Andrés Caicedo - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Andrés Caicedo

European Neuropsychopharmacology

European Neuropsychopharmacology, 2022

Informe epidemiológico nacional, 2018

Introducción: La leptospirosis es una enfermedad zoonótica reemergente. Colombia es un país endém... more Introducción: La leptospirosis es una enfermedad zoonótica reemergente. Colombia es un país endémico que presenta condiciones epidemiológicas que favorecen la infección en la población en general. En la ciudad de Cartagena se presentaron dos mortalidades asociadas a leptospirosis por sintomatología y clínica; uno de los casos se confirmó por laboratorio. Se realizó investigación de campo y la contención del brote en coordinación con el Departamento Administrativo Distrital De Salud –Dadis Cartagena. El objetivo fue confirmar el brote y caracterizar los casos para orientar acciones de control y prevenir oportunamente posibles nuevos casos. Metodología: Se realizó una investigación de brote en la población del Barrio Daniel Lemaitre ubicado en el Sector El Pesebre – Sinaí en Cartagena. Se incluyeron personas que, desde el primero de noviembre del 2017, hasta febrero 26 de 2018, presentaran fiebre > 38 °C, y al menos uno de los siguientes síntomas: cefalea, mialgias, conjuntivitis, ...

Informe epidemiológico nacional, 2018

Introducción La leptospirosis es una zoonosis de distribución mundial causada por una bacteria de... more Introducción La leptospirosis es una zoonosis de distribución mundial causada por una bacteria del género Leptospira que afecta a animales salvajes y domésticos. Tras la confirmación de dos casos de leptospirosis en el establecimiento penitenciario La Picota de Bogotá, se generó una respuesta de investigación y control del brote en coordinación con la Secretaria de Salud de Bogotá (SDS), Subred Centro Oriente, Instituto Nacional Penitenciario y Carcelario (INPEC), e Instituto Nacional de Salud (INS). Los objetivos fueron confirmar el brote, identificar la etiología y caracterizar los casos para orientar acciones de control y prevención Metodología Se realizó un estudio de investigación de brote. Se definieron los patios dos y tres del establecimiento penitenciario como área de foco. La información se recolectó mediante búsqueda activa y pasiva institucional en un instrumento diseñado para registro individual de casos con datos básicos de identificación y del cuadro clínico. Se recol...

Stem Cell Reports, 2021

Regenerative medicine has great potential. The pace of scientific advance is exciting and the med... more Regenerative medicine has great potential. The pace of scientific advance is exciting and the medical opportunities for regeneration and repair may be transformative. However, concerns continue to grow, relating to problems caused both by unscrupulous private clinics offering unregulated therapies based on little or no evidence and by premature regulatory approval on the basis of insufficient scientific rationale and clinical evidence. An initiative by the InterAcademy Partnership convened experts worldwide to identify opportunities and challenges, with a focus on stem cells. This was designed to be inclusive and consensus outputs reflected the diversity of the global research population. Among issues addressed for supporting research and innovation while protecting patients were ethical assessment; pre-clinical and clinical research; regulatory authorization and medicines access; and engagement with patients, policy makers, and the public. The InterAcademy Partnership (IAP) identified options for action for sharing good practice and building collaboration within the scientific community and with other stakeholders worldwide.

This article approaches Colombian writer Andres Caicedo’s literary work iQue viva la musica! from... more This article approaches Colombian writer Andres Caicedo’s literary work iQue viva la musica! from an interdiscursive point of view. Behold an analysis of its dialogues and the convergence the novel awakens with the seventies rock and salsa music. Caicedo’s novel portrays from the title itself music as its main character, and reading along reveals how this character structures the discourse developed in the initiation novel. We will see music within Caicedo’s work as the rhythm “in crescendo” of the plot’s intensity.

