1
|
Zambón D, Sabaté J, Muñoz S, Campero B, Casals E, Merlos M, Laguna JC, Ros E. Substituting walnuts for monounsaturated fat improves the serum lipid profile of hypercholesterolemic men and women. A randomized crossover trial. Ann Intern Med 2000; 132:538-46. [PMID: 10744590 DOI: 10.7326/0003-4819-132-7-200004040-00005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 178] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND It has been reported that walnuts reduce serum cholesterol levels in normal young men. OBJECTIVE To assess the acceptability of walnuts and their effects on serum lipid levels and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidizability in free-living hypercholesterolemic persons. DESIGN Randomized, crossover feeding trial. SETTING Lipid clinic at a university hospital. PATIENTS 55 men and women (mean age, 56 years) with polygenic hypercholesterolemia. INTERVENTION A cholesterol-lowering Mediterranean diet and a diet of similar energy and fat content in which walnuts replaced approximately 35% of the energy obtained from monounsaturated fat. Patients followed each diet for 6 weeks. MEASUREMENTS Low-density lipoprotein fatty acids (to assess compliance), serum lipid levels, lipoprotein(a) levels, and LDL resistance to in vitro oxidative stress. RESULTS 49 persons completed the trial. The walnut diet was well tolerated. Planned and observed diets were closely matched. Compared with the Mediterranean diet, the walnut diet produced mean changes of -4.1% in total cholesterol level, -5.9% in LDL cholesterol level, and -6.2% in lipoprotein(a) level. The mean differences in the changes in serum lipid levels were -0.28 mmol/L (95% CI, -0.43 to -0.12 mmol/L) (-10.8 mg/dL [-16.8 to -4.8 mg/dL]) (P<0.001) for total cholesterol level, -0.29 mmol/L (CI, -0.41 to -0.15 mmol/L) (-11.2 mg/dL [-16.3 to -6.1 mg/dL]) (P<0.001) for LDL cholesterol level, and -0.021 g/L (CI, -0.042 to -0.001 g/L) (P = 0.042) for lipoprotein(a) level. Lipid changes were similar in men and women except for lipoprotein(a) levels, which decreased only in men. Low-density lipoprotein particles were enriched with polyunsaturated fatty acids from walnuts, but their resistance to oxidation was preserved. CONCLUSION Substituting walnuts for part of the mono-unsaturated fat in a cholesterol-lowering Mediterranean diet further reduced total and LDL cholesterol levels in men and women with hypercholesterolemia.
Collapse
|
Clinical Trial |
25 |
178 |
2
|
León VM, Alvarez B, Cobollo MA, Muñoz S, Valor I. Analysis of 35 priority semivolatile compounds in water by stir bar sorptive extraction-thermal desorption-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. I. Method optimisation. J Chromatogr A 2003; 999:91-101. [PMID: 12885055 DOI: 10.1016/s0021-9673(03)00600-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 165] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
A multiresidue method for the determination of 35 organic micropollutants (pesticides and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) in water has been optimised using stir bar sorptive extraction (SBSE) and thermal desorption coupled to capillary gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). In the present work, the different parameters affecting the extraction of the analytes from the water samples to the PDMS-coated stir bars and optimisation of conditions affecting thermal desorption are investigated. The optimised conditions consist of a 100-ml water sample with 20% NaCl addition extracted with 20 mm length x 0.5 mm film thickness stir bars at 900 rpm during 14 h at ambient temperature. Desorption is carried out at 280 degrees C during 6 min under a helium flow of 75 ml/min in the splitless mode while maintaining a cryofocusing temperature of 20 degrees C in the programmed-temperature vaporisation (PTV) injector of the GC-MS system. Finally, the PTV injector is ramped to a temperature of 280 degrees C and the analytes are separated in the GC and detected by MS using full scan mode (m/z 60-400). Under the described conditions, the good repeatability, high analyte recoveries and robustness, make SBSE a powerful tool for routine quality control analysis of the selected semivolatile compounds in water samples.
