Semen cryopreservation for an oncological reason: a retrospective study.

RESEARCH QUESTION: How do cancer type and treatment affect semen quality before and after treatment, and what effect does it have in their clinical management of infertility? Also, what is the rate of patients using cryopreserved semen samples after treatment? DESIGN: Patients who cryopreserved spermatozoa for oncological reasons between 2000 and 2022 in IVI clinics in Spain were retrospectively reviewed. Semen parameters were analysed before and after treatment, and utilization and destruction rates were calculated. Total motile sperm count (TMSC) was used for assisted reproductive technology (ART) counselling. RESULTS: A total of 724 patients cryopreserved their semen during the study period. The semen parameters of the cancer patients' semen before and after treatment were heterogeneous, with significant differences between cancer type and semen parameters. The utilization rate was relatively low (0.4%), whereas the destruction rate was 23.1%. CONCLUSION: Cancer and antineoplastic treatment affect everyone differently. Therefore, sperm cryopreservation should be offered to all patients before starting treatment to ensure their reproductive future. Furthermore, in addition to considering the semen parameters defined by the World Health Organization, it is important to use TMSC in the diagnosis of men to choose appropriate ART according to type of cancer.

Genotypic and Phenotypic Diversity of Kluyveromyces marxianus Isolates Obtained from the Elaboration Process of Two Traditional Mexican Alcoholic Beverages Derived from Agave: Pulque and Henequen (Agave fourcroydes) Mezcal.

Seven Kluyveromyces marxianus isolates from the elaboration process of pulque and henequen mezcal were characterized. The isolates were identified based on the sequences of the D1/D2 domain of the 26S rRNA gene and the internal transcribed spacer (ITS-5.8S) region. Genetic differences were found between pulque and henequen mezcal isolates and within henequen mezcal isolates, as shown by different branching patterns in the ITS-5.8S phylogenetic tree and (GTG)5 microsatellite profiles, suggesting that the substrate and process selective conditions may give rise to different K. marxianus populations. All the isolates fermented and assimilated inulin and lactose and some henequen isolates could also assimilate xylose and cellobiose. Henequen isolates were more thermotolerant than pulque ones, which, in contrast, presented more tolerance to the cell wall-disturbing agent calcofluor white (CFW), suggesting that they had different cell wall structures. Additionally, depending on their origin, the isolates presented different maximum specific growth rate (µmax) patterns at different temperatures. Concerning tolerance to stress factors relevant for lignocellulosic hydrolysates fermentation, their tolerance limits were lower at 42 than 30 °C, except for glucose and furfural. Pulque isolates were less tolerant to ethanol, NaCl, and Cd. Finally, all the isolates could produce ethanol by simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF) of a corncob hydrolysate under laboratory conditions at 42 °C.

Long-Term Experience with Hyperthermic Chemotherapy (HIVEC) Using Mitomycin-C in Patients with Non-Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer in Spain.

(1) Background: Intravesical mitomycin-C (MMC) combined with hyperthermia is increasingly used in non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC), especially in the context of a relative BCG shortage. We aim to determine real-world data on the long-term treatment outcomes of adjunct hyperthermic intravesical chemotherapy (HIVEC) with MMC and a COMBAT® bladder recirculation system (BRS); (2) Methods: A prospective observational trial was performed on patients with NMIBC treated with HIVEC using BRS in nine academic institutions in Spain between 2012-2020 (HIVEC-E). Treatment effectiveness (recurrence, progression and overall mortality) was evaluated in patients treated with HIVEC MMC 40mg in the adjuvant setting, with baseline data and a clinical follow-up, that comprise the Full Analysis Set (FAS). Safety, according to the number and severity of adverse effects (AEs), was evaluated in the safety (SAF) population, composed by patients with at least one adjunct HIVEC MMC instillation; (3) Results: The FAS population (n = 502) received a median number of 8.78 ± 3.28 (range 1-20) HIVEC MMC instillations. The median follow-up duration was 24.5 ± 16.5 (range 1-81) months. Its distribution, based on EAU risk stratification, was 297 (59.2%) for intermediate and 205 (40.8%) for high-risk. The figures for five-year recurrence-free and progression-free survival were 50.37% (53.3% for intermediate and 47.14% for high-risk) and 89.83% (94.02% for intermediate and 84.23% for high-risk), respectively. A multivariate analysis identified recurrent tumors (HR 1.83), the duration of adjuvant HIVEC therapy <4 months (HR 1.72) and that high-risk group (HR 1.47) were at an increased risk of recurrence. Independent factors of progression were high-risk (HR 3.89), recurrent tumors (HR 3.32) and the induction of HIVEC therapy without maintenance (HR 2.37). The overall survival was determined by patient age at diagnosis (HR 3.36) and the treatment duration (HR 1.82). The SAF population (n = 592) revealed 406 (68.58%) patients without AEs and 186 (31.42%) with at least one AE: 170 (28.72%) of grade 1-2 and 16 (2.7%) of grade 3-4. The most frequent AEs were dysuria (10%), pain (7.1%), urgency (5.7%), skin rash (4.9%), spasms (3.7%) and hematuria (3.6%); (4) Conclusions: HIVEC using BRS is efficacious and well tolerated. A longer treatment duration, its use in naïve patients and the intermediate-risk disease are independent determinants of success. Furthermore, a monthly maintenance of adjunct MMC HIVEC diminishes the progression rate of NMIBC.