Perspectives and Trends in Education and Technology, 2021

Advances in Human Factors in Robots, Unmanned Systems and Cybersecurity, 2021

Scientific Reports, 2021

Wound healing (WH) and cancer seem to share common cellular and molecular processes that could wo... more Wound healing (WH) and cancer seem to share common cellular and molecular processes that could work in a tight balance to maintain tissue homeostasis or, when unregulated, drive tumor progression. The “Cancer Hallmarks” comprise crucial biological properties that mediate the advancement of the disease and affect patient prognosis. These hallmarks have been proposed to overlap with essential features of the WH process. However, common hallmarks and proteins actively participating in both processes have yet to be described. In this work we identify 21 WH proteins strongly linked with solid tumors by integrated TCGA Pan-Cancer and multi-omics analyses. These proteins were associated with eight of the ten described cancer hallmarks, especially avoiding immune destruction. These results show that WH and cancer's common proteins are involved in the microenvironment modification of solid tissues and immune system regulation. This set of proteins, between WH and cancer, could represent ...

npj Microgravity, 2021

Exposure to microgravity and ionizing radiation during spaceflight missions causes excessive reac... more Exposure to microgravity and ionizing radiation during spaceflight missions causes excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) production that contributes to cellular stress and damage in astronauts. Average spaceflight mission time is expected to lengthen as humanity aims to visit other planets. However, longer missions or spaceflights will undoubtedly lead to an increment in microgravity, ionizing radiation and ROS production. Strategies to minimize ROS damage are necessary to maintain the health of astronauts, future space colonists, and tourists during and after spaceflight missions. An antioxidant cocktail formulated to prevent or mitigate ROS damage during space exploration could help maintain the health of space explorers. We propose key points to consider when developing an antioxidant cocktail. We discuss how ROS damages our body and organs, the genetic predisposition of astronauts to its damage, characteristics and evidence of the effectiveness of antioxidants to combat excess...

Critical Reviews in Oncology/Hematology, 2021

Mitochondrion, 2021

The diversity and coexistence of extracellular mitochondria may have a key role in the maintenanc... more The diversity and coexistence of extracellular mitochondria may have a key role in the maintenance of health and progression of disease. Studies report that active mitochondria can be found physiologically outside of cells and circulating in the blood without inducing an inflammatory response. In addition, inactive or harmed mitochondria have been recognized as activators of immune cells, as they play an essential role in diseases characterized by the metabolic deregulation of these cells, such as sepsis. In this review we analyze key aspects regarding the existence of a diversity of extracellular mitochondria, their coexistence in body fluids and their effects on various immune cells. Additionally, we introduce models of how extracellular mitochondria could be interacting to maintain health and affect disease prognosis. Unwrapped mitochondria (freeMitos) can exist as viable, active, inactive or harmed organelles. Mitochondria can also be found wrapped in a membrane (wrappedMitos) that may differ depending on the cell of origin. Mitochondrial fragments can also be present in various body fluids as DAMPs, as mtDNA enclosed in vesicles or as circulating-cell-free mtDNA (ccf-mtDNA). Interestingly, the great quantity of evidence regarding the levels of ccf-mtDNA and their correlation with aging and disease allows for the identification of the diversity, but not type, of extracellular mitochondria. The existence of a diversity of mitochondria and their effects on immune cells opens a new concept in the biomedical field towards the understanding of health, the progression of disease and the development of mitochondria as therapeutic agents.

Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology, 2020

The perception of mitochondria as only the powerhouse of the cell has dramatically changed in the... more The perception of mitochondria as only the powerhouse of the cell has dramatically changed in the last decade. It is now accepted that in addition to being essential intracellularly, mitochondria can promote cellular repair when transferred from healthy to damaged cells. The artificial mitochondria transfer/transplant (AMT/T) group of techniques emulate this naturally occurring process and have been used to develop therapies to treat a range of diseases including cardiac and neurodegenerative. Mitochondria accumulate damage with time, resulting in cellular senescence. Skin cells and its mitochondria are profoundly affected by ultraviolet radiation and other factors that induce premature and accelerated aging. In this article, we propose the basis to use AMT/T to treat skin aging by transferring healthy mitochondria to senescent cells, possibly revitalizing them. We provide insightful information about how skin structure, components, and cells could age rapidly depending on the amount of damage received. Arguments are shown in favor of the use of AMT/T to treat aging skin and its cells, among them the possibility to stop free radical production, add new genetic material, and provide an energetic boost to help cells prolong their viability over time. This article intends to present one of the many aspects in which mitochondria could be used as a universal treatment for cell and tissue damage and aging.

