Progression Of Various Disorders Research Articles

Diagnostic Value and Molecular Function of MicroRNAs in Endometrial Diseases: A Systematic Review.

The human endometrium experiences significant cyclic morphological and biochemical changes throughout the menstrual cycle to prepare for embryo implantation. These processes are meticulously regulated by ovarian steroids and various locally expressed genes, encompassing inflammatory reactions, apoptosis, cell proliferation, angiogenesis, differentiation (tissue formation), and tissue remodeling. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been recognized as crucial regulators of gene expression, with their altered expression being linked to the onset and progression of various disorders, including cancer. This review examines the expression of miRNAs in the endometrium and their potential regulatory roles under pathological conditions such as endometriosis, recurrent implantation failure and endometrial cancer. Given miRNAs' critical role in maintaining gene expression stability, understanding the regulatory mechanisms of endometrial miRNAs and identifying their specific target genes could pave the way for developing preventive and therapeutic strategies targeting specific genes associated with these reproductive disorders.

PHLDA1 contributes to hypoxic ischemic brain injury in neonatal rats via inhibiting FUNDC1-mediated mitophagy.

Hypoxia-ischemia (HI) is one of the main causes of neonatal brain injury. Mitophagy has been implicated in the degradation of damaged mitochondria and cell survival following neonatal brain HI injury. Pleckstrin homology-like domain family A member 1 (PHLDA1) plays vital roles in the progression of various disorders including the regulation of oxidative stress, the immune responses and apoptosis. In the present study we investigated the role of PHLDA1 in HI-induced neuronal injury and further explored the mechanisms underlying PHLDA1-regulated mitophagy in vivo and in vitro. HI model was established in newborn rats by ligation of the left common carotid artery plus exposure to an oxygen-deficient chamber with 8% O2 and 92% N2. In vitro studies were conducted in primary hippocampal neurons subjected to oxygen and glucose deprivation/-reoxygenation (OGD/R). We showed that the expression of PHLDA1 was significantly upregulated in the hippocampus of HI newborn rats and in OGD/R-treated primary neurons. Knockdown of PHLDA1 in neonatal rats via lentiviral vector not only significantly ameliorated HI-induced hippocampal neuronal injury but also markedly improved long-term cognitive function outcomes, whereas overexpression of PHLDA1 in neonatal rats via lentiviral vector aggravated these outcomes. PHLDA1 knockdown in primary neurons significantly reversed the reduction of cell viability and increase in intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, and attenuated OGD-induced mitochondrial dysfunction, whereas overexpression of PHLDA1 decreased these parameters. In OGD/R-treated primary hippocampal neurons, we revealed that PHLDA1 knockdown enhanced mitophagy by activating FUNDC1, which was abolished by FUNDC1 knockdown or pretreatment with mitophagy inhibitor Mdivi-1 (25 μM). Notably, pretreatment with Mdivi-1 or the knockdown of FUNDC1 not only increased brain infarct volume, but also abolished the neuroprotective effect of PHLDA1 knockdown in HI newborn rats. Together, these results demonstrate that PHLDA1 contributes to neonatal HI-induced brain injury via inhibition of FUNDC1-mediated neuronal mitophagy.

CircCOL1A1 promotes proliferation, migration, and invasion of colorectal cancer (CRC) cells and glutamine metabolism through GLS1 up-regulation by sponging miR-214-3p

