Wheeler José Torres

Dr. Wheeler José Torres


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

13Years (2014-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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JSJuan Salazar
Juan Salazar
Carla NavarroCarla Navarro
Carla Navarro
AOAngel Ortega
Angel Ortega
MNManuel Nava
Manuel Nava
Daniela Morillo VargaDaniela Morillo Varga
Daniela Morillo Varga
VBValmore Bermudez
Valmore Bermudez
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is considered one of the most massive epidemics of the twenty-first century due to its high mortality rates caused mainly due to its complications; therefore, the early identification of such complications becomes a race against time to establish a prompt diagnosis. The research of complications of DM over the years has allowed the development of numerous alternatives for diagnosis. Among these emerge the quantification of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) given their increased levels due to chronic hyperglycemia, while also being related to the induction of different stress-associated cellular responses and proinflammatory mechanisms involved in the progression of chronic complications of DM. Additionally, the investigation for more valuable and safe techniques has led to developing a newer, noninvasive, and effective tool, termed skin fluorescence (SAF). Hence, this study aimed to establish an update about the molecular mechanisms induced by AGEs during the evolution of chronic complications of DM and describe the newer measurement techniques available, highlighting SAF as a possible tool to measure the risk of developing DM chronic complications.

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JRJoselyn Rojas-Quintero
Joselyn Rojas-Quintero
MDMaría P. Díaz
María P. Díaz
JBJim Jose Palmar Barreto
Jim Jose Palmar Barreto
NGNataly Galan-Freyle
Nataly Galan-Freyle
VMValery Morillo
Valery Morillo
VBValmore Bermudez
Valmore Bermudez
Chimeric antigen receptor T cell (CAR T cell) therapy has emerged as a prominent adoptive cell therapy and a therapeutic approach of great interest in the fight against cancer. This approach has shown notorious efficacy in refractory hematological neoplasm, which has bolstered its exploration in the field of solid cancers. However, successfully managing solid tumors presents considerable intrinsic challenges, which include the necessity of guiding the modified cells toward the tumoral region, assuring their penetration and survival in adverse microenvironments, and addressing the complexity of identifying the specific antigens for each type of cancer. This review focuses on outlining the challenges faced by CAR T cell therapy when used in the treatment of solid tumors, as well as presenting optimizations and emergent approaches directed at improving its efficacy in this particular context. From precise localization to the modulation of the tumoral microenvironment and the adaptation of antigen recognition strategies, diverse pathways will be examined to overcome the current limitations and buttress the therapeutic potential of CAR T cells in the fight against solid tumors.

16 October 2020 in Current Pharmaceutical Design
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WTWheeler José Torres
Wheeler José Torres
MNManuel Nava
Manuel Nava
NPNestor Andres Galban Perez
Nestor Andres Galban Perez
YGYosselin Gómez
Yosselin Gómez
VMValery Morillo
Valery Morillo
JRJoselyn Rojas
Joselyn Rojas
Aging is a time-dependent inevitable process, in which cellular homeostasis is affected, which has an impact on tissue function. This represents a risk factor for the development of numerous non-transmissible diseases. In consequence, the scientific community continues to search for therapeutic measures capable of improving quality of life and delaying cellular aging. At the center of this research is metformin, a widely used drug in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus treatment that has a reduced adverse effects profile. Furthermore, there is evidence that this drug has beneficial health effects that go beyond its anti-hyperglycemic properties. Among these effects, its geronto-protection capability stands out. There is growing evidence that points out to an increased life expectancy as well as the quality of life in model organisms treated with metformin. Therefore, there is an abundance of research centered on elucidating the mechanism through which metformin has its anti-aging effects. Among these, the AMPK, mTORC1, SIRT1, FOXO, NF.kB, and DICER1 pathways can be mentioned. Furthermore, studies have highlighted the possibility of a role for the gut microbiome in these processes. The next step is the design of clinical essays that have as a goal evaluating the efficacy and safety of metformin as an anti-aging drug in humans to create a paradigm in the medical horizon. The question being if metformin is, in fact, the new antiaging therapy in humans?