Collapse
|
|
22 |
165 |
3
|
Sisó A, Ramos-Casals M, Bové A, Brito-Zerón P, Soria N, Muñoz S, Testi A, Plaza J, Sentís J, Coca A. Previous antimalarial therapy in patients diagnosed with lupus nephritis: influence on outcomes and survival. Lupus 2008; 17:281-8. [PMID: 18413408 DOI: 10.1177/0961203307086503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of exposure to antimalarial drugs at diagnosis of lupus nephritis on the outcome of the disease, especially renal failure, comorbid processes, and survival. We analyzed a cohort of 206 consecutive patients with biopsy-proven lupus nephritis. Renal biopsies were categorized according to the classification proposed by the ISN/RPS in 2003. Exposure to antimalarial drugs (chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine) was defined as the use of these drugs before the diagnosis of lupus nephritis independent of dose and duration. Fifty-six (27%) patients had received antimalarials before the diagnosis of lupus nephritis. During the follow-up, these patients had a lower frequency of creatinine values >4 mg/dL (2% vs 11%, P = 0.029) and end-stage renal failure (2% vs 11%, P = 0.044) in comparison with those never treated with antimalarials. Patients exposed to antimalarials also had a lower frequency of hypertension (32% vs 50%, P = 0.027), infections (11% vs 29%, P = 0.006), and thrombotic events (5% vs 17%, P = 0.039). Twenty patients (10%) died during the study period. Patients exposed to antimalarials had a lower mortality rate at the end of the follow-up (2% vs 13% for those not exposed to antimalarials, P = 0.029). Multivariate analysis identified thrombosis and infections as statistically significant independent variables. Kaplan-Meier plots showed a lower rate of end-stage renal failure (log rank = 0.04) in patients exposed to antimalarials. In conclusion, exposure to antimalarials before the diagnosis of lupus nephritis was negatively associated with the development of renal failure, hypertension, thrombosis and infection, and with a better survival rate at the end of the follow-up. This, together with other published data, suggests that antimalarials should be considered a mandatory therapeutic option in all patients diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus.
Collapse
|
Journal Article |
17 |
119 |
4
|
Muñoz S, Gallardo J, Diaz-Gorrin JR, Medina O. Influence of surgery on the natural history of rheumatic mitral and aortic valve disease. Am J Cardiol 1975; 35:234-42. [PMID: 1119383 DOI: 10.1016/0002-9149(75)90007-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The rate of survival, the evolution of functional cardiac status and the incidence of major complications during a 5 year period were studied in 410 patients with rheumatic mitral or aortic valve disease, of whom 200 were treated medically and 210 by surgery. The 5 year survival rates in patients with various types of rheumatic mitral valve disease were similar (45 percent for those with mitral stenosis and 46 percent for those with mitral insufficiency or mixed mitral insufficiency and stenosis). The survival rate in patients with aortic valve disease was somewhat more favorable (64 percent). Mitral valvulotomy had the most positive influence on mortality. The 85 percent 5 year survival rate of patients who underwent this procedure was significantly higher than that of patients with medically treated mitral stenosis. In patients submitted to mitral and aortic valve replacement, the survival rate was also improved in comparison with data in the corresponding medically treated group, but to a lesser degree (70 percent for aortic valve replacement and 60 percent for mitral valve replacement). In all surgically treated groups, initial operative mortality was the primary determinant of the rate of survival at the end of 5 years. Survivors of all surgical groups had appreciable improvement in cardiac functional classification and a remarkable reduction in the incidence of heart failure and atrial fibrillation. The incidence of infectious endocarditis was significantly reduced after mitral valvulotomy, as compared with the incidence in patients with medically treated mitral stenosis. Mitral and aortic valve replacement did not reduce the incidence of infectious endocarditis. The incidence of thromboembolic phenomena was favorably influenced by mitral valvulotomy and aortic valve replacement, but not by mitral valve replacement.
Collapse
|
|
50 |
75 |
5
|
Maâtallah J, Berraho EB, Muñoz S, Sanjuan J, Lluch C. Phenotypic and molecular characterization of chickpea rhizobia isolated from different areas of Morocco. J Appl Microbiol 2002; 93:531-40. [PMID: 12234335 DOI: 10.1046/j.1365-2672.2002.01718.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To determine the biodiversity of rhizobial strains nodulating Cicer arietinum L. in representative soils from various areas of Morocco. METHODS AND RESULTS Symbiotic traits, utilization of 49 carbohydrate sources, resistance to antibiotics and heavy metals, tolerance to salinity, to extreme temperatures and pH were studied as phenotypic markers. In addition, restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) of PCR-amplified 16S rDNAs were compared with those of reference strains. Numerical analysis of the phenotypic characteristics showed that the 48 strains studied fell into three distinct groups. RFLP analysis of 16S rRNA genes revealed an additional heterogeneity and four ribotypes were identified. CONCLUSIONS Chickpea rhizobia isolated from Moroccan soils are both phenotypically and genetically diverse. Most of these rhizobia belong to the Mesorhizobium genus. However, some strains originating from a particular soil appeared to have 16S rRNA genes similar to Sinorhizobium as well as very distinct auxanographic characteristics compared with Mesorhizo- bium isolates. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY A well characterized collection of chickpea-nodulating rhizobia in representative soils of Morocco has been generated, which can be used to develop efficient inoculants for this crop. This is the first report evidencing that chickpeas may be nodulated by bacteria from the Sinorhizobium genus.
