Articles publicats en revistes (Biologia Cel·lular, Fisiologia i Immunologia)
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ArticleAssociation of Physical Fitness and Anthropometric Parameters With Lung Function in 7-Year-Old Children(Human Kinetics, 2025-02-01) García Alday, Iker; San Millán Alonso, Marta; Cazorla-González, Jorge; Roman Viñas, Blanca; Serrano-Ferrer, Juan; Jòdar-Portas, Anna; Prats Puig, Anna; Font Lladó, RaquelPurpose: Associations between health-related parameters and lung function remain unclear in childhood. The study aims toevaluate the relationship between physical fitness and anthropometric parameters with the lung function of healthy scholar-agedchildren. Method: A total of 418 children aged 7 years old participated in this study. The associations of physical fitness(handgrip strength, standing broad jump, and 800-m run) and anthropometric (waist circumference and body mass index)parameters with lung function (forced vital capacity and forced expiratory volume in 1 s) were analyzed using a mixed-linearregression model. Results: Girls had significantly lower forced vital capacity values (P = .006) and physical fitness (P < .030)compared to boys. On mixed-linear regression analyses, waist circumference (P = .003) was independently associated withforced vital capacity, explaining 34.6% of its variance, while handgrip strength (P = .042) and waist circumference (P = .010)were independently associated with forced expiratory volume in 1 second, accounting together for 26.5% of its variance in7-year-old healthy children. Conclusions: Handgrip strength and waist circumference were associated with lung function inhealthy children highlighting the influence of upper body muscular strength and trunk dimension on lung function. Our resultscorroborate the need to promote physical fitness during childhood to protect against lung complications in later on in life.- ArticlePressure, Vibration, and Percussion in Athletic Recovery: With Great Power ComesGreat Responsibility(Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins, 2024-07-01) Arrillaga, Beatriz; Konrad, Andreas; García Alday, IkerSelf-applied mechanical pressure on the body is instinctively performed by several mammals, such as camels, sheep, and horses. In recent years, humans have further sophisticated this behavior due to advances in engineering. Pressure and vibration applied via skin contact are the foundation of many new electronic and mechanical devices developed by the recovery industry. Some of these devices rely on percussive motion, distinct from both massage and vibration in its amplitude, frequency, and direction of pressure. They can offer a rapid and powerful stimulus applied at the will of the user to relieve tension in muscles (1). Considering the increase in the magnitude of the mechanical power, the question is, “How much impulse do we need to speed up recovery?”
- ArticleMorphofunctional characterization of the three main adipose tissue depots in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)(Elsevier Ltd., 2024-10-18) Rosell-Moll, Enrique; My, N. T. K.; Balbuena-Pecino, Sara; Montblanch, Manel; Rodríguez Carretero, Inmaculada; Gutiérrez Fruitós, Joaquín; Garcia de la Serrana Castillo, Daniel; Capilla Campos, Encarnación; Navarro Álvarez, IsabelVisceral adipose tissue (VAT) is the primary fat reservoir and energy source in fish. Other relevant fat depots include subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT), located under epithelial layers, and intramuscular adipose tissue (IMAT), found between the myotomes. The present study investigates the morphological, gene expression and functional characteristics of these different depots in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Commercial rainbow trout of two different average weights were sampled for histology, lipid quantification and fatty acids profile. Mature adipocytes were isolated for gene expression analyses of lipid metabolic markers. Both VAT and SAT showed large adipocytes, and high total lipid content, suggesting hypertrophic growth. Adipocytes in IMAT were consistently smaller regardless of fish size. While fatty acid composition was similar across depots, SAT had lower levels of palmitic acid and higher levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids that act as precursors of phospholipids and eicosanoids such as eicosapentaenoic acid, compared to VAT and IMAT. Gene expression analyses revealed higher levels of fatty acid transporters, lipolysis and β-oxidation markers in VAT and SAT compared to IMAT, suggesting a more active lipid metabolism. These data support the role of VAT as the main energy depot, while SAT may act as a secondary reservoir, and IMAT potentially serves as an occasional energy source for muscles. This study provides valuable insights into the distinct properties of the different fat depots in fish, which may help to optimize strategies to modulate adiposity for improved health, metabolism, and product quality.
