Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Diego M. Cabrera, Meibin Chen, Mijahil P. Cornejo, Yvett Pinedo, Patricia J. Garcia, Evelyn Hsieh
Summary: This study conducted a cross-sectional study at a large HIV clinic in Peru to explore the differences in health-related quality of life (HRQoL) between HIV-infected and uninfected women. The results showed that HIV-infected women scored lower in both physical and mental component scores, and important determinants for each component included CD4+ cell count and ethnicity.
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Yulin Zhao, Isabel Gameiro-Ros, Ian W. Glaaser, Paul A. Slesinger
Summary: G protein-gated inwardly rectifying potassium (GIRK) channels play a crucial role in regulating cell excitability in the brain. Recent advances in developing small molecule compounds specifically modulating GIRK channels show promising potential in regulating neuronal excitability in a brain region-specific manner.
TRENDS IN PHARMACOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Neurosciences
Eric A. Bancroft, Martha De La Mora, Gauri Pandey, Sara M. Zarate, Rahul Srinivasan
Summary: Parkinson's disease is associated with increased levels of S100B and its overexpression accelerates the loss of dopaminergic neurons. The study found that S100B can alter the activity of dopamine neurons, providing important insights into the pathophysiology of early Parkinson's disease.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Andrew Katende, Lydia Nakiyingi, Irene Andia-Biraro, Thomas Katairo, Richard Muhumuza, Andrew S. Ssemata, Christopher Nsereko, Fred C. Semitala, David B. Meya
Summary: This study investigated the proportion of hospitalized patients in Uganda who initiated ART during hospitalization and identified potential barriers. The results showed that only half of newly diagnosed HIV patients in the high prevalence setting were initiated on ART during hospitalization. Inadequate patient preparation and advanced HIV disease were identified as barriers to rapid ART initiation.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Lina Fan, Penghui Li, Aiping Yu, Dan Liu, Ziyu Wang, Yue Wu, Defa Zhang, Meiyin Zou, Ping Ma
Summary: This study evaluated the association between inadequate immune response and non-AIDS related diseases in HIV-infected patients aged 60 years or older who had been virally suppressed for at least 2 years by ART. The results showed that inadequate immune reconstitution was associated with non-AIDS diseases such as hypertension, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, tumor, and chronic kidney disease, and it was also associated with higher mortality in this cohort.
FRONTIERS IN MEDICINE
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yaping Wang, Jian Shi, Xiaoyong Tong
Summary: Mechanosensitive ion channels play a crucial role in the cardiovascular system by translating mechanical forces into biological signals, particularly in regulating calcium ion channels involved in cardiovascular physiological activity. Moreover, their interactions with Ca2+ regulatory proteins are important for maintaining calcium homeostasis and cardiovascular health.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Eva H. Clark, Carina Marquez, Jeffrey D. Whitman, Caryn Bern
Summary: Chagas disease can have dangerous consequences in people with HIV co-infection. This study provides practical recommendations to improve diagnosis and care for co-infected individuals, including incorporating Chagas disease screening into the initial evaluation for people with HIV. Screening for Chagas disease is important to identify infected individuals and provide timely treatment. Prompt evaluation and treatment should be considered for co-infected individuals with low CD4 cell counts and neurologic or cardiac symptoms.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Zeyang Yu, Tian-Tian Zhang, Xiaomeng Wang, Qinxue Chang, Huijie Huang, Honglu Zhang, Desheng Song, Maohe Yu, Jie Yang, Yuanyuan Liu, Changping Li, Zhuang Cui, Jun Ma
Summary: This study aimed to understand the behavior pattern changes of Chinese men who have sex with men (MSM) and their association with HIV risk. The results showed that behavior type changes were correlated with HIV infection risk, highlighting the importance of timely behavior change for individuals at high risk.
Article
Business, Finance
Zhengyang Bao, Difang Huang
Summary: During COVID-19, fintech companies were more likely to expand credit access to new and financially constrained borrowers, but this increased credit provision may not be sustainable. Fintech loans experienced a significant increase in delinquency rates compared to bank loans, highlighting a certain level of fragility in such institutions.
JOURNAL OF FINANCIAL AND QUANTITATIVE ANALYSIS
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Ahmi Oz, Omer Celik
Summary: The TRPM7 and TRPV1 channels play a crucial role in the pathology of Parkinson's disease, and their activity changes can be targeted for treatment.
