological and neurodegenerative cognitive impairment in mice

Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT

[EN]Many brain disorders involve mitochondrial alterations, but owing to the lack of suitable tools, the causal role of mitochondrial dysfunction in pathophysiological processes is difficult to establish. Heterotrimeric guanine nucleotide-binding (G) proteins are key regulators of cell functions, and they can be found within mitochondria. Therefore, we reasoned that the activation of stimulatory mitochondrial G proteins (Gs) could rapidly promote the activity of the organelle and possibly compensate for bioenergetic dysfunction. Here, we show that a mitochondria-targeted recombinant designer receptor exclusively activated by designer drugs (mitoDREADD-Gs) can acutely trigger intramitochondrial signaling to increase mitochondrial membrane potential and oxygen consumption. In vivo activation of mitoDREADD-Gs abolished memory alterations in cannabinoid-treated mice and in two mouse models of Alzheimer’s disease and frontotemporal dementia. Thus, mitoDREADD-Gs enables the establishment of causal relationships between mitochondria and biological or disease-related processes and represents an innovative potential therapeutic approach for disorders associated with mitochondrial impairment.

Tratamiento de la muerte súbita

Sat, 01 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

[ES]Se describe el manejo inmediato y tratamiento de la muerte súbita en el deportista.

Oxidative eustress regulates insulin signaling and promotes GLUT4-mediated glucose uptake in insulin-resistant skeletal muscle fibres

Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT

[EN]The document focuses on how oxidative eustress (a moderate and beneficial level of reactive species) acts as an alternative regulatory mechanism to trigger GLUT4 trafficking and restore glucose uptake within insulin-resistant skeletal muscle.

Influencia sexual en la modulación cardiovascular ejercida por el sistema serotonérgico periférico en rata

Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT

[ES] La serotonina (5-HT) es una neurohormona que regula el tono vascular por mecanismos directos e indirectos, a través del sistema nervioso autónomo y sensorial, mediante una amplia familia de receptores serotonérgicos. Los mecanismos serotonérgicos implicados en la modulación de la neurotransmisión simpática y sensorial CGRPérgica en la vasculatura sistémica han sido caracterizados por nuestro grupo y otros autores en ratas macho. Sin embargo, el sexo biológico influye tanto en el metabolismo de la 5-HT y la expresión de sus receptores, como en la neurotransmisión simpática y sensorial CGRPérgica, lo que limita la comprensión y el desarrollo de dianas farmacológicas eficaces para el sexo femenino en patologías cardiovasculares y neurovasculares. La presente Tesis Doctoral tiene como objetivo determinar si los mecanismos serotonérgicos involucrados en la regulación cardiovascular presentan diferencias dependientes del sexo biológico en ratas. Para ello, en ratas hembra pithed, se ha estudiado el papel diferencial de los distintos receptores de 5-HT sobre las respuestas vasculares obtenidas por liberación endógena de noradrenalina y del péptido relacionado con el gen de la calcitonina (CGRP), así como la posible implicación de mediadores dependientes de endotelio en la respuesta noradrenérgica. Los resultados obtenidos muestran que el sexo biológico influye en el tono vascular basal y en los mecanismos serotonérgicos que regulan tanto la neurotransmisión simpática vascular como la inervación sensorial CGRPérgica perivascular, modificando el tipo y subtipo de receptores de 5-HT implicados, su localización en la unión neuroefectora, y las vías indirectas involucradas. Estos hallazgos podrían abrir nuevas estrategias terapéuticas dependientes del sexo en el tratamiento de enfermedades cardiovasculares y neurovasculares.; [EN] Serotonin (5-HT) is a neurohormone that regulates vascular tone by direct and indirect mechanisms via the autonomic and sensory nervous systems, acting through a large family of serotonergic receptors. The serotonergic mechanisms involved in the modulation of sympathetic and sensory CGRPergic neurotransmission in the systemic vasculature have been characterised by our group and others in male rats. However, biological sex influences 5-HT metabolism and receptor expression, as well as sympathetic and sensory CGRPergic neurotransmission, which limits the understanding and development of effective pharmacological targets for the female sex in cardiovascular and neurovascular disorders. The aim of the present Doctoral Thesis was to determine whether the serotonergic mechanisms involved in cardiovascular regulation display sex-dependent differences in rats. To do so, female pithed rats were used to study the role of different 5-HT receptors on vascular responses elicited by the endogenous release of noradrenaline and calcitonin generelated peptide (CGRP), along with the possible involvement of endothelium-dependent mediators in the noradrenergic response. The results show that biological sex influences basal vascular tone and the serotonergic mechanisms regulating both vascular sympathetic neurotransmission and perivascular sensory CGRPergic outflow, modifying the 5-HT receptor types and subtypes involved, their localisation at the neuroeffector junction, and the indirect pathways implicated. Altogether, these findings may contribute to the development of novel sex-dependent therapeutic strategies for cardiovascular and neurovascular diseases.

