Immune Response of BALB/c Mice toward Putative Calcium Transporter Recombinant Protein of Trichomonas vaginalis

Tahali Mendoza-Oliveros,Victor Arana-Argáez,Leidi C. Alvaréz-Sánchez,Julio Lara-Riegos,María Elizbeth Alvaréz-Sánchez,Julio C. Torres-Romero 대한기생충학ㆍ열대의학회 2019 The Korean Journal of Parasitology Vol.57 No.1

Trichomoniasis is a common sexually transmitted infection caused by Trichomonas vaginalis, which actually does not exist a vaccine for control or prevention. Thus, the identification of new and potent immunogens in T. vaginalis, which can contribute to the development of a vaccine against this parasite, is necessary. Therefore, the aim of this work was to evaluate the potential of a recombinant Transient Receptor Potential-like channel of T. vaginalis (TvTRPV), as a promising immunogen in BALB/c mice. First, TvTRPV was cloned and expressed as a recombinant protein in Escherichia coli BL21 cells and purified by nickel affinity. Next, BALB/c mice were immunized and the antibody levels in mice serum and cytokines from the supernatant of macrophages and from co-culture systems were evaluated. Recombinant TvTRPV triggered high levels of specific total IgG in sera from the immunized mice. Also, a statistically significant increase of cyto- kines: IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α after stimulation with the corresponding antigens in vitro, was identified. Moreover, co-cul- tures using CD4+ T cells from immunized mice were able to identify higher levels of IL-10 and IFN-γ. These results were useful to validate the immunogenicity of TvTRPV in BALB/c mice, where IL-10-IFN-γ-secreting cells could play a role in infection control, supporting the potential of TvTRPV as a promising target for vaccine against T. vaginalis.

A Robust Controller for Trajectory Tracking of a DC Motor Pendulum System

Carlos Aguilar-Ibañez,Julio Mendoza-Mendoza,Jorge Davila,Miguel S. Suarez-Castanon,Ruben Garrido M. 제어·로봇·시스템학회 2017 International Journal of Control, Automation, and Vol.15 No.4

This work presents a solution to the output feedback trajectory tracking problem for an uncertain DCmotor pendulum system under the effect of an unknown bounded disturbance. The proposed algorithm uses a ProportionalDerivative (PD) controller plus a novel on-line estimator of the unknown disturbance. The disturbanceestimator is obtained by coupling a standard second-order Luenberger observer with a third-order sliding modes differentiator. The Luenberger observer provides estimates of the motor angular position and velocity. Moreover, anideal disturbance estimator in terms of the Luenberger observer error and its first and second time derivatives is obtainedfrom the observer error formulae; these time derivatives are not available from measurements. Subsequently,the sliding modes third-order differentiator allows obtaining estimates of these time derivatives in finite time. Theestimates replace the real values of the first and second time derivatives in the ideal disturbance estimator thusproducing a practical disturbance estimator, and also permit obtaining an estimate of the motor angular velocity. Adepart from previous approaches is the fact that the disturbance is not directly estimated by the Luenberger observeror the third-order differentiator. Numerical simulations and real-time experiments validate the effectiveness of theproposed approach.

Effects of D-002, a mixture of high molecular weight beeswax alcohols, on patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

José Illnait,Iván Rodríguez,Sarahí Mendoza,Yolanda Fernández,Rosa Mas,Mirtha Miranda,Jesús Piñera,Julio César Fernández,Meilis Mesa,Lilia Fernández,Daisy Carbajal,Rafael Gámez 대한내과학회 2013 The Korean Journal of Internal Medicine Vol.28 No.4

Background/Aims: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is intimately related to insulin resistance and ranges from a benign course to liver fibrosis and cirrhosis. NAFLD management mainly involves dietary modification and weight loss. Although no fully successful pharmacological intervention is available, alternative therapies to treat NAFLD have shown promising results. Experimental studies have shown that D-002, a mixture of beeswax alcohols with antioxidant effects, is hepatoprotective. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of D-002 in patients with NALFD. Methods: Fifty patients with NAFLD were randomized to receive a placebo or D-002 (100 mg/day) for 24 weeks. The primary endpoint was a significant ultrasonography-detected reduction of liver fat infiltration versus a placebo. Secondary endpoints were decreases in the homeostatic model assessment (HOMA) index,insulin levels, serum liver enzymes, increases in plasma total antioxidant status (TAS) and improved clinical symptoms versus the placebo recipients. Results: At randomization, all indicators were comparable in both groups. At study completion, seven (28.0%) D-002-patients, but none of the placebo recipients,exhibited a normal liver echo pattern on ultrasonography (p < 0.01). Also,D-002 significantly reduced (p < 0.01 vs. baseline and placebo) the HOMA index and insulin levels and increased the TAS, but did not affect other parameters. The proportion of D-002-patients (12/25, 48.0%) showing symptom improvement was higher (p < 0.001) than that of the placebo group (1/25, 4.0%). The treatment was safe and well tolerated. Three patients in each group withdrew from the study. Conclusions: D-002 (100 mg/day) improved ultrasonographic findings, indicators of insulin resistance, plasma TAS and clinical evolution on NAFLD patients. Further studies, however, are needed to confirm these results.

