Ana Checa Ros

Dr. Ana Checa Ros


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

11Years (2016-Present)

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

Representative Publications

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16 January 2021 in Nutrients
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Journal Article
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Ana Checa-RosAna Checa-Ros
Ana Checa-Ros
ACAntonio Jerez Calero
Antonio Jerez Calero
AMAntonio Molina-Carballo
Antonio Molina-Carballo
Cristina CampoyCristina Campoy
Cristina Campoy
AMAntonio Muñoz-Hoyos
Antonio Muñoz-Hoyos
Studies suggest that the bidirectional relationship existent between the gut microbiome (GM) and the central nervous system (CNS), or so-called the microbiome–gut–brain axis (MGBA), is involved in diverse neuropsychiatric diseases in children and adults. In pediatric age, most studies have focused on patients with autism. However, evidence of the role played by the MGBA in attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), the most common neurodevelopmental disorder in childhood, is still scanty and heterogeneous. This review aims to provide the current evidence on the functioning of the MGBA in pediatric patients with ADHD and the specific role of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω-3 PUFAs) in this interaction, as well as the potential of the GM as a therapeutic target for ADHD. We will explore: (1) the diverse communication pathways between the GM and the CNS; (2) changes in the GM composition in children and adolescents with ADHD and association with ADHD pathophysiology; (3) influence of the GM on the ω-3 PUFA imbalance characteristically found in ADHD; (4) interaction between the GM and circadian rhythm regulation, as sleep disorders are frequently comorbid with ADHD; (5) finally, we will evaluate the most recent studies on the use of probiotics in pediatric patients with ADHD.

1 January 2024 in touchREVIEWS in Endocrinology
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Journal Article
Open access
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MCMaría José Calvo
María José Calvo
HPHeliana Parra Pelosi
Heliana Parra Pelosi
Raquel Gabriela SantelizRaquel Gabriela Santeliz
Raquel Gabriela Santeliz
JBJordan Bautista
Jordan Bautista
ELEliana Luzardo
Eliana Luzardo
Juan Bautista De SanctisJuan Bautista De Sanctis
Juan Bautista De Sanctis
GDM is a multifactorial disease in which both genetic and environmental components play a crucial role in its aetiopathogenesis.5 It is characterized by the

7 August 2025 in Metabolites
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Journal Article
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Ana Checa-RosAna Checa-Ros
Ana Checa-Ros
Joshua Owahabanun OkojieJoshua Owahabanun Okojie
Joshua Owahabanun Okojie
Luis D'MarcoLuis D'Marco
Luis D'Marco
Background: Sodium–glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2is), initially developed as antihyperglycemic agents, have emerged as multifunctional therapeutics with profound cardiorenal and metabolic benefits. Their unique insulin-independent mechanism, targeting renal glucose reabsorption, distinguishes them from conventional antidiabetic drugs. Mechanisms and Clinical Evidence: SGLT2is induce glycosuria, reduce hyperglycemia, and promote weight loss through increased caloric excretion. Beyond glycemic control, they modulate tubuloglomerular feedback, attenuate glomerular hyperfiltration, and exert systemic effects via natriuresis, ketone utilization, and anti-inflammatory pathways. Landmark trials (DAPA-HF, EMPEROR-Reduced, CREDENCE, DAPA-CKD) demonstrate robust reductions in heart failure (HF) hospitalizations, cardiovascular mortality, and chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression, irrespective of diabetes status. Adipose Tissue and Metabolic Effects: SGLT2is mitigate obesity-associated adiposopathy by shifting macrophage polarization (M1 to M2), reducing proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6), and enhancing adipose tissue browning (UCP1 upregulation) and mitochondrial biogenesis (via PGC-1α/PPARα). Modest weight loss (~2–4 kg) occurs, though compensatory hyperphagia may limit long-term effects. Emerging Applications: Potential roles in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and neurodegenerative disorders are under investigation, driven by pleiotropic effects on metabolism and inflammation. Conclusions: SGLT2is represent a paradigm shift in managing T2DM, HF, and CKD, with expanding implications for metabolic syndrome. Future research should address interindividual variability, combination therapies, and non-glycemic indications to optimize their therapeutic potential.

