Autonomous University of Chihuahua

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most prevalent cancer worldwide and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Early-onset CRC is often more aggressive and is on the rise. In Mexico, 16,082 cases were diagnosed in 2022; however, epidemiological data remain limited-especially in northern regions where red meat consumption is high and screening adherence is low. This study aims to identify regional CRC trends in Chihuahua, a northeastern Mexican state.

A retrospective cohort study of CRC cases from 2018 to 2023 was conducted at two centers in Chihuahua City. Data on demographics, tumor location, stage, and genetic testing (KRAS, NRAS, and BRAF) were obtained from medical and pathology records. Analysis included descriptive statistics, t-tests and χ² tests (p≤0.05), and a moving average analysis to assess annual trends.

Among 451 CRC cases, the mean age was 60 ± 12 years and 57.8% were male. Two-thirds presented with advanced-stage disease (III/IV). Patients ≤49 years showed a high prevalence of proximal tumors and advanced-stage diagnoses, especially stage IVc. Over half of metastatic cases lacked genetic analysis. There was a U-shaped trend among age groups, with patients under 50 and over 70 being diagnosed at higher clinical stages (p=0.6).

The high proportion of advanced-stage CRC in patients under 50, combined with the lack of genetic testing, highlights two key issues in our region: aggressive disease and limited access to adequate care. These findings underscore the need for targeted research and improved public health strategies in high-risk areas such as northern Mexico.

Flaxseed is a limited and unexplored natural source for food product stabilization and quality enhancement.Our aim was to utilize flaxseed powder (FP) at different concentrations (2%, 4%, 6% and 8%) and a control (no FP) to investigate its effect on the quality and oxidative stability of cooked goat meat patties.Our results showed that the variation in antioxidants was significant (p < .05) among treatments owing to the presence of antioxidants at each concentrationDPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) concentration varied between 71% and 75%.The total phenolic content varied significantly in the range of 180-274.9 mg GAE/g.The ferric reducing antioxidant power activity also varied significantly from 47.9 to 57.3 mg/g.Min. lipid oxidation was found in goat meat patties with a higher percentage of FP (8%).The range of lipid oxidation varied from 487.1 to 148.2 mg/kg to 8%, showing that flaxseed is a useful source of natural antioxidants and can be used as a natural ancillary to synthetic antioxidants BHA and BHT to decrease their levels in products.Future studies could investigate the usage of lower FP concentrations or certain ingredients like antioxidants or PUFAs to better maximize its advantages in goat meat preservation to support these findings.

To investigate the pathogenic role of IL-33 in spondyloarthritis (SpA) by analyzing its expression in both murine and human joint tissues and functionally assessing its impact on fibroblasts. The study evaluated synovial and entheseal biopsies from patients with SpA to explore the potential contribution of IL-33 to joint inflammation and tissue remodeling.

A spontaneous arthritis model (SpAD) in DBA/1 mice was used to assess IL-33 expression via histology, immunohistochemistry, transcriptomics, RT-qPCR, and western blot. Sacroiliac and tarsal biopsies from patients with SpA were also analyzed. Differential gene expression was checked, and pathway enrichment was performed using Ingenuity Pathway Analysis. Primary fibroblasts were isolated from the joints of the mice's front and rear limbs, transfected with siRNA targeting Il33, and evaluated by RT-qPCR and western blot for inflammatory (Tnf, Nfkb) and osteogenic (Wnt2, Bmp2) markers. Cell viability was assessed via MTT assay.

IL-33 expression was elevated in murine and human SpA joints, with strong cartilage and subchondral bone localization. Transcriptomic data indicated upregulation of IL-33 signaling and enrichment of proinflammatory and fibrotic pathways. Silencing of Il33 in fibroblasts significantly reduced IL-33 protein levels and decreased Tnf and Wnt2 expression at both mRNA and protein levels, while Bmp2 reduction was observed only at the transcript level.

IL-33 contributes to joint inflammation and may regulate osteogenic pathways implicated in pathological bone formation. These findings support IL-33 as a potential dual-action therapeutic target in SpA.