Infectious Diseases in Obstetrics and Gynecology, 2020

Background. Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) diagnosis is often challenging as well as its treat... more Background. Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) diagnosis is often challenging as well as its treatment. This study sought to characterize the diagnostic and therapeutic trend among physicians at the outpatient level, in Quito, Ecuador, where currently no nationwide screening or specific clinical guideline has been implemented on PID or its main microbiological agents. Methods. A retrospective analysis of medical records with pelvic inflammatory disease diagnosis in an outpatient clinic was performed. Electronic medical records from 2013 to 2018 with any pelvic inflammatory disease-related diagnoses were retrieved. Information with regard to age, sexually related risk factors, symptoms and physical exam findings, ancillary tests, method of diagnosis, and antibiotic regimens was extracted. Results. A total of 186 records were included. The most frequent clinical manifestations were vaginal discharge (47%) and pelvic pain (39%). In the physical examination, leucorrhea was the most frequ...

Molecular Neurodegeneration, 2020

Several studies have linked circulating cell-free mitochondrial DNA (ccf-mtDNA) to human disease.... more Several studies have linked circulating cell-free mitochondrial DNA (ccf-mtDNA) to human disease. In particular, reduced ccf-mtDNA levels in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of both Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients have raised the hypothesis that ccf-mtDNA could be used as a biomarker for neurodegenerative disease onset and progression. However, how a reduction of CSF ccf-mtDNA levels relates to neurodegeneration remains unclear. Many factors are likely to influence ccf-mtDNA levels, such as concomitant therapeutic treatment and comorbidities. In this study we aimed to investigate these factors, quantifying CSF ccf-mtDNA from the Parkinson’s Progression Markers Initiative in 372 PD patients and 159 matched controls at two time points. We found that ccf-mtDNA levels appear significantly reduced in PD cases when compared to matched controls and are associated with cognitive impairment. However, our data indicate that this reduction in ccf-mtDNA is also associated with th...

Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology, 2020

The fresh or cryopreserved human umbilical cord (HUC) and its byproducts, such as cells and extra... more The fresh or cryopreserved human umbilical cord (HUC) and its byproducts, such as cells and extracts, have different uses in tissue regeneration. Defining what HUC byproduct is more effective in a particular application is a challenge. Furthermore, the methods of isolation, culture and preservation, may affect cell viability and regenerative properties. In this article, we review the HUC and its byproducts' applications in research and clinical practice. We present our results of successful use of HUC as a patch to treat gastroschisis and its potential to be applied in other conditions. Our in vitro results show an increase in proliferation and migration of human fibroblasts by using an acellular HUC extract. Our goal is to promote standardization of procedures and point out that applications of HUC and its byproducts, as well as the resulting advances in regenerative medicine, will depend on rigorous quality control and on more research in this area.

Stem Cell Research & Therapy, 2019

Background: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent cells with broad immunosuppressive capa... more Background: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent cells with broad immunosuppressive capacities. Recently, it has been reported that MSCs can transfer mitochondria to various cell types, including fibroblast, cancer, and endothelial cells. It has been suggested that mitochondrial transfer is associated with a physiological response to cues released by damaged cells to restore and regenerate damaged tissue. However, the role of mitochondrial transfer to immune competent cells has been poorly investigated. Methods and results: Here, we analyzed the capacity of MSCs from the bone marrow (BM) of healthy donors (BM-MSCs) to transfer mitochondria to primary CD4 + CCR6 + CD45RO + T helper 17 (Th17) cells by confocal microscopy and fluorescent-activated cell sorting (FACS). We then evaluated the Th17 cell inflammatory phenotype and bioenergetics at 4 h and 24 h of co-culture with BM-MSCs. We found that Th17 cells can take up mitochondria from BM-MSCs already after 4 h of co-culture. Moreover, IL-17 production by Th17 cells co-cultured with BM-MSCs was significantly impaired in a contact-dependent manner. This inhibition was associated with oxygen consumption increase by Th17 cells and interconversion into T regulatory cells. Finally, by co-culturing human synovial MSCs (sMSCs) from patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with Th17 cells, we found that compared with healthy BM-MSCs, mitochondrial transfer to Th17 cells was impaired in RA-sMSCs. Moreover, artificial mitochondrial transfer also significantly reduced IL-17 production by Th17 cells. Conclusions: The present study brings some insights into a novel mechanism of T cell function regulation through mitochondrial transfer from stromal stem cells. The reduced mitochondrial transfer by RA-sMSCs might contribute to the persistence of chronic inflammation in RA synovitis.