[Epidemiology and phenotype of Crohn's disease in a reference hospital in Lima - Peru]. / Epidemiología y fenotipo de la enfermedad de Crohn en un hospital de referencia en Lima - Perú.

Crohn's disease (CD) is a chronic inflammatory pathology of the digestive tract with great impact on the quality of life of patients. Global epidemiology is changing in recent years and its prevalence is increasing in Latin America. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the epidemiological characteristics, phenotype, clinical course, diagnosis and treatment of CD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective, descriptive, observational study of patients diagnosed with CD from January 2004 to December 2019 in the gastroenterology service of the Guillermo Almenara Irigoyen National Hospital, Lima-Peru. RESULTS: 55 patients with an average age of 56 ± 8.2 years were included. Male predominance (62%). The average diagnosis time was 18 ± 6.1 months. The most frequent symptoms were: abdominal pain 72.7% and weight loss 60%. Extraintestinal manifestations occurred in 20%. The ileal location (36.4%) was the most frequent, followed by colonic (32.7%). The inflammatory phenotype predominated in half of the patients, followed by stenosing in 25.5%. The most frequent activity clinical and endoscopic was moderate. For induction and maintenance treatment, systemic corticosteroids and biological therapy with anti-TNF were the most widely used, respectively. Approximately a third of patients required surgery during the evolution of the disease. Mortality was 5.4%. CONCLUSIONS: CD is an increasingly frequent disease in our country, with epidemiological and phenotypic characteristics that differ from other continents.

[Clinical-pathological characteristics and endoscopic management of colonic sessile serrated lesions in a reference hospital in Lima - Peru]. / Características clínico-patológicas y manejo endoscópico de lesiones serradas sésiles de colon en un hospital de referencia en Lima - Perú.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most frequent worldwide. Approximately one third of cases originate from the serrated pathway of carcinogenesis, with colonic sessile serrated lesions (SSL) being the main cause of interval CRC. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical, endoscopic, histological characteristics and endoscopic management of colonic LSS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Observational, descriptive, retrospective study from July 2017 to June 2019 in the gastroenterology service of the Guillermo Almenara Irigoyen National Hospital, Lima - Peru. The characteristics of 79 LSS were evaluated, the chi-square statistic was used to analyze the association of clinical and endoscopic variables with the presence of dysplasia; and the size of the lesion with the type of endoscopic resection. RESULTS: In 74 patients, 79 SSL were found, 67 (84.8%) with dysplasia (44 high-grade and 23 low-grade). Average age of 52 years and 44 (59.4%) were males. The location in the right colon (OR=5.09, 95% CI 1.38â€"18.7, p=0.009), the size >10 mm (OR=6.13, 95% CI 1.50â€"24,94, p=0.014) and the â€Å“blurred edges†(OR=5.08, 95% CI 1.17-21.98, p=0.019), are significantly related to the presence of dysplasia. SSL smaller than 20 mm showed statistical association with bloc resection (OR=69.3, 95% CI 7.35-653.9, p <0.001) with respect to the piecemeal resection. CONCLUSIONS: The finding of SSL during colonoscopies is frequent. The location, size and finding of blurred edges are related to the presence of dysplasia. Mucosal endoscopic resection was a safe and effective technique.

Epidemiología y fenotipo de la enfermedad de Crohn en un hospital de referencia en Lima Perú / Epidemiology and phenotype of Crohn's disease in a reference hospital in Lima Peru

