Genetic Evidence of Endocannabinoid System on Perceived Stress and Restricted Food Intake: The Role of Variants rs324420 in FAAH Gene and rs1049353 in CNR1 Gene

Background: The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is active in brain regions involved in stress, food intake, and emotional regulation. The CB1 receptor and the fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) enzyme regulate the ECS. Genetic variants in the FAAH gene (rs324420) and in the CNR1 gene (rs1049353) have been involved in both chronic stress and obesity. As a maladaptive strategy to evade the stress, three dysfunctional eating patterns may appear: cognitive restriction, disinhibition, and emotional eating. Aim: To evaluate the association of variants rs324420 in the FAAH gene and rs1049353 in the CNR1 gene with perceived stress, dysfunctional eating patterns, and anthropometric and body composition variables. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 189 participants from western Mexico. The Spanish version of the Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire and the Perceived Stress Scale were applied. Genotyping was performed with TaqMan® probes. Results: It was found that subjects with CA/AA genotypes in FAAH had a higher risk of presenting high scores in stress perception than CC genotype carriers (odds ratio [OR] 1.85, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.007-3.339; p = 0.048); in addition, the CC genotype of this genetic variant was related to higher body weight and body fat, but no association was found with dysfunctional eating patterns. As for the CNR1 single-nucleotide polymorphism, this variant showed no significant association with stress perception scores, but subjects with GA/AA genotypes in CNR1 had a lower risk of presenting high scores of restriction in food intake compared with GG genotype carriers (OR 0.11, 95% CI 0.046-0.322; p < 0.001). Therefore, this study suggests a differential role of the ECS genes FAAH and CNR1 in perceived stress and dysfunctional eating patterns, respectively. Further studies in other populations are required.

Cytokine Signatures and Immune Dysregulation in COVID-19 Patients: Transcriptomic and Serum Analysis

COVID-19, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, has caused a global health crisis, necessitating a deeper understanding of its pathophysiology. In this study, we explored the immune and hematological dynamics in COVID-19 patients to gain insights into disease severity and prognosis. Our findings revealed distinct cytokine profiles in moderate and severe cases. IL12A was significantly upregulated in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from moderate cases, suggesting a potential role in initiating an effective immune response. Conversely, severe cases exhibited downregulation of key pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL23A, TNFalpha, IL1B, and IFNG) alongside an upregulation of the immunosuppressive IL10, indicative of a dysregulated immune environment. Serum analysis showed elevated IL6 and IL10 levels in both moderate and severe cases, emphasizing their potential as markers for disease severity. Notably, no significant differences in serum cytokines were found between recovery and lethal cases. In lethal cases of COVID-19, elevated D-dimer, urea, and creatinine correlated with IL6 and IL10. This study contributes valuable information to the ongoing efforts to understand and manage the dysregulated immune responses underlying COVID-19 pathology.

An Observational Study Suggests That Natural HAdV-36 Infection Decreases Blood Glucose Levels without Affecting Insulin Levels in Obese Young Subjects

Human adenovirus-36 (HAdV-36) infection has been linked to obesity, low lipid levels, and improvements in blood glucose levels and insulin sensitivity in animal models and humans, although epidemiological studies remain controversial. Therefore, this study investigated the relationship between HAdV-36 seropositivity and glycemic control in youths. This observational study examined 460 youths (246 with normal weight and 214 obese subjects). All participants underwent assessments for anthropometry, blood pressure, circulating fasting levels of glucose, lipids, insulin, and anti-HAdV-36 antibodies; additionally, the homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was calculated. In all, 57.17% of the subjects were HAdV-36 seropositive. Moreover, HAdV-36 seroprevalence was higher in obese subjects compared to their normal weight counterparts (59% vs. 55%). BMI (33.1 vs. 32.3 kg/m2, p = 0.03), and waist circumference (107 vs. 104 cm, p = 0.02), insulin levels (21 vs. 16.3 µU/mL, p = 0.003), and HOMA-IR (4.6 vs. 3.9, p = 0.02) were higher in HAdV-36-positive subjects with obesity compared to seronegative subjects. In the obese group, HAdV-36 seropositivity was associated with a reducing effect in blood glucose levels in a model adjusted for total cholesterol, triglyceride levels, age and sex (β = -10.44, p = 0.014). Furthermore, a statistically significant positive relationship was observed between HAdV-36 seropositivity and insulin levels in the obesity group. These findings suggest that natural HAdV-36 infection improves glycemic control but does not ameliorate hyperinsulinemia in obese subjects.

