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156 p., La Enfermedad de Alzheimer es una enfermedad neurodegenerativa crónica que se caracteriza principalmente por una perdida gradual de memoria. Actualmente, no dispone de tratamiento y su etiopatogenia es desconocida, siendo la cascada amiloide una de hipótesis más aceptadas. En esta hipótesis, se sugiere una fase inicial en la que se produce la acumulación del péptido amiloide en losespacios interneuronales que posteriormente conlleva la formación de ovillos neurofibrilares y lesiones a nivel neuronal. En la fase preclínica, los individuos afectados no muestran sintomatología más allá de manifestaciones a nivel bioquímico. Más adelante, comienzan los primeros síntomas y se desarrollará la fase clínica con un deterioro progresivo del paciente. La Enfermedad de Alzheimer se considera una patología con origen multifactorial. Aunque algunos de estos factores no son modificables, como la edad,el gen APOE y el sexo femenino, otros si son modificables, como los factores asociados al riesgo cardiovascular. Este estudio se centra en la fase preclínica de la enfermedad, y su objetivo principal es determinar la asociación de las características sociodemográficas y el estado de salud en una muestra de personas adultas cognitivamente sanas con la evolución de los biomarcadores de la Enfermedad de Alzheimer en el líquido cefalorraquídeo.Para ello, se desarrolló un estudio prospectivo longitudinal enmarcado dentro del Proyecto Gipuzkoa Alzheimer, en el que se reclutaron 180 hombres y mujeres cognitivamente sanos. Todos ellos dieron su consentimiento para participar en dos fases del estudio (PGA1 y PGA2) y para la recogida de líquido cefalorraquídeo. Se recogieron las siguientes variables: edad, antecedentes familiares de demencia,parámetros de salud cardiovascular (antropometría, tensión arterial, glucemia y valores lipídicos), así como los niveles de los biomarcadores proteínas Tau y pTau, péptidos Beta amiloide 40 y 42 en líquido cefalorraquídeo, y el genotipo APOE. Posteriormente

Neurokinin B (NKB) and its cognate receptor, NK3R, play a key role in the regulation of reproduction. NKB belongs to the family of tachykinins, which also includes substance P and neurokinin A, both encoded by the by the gene TAC1, and hemokinin-1, encoded by the TAC4 gene. In addition to NK3R, tachykinin effects are mediated by NK1R and NK2R, encoded by the genes TACR1 and TACR2, respectively. The role of these other tachykinins and receptors in the regulation of women infertility is mainly unknown. We have analyzed the expression profile of TAC1, TAC4, TACR1, and TACR2 in mural granulosa and cumulus cells from women presenting different infertility etiologies, including polycystic ovarian syndrome, advanced maternal age, low ovarian response, and endometriosis. We also studied the expression of MME, the gene encoding neprilysin, the most important enzyme involved in tachykinin degradation. Our data show that TAC1, TAC4, TACR1, TACR2, and MME expression is dysregulated in a different manner depending on the etiology of women infertility. The abnormal expression of these tachykinins and their receptors might be involved in the decreased fertility of these patients, offering a new insight regarding the diagnosis and treatment of women infertility.

[EN] Background: Even if women have intention to breastfeed, they do not always achieve a successful breastfeeding. Aim: This study aims to analyse factors affecting breastfeeding prevalence among mothers that intended to breastfeed. Methods: This is a prospective observational study involving 401 pregnant women that intended to breastfeed (asked at the 20th week). Breastfeeding prevalence was evaluated in reference to health-related, socio-cultural factors and healthcare professionals' interventions at 1 month, 6 months and 12 months after birth. Data were analysed using descriptive statistical methods, bivariate logistic regression and multivariate logistic regression modelling. Results: Independent factors negatively affecting breastfeeding prevalence related to mothers' and newborns' health parameters and birth characteristics included smoking during pregnancy, anaemia and use of analgesia during labour. Regarding sociocultural parameters, being an immigrant, higher education level, intention to breastfeed before pregnancy, comfort with public breastfeeding and bedsharing were positively linked to breastfeeding, while teat or pacifier use in the first week was negatively linked. Regarding healthcare professionals' practices, mother and father/partner antenatal education course attendance and exclusive breastfeeding at the hospital were positively associated with breastfeeding. Conclusion: Breastfeeding is a very complex phenomenon affected by multiple and diverse variables. Physiological factors only affect the short term (1st month), while middle and long term BF affecting variables are mainly identical and include mostly socio-cultural factors and also BF related practices, especially in the first days after birth. These data should help to develop more effective breastfeeding promotion strategies.

