Nikol Ponce

Background/Objectives: Cortisol has become established as a relevant biomarker due to its association with various pathologies, including its potential utility in mental health research. However, regarding the techniques employed for its analysis, the available literature shows a certain degree of heterogeneity both in the methods used to obtain cortisol and in the analytical techniques employed for its measurement. This makes it difficult to compare results across specific populations, particularly in pregnant women, who experience metabolic and physiological changes characteristic of gestation. Therefore, the aim of this study was to describe the procedure for the extraction and analysis of cortisol in hair samples from pregnant women throughout gestation. Methods: Hair samples, three centimeters in length, were obtained from women during the first, second, and third trimesters of pregnancy. These samples underwent a standardized isopropanol washing step, followed by milling in a laboratory mill using zirconium balls of varying diameters. The resulting hair powder was then weighed and subjected to four incubation cycles using HPLC-grade methanol. Cortisol levels were detected using chemiluminescence immunoassay. Results: Mean hair cortisol levels were 4.1 μg/L (ng/mL) in the first trimester, 11.5 μg/L (ng/mL) in the second trimester, and 6.6 μg/L (ng/mL) in the third trimester. Conclusions: Standardizing the methodology for cortisol extraction improves the reproducibility of results and, in the long term, may support its incorporation into clinical practice as a useful tool for assessing cortisol levels in both pregnant women and the general population, since hair cortisol enables retrospective evaluation of its cumulative exposure over time, approximately on a monthly basis.

Upon activation, neutrophils perform three distinct functions: phagocytosis, degranulation of antimicrobial substances into the extracellular medium, and release of neutrophil extracellular traps. Determination of the nuclear area expansion of neutrophils activated to release neutrophil extracellular traps has become critical in demonstrating early neutrophil activation and has become standard. Here, we demonstrate an automated method for measuring nuclear area expansion in two different mammalian species: canine and bovine. For both species, neutrophils were isolated from peripheral blood and co-incubated with fresh spermatozoa for up to 120 min for canine neutrophil–spermatozoa and recently thawed cryopreserved spermatozoa up to 240 min for bovine neutrophil–spermatozoa. Fluorescence images were acquired using a TissueFAXS microscope and then analyzed using StrataQuest v.7.0 software. The images show the release of neutrophil extracellular traps upon activation with spermatozoa for both species, as evidenced by the co-localization of neutrophil elastase and DNA staining. Neutrophil nuclei were expanded as early as 15 min and were detected at up to 120 min in both species. Analysis by nuclei segmentation showed that the data sets generated for both species were reliable and consistent with previously published methods. The method was developed as an automated alternative for measuring the area expansion of neutrophil nuclei in different species.

Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) emitted by wood smoke is a significant environmental pollutant associated with oxidative stress and hypoxia. These conditions can disrupt placental function by altering the expression of key nutrient transporters, such as glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1) and sodium-dependent vitamin C transporter 2 (SVCT2), which are essential for fetal development. This study evaluates the effects of pregestational and gestational exposure to PM2.5 on GLUT1 and SVCT2 expression in the rat placenta. Pregnant Sprague–Dawley rats were exposed to either filtered air (FA) or non-filtered air (NFA) containing PM2.5 from wood combustion in a controlled exposure system. Four experimental groups were established: FA/FA (control), FA/NFA (gestational exposure), NFA/FA (pregestational exposure), and NFA/NFA (continuous exposure). Immunofluorescence and confocal microscopy were used to quantify the expression of GLUT1 and SVCT2 in the placental labyrinth zone. Statistical analyses were performed using Kruskal–Wallis and post hoc Dunn’s test (p < 0.05). Gestational exposure to PM2.5 (FA/NFA) significantly reduced GLUT1 and SVCT2 expression, compromising glucose transport and antioxidant protection in the placenta. Pregestational exposure (NFA/FA) induced a compensatory increase in SVCT2 expression, suggesting an adaptive response to oxidative stress. Continuous exposure (NFA/NFA) resulted in GLUT1 redistribution within the syncytiotrophoblast and decreased membrane localization, potentially impairing glucose uptake. PM2.5 exposure disrupts the expression and localization of GLUT1 and SVCT2 in the placenta, with differential effects depending on the timing of exposure. The gestational phase appears to be particularly vulnerable, as reduced GLUT1 and SVCT2 levels may impair fetal nutrition and antioxidant defense. These findings underscore the need for preventive measures to mitigate air pollution-related risks during pregnancy.

This study evaluates the impact of PM2.5 exposure from wood combustion on reproductive health and fetal development using an experimental model in Sprague Dawley rats. The study was conducted in Temuco, Chile, where high levels of air pollution are primarily attributed to residential wood burning. A multigenerational exposure model was implemented using controlled exposure chambers with filtered (FA) and unfiltered (NFA) air. Second-generation (G2) female rats (n = 48) were exposed pregestationally (60 days) and gestationally (23 days) under four conditions: FA/FA, FA/NFA, NFA/FA, and NFA/NFA. PM2.5 concentration and composition were monitored using beta-ray attenuation and X-ray fluorescence spectrometry. Reproductive parameters, ovarian follicle counts, and hormonal levels were assessed via vaginal cytology, histological analysis, and chemiluminescence immunoassays. PM2.5 exposure disrupted estrous cyclicity (p = 0.0001), reduced antral and growing follicles (p = 0.0020; p = 0.0317), and increased post-implantation losses (p = 0.0149). Serum progesterone and estradiol levels were significantly altered (p < 0.05). Despite ovarian disruptions, fertility rates remained unchanged. These findings suggest that chronic exposure to wood smoke-derived PM2.5 adversely affects ovarian function and fetal growth without significantly impairing overall reproductive capacity. This study highlights the need for public health policies to mitigate wood smoke pollution.