Analysis of 26 STR loci (PowerPlex® Fusion 6C System) in a mestizo population from Mexico city

BACKGROUND

Short tandem repeats (STRs) are the most widely used genetic markers in forensic genetics. Therefore, it is essential to document genetic population data of new kits designed for human identification purposes to enable laboratories to use these genetic systems to interpret and solve forensic casework. However, in Mexico, there are no studies with the PowerPlex Fusion 6C System, which includes 26 STRs (23 autosomal STRs and 3 Y-STRs).

METHODS AND RESULTS

600 DNA samples from Mexico City were subjected to genotyping using the PowerPlex Fusion 6C System. For autosomal STRs, 312 different alleles were observed. Combined PE and PD were 99.999999809866% and 99.99999999999999999999999818795%, respectively. Genetic distances and AMOVA test showed low but significant differentiation between Mexican populations.

CONCLUSIONS

The results reported in this work demonstrate the efficacy of this system for human identification purposes in the population studied and justify its possible application in other Mexican Mestizo populations.

PTCH1 Gene Variants, mRNA Expression, and Bioinformatics Insights in Mexican Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma Patients

BACKGROUND

Skin cancer is one of the most frequent types of cancer, and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) constitutes 20% of non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) cases. PTCH1, a tumor suppressor gene involved in the Sonic hedgehog signaling pathway, plays a crucial role in neoplastic processes.

METHODS

An analytical cross-sectional study, encompassing 211 cSCC patients and 290 individuals in a control group (CG), was performed. A subgroup of samples was considered for the relative expression analysis, and the results were obtained using quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) with TaqMan® probes. The functional, splicing, and disease-causing effects of the proposed variants were explored via bioinformatics.

RESULTS

cSCC was predominant in men, especially in sun-exposed areas such as the head and neck. No statistically significant differences were found regarding the rs357564, rs2236405, rs2297086, and rs41313327 variants of PTCH1, or in the risk of cSCC, nor in the mRNA expression between the cSCC group and CG. A functional effect of rs357564 and a disease-causing relation to rs41313327 was identified.

CONCLUSION

The proposed variants were not associated with cSCC risk in this Mexican population, but we recognize the need for analyzing larger population groups to elucidate the disease-causing role of rare variants.

Seroprevalence of IgM/IgG and Neutralizing Antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 in Unvaccinated Young Adults from Mexico Who Reported Not Having Had a Previous COVID-19 Infection

Background

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the virus that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). It is estimated that more than half of new infections are transmitted by asymptomatic people; therefore, the isolation of symptomatic people is not enough to control the spread of the disease.

Methods

A total of 171 unvaccinated young adults (18-35 years) from Sonora, Mexico, who underwent a structured survey to identify prior COVID-19 infections, were included in this study. A qualitative determination of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in serum was performed by lateral flow immunoassay (Certum IgG/IgM Rapid Test™ cassette kit) and neutralizing antibodies were also determined (GenScript cPass assay).

Results

A total of 36 people reported a history of COVID-19 infection, and 135 reported no history of COVID-19. In contrast, 49.6% (67/135) of individuals who had not reported a previous SARS-CoV-2 infection were seropositive to the rapid anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody test, and 48.1% (65/135) of them had neutralizing antibodies.

Conclusions

These results suggest that in young adults, SARS-CoV-2 infections could be asymptomatic in a high percentage of individuals, which could contribute in part to the slow control of the current pandemic due to the large number of asymptomatic cases that are contagious and that could be a silent spread of the virus.

STAT4 Gene Variant rs7574865 Is Associated with Rheumatoid Arthritis Activity and Anti-CCP Levels in the Western but Not in the Southern Population of Mexico

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a multifactorial autoimmune disease. Currently, several genes play an important role in the development of the disease. The objective was to evaluate the association of the STAT4 rs7574865 and rs897200 gene variants with RA susceptibility, DAS28, RF, and anti-CCP in Western and Southern Mexico populations. Genotyping was performed on 476 samples (cases = 240; controls = 236) using the Taqman® system and qPCR probes. Disease activity was assessed using DAS28 and HAQ DI. CRP, ESR, RF, and anti-CCP were determined for clinical assessment. Our study showed there is a statistically significant association with susceptibility to RA for the rs7574865 variant in the Western population for the GT and TT genotypes. The same genotypes also showed a moderate-to-high activity according to DAS28 and positive anti-CCP compared to the control group. This association was not found in the Southern population. This work confirms the association of the rs7574865 variant with RA, as well as a moderate-to-high activity and positive anti-CCP in the Western population but not in the Southern population. No association of the rs897200 variant was found in any of the studied populations.

