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1.
Targeted disruption of tomato chromoplast-specific lycopene β-cyclase (CYC-B) gene promotes early accumulation of lycopene in fruits and enhanced postharvest cold tolerance.
Arruabarrena, A, Lado, J, González-Arcos, M, Vidal, S
Plant biotechnology journal. 2023;(12):2420-2422
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A multistrain probiotic increases the serum glutamine/glutamate ratio in patients with cirrhosis: a metabolomic analysis.
Laghi, L, Román, E, Lan, Q, Nieto, JC, Canalda-Baltrons, A, Poca, M, Sánchez-Rodríguez, MB, Clària, J, Alvarado, E, Cuyàs, B, et al
Hepatology communications. 2023;(4)
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Abstract
To explore the potential mechanisms underlying the effects of a probiotic in cirrhotic patients, we analyzed the blood metabolome using proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR) spectroscopy in 32 patients with cirrhosis and cognitive dysfunction or falls. Patients were randomized to receive a multistrain probiotic or placebo for 12 weeks. Among the 54 metabolites identified, the only significant changes in the probiotic group were an increase in glutamine, a decrease in glutamate, and an increase in the glutamine/glutamate ratio. In the placebo group, glutamate increased and the glutamine/glutamate ratio decreased. Our results suggest the multistrain probiotic could influence glutamine/glutamate metabolism, increasing the capacity of ammonia detoxification.
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Frailty in outpatients with cirrhosis: A prospective observational study.
Román, E, Parramón, M, Flavià, M, Gely, C, Poca, M, Gallego, A, Santesmases, R, Hernández, E, Nieto, JC, Urgell, E, et al
Liver international : official journal of the International Association for the Study of the Liver. 2021;(2):357-368
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Frailty is increasingly recognized as a major prognostic factor in cirrhosis in addition to conventional liver insufficiency scores. The aim was to compare the prevalence and characteristics of frailty between patients with cirrhosis and controls, and to analyse its prognostic value. METHODS We included outpatients with cirrhosis and age- and gender-matched non-cirrhotic controls. Frailty was defined according to the Fried frailty criteria. In patients with cirrhosis, we analysed the ability of the degree of frailty to predict a composite endpoint, consisting of hospitalization, admission to a long-term care centre, falls or death. RESULTS We included 135 patients with cirrhosis and 135 controls. The prevalence of frailty was higher among patients with cirrhosis: 35 (25.9%) frail, 74 (54.8%) pre-frail and 26 (19.2%) robust vs 14 (10.4%) frail, 67 (49.6%) pre-frail and 54 (40%) robust (P < .001) in controls. This difference was mainly as a result of decreased muscle strength in patients with cirrhosis. During follow-up, frail patients with cirrhosis showed a higher probability of composite endpoint, hospitalization and falls than pre-frail and robust cirrhotic patients but mortality was similar. MELD-Na score and frailty were independent predictive factors for hospitalization, frailty for falls, and MELD-Na score and albumin for survival. Vitamin D deficiency and increased cystatin C were associated with frailty. CONCLUSIONS Frailty was more frequent in outpatients with cirrhosis than in controls, mainly because of a decrease in muscle strength, and it could be a predictive factor for hospitalization and falls in these patients.
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Effects of a polysaccharide-based multi-ingredient supplement on salivary immunity in non-elite marathon runners.
Roca, E, Cantó, E, Nescolarde, L, Perea, L, Bayes-Genis, A, Sibila, O, Vidal, S
Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition. 2019;16(1):14
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Plain language summary
Competing in very strenuous events such as marathons imposes severe metabolic stress and causes acute responses that may negatively alter the immune system. The aim of this study is to determine the impact of Advanced Ambrotose© complex powder (AA) on the levels of salivary secretory Immunoglobulin A (sIgA) [an antibody that plays a critical role in mucosal immunity], pro-inflammatory chemokines and anti-inflammatory proteins before and after running a marathon in non-elite marathoners. The study recruited 41 male participants which were randomly assigned to one of the two groups. Twenty participants (48%) received AA supplementation prior to the race (AA group), whilst the rest did not receive AA supplementation. Supplementation was received for 15 days prior to the marathon. Results indicate that there were no significant differences in age, weight, height, and training were found between runners who received AA supplementation and those who did not. However, findings show significant changes in salivary biomarkers of immune function in healthy, non-elite athletes before and after a strenuous exercise. Authors conclude that AA supplementation produces changes in salivary immunity that may have a positive effect on immunity before and after a marathon.
