Examinando por Autor "Rojas, Milagros"
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Ítem The A54T polymorphism in the FABP2 gene and its relationship with obesity(Saber UCV, Universidad Central de Venezuela, 2020) Torres, Maritza; Prieto, Carem; Ortiz, Rina; Siguencia, Wilson; Durán, Pablo; Pérez, José; Díaz, María P.; Rojas, Milagros; Chacín, Maricarmen; Cano, Clímaco; Bermúdez, ValmoreIntroduction: Obesity is a complex, multifactorial, and mostly preventable disease affecting, along with overweight, more than a third of today’s world population. Variations in the nucleotide sequence of both metabolic and appetite control genes have been counted among these non-modifiable factors and are associated with BMI, lipidic profile, and abdominal circumference alterations. Methods: An analytical, non-experimental, and transversal research was done with the purpose to assess the presence of A54T polymorphism in the FABP gene in a sub-sample from the Maracaibo City Metabolic Syndrome Prevalence Study. Results: 154 individuals eight subjects were carriers of the A54Tpolymorphism, namely, a genotypic frequency of 5.19 %, with a sex distribution of 50 % for women (n=4) and 50 % (n=4) for men. In respect of alleles similarity degree, 75 % (n=6) were homozygous, and 25 % (n=2) were heterozygous. Obesity diagnosis throughout BMI was only present in 12.50 % (n=1) of the A54T carriers. Conversely, 25 % (n=2) of the carriers were overweighed; 50 % (n=4) were presented as normal-weight people; and only 12.50 % (n=1), in one underweighted person. Conclusion: As in many other studies, we do not find an association between Ala54Thr polymorphism and obesity. This result reinforces the fact of the multifactorial character of these diseases and a carrier state of this polymorphism is not necessarily to experience a higher obesity risk, at least, in our environment.Ítem Age-specific waist circumference cutoff-points for abdominal obesity diagnosis: a personalized strategy for a large Venezuelan population(Springer, 2021) Bermudez, Valmore; Salazar, Juan; Martínez, María Sofía; Olivar, Luis Carlos; Nava, Manuel; Rojas, Milagros; Ortega, Ángel; Añez, Roberto; Toledo, Alexandra; Rojas, Joselyn; Chacín, Maricarmen; Rodríguez, Johel E.; D'Marco, Luis; Cano, ClímacoBackground Evidence shows that the ageing process is a determining factor in fat distribution, composition, and functionality. The goal of this research was to determine cut-off points for waist circumference according to age in the adult population from Maracaibo city, Venezuela. Methodology The Metabolic Syndrome Prevalence Study is a descriptive, cross-sectional study with multi-stage randomized sampling. In this post-hoc analysis 1902 individuals ≥18 years and from both sexes were evaluated. Waist circumference ROC curves were built for each age group and sex, using metabolic phenotypes for classification. Results 52.2% (n = 992) were women, and the mean age was 38.7 ± 2. Cut-off points obtained for the <30 years age group were: 91 cm for women (Sensitivity: 96,8%, Specificity: 97,7%) and 94 cm for men (Sensitivity:100%, Specificity: 99,2%); for 30–49 years: women 94 cm (Sensitivity: 93.7%, Specificity: 97.1%) and men 95 cm (Sensitivity: 97.3%, Specificity: 100%); for ≥50 years: women 94 cm (Sensitivity: 91.8%, Specificity: 86.7%) and men 101 cm (Sensitivity: 100%, Specificity: 100%) Conclusion The use of specific cut-off points according to age groups is proposed to determine abdominal obesity in Maracaibo city due to the underestimation seen in young people and the overestimation observed in older people when using a unique cut-off point.Ítem Alzheimer’s disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus: Pathophysiologic and pharmacotherapeutics links(Baishideng Publishing Group Inc, 2021) Rojas, Milagros; Chávez-Castillo, Mervin; Ba, Jordan; Ortega, Ángel; Nava, Manuel; Salazar, Juan; Díaz-Camargo, Edgar; Rojas-Quintero, Joselyn; Bermúdez, ValmoreAt present, Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are two highly prevalent disorders worldwide, especially among elderly individuals. T2DM appears to be associated with cognitive dysfunction, with a higher risk of developing neurocognitive disorders, including AD. These diseases have been observed to share various pathophysiological mechanisms, including alterations in insulin signaling, defects in glucose transporters (GLUTs), and mitochondrial dysfunctions in the brain. Therefore, the aim of this review is to summarize the current knowledge regarding the molecular mechanisms implicated in the association of these