Publications by authors named "Carmen Bracho"

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is characterized by abnormal signal transduction mechanisms in T lymphocytes. Linker for activation of T cells (LAT) couples TCR/CD3 activation with downstream signaling pathways. We reported diminished ERK 1/2 kinase activity in TCR/CD3 stimulated lupus T cells.

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The objective of this work was to determine the prevalence of anemia and deficiencies of iron, folic acid and vitamin B12 in Betania del Topocho, a Piaroa community from Estado Amazonas, Venezuela, a zone with a high incidence of malaria. The group studied included 184 subjects of all ages that assisted to the local health center for malaria diagnosis. Analysis performed included hematology by coulter counter, ferritin quantification by ELISA with monoclonal antibodies and folic acid and vitamin B12 determinations by an immunoradiometric assay.

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Blood stages of Plasmodium vivax induce the development of caveolae and caveola-vesicle complexes (CVC) in the membrane of their host erythrocyte. Caveolae are found in almost all types of cells and are involved in endogenous processes as calcium and cholesterol homeostasis, cell signalling, transporting, ligand internalization and transcytosis of serum components. Major structural components of caveolae are the proteins caveolins and flotillins.

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Article Synopsis
  • - The study focused on the secretory transport of a specific Plasmodium vivax antigen (Pv-148) during its blood cycle, highlighting how it's synthesized by the parasite and then moved to the surface of infected red blood cells.
  • - Researchers found that during the parasite's growth phase (schizogony), it causes the formation of unique membrane structures within the red blood cells, creating a complex tubovesicular membrane (TVM) network that resembles a Golgi apparatus.
  • - The study concluded that the TVM network is crucial for the transport of proteins from the parasite to the erythrocyte surface, suggesting that Pv-148 could be a key marker linking the parasite with the host cell and its environment
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