Abstract
BACKGROUND Extreme exercise may alter the innate immune system. Glycans are involved in several biological processes including immune system regulation. However, limited data regarding the impact of glycan supplementation on immunological parameters after strenuous exercise are available. We aimed to determine the impact of a standardized polysaccharide-based multi-ingredient supplement, Advanced Ambrotose© complex powder (AA) on salivary secretory Immunoglobulin A (sIgA) and pro- and anti-inflammatory protein levels before and after a marathon in non-elite runners. METHODS Forty-one male marathon runners who completed the 42.195 km of the 2016 Barcelona marathon were randomly assigned to two study groups. Of them, n = 20 (48%) received the AA supplement for 15 days prior the race (AA group) and n = 21 (52%) did not receive any AA supplement (non-AA group). Saliva and blood samples were collected the day before the marathon and two days after the end of the race. Salivary IgA, pro-inflammatory chemokines (Gro-alpha, Gro-beta, MCP-1) and anti-inflammatory proteins (Angiogenin, ACRP, Siglec 5) were determined using commercially ELISA kits in saliva supernatant. Biochemical parameters, including C-reactive protein, cardiac biomarkers, and blood hemogram were also evaluated. RESULTS Marathon runners who did not receive the AA supplement experienced a decrease of salivary sIgA and pro-inflammatory chemokines (Gro-alpha and Gro-beta) after the race, while runners with AA supplementation showed lower levels of anti-inflammatory chemokines (Angiogenin). Gro-alpha and Gro-beta salivary levels were lower before the race in the AA group and correlated with blood leukocytes and platelets. CONCLUSIONS Changes in salivary sIgA and inflammatory chemokines, especially Gro-alfa and Gro-beta, were observed in marathon runners supplemented with AA prior to the race. These findings suggested that AA may have a positive effect on immune response after a strenuous exercise.
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Antimicrobial peptides, disease severity and exacerbations in bronchiectasis.
Sibila, O, Perea, L, Cantó, E, Shoemark, A, Cassidy, D, Smith, AH, Suarez-Cuartin, G, Rodrigo-Troyano, A, Keir, HR, Oriano, M, et al
Thorax. 2019;(9):835-842
Abstract
RATIONALE Recently a frequent exacerbator phenotype has been described in bronchiectasis, but the underlying biological mechanisms are unknown. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are important in host defence against microbes but can be proinflammatory in chronic lung disease. OBJECTIVES To determine pulmonary and systemic levels of AMP and their relationship with disease severity and future risk of exacerbations in bronchiectasis. METHODS A total of 135 adults with bronchiectasis were prospectively enrolled at three European centres. Levels of cathelicidin LL-37, lactoferrin, lysozyme and secretory leucocyte protease inhibitor (SLPI) in serum and sputum were determined at baseline by ELISA. Patients were followed up for 12 months. We examined the ability of sputum AMP to predict future exacerbation risk. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS AMP levels were higher in sputum than in serum, suggesting local AMP release. Patients with more severe disease at baseline had dysregulation of airway AMP. Higher LL-37 and lower SLPI levels were associated with Bronchiectasis Severity Index, lower FEV1 (forced expiratory volume in 1 s) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection. Low SLPI levels were also associated with the exacerbation frequency at baseline. During follow-up, higher LL-37 and lower SLPI levels were associated with a shorter time to the next exacerbation, whereas LL-37 alone predicted exacerbation frequency over the next 12 months. CONCLUSIONS Patients with bronchiectasis showed dysregulated sputum AMP levels, characterised by elevated LL-37 and reduced SLPI levels in the frequent exacerbator phenotype. Elevated LL-37 and reduced SLPI levels are associated with Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection and can predict future risk of exacerbations in bronchiectasis.