Beyond SARS-CoV-2: epidemiological surveillance of respiratory viruses in Jalisco, Mexico

Introduction

Respiratory viral infections represent a significant global health burden. Historically, influenza, rhinovirus, respiratory syncytial virus, and adenovirus have been the prevalent viruses; however, the landscape shifted with the widespread emergence of SARS-CoV-2. The aim of this study is to present a comprehensive epidemiological analysis of viral respiratory infections in Jalisco, Mexico.

Methods

Data encompassing individuals with flu-like symptoms from July 2021 to February 2023 was scrutinized for viral diagnosis through PCR multiplex. The effect of social mobility on the increase in respiratory viral diagnosis infection was considered to estimate its impact. Additionally, sequences of respiratory viruses stored in public databases were retrieved to ascertain the phylogenetic classification of previously reported viruses in Mexico.

Results

SARS-CoV-2 was the most detected virus (n = 5,703; 92.2%), followed by influenza (n = 479; 7.78%). These viruses were also found as the most common co-infection (n = 11; 50%), and for those with influenza, a higher incidence of severe disease was reported (n = 122; 90.4%; p < 0.001). Regarding comorbidities and unhealthy habits, smoking was found to be a risk factor for influenza infection but a protective factor for SARS-CoV-2 (OR = 2.62; IC 95%: 1.66-4.13; OR = 0.65; IC 95%: 0.45-0.94), respectively. Furthermore, our findings revealed a direct correlation between mobility and the prevalence of influenza infection (0.214; p < 0.001).

Discussion

The study presents evidence of respiratory virus reemergence and prevalence during the social reactivation, facilitating future preventive measures.

Relationship between lipid profile, anthropometric indicators, and appetite-regulating hormones in infants according to type of feeding

Introduction

Background: infants receiving full breastfeeding (FBF) regulate their appetites differently from those receiving human milk substitutes (HMS). In addition, early exposure to the dietary cholesterol in human milk could lead to better cholesterol regulation in later stages of life. Therefore, the purpose was to compare lipid profiles in 4-month-old infants and to correlate lipid profile with anthropometric indicators and appetite-regulating hormones according to the type of feeding. Methods: this was a cross-sectional and correlational study, which included 145 mother-infant dyads according to the type of feeding; 64 received FBF, 47 partial breastfeeding (PBF), and 34 HMS. The complete lipid profile, total ghrelin, leptin, peptide YY, and glucagon-like peptide type 1 were measured. Z-scores for weight/age, length/age, weight/length, triceps (TSF) and subscapular folds (SSF) and body mass index for age were also obtained. Results: there were significant differences in triglycerides and LDL cholesterol according to the type of feeding. In the HMS group, an inverse relationship was observed between ghrelin and triglycerides (p = 0.038), ghrelin and total cholesterol (TC) (p = 0.026), and peptide YY and HDL cholesterol (p = 0.017). In the PBF group, a direct relationship was observed between length/age (z) and triglycerides (p = 0.001) and between subscapular folds and TC (p = 0.049). In infants receiving HMS, a direct correlation was observed between weight/age (z) and TC (p = 0.045) and between length/age (z) and LDL cholesterol (p = 0.010). Conclusion: these findings show a relationship between growth, energy reserve, lipid profile, and modulation of appetite-regulating hormones according to the type of feeding they received.