Loneliness in patients with cancer: Associations with perceived social support, functional Independence, and psychological distress in a cross-sectional study

Sat, 13 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT

[EN] Background: Loneliness has emerged as a psychosocial issue in oncology, with implications for emotional well- being, social and daily functioning, and adaptation to illness. However, its relationship with perceived social support and functional independence in patients with cancer remains insufficiently characterized. Objective: To analyze loneliness in patients with cancer and its association with sociodemographic, psychosocial, and functional variables. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study in 153 adults with cancer recruited from the onco-haematology day hospital at the Complejo Asistencial Universitario de Salamanca, Spain. Global loneliness was assessed with the UCLA Loneliness Scale, and emotional and social loneliness with the De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale. Perceived social support was evaluated with the Duke-UNC Functional Social Support Questionnaire, quality of life with the EORTC QLQ-C30, functional independence with the Barthel Index, and anxiety and depressive symptoms with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Correlation analyses and multivariable linear and logistic regression models were performed. Results: The median UCLA loneliness score was 36 (range 20–79), indicating variability in perceived loneliness. Higher loneliness was associated with lower perceived social support, greater depressive and anxiety symptoms, and lower functional independence. In multivariable analyses, perceived social support and functional independence remained independently associated with lower loneliness, while depressive symptoms were associated with higher loneliness only in the linear model. Conclusions: Loneliness was more closely associated with psychosocial and functional than sociodemographic variables. These findings support loneliness assessment in comprehensive cancer care and suggest that social support and functional status may be key loneliness correlates. [ES] Antecedentes: La soledad ha emergido como un problema psicosocial en oncología, con implicaciones en el bienestar emocional, el funcionamiento social y diario, y la adaptación a la enfermedad. Sin embargo, su relación con el apoyo social percibido y la independencia funcional en pacientes con cáncer sigue sin estar suficientemente caracterizada. Objetivo: Analizar la soledad en pacientes con cáncer y su asociación con variables sociodemográficas, psicosociales y funcionales. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio transversal en 153 adultos con cáncer reclutados en el hospital de día de oncohematología del Complejo Asistencial Universitario de Salamanca, España. La soledad global se evaluó con la Escala de Soledad de la UCLA, y la soledad emocional y social con la Escala de Soledad de De Jong Gierveld. El apoyo social percibido se evaluó con el Cuestionario de Apoyo Social Funcional Duke-UNC, la calidad de vida con el EORTC QLQ-C30, la independencia funcional con el Índice de Barthel, y los síntomas de ansiedad y depresión con la Escala de Ansiedad y Depresión Hospitalaria (HADS). Se realizaron análisis de correlación y modelos de regresión lineal y logística multivariante. Resultados: La mediana de la puntuación de soledad de la UCLA fue de 36 (rango 20–79), lo que indica variabilidad en la soledad percibida. Una mayor soledad se asoció con un menor apoyo social percibido, mayores síntomas de depresión y ansiedad, y una menor independencia funcional. En los análisis multivariantes, el apoyo social percibido y la independencia funcional se mantuvieron asociados de forma independiente con una menor soledad, mientras que los síntomas depresivos se asociaron con una mayor soledad solo en el modelo lineal. Conclusiones: La soledad se asoció más estrechamente con las variables psicosociales y funcionales que con las sociodemográficas. Estos hallazgos respaldan la evaluación de la soledad en la atención integral del cáncer y sugieren que el apoyo social y el estado funcional pueden ser correlatos clave de la soledad.

Bioaccessibility and genoprotective effect of melanoidins obtained from common and soft bread crusts: relationship between melanoidins and their bioactivity