[EN]Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) and angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) are two of the main components of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS). Imbalanced RAS showing lower ACE2 has been associated with increased cardiovascular risk, muscular pathologies, sarcopenia, frailty, other age-related pathologies and a poorer health status. However, its role in aging remains unclear. Thus, the aim of this work was to analyze the serum enzymatic activity of ACE and ACE2, the ACE/ACE2 ratio and its association with anthropometric parameters, blood pressure, physical function, dependence and frailty in older people living in nursing homes. This study is a secondary analysis of baseline data from two randomized clinical trials in a population of 228 older individuals living in nursing homes (Spain). Serum ACE and ACE2 enzymatic activities were measured by fluorimetry. Variables linked to cardiovascular risk, physical function, dependence and frailty were measured using validated tests, indexes and scales. Association between ACE, ACE2 serum activities, the ACE/ACE2 ratio and the rest of the quantitative variables were assessed by Pearson's correlations and by partial correlations controlled by age and sex. The association between serum ACE and ACE2 activities, the ACE/ACE2 ratio and frailty scores was analyzed by generalized linear models with and without controlling for sex and age. Differences in enzymatic activities between sexes and between frail and non-frail individuals were analyzed using Student's t-test and general linear models to control analysis by age and sex. We found that higher serum ACE2 activity was associated with a higher body mass index, worse physical function, greater dependence and increased frailty. This association is consistent with the elevation of circulating ACE2 in certain pathological conditions and in line with RAS deregulation in muscular dystrophies. Serum ACE2 activity, in combination with other molecules, could be proposed as a biom

No. Actualmente en fase de revisión.

Introduction Cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) could still have adequate battery life and functionality when they are explanted after the death of the carrier, supposing an important resource for low- and middle- income countries where patients cannot afford new devices. Objective The aim was to analyze the remaining battery life and reusability of CIEDs recovered from funeral homes. Method A descriptive study of postmortem explanted CIEDs was conducted. Devices were collected from three funeral homes in the Spanish region of the Basque Country (participation rate 33.3%). Devices with a remaining battery life of >75% or > 4 years, preserved external integrity and no evidence of malfunction were considered reusable. Results A total of 188 CIEDs were collected (175 pacemakers and 13 defibrillators). Of the total number of devices, 95 (50.5%) had enough battery to be interrogated. Among the interrogable devices, a total of 20 pacemakers (22.4%) had an estimated battery life of more than 4 years, as well as preserved integrity and no record of malfunction. Conclusions A non-negligible number of postmortem explanted devices had battery life, external integrity and functionality to be considered reusable. Postmortem CIED donation could provide treatment to patients unable to afford new devices.

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted daily activities worldwide. University students may have experienced substantial changes in daily living as a result of restrictions on university attendance. The return to normalcy may take a long time, and understanding the influence that shifts in daily routines have had on the lifestyles of university students may inform approaches to support overall well-being. We analyzed changes in the lifestyles of students enrolled at a health sciences university during the COVID-19 pandemic. This longitudinal study took place at the Faculty of Medicine and Nursing in the University of the Basque Country in Spain, and the final sample consisted of 113 nursing students, 109 medical students, and 45 physiotherapy students. Our results demonstrate changes in lifestyles of university students during the pandemic. MedDiet adherence scores and the percentage of students with high adherence increased during the pandemic. This increase was due to the increased consumption of vegetables and nuts. In terms of physical activity, the practice of moderate and intense physical activity was maintained. These results provide important information for both public health authorities and educational institutions to guide strategies to maintain the well-being of students and enhance opportunities for young adults to lead a healthy lifestyle.

Serum alpha-klotho (s-klotho) protein has been linked with lifespan, and low concentrations of s-klotho have been associated with worse physical and cognitive outcomes. Although its significance in aging remains unclear, s-klotho has been proposed as a molecular biomarker of frailty and dependence. This study is a secondary analysis of data from a clinical trial performed in a population of 103 older individuals living in 10 nursing homes in Gipuzkoa (Spain). We aimed to elucidate associations between s-klotho (as measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) and body composition, physical fitness, and cognition, as well as frailty and dependence (determined using validated tests and scales). In addition, we investigated the association of s-klotho concentration with falls in the six months following the initial assessment. Low s-klotho levels were associated with a lower score in the psychological component of the Tilburg Frailty Indicator, a worse score in the Coding Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale, and a greater dependence in activities of daily living. Moreover, participants with lower s-klotho concentrations suffered more falls during the 6 months after the assessment. Future translational research should aim to validate klotho's putative role as a biomarker that could identify the risk of aging-related adverse events in clinical practice.

