ZAMBRANO ESPINOSA, ANA KARINA
Preferred name
ZAMBRANO ESPINOSA, ANA KARINA
Main Affiliation
CIGG - Centro de Investigación Genética y Genómica
Web Site
ORCID
0000-0003-4102-3965
Scopus Author ID
57195753150
94 results
Now showing 1 - 10 of 94
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Item type:Publication, Mechanistic Links Between Gut Dysbiosis, Insulin Resistance, and Autism Spectrum DisorderAutism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition frequently associated with gastrointestinal symptoms, gut dysbiosis, and metabolic dysfunctions such as insulin resistance (IR). Recent evidence suggests that the gut microbiota may influence both metabolic and neurological processes through the gut–brain–metabolic axis. This review explores the molecular mechanisms linking dysbiosis, IR, and ASD, focusing on pathways such as TLR/NF-κB activation, PI3K/Akt/mTOR disruption, and the action of microbial metabolites, like short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA). We discuss how dysbiosis may contribute to increased intestinal permeability, systemic inflammation, and neuroimmune activation, ultimately affecting brain development and behavior. Common microbial alterations in ASD and IR—including increased Clostridium, Desulfovibrio, and Alistipes, and reduced Bifidobacterium and butyrate-producing genera—suggest a shared pathophysiology. We also highlight potential therapeutic strategies, such as microbiota modulation, insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) treatment, and dietary interventions. Understanding these interconnected mechanisms may support the development of microbiota-targeted approaches for individuals with ASD metabolic comorbidities. - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Item type:Publication, The three-hybrid genetic composition of an Ecuadorian population using AIMs-InDels compared with autosomes, mitochondrial DNA and Y chromosome data(Springer Science and Business Media LLC, 2019-06-25); - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Item type:Publication, Genes involved in damage response caused by UV radiation in Ecuadorian population of different altitude regions(Elsevier BV, 2019-12); ; - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Item type:Publication, Thyroid cancer in Ecuador: A genetic variants review and a cross-sectional population-based analysis before and after COVID-19 pandemic(Elsevier BV, 2024-01); ; ; Objectives: The purpose of this study is to describe the genetic variants present in the Ecuadorian population and the incidence and mortality patterns of thyroid cancer in Ecuador from 2016 to 2021. Methods: The present research constitutes a nationwide cross-sectional study encompassing all reported cases of thyroid cancer (C-73) in Ecuador from 2016 to 2021. Incidence rates were calculated based on the annual population at risk, considering factors such as ethnicity, sex, age group, and the geographic location of the incidence. All data was collected from the Hospital Discharge Statistics and the Statistical Registry of General Deaths Databases. Results: Between 2016 and 2021, a total of 20,297 hospital admissions and 921 deaths attributed to thyroid cancer were reported in Ecuador. The incidence of thyroid cancer remained relatively stable from 2016 to 2019. However, there was a notable decrease in 2020, followed by an increase in 2021. Notably, thyroid cancer prevalence rates were found to be higher in highlands regions. Moreover, two genetic variants, the BRAFV600E and KITL678F, have been identified in the Ecuadorian population. It is noteworthy that women exhibited a higher susceptibility to thyroid cancer, being five times more likely than men to develop this condition. Conclusion: Ecuador exhibits one of the highest global incidences of thyroid cancer. Consequently, describing the genetic variants and epidemiological characteristics of thyroid cancer is imperative for enhancing healthcare access and formulating evidence-based public health policies. This research contributes towards a comprehensive understanding of thyroid cancer in the Ecuadorian context, aiming to improve targeted interventions and health outcomes. - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Item type:Publication, Genomic analysis of an Ecuadorian individual carrying an SCN5A rare variant(Springer Science and Business Media LLC, 2024-07-27); ; - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Item type:Publication, Interplay between endogenous hormones and immune systems in human metapneumovirus pathogenesis and management(Frontiers Media SA, 2025-03-18); ; ; ; The present review explores the role of endogenous hormones, such as cortisol, melatonin, thyroid hormones, sex hormones, and insulin, in the modulation of the immune response to a human metapneumovirus (hMPV) infection. hMPV is a respiratory pathogen responsible for severe infections, particularly in vulnerable populations like children and the elderly. The virus triggers inflammatory responses through various molecular processes, including cytokine production and immune signaling pathways. Notably, these processes can be influenced by endocrine factors, such as hormones. Cortisol, through hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activation, modulates inflammation but may contribute to immunosuppression. Melatonin inhibits the NLRP3 inflammasome, reducing lung inflammation. Thyroid hormones regulate immune responses via nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and JAK/STAT pathways, while hypothyroidism may alter infection severity. Sex hormones, particularly estrogens, enhance antiviral immunity, whereas androgens may have variable effects on immune modulation. Insulin influences inflammation through NF-κB suppression, with insulin resistance potentially worsening viral pathogenesis. Therapeutic implications suggest that modulating these hormonal pathways could aid in hMPV management. Strategies such as hormone therapy, glucocorticoid regulation, and nanoparticle-based drug delivery are potential routes of intervention. The aim of the present review is to understand the complex interplay between endogenous hormones and the immune system during an hMPV infection by describing the complex molecular mechanisms associated with these processes. - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Item type:Publication, Microbiota dysbiosis impact on the metabolism of T3 and T4 hormones and its association with thyroid cancer(Frontiers Media SA, 2025-06-02) - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Item type:Publication, Mitochondrial DNA study in the Shuar ethnic group from Ecuador(Elsevier BV, 2019-12) - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Item type:Publication, Evaluation of ancestral membership proportions and genotype distribution in the perception of Umami taste in Ecuadorian mestizos(Elsevier BV, 2017-12); - Some of the metrics are blocked by yourconsent settings
Item type:Publication, Available evidence on integrating COVID-19 into sentinel surveillance systems: A scoping review(Medwave Estudios Limitada, 2025-10-20); Daniel Simancas-RacinesIntroduction The COVID-19 pandemic exposed the weaknesses of epidemiological surveillance systems and highlighted the need to integrate new respiratory viruses into sentinel surveillance systems. However, current evidence on their effectiveness remains limited. Aim This project conducts a scoping review to describe the available evidence on the integration of COVID-19 into sentinel surveillance systems. Methods The included studies addressed sentinel surveillance in the context of the pandemic following the World Health Organization declaration. A systematic search was performed in databases including MEDLINE, LILACS, EPISTEMONIKOS, and DIMENSIONS, selecting observational studies and systematic reviews. Data collection and analysis were organized into categories such as clinical characteristics, timely detection, geographic representativeness, co-infection, and adaptability with genomic surveillance. Seventeen studies reporting on COVID-19 integration impact and one preliminary WHO report were identified. Results Results identified the most prevalent symptoms in the general population: fever (73%), cough (51.8%), loss of taste or smell (45.1%), hypoxemia (33%), and sputum production (23.9%). A high correlation was obtained between SARI cases or hospitalizations due to respiratory infection and the incidence of COVID-19 (ρ = 0.78 and ρ = 0.82 respectively). Conclusions Integrating COVID-19 into the sentinel surveillance system could improve detection, response, and follow-up capacity. Additionally, implementing standardized case definitions promotes more efficient use of laboratory resources, thereby enhancing the sustainability of the surveillance system.