BackgroundCircular ribose nucleic acids (circRNAs), an abundant type of noncoding RNAs, are widely expressed in eukaryotic cells and exert a significant impact on the initiation and progression of various disorders, including different types of cancer. However, the specific role of various circRNAs in colorectal cancer (CRC) pathology is still not fully understood.MethodsThe initial step involved the use of quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) to assess the expression levels of circRNAs and messenger RNA (mRNA) in CRC cell lines and tissues. Subsequently, functional analyses of circCOL1A1 knockdown were conducted in vitro and in vivo through cell counting kit (CCK)-8, colony formation and transwell assays, as well as xenograft mouse model of tumor formation. Molecular expression and interactions were investigated using luciferase reporter assays, Western blot analysis, RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP), and immunohistochemical staining.ResultsThe RT-qPCR results revealed elevated levels of circCOL1A1 expressions in CRC tissues and cell lines as compared to the normal counterparts. In addition, circCOL1A1 expression level was found to be correlated with TNM stage, lymph node metastases, distant metastases, and invasion. Knockdown of circCOL1A1 resulted in impaired invasion, migration, and proliferation of CRC cells, and suppressed tumor generation in the animal model. We further demonstrated that circCOL1A1 could act as a sponge for miR-214-3p, suppressing miR-214-3p activity and leading to the upregulation of GLS1 protein to promote glutamine metabolism.ConclusionThese findings suggest that circCOL1A1 functions as an oncogenic molecule to promote CRC progression via miR-214-3p/GLS1 axis, hinting on the potential of circCOL1A1 as a therapeutic target for CRC.

Super-Enhancers and Their Parts: From Prediction Efforts to Pathognomonic Status.

Super-enhancers (SEs) are regions of the genome that play a crucial regulatory role in gene expression by promoting large-scale transcriptional responses in various cell types and tissues. Recent research suggests that alterations in super-enhancer activity can contribute to the development and progression of various disorders. The aim of this research is to explore the multifaceted roles of super-enhancers in gene regulation and their significant implications for understanding and treating complex diseases. Here, we study and summarise the classification of super-enhancer constituents, their possible modes of interaction, and cross-regulation, including super-enhancer RNAs (seRNAs). We try to investigate the opportunity of SE dynamics prediction based on the hierarchy of enhancer single elements (enhancers) and their aggregated action. To further our understanding, we conducted an in silico experiment to compare and differentiate between super-enhancers and locus-control regions (LCRs), shedding light on the enigmatic relationship between LCRs and SEs within the human genome. Particular attention is paid to the classification of specific mechanisms and their diversity, exemplified by various oncological, cardiovascular, and immunological diseases, as well as an overview of several anti-SE therapies. Overall, the work presents a comprehensive analysis of super-enhancers across different diseases, aiming to provide insights into their regulatory roles and may act as a rationale for future clinical interventions targeting these regulatory elements.

Взаимосвязь уровней гистамина, диаминоксидазы и субстанции P в сыворотке крови у пациентов с хронической крапивницей

The onset and progression of various disorders, including chronic urticaria, are associated with stress. The gut-brain-skin axis is used to describe correlations among the nervous system, gastrointestinal tract states and systemic and skin inflammation. We have summarized inflammatory and immune mechanisms underlying chronic urticaria and stress in the context of the gut-brain-skin axis. The study was aimed to show the relationships between substance P, the neurotransmitter, and diamine oxidase, the enzyme disrupting histamine in the gut of patients suffering from chronic urticaria. A total of 165 adults aged 18–68 were enrolled; 97 patients had chronic urticaria, the comparison group was formed of 68 nominally healthy individuals. ELISA (Cloud-Clone Corp; China) was used to simultaneously estimate serum levels of substance P, diamine oxidase, and histamine. We revealed a significant positive correlation (ρ = 0.5; p < 0.05) between substance P and diamine oxidase in patients with chronic urticaria and in the comparison group, which confirmed the existence of the gut-brain-skin axis. The paper provides theoretical background and new targets for treatment of chronic urticaria. The possibility of prevention and treatment of these disorders by modulation of gut microbiota is discussed, the place of diet and the lifestyle modification contributing to improvement of general health are determined.

MiR-145-5p regulates granulosa cell proliferation by targeting the SET gene in KGN cells.

