Browsing by Author "Espinoza, Fernanda"

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    Altered Sensory and Stress Responses in Atopic Dermatitis: Effects of Acute Stress on Lesional and Non-Lesional Skin
    (WILEY, 2025) Tejos Bravo, Macarena; Cid, Dixon; Espinoza, Fernanda; Rojas Thomas, Felipe; Torres, Gustavo; Cossio, Maria Laura; Borzutzky, Arturo; Calvo, Margarita
    Itch and pain are both mediated by small sensory fibres. Atopic dermatitis (AD) patients usually report stress-induced flares, but the impact of stress on sensory fibres in lesional and non-lesional skin remains inconclusive. This observational study assessed the effect of acute stress on sensory profiles in subjects with AD (n = 18) and healthy controls (HC, n = 21). Participants completed clinical and psychological questionnaires, and quantitative sensory testing was performed on lesional and non-lesional skin in AD and healthy skin in HC. Assessments were done before and after the Montreal Imaging Stress Task, an acute stress protocol. Stress responses were evaluated by anxiety ratings, heart rate (HR) and salivary cortisol (CORT). Cortisol binding globulin (CBG) was quantified as an indirect measure for circulating CORT. AD participants reported higher anxiety, depression and stress perception than HC. HR was similar between groups, but AD participants showed a blunted CORT response post-stress and lower CBG levels, suggesting altered stress regulation. Acute stress reduced cold sensitivity in HC and non-lesional AD skin but had no effect on lesions. These findings indicate that the effects of stress on small fibres depend on the condition of the skin and emphasise the sensory alterations experienced by AD patients.
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    Altered Sensory and Stress Responses in Atopic Dermatitis: Effects of Acute Stress on Lesional and Non-Lesional Skin
    (HUMANA PRESS INC, 2025) Tejos Bravo, Macarena; Cid, Dixon; Espinoza, Fernanda; Rojas Thomas, Felipe; Torres, Gustavo; Cossio, Maria Laura; Borzutzky, Arturo; Calvo, Margarita
    Itch and pain are both mediated by small sensory fibres. Atopic dermatitis (AD) patients usually report stress-induced flares, but the impact of stress on sensory fibres in lesional and non-lesional skin remains inconclusive. This observational study assessed the effect of acute stress on sensory profiles in subjects with AD (n = 18) and healthy controls (HC, n = 21). Participants completed clinical and psychological questionnaires, and quantitative sensory testing was performed on lesional and non-lesional skin in AD and healthy skin in HC. Assessments were done before and after the Montreal Imaging Stress Task, an acute stress protocol. Stress responses were evaluated by anxiety ratings, heart rate (HR) and salivary cortisol (CORT). Cortisol binding globulin (CBG) was quantified as an indirect measure for circulating CORT. AD participants reported higher anxiety, depression and stress perception than HC. HR was similar between groups, but AD participants showed a blunted CORT response post-stress and lower CBG levels, suggesting altered stress regulation. Acute stress reduced cold sensitivity in HC and non-lesional AD skin but had no effect on lesions. These findings indicate that the effects of stress on small fibres depend on the condition of the skin and emphasise the sensory alterations experienced by AD patients.
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    Lidocaine use in localized thin fiber neuropathy associated with lichen simplex chronicus
    (2023) Sandoval, Mauricio; Curi, Maximiliano; Solis-Avaca, Marco; Espinoza, Fernanda; Almeida, Paula; Calvo, Margarita
    Lichen simplex chronicus (LSC) is a common condition whose pathophysiology is partially known. The sensory innervation of the skin consists of a dermal plexus made up of myelinated and unmyelinated fibers. The epidermis only contains unmyelinated fibers, which indicate temperature, pain, and/or itching. Until now, the presence of small-fiber neuropathy in LSC had not been studied and its role in this disease was not known. Therefore, there was no documented therapy to treat this disease with the knowledge of its presence in it. A cohort of 33 patients with LSC who underwent study for the presence of fine fiber neuropathy and alteration in its function is presented.According to the results, a concept test of a novel therapy with lidocaine patches was carried out, proving to be effective.
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    Shortcomings, limitations and gaps in physiological roles of extracellular vesicles in obesity
    (2024) Valero, Paola; Silva, Katherin; Valenzuela-Hinrichsen, Andres; Vasquez, Antonia; Espinoza, Fernanda; Lira, Fernanda; Cornejo, Marcelo; Fuentes, Gonzalo; Gonzalez, Daniel; Moore-Carrasco, Rodrigo; van der Beek, Eline M.; Hillebrands, Jan-Luuk; van Goor, Harry; Grismaldo, Adriana; Sobrevia, Luis
    Extracellular vesicles (EVs) play a crucial role in mediating communication between cells across species and kingdoms. The intercellular communication facilitated by EVs through autocrine and paracrine signalling mechanisms is essential for cell survival, maintaining normal metabolic functions and ensuring overall bodily homeostasis and health. Extracellular vesicles are present in various bodily fluids, such as pleural effusions, plasma, breast milk, amniotic fluid, semen and saliva. Additionally, the generation and release of EVs contribute to the removal of cellular waste. Patients with obesity exhibit a higher release and amount of circulating EVs than individuals with normal weight. This increased EV release in obesity might contribute to the inflammatory state characteristic of this metabolic condition, because higher levels of pro-inflammatory molecules are found within their cargo. However, interpreting results related to EV abundance, cargo and biological actions can be complicated by several factors; these include variations in cell sources, a wide age range (from children to the elderly), a mix of females and males, medication use and health status, a range of body weights (from normal weight to morbid obesity) and differences between in vitro assays using cell lines versus primary cultures. This article addresses the shortcomings, limitations and gaps in knowledge, providing a framework for enhancing our understanding of the physiological effects of EVs on obesity. image