pathologies as well as recent therapeutic alternatives. In this context, the hyperphosphorylation of tau and the formation of neurofibrillary tangles have been associated with the dysfunction of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase and mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways in the nervous tissues as well as the decrease in the expression of GLUT-1 and GLUT-3 in the different areas of the brain, increase in reactive oxygen species, and production of mitochondrial alterations that occur in T2DM. These findings have contributed to the implementation of overlapping pharmacological interventions based on the use of insulin and antidiabetic drugs, or, more recently, azeliragon, amylin, among others, which have shown possible beneficial effects in diabetic patients diagnosed with AD.Ítem Depression as a Neuroendocrine Disorder: Emerging Neuropsychopharmacological Approaches beyond Monoamines(Hindawi, 2019) Chávez-Castillo, Mervin; Núñez, Victoria; Nava, Manuel; Ortega, Ángel; Rojas, Milagros; Bermúdez, Valmore; Rojas-Quintero, JoselynDepression is currently recognized as a crucial problem in everyday clinical practice, in light of ever-increasing rates of prevalence, as well as disability, morbidity, and mortality related to this disorder. Currently available antidepressant drugs are notoriously problematic, with suboptimal remission rates and troubling side-effect profiles. Their mechanisms of action focus on the monoamine hypothesis for depression, which centers on the disruption of serotonergic, noradrenergic, and dopaminergic neurotransmission in the brain. Nevertheless, views on the pathophysiology of depression have evolved notably, and the comprehension of depression as a complex neuroendocrine disorder with important systemic implications has sparked interest in a myriad of novel neuropsychopharmacological approaches. Innovative pharmacological targets beyond monoamines include glutamatergic and GABAergic neurotransmission, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, various endocrine axes, as well as several neurosteroids, neuropeptides, opioids, endocannabinoids and endovanilloids. This review summarizes current knowledge on these pharmacological targets and their potential utility in the clinical management of depression.Ítem Electroconvulsive Therapy in Psychiatric Disorders: A Narrative Review Exploring Neuroendocrine–Immune Therapeutic Mechanisms and Clinical Implications(MDPI, 2022) Rojas, Milagros; Ariza, Daniela; Ortega, Ángel; Riaño-Garzón, Manuel E.; Chávez-Castillo, Mervin; Pérez, José Luis; Cudris-Torres, Lorena; Bautista, María Judith; Medina-Ortiz, Oscar; Rojas-Quintero, Joselyn; Bermúdez, ValmoreElectroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is based on conducting an electrical current through the brain to stimulate it and trigger generalized convulsion activity with therapeutic ends. Due to the efficient use of ECT during the last years, interest in the molecular bases involved in its mechanism of action has increased. Therefore, different hypotheses have emerged. In this context, the goal of this review is to describe the neurobiological, endocrine, and immune mechanisms involved in ECT and to detail its clinical efficacy in different psychiatric pathologies. This is a narrative review in which an extensive literature search was performed on the Scopus, Embase, PubMed, ISI Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases from inception to February 2022. The terms “electroconvulsive therapy”, “neurobiological effects of electroconvulsive therapy”, “molecular mechanisms in electroconvulsive therapy”, and “psychiatric disorders” were among the keywords used in the search. The mechanisms of action of ECT include neurobiological function modifications and endocrine and immune changes that take place after ECT. Among these, the decrease in neural network hyperconnectivity, neuroinflammation reduction, neurogenesis promotion, modulation of different monoaminergic systems, and hypothalamus–hypophysis–adrenal and hypothalamus–hypophysis–thyroid axes normalization have been described. The majority of these elements are physiopathological components and therapeutic targets in different mental illnesses. Likewise, the use of ECT has recently expanded, with evidence of its use for other pathologies, such as Parkinson’s disease psychosis, malignant neuroleptic syndrome, post-traumatic stress disorder, and obsessive–compulsive disorder. In conclusion, there is sufficient evidence to support the efficacy of ECT in the treatment of different psychiatric disorders, potentially through immune, endocrine, and neurobiological systems.