- ArticleJNK signaling and its impact on neural cell maturation and differentiation(Elsevier, 2024-05-25) Castro-Torres, Rubén Darío; Olloquequi, Jordi; Parcerisas, Antoni; Ureña, Jesús; Ettcheto Arriola, Miren; Beas Zárate, Carlos; Camins Espuny, Antoni; Verdaguer, Ester; Auladell i Costa, M. CarmeC-Jun-N-terminal-kinases (JNKs), members of the mitogen-activated-protein-kinase family, are significantly linked with neurological and neurodegenerative pathologies and cancer progression. However, JNKs serve key roles under physiological conditions, particularly within the central-nervous-system (CNS), where they are critical in governing neural proliferation and differentiation during both embryogenesis and adult stages. These processes control the development of CNS, avoiding neurodevelopment disorders. JNK are key to maintain the proper activity of neural-stem-cells (NSC) and neural-progenitors (NPC) that exist in adults, which keep the convenient brain plasticity and homeostasis. This review underscores how the interaction of JNK with upstream and downstream molecules acts as a regulatory mechanism to manage the self-renewal capacity and differentiation of NSC/NPC during CNS development and in adult neurogenic niches. Evidence suggests that JNK is reliant on non-canonical Wnt components, Fbw7-ubiquitin-ligase, and WDR62-scaffold-protein, regulating substrates such as transcription factors and cytoskeletal proteins. Therefore, understanding which pathways and molecules interact with JNK will bring knowledge on how JNK activation orchestrates neuronal processes that occur in CNS development and brain disorders.
- ArticleStatic Cold Storage and Machine Perfusion: Redefining the Role of Preservation and Perfusate Solutions(MDPI, 2025-12-04) Panisello Roselló, Arnau; Carbonell i Camós, Teresa; Roselló Catafau, Juan; Vengohechea, Jordi; Hessheimer, Amelia; Adam, R. (René); Fondevila Campo, ConstantinoStatic cold storage (SCS) remains the most widely used method of liver graft preservation due to its simplicity, accessibility, and reduced cost in transplantation practice. Since the invention of the University of Wisconsin (UW) solution, several alternative preservation solutions—including histidine–tryptophan–ketoglutarate (HTK), Celsior, and more recently IGL-1 and IGL-2—have been formulated to optimize cellular and vascular protection during cold ischemia. More recently, the introduction of dynamic perfusion techniques, such as hypothermic oxygenated perfusion (HOPE) and normothermic machine perfusion (NMP), approximately fifteen years ago, has further enhanced transplantation protocols, being applied either alone or in combination with traditional SCS to ensure optimal graft preservation prior to implantation. Despite these technological advances, achieving fully effective dynamic perfusion remains a key challenge for improving outcomes in vulnerable grafts, particularly steatotic or marginal livers. This review details how Polyethylene Glycol 35 (PEG35)-based solutions activate multiple cytoprotective pathways during SCS, including AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), nitric oxide (NO) production, and the antioxidant transcription factor Nrf2. We propose that these molecular mechanisms serve as a form of preconditioning that is synergistically leveraged by HOPE to preserve mitochondrial function, endothelial glycocalyx integrity, and microvascular homeostasis. Furthermore, the oncotic and rheological properties of PEG35 reduce perfusate viscosity, mitigating shear stress and microcirculatory damage during dynamic perfusion—effects that are further enhanced by NO- and AMPK-mediated protection initiated during the SCS phase. This integrated approach provides a strong rationale for combining PEG35-mediated SCS with HOPE, particularly for grafts with high susceptibility to ischemia–reperfusion injury, such as fatty livers. Finally, we highlight emerging avenues in graft preservation, including the design of unified perfusion solutions that optimize endothelial, mitochondrial, and redox protection, with the potential to improve post-transplant outcomes and extend applicability to other solid organ grafts.