Verified
Journal Article
Open access
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Ana Checa-RosAna Checa-Ros
Ana Checa-Ros
Luis D'MarcoLuis D'Marco
Luis D'Marco
Omega-3 fatty acids (ω-3 FAs) are well-known for their actions on immune/inflammatory and neurological pathways, functions that are also under circadian clock regulation. The daily photoperiod represents the primary circadian synchronizer (‘zeitgeber’), although diverse studies have pointed towards an influence of dietary FAs on the biological clock. A comprehensive literature review was conducted following predefined selection criteria with the aim of updating the evidence on the molecular mechanisms behind circadian rhythm regulation by ω-3 FAs. We collected preclinical and clinical studies, systematic reviews, and metanalyses focused on the effect of ω-3 FAs on circadian rhythms. Twenty animal (conducted on rodents and piglets) and human trials and one observational study providing evidence on the regulation of neurological, inflammatory/immune, metabolic, reproductive, cardiovascular, and biochemical processes by ω-3 FAs via clock genes were discussed. The evidence suggests that ω-3 FAs may serve as non-photic zeitgebers and prove therapeutically beneficial for circadian disruption-related pathologies. Future work should focus on the role of clock genes as a target for the therapeutic use of ω-3 FAs in inflammatory and neurological disorders, as well as on the bidirectional association between the molecular clock and ω-3 FAs.

1 January 2024 in touchREVIEWS in Endocrinology
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
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Ana Checa-RosAna Checa-Ros
Ana Checa-Ros
WHWei-Chung Hsueh
Wei-Chung Hsueh
BMBelén Merck
Belén Merck
HGHenry González-Torres
Henry González-Torres
VBValmore Bermúdez
Valmore Bermúdez
Luis D'MarcoLuis D'Marco
Luis D'Marco
Recent investigations support the role of obesity as a risk factor for periodontitis.6 Likewise, studies have found obesity to compromise healing after

1 September 2021 in Psychiatry Research
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
AMAntonio Molina-Carballo
Antonio Molina-Carballo
ICIsabel Cubero-Millán
Isabel Cubero-Millán
LFLuisa Fernández-López
Luisa Fernández-López
Ana Checa-RosAna Checa-Ros
Ana Checa-Ros
IMIrene Machado-Casas
Irene Machado-Casas
AMAntonio Muñoz-Hoyos
Antonio Muñoz-Hoyos
The kynurenine pathway of tryptophan metabolism has been involved in ADHD We quantified basal levels and daily fluctuations of tryptophan and several kynurenine metabolites, as well as their changes after treatment with methylphenidate (MPH). A total of 179 children were recruited, grouped into ADHD (n = 130) and healthy controls (CG,n = 49). Blood samples were drawn at 20:00 and 09:00 h and only in the ADHD group after 4.63±2.3 months of treatment. Nocturnal urine was collected between both draws. Factorial analysis (Stata12.0) was performed with Groups, Time, Hour of Day and Depressive Symptoms (DS) as factors. MPH significantly increased plasma Kynurenic acid (2.4 ± 1.03/2.78±1.3 ng/mL; baseline/post-treatment, morning; z = 1.96,p<0.05) and Xanthurenic acid (2.39±0.95/2.88±1.19 ng/mL; baseline/post, morning; z = 2.7,p<0.007) levels, both with higher values in the evening. In DS+ patients, MPH caused a pronounced decrease in evening Anthranilic acid [3.08±5.02/ 1.82±1.46 ng/mL, z = 2.68,p = 0.0074] until matching values to other subgroups. In urine, MPH decreased the excretion of both Nicotinamide and Quinolinic acids, but only in the DS- subgroup. The kynurenine pathway may participate in the highly clinical favorable response to MPH. The observed changes could be considered as protective (i.e. increased plasma kynurenic acid vs. decreased quinolinic acid excretion) based on the knowledge of its physiological homeostatic functions.