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Tesis doctoral inédita leída en la Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Facultad de Ciencias, Departamento de Biología. Fecha de lectura: 20-01-2022, La tetraspanina CD9 es capaz de interaccionar con multitud de moléculas, entre ellas la integrina α5β1 y la metaloproteasa ADAM17, y a través de estas interacciones puede regular distintos procesos celulares, entre ellos la adhesión celular. Las interacciones entre la integrina α5β1 y la metaloproteasa ADAM17 pueden ocurrir en la misma célula (interacción en cis) o pueden ocurrir en células distintas (interacción en trans). Esta Tesis Doctoral se ha centrado en estudiar cómo la tetraspanina CD9 regula negativamente la adhesión celular mediada por la integrina α5β1: al aumentar la interacción en cis con ADAM17 en la superficie celular y la interacción entre CD9, ADAM17 y la integrina α5β1 en la unión y captación de exosomas. De igual manera, hemos demostrado, que el anticuerpo monoclonal 2A10, que reconoce el dominio desintegrina de ADAM17; inhibe la adhesión celular de la integrina α5β1 a su ligando fibronectina. Por otra parte, los exosomas son nanovesículas que tienen un origen endosomal. Otros grupos de investigación han demostrado que exosomas derivados de células cancerosas juegan un papel en muchos procesos relacionados con la metástasis. Sin embargo, no se había estudiado que el papel que juega la interacción entre CD9-α5β1-ADAM17 en la unión, captación y fusión de los exosomas a células tumorales. Hemos demostrado que la interacción entre la integrina α5β1 en células colorrectales tumorales y células mesoteliales primarias, y su ligando ADAM17 en los exosomas está mediando adhesión y la captación de exosomas a células tumorales colorrectales y a células mesoteliales derivadas de pacientes con cáncer de ovario; y que estos procesos están negativamente regulados por la expresión de la tetraspanina CD9 en los exosoma