Collapse
|
|
23 |
74 |
6
|
Sanchis A, Brown AP, Sancho M, Martínez G, Sebastián JL, Muñoz S, Miranda JM. Dielectric characterization of bacterial cells using dielectrophoresis. Bioelectromagnetics 2007; 28:393-401. [PMID: 17471505 DOI: 10.1002/bem.20317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Measurements of dielectrophoretic collection spectra of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus suspensions are used for obtaining dielectric characteristics of both types of bacteria. The experiments are interpreted using a numerical method that models the cells as compartmented spherical or rod-like particles. We show the usefulness of this simple method to extract significant information about the electrical properties of Gram-negative and -positive bacteria.
Collapse
|
|
18 |
74 |
7
|
Oka T, Tsuji H, Noda C, Sakai K, Hong YM, Suzuki I, Muñoz S, Natori Y. Isolation and characterization of a novel perchloric acid-soluble protein inhibiting cell-free protein synthesis. J Biol Chem 1995; 270:30060-7. [PMID: 8530410 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.270.50.30060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
We found a novel protein in the postmitochondria supernatant fraction of rat liver, which is soluble in 5% perchloric acid and strongly inhibits protein synthesis in a rabbit reticulocyte lysate system. The protein extracted from the supernatant fraction with 5% perchloric acid was purified by ammonium sulfate fractionation and CM-Sephadex chromatography. The protein was shown to consist of two identical subunits with a molecular mass of 14 kDa. By immunoscreening with the rabbit antisera against the protein, a cDNA encoding the protein was cloned and sequenced. The cDNA contained an open reading frame of 411 base pairs encoding a 136-amino acid protein with a molecular mass of 14,149 Da. The deduced amino acid sequence was completely identical with that constructed from all of the above peptides. Interestingly, the perchloric acid-soluble protein inhibited cell-free protein synthesis in the rabbit reticulocyte lysate system in a different manner from RNase A. The protein is likely to inhibit an initiation stage of cell-free protein synthesis. Among the rat tissues tested, the protein was located only in liver and kidney. These findings are the first report on a new inhibitor that may be involved in the regulation of protein synthesis in those tissues.
Collapse
|
Comparative Study |
30 |
69 |
8
|
Pérez-Mendoza D, Sepúlveda E, Pando V, Muñoz S, Nogales J, Olivares J, Soto MJ, Herrera-Cervera JA, Romero D, Brom S, Sanjuán J. Identification of the rctA gene, which is required for repression of conjugative transfer of rhizobial symbiotic megaplasmids. J Bacteriol 2005; 187:7341-50. [PMID: 16237017 PMCID: PMC1272987 DOI: 10.1128/jb.187.21.7341-7350.2005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
An analysis of the conjugative transfer of pRetCFN42d, the symbiotic plasmid (pSym) of Rhizobium etli, has revealed a novel gene, rctA, as an essential element of a regulatory system for silencing the conjugative transfer of R. etli pSym by repressing the transcription of conjugal transfer genes in standard laboratory media. The rctA gene product lacks sequence conservation with other proteins of known function but may belong to the winged-helix DNA-binding subfamily of transcriptional regulators. Similar to that of many transcriptional repressors, rctA transcription seems to be positively autoregulated. rctA expression is greatly reduced upon overexpression of another gene, rctB, previously identified as a putative activator of R. etli pSym conjugal transfer. Thus, rctB seems to counteract the repressive action of rctA. rctA homologs are present in at least three other bacterial genomes within the order Rhizobiales, where they are invariably located adjacent to and divergently transcribed from putative virB-like operons. We show that similar to that of R. etli pSym, conjugative transfer of the 1.35-Mb symbiotic megaplasmid A of Sinorhizobium meliloti is also subjected to the inhibitory action of rctA. Our data provide strong evidence that the R. etli and S. meliloti pSym plasmids are indeed self-conjugative plasmids and that this property would only be expressed under optimal, as yet unknown conditions that entail inactivation of the rctA function. The rctA gene seems to represent novel but probably widespread regulatory systems controlling the transfer of conjugative elements within the order Rhizobiales.