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Salivary immunity and lower respiratory tract infections in non-elite marathon runners.
Cantó, E, Roca, E, Perea, L, Rodrigo-Troyano, A, Suarez-Cuartin, G, Giner, J, Feliu, A, Soria, JM, Nescolarde, L, Vidal, S, et al
PloS one. 2018;(11):e0206059
Abstract
RATIONALE Respiratory infections are common after strenuous exercise, when salivary immunity may be altered. We aim to investigate changes in salivary immunity after a marathon and its relationship with lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI) in healthy non-elite marathon runners. METHODS Forty seven healthy marathon runners (28 males and 19 females) who completed the 42.195 km of the 2016 Barcelona marathon were studied. Saliva and blood samples were collected the day before the marathon and two days after the end of the race. Salivary IgA, antimicrobial proteins (lactoferrin, lysozyme) and chemokines (Groα, Groβ, MCP-1) were determined using ELISA kits in saliva supernatant. Blood biochemistry and haemogram were analyzed in all participants. The presence of LRTI was considered in those runners who reported infectious lower respiratory tract symptoms during a minimum of 3 consecutive days in the 2 weeks after the race. RESULTS Eight participants (17%) presented a LRTI during the 2 weeks of follow-up. Higher lysozyme levels were detected after the race in runners with LRTI when compared with those without infection. A decrease in salivary lysozyme, Groα and Groβ levels after the race were observed in those runners who did not develop a LRTI when compared to basal levels. Salivary Groα levels correlated with basophil blood counts, and salivary lysozyme levels correlated with leukocyte blood counts. CONCLUSIONS LRTI are common after a marathon race in non-elite healthy runners. Changes in salivary antimicrobial proteins and chemokines are related to the presence of LRTI and correlate with systemic defense cells, which suggest an important role of salivary immunity in the development of LRTI in non-elite marathon runners.
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C-Glycopyranosyl Arenes and Hetarenes: Synthetic Methods and Bioactivity Focused on Antidiabetic Potential.
Bokor, É, Kun, S, Goyard, D, Tóth, M, Praly, JP, Vidal, S, Somsák, L
Chemical reviews. 2017;(3):1687-1764
Abstract
This Review summarizes close to 500 primary publications and surveys published since 2000 about the syntheses and diverse bioactivities of C-glycopyranosyl (het)arenes. A classification of the preparative routes to these synthetic targets according to methodologies and compound categories is provided. Several of these compounds, regardless of their natural or synthetic origin, display antidiabetic properties due to enzyme inhibition (glycogen phosphorylase, protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B) or by inhibiting renal sodium-dependent glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2). The latter class of synthetic inhibitors, very recently approved as antihyperglycemic drugs, opens new perspectives in the pharmacological treatment of type 2 diabetes. Various compounds with the C-glycopyranosyl (het)arene motif were subjected to biological studies displaying among others antioxidant, antiviral, antibiotic, antiadhesive, cytotoxic, and glycoenzyme inhibitory effects.
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Naphthyl Thio- and Carba-xylopyranosides for Exploration of the Active Site of β-1,4-Galactosyltransferase 7 (β4GalT7).
