Biomimetic Growth of Hydroxyapatite in Hybrid Polycaprolactone/Graphene Oxide Ultra-Porous Scaffolds.

This paper reports the preparation and characterization of hybrid scaffolds composed of polycaprolactone (PCL) and different graphene oxide (GO) amounts, intending to incorporate the intrinsic characteristics of their constituents, such as bioactivity and biocidal effect. These materials were fabricated by a solvent-casting/particulate leaching technique showing a bimodal porosity (macro and micro) that was around 90%. The highly interconnected scaffolds were immersed in a simulated body fluid, promoting the growth of a hydroxyapatite (HAp) layer, making them ideal candidates for bone tissue engineering.

Effect of Ethanol Consumption on the Placenta and Liver of Partially IGF-1-Deficient Mice: The Role of Metabolism via CYP2E1 and the Antioxidant Enzyme System.

Ethanol use during pregnancy is a risk factor for developing adverse outcomes. Its metabolism by cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1) produces radical oxygen species (ROS), promoting cellular injury and apoptosis. To date, no studies have been conducted to elucidate the teratogenic effects due to both IGF-1 deficiency and ethanol consumption in mice placentas.

Ethanol consumption during gestation promotes placental alterations in IGF-1 deficient mouse placentas.

Background: During pregnancy, the placenta is an extremely important organ as it secretes its own hormones, insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), to ensure proper intrauterine fetal growth and development. Ethanol, an addictive and widely used drug, has numerous adverse effects during pregnancy, including fetal growth restriction (FGR). To date, the molecular mechanisms by which ethanol triggers its toxic effects during pregnancy, particularly in the placenta, are not entirely known.

The Placenta as a Target for Alcohol During Pregnancy: The Close Relation with IGFs Signaling Pathway.

Alcohol is one of the most consumed drugs in the world, even during pregnancy. Its use is a risk factor for developing adverse outcomes, e.g.

Metabolic impact of current therapeutic strategies in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: a preliminary study.

Purpose: To investigate the metabolic impact of currently used therapies in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Methods: This is an observational, retrospective and transversal protocol. A small cohort of 133 patients, aged 14-48 years, diagnosed with PCOS was divided into four experimental groups: 1) untreated PCOS patients (n = 51); 2) PCOS patients treated with one of the following therapies (n = 82): a) combined oral contraceptives (COC, n = 35); b) metformin (n = 11); and c) inositols (n = 36).