Collapse
|
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't |
20 |
64 |
9
|
Manterola C, Fernández O, Muñoz S, Vial M, Losada H, Carrasco R, Bello N, Barroso M. Laparoscopic pericystectomy for liver hydatid cysts. Surg Endosc 2002; 16:521-4. [PMID: 11928040 DOI: 10.1007/s00464-001-8125-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2001] [Accepted: 07/24/2001] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The laparoscopic approach for managing of liver echinococcosis is a controversial issue because of scarce experience worldwide. The aim of this report is to describe the technical details of our laparoscopic method and present our results. METHODS Consecutive cases of liver echinococcosis managed by laparoscopic surgery are reported. Thoracic x-ray and abdominal ultrasound had been performed previously. The following aspects were considered as selection criteria: unique cyst located in segments III, IV, V, VI, and VIII; diameter less than 7 cm; and no evidence of infection or calcification. An evacuating puncture was performed, germinative membrane removed, and pericystectomy performed, which extirpated the pericystic structure with the surrounding liver parenchyma. Specimens were removed in a plastic bag through one of the ports. Surgical morbidity, hospital stay, time until return to work, and evidences of hydatid recurrence were measured. RESULTS Surgery was performed on eight patients (5 women and 3 men) with a mean age of 44.9 years (range, 22-83 years) who had a liver hydatid cyst with a mean diameter of 6.6 cm (range, 5-7 cm). During a mean follow-up period of 30 months (range, 23-44 months), no morbidity or hydatid recurrence were verified. Hospital stay was 2 days in all cases, and return to work was within 15 days. CONCLUSION This laparoscopic technique, applied with selective criteria, can be a useful alternative for treating patients with liver hydatidosis because its results are comparable with those for open surgery studies involving similar follow-up time.
Collapse
|
|
23 |
60 |
10
|
León V, Llorca-Pórcel J, Álvarez B, Cobollo M, Muñoz S, Valor I. Analysis of 35 priority semivolatile compounds in water by stir bar sorptive extraction–thermal desorption–gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Anal Chim Acta 2006. [DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2005.10.080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
|
|
19 |
54 |
11
|
Jimenez V, Ayuso E, Mallol C, Agudo J, Casellas A, Obach M, Muñoz S, Salavert A, Bosch F. In vivo genetic engineering of murine pancreatic beta cells mediated by single-stranded adeno-associated viral vectors of serotypes 6, 8 and 9. Diabetologia 2011; 54:1075-86. [PMID: 21311856 DOI: 10.1007/s00125-011-2070-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2010] [Accepted: 01/02/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
AIMS/HYPOTHESIS The genetic engineering of pancreatic beta cells could be a powerful tool for examining the role of key genes in the cause and treatment of diabetes. Here we performed a comparative study of the ability of single-stranded (ss) adeno-associated viral vectors (AAV) of serotypes 6, 8 and 9 to transduce the pancreas in vivo. METHODS AAV6, AAV8 and AAV9 vectors encoding marker genes were delivered to the pancreas via intraductal or systemic administration. Transduced cells were analysed by immunostaining. AAV9 vectors encoding hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) were delivered intraductally to a transgenic mouse model of type 1 diabetes and glycaemia was monitored. RESULTS AAV6, AAV8 and AAV9 mediated efficient and long-term transduction of beta cells, with AAV6 and AAV8 showing the highest efficiency. However, alpha cells were poorly transduced. Acinar cells were transduced by the three serotypes tested and ductal cells only by AAV6. In addition, intraductal delivery resulted in higher AAV-mediated transduction of the pancreas than did systemic administration. As proof of concept, intraductal delivery of AAV9 vectors encoding for the beta cell anti-apoptotic and mitogenic HGF preserved beta cell mass, diminished lymphocytic infiltration of the islets and protected mice from autoimmune diabetes. CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION Intraductal administration of AAV6, AAV8 and AAV9 is an efficient way to genetically manipulate the pancreas in vivo. This technology may prove useful in the study of islet physiopathology and in assessment of new gene therapy approaches designed to regenerate beta cell mass during diabetes.
Collapse
|
|
14 |
47 |
12
|
Maté-Jimenez J, Muñoz S, Vicent D, Pajares JM. Incidence and prevalence of ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease in urban and rural areas of Spain from 1981 to 1988. J Clin Gastroenterol 1994; 18:27-31. [PMID: 8113581 DOI: 10.1097/00004836-199401000-00008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
We retrospectively investigated the annual incidence and prevalence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) from 1981 to 1988 in an urban and a rural area of central Spain. Two hundred and eighty-one patients presented with IBD; 193 ulcerative colitis (UC) and 88 Crohn's disease (CD) (prevalence 43.4/100,000 and 19.8/100,000, respectively). Of these patients, 168 were diagnosed for the first time during the study period. One hundred and eleven UC and 57 CD (incidence 3.16/100,000 and 1.61/100,000 respectively). Within the urban area, the UC incidence was 3.15/100,000 and the CD 1.87/100,000. In the rural area, the incidence for the UC was 3.25/100,000 and 0.86/100,000 for the CD. No sex differences were found. The incidence rates have increased significantly (p < 0.05) for CD in the study period. However, for UC rates did not change. During 1986-1988, the patient's age at the time of diagnosis was significantly lower than that of 1981-1983 (p < 0.05).