CELL BIOLOGY INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yimam Getaneh, Fentabil Getnet, Feng Ning, Abdur Rashid, Lingjie Liao, Feng Yi, Yiming Shao
Summary: This study evaluated HIV-1 disease progression and drug resistance mutation among children on first-line antiretroviral therapy in Ethiopia. The results showed high rates of immunosuppression and drug resistance, indicating the need for enhanced monitoring and vitamin D supplementation to improve immune outcomes.
Article
Immunology
Anna E. Levin, Ananta S. Bangdiwala, Elizabeth Nalintya, Enock Kagimu, John Kasibante, Morris K. Rutakingirwa, Edward Mpoza, Samuel Jjunju, Edwin Nuwagira, Rose Naluyima, Paul Kirumira, Cody Hou, Kenneth Ssebambulidde, Abdu K. Musubire, Darlisha A. Williams, Mahsa Abassi, Conrad Muzoora, Katherine H. Hullsiek, Radha Rajasingham, David B. Meya, David R. Boulware, Caleb P. Skipper
Summary: Persons with cryptococcal meningitis detected by blood CrAg screening programs have earlier disease characteristics and improved survival compared with persons presenting directly to hospital with symptomatic meningitis.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Xia Xu, Shuyu Liu, Hua Liu, Kang Ru, Yunxian Jia, Zixiang Wu, Shujing Liang, Zarnaz Khan, Zhihao Chen, Airong Qian, Lifang Hu
Summary: Piezo channels are mechanosensitive ion channels in cell membrane that convert mechanical stimuli into electrochemical signals, playing a crucial role in bone biology. Research focuses on Piezo1's function in bone cells and its role in bone diseases.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jiaxin Yuan, Hanghang Liu, Hao Zhang, Tingting Wang, Qing Zheng, Zhen Li
Summary: This study reports the enhancement of microglial autophagy through the phagocytosis and degradation of alpha-synuclein, leading to improved therapeutic efficacy in Parkinson's disease. By using a rationally designed photothermal nanoagent, the surface TRPV1 channels of microglia are controlled, resulting in the activation of autophagy and clearance of alpha-synuclein. In mouse models, this treatment significantly improves motor ability and restores biomarker levels to those of healthy mice.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Cassia Arruda de Souza Pereira, Natalia de Castro Medaglia, Rodrigo Portes Ureshino, Claudia Bincoletto, Manuela Antonioli, Gian Maria Fimia, Mauro Piacentini, Gustavo Jose da Silva Pereira, Adolfo Garcia Erustes, Soraya Soubhi Smaili
Summary: Huntington's disease is characterized by mutations in the huntingtin gene, leading to abnormal aggregates of polyglutamine in the huntingtin protein. Lysosomes, which are involved in degradation processes, have been found to play a role in the disease. Ca2+ signaling, specifically mediated by NAADP, was found to increase mHtt aggregation and impair autophagy. TPC2, a protein involved in the release of Ca2+ from lysosomes, was shown to co-localize with the mutant huntingtin protein and contribute to lysosomal dysfunction.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sergio Linsambarth, Francisco J. Carvajal, Rodrigo Moraga-Amaro, Luis Mendez, Giovanni Tamburini, Ivanka Jimenez, Daniel Antonio Verdugo, Gonzalo Gomez, Nur Jury, Pablo Martinez, Brigitte van Zundert, Lorena Varela-Nallar, Mauricio A. Retamal, Claire Martin, Guillermo A. Altenberg, Mariana C. Fiori, Waldo Cerpa, Juan A. Orellana, Jimmy Stehberg
Summary: Astrocytes release glutamate and D-serine through Cx43 hemichannels to modulate synaptic activity, which is crucial for fear memory consolidation.
Article
Cell Biology
Juan Guiza, Anibal Garcia, Javiera Arriagada, Camila Gutierrez, Jorge Gonzalez, Valeria Marquez-Miranda, Melissa Alegria-Arcos, Yorley Duarte, Maximiliano Rojas, Fernando Gonzalez-Nilo, Juan C. Saez, Jose L. Vega
Summary: The study identified innexin protein homologs in unicellular organisms, which may serve as protein subunits of novel large-pore channels in single-celled organisms. These proteins were found to have key structural features and potential functional roles similar to those in parasitic diseases like Chagas.