RESUMEN La enfermedad de Crohn (EC) es una patología inflamatoria crónica del tracto digestivo con gran impacto en la calidad de vida de los pacientes. La epidemiología mundial está cambiando en los últimos años y su prevalencia está aumentando en Latinoamérica. Objetivo: Evaluar las características epidemiológicas, fenotipo, curso clínico, diagnóstico y tratamiento de la EC. Materiales y métodos: Estudio observacional, descriptivo, retrospectivo de pacientes con diagnóstico de EC desde enero 2004 a diciembre 2019 en el servicio de gastroenterología del Hospital Nacional Guillermo Almenara Irigoyen, LimaPerú. Resultados: Se incluyó 55 pacientes, con edad promedio de 56 ± 8,2 años. Predominio masculino (62%). El tiempo promedio de diagnóstico fue de 18 ± 6,1 meses. Los síntomas más frecuentes fueron: dolor abdominal 72,7% y baja de peso 60%. Las manifestaciones extraintestinales se presentaron en 20%. La localización ileal (36,4%) fue la más frecuente, seguida de la colónica (32,7%). Predominó el fenotipo inflamatorio en la mitad de los pacientes, seguido de estenosante en 25,5%. La actividad clínica y endoscópica más frecuente fue moderada. Para el tratamiento de inducción y mantenimiento, los corticoides sistémicos y la terapia biológica con anti-TNF fueron los más utilizados respectivamente. Aproximadamente un tercio de pacientes requirieron cirugía durante la evolución de la enfermedad. La mortalidad fue del 5,4%. Conclusiones: La EC es una enfermedad cada vez más frecuente en nuestro país, con características epidemiológicas y fenotípicas que difieren de otros continentes.

ABSTRACT Crohn's disease (CD) is a chronic inflammatory pathology of the digestive tract with great impact on the quality of life of patients. Global epidemiology is changing in recent years and its prevalence is increasing in Latin America. Objective: To evaluate the epidemiological characteristics, phenotype, clinical course, diagnosis and treatment of CD. Materials and methods: Retrospective, descriptive, observational study of patients diagnosed with CD from January 2004 to December 2019 in the gastroenterology service of the Guillermo Almenara Irigoyen National Hospital, Lima-Peru. Results: 55 patients with an average age of 56 ± 8.2 years were included. Male predominance (62%). The average diagnosis time was 18 ± 6.1 months. The most frequent symptoms were: abdominal pain 72.7% and weight loss 60%. Extraintestinal manifestations occurred in 20%. The ileal location (36.4%) was the most frequent, followed by colonic (32.7%). The inflammatory phenotype predominated in half of the patients, followed by stenosing in 25.5%. The most frequent activity clinical and endoscopic was moderate. For induction and maintenance treatment, systemic corticosteroids and biological therapy with anti-TNF were the most widely used, respectively. Approximately a third of patients required surgery during the evolution of the disease. Mortality was 5.4%. Conclusions: CD is an increasingly frequent disease in our country, with epidemiological and phenotypic characteristics that differ from other continents.

[Loss of response to anti-TNF therapy in inflammatory bowel disease: experience in a reference hospital in Lima - Peru]. / Pérdida de respuesta a terapia anti-TNF en enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal: experiencia en un hospital de referencia en Lima - Perú.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the response to treatment with anti-TNFs in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Prospective observational study conducted in the Gastroenterology service of the Guillermo Almenara National Hospital, from January 2015 to August 2018. RESULTS: 31 patients with inflammatory bowel disease who received maintenance therapy with Infliximab were evaluated. Twelve (38.7%) patients (3 with ulcerative colitis and 9 with Crohn's disease) presented loss of response after 6 months of the beginning of the maintenance phase: 2 between 6-12 months, 4 between 12-18 months and 6 between 18- 24 months. As a first step, the dose was doubled (10 mg/kg) to the 12 patients, obtaining a response in 6 (50%) after 12 weeks. Of the remaining 6 patients, 4 switched to Adalimumab, 1 patient presented colon cancer and 1 patient presented anaphylaxis and sarcoidosis. Of the patients who received Adalimumab, 3 had endoscopic recurrence (75%) after 6 months and 1 did not respond to induction therapy and was subjected to colectomy (25%). CONCLUSIONS: Approximately one third of our patients presented loss of response to maintenance therapy with Infliximab. The dose escalation as a rescue therapy was successful in half of the patients. The change to Adalimumab in patients with loss of response to a first anti-TNF drug does not seem to be effective.

Características clínico-patológicas y manejo endoscópico de lesiones serradas sésiles de colon en un hospital de referencia en Lima - Perú / Clinical-pathological characteristics and endoscopic management of colonic sessile serrated lesions in a reference hospital in Lima - Peru