[Resumen]: La mayor parte de los tumores son carcinomas que surgen como consecuencia de la alteración del fenotipo epitelial. En estadios tempranos de la progresión tumoral, uno de los tiene lugar un proceso denominado transición epitelio-mesénquima (TEM) caracterizado pores la pérdida de este fenotipo epitelial como consecuencia la destrucción de las uniones adherentes, un tipo de uniones entre células adyacentes implicado no sólo en el mantenimiento de la arquitectura tisular sino también en la señalización intracelular. La pérdida de la proteína E-cadherina en las uniones adherentes es un marcador estadios tempranos de la progresión tumoral. Uno de los mecanismos implicados en la degradación de la E-cadherina es a través de la acción de la proteína Hakai, una E3 ubiquitina-ligasa que se asocia a residuos de tirosina (Y) de la E-cadherina fosforilada por la quinasa Src, y que en consecuencia induce su ubiquitiniación y posterior degradación. La pérdida de estas uniones es un marcador del proceso de TEM en que las células epiteliales pierden la polaridad apico-basal, adquieren capacidad migratoria e invasiva activándose el proceso de progresión tumoral. Uno de los carcinomas más frecuentes entre la población masculina es el adenocarcinoma acinar de próstata, con una ratio de mortalidad asociada que lo sitúa como el quinto más letal entre los varones. Sintomatológicamente, se caracteriza por la ausencia de síntomas claros motivo por el cual se suele detectar ya en estados metastáticos. Se ha descrito extensamente el papel de la TEM en cáncer de próstata, sin embargo, se conoce poco el papel de Hakai en la progresión tumoral de este tipo de cáncer. En este trabajo se pretende determinar el posible papel de Hakai en cáncer de próstata. [Resumo]: A maior parte dos tumores son adenocarcinmas que xorden como consecuencia da alteración do fenotipo epitelial. Un dos rasgos máis caraterísticos da perda deste fenotipo é a destrución das unións adherentes, un tipo de asociación entre células adxacentes implicado non só no mantemento da arquitectura tisular senon na sinalización intracelular. A perda de E-cadherina nas unións adherentes é un marcador da perda destas unións. Un dos mecanismos implicados na degradación da E-cadherina é a través da acción da proteína Hakai, unha E3-ubiquitina ligasa que se asocia a residuos de tirosina (Y) da E-cadherina fosforilados pola quinasa Src e en consecuencia induce a sua ubiquitinación e posterior degradación. A perda destas unións é un marcador do proceso de transición epitelio-mesénquima (TEM) no que as células epiteliais perden a polaridade apico-basal, adquiren capacidade migratoria e invasiva activándose o proceso de progresión tumoral. Un dos carcinomas máis frecuentes entre a poboación masculina é o adenocarcinoma acinar de próstata, cunha ratio de mortalidade asociada que o sitúa como o quinto máis letal entre os homes. Sintomatolóxicamente, caracterízase pola ausencia de síntomas claros motivo polo cal se soe detectar en estadios metastáticos. Describiuse de forma extensa o papel da TEM no cancro de próstata. Non obstante, coñecese pouco sobre o papel de Hakai na progresión tumoral deste tipo de cancro. Neste traballo pretendese determinar o posible papel de Hakai no cancro de próstata. [Abstract]: Most of the tumors are carcinomas that arise as a consequence of the alteration of the epithelial phenotype. At early stages of tumor progression, one of the most characteristic features that takes place is a process named epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) characterized by the loss of the epithelial phenotype as a consequence of the destruction of adherent junctions, a type of junction between sdjacent cells involved not only in the maintenance of tissue architecture but also in intracellular signaling. Loss of the E-cadherin protein at adherent junctions is a hallmark of early stages of tumor progression. One of the mechanisms involved in the degradation of E-cadherin is through the action of the Hakai protein, an E3 ubiquitin-ligase that is associated with tyrosine (Y) residues of E-cadherin phosphorylated by Src kinase, and consequently induces its ubiquitination and subsequent degradation. The loss of these junctions is a marker of the EMT process in which epithelial cells lose their apico-basal polarity, acquire migratory and invasive capacity, activating the process of tumor progression. One of the most frequent carcinomas among the male population is acinar adenocarcinoma of the prostate, with an associated mortality rate being the fifth most lethal cancer disease in men. Prostate cancer is characterized by the absence of clear symptoms, which is why it is usually detected in metastatic states. The role of the EMT in prostate cancer has been extensively described, however, little is known about Hakai's role in the tumor progression of this type of cancer. This work aims to determine the potential role of Hakai in prostate cancer. Traballo fin de mestrado (UDC.CIE). Bioloxía molecular, celular e xenética. Curso 2020/2021

Tesis doctoral inédita leída en la Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Facultad de Ciencias, Departamento de Biología Molecular. Fecha de lectura: 25-06-2020, Esta tesis tiene embargado el acceso al texto completo hasta el 25-12-2021