JOURNAL OF CELLULAR PHYSIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Arlek Gonzalez-Jamett, Walter Vasquez, Gabriela Cifuentes-Riveros, Rafaela Martinez-Pando, Juan C. Saez, Ana M. Cardenas
Summary: Muscular dystrophies are a heterogeneous group of neuromuscular disorders characterized by muscle pain, weakness, and atrophy. These diseases are caused by gene mutations that affect the structure and function of skeletal muscles, leading to inflammation, oxidative stress, and muscle degeneration. Dysregulation of connexin hemichannels plays a crucial role in these processes.
Article
Neurosciences
Cristian Arredondo, Carolina Cefaliello, Agnieszka Dyrda, Nur Jury, Pablo Martinez, Ivan Diaz, Armando Amaro, Helene Tran, Danna Morales, Maria Pertusa, Lorelei Stoica, Elsa Fritz, Daniela Corvalan, Sebastian Abarzua, Maxs Mendez-Ruette, Paola Fernandez, Fabiola Rojas, Meenakshi Sundaram Kumar, Rodrigo Aguilar, Sandra Almeida, Alexandra Weiss, Fernando J. Bustos, Fernando Gonzalez-Nilo, Carolina Otero, Maria Florencia Tevy, Daryl A. Bosco, Juan C. Saez, Thilo Kahne, Fen-Biao Gao, James D. Berry, Katharine Nicholson, Miguel Sena-Esteves, Rodolfo Madrid, Diego Varela, Martin Montecino, Robert H. Brown, Brigitte van Zundert
Summary: Non-cell-autonomous mechanisms, specifically the release of unidentified toxic factors by astrocytes, contribute to the neurodegenerative diseases ALS and FTD. Studies found that astrocytes with ALS/FTD-related mutations display elevated levels of intracellular inorganic polyphosphate (polyP), which is also present in astrocyte-conditioned media (ACM). Degradation or neutralization of polyP in ALS/FTD astrocytes or ACM prevents the death of motoneurons. Additionally, polyP staining signals are enriched in postmortem ALS spinal cord sections and ALS cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) exhibits increased concentrations of polyP, suggesting polyP as a potential therapeutic target and biomarker for ALS/FTD.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Nicolas Palacios-Prado, Paola A. Soto, Ximena Lopez, Eun Ju Choi, Valeria Marquez-Miranda, Maximiliano Rojas, Yorley Duarte, Jinu Lee, Fernando D. Gonzalez-Nilo, Juan C. Saez
Summary: The study revealed that Pannexin1 forms cell-cell channels with distinct phenotypes and properties, exhibiting high conductivity and sensitivity to voltage and temperature; bioinformatics studies suggested that arginine residues inside the channel pore may be neutralized by hydrophobic interactions, allowing the passage of certain substances.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2022)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Antonia Recabal, Sergio Lopez, Magdiel Salgado, Alejandra Palma, Ana M. Obregon, Roberto Elizondo-Vega, Juan C. Saez, Maria A. Garcia-Robles
Summary: Radial glia-like cells in the hypothalamus and dorsal vagal complex are neural precursors that can detect blood-borne nutrients and hormones and increase their proliferation in response to a high-fat diet. This study found that a short-term high sucrose diet can also increase the proliferation of these precursors, while fructose alone does not have the same effect as glucose.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Paloma P. Maldonado, Coram Guevara, Margrethe A. Olesen, Juan Andres Orellana, Rodrigo A. Quintanilla, Fernando C. Ortiz
Summary: This article discusses the role of mitochondrial dysfunction in the progression of multiple sclerosis (MS), focusing on the potential role of Nrf2 signaling in neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration. The authors propose that Nrf2 dysfunction affects the bioenergetics, antioxidant defense, and energy supply provided by glial cells to neurons.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Claudia M. Lucero, Lucas Marambio-Ruiz, Javiera Balmazabal, Juan Prieto-Villalobos, Marcelo Leon, Paola Fernandez, Juan A. Orellana, Victoria Velarde, Juan C. Saez, Gonzalo Gomez
Summary: This study found that the activation of Cx43 hemichannels and inhibition of cell-cell coupling during inflammation may contribute to oxidative stress and damage of mesangial cells through the RhoA/ROCK pathway.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Anni Guo, Huiqi Zhang, Huanhuan Li, Arthur Chiu, Claudia Garcia-Rodriguez, Carlos F. Lagos, Juan C. Saez, Chunyue Geoffrey Lau