156 p., La Enfermedad de Alzheimer es una enfermedad neurodegenerativa crónica que se caracteriza principalmente por una perdida gradual de memoria. Actualmente, no dispone de tratamiento y su etiopatogenia es desconocida, siendo la cascada amiloide una de hipótesis más aceptadas. En esta hipótesis, se sugiere una fase inicial en la que se produce la acumulación del péptido amiloide en losespacios interneuronales que posteriormente conlleva la formación de ovillos neurofibrilares y lesiones a nivel neuronal. En la fase preclínica, los individuos afectados no muestran sintomatología más allá de manifestaciones a nivel bioquímico. Más adelante, comienzan los primeros síntomas y se desarrollará la fase clínica con un deterioro progresivo del paciente. La Enfermedad de Alzheimer se considera una patología con origen multifactorial. Aunque algunos de estos factores no son modificables, como la edad,el gen APOE y el sexo femenino, otros si son modificables, como los factores asociados al riesgo cardiovascular. Este estudio se centra en la fase preclínica de la enfermedad, y su objetivo principal es determinar la asociación de las características sociodemográficas y el estado de salud en una muestra de personas adultas cognitivamente sanas con la evolución de los biomarcadores de la Enfermedad de Alzheimer en el líquido cefalorraquídeo.Para ello, se desarrolló un estudio prospectivo longitudinal enmarcado dentro del Proyecto Gipuzkoa Alzheimer, en el que se reclutaron 180 hombres y mujeres cognitivamente sanos. Todos ellos dieron su consentimiento para participar en dos fases del estudio (PGA1 y PGA2) y para la recogida de líquido cefalorraquídeo. Se recogieron las siguientes variables: edad, antecedentes familiares de demencia,parámetros de salud cardiovascular (antropometría, tensión arterial, glucemia y valores lipídicos), así como los niveles de los biomarcadores proteínas Tau y pTau, péptidos Beta amiloide 40 y 42 en líquido cefalorraquídeo, y el genotipo APOE. Posteriormente

PURPOSE: The neurokinin B (NKB)/NK3 receptor (NK3R) and kisspeptin (KISS1)/kisspeptin receptor (KISS1R), two systems essential for reproduction, are present in human granulosa cells (GCs) of healthy women and contribute to the control of fertility, at least partially, by acting on the gonads. However, little is known about the expression of these systems in GCs of women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). The aim of this study was to analyze the expression of NKB/NK3R and KISS1/KISS1R in mural granulosa (MGCs) and cumulus cells (CCs) of PCOS women. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed in 46 healthy women and 43 PCOS women undergoing controlled ovarian stimulation. MGCs and CCs were collected from pre-ovulatory follicles after transvaginal ultrasound-guided oocyte retrieval and the expression of the genes encoding NKB (TAC3), NK3R (TACR3), KISS1, and its receptor (KISS1R) was analyzed using real-time quantitative RT-PCR. RESULTS: TAC3, TACR3, and KISS1 mRNA levels were decreased in MGCs and CCs of PCOS women. TAC3 positively correlated with KISS1 in MGCs of healthy women and TACR3 was positively associated with KISS1R in CCs from healthy women. These associations were not observed in PCOS women. CONCLUSION: The NKB/NK3R and KISS1/KISS1R systems are dysregulated in MGCs and CCs of PCOS women. The lower expression of these systems in GCs could contribute to the abnormal follicle development and defective ovulation that characterize the pathogenesis of PCOS.