Aberrant B-cell activation and B-cell subpopulations in rheumatoid arthritis: analysis by clinical activity, autoantibody seropositivity, and treatment

Few studies analyze the role of B-cell subpopulations in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) pathophysiology. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the differences in B-cell subpopulations and B-cell activation according to disease activity, RA subtype, and absence of disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) therapy. These subgroups were compared with control subjects (CS). One hundred and thirty-nine subjects were included, of which 114 were RA patients, and 25 were controls. Patients were divided into 99 with seropositive RA, 6 with seronegative RA, and 9 without DMARDs. The patients with seropositive RA were subclassified based on the DAS28 index. A seven-color multicolor flow cytometry panel was used to identify B-cell immunophenotypes and cell activation markers. There were no changes in total B-cell frequencies between RA patients and controls. However, a lower frequency of memory B cells and pre-plasmablasts was observed in seropositive RA compared to controls (P < 0.0001; P = 0.0043, respectively). In contrast, a higher frequency of mature B cells was observed in RA than in controls (P = 0.0002). Among patients with RA, those with moderate activity had a higher percentage of B cells (P = 0.0021). The CD69+ marker was increased (P < 0.0001) in RA compared to controls, while the CD40+ frequency was decreased in patients (P < 0.0001). Transitional, naïve, and double-negative B-cell subpopulations were higher in seronegative RA than in seropositive (P < 0.01). In conclusion, in seropositive and seronegative RA patients, there are alterations in B-cell activation and B-cell subpopulations, independently of clinical activity and DMARDs therapy.

Transcriptional upregulation of galectin-3 in multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune, demyelinating disorder of the central nervous system (CNS) affecting approximately 2.5 million people worldwide. The mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of MS are still only partially elucidated. Galectins are a family of β-galactoside-binding lectins that are involved in the regulation of immune and inflammatory responses and have been shown to exert a role in the maintenance of central nervous system (CNS) homeostasis. There has been an increasing interest in the role of galectin-3 in neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration. In the current study, we have evaluated the expression levels of galectin-3 in different cellular populations involved in the etiopathogenesis of MS. We have observed dramatically higher transcriptomic levels of galectin-3 in encephalitogenic CD4+ T cells in a preclinical model of MS, the MOG-induced experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE). Also, significantly higher levels of galectin-3 were found in microglial cells, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes isolated from the spinal cord of EAE mice, as well as in human MS-related white matter lesions. Modular co-expression analysis revealed that galectin-3 is co-expressed with genes involved in the regulation of microglia, cytokine production, and chemotaxis. This is the first comprehensive analysis of the expression of galectin-3 in MS, further strengthening its potential pathogenetic role in the etiopathogenesis of this CNS autoimmune disorder.

The Influence of Lifestyle on High-Density Lipoprotein Concentration among Mexican Emerging Adults

Previous studies have highlighted the role of lifestyle on HDL-C concentrations in adults. To our knowledge, the health and nutritional status of emerging adults have been understudied. The present study aimed to explore the most important lifestyle factors, including micronutrient intake adequacy and the percentage of energy from food processing, according to HDL-C concentrations in emerging adults. In this context, a cross-sectional analysis was conducted on 261 Mexican emerging adults who were apparently healthy. Lifestyle factors were collected through a structured survey and the prevalence of micronutrient intake inadequacy was estimated using the estimated average requirement cut-point method. The percentage of energy from ultra-processed foods was assessed using the NOVA system. HDL-C was determined using the enzymatic colorimetric method. Statistical analyses were conducted in SPSS. The results revealed that lifestyle factors do not differ according to HDL-C status. The participants showed a poor nutritional diet that was energy-dense and micronutrient-inadequate. Nearly half of their energy came from processed and ultra-processed foods. Most participants did not meet the recommendations for key nutrients (ϖ3 fatty acids and phytosterols) that promote a healthy lipid status. In conclusion, regardless of their HDL-C levels, emerging adults exhibited lifestyle-related risk factors. The persistence of these findings over time could contribute to the development of metabolic disorders in the future. It is crucial to increase understanding and to develop effective nutritional interventions during this critical phase of life.

Evaluation of Serum Levels of Cytokines in Acute Apical Abscess: A Longitudinal Observational Study

INTRODUCTION

Cytokine levels are related to the aethiopathogenia of acute apical abscesses (AAA); however, the specific cytokine profiles in these cases are unclear. This study aimed to investigate the changes in systemic cytokine levels in patients with AAA and trismus onset, postantibiotic treatment, and postroot canal disinfection.

METHODS

In total, 46 AAA patients with trismus and 32 control subjects were included. After seven days of antibiotic therapy, root canal disinfection was performed in the AAA patients. The serum levels of cytokines were evaluated at basal, seven, and 14 days after endodontic treatment. Quantification of cytokines from T helper (Th) 1, Th2, Th17, and regulatory T cells profiles was determined using the BioPlex MagPix system, and the obtained data were analyzed using SPSS statistical software (P < .05).