- ArticleEffects of daily use of intermittent pneumatic compression in competitive handball players: A randomized controlled trial(Institute of Sport – National Research Institute, 2025-06-24) Nuell Turon, Sergi; Rabassa Blanco, Jordi; Bárcena, Cristina; Espar Moya, Josep; Munné Rodríguez, Carles; García Alday, IkerIntermittent sequential pneumatic compression (ISPC) is used to improve readiness and recovery in athletes. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of daily use of ISPC for 5 weeks on the performance, physiological, and psychological parameters in seventeen male handball players. Players were randomly assigned either to an experimental (EXP, n = 8) or a control (CON, n = 9) group. Before and after the intervention, we measured the countermovement jump (CMJ) and the agility test (T-test) as markers of sport-specific performance, the systolic blood pressure (SBP) in the brachial and ankle arteries to evaluate the hemodynamic function, and the tensiomyography of biceps femoral, gastrocnemius and vastus medialis to assess muscle function. During the intervention, the session rating of perceived effort (sRPE, 30 minutes after training) and perceived recovery status (PRS, 1 hour after waking-up the following morning) were registered to evaluate subjective recovery. Results showed that CON experienced a decrease in agility performance from pre- to post-intervention (p = 0.030). In contrast, EXP had a significant improvement in the muscle contraction delay time of the left biceps femoris (p = 0.002), and a significant decrease in ankle SBP after the intervention (p = 0.017). Regarding perceived fatigue and recovery, EXP had slightly higher values than CON in PRS (p = 0.047), while sRPE had no significant changes. Thus, daily use of intermittent pneumatic compression for 5 weeks during a training period slightly mitigates the fatigue induced effects of training, while enhancing hemodynamic regulation and subjective recovery in competitive handball players.
- ArticleBiofilm formation of Tenacibaculum maritimum, a fish pathogenic bacteria, to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of fish skin mucus(Frontiers Media, 2025-10-13) Tejero, Marc; Sanahuja Piera, Ignasi; Balsalobre Parra, Carlos; Ibarz i Valls, Antoni; Madrid Xufré, Cristina; Fernández-Alacid, LauraBiofilms, defined as aggregates of microorganisms embedded in a self-produced matrix of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), are formed by most bacteria in both natural and pathogenic ecosystems. In aquaculture, biofilms pose a dual challenge: they confer recalcitrance to antimicrobials treatments and contribute to persistent infections by forming on facility surfaces such as tanks, nets, cages, and equipment. Tenacibaculum maritimum, the causative agent of tenacibaculosis, is responsible for significant economic losses in fish farming. Although the antibacterial activity of fish skin mucus against this pathogen has been evaluated in vitro, its effects on T. maritimum biofilms have not yet been determined. In this study, we provide a simple methodology for the in vitro formation and quantification of T. maritimum biofilms to monitor antibacterial properties of different compounds or substances, such as fish skin mucus. For this purpose, biofilm formation was assessed under varying culture volumes (200, 300, and 400 µL) and incubation times (24, 48, and 72 hours) in 48-well microplates. Then, the effects of gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) skin mucus were evaluated on planktonic growth, biofilm formation, and biofilm dispersion, measuring both biomass and metabolic activity. Based on the tested volumes and incubation times, the optimal condition for biofilm formation was defined as 24 hours in MB at 25 ºC using 200 µL culture volume. These conditions supported the development of a biofilm (OD570>1.5 after crystal violet staining) while conserving time and mucus. Seabream mucus significantly impaired T. maritimum planktonic growth and biofilm formation in a concentration-dependent manner. Non-diluted mucus completely inhibited planktonic growth and biofilm metabolic activity, and reduced biofilm biomass by 81.16 ± 2.54%. In contrast, its effect on mature biofilms was limited, with reductions of approximately 50% in metabolic activity and 40% in biomass. This study provides a platform to assess how different fish culture conditions affect the host’s susceptibility to T. maritimum infections, which is crucial for preventing economic losses in fish farming. Additionally, it opens the door to studies analyzing the components of fish skin mucus responsible for its antibacterial activity, aiming to develop novel therapeutic compounds for targeting biofilms formed by this pathogen.