Introduction: The asthma-chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) overlap (ACO) is a clinical condition that combines features of those two diseases, and that is difficult to define due to the lack of understanding of the underlying mechanisms. Determining systemic mediators may help clarify the nature of inflammation in patients with ACO. Objectives: We aimed at investigating the role and interaction of common markers of systemic inflammation (IL-6, IL-8, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha), Th2-related markers (periostin, IL-5, and IL-13), and IL-17 in asthma, COPD, and ACO. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study of patients aged >= 40 years with a post-bronchodilator forced expiratory volume in the first second/forced vital capacity < 0.70 recruited from out-patient clinics in tertiary hospitals with a clinical diagnosis of asthma, COPD, or ACO. ACO was defined by a history of smoking > 10 pack-years in a patient with a previous diagnosis of asthma or by the presence of eosinophilia in a patient with a previous diagnosis of COPD. Clinical, functional, and inflammatory parameters were compared between categories using discriminant and network analysis. Results: In total, 109 ACO, 89 COPD, and 94 asthma patients were included. Serum levels (median [interquartile range]) of IL-5 were higher in asthma patients than in COPD patients (2.09 [0.61-3.57] vs 1.11 [0.12-2.42] pg/mL, respectively; p=0.03), and IL-8 levels (median [interquartile range]) were higher in COPD patients than in asthma patients (9.45 [6.61-13.12] vs 7.03 [4.69-10.44] pg/mL, respectively; p < 0.001). Their values in ACO were intermediate between those in asthma and in COPD. Principal component and network analysis showed a mixed inflammatory pattern in ACO in between asthma and COPD. IL-13 was the most connected node in the network, with different weights among the three conditions. Conclusion: Asthma and COPD are two different inflammatory conditions that may overlap in some patients, leading to a mixed inflammatory pattern. IL-13 could be central to the regulation of inflammation in these conditions., The authors are grateful to all the patients who participated in the study. A number of investigators contributed to the study logistics and they are listed in the Supplementary materials. The project was endorsed by the COPD and Asthma Research Board (PII de EPOC y asma) of the Spanish Society of Pneumology and Thoracic Surgery (SEPAR). The project was partially funded by the Fondo de Investigaciones Sanitarias, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Ministerio de Economia y Competitividad (FIS 15/01263) through European Union FEDER funds and by unrestricted grant from Chiesi Espana S.A.U.

A chronic inflammatory state is a major characteristic of the aging process, and physical activity is proposed as a key component for healthy aging. Our aim was to evaluate the body composition, hypertension, lipid profile, and inflammatory status of older adults, and these factors' association with physical activity. A total of 116 elderly volunteers were categorized into terciles of quantitative metabolic equivalents of task (MET). Subjects in the first and third terciles were defined as sedentary and active subjects, respectively. Anthropometric and biochemical parameters, hemograms, and inflammatory markers were measured in plasma or peripheral mononuclear blood cells (PBMCs). The active groups exercised more than their sedentary counterparts. The practice of physical activity was accompanied by lower weight, fat mass, body mass index, and diastolic blood pressure when compared to a more sedentary life-style. Physical activity also lowered the haematocrit and total leukocyte, neutrophil, and lymphocyte counts. The practice of exercise induced a decrease in the IL-6 circulating levels and the TLR2 protein levels in PBMCs, while the expression of the anti-inflammatory IL-10 was activated in active subjects. The regular practice of physical activity exerts beneficial effects on body composition and the anti-inflammatory status of old people., This work was supported by the Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (Projects 11/01791 and 14/00636, Red Predimed-RETIC RD06/0045/1004, and CIBEROBN CB12/03/30038); Government of the Balearic Islands (grant numbers 35/2011 and AAEE26/2017), and European Union FEDER funds. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.