RESULTS

AAA patients showed higher tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin (IL) -6, and IL-10 levels than control subjects, at basal measurement (P < .05); there were similar levels of interferon gamma, IL-1β, IL-4, and IL-17 between groups (P > .05). IL-6 and IL-10 levels decreased after antibiotic treatment (P < .05), which was also associated with clinical improvement in patients with AAA and trismus. Patients with AAA had a positive correlation with higher serum levels of IL-6 and IL-10. In addition, TNF-α levels decreased only after antibiotic and endodontic treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, patients with AAA had increased systemic serum levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-10. Moreover, increased levels of IL-6 and IL-10 are associated with acute inflammatory symptoms. However, IL-6 and IL-10 levels decreased after antibiotic treatment, while TNF-α levels decreased after antibiotic and endodontic treatment.

BAFF system expression in double negative 2, activated naïve and activated memory B cells in systemic lupus erythematosus

Introduction

B cell activating factor (BAFF) has an important role in normal B cell development. The aberrant expression of BAFF is related with the autoimmune diseases development like Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) for promoting self-reactive B cells survival. BAFF functions are exerted through its receptors BAFF-R (BR3), transmembrane activator calcium modulator and cyclophilin ligand interactor (TACI) and B cell maturation antigen (BCMA) that are reported to have differential expression on B cells in SLE. Recently, atypical B cells that express CD11c have been associated with SLE because they are prone to develop into antibody-secreting cells, however the relationship with BAFF remains unclear. This study aims to analyze the BAFF system expression on CXCR5- CD11c+ atypical B cell subsets double negative 2 (DN2), activated naïve (aNAV), switched memory (SWM) and unswitched memory (USM) B cells.

Methods

Forty-five SLE patients and 15 healthy subjects (HS) were included. Flow cytometry was used to evaluate the expression of the receptors in the B cell subpopulations. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was performed to quantify the soluble levels of BAFF (sBAFF) and IL-21.

Results

We found increased frequency of CXCR5- CD11c+ atypical B cell subpopulations DN2, aNAV, SWM and USM B cells in SLE patients compared to HS. SLE patients had increased expression of membrane BAFF (mBAFF) and BCMA receptor in classic B cell subsets (DN, NAV, SWM and USM). Also, the CXCR5+ CD11c- DN1, resting naïve (rNAV), SWM and USM B cell subsets showed higher mBAFF expression in SLE. CXCR5- CD11c+ atypical B cell subpopulations DN2, SWM and USM B cells showed strong correlations with the expression of BAFF receptors. The atypical B cells DN2 in SLE showed significant decreased expression of TACI, which correlated with higher IL-21 levels. Also, lower expression of TACI in atypical B cell DN2 was associated with high disease activity.

Discussion

These results suggest a participation of the BAFF system in CXCR5- CD11c+ atypical B cell subsets in SLE patients. Decreased TACI expression on atypical B cells DN2 correlated with high disease activity in SLE patients supporting the immunoregulatory role of TACI in autoimmunity.

TGFB1 mRNA expression and frequency of the + 869T>C and + 915G>C genetic variants: impact on risk for systemic sclerosis

Systemic Sclerosis (SSc) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by immune disorder, microvascular damage, and fibrosis. TGFB1 gene encodes for the transforming growth factor isoform 1 (TGF-β1), one of the most important pro-fibrotic cytokines. Therefore, variants in TGFB1 and changes in its expression could be associated with the pathogenesis of SSc. We aimed to evaluate the association of TGFB1 variants (+ 869T>C [rs1982073] and + 915G > C [rs1800471]) with the TGFB1 mRNA expression and SSc risk in the Southern Mexican population. We included 56 SSc patients and 112 control subjects (CS). The genetic variants were determined by the PCR-RFLP method. The TGFB1 mRNA expression was determined by qPCR. For the + 869T>C variant, the C allele was associated with SSc risk (OR = 1.733; CI = 1.087-2.762; p = 0.020). The C allele for the + 915G>C variant was also associated with SSc risk (OR = 11.168; CI = 1.289-96.754; p = 0.023). The relative expression of TGFB1 mRNA was 1.77-fold lower in SSc patients than in CS. Carriers of polymorphic alleles (TC or CC genotypes) for the + 869T>C variant showed 3.7-fold lower mRNA expression than the TT genotype in patients and 4.81-fold lower in CS. For the + 915G>C variant, patients with GA genotype had 1.78-fold lower mRNA expression than GG genotype carriers. In conclusion, the present study showed that + 869T>C and + 915G>C variants could be SSc risk factors for patients from Southern Mexico, and these genetic variants could induce lower mRNA expression of TGFB1.