BMC Biotechnology, 2019

Background: Artificial Mitochondrial Transfer or Transplant (AMT/T) can be used to reduce the str... more Background: Artificial Mitochondrial Transfer or Transplant (AMT/T) can be used to reduce the stress and loss of viability of damaged cells. In MitoCeption, a type of AMT/T, the isolated mitochondria and recipient cells are centrifuged together at 4°C and then co-incubated at 37°C in normal culture conditions, inducing the transfer. Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) can affect mitochondria and other cell structures, resulting in tissue stress, aging, and immunosuppression. AMT/T could be used to repair UVR cellular and mitochondrial damage. We studied if a mitochondrial mix from different donors (Primary Allogeneic Mitochondrial Mix, PAMM) can repair UVR damage and promote cell survival. Results: Using a simplified adaption of the MitoCeption protocol, we used peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) as the recipient cell model of the PAMM in order to determine if this protocol could repair UVR damage. Our results showed that when PBMCs are exposed to UVR, there is a decrease in metabolic activity, mitochondrial mass, and mtDNA sequence stability as well as an increase in p53 expression and the percentage of dead cells. When PAMM MitoCeption was used on UVR-damaged cells, it successfully transferred mitochondria from different donors to distinct PBMCs populations and repaired the observed UVR damage. Conclusion: Our results represent an advancement in the applications of MitoCeption and other AMT/T. We showed that PBMCs could be used as a PAMM source of mitochondria. We also showed that these mitochondria can be transferred in a mix from different donors (PAMM) to UVR-damaged, non-adherent primary cells. Additionally, we decreased the duration of the MitoCeption protocol.

Mitochondrion, 2019

Mitochondria play an important role as an intracellular energy plant and signaling organelle. How... more Mitochondria play an important role as an intracellular energy plant and signaling organelle. However, mitochondria also exist outside cells where they could mediate cell-to-cell communication, repair and serve as an activator of the immune response. Their effects depend on the mitochondrial state or the form in which it is present, either as a whole functional structure as fragments or only as mitochondrial DNA. Herein, we provide evidence of why extracellular mitochondria and their varying forms are considered regenerative factors or pro-inflammatory activators. Understanding these aspects will provide the base of their use in therapy or as a biomarker of disease severity and prognosis.

Stroke, Aug 1, 2017

Recent studies suggest that extracellular mitochondria may be involved in the pathophysiology of ... more Recent studies suggest that extracellular mitochondria may be involved in the pathophysiology of stroke. In this study, we assessed the functional relevance of endogenous extracellular mitochondria in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in rats and humans after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). A standard rat model of SAH was used, where an intraluminal suture was used to perforate a cerebral artery, thus leading to blood extravasation into subarachnoid space. At 24 and 72 hours after SAH, neurological outcomes were measured, and the standard JC1 (5,5',6,6'-tetrachloro-1,1',3,3'-tetraethyl-benzimidazolylcarbocyanineiodide) assay was used to quantify mitochondrial membrane potentials in the CSF. To further support the rat model experiments, CSF samples were obtained from 41 patients with SAH and 27 control subjects. Mitochondrial membrane potentials were measured with the JC1 assay, and correlations with clinical outcomes were assessed at 3 months. In the standard rat model of SAH...

