Mapping Antigenic Motifs in the Trypomastigote Small Surface Antigen from Trypanosoma cruzi

The trypomastigote small surface antigen (TSSA) is a mucin-like molecule from Trypanosoma cruzi, the etiological agent of Chagas disease, which displays amino acid polymorphisms in parasite isolates. TSSA expression is restricted to the surface of infective cell-derived trypomastigotes, where it functions as an adhesin and engages surface receptors on the host cell as a prerequisite for parasite internalization. Previous results have established TSSA-CL, the isoform encoded by the CL Brener clone, as an appealing candidate for use in serology-based diagnostics for Chagas disease. Here, we used a combination of peptide- and recombinant protein-based tools to map the antigenic structure of TSSA-CL at maximal resolution. Our results indicate the presence of different partially overlapping B-cell epitopes clustering in the central portion of TSSA-CL, which contains most of the polymorphisms found in parasite isolates. Based on these results, we assessed the serodiagnostic performance of a 21-amino-acid-long peptide that spans TSSA-CL major antigenic determinants, which was similar to the performance of the previously validated glutathione S-transferase (GST)-TSSA-CL fusion molecule. Furthermore, the tools developed for the antigenic characterization of the TSSA antigen were also used to explore other potential diagnostic applications of the anti-TSSA humoral response in Chagasic patients. Overall, our present results provide additional insights into the antigenic structure of TSSA-CL and support this molecule as an excellent target for molecular intervention in Chagas disease.     

Management of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: An evidence-based clinical practice review

AIM: To build a consensus among Chilean specialists on the appropriate management of patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in clinical practice.METHODS: NAFLD has now reached epidemic proportions worldwide. The optimal treatment for NAFLD has not been established due to a lack of evidence-based recommendations. An expert panel of members of the Chilean Gastroenterological Society and the Chilean Hepatology Association conducted a structured analysis of the current literature on NAFLD therapy. The quality of the evidence and the level of recommendations supporting each statement were assessed according to the recommendations of the United States Preventive Services Task Force. A modified three-round Delphi technique was used to reach a consensus among the experts.RESULTS: A group of thirteen experts was established. The survey included 17 open-ended questions that were distributed among the experts, who assessed the articles associated with each question. The levels of agreement achieved by the panel were 93.8% in the first round and 100% in the second and third rounds. The final recommendations support the indication of lifestyle changes, including diet and exercise, for all patients with NAFLD. Proven pharmacological therapies include only vitamin E and pioglitazone, which can be used in nondiabetic patients with biopsy-proven nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (the progressive form of NAFLD), although the long-term safety and efficacy of these therapies have not yet been established.CONCLUSION: Current NAFLD management is rapidly evolving, and new pathophysiology-based therapies are expected to be introduced in the near future. All NAFLD patients should be evaluated using a three-focused approach that considers the risks of liver disease, diabetes and cardiovascular events.     

Increased Amoeboid Microglial Density in the Olfactory Bulb of Parkinson's and Alzheimer's Patients

The olfactory bulb (OB) is affected early in both Parkinson's (PD) and Alzheimer's disease (AD), evidenced by the presence of disease‐specific protein aggregates and an early loss of olfaction. Whereas previous studies showed amoeboid microglia in the classically affected brain regions of PD and AD patients, little was known about such changes in the OB. Using a morphometric approach, a significant increase in amoeboid microglia density within the anterior olfactory nucleus (AON) of AD and PD patients was observed. These amoeboid microglia cells were in close apposition to β‐amyloid, hyperphosphorylated tau or α‐synuclein deposits, but no uptake of pathological proteins by microglia could be visualized. Subsequent analysis showed (i) no correlation between microglia and α‐synuclein (PD), (ii) a positive correlation with β‐amyloid (AD), and (iii) a negative correlation with hyperphosphorylated tau (AD). Furthermore, despite the observed pathological alterations in neurite morphology, neuronal loss was not apparent in the AON of both patient groups. Thus, we hypothesize that, in contrast to the classically affected brain regions of AD and PD patients, within the AON rather than neuronal loss, the increased density in amoeboid microglial cells, possibly in combination with neurite pathology, may contribute to functional deficits.     

Applied research in biotechnology as a source of opportunities for green chemistry start-ups

Applied research in biotechnology can be a source of inspiration for start-ups in green chemistry. The versatility of bioprocesses and the possibility of developing business models from research outcomes could create innovation ecosystems, including large economies and developing countries such as Colombia.The process of training young researchers is key to ensure the feasibility of these start-ups in the long term; however, many universities have curricula that are far from generating conditions that favor the development of new businesses. The integration between research groups, curriculum, and the industry are key elements to deepen the development of green chemistry-oriented ventures.This paper shows the lessons learned from Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana through its research group in biotechnology CIBIOT as a working model that integrates the curriculum and research. Case studies and reflections on technology-based entrepreneurship are shown.