Collapse
|
|
31 |
47 |
13
|
Muñoz S, Rivas-Santiago B, Enciso JA. Mycobacterium tuberculosis entry into mast cells through cholesterol-rich membrane microdomains. Scand J Immunol 2009; 70:256-63. [PMID: 19703015 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-3083.2009.02295.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Cholesterol-enriched membrane microdomains (lipid rafts) play a role in the uptake of many pathogens. Mycobacteria are one of the intracellular pathogens that utilize lipid rafts in order to invade both phagocytic and non-phagocytic cells. However, the mechanism of Mycobacterium tuberculosis uptake by mast cell is not known. To address this issue, we investigated the interaction of M. tuberculosis (H37Rv strain) with mast cells. Confocal microscopy showed that interaction of mycobacterium with mast cell resulted in changes in the mast cell surface, with formation of pseudopod-like structure and activation with visibly extruded granules. Moreover, infection of mast cells with Mycobacteria induced cholesterol accumulation at the site of bacterial entry and around intracellular mycobacteria. Disruption of mast cells lipid rafts by cholesterol depletion markedly inhibited the mycobacterium entry. Intracellular multiplication of M. tuberculosis within mast cells was also observed. Overall, our results indicate that M. tuberculosis employs a cholesterol-dependent pathway to infect mast cells, which leads to degranulation and mast cell morphological changes. These results suggest that although mast cells are capable to respond to M. tuberculosis infection, entry of mycobacterium through lipid rafts may allow replication within mast cells.
Collapse
|
Journal Article |
16 |
45 |
14
|
Barnils N, Mesa E, Muñoz S, Ferrer-Artola A, Arruga J. [Response to idebenone and multivitamin therapy in Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy]. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2008; 82:377-80. [PMID: 17573650 DOI: 10.4321/s0365-66912007000600012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To ascertain the efficacy of idebenone and multivitamin treatment in Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON). METHOD Two patients diagnosed of unilateral LHON were treated with megadoses of idebenone, vitamin C and riboflavin for one year. They were examined clinically before, during and after treatment. RESULTS No improvement of visual function was observed. Despite the idebenone treatment, in both cases the second eye became involved. CONCLUSIONS Despite previous reports of visual recovery with idebenone in patients with LHON, our experience shows that an effective treatment for Leber's disease remains to be found.
Collapse
|
Journal Article |
17 |
40 |
15
|
Valenzuela FJ, Vera J, Venegas C, Muñoz S, Oyarce S, Muñoz K, Lagunas C. Evidences of Polymorphism Associated with Circadian System and Risk of Pathologies: A Review of the Literature. Int J Endocrinol 2016; 2016:2746909. [PMID: 27313610 PMCID: PMC4893437 DOI: 10.1155/2016/2746909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2016] [Revised: 04/14/2016] [Accepted: 04/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The circadian system is a supraphysiological system that modulates different biological functions such as metabolism, sleep-wake, cellular proliferation, and body temperature. Different chronodisruptors have been identified, such as shift work, feeding time, long days, and stress. The environmental changes and our modern lifestyle can alter the circadian system and increase the risk of developing pathologies such as cancer, preeclampsia, diabetes, and mood disorder. This system is organized by transcriptional/tranductional feedback loops of clock genes Clock, Bmal1, Per1-3, and Cry1-2. How molecular components of the clock are able to influence the development of diseases and their risk relation with genetic components of polymorphism of clock genes is unknown. This research describes different genetic variations in the population and how these are associated with risk of cancer, metabolic diseases such as diabetes, obesity, and dyslipidemias, and also mood disorders such as depression, bipolar disease, excessive alcohol intake, and infertility. Finally, these findings will need to be implemented and evaluated at the level of genetic interaction and how the environment factors trigger the expression of these pathologies will be examined.
Collapse
|
Review |
9 |
37 |
16
|
Pérez-Mendoza D, Domínguez-Ferreras A, Muñoz S, Soto MJ, Olivares J, Brom S, Girard L, Herrera-Cervera JA, Sanjuán J. Identification of functional mob regions in Rhizobium etli: evidence for self-transmissibility of the symbiotic plasmid pRetCFN42d. J Bacteriol 2004; 186:5753-61. [PMID: 15317780 PMCID: PMC516833 DOI: 10.1128/jb.186.17.5753-5761.2004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
An approach originally designed to identify functional origins of conjugative transfer (oriT or mob) in a bacterial genome (J. A. Herrera-Cervera, J. M. Sanjuán-Pinilla, J. Olivares, and J. Sanjuán, J. Bacteriol. 180:4583-4590, 1998) was modified to improve its reliability and prevent selection of undesired false mob clones. By following this modified approach, we were able to identify two functional mob regions in the genome of Rhizobium etli CFN42. One corresponds to the recently characterized transfer region of the nonsymbiotic, self-transmissible plasmid pRetCFN42a (C. Tun-Garrido, P. Bustos, V. González, and S. Brom, J. Bacteriol. 185:1681-1692, 2003), whereas the second mob region belongs to the symbiotic plasmid pRetCFN42d. The new transfer region identified contains a putative oriT and a typical conjugative (tra) gene cluster organization. Although pRetCFN42d had not previously been shown to be self-transmissible, mobilization of cosmids containing this tra region required the presence of a wild-type pRetCFN42d in the donor cell; the presence of multiple copies of this mob region in CFN42 also promoted conjugal transfer of the Sym plasmid pRetCFN42d. The overexpression of a small open reading frame, named yp028, located downstream of the putative relaxase gene traA, appeared to be responsible for promoting the conjugal transfer of the R. etli pSym under laboratory conditions. This yp028-dependent conjugal transfer required a wild-type pRetCFN42d traA gene. Our results suggest for the first time that the R. etli symbiotic plasmid is self-transmissible and that its transfer is subject to regulation. In wild-type CFN42, pRetCFN42d tra gene expression appears to be insufficient to promote plasmid transfer under standard laboratory conditions; gene yp028 may play some role in the activation of conjugal transfer in response to as-yet-unknown environmental conditions.