- ArticleEndogenous LXR signaling controls pulmonary surfactant homeostasis and prevents lung inflammation(Springer Verlag, 2024-07-06) Hernández-Hernández, Irene; Rosa, Juan V. de la; Martín-Rodríguez, Patricia; Díaz-Sarmiento, Mercedes; Recio, Carlota; Guerra, Borja; Fernández-Pérez, Leandro; León Moreno, Theresa Elizabeth; Torres, Rosa; Font Díaz, Joan; Roig, Angela; Mora, Fernando de; Boscá, Lisardo; Díaz, Mario; Valledor Fernández, Annabel; Castrillo, Antonio; Tabraue, CarlosLung type 2 pneumocytes (T2Ps) and alveolar macrophages (AMs) play crucial roles in the synthesis, recycling and catabolism of surfactant material, a lipid/protein fluid essential for respiratory function. The liver X receptors (LXR), LXRα and LXRβ, are transcription factors important for lipid metabolism and inflammation. While LXR activation exerts anti-inflammatory actions in lung injury caused by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and other inflammatory stimuli, the full extent of the endogenous LXR transcriptional activity in pulmonary homeostasis is incompletely understood. Here, using mice lacking LXRα and LXRβ as experimental models, we describe how the loss of LXRs causes pulmonary lipidosis, pulmonary congestion, fibrosis and chronic inflammation due to defective de novo synthesis and recycling of surfactant material by T2Ps and defective phagocytosis and degradation of excess surfactant by AMs. LXR-deficient T2Ps display aberrant lamellar bodies and decreased expression of genes encoding for surfactant proteins and enzymes involved in cholesterol, fatty acids, and phospholipid metabolism. Moreover, LXR-deficient lungs accumulate foamy AMs with aberrant expression of cholesterol and phospholipid metabolism genes. Using a house dust mite aeroallergen-induced mouse model of asthma, we show that LXR-deficient mice exhibit a more pronounced airway reactivity to a methacholine challenge and greater pulmonary infiltration, indicating an altered physiology of LXR-deficient lungs. Moreover, pretreatment with LXR agonists ameliorated the airway reactivity in WT mice sensitized to house dust mite extracts, confirming that LXR plays an important role in lung physiology and suggesting that agonist pharmacology could be used to treat inflammatory lung diseases.
- ArticleLiver X receptors and inflammatory-induced C/EBPβ selectively cooperate to control CD38 transcription(Karger, 2024-12-19) Glaría Percaz, Estibaliz; Rodríguez Martínez, Pol; Font Díaz, Joan; Rosa, Juan Vladimir de la; Castrillo, Antonio; Crawshaw, Dylan J.; Vidal Taboada, José Manuel; Saura Martí, Josep; Matalonga, Jonathan; Nunes Chini, Eduardo; Caelles Franch, Carme; Valledor Fernández, AnnabelIntroduction: Macrophages abundantly express liver X receptors (LXRs), which are ligand-dependent transcription factors and sensors of several cholesterol metabolites. In response to agonists, LXRs promote the expression of key lipid homeostasis regulators. Cross talk between LXRs and inflammatory signals exists in a cell type- and gene-specific manner. A common feature in the macrophage response to inflammatory mediators is the induction of CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein beta (C/EBPβ), a master transcriptional regulator and lineage-determining transcription factor in monocytes/macrophages. Methods: Quantitative real-time PCR in control and C/EBPβ-deficient macrophages was used to explore the role of C/EBPβ in the cross talk between inflammatory mediators and the macrophage response to pharmacological LXR activation. The functional interaction between C/EBPβ and LXRs on selected genomic regions was further characterized by chromatin-immunoprecipitation (ChIP) and gene reporter studies. Results: Whereas inflammatory signaling repressed several LXR-regulated genes involved in lipid metabolism, these effects were conserved after deletion of C/EBPβ. In contrast, inflammatory mediators and LXRs synergistically induced the expression of the multifunctional protein CD38 in a C/EBPβ-dependent manner. C/EBPβ and LXRs bound to several regions with enhancer activity upstream and within the mouse Cd38 gene and their functional cooperation in macrophages required intact binding sites for LXR and C/EBPβ. Conclusion: This study reveals positive cross talk between C/EBPβ and LXRs during the macrophage inflammatory response, which selectively impacts CD38 expression.