RESUMEN El cáncer colorrectal (CCR) es uno de los más frecuentes a nivel mundial. Aproximadamente un tercio de los casos se originan por la vía serrada de carcinogénesis, siendo las lesiones serradas sésiles (LSS) de colon, una las principales responsables del CCR de intervalo. Objetivo: Evaluar las características clínicas, endoscópicas, histológicas y el manejo endoscópico de las LSS de colon. Materiales y métodos: Estudio observacional, descriptivo, retrospectivo de julio del 2017 a junio del 2019 en el servicio de gastroenterología del Hospital Nacional Guillermo Almenara Irigoyen, Lima - Perú. Se evaluó las características de 79 LSS, se utilizó el estadístico chi-cuadrado para analizar la asociación de variables clínicas y endoscópicas con la presencia de displasia; y el tamaño de la lesión con el tipo de resección endoscópica. Resultados: En 74 pacientes se halló 79 LSS, 67 (84,8%) con displasia (44 de alto grado y 23 de bajo grado). Edad media de 52 años y 44 (59,4%) fueron varones. La localización en colon derecho (OR=5,09, IC 95% 1,38-18,7, p= 0,009), el tamaño >10 mm (OR=6,13/IC 95%/1,50-24,94/ p=0,014) y los "bordes borrosos" (OR=5,08, IC 95% 1,17-21,98, p=0,019), se relacionan de manera significativa con la presencia de displasia. Las LSS menores a 20 mm mostraron asociación estadística con la resección en bloque (OR=69,3, IC 95% 7,35-653,9, p<0,001) respecto a la piecemeal. Conclusiones: El hallazgo de LSS durante colonoscopías es frecuente. La localización, el tamaño y el hallazgo de bordes borrosos se relacionan con la presencia de displasia. La resección endoscópica mucosa fue una técnica segura y efectiva.

ABSTRACT Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most frequent worldwide. Approximately one third of cases originate from the serrated pathway of carcinogenesis, with colonic sessile serrated lesions (SSL) being the main cause of interval CRC. Objective: To evaluate the clinical, endoscopic, histological characteristics and endoscopic management of colonic LSS. Materials and methods: Observational, descriptive, retrospective study from July 2017 to June 2019 in the gastroenterology service of the Guillermo Almenara Irigoyen National Hospital, Lima - Peru. The characteristics of 79 LSS were evaluated, the chi-square statistic was used to analyze the association of clinical and endoscopic variables with the presence of dysplasia; and the size of the lesion with the type of endoscopic resection. Results: In 74 patients, 79 SSL were found, 67 (84.8%) with dysplasia (44 high-grade and 23 low-grade). Average age of 52 years and 44 (59.4%) were males. The location in the right colon (OR=5.09, 95% CI 1.38-18.7, p=0.009), the size >10 mm (OR=6.13, 95% CI 1.50-24,94, p=0.014) and the "blurred edges" (OR=5.08, 95% CI 1.17-21.98, p=0.019), are significantly related to the presence of dysplasia. SSL smaller than 20 mm showed statistical association with bloc resection (OR=69.3, 95% CI 7.35-653.9, p <0.001) with respect to the piecemeal resection. Conclusions: The finding of SSL during colonoscopies is frequent. The location, size and finding of blurred edges are related to the presence of dysplasia. Mucosal endoscopic resection was a safe and effective technique.

Pérdida de respuesta a terapia anti-TNF en enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal: experiencia en un hospital de referencia en Lima - Perú / Loss of response to anti-TNF therapy in inflammatory bowel disease: experience in a reference hospital in Lima - Peru

RESUMEN Objetivo: Evaluar la respuesta al tratamiento con anti-TNFs en pacientes con enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal. Materiales y métodos: Estudio prospectivo observacional realizado en el Servicio de Gastroenterología del Hospital Nacional Guillermo Almenara, de enero 2015 a agosto 2018. Resultados: Se evaluó 31 pacientes con enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal que recibían terapia de mantenimiento con Infliximab. Doce (38,7%) pacientes (3 con colitis ulcerativa y 9 con enfermedad de Crohn) presentaron pérdida de respuesta a partir de los 6 meses del inicio de la fase de mantenimiento: 2 entre 6-12 meses, 4 entre 12-18 meses y 6 entre 18-24 meses. Como primera medida se duplicó la dosis (10 mg/kg) a los 12 pacientes, obteniendo respuesta en 6 (50%) luego de 12 semanas. De los 6 pacientes restantes, 4 cambiaron a Adalimumab, 1 paciente presentó cáncer de colon y 1 paciente presentó anafilaxia y sarcoidosis. De los pacientes que recibieron Adalimumab, 3 presentaron recidiva endoscópica (75%) a partir de los 6 meses y 1 no respondió a la terapia de inducción y fue sometido a colectomía (25%). Conclusiones: Aproximadamente un tercio de nuestros pacientes presentó pérdida de respuesta a terapia de mantenimiento con Infliximab. El escalamiento de dosis como rescate tuvo éxito en la mitad de los pacientes. El cambio a Adalimumab en pacientes con pérdida de respuesta a un primer fármaco anti-TNF no parece ser efectivo.