European Neuropsychopharmacology

European Neuropsychopharmacology, 2022

Informe epidemiológico nacional, 2018

Introducción: La leptospirosis es una enfermedad zoonótica reemergente. Colombia es un país endém... more Introducción: La leptospirosis es una enfermedad zoonótica reemergente. Colombia es un país endémico que presenta condiciones epidemiológicas que favorecen la infección en la población en general. En la ciudad de Cartagena se presentaron dos mortalidades asociadas a leptospirosis por sintomatología y clínica; uno de los casos se confirmó por laboratorio. Se realizó investigación de campo y la contención del brote en coordinación con el Departamento Administrativo Distrital De Salud –Dadis Cartagena. El objetivo fue confirmar el brote y caracterizar los casos para orientar acciones de control y prevenir oportunamente posibles nuevos casos. Metodología: Se realizó una investigación de brote en la población del Barrio Daniel Lemaitre ubicado en el Sector El Pesebre – Sinaí en Cartagena. Se incluyeron personas que, desde el primero de noviembre del 2017, hasta febrero 26 de 2018, presentaran fiebre > 38 °C, y al menos uno de los siguientes síntomas: cefalea, mialgias, conjuntivitis, ...

Informe epidemiológico nacional, 2018

Introducción La leptospirosis es una zoonosis de distribución mundial causada por una bacteria de... more Introducción La leptospirosis es una zoonosis de distribución mundial causada por una bacteria del género Leptospira que afecta a animales salvajes y domésticos. Tras la confirmación de dos casos de leptospirosis en el establecimiento penitenciario La Picota de Bogotá, se generó una respuesta de investigación y control del brote en coordinación con la Secretaria de Salud de Bogotá (SDS), Subred Centro Oriente, Instituto Nacional Penitenciario y Carcelario (INPEC), e Instituto Nacional de Salud (INS). Los objetivos fueron confirmar el brote, identificar la etiología y caracterizar los casos para orientar acciones de control y prevención Metodología Se realizó un estudio de investigación de brote. Se definieron los patios dos y tres del establecimiento penitenciario como área de foco. La información se recolectó mediante búsqueda activa y pasiva institucional en un instrumento diseñado para registro individual de casos con datos básicos de identificación y del cuadro clínico. Se recol...

Stem Cell Reports, 2021

Regenerative medicine has great potential. The pace of scientific advance is exciting and the med... more Regenerative medicine has great potential. The pace of scientific advance is exciting and the medical opportunities for regeneration and repair may be transformative. However, concerns continue to grow, relating to problems caused both by unscrupulous private clinics offering unregulated therapies based on little or no evidence and by premature regulatory approval on the basis of insufficient scientific rationale and clinical evidence. An initiative by the InterAcademy Partnership convened experts worldwide to identify opportunities and challenges, with a focus on stem cells. This was designed to be inclusive and consensus outputs reflected the diversity of the global research population. Among issues addressed for supporting research and innovation while protecting patients were ethical assessment; pre-clinical and clinical research; regulatory authorization and medicines access; and engagement with patients, policy makers, and the public. The InterAcademy Partnership (IAP) identified options for action for sharing good practice and building collaboration within the scientific community and with other stakeholders worldwide.

This article approaches Colombian writer Andres Caicedo’s literary work iQue viva la musica! from... more This article approaches Colombian writer Andres Caicedo’s literary work iQue viva la musica! from an interdiscursive point of view. Behold an analysis of its dialogues and the convergence the novel awakens with the seventies rock and salsa music. Caicedo’s novel portrays from the title itself music as its main character, and reading along reveals how this character structures the discourse developed in the initiation novel. We will see music within Caicedo’s work as the rhythm “in crescendo” of the plot’s intensity.