Introduction: Among the inflammatory mediators involved in the pathogenesis of obesity, the cell adhesion molecules P-selectin, E-selectin, VCAM-1, ICAM-1 and the chemokine MCP-1 stand out. They play a crucial role in adherence of cells to endothelial surfaces, in the integrity of the vascular wall and can be modulated by body composition and dietary pattern. Objectives: To describe and discuss the relation of these cell adhesion molecules and chemokines to anthropometric, body composition, dietary and biochemical markers. Methods: Papers were located using scientific databases by topic searches with no restriction on year of publication. Results: All molecules were associated positively with anthropometric markers, but controversial results were found for ICAM-1 and VCAM-1. Not only obesity, but visceral fat is more strongly correlated with E-selectin and MCP-1 levels. Weight loss influences the reduction in the levels of these molecules, except VCAM-1. The distribution of macronutrients, excessive consumption of saturated and trans fat and a Western dietary pattern are associated with increased levels. The opposite could be observed with supplementation of w-3 fatty acid, healthy dietary pattern, high calcium diet and high dairy intake. Regarding the biochemical parameters, they have inverse relation to HDLC and positive relation to total cholesterol, triglycerides, blood glucose, fasting insulin and insulin resistance. Conclusion: Normal anthropometric indicators, body composition, biochemical parameters and eating pattern positively modulate the subclinical inflammation that results from obesity by reducing the cell adhesion molecules and chemokines. Introducción: Entre los mediadores inflamatorios involucrados en la fisiopatogenia de la obesidad, se destacan las moléculas de adhesión P-selectina, E-selectina, VCAM-1, ICAM-1 y la quimiocina MCP-1. Estas desempeñan un papel crucial en la adherencia de células en las superficies endoteliales y en la integridad de la pared vascular y pueden ser moduladas por la composición corporal y patrón alimentario. Objetivos: Describir y discutir la relación de esas moléculas de adhesión y quimiocina con marcadores antropométricos, composición corporal, bioquímicas y dietéticas. Métodos: Se utilizaron bases científicas electrónicas para selección de artículos, sin límite de año de publicación. Resultados: Todas las moléculas se asociaron de forma positiva con marcadores antropométricos; sin embargo, se encontraron resultados controvertidos para ICAM-1 y VCAM-1. No solamente la obesidad per si, sino también la grasa visceral está más fuertemente relacionadas con las concentraciones de E-selectina y MCP-1. La pérdida de peso influencia en la reducción de las concentraciones de esas moléculas, con excepción de la VCAM-1. La distribución de macronutrientes, el consumo excesivo de grasa saturada y trans y un patrón alimentario occidental están asociados con aumento de sus concentraciones. El inverso se pudo observar con la suplementación de ácido graso w-3 en la dieta, el patrón alimentario sano y dieta rica en calcio y productos lácteos. Ya en cuanto a los parámetros bioquímicos, las mismas poseen relación inversa con HDL-c y positiva con coles-terol total, triacilgliceroles, glicemia e insulinemia de ayuno y resistencia a insulina. Conclusión: Marcadores antropométricos, composición corporal, parámetros bioquímicos y patrón alimentario adecuados modulan positivamente la inflamación subclínica derivada de la obesidad por medio de la reducción de las moléculas de adhesión y quimiocinas.

Introduction: Among the inflammatory mediators involved in the pathogenesis of obesity, the cell adhesion molecules Pselectin, E-selectin, VCAM-1, ICAM-1 and the chemokine MCP-1 stand out. They play a crucial role in adherence of cells to endothelial surfaces, in the integrity of the vascular wall and can be modulated by body composition and dietary pattern. Objectives: To describe and discuss the relation of these cell adhesion molecules and chemokines to anthropometric, body composition, dietary and biochemical markers. Methods: Papers were located using scientific databases by topic searches with no restriction on year of publication. Results: All molecules were associated positively with anthropometric markers, but controversial results were found for ICAM-1 and VCAM-1. Not only obesity, but visceral fat is more strongly correlated with E-selectin and MCP-1 levels. Weight loss influences the reduction in the levels of these molecules, except VCAM-1. The distribution of macronutrients, excessive consumption of saturated and trans fat and a Western dietary pattern are associated with increased levels. The opposite could be observed with supplementation of w-3 fatty acid, healthy dietary pattern, high calcium diet and high dairy intake. Regarding the biochemical parameters, they have inverse relation to HDLC and positive relation to total cholesterol, triglycerides, blood glucose, fasting insulin and insulin resistance. Conclusion: Normal anthropometric indicators, body composition, biochemical parameters and eating pattern positively modulate the subclinical inflammation that results from obesity by reducing the cell adhesion molecules and chemokines. Introducción: Entre los mediadores inflamatorios involucrados en la fisiopatogenia de la obesidad, se destacan las moléculas de adhesión P-selectina, E-selectina, VCAM-1, ICAM-1 y la quimiocina MCP-1. Estas desempeñan un papel crucial en la adherencia de células en las superficies endoteliales y en la integridad de la pared vascular y pueden ser moduladas por la composición corporal y patrón alimentario. Objetivos: Describir y discutir la relación de esas moléculas de adhesión y quimiocina con marcadores antropométricos, composición corporal, bioquímicas y dietéticas. Métodos: Se utilizaron bases científicas electrónicas para selección de artículos, sin límite de año de publicación. Resultados: Todas las moléculas se asociaron de forma positiva con marcadores antropométricos; sin embargo, se encontraron resultados controvertidos para ICAM-1 y VCAM-1. No solamente la obesidad per si, sino también la grasa visceral está más fuertemente relacionadas con las concentraciones de E-selectina y MCP-1. La pérdida de peso influencia en la reducción de las concentraciones de esas moléculas, con excepción de la VCAM-1. La distribución de macronutrientes, el consumo excesivo de grasa saturada y trans y un patrón alimentario occidental están asociados con aumento de sus concentraciones. El inverso se pudo observar con la suplementación de ácido graso w-3 en la dieta, el patrón alimentario sano y dieta rica en calcio y productos lácteos. Ya en cuanto a los parámetros bioquímicos, las mismas poseen relación inversa con HDL-c y positiva con colesterol total, triacilgliceroles, glicemia e insulinemia de ayuno y resistencia a insulina. Conclusión: Marcadores antropométricos, composición corporal, parámetros bioquímicos y patrón alimentario adecuados modulan positivamente la inflamación subclínica derivada de la obesidad por medio de la reducción de las moléculas de adhesión y quimiocinas.

Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't; CD66b is a member of the carcinoembryonic antigen family, which mediates the adhesion between neutrophils and to endothelial cells. Allergen-specific immunotherapy is widely used to treat allergic diseases, and the molecular mechanisms underlying this therapy are poorly understood. The present work was undertaken to analyze A) the in vitro effect of allergens and immunotherapy on cell-surface CD66b expression of neutrophils from patients with allergic asthma and rhinitis and B) the in vivo effect of immunotherapy on cell-surface CD66b expression of neutrophils from nasal lavage fluid during the spring season. Myeloperoxidase expression and activity was also analyzed in nasal lavage fluid as a general marker of neutrophil activation. RESULTS CD66b cell-surface expression is upregulated in vitro in response to allergens, and significantly reduced by immunotherapy (p

Journal Article; Review; This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Molecular Research of Functional and Nutraceutical Food) The use of probiotics and synbiotics in the prevention and treatment of different disorders has dramatically increased over the last decade. Both probiotics and synbiotics are well known ingredients of functional foods and nutraceuticals and may provide beneficial health effects because they can influence the intestinal microbial ecology and immunity. The present study reviews the effects of probiotics and synbiotics on obesity, insulin resistance syndrome (IRS), type 2 diabetes (T2D) and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in human randomized clinical trials. Select probiotics and synbiotics provided beneficial effects in patients with obesity, mainly affecting the body mass index and fat mass. Some probiotics had beneficial effects on IRS, decreasing the cell adhesion molecule-1 levels, and the synbiotics decreased the insulin resistance and plasma lipid levels. Moreover, select probiotics improved the carbohydrate metabolism, fasting blood glucose, insulin sensitivity and antioxidant status and also reduced metabolic stress in subjects with T2D. Some probiotics and synbiotics improved the liver and metabolic parameters in patients with NAFLD. The oral intake of probiotics and synbiotics as co-adjuvants for the prevention and treatment of obesity, IRS, T2D and NAFLD is partially supported by the data shown in the present review. However, further studies are required to understand the precise mechanism of how probiotics and synbiotics affect these metabolic disorders. Yes

Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't; The recognition of pathogen-derived structures by C-type lectins and the chemotactic activity mediated by the CCL2/CCR2 axis are critical steps in determining the host immune response to fungi. The present study was designed to investigate whether the presence of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within DC-SIGN, Dectin-1, Dectin-2, CCL2 and CCR2 genes influence the risk of developing Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis (IPA). Twenty-seven SNPs were selected using a hybrid functional/tagging approach and genotyped in 182 haematological patients, fifty-seven of them diagnosed with proven or probable IPA according to the 2008 EORTC/MSG criteria. Association analysis revealed that carriers of the Dectin-1(rs3901533 T/T) and Dectin-1(rs7309123 G/G) genotypes and DC-SIGN(rs4804800 G), DC-SIGN(rs11465384 T), DC-SIGN(7248637 A) and DC-SIGN(7252229 C) alleles had a significantly increased risk of IPA infection (OR = 5.59 95%CI 1.37-22.77; OR = 4.91 95%CI 1.52-15.89; OR = 2.75 95%CI 1.27-5.95; OR = 2.70 95%CI 1.24-5.90; OR = 2.39 95%CI 1.09-5.22 and OR = 2.05 95%CI 1.00-4.22, respectively). There was also a significantly increased frequency of galactomannan positivity among patients carrying the Dectin-1(rs3901533_T) allele and Dectin-1(rs7309123_G/G) genotype. In addition, healthy individuals with this latter genotype showed a significantly decreased level of Dectin-1 mRNA expression compared to C-allele carriers, suggesting a role of the Dectin-1(rs7309123) polymorphism in determining the levels of Dectin-1 and, consequently, the level of susceptibility to IPA infection. SNP-SNP interaction (epistasis) analysis revealed significant interactions models including SNPs in Dectin-1, Dectin-2, CCL2 and CCR2 genes, with synergistic genetic effects. Although these results need to be further validated in larger cohorts, they suggest that Dectin-1, DC-SIGN, Dectin-2, CCL2 and CCR2 genetic variants influence the risk of IPA infection and might be useful in developing a risk-adapted prophylaxis. Yes

CONTEXT: Adhesion molecule deficiency type 1 is a rare disease that should be suspected in any patient whose umbilical cord presents delay in falling off, and who presents recurrent severe infections. Early diagnostic suspicion and early treatment improve the prognosis. CASE REPORT: The case of a four-month-old boy with recurrent hospitalizations because of severe bronchopneumonia and several episodes of acute otitis media with non-purulent drainage of mucus and positive bacterial cultures is presented. His medical history included neonatal sepsis and delayed umbilical cord detachment. Laboratory studies showed marked leukocytosis with predominance of neutrophils and decreased CD11b and CD18. These were all compatible with a diagnosis of leukocyte adhesion deficiency type I [LAD type 1]. CONTEXTO: El deficit de moleculas de adhesión tipo 1 es una enfermedad rara que debe ser sospechada en todo paciente que presente un retardo en la caída del cordón unmbilical, además de infecciones graves a repetición. Un sospecha diagnóstica precoz y un tratamiento oportuno mejorarán el pronóstico. INFORMES DE CASO: Se presenta el caso de un niño de cuatro meses de edad, con hospitalizaciones recurrentes a causa de bronconeumonía severa y varios episodios de otitis media aguda con drenaje mucoso, no purulento, y cultivos bacterianos positivos. Su historial médico incluye la sepsis neonatal y el desprendimiento tardío del cordón umbilical. Los estudios de laboratorio mostraron leucocitosis marcada con predominio neutrofílico y disminución de CD11b y CD18, todos compatibles con el diagnóstico del tipo de deficiencia de adhesión leucocitaria 1 [tipo LAD 1].