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the response to treatment with anti-TNFs in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Materials and methods: Prospective observational study conducted in the Gastroenterology service of the Guillermo Almenara National Hospital, from January 2015 to August 2018. Results: 31 patients with inflammatory bowel disease who received maintenance therapy with Infliximab were evaluated. Twelve (38.7%) patients (3 with ulcerative colitis and 9 with Crohn's disease) presented loss of response after 6 months of the beginning of the maintenance phase: 2 between 6-12 months, 4 between 12-18 months and 6 between 1824 months. As a first step, the dose was doubled (10 mg/kg) to the 12 patients, obtaining a response in 6 (50%) after 12 weeks. Of the remaining 6 patients, 4 switched to Adalimumab, 1 patient presented colon cancer and 1 patient presented anaphylaxis and sarcoidosis. Of the patients who received Adalimumab, 3 had endoscopic recurrence (75%) after 6 months and 1 did not respond to induction therapy and was subjected to colectomy (25%). Conclusions: Approximately one third of our patients presented loss of response to maintenance therapy with Infliximab. The dose escalation as a rescue therapy was successful in half of the patients. The change to Adalimumab in patients with loss of response to a first anti-TNF drug does not seem to be effective.

[Epidemiological and clinical characteristics of inflammatory bowel disease in a tertiary referral hospital in Lima-Peru]. / Características epidemiológicas y clínicas de la enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal en un hospital de referencia de Lima-Perú.

OBJECTIVE: To identify sociodemographic, clinical, and endoscopic characteristics in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study period was from January 2004 to December 2014. The final diagnosis was determined by clinical gastroenterologists experienced in the diagnosis and management of IBD, based on internationally accepted diagnostic criteria. RESULTS: 105 patients with IBD were studied, 77% with ulcerative colitis (UC) and 23% with Crohn's disease (CD). The average age of initial diagnosis for UC and CD was 53.02 and 57.7 years, respectively. Regarding the gender distribution, the male:female ratio was 1.3:1 for UC and 2:1 for CD. Predominant clinical manifestations were: diarrhea (76.5%) in CU and lower gastrointestinal bleeding / abdominal pain (66.6% for each symptom) in EC. The predominant form of presentation was moderate for both CU (49.3%) and EC (62.5%). 47% of patients with UC had extensive colitis and 54.2% of patients with CD had Ileocolitis. 6.2% of the UC patients underwent surgery, whereas 50% of the CD patients required it. CONCLUSIONS: There is a tendency to an increased detection of cases of Crohn's disease in our country and in Latin America with respect to previous studies. There is a prevalence of moderate forms of presentation for both UC and CD, and high percentages of surgery in EC is evident.

Características epidemiológicas y clínicas de la enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal en un hospital de referencia de Lima-Perú

Objetivo: Identificar las características sociodemográficas, clínicas, y endoscópicas de los pacientes con enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal (EII). Materiales y métodos: El período de estudio fue desde enero de 2004 hasta diciembre de 2014. El diagnóstico final lo determinaron los gastroenterólogos clínicos con experiencia en el diagnóstico y manejo de EII, basados en criterios diagnósticos aceptados internacionalmente. Resultados: Se estudiaron 105 pacientes con EII, de éstos el 77% con colitis ulcerativa (CU) y el 23% con enfermedad de Crohn (EC). La edad media al momento del diagnóstico para CU y EC fue de 53,02 y 57,7 años respectivamente. En cuanto a la distribución por sexos, la proporción de hombres: mujeres fue 1,3:1 en CU y 2:1 en EC. Manifestaciones clínicas predominantes fueron: diarrea (76,5%) en CU y sangrado digestivo bajo /dolor abdominal (66,6% para cada síntoma) en EC. La forma predominante de presentación fue moderada tanto para CU (49,3%) y EC (62,5%). El 47% de los pacientes con CU presentaron colitis extensa y el 54,2% de pacientes con EC presentaron ileocolitis. 6,2% de pacientes con CU fueron sometidos a cirugía, mientras el 50% de pacientes con EC lo requirieron. Conclusiones: Existe la tendencia a mayor detección de casos de enfermedad de Crohn en nuestro país y en Latinoamérica con respecto a estudios previos. Se evidencia predominio de formas de presentación moderada tanto para CU y EC, y altos porcentajes de cirugía para EC.

Objective: To identify sociodemographic, clinical, and endoscopic characteristics in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Materials and methods: The study period was from January 2004 to December 2014. The final diagnosis was determined by clinical gastroenterologists experienced in the diagnosis and management of IBD, based on internationally accepted diagnostic criteria. Results: 105 patients with IBD were studied, 77% with ulcerative colitis (UC) and 23% with Crohn's disease (CD). The average age of initial diagnosis for UC and CD was 53.02 and 57.7 years, respectively. Regarding the gender distribution, the male:female ratio was 1.3:1 for UC and 2:1 for CD. Predominant clinical manifestations were: diarrhea (76.5%) in CU and lower gastrointestinal bleeding / abdominal pain (66.6% for each symptom) in EC. The predominant form of presentation was moderate for both CU (49.3%) and EC (62.5%). 47% of patients with UC had extensive colitis and 54.2% of patients with CD had Ileocolitis. 6.2% of the UC patients underwent surgery, whereas 50% of the CD patients required it. Conclusions: There is a tendency to an increased detection of cases of Crohn's disease in our country and in Latin America with respect to previous studies. There is a prevalence of moderate forms of presentation for both UC and CD, and high percentages of surgery in EC is evident.