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WTWheeler José Torres
Wheeler José Torres
JPJose Perez
Jose Perez
MDMaria Paula Diaz
Maria Paula Diaz
Luis D'MarcoLuis D'Marco
Luis D'Marco
Ana Checa-RosAna Checa-Ros
Ana Checa-Ros
VBValmore Bermudez
Valmore Bermudez
Cancer is a process involving cell mutation, increased proliferation, invasion, and metastasis. Over the years, this condition has represented one of the most concerning health problems worldwide due to its significant morbidity and mortality. At present, the incidence of cancer continues to grow exponentially. Thus, it is imperative to open new avenues in cancer research to understand the molecular changes driving DNA transformation, cell-to-cell interaction derangements, and immune system surveillance decay. In this regard, evidence supports the relationship between chronic inflammation and cancer. In light of this, a group of bioactive lipids derived from polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) may have a position as novel anti-inflammatory molecules known as the specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs), a group of pro-resolutive inflammation agents that could improve the anti-tumor immunity. These molecules have the potential role of chemopreventive and therapeutic agents for various cancer types, and their effects have been documented in the scientific literature. Thus, this review objective centers around understanding the effect of SPMs on carcinogenesis and their potential therapeutic effect.

19 November 2014 in Case Reports in Immunology
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JRJoselyn Rojas
Joselyn Rojas
MVMarjorie Villalobos
Marjorie Villalobos
MMMaría Sofía Martínez
María Sofía Martínez
MCMervin Chávez-Castillo
Mervin Chávez-Castillo
WTWheeler José Torres
Wheeler José Torres
VBValmore Bermudez
Valmore Bermudez
Introduction. Insulin allergy is a rare complication of insulin therapy, especially in type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). Key manifestations are hypersensitivity-related symptoms and poor metabolic control. T1DM, as well as insulin allergy, may develop in the context of autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome (APS), further complicating management.Case Report. A 17-year-old male patient, diagnosed with T1DM, was treated with various insulin therapy schemes over several months, which resulted in recurrent anaphylactoid reactions and poor glycemic control, after which he was referred to our Endocrinology and Immunology Department. A prick test was carried out for all commercially available insulin presentations and another insulin scheme was designed but proved unsuccessful. A desensitization protocol was started with Glargine alongside administration of Prednisone, which successfully induced tolerance. Observation of skin lesions typical of vitiligo prompted laboratory workup for other autoimmune disorders, which returned positive for autoimmune gastritis/pernicious anemia. These findings are compatible with APS type 4.Discussion. To our knowledge, this is the first documented case of insulin allergy in type 4 APS, as well as this particular combination in APS. Etiopathogenic components shared by insulin allergy and APS beg for further research in immunogenetics to further comprehend pathophysiologic aspects of these diseases.

19 November 2021 in Current Pharmaceutical Design
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WTWheeler José Torres
Wheeler José Torres
MCMervin Chávez-Castillo
Mervin Chávez-Castillo
JPJose Perez
Jose Perez
RCRubén Carrasquero
Rubén Carrasquero
MDMaria Paula Diaz
Maria Paula Diaz
VBValmore Bermudez
Valmore Bermudez
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease that involves a pathological inflammatory response against articular cartilage in multiple joints throughout the body. It is a complex disorder associated with comorbidities such as depression, lymphoma, osteoporosis, and cardiovascular disease (CVD), which significantly deteriorate patients’ quality of life and prognosis. This has ignited a large initiative to elucidate the physiopathology of RA, aiming to identify new therapeutic targets and approaches in its multidisciplinary management. Recently, various lipid bioactive products have been proposed to have an essential role in this process, including eicosanoids, specialized pro-resolving mediators, phospholipids/sphingolipids, and endocannabinoids. Dietary interventions using omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids or treatment with synthetic endocannabinoid agonists have been shown to significantly ameliorate RA symptoms. Indeed, the modulation of lipid metabolism may be crucial in the pathophysiology and treatment of autoimmune diseases.