Ítem Is “Leptin Resistance” Another Key Resistance to Manage Type 2 Diabetes?(Bentham Science Publishers, 2020) Salazar, Juan; Chávez-Castillo, Mervin; Rojas, Joselyn; Ortega, Ángel; Nava, Manuel; Pérez, José; Rojas, Milagros; Espinoza, Cristobal; Chacín, Maricarmen; Herazo, Yaneth; Angarita, Lissé; Rojas, Diana Marcela; D'Marco, Luis; Bermúdez, ValmoreAlthough novel pharmacological options for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) have been observed to modulate the functionality of several key organs in glucose homeostasis, successful regulation of insulin resistance (IR), body weight management, and pharmacological treatment of obesity remain notable problems in endocrinology. Leptin may be a pivotal player in this scenario, as an adipokine which centrally regulates appetite and energy balance. In obesity, excessive caloric intake promotes a low-grade inflammatory response, which leads to dysregulations in lipid storage and adipokine secretion. In turn, these entail alterations in leptin sensitivity, leptin transport across the blood-brain barrier and defects in post-receptor signaling. Furthermore, hypothalamic inflammation and endoplasmic reticulum stress may increase the expression of molecules which may disrupt leptin signaling. Abundant evidence has linked obesity and leptin resistance, which may precede or occur simultaneously to IR and DM2. Thus, leptin sensitivity may be a potential early therapeutic target that demands further preclinical and clinical research. Modulators of insulin sensitivity have been tested in animal models and small clinical trials with promising results, especially in combination with agents such as amylin and GLP-1 analogs, in particular, due to their central activity in the hypothalamus.Ítem Lipid Accumulation Product Is More Related to Insulin Resistance than the Visceral Adiposity Index in the Maracaibo City Population, Venezuela(Hindawi, 2021) Bermúdez, Valmore; Salazar, Juan; Fuenmayor, Jorge; Nava, Manuel; Ortega, Ángel; Duran, Pablo; Rojas, Milagros; Añez, Roberto; Rivas-Montenegro, Alejandra; Angarita, Lissé; Chacín, Maricarmen; Cano, ClímacoBackground. Visceral adiposity is related to insulin resistance (IR), a metabolic state considered as a risk factor for other cardiometabolic diseases. In that matter, mathematical indexes such as the visceral adiposity index (VAI) and the lipid accumulation product (LAP) could indirectly assess IR based on visceral adiposity. Objective. To evaluate the association and diagnostic accuracy of VAI and LAP to diagnose IR in the adult population of Maracaibo city. Methods. This is a cross-sectional descriptive study with multistage sampling. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were built to determine VAI and LAP cutoff points to predict IR. A set of logistic regression models was constructed according to sociodemographic, psychobiologic, and metabolic variables. Results. 1818 subjects were evaluated (51.4% women). The area under the curve (AUC) values for LAP and VAI were 0.689 (0.665–0.714) and 0.645 (0.619–0.670), respectively. Both indexes showed a higher IR risk in the upper tertile in bivariate analysis. However, in the logistic regression analysis for the IR risk, only the 2nd (OR: 1.91; 95% CI: 1.37–2.65; ) and 3rd (OR: 5.40; 95% CI: 3.48–8.39; ) LAP tertiles showed a significant increase. This behaviour was also observed after adjusting for hs-C-reactive protein (hs-CPR). Conclusion. Although both indexes show a low predictive capacity in individuals with IR in the Maracaibo city population, the LAP index was more strongly associated with IR.Ítem Metabolic Syndrome and Subclinical Hypothyroidism: A Type 2 Diabetes-Dependent Association(Hindawi, 2018) Bermúdez, Valmore; Salazar, Juan; Añez, Roberto; Rojas, Milagros; Estrella, Viviana; Ordoñez, María; Chacín, Maricarmen; Hernández, Juan Diego; Arias, Víctor; Cabrera, Mayela; Cano-Ponce, Clímaco; Rojas, JoselynIntroduction. Subclinical hypothyroidism (ScH) is an endocrine alteration that is related to cardiovascular risk factors, including those categorized as components of the Metabolic Syndrome (MS). However, findings in prior reports regarding an association between these alterations are inconsistent. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between both entities in adult subjects from Maracaibo City, Venezuela. Materials and Methods. The Maracaibo City Metabolic Syndrome Prevalence Study is a descriptive, cross-sectional study with random and multistage sampling. In this substudy, 391 individuals of both genders were selected and TSH, free T3, and free T4 tests were performed as well as a complete lipid profile, fasting glycaemia, and insulin blood values. ScH was defined according to the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) criteria: high TSH (≥4.12mUI/L) and normal free T4 (0.9-1,9 ng/dL) in subjects without personal history of thyroid disease. MS components were defined according to IDF/AHA/NHLBI/WHF/IAS/IASO-2009 criteria. A multiple logistic regression analysis was used to assess the relationship between MS components and ScH diagnosis. Results. Of the evaluated population, 10.5% (n=41) was diagnosed with ScH, with a higher prevalence in women (female: 13.6% versus male: 7.7%; χ2=3.56, p=0.05). Likewise, 56.1% (n=23) of the subjects with ScH were diagnosed with MS (χ2=4.85; p=0.03), being hyperglycemia the main associated criterion (χ2=11.7; p=0.001). In multivariable analysis, it was observed that the relationship was exclusive with the presence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) OR: 3.22 (1.14-9.14); p=0.03. Conclusion. The relationship between ScH and MS in our population is dependent on the presence of hyperglycemia, specifically T2DM diagnosis, findings that vary from those previously reported in Latin American subjects.Ítem Metabolic Syndrome: Is It Time to Add the Central Nervous System?(MDPI, 2021-06) Rojas, Milagros; Chávez-Castillo, Mervin; Pirela, Daniela; Parra, Heliana; Nava, Manuel; Chacín, Maricarmen; Angarita, Lissé; Añez, Roberto; Salazar, Juan; Ortiz, Rina; Durán Agüero, Samuel; Gravini-Donado, Marbel; Bermúdez, Valmore; Díaz-Camargo, EdgarMetabolic syndrome (MS) is a set of cardio-metabolic risk factors that includes central obesity, hyperglycemia, hypertension, and dyslipidemias. The syndrome affects 25% of adults worldwide. The definition of MS has evolved over the last 80 years, with various classification systems and criteria, whose limitations and benefits are currently the subject of some controversy. Likewise, hypotheses regarding the etiology of MS add more confusion from clinical and epidemiological points of view. The leading suggestion for the pathophysiology of MS is insulin resistance (IR). IR can affect multiple tissues and organs, from the classic “triumvirate” (myocyte, adipocyte, and hepatocyte) to possible effects on organs considered more recently, such as the central nervous system (CNS). Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) may be clinical expressions of CNS involvement. However, the association between MCI and MS is not understood. The bidirectional relationship that seems to exist between these factors raises the questions of which phenomenon occurs first and whether MCI can be a precursor of MS. This review explores shared pathophysiological mechanisms between MCI and MS and establishes a hypothesis of a possible MCI role in the development of IR and the appearance of MS.Ítem Microbiota and Diabetes Mellitus: Role of Lipid Mediators(MDPI, 2020) Salazar, Juan; Angarita, Lissé; Morillo, Valery; Navarro, Carla; Martínez, María Sofía; Chacín, Maricarmen; Torres, Wheeler; Rajotia, Arush; Rojas, Milagros; Cano, Clímaco; Añez, Roberto; Rojas, Joselyn; Bermúdez, ValmoreDiabetes Mellitus (DM) is an inflammatory clinical entity with different mechanisms involved in its physiopathology. Among these, the dysfunction of the gut microbiota stands out. Currently, it is understood that lipid products derived from the gut microbiota are capable of interacting with cells from the immune system and have an immunomodulatory effect. In the presence of dysbiosis, the concentration of lipopolysaccharides (LPS) increases, favoring damage to the intestinal barrier. Furthermore, a pro-inflammatory environment prevails, and a state of insulin resistance and hyperglycemia is present. Conversely, during eubiosis, the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) is fundamental for the maintenance of the integrity of the intestinal barrier as well as for immunogenic tolerance and appetite/satiety perception, leading to a protective effect. Additionally, it has been demonstrated that alterations or dysregulation of the gut microbiota can be reversed by modifying the eating habits of the patients or with the administration of prebiotics, probiotics, and symbiotics. Similarly, different studies have demonstrated that drugs like Metformin are capable of modifying the composition of the gut microbiota, promoting changes in the biosynthesis of LPS, and the metabolism of SCFA.