Desmin is the intermediate filament (IF) protein occurring exclusively in muscle and endothelial cells. There are other IF proteins in muscle such as nestin, peripherin, and vimentin, besides the ubiquitous lamins, but they are not unique to muscle. Desmin was purified in 1977, the desmin gene was characterized in 1989, and knock-out animals were generated in 1996. Several isoforms have been described. Desmin IFs are present throughout smooth, cardiac and skeletal muscle cells, but can be more concentrated in some particular structures, such as dense bodies, around the nuclei, around the Z-line or in costameres. Desmin is up-regulated in muscle-derived cellular adaptations, including conductive fibers in the heart, electric organs, some myopathies, and experimental treatments with drugs that induce muscle degeneration, like phorbol esters. Many molecules have been reported to associate with desmin, such as other IF proteins (including members of the membrane dystroglycan complex), nebulin, the actin and tubulin binding protein plectin, the molecular motor dynein, the gene regulatory protein MyoD, DNA, the chaperone alphaB-crystallin, and proteases such as calpain and caspase. Desmin has an important medical role, since it is used as a marker of tumors' origin. More recently, several myopathies have been described, with accumulation of desmin deposits. Yet, after almost 30 years since its identification, the function of desmin is still unclear. Suggested functions include myofibrillogenesis, mechanical support for the muscle, mitochondrial localization, gene expression regulation, and intracellular signaling. This review focuses on the biochemical interactions of desmin, with a discussion of its putative functions.

Aim. To apply and validate in Chilean population "The Female Sexual Function Index" (International Consensus Development Conference on Sexual Female Dysfunctions). Design and methods. 383 sexually active healthy women between 20-59 years, beneficiaries of the Center of Health "Carol Urzúa". Instrument: questionnaire of 19 questions, contained in six domains: desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction and pain. Statistical analysis: We used ANOVA, Kruskall-Wallis, squared Chi, logistical regression and Cronbach's alpha correlation coefficient. Results. Mean age: 35.3±10.9 years, married (50.4%) or cohabit (17.0%), with middle education (48.2%). The internal consistency of the test was good (>0.70). The sexuality achieves its maximum expression between 35-40 years (score: 29.1±4.9) and declines afterwards (21.0±6.0), especially desire and arousal. After 44 years old the risk of sexual disfunction increases (OR:3.6, IC: 2.1-6.3, p <0.0001). Education and having a stable couple decreases the risk (OR: 0.45, IC:0.28-0.80, p <0.005 and OR:0.58, IC:0.35-0.98, p <0.05; respectively). Conclusions. The Female Sexual Function Index is a simple applicable instrument with appropriate psicometric properties that allows us evaluate the sexuality in different stages of the life. It is adecuated for epidemiological and clinical studies

Objetivo. Aplicar y validar en una población chilena el "Indice de Función Sexual Femenina" establecido en el International Consensus Development Conference on Female Sexual Dysfunctions. Material y método. 383 mujeres sanas de 20 a 59 años con actividad sexual, beneficiarias del Centro de Salud "Carol Urzúa". Instrumento: cuestionario de 19 preguntas, agrupadas en seis dominios: deseo, excitación, lubricación, orgasmo, satisfacción y dolor. Análisis estadístico: Se utilizó ANOVA, Kruskall-Wallis, Chi cuadrado, regresión logística y alpha de Cronbach. Resultados. Edad media: 35,3±10,9 años, casadas (50,4%) o conviviente (17,0%), con educación media (48,2%). La consistencia interna del test fue buena (>0,70). La sexualidad logra su máxima expresión a los 35-40 años (puntaje: 29,1±4,9) para caer posteriormente (21,0±6,0), especialmente el deseo y excitación. Después de los 44 años se incrementa el riesgo de disfunción sexual (OR:3,6; IC: 2,1-6,3; p< 0,0001). La mayor educación y la estabilidad de pareja disminuyen el riesgo (OR: 0,45; IC:0,28-0,80; p< 0,005 y OR:0,58; IC:0,35-0,98; p< 0,05 respectivamente). Conclusiones. El Indice de Función Sexual Femenino es un instrumento sencillo de aplicar, con propiedades psicométricas adecuadas que permite evaluar la sexualidad en diferentes etapas de la vida. Es adecuado para estudios epidemiológicos y clínicos