MiR-145-5p has been implicated in the development and progression of various disorders, and it is primarily recognized as a tumor suppressor in numerous cancers types. Its expression has been reported to decrease in the granulosa cells of patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). This study aimed to investigate whether miR-145-5p plays a role in granulosa cell proliferation and to shed light on the underlying pathological mechanisms of follicular development in patients with PCOS. Follicular fluid samples were collected from patients with PCOS and healthy individuals. The Cell Counting Kit-8 and bromodeoxyuridine assays were performed to assess KGN cell proliferation. The expression of miR-145-5p was significantly decreased in PCOS granulosa cells than in control cells, whereas the expression of SET was increased. Furthermore, miR-145-5p suppressed the proliferation of KGN cells. SET was identified as a direct target of miR-145-5p. Additionally, SET promoted the proliferation of KGN cells, and knockdown of SET counteracted the effect of the miR-145-5p inhibitor. Therefore, miR-145-5p regulates granulosa cell proliferation by targeting the SET in KGN cells; this process may be a potential pathological pathway that contributes to follicular developmental disorders in PCOS.

Elucidation of 7,8-dihydroxy flavone in complexing with the oxidative stress-inducing enzymes, its impact on radical quenching and DNA damage: an in silico and in vitro approach

Oxidative stress (OS) has been attributed to the progression of various disorders, including cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. Several antioxidant compounds and free radical quenchers have been shown to mitigate oxidative stress. However, large-scale randomized controlled trials of such compounds on chronic disease aversion have yielded paradoxical and disappointing results due to the constrained cognizance of their oxidative mechanisms and therapeutic targets. The current study sought to identify the potential therapeutic targets of 7,8-Dihydroxyflavone (7,8-DHF) by analyzing its interactions with the enzymes implicated in oxidative stress and also to explore its radicle quenching potential and prophylactic impact on the H2O2-induced DNA damage. Through the in silco approach, we investigated the antioxidant potential of 7,8-DHF by evaluating its interactions with the human oxidative stress-inducing enzymes such as myeloperoxidase (MPO), NADPH oxidase (NOX), nitric oxide synthase (NOS), and xanthine oxidase (XO) and a comparative analysis of those interactions with known antioxidants (Ascorbic acid, Melatonin, Tocopherol) used as controls. The best-scoring complex was adopted for the simulation analysis in investigating protein-ligand conformational dynamics. The in vitro radicle quenching potential was evaluated by performing a spectrum of antioxidant assays, and radical quenching was observed in a dose-dependent fashion with IC50 values of < 60 µM/mL. Further, we probed its anti-hemolytic potential and prophylactic impact in avian erythrocytes subjected to H2O2-induced hemolysis and DNA damage by implementing hemolysis and comet assays. The protective effect was more pronounced at higher concentrations of the drug. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma

Etiology and course of cerebellar ataxia: A study from eastern India

Objective: The course of various cerebellar ataxia disorders in our population is relatively unexplored, especially beyond the hereditary spinocerebellar ataxias (SCA). This study was conducted to objectively assess the severity and progression of various disorders causing the cerebellar ataxia. Materials and Methods: This longitudinal prospective study evaluated the etiologies and the corresponding severity and progression of the cerebellar ataxia. Clinical examination and the relevant investigations were performed. The severity of ataxia was assessed using the Scale for Assessment and Rating of Ataxia (SARA) - at initial presentation and another at 6 months of follow-up, and the change in SARA scores were calculated to find the disease progression. Results: Out of 145 patients studied, SCA predominated followed by Autoimmune/paraneoplastic disorders, Multiple System Atrophy-Cerebellar (MSA-C), Wilson's disease, and Multiple sclerosis. On follow-up, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) associated progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy was the most rapidly advancing disease, followed by MSA-C, Friedreich's ataxia, and Huntington's disease, all of which progressed faster than SCA. SCA 3 emerged as the most progressive SCA followed by SCA 1, SCA 6, SCA 2, and SCA 12. The autoimmune etiologies showed favorable response to treatment, although with some variability across the different disorders. In the paraneoplastic category, anti Tr associated ataxia improved better than other disorders. Multiple sclerosis and other treatable disorders also responded to treatment. Conclusion: Cerebellar ataxia is the predominant clinical feature in a wide variety of disorders. While some are progressive, others are responsive to treatment, the extent of which differed according to the etiology.