BNT162b2 Vaccination after SARS-CoV-2 Infection Changes the Dynamics of Total and Neutralizing Antibodies against SARS-CoV-2: A 6-Month Prospective Cohort Study

This study aimed to analyze the dynamics, duration, and production of total and neutralizing antibodies induced by the BNT162b2 vaccine and the possible effect of gender and prior SARS-CoV-2 infection on the generation of these antibodies. Total antibodies were quantified via chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay (CMIA), and neutralizing antibodies were quantified using the cPass SARS-CoV-2 kit. Individuals with a history of COVID-19 produced twice as many antibodies than vaccinated individuals without prior SARS-CoV-2 infection, with an exponential increase observed in just six days. In those without a COVID-19 history, similar antibody production was reached 45 days after vaccination. Although total antibodies decline considerably in the first two months, the neutralizing antibodies and their inhibitory capacity (>96%) persist up to 6 months after the first dose. There was a tendency for higher total antibodies in women than men, but not at the inhibition capacity level. We suggest that the decline in total antibodies should not be considered as an indicator of loss of protective immunity because most antibodies decay two months after the second dose, but neutralizing antibodies remain constant for at least six months. Therefore, these latter antibodies could be better indicators for estimating the time-dependent vaccine efficacy.

Severe COVID-19: Drugs and Clinical Trials

By January of 2023, the COVID-19 pandemic had led to a reported total of 6,700,883 deaths and 662,631,114 cases worldwide. To date, there have been no effective therapies or standardized treatment schemes for this disease; therefore, the search for effective prophylactic and therapeutic strategies is a primary goal that must be addressed. This review aims to provide an analysis of the most efficient and promising therapies and drugs for the prevention and treatment of severe COVID-19, comparing their degree of success, scope, and limitations, with the aim of providing support to health professionals in choosing the best pharmacological approach. An investigation of the most promising and effective treatments against COVID-19 that are currently available was carried out by employing search terms including "Convalescent plasma therapy in COVID-19" or "Viral polymerase inhibitors" and "COVID-19" in the Clinicaltrials.gov and PubMed databases. From the current perspective and with the information available from the various clinical trials assessing the efficacy of different therapeutic options, we conclude that it is necessary to standardize certain variables-such as the viral clearance time, biomarkers associated with severity, hospital stay, requirement of invasive mechanical ventilation, and mortality rate-in order to facilitate verification of the efficacy of such treatments and to better assess the repeatability of the most effective and promising results.

IL-21 (rs2055979 and rs2221903)/IL-21R (rs3093301) Polymorphism and High Levels of IL-21 Are Associated with Rheumatoid Arthritis in Mexican Patients

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is characterized by joint destruction, chronic inflammation, and autoantibody production. IL-21/IL-21R plays an essential role in the immunopathology of RA. Elevated IL-21 serum levels have been associated with RA and disease activity. Here, we evaluated the association of IL-21/IL-21R polymorphisms and IL-21 serum levels with RA. The study included 275 RA patients and 280 Control subjects (CSs). Single nucleotide polymorphisms IL-21 (rs2055979 and rs2221903) and IL-21R (rs3093301) were genotyped using PCR-RFLP. Clinical activity was evaluated by DAS28-ESR; IL-21 and anti-CCP serum levels were quantified by ELISA. The IL-21 rs2055979 AA genotype was higher in RA patients than in the CS group (p = 0.0216, OR = 1.761, 95% CI = 1.085-2.859); furthermore, RA patients showed anti-CCP elevated levels compared to the CA genotype (p = 0.0296). The IL21R rs3093301 AA genotype was also higher in RA patients than in the CS group (p = 0.0122, OR = 1.965, 95% CI = 1.153-3.348). The AT haplotypes of IL-21 rs2055979 and rs2221903 were more frequent (49%) in the RA group (p = 0.006). IL-21 serum levels were significantly elevated in the RA group, but without an association with IL-21 polymorphisms. In conclusion, IL-21 rs2255979 and IL-21R rs3093301 are associated with a higher risk of RA, and could be a genetic marker. Moreover, the elevated IL-21 levels in RA suggest that IL-21/IL-21R could be a therapeutic target in RA.