- ArticleLung diffusing capacity after different modalities of exercise at sea level and hypobaric simulated altitude of 4000 m(2023-09-30) García Alday, Iker; Drobnic, Franchek; Arrillaga, Beatriz; Cheng, Yinkiria; Javierre Garcés, Casimiro F.; Pons, Vicente; Viscor Carrasco, GinésIntroduction: Lung diffusion capacity of carbon monoxide (DLCO) provides a measure of gas transfer in the lungs, which increase in relation to exercise and decrease in the presence of lung interstitial disease. The aim of this study is to evaluate the changes in lung diffusion after anaerobic and aerobic exercise in a cycle ergometer. Material and method: The participants were 11 healthy active subjects, including 8 females and 3 males (age: 24.3 ± 3.1 years). Lung diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO) was studied under two different protocols: In the first day, DLCO was measured at SL at rest (SL-R), after 30-s maximal exercise (SL-ANA), and after 15-min moderate continuous exercise (SL-AER). In the second day, DLCO was evaluated at rest at SL, and then at HA (4,000 m) at rest (HA-R) and after 30-min of moderate interval exercise (HA-AER). Results: There was an increase in DLCO from rest to after SL-ANA (32.5 ± 6.4 to 40.3 ± 11.6 mL·min-1·mmHg-1, P = 0.027). In the second day, DLCO was evaluated at rest at SL, and then at HA (4,000 m) at rest (HA-R) and after 30-min of moderate interval exercise (HA-AER). During HA exposure, there was no changes in DLCO, either at HA-R, or after HA-AER. Conclusions: Lung diffusion capacity largely increased after 30-s maximal exercise in a cycle ergometer, although the O2 -dependence is small during this type of anaerobic exercise. Thus, exercise intensity may be a key modulator of the changes in lung diffusing capacity in relation to exercise.
- ArticleIdentification of Neuritin 1 as a local metabolic regulator of brown adipose tissue(Nature Publishing Group, 2025-09-04) Sánchez Feutrie, Manuela; Romero De Pablos, Montserrat; Veiga, Sonia Rosa Pereira da; Borràs Ferré, Núria; Berrow, Nick; Ràfols, Martina; Giménez, Noemí; Rodgers Furones, Andrea; Sabaté Pérez, Alba; Rodríguez Pérez, Ángela; Cataldo, Luis Rodrigo; Burghardt, Hans; Sebastián, David; Plana, Natàlia; Hernández, Vanessa; Alcaide, Laura Isabel; Reina, Óscar; Monte, M. Jesús; García Marin, José Juan; Palacín Prieto, Manuel; Burcelin, Remy; Antonson, Per; Gustafsson, Jan-Ake; Zorzano Olarte, AntonioBrown adipose tissue (BAT) plays a key role in metabolic homeostasis through its thermogenic effects and the secretion of regulatory molecules. Here we report that RAP250 haploinsufficiency stimulates BAT in mice, thus contributing to a decrease in fat accumulation. Local in vivo AAV-mediated RAP250 silencing in BAT reduces body weight and fat mass and enhances glucose oxidation, thereby indicating that RAP250 participates in the regulation of BAT metabolic activity. Analysis of the mechanisms led to the finding that Neuritin 1 is produced and released by brown adipocytes, it plays a key metabolic role, and it participates in the enhanced BAT metabolic activity under RAP250 deficiency. Forced overexpression of Neuritin 1 in UCP1-expressing cells markedly decreases fat mass and body weight gain in mice and induces the expression of thermogenic genes in BAT. Neuritin 1-deficient brown adipocytes also shows a reduced β-adrenergic response. We demonstrate a metabolic role of BAT-derived Neuritin 1 acting through an autocrine/paracrine mechanism. Based on our results, Neuritin-1 emerges as a potential target for the treatment of metabolic disorders.