Objective: To determine whether obesity, physical fitness, and physical activity parameters are associated with the enzymatic activity of serum dipeptidyl peptidase IV (sDPPIV) in a sample of healthy women and men. Design and methods: We have correlated parameters of obesity, physical fitness, and physical activity with sDPPIV activity in 374 healthy subjects (age: 60.7 +/- 6.9 years, body mass index: 26.1 +/- 4.1 kg/m(2)). Enzymatic activity was analyzed using spectrofluorimetry, body composition was assessed by impedanciometry, physical fitness data were obtained using the Senior Fitness Test, and physical activity data were collected by accelerometer. Pearson' s partial correlation analysis was applied to determine the relationship between DPPIV activity and the rest of parameters and significantly correlated variables were introduced into linear regression models to predict DPPIV. Results: Serum DPPIV activity was negatively associated with obesity parameters such as body mass (r = -0.112), body mass index (BMI) (r = -0.147), waist circumference (r = -0.164), waist-to-hip ratio (-0.104), and percentage of fat mass (r = -0.185). Serum DPPIV activity was positively associated with cardiovascular fitness (r = 0.138), total amount of physical activity (r = 0.153), and time spent doing light exercise (r = 0.184). Regression models revealed sex differences in enzyme activity with overall activity higher in women than in men (beta = 0.437, p < 0.001). Further, percent fat mass was an independent negative predictor of DPPIV activity (beta = -0.184, p = 0.001). Serum DPPIV activity was positively predicted based on the amount of time spent doing light physical activity (beta = 0.167, p = 0.001). Conclusion: Our results demonstrate that sDPPIV activity is positively associated with healthier parameters regarding fatness, fitness and physical activity.

180 p., La Enfermedad de Alzheimer (EA) afecta a más de 26 millones de personas a nivel mundial. La EA se caracteriza por la presencia de placas seniles (PS) formadas por depósitos de ß-amiloide (ßA) y por la de ovillos neurofibrilares (ONF) causados por la proteína tau hiperfosforilada (p-tau), los cuales se encuentran en el líquido cefalorraquídeo (LCR). Tanto las concentraciones de ßA como las de p-tau pueden verse alteradas hasta décadas antes de que la EA sea evidente, por lo que la detección de los niveles de estos biomarcadores se ha convertido en objeto de interés científico en la prevención de la enfermedad. Asimismo, existen factores de riesgo (FR) modificables para los que existe la evidencia de que intervienen en la neuropatología de la EA. El objetivo de este estudio fue estudiar la relación de los algunos indicadores del estado físico y de salud con los niveles de los biomarcadores de la Enfermedad de Alzheimer en líquido cefalorraquídeo en una muestra de personas adultas cognitivamente sanas. Los datos se tomaron de una cohorte formada por 205 personas (99 hombres y 106 mujeres). Los hallazgos de este estudio indican que algunos de los indicadores del estado físico y de salud saludables se relacionan con un mejor perfil de los biomarcadores de la EA en LCR en la etapa preclínica y que, por el contrario, algunos de los perjudiciales se vinculan con alteraciones desfavorables en la concentración de los biomarcadores estudiados.

[ES] Introducción: La obesidad infantil constituye uno de los problemas de salud cada vez más relevantes de este siglo debido al gran aumento de su prevalencia y al desarrollo de múltiples enfermedades crónicas que conlleva. El actual ambiente obesogénico de la sociedad en el que una importante cantidad de mensajes publicitarios incitan al consumo de alimentos ultraprocesados hipercalóricos con grandes cantidades de grasas saturadas, azúcar y/o sal parece ser uno de los responsables del incremento del problema. Objetivo: El objetivo de esta revisión bibliográfica consiste en mostrar la relación de la publicidad de alimentos con el desarrollo de la obesidad infantil en niños de 3 a 15 años. Metodología: Se realizó una búsqueda bibliográfica sistemática a través de las bases de datos Dialnet, OvidMD, PubMed, ScienceDirect y Scielo seguida de una búsqueda inversa. Se seleccionaron los artículos útiles para cumplir el objetivo del trabajo que se ajustaron a los criterios de inclusión y exclusión establecidos, obteniendo un total de 8 artículos para el desarrollo de esta revisión bibliográfica. Resultados: La mayoría de los resultados obtenidos coincide en que los niños de 3 a 15 años familiarizados con la publicidad alimentaria presentan un mayor IMC, grasa corporal o peso, por lo que se relaciona con el desarrollo de obesidad. Conclusiones: Se considera que la publicidad influye en el desarrollo de la obesidad infantil en niños de 3 a 15 años. Sin embargo, se requiere una investigación más amplia sobre el tema para poder obtener datos concluyentes., [EN] Introduction: Childhood obesity is one of the most relevant health problems in our century due to its prevalence's large increase and the development of manifold chronic diseases it produces. Objective: The aim of this bibliographic review is to show the relation between food advertising and the development of childhood obesity in children between 3 and 15 years old. Methodology: A sistematic literature search was made in Dialnet, OvidMD, PubMed, ScienceDirect and Scielo databases, followed by an inverse search. With a view to reach our goal, useful articles were selected according to inclusion and exclusion criteria, obtaining a total of 8 articles. Results: Most of the obtained results conclude that kids between 3 and 15 years old familiarized with food advertising, have a higher BMI, body fat or weight, what sets a relation with the development of obesity. Conclusions: It seems that advertising influences in the development of childhood obesity in children between 3 and 15 years old. However, a wider research on this matter is needed in order to obtain conclusive data.