Perspectives and Trends in Education and Technology, 2021

Advances in Human Factors in Robots, Unmanned Systems and Cybersecurity, 2021

Scientific Reports, 2021

Wound healing (WH) and cancer seem to share common cellular and molecular processes that could wo... more Wound healing (WH) and cancer seem to share common cellular and molecular processes that could work in a tight balance to maintain tissue homeostasis or, when unregulated, drive tumor progression. The “Cancer Hallmarks” comprise crucial biological properties that mediate the advancement of the disease and affect patient prognosis. These hallmarks have been proposed to overlap with essential features of the WH process. However, common hallmarks and proteins actively participating in both processes have yet to be described. In this work we identify 21 WH proteins strongly linked with solid tumors by integrated TCGA Pan-Cancer and multi-omics analyses. These proteins were associated with eight of the ten described cancer hallmarks, especially avoiding immune destruction. These results show that WH and cancer's common proteins are involved in the microenvironment modification of solid tissues and immune system regulation. This set of proteins, between WH and cancer, could represent ...

npj Microgravity, 2021

Exposure to microgravity and ionizing radiation during spaceflight missions causes excessive reac... more Exposure to microgravity and ionizing radiation during spaceflight missions causes excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) production that contributes to cellular stress and damage in astronauts. Average spaceflight mission time is expected to lengthen as humanity aims to visit other planets. However, longer missions or spaceflights will undoubtedly lead to an increment in microgravity, ionizing radiation and ROS production. Strategies to minimize ROS damage are necessary to maintain the health of astronauts, future space colonists, and tourists during and after spaceflight missions. An antioxidant cocktail formulated to prevent or mitigate ROS damage during space exploration could help maintain the health of space explorers. We propose key points to consider when developing an antioxidant cocktail. We discuss how ROS damages our body and organs, the genetic predisposition of astronauts to its damage, characteristics and evidence of the effectiveness of antioxidants to combat excess...

Critical Reviews in Oncology/Hematology, 2021

Mitochondrion, 2021

The diversity and coexistence of extracellular mitochondria may have a key role in the maintenanc... more The diversity and coexistence of extracellular mitochondria may have a key role in the maintenance of health and progression of disease. Studies report that active mitochondria can be found physiologically outside of cells and circulating in the blood without inducing an inflammatory response. In addition, inactive or harmed mitochondria have been recognized as activators of immune cells, as they play an essential role in diseases characterized by the metabolic deregulation of these cells, such as sepsis. In this review we analyze key aspects regarding the existence of a diversity of extracellular mitochondria, their coexistence in body fluids and their effects on various immune cells. Additionally, we introduce models of how extracellular mitochondria could be interacting to maintain health and affect disease prognosis. Unwrapped mitochondria (freeMitos) can exist as viable, active, inactive or harmed organelles. Mitochondria can also be found wrapped in a membrane (wrappedMitos) that may differ depending on the cell of origin. Mitochondrial fragments can also be present in various body fluids as DAMPs, as mtDNA enclosed in vesicles or as circulating-cell-free mtDNA (ccf-mtDNA). Interestingly, the great quantity of evidence regarding the levels of ccf-mtDNA and their correlation with aging and disease allows for the identification of the diversity, but not type, of extracellular mitochondria. The existence of a diversity of mitochondria and their effects on immune cells opens a new concept in the biomedical field towards the understanding of health, the progression of disease and the development of mitochondria as therapeutic agents.

Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology, 2020

The perception of mitochondria as only the powerhouse of the cell has dramatically changed in the... more The perception of mitochondria as only the powerhouse of the cell has dramatically changed in the last decade. It is now accepted that in addition to being essential intracellularly, mitochondria can promote cellular repair when transferred from healthy to damaged cells. The artificial mitochondria transfer/transplant (AMT/T) group of techniques emulate this naturally occurring process and have been used to develop therapies to treat a range of diseases including cardiac and neurodegenerative. Mitochondria accumulate damage with time, resulting in cellular senescence. Skin cells and its mitochondria are profoundly affected by ultraviolet radiation and other factors that induce premature and accelerated aging. In this article, we propose the basis to use AMT/T to treat skin aging by transferring healthy mitochondria to senescent cells, possibly revitalizing them. We provide insightful information about how skin structure, components, and cells could age rapidly depending on the amount of damage received. Arguments are shown in favor of the use of AMT/T to treat aging skin and its cells, among them the possibility to stop free radical production, add new genetic material, and provide an energetic boost to help cells prolong their viability over time. This article intends to present one of the many aspects in which mitochondria could be used as a universal treatment for cell and tissue damage and aging.