Collapse
|
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't |
21 |
36 |
17
|
Muñoz S, Franckhauser S, Elias I, Ferré T, Hidalgo A, Monteys AM, Molas M, Cerdán S, Pujol A, Ruberte J, Bosch F. Chronically increased glucose uptake by adipose tissue leads to lactate production and improved insulin sensitivity rather than obesity in the mouse. Diabetologia 2010; 53:2417-30. [PMID: 20623219 DOI: 10.1007/s00125-010-1840-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2010] [Accepted: 05/28/2010] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
AIMS/HYPOTHESIS In adipocytes, triacylglycerol synthesis depends on the formation of glycerol 3-phosphate, which originates either from glucose, through glycolysis, or from lactate, through glyceroneogenesis. However, glucose is traditionally viewed as the main precursor of the glycerol backbone and thus, enhanced glucose uptake would be expected to result in increased triacylglycerol synthesis and contribute to obesity. METHODS To further explore this issue, we generated a mouse model with chronically increased glucose uptake in adipose tissue by expressing Gck, which encodes the glucokinase enzyme. RESULTS Here we show that the production of high levels of glucokinase led to increased adipose tissue glucose uptake and lactate production, improved glucose tolerance and higher whole-body and skeletal muscle insulin sensitivity. There was no parallel increase in glycerol 3-phosphate synthesis in vivo, fat accumulation or obesity. Moreover, at high glucose concentrations, in cultured fat cells overproducing glucokinase, glycerol 3-phosphate synthesis from pyruvate decreased, while glyceroneogenesis increased in fat cells overproducing hexokinase II. CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATIONS These findings indicate that the absence of glucokinase inhibition by glucose 6-phosphate probably led to increased glycolysis and blocked glyceroneogenesis in the mouse model. Furthermore, this study suggests that under physiological conditions, when blood glucose increases, glyceroneogenesis may prevail over glycolysis for triacylglycerol formation because of the inhibition of hexokinase II by glucose 6-phosphate. Together these results point to the indirect pathway (glucose to lactate to glycerol 3-phosphate) being key for fat deposition in adipose tissue.
Collapse
|
|
15 |
36 |
18
|
Muñoz S, Vollrath V, Vallejos MP, Miquel JF, Covarrubias C, Raddatz A, Chianale J. Genetic polymorphisms of CYP2D6, CYP1A1 and CYP2E1 in the South-Amerindian population of Chile. PHARMACOGENETICS 1998; 8:343-51. [PMID: 9731721 DOI: 10.1097/00008571-199808000-00008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Polymorphisms of cytochrome P450 genes show pronounced interethnic variation and have not been previously studied in the South-Amerindian population, which probably has an Asian origin. Therefore, a similar distribution of allelic and haplotype frequencies of cytochrome P450 genes to Asian populations might be expected in South-Amerindians. We analysed the allelic frequencies and haplotype distribution for CYP2D6, CYP1A1 and CYP2E1 genes in the South-Amerindian population of Chile (Mapuche, n = 84) by Southern blot or polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. Similar allelic frequencies and haplotype distribution for the CYP2E1 gene between Mapuches and Asian populations were observed. Frequencies of the two major functional CYP2D6*1 and CYP2D6*2 alleles and the CYP2D6*5 null allele were similar to most populations world-wide. The alleles CYP2D6*3 and *9, absent in Asians, were not found in Mapuches. The CYP2D6*4 allelic group, uncommon in Asian populations, had a low frequency in Mapuches (0.036). However, the CYP2D6*10 allele (Ch1, Ch2 and J), highly frequent in Asians (0.33-0.50), had a very low frequency (0.018) in our study population. In addition, the presence of the common Chinese 44 kb XbaI fragment of CYP2D6 (0.19-0.31 in Asians) was not detected in South-Amerindians. Interestingly, high frequencies for the rare m2 and Val alleles of the CYP1A1 gene were found in Mapuches (0.821 and 0.91, respectively), and the rare Val/m2 haplotype was significantly higher in Mapuches (0.748) than in Asians (0.24) (P < 0.01). The frequency of this haplotype in Mapuches is the highest frequency reported to date. The population studied was in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium for these polymorphisms. The major differences between Mapuches and Asians were for CYP2D6*10 and CYP1A1 allelic frequencies, as well as the absence of the common Chinese 44 kb XbaI fragment of CYP2D6. These differences might be interpreted as a consequence of genetic drifts caused by a founder effect in the settlement of South-Amerindians, or genetic selection caused by dietary or environmental factors.
