Researchers from the University of Granada and the Institut d’Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili (Tarragona) have identified that the levels of a small molecule, succinate, found in plasma could help identify those young people at high risk of cardiovascular disease

The study offers fresh insights in the field of cardiovascular risk biomarkers among the young, and could be key for the development of new therapies to combat obesity and diabetes

A study conducted by researchers from the University of Granada (UGR), in collaboration with researchers from the Institut d’Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili (IISPV), Tarragona, has identified that the level of circulating succinate—a small molecule identifiable in plasma—could be used for the early identification of individuals with a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease. The work has been published in the journal Cardiovascular Diabetology, whichspecialises in the study of diabetes and cardiovascular disorders.

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the world. Globally, it is estimated that each year about 18 million die people as a result of cardiovascular diseases. In Spain alone, about 120,000 deaths are attributed to it annually. One of the most alarming statistics is that the incidence of cardiovascular disease is increasing among the youngest sectors of the population. Hence, there is an imperative need to implement new tools to identify those individuals with a higher risk of developing this disease in the future.

Why succinate?

Succinate is traditionally known for its role as an energy-producing molecule in the Krebs cycle (via the metabolic pathway—that is, a series of chemical reactions that are part of the cellular respiration of all cells that use oxygen). However, it has recently been shown that succinate is also a key molecule in the regulation of the metabolism that plays a role in signalling and communication processes outside the cell, similar to that of hormones and other cytokines.

In a previous study led by Dr. Sonia Fernández-Veledo—head of the IISPV’s DIAMET Research Group on Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases and of the ‘CIBER of Diabetes and Associated Metabolic Diseases’ (CIBERDEM)—it was observed that the circulating succinate levels were elevated in individuals with cardiometabolic and inflammatory diseases, such as obesity and type-2 diabetes.

This group also demonstrated that succinate levels were linked to a greater abundance of bacteria in the gut microbiota that produce this molecule as a product of their metabolism. Other studies have found that succinate activates brown adipose tissue, a type of fat that is associated with better cardiovascular health. For all these reasons, the involvement of succinate in metabolism and its relationship with health and disease have resulted in an exponential increase in scholarly interest in this molecule.

Cardiovascular risk in young adults

In the study led by the UGR, circulating succinate levels in plasma were measured in a total of 100 young people aged 18–25 years. Their body composition, nutritional intake patterns, brown adipose tissue volume, and general activity levels were analysed, along with the composition of their intestinal microbiota. In addition, their levels of circulating oxylipins (molecules derived from omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids) were measured, as these play a very important role in anti- and pro-inflammatory processes, respectively.

The study detected no link between succinate levels and the individual’s activity level, the volume of brown adipose tissue, or the composition of their gut microbiota. However, succinate levels were positively associated with cardiometabolic risk-markers such as increased visceral adipose tissue, diastolic blood pressure, levels of triglyceride and levels of C-reactive protein—an important inflammatory marker.

Individuals presenting higher levels of succinate also had higher levels of omega-6 oxylipins in the blood, which are associated with the pathophysiology of obesity and poorer cardiovascular health.

Clinical implications of the study

The study shows that succinate is a biomarker linked to cardiovascular risk factors in young adults. At the clinical level, measuring succinate levels could serve as a tool for early identification of young individuals who carry a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease in the future.

The researchers note that additional studies are needed to confirm that circulating succinate levels truly reflect the cardiovascular status of individuals, and to validate its usefulness as a potential marker of cardiovascular risk among young-adult populations. The study of succinate therefore constitutes a promising line of research for the development of new treatments in the fight against obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.

Bibliography:

Osuna-Prieto FJ, Martinez-Tellez B, Ortiz-Alvarez L, Di X, Jurado-Fasoli L, Xu H, Ceperuelo-Mallafré V, Núñez-Roa C, Kohler I, Segura-Carretero A, García-Lario JV, Gil A, Aguilera CM, Llamas-Elvira JM, Rensen PCN, Vendrell J, Ruiz JR, and Fernández-Veledo S. (2021), ‘Elevated plasma succinate levels are linked to higher cardiovascular disease risk factors in young adults’, Cardiovasc Diabetol. 20(1):151.

doi: 10.1186/s12933-021-01333-3. PMID: 34315463; PMCID: PMC8314524.

Image captions:

Metabolic interactions of succinate with peripheral tissues and organs. Succinate can be produced in the mitochondria or by bacteria in the gut microbiota. When it reaches the blood, succinate exerts its endocrine actions in very diverse peripheral tissues and organs, such as the pancreas, adipose tissue, kidneys, muscle, or the immune system.

UGR researchers Borja Martínez and Francisco Javier Osuna

Media enquiries:

Jonatan Ruiz Ruiz, Department of Physical Education and Sports, University of Granada

Email: ruizj@ugr.es

Francisco Javier Osuna Prieto, Department of Analytical Chemistry, University of Granada

Email: fjosunaprieto@ugr.es

Scientists from the UGR have participated in an international study analysing the benefits and detriments linked to wild ungulates on a global scale

The benefits to humans most commonly associated with wild ungulates—such as deer, hippos, wild boar, or giraffes—are hunting (and the food-source it represents for many communities) and their aesthetic value. This is one of the conclusions of a scientific literature review led by researchers from the Ecology Area of ​​the Miguel Hernández University of Elche (MHU), in which scientists from the University of Granada (UGR) also participated. In the study, the benefits and detriments associated with wild ungulates were studied on a global scale.