Summary: Temporal lobe epilepsy is a common type of epilepsy, but many patients are resistant to current drugs. Dysfunction of astrocytes and microglia is related to neuroinflammation and hyperexcitability. This study introduces a new compound, D4, that targets glial hemichannels, leading to improved symptoms and survival rates in a mouse model of epilepsy.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Claudia M. Lucero, Juan Prieto-Villalobos, Lucas Marambio-Ruiz, Javiera Balmazabal, Tanhia F. Alvear, Matias Vega, Paola Barra, Mauricio A. Retamal, Juan A. Orellana, Gonzalo Gomez
Summary: Hypertension is a common risk factor for chronic cardiovascular diseases and hypertensive nephropathy. AngII-mediated abnormal intracellular Ca2+([Ca2+]i) signaling and the opening of connexins or pannexins channels contribute to renal damage.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ivanka Jimenez-Dinamarca, Rachel Reyes-Lizana, Yordan Lemunao-Inostroza, Kevin Cardenas, Raimundo Castro-Lazo, Francisca Pena, Claudia M. Lucero, Juan Prieto-Villalobos, Mauricio Antonio Retamal, Juan Andres Orellana, Jimmy Stehberg
Summary: GABA plays a crucial role in regulating the excitatory/inhibitory balance in the brain by affecting the activity of neurons and astrocytes through different GABA receptors. This study specifically focuses on how GABA influences astroglial Cx43 hemichannel activity and its release of glutamate and ATP, providing insights into potential mechanisms underlying psychiatric disorders.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Ana C. Abbott, Isaac E. Garcia, Felipe Villanelo, Carolina Flores-Munoz, Ricardo Ceriani, Jaime Maripillan, Joel Novoa-Molina, Cindel Figueroa-Cares, Tomas Perez-Acle, Juan C. Saez, Helmuth A. Sanchez, Agustin D. Martinez
Summary: It has been demonstrated that a genetic mutation in the gap junction protein Connexin 26 (Cx26) can lead to hyperactivity and damage of hearing cells in the cochlea, resulting in syndromic deafness. The specific mutation Cx26S17F, when co-expressed with wild-type connexins like Cx30, forms hyperactive hemichannels in supporting cells of the organ of Corti. These hyperactive hemichannels are insensitive to blockers and ions, leading to abnormal calcium influx and cellular damage.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Luis A. Cea, Walter Vasquez, Romina Hernandez-Salinas, Alejandra Z. Vielma, Mario Castillo-Ruiz, Victoria Velarde, Magdiel Salgado, Juan C. Saez
Summary: Individuals with diabetes mellitus experience skeletal muscle myopathy characterized by atrophy. The mechanism behind this muscular alteration is unclear, making it difficult to design effective treatments. In this study, it was found that boldine, a compound that inhibits non-selective channels, prevented skeletal muscle fiber atrophy in diabetic rats. This was attributed to the blocking of connexin hemichannels and P2X(7) receptors. Additionally, boldine prevented high glucose-induced increase in sarcolemma permeability and expression of NLRP3, suggesting that it could potentially be used as a therapeutic agent for muscular complications in diabetes.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Claudia Garcia-Rodriguez, Paula Mujica, Javiera Illanes-Gonzalez, Araceli Lopez, Camilo Vargas, Juan C. Saez, Arlek Gonzalez-Jamett, Alvaro O. Ardiles
Summary: Probenecid, an old uricosuric agent, has been used to treat gout and reduce renal excretion of antibiotics. Recent studies have shown that Probenecid has the ability to interact with membrane proteins, indicating potential therapeutic applications in medicine. It has been found to have neuroprotective, antiepileptic, and anti-inflammatory properties, making it useful in the treatment of neurological and neurodegenerative diseases. Despite its declining clinical use, Probenecid shows promise in preclinical research as a strategy to enhance drug bioavailability in the central nervous system.
Article
Biology
Juan Prieto-Villalobos, Claudia M. Lucero, Maximiliano Rovegno, Gonzalo I. Gomez, Mauricio A. Retamal, Juan A. Orellana
Summary: This study found that the spike protein S1 of SARS-CoV-2 can increase the activity of Cx43 hemichannels, potentially leading to cellular dysfunction and damage observed in COVID-19 patients. Therefore, investigating Cx43 hemichannels may provide insights for developing therapies against viral infection.
BIOLOGICAL RESEARCH
(2023)