Ítem Non-HDL cholesterol is better than LDL-c at predicting atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk factors clustering, even in subjects with near-to-normal triglycerides: A report from a Venezuelan population(F1000 Research Ltd., 2018-09-20) Bermúdez, Valmore; Torres, Wheeler; Salazar, Juan; Martínez, María Sofía; Rojas, Edward; Olivar, Luis Carlos; Lameda, Victor; Ortega, Ángel; Ramírez, Paola; Rojas, Milagros; Rastogi, Sheena; D’Addosio, Rosanna; Hoedebecke, Kyle; Graterol, Modesto; Graterol, Resemily; Wilches, Sandra; Cabrera de Bravo, Mayela; Rojas-Quintero, JoselynBackground: Non-high density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-c) has emerged as an important tool in primary prevention of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), especially among those at high risk. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the predictive value of non-HDL-c for the coexistence aggregation of multiple ASCVD risk factors and compare this with LDL-c in general subjects with normal or near normal triglycerides from Maracaibo city in Venezuela. Methods: This is a descriptive, cross-sectional study with a randomized multistage sampling. 2026 subjects were selected for this study, all were adults ≥18 years old of both genders and inhabitants of Maracaibo city, Venezuela. A complete history and physical medical assessment was performed. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to determine the odds ratio (CI95%) for the coexistence of multiple risk factors for ASCVD. Results: The median (p25-p75) of non-HDL-c was 143 mg/dL (114-174 mg/dL). 52.1% (n=1056) of the sample were women, with a median of 144 mg/dL (115-174 mg/dL) among women and 143 mg/dL (114-17 4mg/dL) among men; p=0.740. Individuals ≥50 years old, smokers, those with hypertension, obesity, diabetes, high waist circumference and elevated hs-C Reactive Protein, all had higher levels of non-HDL-c. A lower median was observed among those <30 years of age with elevated physical activity levels in their leisure time. Non-HDL-c between 130-159 mg/dL (OR=2.44; CI 95%=1.48-4.02; p<0.001) and ≥160 mg/dL (OR=3.28; CI 95%=1.72-6.23; p<0.001) was associated with greater risk of coexistent multiple risk factors for ASCVD, albeit LDL-c was not significant in the multivariate model. Conclusions: Elevated non-HDL-c was associated with conglomeration of multiple risk factors for ASCVD. This suggests evaluation of non-HDL-c may be of better utility in primary care for early identification of subjects for high risk of ASCVD. Future research might focus on the influence of non-HDL-c in cardiovascular mortality.Ítem Prevalence and risk factors of posttraumatic stress disorder in COVID-19(F1000 Research Ltd., 2023) Medina-Ortiz, Oscar; Oses-Gil, Alejandro; Arenas-Villamizar, Vivian Vanessa; Ortega, Ángel; Rojas, Milagros; Chávez-Castillo, Mervin; Araque-Castellanos, FranletPosttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has a prevalence of 2%–5% in the general population. COVID-19 is regarded as a traumatic agent that can increase the prevalence of this disorder to up to 30%. A documentary review was thus conducted, which included 13 studies on the presence of PTSD in patients who have survived COVID-19 infection and the possible associated factors. Female and young age, as well as other aspects associated with economic losses or living alone, could influence the appearance of this psychological sequela. A preventive mental healthcare program could be implemented during infection in such patients with COVID-19 who show the characteristics described in most studies.Ítem Prevalence of physical inactivity and associated cardiometabolic risk factors: A cross-sectional study(Saber UCV, Universidad Central de Venezuela, 2020) Salazar, Juan; Torres, Wheeler; Olivar, Luis; Gallo, Valeria; Luzardo, Eliana; Lameda, Víctor; Ramírez, Paola; Galbán, Néstor; Rojas, Milagros; Cano Ponce, Clímaco; Añez, Roberto; Chacín, Maricarmen; Bermúdez, ValmorePhysical inactivity represents a public health problem associated with non-communicable diseases. This study aimed to determine both general and domain-specific prevalence of physical inactivity as well as its association with cardiometabolic factors. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed, including 2 230 adult individuals from both sexes from Maracaibo city.