Effects of Extracts Derived from Roots and Stems of Chelidonium majus L. on Oxidative Stress Biomarkers in the Model of Equine Plasma

Greater celandine (Chelidonium majus L., Papaveraceae) is a perennial herbaceous plant, with an upright and spreading stem, large leaves, and yellow flowers collected on the tops of the stems in rare umbel inflorescence. The main aim of the study was an assessment of the oxidative stress biomarkers [2-thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), carbonyl derivatives content of protein oxidative modification (OMP), total antioxidant capacity (TAC)] and also activity of antioxidant enzymes (catalase, ceruloplasmin) in the equine plasma after treatment by extracts derived from roots and stems of C. majus collected from rural and urban agglomerations. Plant materials were collected from natural habitats on the territory of the Kartuzy district in the Pomeranian province (northern part of Poland). Our results demonstrated that statistically significant reductions in lipid peroxidation byproducts were noted after incubation with extracts derived from roots of C. majus collected from both urban (by 35 %, p &lt;0.05) and rural (by 34 %, p &lt;0.05) agglomerations compared to the control samples. Stem extracts derived from C. majus also reduced TBARS levels, but only extracts derived from C. majus were collected from the rural areas; a statistically significant decrease (by 21 %, p &lt;0.05) was observed compared to the control samples. The lowest values in the content of the aldehydic derivatives of OMP were observed after incubation with extracts derived from roots of C. majus collected from both rural and urban areas. On the other hand, levels of ketonic derivatives of OMP were significantly increased after incubation with extracts derived from stems of C. majus collected from both rural and urban areas compared to the control samples, in contrast to extracts derived from roots of C. majus collected from urban areas, where there was a statistically significant reduction in ketonic derivatives of OMP (by 15 %, p&lt;0.05) compared to the control samples. A significant increase in the TAC levels was observed after incubation with root and stem extracts of C. majus collected from both urban and rural areas, but the highest values were observed after incubation with extracts derived from roots of C. majus collected from rural areas (by 66.7 %, p &lt;0.05) compared to the control samples. Stem extracts of C. majus collected from urban agglomerations were found to be most effective in increasing catalase activity (by 115 %, p &lt;0.05). Both root and stem extracts of C. majus collected from rural areas caused a statistically significant reduction in ceruloplasmin levels. These in vitro studies indicate that extracts from this plant are a significant source of natural antioxidants that could prevent the progression of various disorders caused by oxidative stress. However, the proportions of secondary metabolites responsible for the antioxidant activity of C. majus extracts are currently unclear. Therefore, further studies are needed to isolate and identify the antioxidant compounds present in the plant extracts. Screening of C. majus plant for other biological activities including antioxidant activities is essential and may be effective for searching the preventive agents in the pathogenesis of some metabolic diseases.

Circular RNAs as Novel Diagnostic Biomarkers and Therapeutic Targets in Kidney Disease.

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a novel type of non-coding RNAs that have aroused growing attention in this decade. They are widely expressed in eukaryotes and generally have high stability owing to their special closed-loop structure. Many circRNAs are abundant, evolutionarily conserved, and exhibit cell-type-specific and tissue-specific expression patterns. Mounting evidence suggests that circRNAs have regulatory potency for gene expression by acting as microRNA sponges, interacting with proteins, regulating transcription, or directly undergoing translation. Dysregulated expression of circRNAs were found in many pathological conditions and contribute to the pathogenesis and progression of various disorders, including renal diseases. Recent studies have revealed that circRNAs may serve as novel reliable biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis prediction of multiple kidney diseases, such as renal cell carcinoma (RCC), acute kidney injury (AKI), diabetic kidney disease (DKD), and other glomerular diseases. Furthermore, circRNAs expressed by intrinsic kidney cells are shown to play a substantial role in kidney injury, mostly reported in DKD and RCC. Herein, we review the biogenesis and biological functions of circRNAs, and summarize their roles as promising biomarkers and therapeutic targets in common kidney diseases.