Collapse
|
|
27 |
36 |
19
|
Ortuño MT, Cristóbal P, Ferrer JM, Martín-Campo FJ, Muñoz S, Tirado G, Vitoriano B. Decision Aid Models and Systems for Humanitarian Logistics. A Survey. DECISION AID MODELS FOR DISASTER MANAGEMENT AND EMERGENCIES 2013. [DOI: 10.2991/978-94-91216-74-9_2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
|
|
12 |
35 |
20
|
Hierro I, Blanes A, Matilla A, Muñoz S, Vicioso L, Nogales FF. Merkel cell (neuroendocrine) carcinoma of the vulva. A case report with immunohistochemical and ultrastructural findings and review of the literature. Pathol Res Pract 2001; 196:503-9. [PMID: 10926328 DOI: 10.1016/s0344-0338(00)80052-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
A new case of primary Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) of the vulva is reported and the literature reviewed for noting its clinical presentation, microscopic, immunohistochemical and ultrastructural features, as well as for establishing the role of immunohistochemistry in the ultimate diagnosis of this uncommon and aggressive tumor. The lesion occurred in a 79 year old patient. Histologically, the tumor was composed of intradermal small cells with high mitotic index and frequent apoptosis. The immunohistochemical study showed positivity for wide spectrum and low molecular weight cytokeratins, epithelial membrane antigen, neurofilaments, neuron specific enolase and chromogranin A. Electron microscopy revealed intermediate filaments in a typical globular paranuclear arrangement. The coexpression of cytokeratins (including cytokeratin 20) and neurofilaments, both in typical globular paranuclear arrangement, made possible the diagnosis of MCC, differentiating it from other malignant small cell tumors such as neuroendocrine metastatic carcinoma.
Collapse
|
Case Reports |
24 |
33 |
21
|
Solari A, Saavedra H, Sepúlveda C, Oddó D, Acuña G, Labarca J, Muñoz S, Cuny G, Brengues C, Veas F. Successful treatment of Trypanosoma cruzi encephalitis in a patient with hemophilia and AIDS. Clin Infect Dis 1993; 16:255-9. [PMID: 8382964 DOI: 10.1093/clind/16.2.255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Although the frequency of infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is increasing dramatically in areas where Trypanosoma cruzi is endemic, trypanosomiasis has been rarely reported in persons with HIV infection or AIDS. Persons with hemophilia who receive multiple blood product transfusions from blood banks with little or no screening for infectious agents are at particularly high risk for infections with both HIV and T. cruzi. We describe the case of a person with hemophilia who was infected by blood transfusion with HIV and T. cruzi and in whom a multifocal, necrotic trypanosomal encephalitis was demonstrated by brain biopsy and electron microscopy. Treatment with benznidazole followed by that with itraconazole and fluconazole was associated with significant clinical and radiographic improvement.
Collapse
|
Case Reports |
32 |
31 |
22
|
Sebastián JL, Muñoz S, Sancho M, Miranda JM. Analysis of the influence of the cell geometry, orientation and cell proximity effects on the electric field distribution from direct RF exposure. Phys Med Biol 2001; 46:213-25. [PMID: 11197673 DOI: 10.1088/0031-9155/46/1/315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
This paper shows the importance of using a cell model with the proper geometry, orientation and internal structure to study possible cellular effects from direct radiofrequency exposure. For this purpose, the electric field intensity is calculated, using the finite element numerical technique, in single- and multilayer spherical, cylindrical and ellipsoidal mammalian cell models exposed to linearly polarized electromagnetic plane waves of frequencies 900 and 2450 MHz. An extensive analysis is performed on the influence that the cell geometry and orientation with respect to the external field have in the value of the electric field induced in the membrane and cytoplasm. We also show the significant role that the cytoplasmic and extracellular bound water layers play in determining the electric field intensity for the cylindrical and ellipsoidal cell models. Finally, a study of the mutual interactions between cells shows that polarizing effects between cells significantly modify the values of field intensity within the cell.