Effects of D-003 (10 mg/day) on Bone Mineral Density of the Lumbar Spine and Femoral Neck in Postmenopausal Women: A Randomized, Double-Blinded Study

( Alfredo Ceballos ),( Gladys Castano ),( Sarahi Mendoza ),( Juan Gonzalez ),( Rosa Mas ),( Lilia Fernandez ),( Jose Illnait ),( Meilis Mesa ),( Rafael Gamez ),( Julio Cesar Fernandez ),( Ricardo Tell 대한내과학회 2011 The Korean Journal of Internal Medicine Vol.26 No.2

Background/Aims: Increased osteoclast activity is a pivotal finding in osteoporosis. This increase is mediated via the mevalonate-to-cholesterol pathway, which is involved in producing the intermediates required for osteoclast activity. D-003, a mixture of high molecular weight sugarcane wax acids, has been shown to inhibit cholesterol synthesis prior to mevalonate production, resulting in a reduction of bone loss and resorption in ovariectomized rats. Moreover, previous studies have demonstrated that short-term D-003 treatment reduces urinary excretion of deoxypyridinoline/creatinine in postmenopausal women. Methods: We performed a double-blinded, placebo-controlled study to investigate the effects of D-003 (10 mg/day) treatment for 3 years on bone mineral density (BMD) in 83 postmenopausal women with low BMD. Results: Over 3 years, D-003 treatment increased lumbar spine BMD (5.1%, p < 0.01) and improved osteoporosis-related quality of life scores as compared with placebo-treated controls. D-003 was also well tolerated; the frequency of adverse events in the bone, joints, or muscle with D-003 treatment (p < 0.05) was lower than in the placebo group. Conclusions: D-003 treatment (10 mg/day) for 3 years increased lumbar spine BMD and produced clinical improvements in postmenopausal women with low BMD. Further studies, however, will be required to confirm these results. (Korean J Intern Med 2011;26:168-178)

Evaluation of the effect of D-002, a mixture of beeswax alcohols, on osteoarthritis symptoms

Roberto Puente,José Illnait,Rosa Mas,Daisy Carbajal,Sarahí Mendoza,Julio César Fernández,Meilis Mesa,Rafael Gámez,Pablo Reyes 대한내과학회 2014 The Korean Journal of Internal Medicine Vol.29 No.2

Background/Aims: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs relieve osteoarthritis(OA) symptoms but cause adverse effects. D-002, a mixture of beeswax alcohols,is effective against experimental OA. A pilot study found that D-002 (50 mg/day)for 8 weeks improves OA symptoms. The aim of this study was to investigate theeffects of D-002 (50 to 100 mg/day) administered for 6 weeks on OA symptoms. Methods: Patients with OA symptoms were double-blindly randomized to D-002(50 mg) or placebo for 6 weeks. Symptoms were assessed by the Western Ontarioand McMaster Individual Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) and the visual analogscale (VAS) scores. Patients without symptom improvement at week 3 were titratedto two daily tablets. The primary outcome was the total WOMAC score. WOMACpain, joint stiffness and physical function scores, VAS score, and use of rescuemedications were secondary outcomes. Results: All randomized patients (n = 60) completed the study, and 23 experienceddose titration (two in the D-002 and 21 in the placebo groups). At study completion,D-002 reduced total WOMAC (65.4%), pain (54.9%), joint stiffness (76.8%), andphysical function (66.9%) WOMAC scores, and the VAS score (46.8%) versusplacebo. These reductions were significant beginning in the second week, andbecame enhanced during the trial. The use of rescue medication by the D-002(6/30) group was lower than that in the placebo (17/30) group. The treatment waswell tolerated. Seven patients (two in the D-002 and five in the placebo group)reported adverse events. Conclusions: These results indicate that D-002 (50 to 100 mg/day) for 6 weeksameliorated arthritic symptoms and was well tolerated.