Herbal therapy as a promising approach for regulation on lipid profiles: A review of molecular aspects

Impaired lipid profile is defined as abnormal plasma levels of low-density lipoprotein, triglycerides, and total cholesterol. This disease state is associated with the development and progression of various disorders, such as diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular diseases, and acute myocardial infarction. Globally, all of these disorders are related to a significant rate of death. Therefore, finding a suitable approach for the prevention and treatment of lipid profile-related disorders is in the spotlight. Recently, herbal therapy has been considered a promising therapeutic approach for the treatment of hyperlipidemia or its related disorders due to its safety and efficacy. Hereby, we address the potential benefits of some of these herbal compounds on different aspects of lipid profile and its abnormalities with a special focus on their underlying mechanisms. Using herbal products, such as teas and mushrooms, or their derivatives,Rosmarinus officinalis Linn, Curcuma longa, Green tea, Lippia triphylla, Lippia citriodora, Plantago asiatica L, Vine tea, and Grifola frondosa have been proved to exert several therapeutic impacts on lipid profile and its related disorders, and we would provide a brief review on them in this literature.

Expression profile and bioinformatics analysis of circular RNAs in acute ischemic stroke in a South Chinese Han population

Recent studies have found that circular RNAs (circRNAs) play crucial roles not only in the normal growth and the development of different tissues and organs but also in the pathogenesis and progression of various disorders. However, the expression patterns and the function of circRNAs in acute ischemic stroke (AIS) in the South Chinese Han population are unclear. In the present study, RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) data was generated from 3 AIS patients and 3 healthy controls. The circRNAs were detected and identified by CIRI2 and Find_circ software. Quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) analyses were used to detect the expression of circRNAs. Meanwhile, the potential diagnostic value of the selected circRNAs for AIS was assessed by generating receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve with area under curve (AUC). The bioinformatic analysis of the host genes of differentially expressed (DE) circRNAs was performed by gene ontology (GO) enrichment, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis, KOBAS for pathway analysis and regulatory network analysis. miRNA-circRNA and miRNA-mRNA interactions were predicted by using TargetScan, miRanda and starBase. CircRNA-miRNA-mRNA interaction networks were created with Cytoscape. Our result showed that there were 2270 DE circRNAs between AIS patients and healthy controls. Among them, 659 were found upregulated and 1611 were downregulated. Bioinformatic analysis showed that the DE circRNAs were related to the following biological processes: endocytosis, energy metabolism, apoptosis, FoxO signaling pathway, platelet activation, neurotrophin signaling pathway and VEGF signaling pathway, which may be associated with the pathological of AIS. Three randomly selected circRNAs were successfully validated by qRT‐PCR. The results show that hsa_circ_0005548 was significantly upregulated, while hsa_circ_0000607 and hsa_circ_0002465 were significantly downregulated in AIS. Furthermore, the AUC values for hsa_circ_005548, hsa_circ_0000607 and hsa_circ_0002465 were 0.51, 0.75 and 0.69, respectively, suggesting that hsa_circ_0000607 and hsa_circ_0002465 could be potential biomarkers for AIS. In addition, Bcl2 was predicted to be a direct target of miR-337-3p, and hsa_circRNA_0000607 was predicted to act as a sponge for miR-337-3p. Thus, hsa_circ_0000607 may be involved in AIS by regulating the miR-337-3p/Bcl2 axis. Collectively, our findings indicate that numerous dysregulated circRNAs may play pivotal functional roles in AIS and hsa_circ_0000607 may play a crucial role in the pathogenesis and progression of AIS by regulating the miR-337-3p/Bcl2 axis.

Malnutrition, Health and the Role of Machine Learning in Clinical Setting.

Nutrition plays a vital role in health and the recovery process. Deficiencies in macronutrients and micronutrients can impact the development and progression of various disorders. However, malnutrition screening tools and their utility in the clinical setting remain largely understudied. In this study, we summarize the importance of nutritional adequacy and its association with neurological, cardiovascular, and immune-related disorders. We also examine general and specific malnutrition assessment tools utilized in healthcare settings. Since the implementation of the screening process in 2016, malnutrition data from hospitalized patients in the Geisinger Health System is presented and discussed as a case study. Clinical data from five Geisinger hospitals shows that ~10% of all admitted patients are acknowledged for having some form of nutritional deficiency, from which about 60–80% of the patients are targeted for a more comprehensive assessment. Finally, we conclude that with a reflection on how technological advances, specifically machine learning-based algorithms, can be integrated into electronic health records to provide decision support system to care providers in the identification and management of patients at higher risk of malnutrition.

