Ouabain Counteracts Retinal Ganglion Cell Death Through Modulation of BDNF and IL-1 Signaling Pathways.

Ouabain is a steroid hormone that binds to the sodium pump (Na, K-ATPase) at physiological (nanomolar) concentrations, activating different signaling pathways. This interaction has been shown to prevent the axotomy-induced death of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), although the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, we investigated potential mechanisms by which ouabain promotes RGC survival using primary cultures of rat neural retina.

Insulin-like growth factor-1 stimulates retinal cell proliferation via activation of multiple signaling pathways.

Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) plays critical roles in the development of the central nervous system (CNS), including the retina, regulating cell proliferation, differentiation, and survival. Here, we investigated the role of IGF-1 on retinal cell proliferation using primary cultures from rat neural retina. Our data show that IGF-1 stimulates retinal cell proliferation and regulates the expression of neurotrophic factors, such as interleukin-4 and brain-derived neurotrophic factor.

Ouabain Effects on Human Anaplastic Thyroid Carcinoma 8505C Cells.

Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) is a rare, but aggressive, carcinoma derived from follicular cells. While conventional treatments may improve patients' survival, the lethality remains high. Therefore, there is an urgent need for more effective ATC treatments.

Interleukin-4 activates divergent cell-intrinsic signals to regulate retinal cell proliferation induced by classical growth factors.

In the developing retina, precise coordination of cell proliferation, differentiation, and survival is essential for proper retinal maturation and function. We have previously reported evidence that interleukin-4 (IL-4) plays critical roles in neuronal differentiation and survival during retinal development. However, little is known about the role of IL-4 on retinal cell proliferation.

Ouabain-Na/K-ATPase Signaling Regulates Retinal Neuroinflammation and ROS Production Preventing Neuronal Death by an Autophagy-Dependent Mechanism Following Optic Nerve Axotomy In Vitro.

Ouabain is a classic NaKATPase ligand and it has been described to have neuroprotective effects on neurons and glial cells at nanomolar concentrations. In the present work, the neuroprotective and immunomodulatory potential of ouabain was evaluated in neonatal rat retinal cells using an optic nerve axotomy model in vitro. After axotomy, cultured retinal cells were treated with ouabain (3 nM) at different periods.

SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Pregnant Women: Neuroimmune-Endocrine Changes at the Maternal-Fetal Interface.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has devastating effects on the population worldwide. Given this scenario, the extent of the impact of the disease on more vulnerable individuals, such as pregnant women, is of great concern. Although pregnancy may be a risk factor in respiratory virus infections, there are no considerable differences regarding COVID-19 severity observed between pregnant and nonpregnant women.

Increased Retinal Ganglion Cell Survival by Exogenous IL-2 Depends on IL-10, Dopamine D1 Receptors, and Classical IL-2/IL-2R Signaling Pathways.

Interleukin-2 (IL-2) is a classical pro-inflammatory cytokine known to display neuroprotective roles in the central nervous system including the retina. In the present study, we investigate the molecular targets involved in the neurotrophic effect of IL-2 on retinal ganglion cells (RGC) after optic nerve axotomy. Analysis of retrograde labeling of RGC showed that common cell survival mediators, as Trk receptors, Src, PI3K, PKC, and intracellular calcium do not mediate the neurotrophic effect of IL-2 on RGC.

COVID-19 pandemic impact on children and adolescents' mental health: Biological, environmental, and social factors.

Since the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was announced, we had an unprecedented change in the way we organize ourselves socially and in our daily routine. Children and adolescents were also greatly impacted by the abrupt withdrawal from school, social life and outdoor activities. Some of them also experienced domestic violence growing.

SARS-CoV-2 Targeting the Retina: Host-virus Interaction and Possible Mechanisms of Viral Tropism.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 10 (SARS-CoV-2). Recent studies demonstrated not only retinal impairments but also detected SARS-CoV-2 in the retina of patients with COVID-19. This letter discusses the retinal tropism of SARS-CoV-2, describing possible routes for this coronavirus to reach the retina and cellular mechanisms involved in the retinal cell infection.

Psycho-Neuroendocrine-Immune Interactions in COVID-19: Potential Impacts on Mental Health.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The impacts of the disease may be beyond the respiratory system, also affecting mental health. Several factors may be involved in the association between COVID-19 and psychiatric outcomes, such as fear inherent in the pandemic, adverse effects of treatments, as well as financial stress, and social isolation.

Stem Cell Therapies for the Treatment of Diabetic Neuropathies: Future Perspectives.

Background: Diabetic neuropathies (DN) are the most common complications in diabetic patients, affecting about 70% of them. Patients with DN may lose sensation in certain areas of the body, facilitating the onset of foot ulcers, as well as chronic pain. This is due to the progressive degeneration of nerve fibers, demyelination, and axonopathy.