Collapse
|
|
24 |
30 |
23
|
Varga J, Heiman-Patterson T, Muñoz S, Love LA. Myopathy with mitochondrial alterations in patients with primary biliary cirrhosis and antimitochondrial antibodies. ARTHRITIS AND RHEUMATISM 1993; 36:1468-75. [PMID: 8216406 DOI: 10.1002/art.1780361020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe a syndrome of severe progressive myopathy, cardiomyopathy, and gastrointestinal dysmotility in 2 patients with asymptomatic primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) and circulating antimitochondrial autoantibodies, and to review pertinent literature concerning this syndrome. METHODS Clinical, electrophysiologic, serologic, and pathologic studies of the 2 affected patients were conducted. RESULTS Skeletal muscle involvement was manifested by progressive weakness of the proximal muscles, marked diaphragmatic dysfunction with consequent hypoventilation and respiratory failure, and moderately elevated levels of muscle-associated enzymes. Serum from both patients contained antimitochondrial antibodies that reacted with components of the mitochondrial keto acid dehydrogenase enzyme complex. Results of electromyography were consistent with a myopathic process. The microscopic and ultrastructural changes in the skeletal muscles were distinct from those of typical myositis, and were notable for striking subsarcolemmal aggregation of abnormal mitochondria in the absence of significant inflammation. CONCLUSION Severe skeletal muscle, cardiac, and gastrointestinal pathology with abnormalities of the muscle mitochondria develops in a subset of patients with mild PBC and antimitochondrial antibodies. The pathogenesis of this syndrome is unclear, but may be related to the presence of the antimitochondrial autoantibodies.
Collapse
|
Case Reports |
32 |
30 |
24
|
Solari A, Muñoz S, Venegas J, Wallace A, Aguilera X, Apt W, Brenière SF, Tibayrenc M. Characterization of Chilean, Bolivian, and Argentinian Trypanosoma cruzi populations by restriction endonuclease and isoenzyme analysis. Exp Parasitol 1992; 75:187-95. [PMID: 1381320 DOI: 10.1016/0014-4894(92)90178-d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Ninety-one Chilean, 15 Bolivian, and 9 Argentinian Trypanosoma cruzi stocks, isolated from various hosts and vectors, were characterized by schizodeme analysis with EcoRI and MspI endonucleases. The three major similar pattern groups that emerged from this sample correlated with results of isoenzyme analysis. This result confirms previous work and supports the hypothesis of the clonal structure of natural populations of T. cruzi, fully defined at the level of isoenzyme analysis, quantitative kinetoplast DNA restriction fragment length polymorphism, and kinetoplast DNA hybridization analysis. In Chile, sylvatic and domestic cycles of T. cruzi transmission appear to be mainly independent: genetically different families of natural clones are specific to these cycles. Nevertheless, the possibility of overlap remains unclear. Results described here indicate that natural clones inhabiting Chilean regions appear genetically related to the natural clones identified in neighboring countries. In Chile the more frequently sampled parasite types are natural clone 39 and a genetically closely related clone NP13. In this work an evaluation of T. cruzi natural clone mixtures in T. cruzi stocks from Chile was performed for the first time by schizodeme analysis before and after serial transfer in mouse maintenance. The results indicate that six of nine stocks are composed of two or more natural clones. This observation raises the relevant question of whether specific T. cruzi natural clones generate different clinical features of Chagas' disease.
Collapse
|
Comparative Study |
33 |
28 |
25
|
Pavani M, Fones E, Oksenberg D, Garcia M, Hernandez C, Cordano G, Muñoz S, Mancilla J, Guerrero A, Ferreira J. Inhibition of tumoral cell respiration and growth by nordihydroguaiaretic acid. Biochem Pharmacol 1994; 48:1935-42. [PMID: 7986205 DOI: 10.1016/0006-2952(94)90592-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
The effects of nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA), best known as an inhibitor of lipoxygenase activities, on the culture growth, oxygen consumption, ATP level, viability, and redox state of some electron carriers of intact TA3 and 786A ascites tumor cells have been studied. NDGA inhibited the respiration rate of these two tumor cell lines by preventing electron flow through the respiratory chain. Consequently, ATP levels, cell viability and culture growth rates were decreased. NDGA did not noticeably inhibit electron flow through both cytochrome oxidase and ubiquinone-cytochrome b-c1 complex. Also, the presence of NDGA changed to redox state of NAD(P)+ to a more reduced level, and the redox states of ubiquinone, cytochrome b and cytochromes c + c1 changed to a more oxidized level. These observations suggest that the electron transport in the tumor mitochondria was inhibited by NDGA at the NADH-dehydrogenase-ubiquinone level (energy-conserving site 1). As a consequence, mitochondrial ATP synthesis would be interrupted. This event could be related to the cytotoxic effect of NDGA.
Collapse
|
|
31 |
24 |