Ítem Psycho-Neuro-Endocrine-Immunological Basis of the Placebo Effect: Potential Applications beyond Pain Therapy(MDPI, 2022) Ortega, Ángel; Salazar, Juan; Galban, Néstor; Rojas, Milagros; Ariza, Daniela; Chávez-Castillo, Mervin; Nava, Manuel; Riaño-Garzón, Manuel E.; Díaz-Camargo, Edgar Alexis; Medina-Ortiz, Oscar; Bermúdez, ValmoreThe placebo effect can be defined as the improvement of symptoms in a patient after the administration of an innocuous substance in a context that induces expectations regarding its effects. During recent years, it has been discovered that the placebo response not only has neurobiological functions on analgesia, but that it is also capable of generating effects on the immune and endocrine systems. The possible integration of changes in different systems of the organism could favor the well-being of the individuals and go hand in hand with conventional treatment for multiple diseases. In this sense, classic conditioning and setting expectations stand out as psychological mechanisms implicated in the placebo effect. Recent advances in neuroimaging studies suggest a relationship between the placebo response and the opioid, cannabinoid, and monoaminergic systems. Likewise, a possible immune response conditioned by the placebo effect has been reported. There is evidence of immune suppression conditioned through the insular cortex and the amygdala, with noradrenalin as the responsible neurotransmitter. Finally, a conditioned response in the secretion of different hormones has been determined in different studies; however, the molecular mechanisms involved are not entirely known. Beyond studies about its mechanism of action, the placebo effect has proved to be useful in the clinical setting with promising results in the management of neurological, psychiatric, and immunologic disorders. However, more research is needed to better characterize its potential use. This review integrates current knowledge about the psycho-neuro-endocrine-immune basis of the placebo effect and its possible clinical applications.Ítem Specialized Pro-Resolving Lipid Mediators: The Future of Chronic Pain Therapy?(MDPI, 2021) Chávez-Castillo, Mervin; Ortega, Ángel; Cudris-Torres, Lorena; Duran, Pablo; Rojas, Milagros; Manzano, Alexander; Garrido, Bermary; Salazar, Juan; Silva, Aljadis; Rojas-Gomez, Diana Marcela; De Sanctis, Juan B.; Bermúdez, ValmoreChronic pain (CP) is a severe clinical entity with devastating physical and emotional consequences for patients, which can occur in a myriad of diseases. Often, conventional treatment approaches appear to be insufficient for its management. Moreover, considering the adverse effects of traditional analgesic treatments, specialized pro-resolving lipid mediators (SPMs) have emerged as a promising alternative for CP. These include various bioactive molecules such as resolvins, maresins, and protectins, derived from ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs); and lipoxins, produced from ω-6 PUFAs. Indeed, SPMs have been demonstrated to play a central role in the regulation and resolution of the inflammation associated with CP. Furthermore, these molecules can modulate neuroinflammation and thus inhibit central and peripheral sensitizations, as well as long-term potentiation, via immunomodulation and regulation of nociceptor activity and neuronal pathways. In this context, preclinical and clinical studies have evidenced that the use of SPMs is beneficial in CP-related disorders, including rheumatic diseases, migraine, neuropathies, and others. This review integrates current preclinical and clinical knowledge on the role of SPMs as a potential therapeutic tool for the management of patients with CP.Ítem The YAP/TAZ Signaling Pathway in the Tumor Microenvironment and Carcinogenesis: Current Knowledge and Therapeutic Promises(MDPI, 2022) Ortega, Ángel; Vera, Ivana; Diaz, Maria P.; Navarro, Carla; Rojas, Milagros; Torres, Wheeler; Parra, Heliana; Salazar, Juan; De Sanctis, Juan B.; Bermúdez, ValmoreThe yes-associated protein (YAP) and the transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) are transcriptional coactivators, members of the Hippo signaling pathway, which play a critical role in cell growth regulation, embryonic development, regeneration, proliferation, and cancer origin and progression. The mechanism involves the nuclear binding of the un-phosphorylated YAP/TAZ complex to release the transcriptional enhanced associate domain (TEAD) from its repressors. The active ternary complex is responsible for the aforementioned biological effects. Overexpression of YAP/TAZ has been reported in cancer stem cells and tumor resistance. The resistance involves chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. This review provides an overview of YAP/TAZ pathways’ role in carcinogenesis and tumor microenvironment. Potential therapeutic alternatives are also discussed.