Effect of exercise training on eNOS expression, NO production and oxygen metabolism in human placenta.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of combined aerobic and resistance exercise training during the second half of pregnancy on endothelial NOS expression (eNOS), nitric oxide (NO) production and oxygen metabolism in human placenta. METHODS: The study included 20 nulliparous in gestational week 16-20, attending prenatal care at three tertiary hospitals in Colombia who were randomly assigned into one of two groups: The exercise group (n = 10) took part in an exercise session three times a week for 12 weeks which consisted of: aerobic exercise at an intensity of 55-75% of their maximum heart rate for 60 min and 25 mins. Resistance exercise included 5 exercise groups circuit training (50 repetitions of each) using barbells (1-3 kg/exercise) and low-to-medium resistance bands. The control group (n = 10) undertook their usual physical activity. Mitochondrial and cytosol fractions were isolated from human placental tissue by differential centrifugation. A spectrophotometric assay was used to measure NO production in cytosolic samples from placental tissue and Western Blot technique to determine eNOS expression. Mitochondrial superoxide levels and hydrogen peroxide were measured to determine oxygen metabolism. RESULTS: Combined aerobic and resistance exercise training during pregnancy leads to a 2-fold increase in eNOS expression and 4-fold increase in NO production in placental cytosol (p = 0.05). Mitochondrial superoxide levels and hydrogen peroxide production rate were decreased by 8% and 37% respectively in the placental mitochondria of exercising women (p = 0.05). CONCLUSION: Regular exercise training during the second half of pregnancy increases eNOS expression and NO production and decreases reactive oxygen species generation in human placenta. Collectively, these data demonstrate that chronic exercise increases eNOS/NO production, presumably by increasing endothelial shear stress. This adaptation may contribute to the beneficial effects of exercise on the vascular and antioxidant system and in turn reduce the risk of preeclampsia, diabetes or hypertension during pregnancy.

Type of delivery and gestational age is not affected by pregnant Latin-American women engaging in vigorous exercise. A secondary analysis of data from a controlled randomized trial / El tipo de parto y la edad gestacional no se afectan por el ejercicio aeróbico vigoroso en mujeres gestantes latinas. Análisis secundario de un ensayo clínico

ABSTRACT Objective There is controversy concerning whether exercise during pregnancy may increase preterm delivery risk and type of delivery. The effect of pregnant Latin-American women engaging in vigorous exercise during the second and third trimester was examined regarding type of delivery and gestational age. Materials and Methods This was a secondary analysis of data from a controlled randomized trial for determining the influence of physical exercise on pregnant women's endothelial function. The study included 35 nulliparous women, gestational week 16-20 attending prenatal care at three tertiary hospitals in Colombia, who were randomly assigned to one of two groups. The experimental group engaged in aerobic exercise involving 55 % - 75 % maximum heart rate for 60 min, three times a week for 12 weeks. The control group engaged in their usual physical activity. Maternal weight, height, weight gain, blood pressure and type of delivery were recorded; gender, abdominal and head circumference (cm), weight (g), height (cm), vitality (Apgar score at 1 and 5 min) and gestational age at the time of delivery (in weeks, days) were recorded for the newborn. Results There was no difference in type of delivery by the end of the 12-week program (p>0.05), nor regarding newborn anthropometric variables, Apgar score, or maternal variables concerning weight, height, relative weight gain, blood pressure or weeks of gestation (p>0.05). Conclusion The potential public health benefits of vigorous exercise were enormous. This study support ed existing guidelines indicating that Latin-American women may begin or maintain an on-going exercise program during pregnancy. Trial registration: NCT00741312.

Objetivo Existe controversia acerca del efecto del ejercicio físico vigoroso (EFV) durante el embarazo por sus posibles consecuencias en el tipo de parto y la edad gestacional. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar el efecto del EFV durante el segundo y tercer trimestre, en mujeres gestantes latinas sobre el tipo de parto y la edad gestacional. Materiales y Métodos Se trata de un análisis secundario de un ensayo clínico controlado en 35 gestantes, asignadas al azar en dos grupos. Grupo experimental (n=18): EFV entre el 55 % y 75 % de la FC max, por 60 min, 3 veces por sem. Por 12 sem. Grupo Control (n=17): actividad física cotidiana y control prenatal habitual. Se registraron en las maternas: peso, talla, ganancia de peso, presión arterial y tipo de parto. En el recién nacido se registró: género, perímetro cefálico y abdominal (cm), peso (g), talla (cm), semanas de gestación, vitalidad (score Apgar al 1 y 5 min), y semanas de gestación. Resultados No se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas respecto al tipo de parto (p>0,05). Tampoco en las variables antropométricas del recién nacido, ni en las variables maternas: peso, talla, ganancia de peso, presión arterial o semanas de gestación (p>0,05). Conclusión Los beneficios potenciales en salud pública del efecto EFV durante la gestación son importantes y este estudio favorece que mujeres latinas puedan comenzar o mantener un programa de ejercicios durante el embarazo. Trial registration: NCT00741312.