- ArticleModulation of digestive enzyme activities and intestinal γ-Proteobacteria in gilthead sea bream fed high-fat diets supplemented with HIDROX olive oil extract(MDPI, 2025-07-16) García Meilán, Irene; Balbuena-Pecino, Sara; Montblach, Manel; Ramos Romero, Sara; Fontanillas, Ramon; Gutiérrez Fruitós, Joaquín; Capilla Campos, Encarnación; Navarro Álvarez, Isabel; Gallardo Romero, María ÁngelesHigh-fat diets are commonly used in fish farming due to their protein-sparing effect, contributing to reduced production costs. However, this practice may have adverse effects such as metabolic impairment and inflammation. These problems can be assessed in two ways: by developing functional diets or using food restriction, which leads to compensatory growth. The present study characterized digestion in gilthead sea bream fed a high-fat diet in the presence (HT) or absence (HF) of an olive oil polyphenol as an additive, hydroxytyrosol, under two different dietary regimes: feeding to satiation (ST) or at a 40% restriction (R). Digestive enzyme activities, specifically trypsin-like activities, were mainly upregulated by dietary treatment (HT). In contrast, restriction effects mainly appeared during digestion in the pyloric caeca, where a significant rise in chymotrypsin-like activities was detected. Moreover, those fish tended to have an increased relative intestinal length compared to those fish fed at a standard ration. Feed restriction enhanced the growth of γ-Proteobacteria in pyloric caeca and proximal intestinal regions, without altering their population in the distal intestine. Overall, it is suggested that hydroxytyrosol inclusion at a standard ration could improve digestion processes in gilthead sea bream fed high-fat diets under healthier conditions than without this additive.
- ArticlePatient Stratification for Serum LDH Levels Reveals Distinct CLA+ T-Cell Cytokine Secretion in Response to HDM, Clinical Features and Allergic Comorbidities(MDPI, 2025-08-13) García Jiménez, Irene; Figueras Nart, Ignasi; Sans de San Nicolás, Lídia; Curto Barredo, Laia; Bertolín Colilla, Marta; Bonfill Ortí, Montserrat; Díez Ribas, Sandra; Llobet del Pino, Alex; Guilabert Vidal, Antonio; Ryzhkova, Anna; Ferran, Marta; Pujol, Ramon M.; Santamaria Babí, Luis F.Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) is a serum biomarker well known to correlate with disease severity in atopic dermatitis (AD). The aim of this study was to explore the cutaneous immune responses and the clinical profile of AD patients in relation to serum LDH levels. To this end, 47 untreated, adult patients with moderate-to-severe AD were stratified by median levels of serum LDH. Circulating memory T-cell responses to house dust mite (HDM) extract, in the presence of autologous lesional epidermal cells, were compared between AD subgroups. The LDHhigh group exhibited significantly higher IL-13, IL-5 and IL-9 in vitro responses confined to the cutaneous lymphocyte-associated antigen (CLA)+ subset compared to LDHlow patients. Clinically, LDHhigh patients were younger and exhibited more severe disease, elevated eosinophil counts in their blood, increased total and specific IgE levels in their plasma, and a higher prevalence of allergic rhinitis. Our data suggests that high LDH levels identify a subgroup of AD patients with a specific immune and clinical profile, and highlight the potential of LDH as a clinical parameter that may enable patient stratification for treatment selection.
- ArticleCombined effects of Pediococcus acidi lactici and natuzyme on growth performance, hematology and immunity indices in juvenile beluga (Huso huso)(Elsevier B.V., 2022-06-01) Musavi, Maryam; Hasanpour, Shaghayegh; Safari, Roghieh; Imanpoor, Mohammad Reza; Gutiérrez Fruitós, JoaquínThe present study was performed to compare the combined and individual effects of Pediococcus acidi lactici (PB) and natuzyme (a cocktail of protease, lipase as well as non-starch polysaccharidases) on the immune response and growth performance parameters of the juvenile beluga (Huso huso). To prepare the treatment diets, the basal diet was supplemented with either the exogenous natuzyme (at 0, 0.25 and 0.5 g kg(-1)), PB (at 0% and 0.1%) or both of them. The six treatments were assigned to triplicate groups and the feeding trial lasted for two months. The results showed that PB treatment constrained the positive effect of EN (especially at the higher dose) on the FCR and final weight. However, IGF and GH expression not only increased following either PB or EN inclusion, but also, their simultaneous addition promoted their individual effects. Together, higher level of GH and IGF mRNA levels in this study was not associated with a significant growth enhancement, this can be due to the fact that more time should be considered to display their effects. In the light of these results, we recommend that the combined use of probiotics and exogenous enzymes especially at the higher dose can be inhibitory.
