Anabel Torrente

Study of the effects of the supernatant of the probiotic Lactobacillus paracasei in the face of inflammatory stimuli in a model of liver cells – Cristina Rojas Arenas

15 May, 2023 por Anabel Torrente Leave a Comment

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common liver disease. This disease is based on an accumulation of triglycerides in the liver (steatosis), which can progress to chronic liver inflammation, fibrosis and cirrhosis. It is also associated with an increased risk of developing liver cancer. NAFLD is related to many metabolic factors such as obesity or type 2 diabetes mellitus.

In addition, the aforementioned diseases are related to an imbalance in the composition of the intestinal microbiota (dysbiosis). We can therefore assume that the restoration of the composition of the intestinal microbiota could contribute to the treatment of this disease.

The objective of the study is to assess the effects of the supernatant of the probiotic Lactobacillus paracasei, which is the medium in which these bacteria have grown and left products of their metabolism, on a hepatic cell model in a proinflammatory environment. A positive effect (e.g. anti-inflammatory) of this probiotic would contribute to improving treatment expectations, not only for early stages of this disease but also for possible anti-cancer or protective treatments.

Keywords: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, probiotics, liver, liver disease, in vitro model

Directed by: Ana I. Álvarez Mercado

Study of cells by fluorescence – Elena Villegas García

15 May, 2023 por Anabel Torrente Leave a Comment

Fluorescent probes are molecules that emit light when they receive excess energy. This emission of light is known as fluorescence and has interesting applications in the treatment and/or diagnosis of different diseases. If we can make these fluorescent probes bind to human cells that are only present in one particular disease, we will be able to diagnose that disease more effectively.

In my Master’s thesis I am working on a fluorescent probe similar to other existing ones. Previous research on other fluorescent probes shows that they have an affinity for specific substances present in our body cells. The purpose of my work is to investigate which substance the probe I am working with can bind to. To do this, we will build on the results obtained in previous experiments with other similar fluorescent probes.

But what could be the first step? Cell lines.

Cell lines are uniform cell cultures that are easy to obtain in the laboratory in large numbers. In this study we are going to use healthy cell lines that allow us to analyse and discover to which substances or compounds in the cells our molecule is able to bind. Once we have this information, we will be able to advance in this research and study the application of this molecule in the diagnosis or even treatment of diseases, since depending on the cellular compound to which it binds, we will be able to screen for diseases in which this compound is overexpressed, so identifying the maximum functionality of the molecule.

Keywords: fluorescence, fluorescent probes, cell lines, diagnosis.

Directed by: Luis Crovetto González

“Travelling bacteria” and their impact on health – Irene de Pablos Florido

15 May, 2023 por Anabel Torrente Leave a Comment

Atmospheric pollution is the presence in the air of chemical, physical or biological agents that alter its natural characteristics. It is currently one of the greatest environmental health risks.

Desert dust outbreaks lead to increased concentrations of particulate matter in the atmosphere. These dust particles have been shown to be an excellent vehicle for the transport of microorganisms. This is a cause for concern, as the particles can travel thousands of kilometers for several weeks, crossing oceans and continents, thus facilitating the spread of infectious agents.

Our objective is to determine the presence of these traveling bacteria in samples of Saharan dust, collected in the Canary Islands, a region particularly affected by calima or dust rain events. To do so, we extract the genetic material (DNA) from the bacteria and then purify it; in this way we can identify the bacteria and find out whether they have already been described or if, on the contrary, they were previously unknown.

Once identified, we can test their resistance to extreme conditions, such as UV light or low temperatures, in order to find out more about their possible impacts on health and their possible biotechnological potential.

Keywords: microorganisms, dust particles, haze, health, biotechnological potential.

Directed by: Ana del Moral García

Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of new compounds for treating cancer – Iria Alonso Alves

15 May, 2023 por Anabel Torrente Leave a Comment

Cancer is still one of the leading causes of death worldwide, and despite the increased development of chemotherapeutic drugs, they still have many limitations, making the search for new antitumor drugs essential.

Cancer cells are characterized by their uncontrolled proliferation and growth, which is why, as expected, they suffer alterations in their metabolism. These cells generally consume a large amount of glucose, amino acids and lipids. Lipids can act as a source of energy and are common components of cell membranes. The various alterations in lipid metabolism include the overexpression of a molecule known as choline kinase. Choline kinase is an enzyme, which will be one of the targets of the anticancer compounds that we will be developing in this research.

We hope that these compounds will be capable of inhibiting both the growth of cancer cells (antiproliferative activity) and cell division processes (antimitotic activity). In this way, the synthesized molecules would act simultaneously against different biological targets, and could form the basis for more effective cancer treatment.

Keywords: cancer, choline kinase, antiproliferative activity, antimitotic activity

Directed by: Luisa Carlota López Cara

Development of nanoparticles for simple diagnosis of diseases – Ismael Martos Jamai

15 May, 2023 por Anabel Torrente Leave a Comment

Can you imagine being able to detect diseases using nanoparticles? This method is known as nanodiagnosis and can make early detection of diseases such as cancer much easier, thus improving their prognosis and allowing us to provide more effective treatment in time. To this end, a combination of nanotechnology with other emerging approaches (such as liquid biopsy, which is non-invasive, unlike traditional biopsy) has been proposed as an interesting option for personalized medicine with better results and advantages for the patient. In addition, molecules known as microRNAs have been found to play a crucial role in the development of diseases including cancer. MicroRNAs circulate in body fluids (blood, urine, saliva…), which makes them an ideal tool for non-invasive diagnosis.

Consequently, the main objective of this research is to develop nanoparticles that can recognize microRNAs for the early detection of tumours. Diagnosis can then be confirmed using various analytical techniques. This will enable early, non-invasive detection of a common disease like cancer, with all the advantages this entails. Thanks to research and development in areas such as nanodiagnostics, this goal is getting closer and closer.

Keywords: nanodiagnostics, nanoparticles, microRNA, liquid biopsy, cancer.

Directed by: Agustín Robles Remacho