Introduction: Chondroitin sulfate (CS) is a symptomatic slow-acting drug for osteoarthritis (OA) widely used in the clinic. The aim of this work is to find proteins whose secretion from cartilage cells under proinflammatory stimuli (IL-1β) is regulated by CS, employing a novel quantitative proteomic approach. Methods: Human articular chondrocytes released from three normal cartilages were grown in SILAC medium. When complete incorporation of the heavy isotope was achieved, chondrocytes were stimulated with IL-1β 5 ng/ml with or without CS pretreatment (200 µg/ml). Forty-eight hours later, chondrocyte secretomes were analyzed by nano-scale liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Real-time PCR, western blot and immunohistochemistry analyses were employed to confirm some of the results. Results: We could identify 75 different proteins in the secretome of human articular chondrocytes. Eighteen of these were modulated by CS with statistical significance (six increased and 12 decreased). In normal chondrocytes stimulated with IL-1β, CS reduces inflammation directly by decreasing the presence of several complement components (CFAB, C1S, CO3, and C1R) and also indirectly by increasing proteins such as TNFα-induced protein (TSG6). TSG6 overexpression correlates with a decrease in pro-matrix metalloproteinase activation (observed in MMP1 and MMP3 levels). Finally, we observed a strong CS-dependent increase of an angiogenesis inhibitor, thrombospondin-1. Conclusion: We have generated a quantitative profile of chondrocyte extracellular protein changes driven by CS in the presence of IL-1β. We have also provided novel evidences of its anti-angiogenic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-catabolic properties. Demonstration of the anti-angiogenic action of CS might provide a novel therapeutic approach for OA targeting.

[ES] En el presente trabajo se hace un análisis exhaustivo de los distintos modelos experimentales, con sus ventajas e inconvenientes., [EN] In this paper a thorough analysis of the different experimental models, with their advantages and disadvantages.

La matriz extracelular (MEC) representa una red tridimensional que engloba todos los órganos, tejidos y células del organismo. Constituye un filtro biofísico de protección, nutrición e inervación celular y el terreno para la respuesta inmune, angiogénesis, fibrosis y regeneración tisular. Y representa el medio de transmisión de fuerzas mecánicas a la membrana basal, que a través de las integrinas soporta el sistema de tensegridad y activa los mecanismos epigenéticos celulares. La alteración de la MEC supone la pérdida de su función de filtro eficaz, nutrición, eliminación, denervación celular, pérdida de la capacidad de regeneración y cicatrización y alteración de la transmisión mecánica o mecanotransducción. También la pérdida del sustrato para una correcta respuesta inmune ante agentes infecciosos, tumorales y tóxicos. Los tumores son tejidos funcionales conectados y dependientes del microambiente. El microambiente tumoral, constituido por la MEC, células del estroma y la propia respuesta inmune, son determinantes de la morfología y clasificación tumoral, agresividad clínica, pronóstico y respuesta al tratamiento del tumor. Tanto en condiciones fisiológicas como patológicas, la comunicación recíproca entre células del estroma y el parénquima dirige la expresión génica. La capacidad oncogénica del estroma procede tanto de los fibroblastos asociados al tumor como de la celularidad de la respuesta inmune y la alteración de la tensegridad por la MEC. La transición epitelio-mesenquimal es el cambio que transforma una célula normal o «benigna» en «maligna». El citoesqueleto pseudomesenquimal otorga las propiedades de migración, invasión y diseminación. Y viceversa, el fenotipo maligno es reversible a través de la corrección de las claves que facilita el microambiente tumoral. Extracellular matrix (ECM) is a three-dimensional network that envelopes all the organs, tissues and cells of the body. A biophysical filter that provides protection, nutrition and cell innervation, it is the site for immune response, angiogenesis, fibrosis and tissue regeneration. It is also the transport medium for mechanical forces to the basal membrane through integrins that support the tensegrity system, activating cellular epigenetic mechanisms. The disruption of the ECM leads to a functional loss of nutrition, elimination, cell innervation, regenerative capacity and wound healing as well as alterations in mechanical transduction. This loss also disrupts the immune response to pathogens, tumour cells and toxins. Tumours are functionally connected tissues which depend on the microenvironment. This tumour microenvironment, made up of ECM, stromal cells and the immune response, determines the morphology and tumour histopathological classification, clinical behaviour, prognosis and immune response to the tumour. Both in physiological and pathological conditions, reciprocity in the communication between stromal and parenchymal cells determine gene expression. The oncogenic capacity of the stroma depends on tumour associated fibroblasts, immune system cellularity and disruption of tensegrity by ECM. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition is the change that transforms a normal or benign cell into a malignant cell. The «pseudo-mensenchymal» cytoskeleton is responsible for migration, invasion and dissemination, and vice-versa, the malignant phenotype is reversible through the correction of the microenvironmental factors that favour tumour growth. Noguera Salva, Rosa, Rosa.Noguera@uv.es