- ArticleCLA+ memory T cells in atopic dermatitis CLA plus T cells and atopic dermatitis(John Wiley & Sons, 2023-07-13) Sans de San Nicolàs, Lídia; Czarnowicki, Tali; Akdis, Mubeccel; Pujol, Ramon M.; Lozano-Ojalvo, Daniel; Leung, Donald Y. M.; Guttman-Yassky, Emma; Santamaria Babí, Luis F.Circulating skin-homing cutaneous lymphocyte-associated antigen (CLA)+ T cells constitute a small subset of human memory T cells involved in several aspects of atopic dermatitis: Staphylococcus aureus related mechanisms, the abnormal Th2 immune response, biomarkers, clinical aspects of the patients, pruritus, and the mechanism of action of targeted therapies. Superantigens, IL-13, IL-31, pruritus, CCL17 and early effects on dupilumab-treated patients have in common that they are associated with the CLA+ T cell mechanisms in atopic dermatitis patients. The function of CLA+ T cells corresponds with the role of T cells belonging to the skin-associated lymphoid tissue and could be a reason why they reflect different mechanisms of atopic dermatitis and many other T cell mediated skin diseases. The goal of this review is to gather all this translational information of atopic dermatitis pathology.
- ArticleAIM/CD5L: A Key protein in the control of immune homeostasis and inflammatory disease(Oxford University Press, 2015-06-05) Sanjurjo, Lucía; Aran, Gemma; Roher, Nerea; Valledor Fernandez, Annabel; Sarrias, Maria RosaCD5L, a soluble protein belonging to the scavenger receptor cysteine-rich superfamily, is expressed mostly by macrophages in both lymphoid and inflamed tissues. The expression of this protein is transcriptionally controlled by liver X receptors, members of the nuclear receptor family that play major roles in lipid homeostasis. Research undertaken over the last decade has uncovered critical roles of CD5L as a pattern recognition receptor of bacterial and fungal components and in the control of key mechanisms in inflammatory responses, with involvement in processes such as infection, atherosclerosis, and cancer. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge of CD5L, its roles at the intersection between lipid homeostasis and immune response, and its potential use as a diagnostic biomarker in a variety of diseases, such as tuberculosis and liver cirrhosis.
- ArticlePhysical Activity and Pain Perception in Residents Under Conditions of Chronic Hypoxia(MDPI, 2025-06-30) Bernedo Itusaca, Margot Evelin; Vilca-Coaquira, Kely Melina; Calisaya-Huacasi, Ángel Gabriel; Cosi Cupi, Madeleyne Rosmery; Leqque Santi, Stanley Rivaldo; Cutipa Tinta, Shantal; Salazar Granara, Alberto; Pino Vanegas, Yoni Martín; Flores Paredes, Alcides; Guo, Shihui; Li, William; Yang, Mingming; Viscor Carrasco, Ginés; Hancco Zirena, Ivan(1) Background: Previous studies indicate that individuals who engage in regular physical activity have a higher pain threshold than those who do not exercise. However, it remains unclear how this phenomenon behaves in individuals exposed to chronic hypoxia. This study evaluates pain perception at high altitude between high-altitude natives who exercised regularly and those who did not practice physical activity. (2) Methods: Eighty-four healthy volunteers aged 20 to 30 years old with a body mass index (BMI) within the normal range (18.5–24.9) residing in the city of Puno (3825 m) were recruited. The unilateral ischemia pain provocation test was used, applying pressure with a manual sphygmomanometer to generate transient ischemia in the arm while the patient opens and closes their hand. Onset, peak, and resolution times of pain, heart rate, and oxygen saturation were recorded. (3) Results: The average time to pain onset in the right arm was 30.2 s ± 14.1 during light physical activity, whereas, during moderate physical activity, it increased to 32.5 s ± 15.4. In the left arm, the average time until pain sensation was 27.9 s ± 16.8 during light physical activity and increased to 34.6 s ± 18.5 with moderate physical activity. Regarding the progression of pain intensity, the average time to reach unbearable pain in the right arm was 54.1 s ± 16.4 during light physical activity and 53.8 s ± 19.6 during moderate physical activity; in the left arm, it was 53.0 s ± 19.6 during light physical activity, increasing to 59.3 s ± 24.5 during moderate physical activity. (4) Conclusions: A more stable and slightly higher pain tolerance in the dominant arm was observed.
