(Public Library of Science, 2013-02-06) Lachaud, Christian Claude; Pezzolla, Daniela; Domínguez-Rodríguez, Alejandro; Smani Hajami, Tarik; Soria, Bernat; Hmadcha, Abdelkrim; Fisiología Médica y Biofísica; Junta de Andalucía; European Commission (EC). Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional (FEDER); Instituto de Salud Carlos III; Ministerio de Sanidad y Política Social. España
In mammalian visceral organs, vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) originate from an epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of embryonic mesothelial cells (MCs). The ability of adult MCs to recapitulate EMT and to acquire smooth muscle (SM) markers upon provasculogenic culture suggested they might retain embryonic vasculogenic differentiation potential. However, it remains unknown whether adult MCs-derived SM-like cells may acquire specific vascular SM lineage markers and the functionality of differentiated contractile VSMCs. Here, we describe how a gentle trypsinization of adult mouse uterine cords could selectively detach their outermost uterine mesothelial layer cells. As other MCs; uterine MCs (UtMCs) uniformly expressed the epithelial markers β-catenin, ZO-1, E-cadherin, CD54, CD29, and CK18. When cultured in a modified SM differentiation media (SMDM) UtMCs initiated a loss of epithelial characteristics and gained markers expression of EMT (Twist, Snail, and Slug), stem and progenitor (Nanog, Sox2, C-kit, Gata-4, Isl-1, and nestin), SM (α-SMA, calponin, caldesmon, SM22α, desmin, SM-MHC, and smoothelin-B) and cardiac (BMP2, BMP4, ACTC1, sACTN, cTnI, cTnT, ANF, Cx43, and MLC2a). UtMCs repeatedly subcultured in SMDM acquired differentiated VSM-like characteristics and expressed smoothelin-B in the typical stress-fiber pattern expression of contractile VSMCs. Relevantly, UtMCs-derived VSM-like cells could generate “mechanical force” to compact collagen lattices and displayed in diverse degree voltage (K+) and receptor (endothelin-1, oxytocin, norepinephrine, carbachol and vasopressin)-induced [Ca2+]i rises and contraction. Thus, we show for the first time that UtMCs could recapitulate in vitro differentiative events of early cardiovascular differentiation and transdifferentiate in cells exhibiting molecular and functional characteristics of VSMCs.
(Elsevier, 2025) Lobo Prieto, Ana; Tena Pajuelo, Noelia; Aparicio Ruiz, Ramón; Morales Millán, María Teresa; García González, Diego L.; Química Analítica; Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades (MICIU). España; Junta de Andalucía
Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy is a highly effective technique for monitoring chemical changes in edible oils throughout their shelf life. This study combined FTIR accessories with different incubation procedures to track the degradation of virgin olive and avocado oils under moderate temperature (35 ◦ C) and light exposure from the early stages. The FTIR procedures were also tested with lipid standards that were used as molecular models and subjected to the same incubation conditions. While conventional ATR-FTIR analysis of off- site incubated samples revealed only minor spectral changes, on-device strategies—temperature-controlled ATR- FTIR and mesh cell-FTIR—enabled continuous spectral acquisition, with key spectral bands appearing on scale, informing on the oil susceptibility to degradation caused by mild heating and photooxidation. The combination of these techniques provided comprehensive insights of the chemical changes. One technique (ATR-FTIR) detected changes in triacylglycerol bands, while the other (mesh cell-FTIR) highlighted oxidation-related absorptions. Notably, bands associated with hydroperoxides, free fatty acids, and cis double bonds exhibited the highest formation rate slopes. Compared to edible oils, triolein showed fewer spectral changes, with free fatty acid slopes in oils being 16 times higher. These findings emphasize the influence of minor compounds on the spectral behavior of oils when exposed to light and mild heat.
(Macmillan Publishers, 2014-08-14) Oropesa-Ávila, M.; Andrade-Talavera, Yuniesky; Garrido-Maraver, J.; Cordero, M. D.; Mata, M. de la; Cotán, D.; Alcocer-Gómez, Elísabet; Sánchez-Alcázar, J.; Fisiología Médica y Biofísica; Psicología Experimental; Ministerio de Sanidad y Política Social. España; European Commission (EC). Fondo Europeo de Desarrollo Regional (FEDER); Junta de Andalucía; AEPMI (Asociación de Enfermos de Patología Mitocondrial)
Apoptosis is characterized by degradation of cell components but plasma membrane remains intact. Apoptotic microtubule network (AMN) is organized during apoptosis forming a cortical structure beneath plasma membrane that maintains plasma membrane integrity. Apoptotic cells are also characterized by high reactive oxygen species (ROS) production that can be potentially harmful for the cell. The aim of this study was to develop a method that allows stabilizing apoptotic cells for diagnostic and therapeutic applications. By using a cocktail composed of taxol (a microtubule stabilizer), Zn2+ (a caspase inhibitor) and coenzyme Q10 (a lipid antioxidant), we were able to stabilize H460 apoptotic cells in cell cultures for at least 72 h, preventing secondary necrosis. Stabilized apoptotic cells maintain many apoptotic cell characteristics such as the presence of apoptotic microtubules, plasma membrane integrity, low intracellular calcium levels and mitochondrial polarization. Apoptotic cell stabilization may open new avenues in apoptosis detection and therapy.
(2025-06-02) Guerra Martín, María Dolores; Pérez Jiménez, José Miguel; Coheña Jiménez, Manuel; Borrallo Riego, Álvaro; Luque Oliveros, Manuel; Pedro Jiménez, Domingo de; Bonilla Sierra, Patricia; Enfermería; Podología; CTS1149: Salud Integral y Sostenible: Enfoque Bio-Psico-Social, Cultural y Espiritual para el Desarrollo Humano
Background: Postoperative pain management after a cesarean section remains a significant challenge, as inadequate control can delay maternal recovery and hinder early bonding and breastfeeding. While multimodal analgesia is the standard approach, non–pharmacological strategies like immediate skin–to–skin contact (SSC) are often underused despite their potential benefits in reducing pain, improving uterine contractions, and increasing maternal satisfaction. Objective: To evaluate the effects of immediate SSC on postoperative pain perception, uterine contraction quality, and maternal satisfaction, and to explore ways to incorporate SSC into routine post–cesarean care to promote recovery and humanized care. Method: A randomized clinical trial was conducted with 80 women undergoing elective cesarean sections, divided into two groups: SSC (40 women) and control (40 women). Postoperative pain was measured using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) at various intervals, while uterine contraction quality and maternal satisfaction were assessed through clinical observation and a Likert scale, respectively. Results: We found that women in the SSC group experienced significantly lower pain scores (VAS2 and VAS3, p < 0.001), stronger infraumbilical uterine contractions (92.5%, p < 0.001), and higher satisfaction levels (average 9.98 vs. 6.50, p < 0.001). An inverse correlation was observed between pain intensity and satisfaction, indicating that SSC enhances both physiological and psychological recovery. Conclusions: Immediate SSC after cesarean is an effective, humanizing intervention that reduces pain, supports uterine contractions, and boosts maternal satisfaction. These findings advocate for integrating SSC into standard postoperative care, aligning with ethical principles of beneficence and autonomy. Further research with larger samples is necessary to confirm these benefits and facilitate widespread adoption in maternity protocols
