Assessment of human lymphocyte proliferation associated with metabolic syndrome

BACKGROUND

Metabolic syndrome (MetS), a cluster of various metabolic conditions, has become epidemic and causes increased morbidity and mortality.

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to compare lymphocyte proliferation under two different stimuli, Concanavalin A (ConA) and insulin, in a group of patients with MetS (Group 1) and a healthy group (Group 2).

METHODS

Group 1 consisted of 53 patients who met the diagnostic criteria for MetS. Group 2 consisted of 63 patients without MetS. All individuals were evaluated for lipid profile and glycemia. Lymphocyte extraction and culture were performed for each subject and lymphocyte proliferation was assessed using the Alamar blue technique.

RESULTS

There was no gender difference between both groups, but in terms of age, there was a significant difference. The use of Con A at concentrations of 1 and 5 µg/mL induced a high lymphocyte proliferation in both groups. In contrast, when different concentrations of insulin were added, no significant changes in lymphocyte proliferation were observed. However, the proliferation of lymphocytes was significantly higher in Group 1 compared to Group 2 under insulin stimulus, which did not happen under ConA stimulation. Even after age and gender correction, this difference was maintained.

CONCLUSIONS

The increased lymphocyte proliferative response to insulin in patients with MetS found in this study suggests a role of the lymphocyte response to insulin in the pathophysiology of MetS. This response may be used as an immuno-biological marker for MetS, although further studies to evaluate its clinical usefulness need to be conducted.

[Calcium transport mechanisms in neuroprotection and neurotoxicity]

INTRODUCTION

Calcium (Ca²(+)) has been found to be involved in neuroprotective processes, by triggering enzymatic cascades that are essential for the synthesis and functioning of the elements that carry out this process. However, it is paradoxical that this ion is one of the main initiators of apoptotic cascades. This difference in its effects is conditioned by differences in the cytoplasmic concentrations.

DEVELOPMENT

Ca²(+) plays a role in the activation of antiapoptotic signals in the neuron when its levels rise moderately, but it also starts apoptotic processes that are triggered mainly by its accumulation in mitochondria. This Ca²(+) comes from the outside or from intracellular deposits by means of different types of transporters. In order to assess the role of Ca²(+) in these processes, it is necessary to consider all the means of transport in an integral manner, since manipulating it pharmacologically gives rise to either protective or toxic processes, due to alterations in the intracellular concentrations of the ion.

CONCLUSIONS

Notable progress has been made in the understanding of the effects of Ca²(+) on the central nervous system and on the mechanisms for controlling and transporting it. It is important to stress that understanding these physiological processes has led to the development of drugs with protective effects and, although most of them are still in the study phase or display important side effects, it remains a promising field that will help in the development of useful therapeutic strategies in neuroprotection.