- ArticleTrophic role and predatory interactions between the blue crab Callinectes sapidus and native species in open waters of the Ebro Delta(Elsevier Ltd., 2024-01-29) Prado Villegas, Patricia; Baeta Alacio, Marc; Mestre, Estel; Solís, Marco Antonio; Sanahuja Piera, Ignasi; Gairín, Ignasi; Camps Castellà, Judith; Falco, Silvia; Ballesteros, Manuel (Ballesteros Vázquez)The Ebro Delta has become a major blue crab (Callinectes sapidus) fishery area in the NW Mediterranean, but there is limited information on factors controlling the abundance of populations in open waters, a crucial habitat for ovigerous females. Here, we use a stable isotope approach (δ15N and δ13C), to assess blue crab trophic position, the potential consumption of food items using mixing models, and the isotopic niche overlap with local commercial species. For Octopus vulgaris, a potential blue crab key predator, a trophic enrichment experiment was also conducted to further assess predation control in wild populations. The blue crab showed 1.6 times higher trophic position than in other habitats of the Ebro Delta, and similar to that found in the harbor crab, Liocarcinus depurator, and several predatory fish. Additionally, the isotopic niche of blue crabs showed overlaps from 46.2 to 14.9% with native predators, and mixing models also suggest even dietary contributions throughout the food web. For O. vulgaris, field results showed a trophic position of 3.93, lower than that of blue crab, and lower δ15N signatures were also obtained in a captivity experiment drawing negative fractionation (−1.1‰). We conclude that high dietary contribution of animal prey might provide a high protein diet that could be crucial for allowing the maintenance of a large local population, but the overall functional trophic similarity could also disfavor local native species. The similarity between experimental fractionation and field differences between predator and prey (−1.6‰) suggests that predation of blue crab is possible, but further research is needed to clarify the metabolic routes involved in octopus δ15N fractionation.
- ArticleUnlocking the full potential of human pluripotent stem cell–derived kidney organoids through bioengineering(Elsevier, 2025-04-24) Goux Corredera, Iphigénie; Amato, Gaia; Moya Rull, Daniel; Garreta Bahima, Elena; Montserrat Pulido, NúriaHuman pluripotent stem cells hold inherent properties, allowing researchers to recapitulate key morphogenetic processes. These characteristics, coupled with bioengineering techniques, have led to the definition of early procedures to derive organ-like cell cultures, the so-called organoids. With regard to kidney organoids, challenges stand ahead, such as the need to enhance cellular composition, maturation, and function to that found in the native organ. To this end, the kidney organoid field has begun to nourish from innovative engineering approaches aiming to gain control on the externally imposed biochemical and biophysical cues. In this review, we first introduce how previous research in kidney development and human pluripotent stem cells has informed the establishment of current kidney organoid procedures. We then discuss recent engineering approaches to guide kidney organoid self-organization, differentiation, and maturation. In addition, we present current strategies to engineer vascularization and promote in vivo–like physiological microenvironments as potential solutions to increase kidney organoid lifespan and functionality. We finally emphasize how working at the cusp of cell mechanics and computational biology will set the ground for successful translational applications of kidney organoids.
- ArticlePVR–CD226 interaction regulates IL-10 production during human T cell differentiation(BMJ Publishing Group, 2025-04) Lozano Garcia, Ester; Mena, Mari-Pau; Díaz Sánchez, Tania; Rosiñol Dachs, LauraPresence of plate-bound PVR or nectin-2 at 2 µg/mL did not significantly modify cell viability nor frequency of proliferating cells compared to isotype control. As expected, Treg conditions significantly increased FoxP3 expression (paired T test p<0.0001, n=6) which was accompanied by elevation of CD226 levels (p=0.0026). Surprisingly, Treg conditions led to reduction of TIGIT expression (p=0.0039) and CD96 (p=0.084). In addition, PVR ligation resulted in a higher frequency of IL10-producing cells in Th0 conditions (p=0.0193), most of them expressing high levels of CD226 (78.48% ± 2.324), CD96 (59.87% ± 4.032), and to a lesser extent, TIGIT (39.82% ± 4.043). Consistently, under these experimental conditions dual blockade of TIGIT and CD96 did not abrogate the increase in the percentage of IL-10 producing cells, suggesting that PVR binds CD226 expressing cells to upregulate IL-10 production.