Thorsheim, K, Willén, D, Tykesson, E, Ståhle, J, Praly, JP, Vidal, S, Johnson, MT, Widmalm, G, Manner, S, Ellervik, U
Chemistry (Weinheim an der Bergstrasse, Germany). 2017;(71):18057-18065
Abstract
Xyloside analogues with substitution of the endocyclic oxygen atom by sulfur or carbon were investigated as substrates for β-1,4-galactosyltransferase 7 (β4GalT7), a key enzyme in the biosynthesis of glycosaminoglycan chains. The analogues with an endocyclic sulfur atom proved to be excellent substrates for β4GalT7, and were galactosylated approximately fifteen times more efficiently than the corresponding xyloside. The 5a-carba-β-xylopyranoside in the d-configuration proved to be a good substrate for β4GalT7, whereas the enantiomer in the l-configuration showed no activity. Further investigations by X-ray crystallography, NMR spectroscopy, and molecular modeling provided a rationale for the pronounced activity of the sulfur analogues. Favorable π-π interactions between the 2-naphthyl moiety and a tyrosine side chain of the enzyme were observed for the thio analogues, which open up for the design of efficient GAG primers and inhibitors.
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Chemotherapy-associated anemia in patients with lung cancer: an epidemiological, retrospective and multicenter study.
Muñoz-Langa, J, De Castro, J, Gascó, P, Sanchez, A, Esteban, E, Gasent, JM, Barneto, I, Montalar, J, Artal, A, Vidal, S
Future oncology (London, England). 2015;(11):1665-74
Abstract
AIM: Providing epidemiological data and treatment of anemia in lung cancer patients undergoing first-line chemotherapy. METHODS Epidemiological, observational, retrospective and multicenter study carried out at 30 sites throughout Spain. RESULTS The prevalence of anemia (hemoglobin [Hb] level <12 g/dl) was 18.3% and the incidence 80.7%. Mean Hb levels were 13.4 g/dl (95% Cl: 13.2-13.6) and 11.5 g/dl (95% Cl: 11.3-11.7) at starting and at the end of chemotherapy, respectively. Of the 294 patients with anemia, 174 (59.2%) were treated. Erythropoiesis-stimulating agents were given to 90.2% patients, alone in 31.6% and combined iron in 39.7%, transfusion in 9.2% and iron and transfusion in 9.8%. CONCLUSION These results suggest an appropriate and rational use of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents in the treatment of chemotherapy-associated anemia in lung cancer patients. [corrected].
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Randomized pilot study: effects of an exercise programme and leucine supplementation in patients with cirrhosis.
Román, E, Torrades, MT, Nadal, MJ, Cárdenas, G, Nieto, JC, Vidal, S, Bascuñana, H, Juárez, C, Guarner, C, Córdoba, J, et al
Digestive diseases and sciences. 2014;(8):1966-75
Abstract
BACKGROUND Physical exercise could improve functional limitations, muscle mass, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with cirrhosis. AIM: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of an exercise programme and leucine supplementation to increase exercise capacity, muscle mass, and HRQoL in patients with cirrhosis. PATIENTS AND METHODS Seventeen outpatients with cirrhosis were randomized to an exercise group (n = 8) or a control group (n = 9) in a pilot study. The programme of moderate exercise was performed for 12 weeks under supervision of a physiotherapist. All patients received oral leucine (10 g/day) during the study. At baseline and at the end of the study, we determined exercise capacity (6-min walk and 2-min step tests), anthropometric measurements, and HRQoL by Short Form-36 (SF-36) questionnaire. We also analyzed safety regarding complications of cirrhosis, liver and renal function, inflammatory response and oxidative stress. RESULTS In the exercise group, exercise capacity improved, as shown by the increase in the 6-min walk test from 365 (160-420) to 445 m (250-500) (p = 0.01), and in the 2-min step test (p = 0.02). Lower thigh circumference also increased, from 41 (34-53) to 46 cm (36-56) (p = 0.02), and the domains of SF-36 general health (p = 0.03), vitality (p = 0.01) and social function (p = 0.04) improved significantly. In the control group, no statistically significant changes were observed in any of the parameters. We did not observe complications of cirrhosis in either group during the study. CONCLUSIONS A programme of moderate physical exercise together with leucine supplements in patients with cirrhosis is safe and improves exercise capacity, leg muscle mass and HRQoL.