Tue, 01 Aug 2023 00:00:00 GMT

[EN]Bread crust constitutes an important by-product of the bakery industry, and its utilization for the isolation of melanoidins to be used as a functional ingredient can enhance its added value and contribute to health. The aim of this study was to evaluate the bioaccessibility, bioactivity, and genoprotective effect of melanoidins derived from bread crust. Bioaccessibility was assessed in gastric, intestinal digestion, and colonic fermentation fractions. The results revealed a relationship between bioaccessible melanoidins and their type (common or soft bread). No cytotoxicity effects were observed for bioaccessible fractions, as assessed by MTT and RTA methods, and they did not affect the distribution of E-cadherin in Caco-2 cells, confirming their ability to maintain membrane integrity. Furthermore, our study demonstrated that the gastrointestinal and colonic fermentation fractions successfully transported across the intestinal barrier, without affecting cell permeability, and showed antioxidant activity on the basolateral side of the cell monolayer. Remarkably, both fractions displayed a significant genoprotective effect in Caco-2 cells. Our findings provide crucial insights into the relationship between the melanoidins and their bioactivity and genoprotective effect. These results demonstrated the potential of bioaccessible melanoidins as valuable bioactive compounds for the development of functional foods, without showing toxic effects on gastrointestinal cells.

Bioaccessible bread melanoidins modulate oxidative stress, reduce inflammation and suppress adhesion of helicobacter pylori to caco-2 cells

Sat, 01 Feb 2025 00:00:00 GMT

[EN]Background/Objectives: Helicobacter pylori is a major contributor to gastric infections; it is prevalent in humans and associated with gastrointestinal diseases. In recent years, the increase in antimicrobial resistance has contributed to the need for alternative approaches, prompting interest in natural products with antimicrobial and antivirulence properties. This study investigated the effect of bioaccessible melanoidins from common and soft bread crust against H. pylori infection. Methods: Melanoidins were extracted using dead-end ultrafiltration, and bioaccessible fractions were obtained through in vitro digestion. The bactericidal effect of melanoidins was assessed at 2% and 4% concentrations over 24 and 48 h. The effect on H. pylori adhesion of 100 μg/mL and 200 μg/mL of gastric and intestinal bioaccessible fractions of melanoidins was evaluated in Caco-2 cells. Results: The bactericidal effect of melanoidins revealed significant efficacy, with a greater effect for soft bread melanoidins. The gastric fractions exhibited a higher inhibitory effect, which is crucial for gastric mucosa, the primary site of H. pylori infection. Both bioaccessible fractions showed anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects against H. pylori-induced inflammation, particularly in the gastric fractions. This was evidenced by a reduction in interleukin-6 and interleukin-8 release and an enhancement in interleukin-10 release. The observed reduction in reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the maintenance of glutathione levels indicate an improved redox status. Conclusions: This study emphasizes the potential of melanoidins, especially from soft bread, as bioactive compounds against H. pylori, offering insights for future functional food development

Age and hypertension synergize with dehydration to cause renal frailty in rats and predispose them to intrinsic acute kidney injury

Sat, 01 Mar 2025 00:00:00 GMT

[EN]Acute kidney frailty (AKF) is a condition of increased susceptibility to acute kidney injury (AKI), an abrupt impairment of renal excretory function potentially leading to severe complications. Prevention of AKI relies on the recognition of risk factors contributing to AKF. At the population level, dehydration constitutes a predisposing factor for AKI. However, renal frailty may be context-specific, with variations among patients in the types of damage and the distinct pathological mechanisms. In this regard, we studied the combined effect of dehydration with other factors on renal homeostasis, such as increasing age and hypertension. AKF status was studied in rats bearing risk factors individually and in combination and was evaluated as the level of AKI induced by a triggering dose of cisplatin, which is known to be mildly nephrotoxic for young, healthy rats. AKI was assessed through parameters of renal function (including creatinine, urea, creatinine clearance, proteinuria, and fractional excretion of sodium) and histopathology of renal tissue specimens. The hydration status was measured by bioelectric impedance and other techniques. Water deprivation induces a dehydration state characterized by reductions in body weight and urinary flow and increases in hematocrit and plasma and urine osmolality. Bioelectric impedance showed a net loss of body water after water deprivation with no relevant changes in body mass distribution. Dehydration is not sufficient to predispose young control rats to intrinsic AKI. However, the combination of dehydration with advanced age or hypertension induces AKF evidenced by a magnified response of renal dysfunction (reduced filtration and tubular function) and tubular necrosis caused by low-dose cisplatin treatment. This study highlights the relevance of addressing AKF as a premorbid condition providing prophylactic opportunities and shows that dehydration differentially predisposes to prerenal and intrinsic AKI.

