Examinando por Autor "Patricio R. Orrego"

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    Ítem
    In Silico Characterization of Calcineurin from Pathogenic Obligate Intracellular Trypanosomatids: Potential New Biological Roles
    (2021) Patricio R. Orrego; Mayela Serrano Rodríguez; Mauro Cortez; Jorge E. Araya
    Calcineurin (CaN) is present in all eukaryotic cells, including intracellular trypanosomatid parasites such as Trypanosoma cruzi (Tc) and Leishmania spp. (Lspp). In this study, we performed an in silico analysis of the CaN subunits, comparing them with the human (Hs) and looking their structure, post-translational mechanisms, subcellular distribution, interactors, and secretion potential. The differences in the structure of the domains suggest the existence of regulatory mechanisms and differential activity between these protozoa. Regulatory subunits are partially conserved, showing differences in their Ca2+-binding domains and myristoylation potential compared with human CaN. The subcellular distribution reveals that the catalytic subunits TcCaNA1, TcCaNA2, LsppCaNA1, LsppCaNA1_var, and LsppCaNA2 associate preferentially with the plasma membrane compared with the cytoplasmic location of HsCaNA . For regulatory subunits, HsCaNB-1 and LsppCaNB associate preferentially with the nucleus and cytoplasm, and TcCaNB with chloroplast and cytoplasm. Calpain cleavage sites on CaNA suggest differential processing. CaNA and CaNB of these trypanosomatids have the potential to be secreted and could play a role in remote communication. Therefore, this background can be used to develop new drugs for protozoan pathogens that cause neglected disease.
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    Ítem
    Observational cross-sectional study of Trichomonas tenax in patients with periodontal disease attending a Chilean university dental clinic
    (2019) Casandra Bracamonte Wolf; Patricio R. Orrego; Christian Muñoz; Daniel Herrera; Joel Bravo; Jorge Gonzalez; Héctor Varela; Alejandro Catalán; Jorge E. Araya
    Background: The oral flagellated protozoan Trichomonas tenax has been associated with patients with periodontal disease. However, no recent studies have been conducted on the prevalence of T. tenax in Chile. The aim of this study was to determine the presence of T. tenax in patients with periodontal disease, admitted to the Dental Clinic of the University of Antofagasta, Chile, through Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) amplification of the beta-tubulin gene. Methods: An observational, cross-sectional study was conducted on 50 patients diagnosed with periodontal disease, 20 of them with gingivitis and 30 with periodontitis. T. tenax was identified by PCR amplification of the beta-tubulin gene. Associations between the protozoan and periodontal disease or the presence of risk factors to establish T. tenax infection were determined using the chi-square test and binary logistic regression analysis. Results: T. tenax was present in 28 out of 50 (56%) of patients with periodontal disease, and was more prevalent when associated with periodontitis (21 out of 30; 70%) than dental plaque-induced gingivitis (7 out of 20; 35%). Non-statistically-significant associations were observed between the presence of T. tenax and age, gender, smoking habit or diabetes. Statistically significant associations were observed between the presence of T. tenax and periodontal disease, and between T. tenax and the Periodontal Screening and Recording (PSR) index. Conclusion: T. tenax showed a high presence in patients with progressive states of periodontal diseases. Consequently, T. tenax detection is strongly recommended in patients with periodontal disease diagnosis and with a PSR index greater than 3.