Los niveles de ferritina y los marcadores de riesgo cardiovascular se correlacionan con mayor tiempo sedentario auto-reportado en hombres aparentemente sanos / Ferritin levels and cardiovascular risk markers correlate with higher self-reported sedentary time in apparently healthy men

Objetivo: evaluar la correlación entre las concentraciones séricas de ferritina y los marcadores de riesgo cardiovascular con el tiempo de actividad física y sedentarismo auto-reportados en hombres aparentemente sanos. Métodos: se incluyeron 69 hombres pertenecientes a tres empresas de servicio privado y público del área metropolitana de Cali, Colombia, con edades entre 25 y 64 años. Se aplicó la versión corta del International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) y se agruparon cuatro categorías de actividad física: 1. Minutos actividad física intensa (AFI)/semana. 2. Minutos actividad física moderada (AFM)/semana. 3. Minutos caminata/semana. 4. Minutos sentado/día. Los marcadores de riesgo cardiovascular se definieron con base en los criterios del ATP-III y la Federación Internacional de Diabetes. Resultados: se encontraron correlaciones positivas en los sujetos que auto-reportaban mayor tiempo en actividades sedentarias según la categoría del IPAQ (minutos promedio sentado/día) en los indicadores antropométricos: porcentaje de grasa corporal (rho=0,249, p<0,05), índice de masa (rho=0,268, p<0,05) y circunferencia de cintura (rho=0,266, p<0,05). Este mismo comportamiento se observó en las variables bioquímicas: ferritina (rho=0,247, p<0,05), triglicéridos (rho=0,258, p<0,05), insulina (rho=0,284, p<0,05) e índice HOMA (rho=0,261). Asimismo, se evidenciaron menores niveles de c-HDL a menores niveles de actividad física (rho=-0,279; p<0,05). Conclusiones: el tiempo sedentario (minutos sentado/semana) reportado por los sujetos, se correlacionó de manera positiva con los niveles de ferritina así como con la resistencia a la insulina y los marcadores de riesgo cardiovascular. Los depósitos de hierro corporales estimados como ferritina sérica, al relacionarse con parámetros de sedentarismo, se comportan como un potencial marcador de riesgo cardiovascular.

Objective: to evaluate the correlation between serum ferritin and cardiovascular risk markers with the time of self-reported physical activity and sedentary life style in apparently healthy men. Methods: we included 69 men from three private and public companies in the metropolitan area of Cali, Colombia, aged between 25 and 64. The short version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) was applied, and were grouped in four categories of physical activity: 1. Minutes of intense physical activity (IFA)/week.2. Minutes of moderate physical activity (MFA)/week. 3. Minutes of walk/week. 4. Minutes of sitting/day. Cardiovascular risk markers were defined based on the criteria of the ATP-III and the International Diabetes Federation. Results: positive correlations were found in subjects who self-reported more time in sedentary activities according to the IPAQ category (average minutes sitting/day) in anthropometric indicators: percentage of body fat (rho = 0.249, p <0.05), mass index (rho = 0.268, p <0.05) and waist circumference (rho = 0.266, p <0.05). This same behavior was observed in biochemical variables: ferritin (rho = 0.247, p <0.05), triglycerides (rho = 0.258, p <0.05), insulin (rho = 0.284, p <0.05) and HOMA index (rho = 0.261). Also, lower levels of HDL-C were evidenced with lower levels of physical activity (rho =- 0.279, P <0.05). Conclusions: sedentary time (minutes sitting/week) reported by the subjects correlated positively with ferritin levels as well as with insulin resistance and cardiovascular risk markers. The body iron deposits estimated as serum ferritin, when related to sedentary lifestyle parameters, behave as a potential marker of cardiovascular risk.

Type of delivery and gestational age is not affected by pregnant Latin-American women engaging in vigorous exercise: a secondary analysis of data from a controlled randomized trial.