Remoción selectiva de caries vs remoción completa de caries en dentición permanente: un nuevo paradigma dentro de la odontología restauradora mínimamente invasiva

Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT

[ES] Introducción: La toma de decisiones ante lesiones cariosas profundas en dentición permanente constituye un punto crítico para la conservación del complejo dentino-pulpar. Tradicionalmente, la remoción completa de caries (CCR) ha buscado eliminar toda dentina reblandecida hasta alcanzar tejido “duro”; sin embargo, este enfoque puede incrementar el riesgo de exposición pulpar y desencadenar ciertas complicaciones biológicas. En contraste, la técnica de remoción selectiva de caries (SCR) se alinea con el paradigma actual de la odontología mínimamente invasiva, priorizando la eliminación periférica que asegure un sellado periférico adecuado y preservando dentina afectada en proximidad pulpar con el fin de reducir iatrogenia y favorecer la estabilidad clínica. Esta tesis evalúa comparativamente los resultados pulpares y restauradores de SCR frente a CCR en dientes posteriores permanentes con caries profundas. Material y métodos: Se desarrolló un ensayo clínico prospectivo en un entorno clínico asistencial entre enero de 2024 hasta diciembre de 2025, incluyendo 60 pacientes (18–75 años) con caries profundas en premolares y molares permanentes vitales, distribuidos en dos grupos: SCR (n=30) y CCR (n=30). El diagnóstico se basó en evaluación clínica y radiográfica, complementado con pruebas de vitalidad preoperatorias y controles postoperatorios, incluyendo seguimiento a 6 meses. Bajo aislamiento y protocolos estandarizados, se realizó la excavación según técnica asignada y se efectuó restauración adhesiva definitiva, registrándose eventos intraoperatorios (como exposición pulpar) y desenlaces clínico-radiográficos (vitalidad y éxito restaurador). El análisis estadístico se efectuó en IBM SPSS v29.0, con estadística descriptiva e inferencial, utilizando pruebas de asociación para variables categóricas (χ²), comparación de edad según supuestos y pruebas apareadas (McNemar), fijando significación en p < 0,05. Resultados: La muestra presentó una edad media de 47,55 ± 13,30 años (mediana 49,50), con predominio de molares (83,3%) y del sexo masculino (56,7%). La exposición pulpar intraoperatoria se observó en el 40,0% global, sin diferencias significativas entre técnicas (SCR 43,3% vs CCR 36,7%; p=0,598). La vitalidad preoperatoria fue positiva en el 100% de los casos, manteniéndose prácticamente estable en el postoperatorio inmediato (98,3% positiva). A los 6 meses, la vitalidad positiva global fue del 81,7%, y el éxito restaurador global alcanzó también el 81,7%. Al comparar por técnica, SCR mostró ventajas significativas: la vitalidad negativa a 6 meses fue menor en SCR que en CCR (10,0% vs 26,7%; p=0,045), y de forma concordante el fracaso restaurador fue inferior en SCR (10,0% vs 26,7%; p=0,045). No se observaron asociaciones estadísticamente significativas de edad, sexo o tipo de pieza con los desenlaces principales en esta cohorte. Conclusiones: En dientes posteriores permanentes con caries profundas, la remoción selectiva de caries se asoció con mejor preservación de la vitalidad pulpar y mayor éxito restaurador a 6 meses en comparación con la remoción completa. Estos hallazgos respaldan la SCR como estrategia clínicamente favorable dentro de un enfoque mínimamente invasivo, recomendándose ampliar el seguimiento y el tamaño muestral para robustecer la estimación del efecto y su generalización clínica.

Longitudinal changes in serum protein levels are associated with disability progression in multiple sclerosis

Wed, 01 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT

[EN]Early identification of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) at risk of transitioning from relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) to secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (SPMS) remains a major clinical challenge. Although magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is widely used to monitor disease activity, imaging markers alone may not adequately predict progression. The identification of accessible biochemical markers associated with disability progression could improve long-term monitoring. This retrospective observational study evaluated clinical, radiological, and biochemical parameters in 45 MS patients followed at a single tertiary center. Twenty-three patients remained in the RRMS phase, while 22 developed SPMS. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers obtained at diagnosis and serum biomarkers measured at two time points separated by two years were analyzed. Group comparisons used non-parametric tests, and associations with disability were assessed using Spearman correlation. Serum albumin and total protein levels measured two years before progression were significantly lower in patients who later developed SPMS compared with those who remained RRMS. Creatinine and ferritin did not differ between groups. In RRMS patients, ferritin levels decreased significantly over time, whereas albumin and total protein remained stable. CSF IgG index values tended to be higher in patients who later developed SPMS, without reaching statistical significance. MRI activity was not associated with progression. Total serum protein levels were inversely correlated with EDSS scores. Lower serum protein levels may precede clinical transition to SPMS and reflect processes related to disability progression. Despite not being independent predictors, their accessibility supports their potential role in longitudinal monitoring strategies.