This article is available from: http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2350/8/75, [Background] The etiology of Ulcerative Colitis (UC) and Crohn's Disease (CD), considered together as Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD), involves environmental and genetic factors. Although some genes are already known, the genetics underlying these diseases is complex and new candidates are continuously emerging. The CD209 gene is located in a region linked previously to IBD and a CD209 functional polymorphism (rs4804803) has been associated to other inflammatory conditions. Our aim was to study the potential involvement of this CD209 variant in IBD susceptibility., [Methods] We performed a case-control study with 515 CD patients, 497 UC patients and 731 healthy controls, all of them white Spaniards. Samples were typed for the CD209 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs4804803 by TaqMan technology. Frequency comparisons were performed using χ2 tests., [Results] No association between CD209 and UC or CD was observed initially. However, stratification of UC patients by HLA-DR3 status, a strong protective allele, showed that carriage of the CD209_G allele could increase susceptibility in the subgroup of HLA-DR3-positive individuals (p = 0.03 OR = 1.77 95% CI 1.04–3.02, vs. controls)., [Conclusion] A functional variant in the CD209 gene, rs4804803, does not seem to be influencing Crohn's disease susceptibility. However, it could be involved in the etiology or pathology of Ulcerative Colitis in HLA-DR3-positive individuals but further studies are necessary., This work was supported by grants SAF2003-08522 and SAF2006-00398. Concepción Núñez and Alfonso Martínez have a FIS contract (CA06/0163 and CP04/00175, respectively) and Elena Urcelay works for the "Fundación para la Investigación Biomédica-Hospital Clínico San Carlos".

Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't; BACKGROUND Kidney transplant recipients have high cardiovascular risk, and vascular inflammation may play an important role. We explored whether the inflammatory state in the vessel wall was related to carotid intima-media thickness (c-IMT) and patient survival following kidney transplantation. METHODS In this prospective observational cohort study we measured c-IMT and expression of proinflammatory cytokines and adhesion molecules in the inferior epigastric artery in 115 kidney transplant candidates. Another c-IMT measurement was done 1-year post-transplantation in 107. By stepwise multiple regression analysis we explored factors associated with baseline c-IMT and their changes over time. Multivariate Cox regression analysis was constructed to identify risk factors for mortality. RESULTS A worse cardiovascular profile (older age, smoker, diabetic, carotid plaque, systolic blood pressure and vascular calcification) and higher VCAM-1 levels were found in patients in the highest baseline c-IMT tertile, who also had a worse survival. Factors independently related to baseline c-IMT were age (β=0.369, P

Mannosylation facilitates uptake and internalization of immunogenic peptides by antigen-processing cells expressing mannose receptors at their surface, such as DC-SIGN, a lectin that plays a key role in the immune response against different pathogens. This internalization, processing and subsequent MHC presentation may result in a strong T cell stimulation. Here, we hypothesized that combining mannose glycodendrons with multivalent presentation of peptide epitopes in a likewise dendron format would yield hybrid constructs, named glycodendropeptides (GDPs), with the capacity to enhance peptide immunogenicity, hence providing a novel and versatile platform for applications in immunotherapy. Thus, GDPs of different valencies displaying the NP366–374 epitope, a conserved sequence from the influenza A virus nucleoprotein (NP), have been built by two click chemistry-based methodologies and assessed as potential flu vaccine candidates. Preliminary evaluation of the ability of these constructs to stimulate dendritic cell maturation and lymphocyte proliferation was promising, showing the highest-functionalized NP366–374 GDPs as inducing the strongest immunostimulatory effect.