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Central Neurotoxicity of Chemotherapy
(Springer, 2023) López-Gómez, Laura; Abalo Delgado, Raquel; Vera, Gema
It is undeniable that the introduction of chemotherapeutic drugs has significantly increased the survival of cancer patients. In the recent years, new drugs are being developed for cancer treatment, but the use of classical chemotherapeutic agents are still essential. Unfortunately, most treatments, including both conventional antitumor drugs and newer therapies are associated with important side effects. For this reason, characterization and treatment of the adverse effects and sequelae associated with chemotherapy is an urgent clinical need. The mechanisms of action of these drugs produce the inhibition of division of cancer cells and the induction of apoptosis or other forms of cell death. But these mechanisms are also responsible for the appearance of unwanted side effects as other types of cells could be affected. Neurons are not fast-dividing cells, but they can be affected, and chemotherapy may induce neurotoxicity. The central nervous system is protected by the blood-brain barrier and has a low rate of cellular turnover, but it is still vulnerable to antitumoral drugs. Central side effects of chemotherapy are diverse and include encephalopathy, headache, seizures, cerebellar syndromes, visual loss, myelopathy, cerebrovascular complications and confusional states. In addition, chemotherapy has been correlated with mild deficits of memory and cognition, known as chemotherapy-induced cognitive impairment, ‘chemobrain’ or ‘chemofog’. These central toxicities could be the result from direct damage to neural tissues as well as from systemic causes. This chapter will review and compile main symptoms of central neurotoxicity described in patients treated with conventional chemotherapy. To facilitate understanding, main antitumoral classes have been summarized according to their mechanism of action.
Modulation of enteric glial cells by nutraceuticals during pathological processes
(Academic Press, 2024) López-Gómez, Laura; Abalo Delgado, Raquel
Nutraceuticals are bioactive compounds, found in natural sources generally used as food, that are recognized to exert beneficial effects useful to prevent or manage pathologies. The enteric glial cells reside in the gut wall and exert key roles in gastrointestinal tract functions. Importantly, these cells may be altered in response to different physiological conditions (aging, dietary changes), as well as in different local (inflammatory bowel diseases) and systemic inflammatory (rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, ischemia/reperfusion, infections) and neurodegenerative (Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s) diseases. As shown in this chapter, only a few preclinical studies, using cell cultures or animal models (rodents, pigs), have evaluated the effects of nutraceuticals on the enteric glial cells, including amino acids, peptides, omega-6 derivatives, cannabinoids and cannabinoid-like compounds, polyphenols, phytotherapy, and pre- and probiotics. Although still scarce, the obtained results are promising and should inspire new research in this area, even in clinical settings.
Nutraceuticals and Enteric Glial Cells
(MPDI, 2021) López-Gómez, Laura; Szymaszkiewicz, Agata; Zielinska, Marta; Abalo Delgado, Raquel
Nutraceuticals are products derived from food sources with health benefits in addition to their basic nutritional values. Many of them can positively affect and enhance the immune system, which is particularly pertinent in the current turbulent times of COVID-19. Not surprisingly, nutraceutical sales rose dramatically during the pandemic period. However, much research is still needed to understand how natural products interact with the immune system to clarify their chemical compositions, mechanisms of action, and effects on health and illnesses. This Special Issue provided an open forum for researchers to share their research findings in the growing interest in nutraceuticals. We received an overwhelming response with a total of 33 submissions, of which only nine original research papers and ten reviews were accepted after rigorous peer-review. The included articles research into natural substances of interest in nutraceuticals ranging from herbal medicine to vitamins to microbiota-derived metabolites. The investigated immune-related responses include cancer, neurological diseases, gastroenterological disorders, inflammatory conditions, and infections.
Preclinical models of irritable bowel syndrome.
(Academic Press, 2020) López-Gómez, Laura; Bagüés, Ana; Uranga Ocio, José Antonio; Abalo Delgado, Raquel
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a disorder of the gut-brain interaction, highly prevalent and impactful. Visceral hypersensitivity and alterations of colonic motility and defecation are definitory, but other features (increased intestinal permeability, anxiety, depression) also occur throughout the life of IBS patients. In this chapter, we will first review the different animal models that have been developed in an attempt to mimic IBS and its symptoms, which may vary according to the different underlying etiology. Thereafter, we will review the techniques and models that are used in vitro. Whereas in vivo models constitute the final preclinical step in the search of new effective and safe treatments, in vitro studies offer essential information on molecular mechanisms underlying the disease, which may open the gate to finding new treatment targets. Both approaches are therefore complementary and need to be considered for successful preclinical research on IBS.

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Examinando Capítulos de Libros por Autor "Abalo Delgado, Raquel"