Wild hoofed animals or ungulates are becoming increasingly prolific and more widely distributed throughout Europe and North America. They are also recolonising many areas where they once had a strong presence—decades or even centuries ago—and from which they were eradicated. By contrast, in Africa and Asia, ungulate populations are suffering significant decline due to land use for human expansion. According to the study, for these reasons, there is more and more interaction between ungulates and people. Some aspects of this mutual interaction are positive and others negative. To assess this scenario, the researchers analysed 575 scientific articles to determine which benefits and detriments generated by wild ungulates were discussed in scientific publications between 2000 and 2019.

Among the human–wildlife conflicts mentioned in scientific publications, damage to agriculture, silviculture, and natural vegetation stand out in particular, as well as traffic collisions. According to the researchers, since the beginning of the 21st Century, the number of annual publications on wild ungulates and their interaction with people has risen. So has the number of benefits that have been examined in scientific publications (mentioned in 50.3% of the publications included in the literature review), despite the fact that the majority of publications centre on the conflicts with humans generated by ungulates (which appear in 93.7% of the cases analysed).

From this analysis of scientific publications, seven research clusters related to wild ungulates were identified, dealing with: herbivory and natural vegetation; silvicultural damage in Eurasia; agricultural damage in Mediterranean agro-ecosystems; agricultural damage in North America; conflicts in urban areas of North America; natural American Northwest areas; and social research in Africa and Asia.

In Europe and North America

These primary research clusters are centred mainly in Europe and North America, with five of them focusing on these parts of the world (accounting for 70.6% of the publications analysed). This is despite the fact that only 7% of ungulates inhabit Europe and North America, suggesting that there is a clear geographical bias in the investigation of these species. The one line of research that is being conducted in developing countries (Africa and Asia) includes social aspects in its studies that encourage coexistence with wild ungulates and their conservation. It is also the line of research that most clearly highlights the benefits associated with wild ungulates.

In their conclusions, the Spanish researchers point out that, despite the negative aspects traditionally associated with wild ungulates, in recent years the benefits that they can also contribute to socio-ecological systems—such as tourism or the maintenance of habitats—have become more evident. They observe that the interactions between humans and wild ungulates require significant cooperation between the different social agents involved (managers, conservationists, hunters, or farmers), and will do so to an even greater degree in the future. Here, it is critical to implement management measures that support the coexistence of wildlife and people. In view of the results of the present study, the researchers consider that the scientific perspective should take into account all aspects of wild ungulates (both positive and negative) relative to the functioning of ecosystems—which, in most cases, have been transformed by humans—if this coexistence is to be facilitated.

The multidisciplinary team that conducted this study comprises researchers from the Ecology area of MHU in collaboration with researchers from Spain’s Institute for Game and Wildlife Research (IREC-CSIC, UCLM, JCCM), the University of Alicante, the University of Granada, and the Complutense University of Madrid, and international centres including the Institute of Nature Conservation Polish Academy of Sciences (Poland), WWF-US (United States), University of British Columbia (Canada), and Leuphana University Lüneburg (Germany).

Bibliography:

Pascual-Rico, R. et al. (2021) ‘Usually hated, sometimes loved: A review of wild ungulates’ contributions to people’. Science of The Total Environment 801: 149652. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.149652

Image captions:

Ungulates in the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi National Park (South Africa) / Jorge Lozano

Red deer in Scotland (photo by F. David Carmona)

Media enquiries:

Marcos Moleón Paiz, Department of Zoology, University of Granada

Tel.: +34 958 243082

Email: mmoleon@ugr.es

The study, conducted by researchers from the UGR and the company Notaliv Cosmética Natural, will be aimed at people who have to wear an ostomy pouch (mainly following colon/rectal cancer), which is a small bag that collects the waste eliminated by the body

The deterioration of the peristomal skin (the area of skin surrounding the stoma, where the pouch is attached) is one of the main problems that affect the quality of life of these patients

Researchers from the University of Granada (UGR) have signed an agreement with the company Notaliv Cosmética Natural to develop an important line of research to test the efficacy of its products in caring for peristomal skin. Under this agreement, the company will donate natural skincare products that are based on extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO). The donation is being made through the UGR’s Technical Directorate for Social Outreach, Sponsorship and Patronage.

For over a decade, the ‘CTS-436’ Research Group has been developing a line of research on the care of people with ostomies. These are people who—mainly after suffering colon/rectal cancer—have to wear a device or pouch that collects their intestinal waste products. The investigations carried out to date and all the available evidence point to the fact that damage to the peristomal skin (the area of skin surrounding the stoma, where the pouch is attached) is one of the problems that most affect the quality of life of these patients.