[ES] Introducción: La homocisteína es un aminoácido que se origina en el metabolismo de la metionina asociado a un mayor riesgo de enfermedad coronaria, vascular, cerebral y periférica. Desde el ámbito de la prevención existe evidencia de que la actividad física puede alterar el metabolismo de la homocisteína. Se ha decidido investigar la relación existente entre la actividad física y la homocisteína. Objetivo: Evaluar el efecto de la actividad física, aeróbica y anaeróbica, en la concentración plasmática de homocisteína en adultos sedentarios y físicamente activos, teniendo en cuenta la asociación con determinados factores. Metodología: Se ha realizado una búsqueda bibliográfica en distintas bases de datos, utilizando descriptores, filtros y operadores Booleanos. Mediante criterios de inclusión y exclusión se han obtenido artículos relevantes. Resultados: La actividad física altera los niveles plasmáticos de homocisteína en adultos sedentarios y físicamente activos. Se ha demostrado la influencia de factores dietéticos como el folato y la vitamina B12. Los hombres presentan una mayor concentración de homocisteína que las mujeres. Conclusión: La concentración plasmática de homocisteína, en los hombres, aumenta tras la actividad física aeróbica. En el caso de las mujeres no se generan cambios. Existe una correlación inversa entre la homocisteína y el ácido fólico en lo que concierne a la actividad física aeróbica. En lo relativo a la vitamina B12 la evidencia es escasa. Los hombres presentan mayor concentración de homocisteína que las mujeres después de una actividad física aeróbica., [EN] Introduction: Homocysteine is an amino acid that originates in the metabolism of methionine associated with an increased risk of coronary, vascular, cerebral and peripheral disease. From the field of prevention there is evidence that physical activity can alter the metabolism of homocysteine. It has been decided to investigate the relationship between physical activity and homocysteine. Objective: To evaluate the effect of physical activity, aerobic and anaerobic, on plasma concentration of homocysteine in sedentary and physically active adults, taking into account the association with certain factors. Methodology: A bibliographic search was carried out in different databases, using descriptors, filters and Boolean operators. Through inclusion and exclusion criteria, relevant articles have been obtained. Results: Physical activity alters plasma levels of homocysteine in sedentary and physically active adults. The influence of dietary factors such as folate and vitamin B12 has been demonstrated. Men have a higher homocysteine concentration than women. Conclusion: The homocysteine plasma concentration in men increases after aerobic physical activity. In the case of women, no changes are generated. There is an inverse correlation between homocysteine and folic acid with regard to aerobic physical activity. Regarding vitamin B12, the evidence is scant. Men present higher concentration of homocysteine than women after aerobic physical activity.

Understanding the modifiable factors that improve and maximize peak bone mass at an early age is necessary to design more effective intervention programs to prevent osteoporosis. To identify these modifiable factors, we analyzed the relationship of physical activity (PA), physical fitness, body composition, and dietary intake with bone stiffness index (SI), measured by quantitative ultrasonometry in young university students (18-21 years). Moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) was the strongest predictor of SI ( = 0.184; p = 0.035). SI was most closely related with very vigorous PA in males ( = 0.288; p = 0.040) and with the number of steps/day in females ( = 0.319; p = 0.002). An association between thigh muscle and SI was consistent in both sexes ( = 0.328; p < 0.001). Additionally, extension maximal force was a bone SI predictor factor in females ( = 0.263; p = 0.016) independent of thigh muscle perimeter. Calcium intake was the only nutrition parameter that had a positive relationship with SI (R = 0.217; p = 0.022). However, it was not included as a predictor for SI in our regression models. This study identifies predictors of bone status in each sex and indicates that muscle and bone interrelate with PA and fitness in young adults.