OBJECTIVE: There is controversy concerning whether exercise during pregnancy may increase preterm delivery risk and type of delivery. The effect of pregnant Latin-American women engaging in vigorous exercise during the second and third trimester was examined regarding type of delivery and gestational age. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a secondary analysis of data from a controlled randomized trial for determining the influence of physical exercise on pregnant women's endothelial function. The study included 35 nulliparous women, gestational week 16-20 attending prenatal care at three tertiary hospitals in Colombia, who were randomly assigned to one of two groups. The experimental group engaged in aerobic exercise involving 55 % - 75 % maximum heart rate for 60 min, three times a week for 12 weeks. The control group engaged in their usual physical activity. Maternal weight, height, weight gain, blood pressure and type of delivery were recorded; gender, abdominal and head circumference (cm), weight (g), height (cm), vitality (Apgar score at 1 and 5 min) and gestational age at the time of delivery (in weeks, days) were recorded for the newborn. RESULTS: There was no difference in type of delivery by the end of the 12-week program (p > 0.05), nor regarding newborn anthropometric variables, Apgar score, or maternal variables concerning weight, height, relative weight gain, blood pressure or weeks of gestation (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: The potential public health benefits of vigorous exercise were enormous. This study supported existing guidelines indicating that Latin-American women may begin or maintain an on-going exercise program during pregnancy. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT00741312.

[Association between adiposity and cardiovascular risk factors in prepubertal children]. / Asociación entre adiposidad y factores de riesgo cardiovascular en infantes pre-púberes.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: To examine the relationships between of four measures of adiposity, namely waist circumference (WC), body mass index (BMI), and subscapular and abdominal skinfolds, with different cardiovascular risk factors in prepubertal children. METHODS: Four hundred and ninety-four prepubertal children aged 6-10 years participated in this cross-sectional study. The subscapular and abdominal skinfolds, WC, and BMI were measured to assess adiposity, and cardiovascular risk factors (CVRFs) were assessed by measuring systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressures (DBP), glucose, triglycerides (TG), and high density (HDL-C) and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). Dichotomous variables were created based on whether or not the subjects were in the upper quartile (Q4) for the WC, BMI, and skinfold variables. RESULTS: No CVRF was found in 52.8% of children, 33.4% had one factor, and 10.9% and 2.8% had 2 and 3 factors respectively. An adjusted logistic regression analysis showed that being in Q4 of anthropometric variables and CVRFs was associated to TG levels ≥ 100 mg/dL. Glucose levels ≥ 96 mg/dL were associated to Q4 and abdominal fold. Presence of 2 or more CVRFs was significantly associated to Q4 in all anthropometric variables despite adjustment for age, gender, and calorie intake. The subscapular skinfold was the adiposity marker associated to the highest risk. CONCLUSIONS: Children with a more unfavorable adiposity profile tend to have a greater cardiovascular risk in the prepubertal stage.

[Centile values for serum lipids in Colombian adolescents]. / Centiles de lípidos séricos en adolescentes de Colombia.

OBJECTIVE: To assess age- and sex-specific percentile baseline data for total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) in Colombian children and adolescents aged 10 to 17 years. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted on 1,773 children and adolescents. Each participant underwent a fasting measurement to quantify TC, HDL-C, and TG levels using enzymatic-colorimetric methods. Smoothed age- and sex-specific 5(th), 25(th), 50(th), 75(th), 90(th) and 95(th) percentile values where derived using LMS regression (Least Mean Square) using the statistical package Growth Analyzer. RESULTS: Overall, males had lower serum TC and TG levels as compared to females. P95 of TG and TC was higher in males aged 10 to 14 years as compared to females, while HDL-C levels were similar in both sexes. CONCLUSIONS: Percentile values will help classify children and adolescents as compared to other populations based on this health indicator.

Influence of regular aerobic exercise on endothelium-dependent vasodilation and cardiorespiratory fitness in pregnant women.

AIM: To evaluate the effect of regular aerobic exercise on the endothelial function and cardiorespiratory fitness in pregnant women. METHOD: This was a randomized, double-blinded, controlled clinical trial of 64 healthy primigravid women between 16 and 20 weeks' gestation. The experimental group took part in aerobic exercise at an intensity of 50-65% of their maximum heart rate for 60 min, three times a week for 16 weeks. The control group undertook their usual physical activity. The outcomes were the endothelial function evaluated by flow-mediated dilatation and cardiorespiratory fitness evaluated by the maximum indirect oxygen consumption (VO2max) in a 6-min walk test. RESULTS: Initially, no differences were found between the groups in any of the variables. At the end of the intervention, the participants that performed exercise showed a higher cardiorespiratory fitness, measured by the walked distance in the 6-min walk test (P = 0.014) and by the VO2max (P = 0.014). Also, the exercise group showed a lower heart rate at rest and a higher flow-mediated dilatation than the control group (P = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Regular aerobic exercise improves endothelium-dependent vasodilation in pregnancy. This intervention may be an early and effective alternative to strengthen the prevention of disorders associated to endothelial dysfunction.