Examinando por Autor "Torres, Wheeler"
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Ítem Advanced Glycation End Products: New Clinical and Molecular Perspectives(MDPI, 2021) Salazar, Juan; Navarro, Carla; Ortega, Ángel; Nava, Manuel; Morillo, Daniela; Torres, Wheeler; Hernández, Marlon; Cabrera, Mayela; Angarita, Lissé; Ortiz, Rina; Chacín, Maricarmen; D'Marco, Luis; Bermúdez, ValmoreDiabetes mellitus (DM) is considered one of the most massive epidemics of the twenty-first century due to its high mortality rates caused mainly due to its complications; therefore, the early identification of such complications becomes a race against time to establish a prompt diagnosis. The research of complications of DM over the years has allowed the development of numerous alternatives for diagnosis. Among these emerge the quantification of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) given their increased levels due to chronic hyperglycemia, while also being related to the induction of different stress-associated cellular responses and proinflammatory mechanisms involved in the progression of chronic complications of DM. Additionally, the investigation for more valuable and safe techniques has led to developing a newer, noninvasive, and effective tool, termed skin fluorescence (SAF). Hence, this study aimed to establish an update about the molecular mechanisms induced by AGEs during the evolution of chronic complications of DM and describe the newer measurement techniques available, highlighting SAF as a possible tool to measure the risk of developing DM chronic complications.Ítem Cigarette smoking and metabolic syndrome components: a cross-sectional study from Maracaibo City, Venezuela [version 1; referees: 1 approved with reservations](F1000 Research Ltda, 2018-05-22) Bermudez, Valmore; Olivar, Luis Carlos; Torres, Wheeler; Navarro, Carla; Gonzalez, Robys; Morocho, Alicia; Mindiola, Andres; Chacin, Maricarmen; Arias, Victor; Añez, Roberto; Salazar, Juan; Riaño Garzon, Manuel; Diaz Camargo, Edgar; Judith Bautista, Maria; Rojas, JoselynBackground: A growing body of evidence suggests that cigarette smoking can cause the onset of metabolic syndrome prior to cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship between smoking habit and metabolic syndrome components in an adult population from Maracaibo city, Venezuela. Methods: The Maracaibo City Metabolic Syndrome Prevalence Study is a descriptive, cross-sectional study with random and multi-stage sampling. In this sub-study, 2212 adults from both genders were selected. On the basis of their medical background, they were classified as smokers, non-smokers and former smokers. Metabolic syndrome was defined according to Harmonizing 2009 criteria, using population-specific abdominal circumference cut-off points. The association between risk factors was evaluated using a logistic regression model. Results: In the studied population, 14.8% were smokers, 15.4% were former smokers. In the multivariate analysis, the presence of metabolic syndrome (smokers: OR, 1.54; 95% CI, 1.11–2.14; p=0.010) and its components were related to cigarette smoking, with the exception of hyperglycemia. High blood pressure was inversely associated with current smoking status (smokers: OR, 0.70 (0.51–0.95); p=0.025).Ítem Insulin resistance indices and coronary risk in adults from Maracaibo city, Venezuela: A cross sectional study [version 1; referees: 1 approved with reservations](is published by F1000 Research Ltd, 2018-03) Salazar, Juan; Bermúdez, Valmore; Olivar, Luis Carlos; Torres, Wheeler; Palmar, Jim; Añez, Roberto; Ordoñez, Maria Gratzia; Rivas, José Ramón; Martínez, María Sofía; Hernández, Juan Diego; Graterol, Modesto; Rojas, JoselynBackground: Insulin resistance (IR) is a metabolic disorder related to atherosclerosis. Its measurement is of great importance not only as a marker of diabetes but also for cardiovascular disease. The aim of this research study was to evaluate the relationship between various IR indices and coronary risk in an adult population from Maracaibo city, Venezuela. Methods: The Maracaibo City Metabolic Syndrome Prevalence Study is a descriptive, cross-sectional study with random and multi-stage sampling. In this sub study, 1272 individuals of both genders were selected with the measurement of basal insulin and coronary risk according to the Framingham-Wilson formula calibrated for our population. The insulin resistance indices evaluated were HOMA2-IR, triglycerides and glucose index (TyG) and triglycerides/HDL ratio (TG/HDL). The predictive capacity and association between each index and the coronary risk event in 10 years were determined. Results: Of the evaluated population, 55.2% were female, 34.8% had a coronary risk ≥5% in 10 years, with the TG/HDL and TyG indices showing the highest AUC 0.712 (0.681-0.743) and 0.707 (0.675-0.739), respectively; compared to HOMA2-IR. Both were also the indices most associated with increased coronary risk, especially TG/HDL ≥3 with a higher association [OR = 2.83 (1.74-4.61); p<0.01] after multivariable adjustment. Conclusions: TyG (≥4.5) and TG/HDL (≥3) indices showed a great predictive capacity of higher coronary risk, with being TG/HDL more associated even after adjusting for abdominal obesity and hs-CRP. Therefore, these represent useful tools for determining IR.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 Neprilysin: A Potential Therapeutic Target of Arterial Hypertension?(Bentham Science Publishers, 2020) Salazar, Juan; Rojas-Quintero, Joselyn; Cano, Clímaco; Pérez, José L.; Ramírez, Paola; Carrasquero, Rubén; Torres, Wheeler; Espinoza, Cristobal; Chacín-González, Maricarmen; Bermúdez, ValmoreArterial hypertension is the most prevalent chronic disease in the adult population of developed countries and it constitutes a significant risk factor in the development of cardiovascular disease, contributing to the emergence of many comorbidities, among which heart failure excels, a clinical syndrome that nowadays represents a major health problem with uncountable hospitalizations and the indolent course of which progressively worsens until quality of life decreases and lastly death occurs prematurely. In the light of this growing menace, each day more efforts are invested in the field of cardiovascular pharmacology, searching for new therapeutic options that allow us to modulate the physiological systems that appear among these pathologies. Therefore, in the later years, the study of natriuretic peptides has become so relevant, which mediate beneficial effects at the cardiovascular level such as diuresis, natriuresis, and decreasing cardiac remodeling; their metabolism is mediated by neprilysin, a metalloproteinase, widely expressed in the human and capable of catalyzing many substrates. The modulation of these functions has been studied by decades, giving room to Sacubitril, the first neprilysin inhibitor, which in conjunction with an angiotensin receptor blocker has provided a high efficacy and tolerability among patients with heart failure, for whom it has already been approved and recommended. Nonetheless, in the matter of arterial hypertension, significant findings have arisen that demonstrate the potential role that it will play among the pharmacological alternatives in the upcoming years.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 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 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.