A manifesto for plant science education

Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT

[EN] Plants provide oxygen, food, shelter, medicines and environmental services, without which human society could not exist. Tackling pressing and global challenges requires well-trained plant scientists and plant-aware individuals. This manifesto provides a practical evidence-based vision to strengthen plant science education, focused on five strategic priorities. It is relevant to all stakeholders within plant science and beyond: from frontline educators to institutional leaders; from commercial or charitable professionals to entrepreneurs and donors; from individual community members to their legislative representatives. Strengthening plant science education demands concrete actions from all stakeholders, ultimately to the benefit of us all.

Manejo prehospitalario inicial del paciente crítico con trauma grave Modelo XABCDE Apuntes clínicos

Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT

[ES]Se realiza una descripción actualizada del método de evaluación primaria XABCDE en paciente crítico prehospitalario.

Stay and play: Treat as you go. Prehospital management of severe trauma (PMST)

Sat, 01 Jan 2022 00:00:00 GMT

[ES]Manual que describe la evaluación y manejo inicial del paciente crítico prehospitalario con trauma grave, basado en el método de evaluación XABCDE.

Síndrome serotoninérgico por administración de un inhibidor de la recaptación de serotonina y dextrometorfano

Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

[ES]Se describe el caso de una mujer de 82 años, en tratamiento con sertralina y que, debido a un proceso catarral con tos, ingiere conjuntamente un jarabe de dextrometorfano. Tras la ingesta de ambos fármacos, presenta un cuadro de agitación, mioclonías, temblores y fiebre. Dados los antecedentes farmacológicos y la clínica, se diagnostica como síndrome serotoninérgico, iniciando tratamiento domiciliario y posterior traslado al hospital de referencia.

El lenguaje embriológico moderno en español (siglos XVI-XVIII): «segmentación léxica» del nasciturus, vernaculación y obsolescencia

Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT

[ES]Este capítulo analiza la evolución del lenguaje embriológico en español entre los siglos XV y XVIII y destaca cómo los cambios terminológicos reflejaron y, al mismo tiempo, contribuyeron a transformar las teorías científicas sobre la generación humana. Se estudian tres aspectos principales: la «segmentación léxica» del nasciturus mediante términos como embrión, feto, criatura o infante; el proceso de vernacularización de los saberes embriológicos; y los mecanismos lingüísticos empleados para adaptar el vocabulario a los cambios de paradigma científico. Se muestra cómo la terminología utilizada para designar las distintas fases del desarrollo prenatal no fue estable, sino que dependió de concepciones médicas, filosóficas y morales cambiantes. Asimismo, se analiza la tensión entre préstamos cultos y voces patrimoniales en la construcción del léxico especializado, así como el esfuerzo humanista por recuperar y reinterpretar términos procedentes de la Antigüedad clásica. Especial atención recibe la transformación del vocabulario durante el siglo XVIII, cuando la difusión del preformacionismo y de la teoría ovista impulsó la introducción de términos como ovario y huevo, mientras otros vocablos tradicionales entraban en obsolescencia. El estudio concluye que el lenguaje embriológico no actuó únicamente como vehículo de transmisión del conocimiento científico, sino también como un agente activo en la construcción, legitimación y difusión de nuevos modelos explicativos sobre el desarrollo humano.

Neuroprotective potential of the Flavonoids Quercetin and Epicatechin in a C. elegans Tauopathy Model

Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT

The prevalence of cognitive disorders such as Alzheimer's disease (AD) is increasing due to the global rise in longevity. The accumulation of amyloid β (Aβ) deposits and hyperphosphorylated Tau protein (p-Tau) are considered the main hallmarks of AD. A growing body of evidence suggests that the regular intake of flavonoid-rich foods could reduce the risk of developing AD or mitigate its progression. This study explores the potential of quercetin (Q) and epicatechin (EC) as effective molecules against AD-like pathology, using the Caenorhabditis elegans BR5270 strain, which expresses the pro-aggregant F3DK280 fragment of the human Tau protein. The results showed that after exposure to 150 µM of EC or Q, worms exhibited increased lifespan, improved chemotaxis, and delayed age-related decline in locomotion. To explore the molecular mechanisms involved, the expression of genes associated with the inhibition of p-Tau proteotoxicity were measured by RT-qPCR. It was found that Q and EC significantly increased the expression levels of autophagy-related genes and of a key gene for de novo synthesis of α- tubulin. EC and Q delay neurodegeneration in the C. elegans tauopathy model, suggesting their potential to reduce the risk of AD progression.