Caring for this skin is essential, as it acts as a protective barrier against the external environment. In stoma clinics, it is usually the stoma therapy nurse who is responsible for monitoring and supporting self-care among people with ostomies. Among the objectives of the care plan in these cases is to recommend the right products for the hygiene and protection of the peristomal skin, this being a field under constant scientific investigation.

Throughout history, the value of using olive oil for hygiene and skincare purposes has been verified. It has been in everyday use in hospitals and health centres for decades, as a compound of products used for different purposes. It has been shown to be effective in the prevention of ulcerated wounds; and its potential in the prevention of skin cancer has also been recognised. Ecological varieties of EVOO have recently been studied as solutions in the prevention and treatment of painful, cracked nipples among breastfeeding women.

Notaliv is a manufacturer of natural cosmetics, located in the town of Villacarrillo (Jaén). Its cosmetics are based on natural products including olive oil and other natural oils. Alongside product manufacturing, the company aims to raise awareness of the value of the topical use of EVOO. Hence, this agreement helps to strengthen its commitment to research in this field.

The area of research that is to be developed using this company’s products includes the application of gels and creams that ensure the correct functioning of the ostomy device, especially regarding its attachment and removal. The known moisturising, regenerative, and protective properties of EVOO suggest that it will be effective in keeping the vulnerable peristomal skin intact.

The ‘gAOVEstoma’ project is the first study of this kind to be launched. As a pilot study, its primary objective is to test the efficacy of a gel based on ecological EVOO in the hygiene-care of peristomal skin. The gel product in question is entirely neutral, which is a feature recommended by ostomy-care guidelines. The use of an organic variety of EVOO not only points to its potential for skin protection but also presents the added value of being obtained through a pro-environmental cultivation process that has less potential for toxicity.

The lead researchers are César Hueso Montoro and Concepción Capilla Díaz, both lecturers from the Department of Nursing of the UGR and researchers from the ‘CTS-436’ group. The study will be carried out in stoma therapy consultations at the “San Cecilio” University Hospital (HUSC) and the “Virgen de las Nieves” University Hospital (HUVN), in Granada. The nurses responsible for these consultations, also participating in the study, are Josefa Martín Cebrián (HUVN) and Rosa Huertas Fernández (HUSC), who will have the support of two other nurses, also experts in stomatherapy: Inmaculada Sánchez Crisol (HUSC) and Noelia Moya Muñoz (HUVN) .

Overseeing the work will be Francisco Pedro García Fernández, a lecturer and researcher at the University of Jaén and also its current coordinator of the Chair for Advanced Studies in Wound Care. The study has now been approved by the Granada Provincial Research Ethics Committee.

Image caption:

Mixing machine used to make the gel, to which EVOO is added

Media enquiries:

Cesar Hueso Montoro, Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Granada

Email: cesarhueso@ugr.es

Fusion power is safe, clean, and practically unlimited—but is also one of humanity’s greatest challenges

The ‘IFMIF-DONES’ project is set to play a critical role in the journey toward fusion power

A new video showing how this will be achieved is now available:

• English version: https://youtu.be/qupecxxcZTQ
• Spanish version: https://youtu.be/4OSYX3w8lL4

In this video, the IFMIF-DONES Consortium explains the major role that the project is set to play in the journey toward fusion power, which derives from energy produced at the centre of the sun and the stars. Tapping into this clean and unlimited energy-source is one of humanity’s greatest challenges.

Europe and the entire international community have set their sights on producing energy from fusion by the mid-21st Century. The roadmap they have set out in order to achieve this goal features two key projects: ITER and DEMO. However, among others, there is one particular intermediate project that is also in the spotlight as it will play an essential part, positioning Europe and Spain at the forefront of scientific and technological powers in the field. Its name: IFMIF-DONES.

IFMIF-DONES (International Fusion Materials Irradiation Facility DEMO Oriented Neutron Source) constitutes the vital link, prior to building the DEMO reactor, which is scheduled for the year 2050. The project will be the precursor to the commercial production of fusion and its consolidation as a viable energy-source. More specifically, the facility at Escúzar in the province of Granada will enable the irradiation conditions inside future fusion reactors to be simulated.

On a 100,000 m² site, IFMIF-DONES will house a range of facilities that are the only ones of their kind in the world. The construction of this facility alone is expected to take 10 years, at which point it will begin its operational phase for at least 20 years, working 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Various scientific campaigns implemented throughout that period will bring us much closer to the long-awaited arrival of fusion power by the middle of the 21st Century.

In the global context, fusion power will be an essential factor in overcoming the global energy crisis by replacing existing sources that deplete the planet’s resources. This move constitutes one of the primary strategies among the Sustainable Development Goals proposed under the United Nations 2030 Agenda.

Link to the video: (The partial or total media use of this video is allowed, citing the IFMIF-DONES Consortium as the author.)

• English version: https://youtu.be/qupecxxcZTQ
• Spanish version: https://youtu.be/4OSYX3w8lL4

Media enquiries:

Scientific Culture Unit (UCC)

Communications Management Office, University of Granada

Tel.: +34 958 244278 | Email: centeno@ugr.es