Identification of immunomodulatory RNA-binding proteins in tumors.

By binding RNA in a sequence- and/or structure-dependent manner, RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) and their target RNA form a ribonucleoprotein complex involved in the RNA's fate. In this context, RBPs were shown to act as key players for post-transcriptional gene regulation by controlling RNA editing, splicing, polyadenylation, translocation, and stability. So far, over 1900 RBPs were identified and their deregulation has been associated with the development and progression of various disorders including cancer. Although a number of sophisticated approaches are available, our knowledge about direct RNA-RBP interactions is, however, quite limited. Here we present a protocol with restricted requirements for equipment and devices to identify RBPs. This approach is based on (i) the purification of biotinylated RNA, (ii) chromatographic separation of co-purified proteins, and (iii) their identification by mass spectrometry.

Anti-Inflammatory MicroRNAs and Their Potential for Inflammatory Diseases Treatment

Inflammation is a complicated biological and pathophysiological cascade of responses to infections and injuries, and inflammatory mechanisms are closely related to many diseases. The magnitude, the complicated network of pro- and anti-inflammatory factors, and the direction of the inflammatory response can impact on the development and progression of various disorders. The currently available treatment strategies often target the symptoms and not the causes of inflammatory disease and may often be ineffective. Since the onset and termination of inflammation are crucial to prevent tissue damage, a range of mechanisms has evolved in nature to regulate the process including negative and positive feedback loops. In this regard, microRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as key gene regulators to control inflammation, and it is speculated that they are fine-tune signaling regulators to allow for proper resolution and prevent uncontrolled progress of inflammatory reactions. In this review, we discuss recent findings related to significant roles of miRNAs in immune regulation, especially the potential utility of these molecules as novel anti-inflammatory agents to treat inflammatory diseases. Furthermore, we discuss the possibilities of using miRNAs as drugs in the form of miRNA mimics or miRNA antagonists.

Confocal Synaptology: Synaptic Rearrangements in Neurodegenerative Disorders and upon Nervous System Injury.

The nervous system is a notable exception to the rule that the cell is the structural and functional unit of tissue systems and organs. The functional unit of the nervous system is the synapse, the contact between two nerve cells. As such, synapses are the foci of investigations of nervous system organization and function, as well as a potential readout for the progression of various disorders of the nervous system. In the past decade the development of antibodies specific to presynaptic terminals has enabled us to assess, at the optical, laser scanning microscopy level, these subcellular structures, and has provided a simple method for the quantification of various synapses. Indeed, excitatory (glutamatergic) and inhibitory synapses can be visualized using antibodies against the respective vesicular transporters, and choline-acetyl transferase (ChAT) immunoreactivity identifies cholinergic synapses throughout the central nervous system. Here we review the results of several studies in which these methods were used to estimate synaptic numbers as the structural equivalent of functional outcome measures in spinal cord and femoral nerve injuries, as well as in genetic mouse models of neurodegeneration, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The results implicate disease- and brain region-specific changes in specific types of synapses, which correlate well with the degree of functional deficit caused by the disease process. Additionally, results are reproducible between various studies and experimental paradigms, supporting the reliability of the method. To conclude, this quantitative approach enables fast and reliable estimation of the degree of the progression of neurodegenerative changes and can be used as a parameter of recovery in experimental models.

Astroglia as a cellular target for neuroprotection and treatment of neuro-psychiatric disorders.