Infectious Diseases in Obstetrics and Gynecology, 2020

Background. Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) diagnosis is often challenging as well as its treat... more Background. Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) diagnosis is often challenging as well as its treatment. This study sought to characterize the diagnostic and therapeutic trend among physicians at the outpatient level, in Quito, Ecuador, where currently no nationwide screening or specific clinical guideline has been implemented on PID or its main microbiological agents. Methods. A retrospective analysis of medical records with pelvic inflammatory disease diagnosis in an outpatient clinic was performed. Electronic medical records from 2013 to 2018 with any pelvic inflammatory disease-related diagnoses were retrieved. Information with regard to age, sexually related risk factors, symptoms and physical exam findings, ancillary tests, method of diagnosis, and antibiotic regimens was extracted. Results. A total of 186 records were included. The most frequent clinical manifestations were vaginal discharge (47%) and pelvic pain (39%). In the physical examination, leucorrhea was the most frequ...

Molecular Neurodegeneration, 2020

Several studies have linked circulating cell-free mitochondrial DNA (ccf-mtDNA) to human disease.... more Several studies have linked circulating cell-free mitochondrial DNA (ccf-mtDNA) to human disease. In particular, reduced ccf-mtDNA levels in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of both Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients have raised the hypothesis that ccf-mtDNA could be used as a biomarker for neurodegenerative disease onset and progression. However, how a reduction of CSF ccf-mtDNA levels relates to neurodegeneration remains unclear. Many factors are likely to influence ccf-mtDNA levels, such as concomitant therapeutic treatment and comorbidities. In this study we aimed to investigate these factors, quantifying CSF ccf-mtDNA from the Parkinson’s Progression Markers Initiative in 372 PD patients and 159 matched controls at two time points. We found that ccf-mtDNA levels appear significantly reduced in PD cases when compared to matched controls and are associated with cognitive impairment. However, our data indicate that this reduction in ccf-mtDNA is also associated with th...

Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology, 2020

The fresh or cryopreserved human umbilical cord (HUC) and its byproducts, such as cells and extra... more The fresh or cryopreserved human umbilical cord (HUC) and its byproducts, such as cells and extracts, have different uses in tissue regeneration. Defining what HUC byproduct is more effective in a particular application is a challenge. Furthermore, the methods of isolation, culture and preservation, may affect cell viability and regenerative properties. In this article, we review the HUC and its byproducts' applications in research and clinical practice. We present our results of successful use of HUC as a patch to treat gastroschisis and its potential to be applied in other conditions. Our in vitro results show an increase in proliferation and migration of human fibroblasts by using an acellular HUC extract. Our goal is to promote standardization of procedures and point out that applications of HUC and its byproducts, as well as the resulting advances in regenerative medicine, will depend on rigorous quality control and on more research in this area.

Stem Cell Research & Therapy, 2019

Background: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent cells with broad immunosuppressive capa... more Background: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent cells with broad immunosuppressive capacities. Recently, it has been reported that MSCs can transfer mitochondria to various cell types, including fibroblast, cancer, and endothelial cells. It has been suggested that mitochondrial transfer is associated with a physiological response to cues released by damaged cells to restore and regenerate damaged tissue. However, the role of mitochondrial transfer to immune competent cells has been poorly investigated. Methods and results: Here, we analyzed the capacity of MSCs from the bone marrow (BM) of healthy donors (BM-MSCs) to transfer mitochondria to primary CD4 + CCR6 + CD45RO + T helper 17 (Th17) cells by confocal microscopy and fluorescent-activated cell sorting (FACS). We then evaluated the Th17 cell inflammatory phenotype and bioenergetics at 4 h and 24 h of co-culture with BM-MSCs. We found that Th17 cells can take up mitochondria from BM-MSCs already after 4 h of co-culture. Moreover, IL-17 production by Th17 cells co-cultured with BM-MSCs was significantly impaired in a contact-dependent manner. This inhibition was associated with oxygen consumption increase by Th17 cells and interconversion into T regulatory cells. Finally, by co-culturing human synovial MSCs (sMSCs) from patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with Th17 cells, we found that compared with healthy BM-MSCs, mitochondrial transfer to Th17 cells was impaired in RA-sMSCs. Moreover, artificial mitochondrial transfer also significantly reduced IL-17 production by Th17 cells. Conclusions: The present study brings some insights into a novel mechanism of T cell function regulation through mitochondrial transfer from stromal stem cells. The reduced mitochondrial transfer by RA-sMSCs might contribute to the persistence of chronic inflammation in RA synovitis.

