Gut-Brain Axis Deregulation and Its Possible Contribution to Neurodegenerative Disorders

The gut-brain axis is an essential communication pathway between the central nervous system (CNS) and the gastrointestinal tract. The human microbiota is composed of a diverse and abundant microbial community that compasses more than 100 trillion microorganisms that participate in relevant physiological functions such as host nutrient metabolism, structural integrity, maintenance of the gut mucosal barrier, and immunomodulation. Recent evidence in animal models has been instrumental in demonstrating the possible role of the microbiota in neurodevelopment, neuroinflammation, and behavior. Furthermore, clinical studies suggested that adverse changes in the microbiota can be considered a susceptibility factor for neurological disorders (NDs), such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), Huntington's disease (HD), and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). In this review, we will discuss evidence describing the role of gut microbes in health and disease as a relevant risk factor in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders, including AD, PD, HD, and ALS.

Antarctic Soil Yeasts with Fermentative Capacity and Potential for the Wine Industry

Low fermentation temperatures are usually employed to obtain high-quality wines. This is especially interesting for white wine production since it prevents the loss of volatile compounds and a browning appearance; however, available fermentative yeasts do not usually tolerate low temperatures. Therefore, an interesting place to find new yeasts with cryotolerance is the Antarctic continent. From soil samples collected in Antarctica, 125 yeasts were isolated, of which 25 exhibited fermentative activity at 10 °C. After a fingerprinting assay, we classified the candidates into nine isotypes and sequenced internal transcribed spacer regions for their identification. These yeasts were identified as part of the Mrakia genus. Sugar and alcohol tolerance tests showed that some of these Antarctic soil yeasts were able to grow up to 9% alcohol, and 25% sugar was reached; however, they exhibited longer latency periods compared to the control Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The optimal growing temperature for the isolated Antarctic yeasts was between 10 °C and 15 °C. A comprehensive analysis of the results obtained showed that the isolates 10M3-1, 4M3-6, and 4B1-35 could be good candidates for fermentation purposes due to their alcohol, sugar tolerance, and growth features. Our results prove that it is possible to isolate fermentative yeasts from Antarctic soil with promising characteristics for their potential use in the wine production industry.

ANSIEDAD Y VIDA COTIDIANA COMO BLANCOS FARMACOLÓGICOS EN URUGUAY 2013-2015

RESUMEN El artículo describe y analiza algunos procesos por los que la ansiedad y la vida cotidiana son transformadas en blancos farmacológicos por los profesionales de salud pública en Uruguay. Durante 2013 y 2014 se realizaron entrevistas en profundidad a 10 informantes calificados, 35 profesionales de salud pública (Médicos generales y de familia, psiquiatras, psicólogos), dos grupos de discusión (uno con médicos generales, de familia; otro con psicólogas) y un relevamiento de literatura nacional sobre el tema. Se identificó el cruce de dos concepciones de ansiedad: una perteneciente al campo médico, sustentada en conceptos distantes de la experiencia, y otra perteneciente al campo social, sustentada en la experiencia de los profesionales con sus pacientes. Se concluye que su enlace con las denominadas “hipótesis sociológicas” de la ansiedad posibilita transformar problemas cotidianos y derivados de la situación socioeconómica apremiante que viven los pacientes, en problemas pasibles de tramitación farmacológica mediante benzodiazepinas.