Optimization of extracellular vesicle isolation and their separation from lipoproteins by size exclusion chromatography.

Interest in the use of extracellular vesicles (EVs) as biomarkers of disease is rapidly growing. However, one main unsolved issue in the EV field is finding a technique able to eliminate non-EV contaminants present in biofluid samples in a one-step isolation protocol. Due to the expansion and value of size exclusion chromatography (SEC) as one of the best EV isolation methods, we have tested several agarose resins with different agarose percentages, bead sizes and crosslinking features to optimize EV isolation.

Proof of concept of using a membrane-sensing peptide for sEVs affinity-based isolation.

One main limitation in biomarker studies using EVs is the lack of a suitable isolation method rendering high yield and purity samples in a quick and easily standardized procedure. Here we report an affinity isolation method with a membrane-sensing peptide (MSP) derived from bradykinin. We designed a protocol based on agarose beads carrying cation chelates to specifically bind to the 6His-tagged membrane-sensing peptide.

Preventive Treatment with Astaxanthin Microencapsulated with Spirulina Powder, Administered in a Dose Range Equivalent to Human Consumption, Prevents LPS-Induced Cognitive Impairment in Rats.

Cognitive alterations are a common feature associated with many neurodegenerative diseases and are considered a major health concern worldwide. Cognitive alterations are triggered by microglia activation and oxidative/inflammatory processes in specific areas of the central nervous system. Consumption of bioactive compounds with antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects, such as astaxanthin and spirulina, can help in preventing the development of these pathologies.

Pulse Wave Amplitude Drops Index: A Biomarker of Cardiovascular Risk in Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

It is currently unclear which patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are at increased cardiovascular risk. To investigate the value of pulse wave amplitude drops (PWADs), reflecting sympathetic activations and vasoreactivity, as a biomarker of cardiovascular risk in OSA. PWADs were derived from pulse oximetry-based photoplethysmography signals in three prospective cohorts: HypnoLaus ( = 1,941), the Pays-de-la-Loire Sleep Cohort (PLSC;  = 6,367), and "Impact of Sleep Apnea syndrome in the evolution of Acute Coronary syndrome.