Vitamin D in Depression: A Potential Bioactive Agent to Reduce Suicide and Suicide Attempt Risk

Suicide is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), every year, more than 700 thousand people die from this cause. Therefore, suicide is a public health issue. The complex interaction between different factors causes suicide; however, depression is one of the most frequent factors in people who have attempted suicide. Several studies have reported that vitamin D deficiency may be a relevant risk factor for depression, and vitamin D supplementation has shown promising effects in the adjunctive treatment of this mood disorder. Among the beneficial mechanisms of vitamin D, it has been proposed that it may enhance serotonin synthesis and modulate proinflammatory cytokines since low serotonin levels and systemic inflammation have been associated with depression and suicide. The present narrative review shows the potential pathogenic role of vitamin D deficiency in depression and suicide and the potential benefits of vitamin D supplementation to reduce their risk.

A Novel Approach to Obtain Vaccine Effectiveness Continuous Profiles. Example Case: COVID-19 in Elderly Mexicans

Population-wide vaccination is the most promising long-term COVID-19 disease management strategy. However, the protection offered by the currently available COVID-19 vaccines wanes over time, requiring boosters to be periodically given, which represents an unattainable challenge, especially if it is necessary to apply several doses per year. Therefore, it is essential to design strategies that contribute to maximizing the control of the pandemic with the available vaccines. Achieving this objective requires knowing, as precisely and accurately as possible, the changes in vaccine effectiveness over time in each population group, considering the eventual dependence on age, sex, etc. Thus, the present work proposes a novel approach to calculating realistic effectiveness profiles against symptomatic disease. In addition, this strategy can be adapted to estimate realistic effectiveness profiles against hospitalizations or deaths. All such time-dependent profiles allow the design of improved vaccination schedules, where each dose can be administrated to the population groups so that the fulfillment of the containment objectives is maximized. As a practical example for this analysis, vaccination against COVID-19 in Mexico was considered. However, this methodology can be applied to other countries' data or to characterize future vaccines with time-dependent effectiveness values. Since this strategy uses aggregated observational data collected from massive databases, assumptions about the data validity and the course of the studied epidemic could eventually be necessary.

Analysis of PTPN22 -1123 G>C, +788 G>A and +1858 C>T Polymorphisms in Patients with Primary Sjögren's Syndrome

BACKGROUND

Primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) is an autoimmune exocrinopathy characterized by lymphocytic infiltration, glandular dysfunction and systemic manifestations. Lyp protein is a negative regulator of the T cell receptor encoded by the tyrosine phosphatase nonreceptor-type 22 (PTPN22) gene. Multiple single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the PTPN22 gene have been associated with susceptibility to autoimmune diseases. This study aimed to investigate the association of PTPN22 SNPs rs2488457 (-1123 G>C), rs33996649 (+788 G>A), rs2476601 (+1858 C>T) with pSS susceptibility in Mexican mestizo subjects.

METHODS

One hundred fifty pSS patients and 180 healthy controls (HCs) were included. Genotypes of PTPN22 SNPs were identified by PCR-RFLP. PTPN22 expression was evaluated through RT-PCR analysis. Serum anti-SSA/Ro and anti-SSB/La levels were measured using an ELISA kit.

RESULTS

Allele and genotype frequencies for all SNPs studied were similar in both groups (p > 0.05). pSS patients showed 17-fold higher expression of PTNP22 than HCs, and mRNA levels correlated with SSDAI score (r² = 0.499, p = 0.008) and levels of anti-SSA/Ro and anti-SSB/La autoantibodies (r² = 0.200, p = 0.03 and r² = 0.175, p = 0.04, respectively). Positive anti-SSA/Ro pSS patients expressed higher PTPN22 mRNA levels (p = 0.008), with high focus scores by histopathology (p = 0.02). Moreover, PTPN22 expression had high diagnostic accuracy in pSS patients, with an AUC = 0.985.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings demonstrate that the PTPN22 SNPs rs2488457 (-1123 G>C), rs33996649 (+788 G>A) and rs2476601 (+1858 C>T) are not associated with the disease susceptibility in the western Mexican population. Additionally, PTPN22 expression may be helpful as a diagnostic biomarker in pSS.

