Chapters authored
Microenvironment in Vagina as a Key-Player on Cervical Cancer: Interaction of Polymorphic Genetic Variants and Vaginal Microbiome as Co-Factors
Current knowledge point to persistence of risk factors for the development of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia. The infection with a high-risk oncogenic Human Papillomavirus (HPV) subtypes, most commonly 16 and 18, is a necessary, although not sufficient, condition for development of invasive cervical cancer (ICC) and its precancerous precursor, cervical intra-epithelial neoplasia (CIN). It has been suggested that CIN disease severity and the diversity of vaginal microbiota are associated and this may determine viral persistence and disease behaviour. Our work focuses on the genetic variability associated to the modulation of genotoxicity induced by vaginal microbiota diversity. Relatively little is known about the mechanisms associated with clearance or persistence of HPV infection, therefore we hypothesized that may be under the influence of the genetic background.
Part of the book: Cervical Cancer
Renin Angiotensin System, Gut-Lung Cross Talk and Microbiota. Lessons from SARS-CoV Infections
The two antagonistic systems of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE)-1 and ACE-2 are in the “eye of the hurricane” of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2). The receptor of the SARS-CoV-2 is the same as ACE-2, which causes its under-expression after binding it, followed by the internalization of the complex virus-ACE-2. ACE-2 have multiple functions with specially relevance in cardiovascular diseases. Furthermore, the non-enzymatic role of ACE-2 gives rise to a Hartnup disease, a phenocopy involving microbiota. With this chapter, we intent to explore the key pathways involved in SARS-CoV-2 infection, from the host perspective, considering our hypothesis related to transporter of neutral amino acids, which includes tryptophan precursor of serotonin and kynurenine.
Part of the book: Some RNA Viruses
Use of Medicinal Plants: Interindividual Variability of Their Effects from a Genetic and Anthropological Perspective
The use of plants for nutritional and therapeutic purposes has been constant over the centuries. The variability of enzymatic activity between individuals and populations in an attempt to adapt has been a conditioning mechanism, reflected in the incidence and prevalence of certain diseases, possible adverse effects of plant-derived nutrients and their interaction with medications, in addition to interference in natural selection and consequent geographical distribution of specific genetic polymorphisms in harmony with indigenous medicinal plants. The metabolizer type may influence the anticancer protective effect of certain plant-derived constituents, with interindividual variability to be considered. This chapter will deepen and develop the role of using plants in different geographic areas and populations over the centuries in producing the genetic variability of the metabolism of plant constituents in the context of environmental adaptation and ecogenetics. Possible therapeutic/adverse effects due to this variability will be discussed.
Part of the book: Medicinal Plants