Background: Serum peptidases, such as angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE2), neutral endopeptidase (NEP), aminopeptidase N (APN), and aminopeptidase A (APA), are important elements of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS). Dysregulation of these enzymes has been associated with hypertension and cardiovascular risk. In the present study, serum activities of RAS peptidases were analyzed to evaluate the existence of sexual differences, with a possible different pattern in pre- and post-andropausal/post-menopausal participants. Methods: One hundred and eighteen healthy men and women between 41 and 70 years of age (58 women and 60 men) were recruited to participate in the study. Serum RAS-regulating enzymes were measured by spectrofluorimetry. Enzymatic activity was recorded as units of enzyme per milliliter of serum (U/mL). Results: Significantly lower serum APA activity was observed in men with respect to women; no sex differences were detected for ACE, ACE2, NEP, or APN. Significantly lower APA and ACE serum activity were observed in older men compared to older women. In contrast, younger (<55 years) men had significantly higher values of NEP serum activity than younger women. Significantly lower ACE serum activity was detected in older men compared to younger men. In women, significantly higher ACE2 serum activity was observed in older women compared to younger women. Conclusions: These results suggest a differential effect of aging on the activity of RAS enzymes in men and women, especially with respect to the breakpoint of andropausia/menopausia, on the critical serum enzymatic activities of the RAS, which could correlate with sexual differences in cardiovascular risk.

Background Dipeptidyl-peptidase IV (EC 3.4.14.5) (DPPIV) is a serine peptidase involved in cell differentiation, adhesion, immune modulation and apoptosis, functions that control neoplastic transformation. Previous studies have demonstrated altered expression and activity of tissue and circulating DPPIV in several cancers and proposed its potential usefulness for early diagnosis in colorectal cancer (CRC). Methods and principal findings The activity and mRNA and protein expression of DPPIV was prospectively analyzed in adenocarcinomas, adenomas, uninvolved colorectal mucosa and plasma from 116 CRC patients by fluorimetric, quantitative RT-PCR and immunohistochemical methods. Results were correlated with the most important classic pathological data related to aggressiveness and with 5-year survival rates. Results showed that: 1) mRNA levels and activity of DPPIV increased in colorectal neoplasms (Kruskal-Wallis test, p<0.01); 2) Both adenomas and CRCs displayed positive cytoplasmic immunostaining with luminal membrane reinforcement; 3) Plasmatic DPPIV activity was lower in CRC patients than in healthy subjects (Mann-U test, p<0.01); 4) Plasmatic DPPIV activity was associated with worse overall and disease-free survivals (log-rank p<0.01, Cox analysis p<0.01). Conclusion/significance 1) Up-regulation of DPPIV in colorectal tumors suggests a role for this enzyme in the neoplastic transformation of colorectal tissues. This finding opens the possibility for new therapeutic targets in these patients. 2) Plasmatic DPPIV is an independent prognostic factor in survival of CRC patients. The determination of DPPIV activity levels in the plasma may be a safe, minimally invasive and inexpensive way to define the aggressiveness of CRC in daily practice.

[EN] The plasma activity of nine aminopeptidases was monitored over a year in first-episode psychotic patients. We observed significant differences in aminopeptidase B (APB), aminopeptidase N (APN) and dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPPIV), but not in puromycin-sensitive aminopeptidase (PSA), prolyl endopeptidase (PEP), cysteine aminopeptidase (Cys-AP), aspartate aminopeptidase (Asp-AP), glutamate aminopeptidase (Glu) or piroglutamate aminopeptidase (PGI) in these patients compared to controls, and also a progressive increase in plasma activity, correlated to changes in scores on clinical scales, Global Assessment of Functioning scale (GAF) and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS), at 1 month of follow-up. At 1 month after diagnosis, the median score obtained by patients on the GAF was negatively associated with the plasma activity of APB and PEP measured at the beginning of the psychotic episode, indicating a role as a negative prognostic factor that can predict psychiatric symptomatology. In the case of HDRS, scores at 1 month after diagnosis were found to be positively associated with the initial plasma activity of DPPIV, APN and PSA, indicating that their initial elevation is a negative prognostic factor that can predict subsequent depressive symptomatology. Taken together, these results suggest a pathophysiological involvement of plasma peptidases and indicate that aminopeptidase activity can predict the course of first-episode psychosis patients, acting as a prognostic indicator.