Comparison of three different COVID-19 vaccine platforms (CoronaVac, BTN162b2, and Ad5-nCoV) in individuals with and without prior COVID-19: Reactogenicity and neutralizing antibodies

Neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) can be indicators of collective immunity, vaccine efficacy, and the longevity of the humoral response. This study aimed to compare reactogenicity and NAbs generated by three different COVID-19 vaccine platforms in individuals with and without prior COVID-19. 336 individuals vaccinated (112 with CoronaVac [inactivated virus], 112 with BNT162b2 [messenger RNA], and 112 with Ad5-nCoV [non-replicating viral vector]) were included. NAbs were quantified with the cPass SARS-CoV-2 kit. Individuals immunized with the Ad5-nCoV showed higher reactogenicity than those immunized with the other vaccines (p < 0.001). The BTN162b2 vaccine-induced NAbs with higher inhibition capacity than the other platforms in the first dose. In individuals without prior COVID-19, the Ad5-nCoV vaccine generated lower NAbs against SARS-CoV-2 than those induced by two doses of the BTN162b2 (Ad5-nCoV 72.10 [55.6-93.4] vs. BTN162b2 98.41 [98.16-98.56], p < 0.0001). One individual did not generate NAbs (0.89%) after a complete immunization with CoronaVac; in BTN162b2, all generated these antibodies, and in the Ad5-nCoV group, four individuals (3.57%) did not generate NAbs. Comorbidities, gender, age, and reactogenicity did not significantly influence the generation of NAbs (p > 0.05); however, a history of COVID-19 before vaccination was associated with antibodies with greater neutralizing capacity after the first dose (p < 0.01). In conclusion, the mRNA vaccine (BTN162b2) had a remarkable better ability to produce NAbs and lower reactogenicity than the other platforms, whereas the Ad5-nCov vaccine induced the lowest NAbs response in individuals without a history of COVID-19; therefore, we suggest that a booster could benefit these individuals.

Altered PTPN22 and IL10 mRNA Expression Is Associated with Disease Activity and Renal Involvement in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a complex autoimmune disease with very heterogeneous clinical behavior between affected individuals. Therefore, the search for biomarkers clinically useful for the diagnosis, prognosis, and monitoring of the disease is necessary. Here, we determined the association between PTPN22, IL10, OAS2, and CD70 mRNA expression with the clinical characteristics and with the serum levels of IL-10, IFN-γ, and IL-17 in SLE patients. Forty patients with SLE and 34 control subjects (CS) were included, mRNA expression was determined by real-time qPCR and cytokine levels were quantified by a multiplex bead-based immunoassay. Compared to CS, SLE patients showed increased IL10 mRNA and high IL-10 and IL-17 serum levels; in contrast, PTPN22 mRNA and IFN-γ were decreased. PTPN22 and IL10 gene expression was negatively correlated with Mex-SLEDAI score and were notably downregulated in SLE patients with lupus nephritis. Interestingly, SLE patients with renal damage were the ones with the lowest levels of PTPN22 and IL10 mRNA and the highest SLEDAI scores. No associations were observed for OAS2 and CD70 mRNA and IL-10, IL-17, and IFN-γ. In conclusion, we suggest that the assessment of IL10 and PTPN22 mRNA could be useful for monitoring disease activity in SLE patients showing renal involvement.

Influence of nitric oxide signaling mechanisms in cancer

Nitric oxide (NO) is a molecule with multiple biological functions that is involved in various pathophysiological processes such as neurotransmission and blood vessel relaxation as well as the endocrine system, immune system, growth factors, and cancer. However, in the carcinogenesis process, it has a dual behavior; at low doses, NO regulates homeostatic functions, while at high concentrations, it promotes tissue damage or acts as an agent for immune defense against microorganisms. Thus, its participation in the carcinogenic process is controversial. Cancer is a multifactorial disease that presents complex behavior. A better understanding of the molecular mechanisms associated with the initiation, promotion, and progression of neoplastic processes is required. Some hypotheses have been proposed regarding the influence of NO in activating oncogenic pathways that trigger carcinogenic processes, because NO might regulate some signaling pathways thought to promote cancer development and more aggressive tumor growth. Additionally, NO inhibits apoptosis of tumor cells, together with the deregulation of proteins that are involved in tissue homeostasis, promoting spreading to other organs and initiating metastatic processes. This paper describes the signaling pathways that are associated with cancer, and how the concentration of NO can serve a beneficial or pathological function in the initiation and promotion of neoplastic events.