BMC Biotechnology, 2019

Background: Artificial Mitochondrial Transfer or Transplant (AMT/T) can be used to reduce the str... more Background: Artificial Mitochondrial Transfer or Transplant (AMT/T) can be used to reduce the stress and loss of viability of damaged cells. In MitoCeption, a type of AMT/T, the isolated mitochondria and recipient cells are centrifuged together at 4°C and then co-incubated at 37°C in normal culture conditions, inducing the transfer. Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) can affect mitochondria and other cell structures, resulting in tissue stress, aging, and immunosuppression. AMT/T could be used to repair UVR cellular and mitochondrial damage. We studied if a mitochondrial mix from different donors (Primary Allogeneic Mitochondrial Mix, PAMM) can repair UVR damage and promote cell survival. Results: Using a simplified adaption of the MitoCeption protocol, we used peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) as the recipient cell model of the PAMM in order to determine if this protocol could repair UVR damage. Our results showed that when PBMCs are exposed to UVR, there is a decrease in metabolic activity, mitochondrial mass, and mtDNA sequence stability as well as an increase in p53 expression and the percentage of dead cells. When PAMM MitoCeption was used on UVR-damaged cells, it successfully transferred mitochondria from different donors to distinct PBMCs populations and repaired the observed UVR damage. Conclusion: Our results represent an advancement in the applications of MitoCeption and other AMT/T. We showed that PBMCs could be used as a PAMM source of mitochondria. We also showed that these mitochondria can be transferred in a mix from different donors (PAMM) to UVR-damaged, non-adherent primary cells. Additionally, we decreased the duration of the MitoCeption protocol.

Mitochondrion, 2019

Mitochondria play an important role as an intracellular energy plant and signaling organelle. How... more Mitochondria play an important role as an intracellular energy plant and signaling organelle. However, mitochondria also exist outside cells where they could mediate cell-to-cell communication, repair and serve as an activator of the immune response. Their effects depend on the mitochondrial state or the form in which it is present, either as a whole functional structure as fragments or only as mitochondrial DNA. Herein, we provide evidence of why extracellular mitochondria and their varying forms are considered regenerative factors or pro-inflammatory activators. Understanding these aspects will provide the base of their use in therapy or as a biomarker of disease severity and prognosis.

Stroke, Aug 1, 2017

Recent studies suggest that extracellular mitochondria may be involved in the pathophysiology of ... more Recent studies suggest that extracellular mitochondria may be involved in the pathophysiology of stroke. In this study, we assessed the functional relevance of endogenous extracellular mitochondria in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in rats and humans after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). A standard rat model of SAH was used, where an intraluminal suture was used to perforate a cerebral artery, thus leading to blood extravasation into subarachnoid space. At 24 and 72 hours after SAH, neurological outcomes were measured, and the standard JC1 (5,5',6,6'-tetrachloro-1,1',3,3'-tetraethyl-benzimidazolylcarbocyanineiodide) assay was used to quantify mitochondrial membrane potentials in the CSF. To further support the rat model experiments, CSF samples were obtained from 41 patients with SAH and 27 control subjects. Mitochondrial membrane potentials were measured with the JC1 assay, and correlations with clinical outcomes were assessed at 3 months. In the standard rat model of SAH...