Astrocytes are key homeostatic cells of the central nervous system. They cooperate with neurons at several levels, including ion and water homeostasis, chemical signal transmission, blood flow regulation, immune and oxidative stress defense, supply of metabolites and neurogenesis. Astroglia is also important for viability and maturation of stem‐cell derived neurons. Neurons critically depend on intrinsic protective and supportive properties of astrocytes. Conversely, all forms of pathogenic stimuli which disturb astrocytic functions compromise neuronal functionality and viability. Support of neuroprotective functions of astrocytes is thus an important strategy for enhancing neuronal survival and improving outcomes in disease states. In this review, we first briefly examine how astrocytic dysfunction contributes to major neurological disorders, which are traditionally associated with malfunctioning of processes residing in neurons. Possible molecular entities within astrocytes that could underpin the cause, initiation and/or progression of various disorders are outlined. In the second section, we explore opportunities enhancing neuroprotective function of astroglia. We consider targeting astrocyte‐specific molecular pathways which are involved in neuroprotection or could be expected to have a therapeutic value. Examples of those are oxidative stress defense mechanisms, glutamate uptake, purinergic signaling, water and ion homeostasis, connexin gap junctions, neurotrophic factors and the Nrf2‐ARE pathway. We propose that enhancing the neuroprotective capacity of astrocytes is a viable strategy for improving brain resilience and developing new therapeutic approaches.

Utilization of Electrospun Polystyrene Membranes as a Preliminary Step for Rapid Diagnosis

Recent advances in clinical practice drive deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) as an important class of biomarker. Monitoring the change in their concentration suggests the initiation and/or progression of various disorders. However, low quantity of DNA biomarkers in body fluids requires a delicate isolation methodology that provides efficient separation and easy handling. This study describes a newer‐generation separation technology relying on electrospun fibers of sub‐micrometer diameter of a commodity polymer for DNA biomarkers in simulative serum. Fibrous polystyrene membranes are prepared by electrospinning and they are subjected to post‐modification with Au. The composite membranes may provide a convenient environment for the removal of bovine serum albumin (BSA) from BSA and DNA mixtures. The eluent can be used as an efficient tool for detection of DNA biomarkers associated with diagnosis of numerous life‐threatening diseases. image

Eficacia de la terapia ocupacional y otras terapias no farmacológicas en el deterioro cognitivo y la enfermedad de Alzheimer

A review is presented on the existing knowledge about the usefulness of the occupational therapy in the non-pharmacological treatment of Alzheimer's disease. After conducting a literature search of the period 2010-2015, 25 articles that met the inclusion criteria were selected. The evidence obtained showed the efficiency and effectiveness of OT in delaying the progression of various disorders, especially when structured home OT programs are used. These programs should include aerobic and strengthening, sensory stimulation, and cognitive and memory training exercises based on learning without mistakes. These have shown benefits in the performance of activities of daily living, cognitive and emotional functioning. The importance is stressed of the combined and individual household level intervention and caregiver education. Finally, the need for more studies on the effectiveness of long-term sensory stimulation is highlighted.

CCL18 from tumor-cells promotes epithelial ovarian cancer metastasis via mTOR signaling pathway.

CCL18 is a chemotactic cytokine involved in the pathogenesis and progression of various disorders, including cancer. Previously, our results showed high levels of CCL18 in the serum of epithelial ovarian carcinoma patients suggesting its potential as a circulating biomarker. In this study, we determined that CCL18 expression was up‐regulated in ovarian carcinoma compared with adjacent tissue and was expressed in carcinoma cells in the tumor and not in normal ovarian epithelial cells by laser capture microdissection coupled with real‐time RT‐PCR. Moreover, correlation analysis showed that the CCL18 level was positively correlated with the metastasis of patients with ovarian cancer. Survival analysis also revealed that an increased level of CCL18 was associated with worse survival time in ovarian cancer patients. Over‐expression of CCL18 led to enhanced migration and invasion of the Skov3 ovarian cancer cell line in vitro and in vivo. Finally, proteomics analysis demonstrated that CCL18‐mediated ovarian cancer invasiveness was strongly correlated with the mTORC2 pathway. These findings suggest that the CCL18 chemokine has an important role in chemokine‐mediated tumor metastasis, and may serve as a potential predictor for poor survival outcomes for ovarian cancer. © 2015 The Authors. Molecular Carcinogenesis published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.