Niveles séricos de 25-hidroxivitamina D y su relación con síndrome metabólico en una población de hombres jóvenes no diabéticos / Serum levels of 25-hydroxy vitamin D and their relationship to metabolic syndrome in a population of young nondiabetic men

Resumen Introducción: los niveles no suficientes de vitamina D (VD) se han asociado a varias patologías no osteomusculares; sin embargo, es motivo de controversia si éstos se asocian a mayor prevalencia de síndrome metabólico (SM). Objetivo: determinar y comparar la frecuencia de insuficiencia y deficiencia de 25-hidroxivitamina D (25(OH)D) entre hombres jóvenes obesos no diabéticos y controles con peso normal, y su correlación con el estado de SM. Material y métodos: estudio de corte transversal, que incluyó 62 individuos con peso normal y 47 en obesidad, se determinaron los niveles séricos de 25(OH)D y se midieron parámetros antropométricos y bioquímicos para establecer criterios de SM. Resultados: de los 47 sujetos con obesidad, 25 tenían SM, mientas que ninguno de los sujetos de peso normal cumplía con dichos criterios. No se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas en cuanto a la presencia de síndrome en correlación con los niveles de vitamina D (p=0.94). La media de los niveles séricos de 25(OH)D para la población total fue 30.6±8.3 ng/ mL; en sujetos normopeso 30.8±8.5 ng/mL y entre los obesos con SM fue 30.1±9.2 ng/mL y sin SM de 30.6±7.5 ng/mL. Por otro lado no hubo una correlación significativa entre los parámetros individuales de síndrome metabólico y los niveles séricos de VD, tanto de manera global, como en el análisis por subgrupos. Conclusión: no hubo una correlación significativa entre los niveles séricos de 25(OH)D con el estado de SM, tampoco se identificó ningún tipo de correlación significativa entre éstos y los parámetros antropométricos y bioquímicos estudiados.(Acta Med Colomb 2020; 45. DOI:doi.org/10.36104/amc.2020.1323).

Abstract Introduction: insufficient levels of vitamin D (VD) have been associated with several non-musculoskeletal diseases. However, whether they are associated with a greater prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MS) is a matter of controversy. Objective: to determine and compare the frequency of 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25(OH)D) insufficiency and deficiency in young, obese nondiabetic men and normal weight controls, and its correlation with metabolic syndrome. Material and methods: a cross-sectional study which included 62 normal weight and 47 obese individuals. Serum levels of 25(OH)D were ascertained and anthropometric and biochemical parameters were measured to establish MS criteria. Results: of the 47 obese subjects, 25 had MS, while none of the normal weight subjects met the criteria. There were no statistically significant differences in the presence of the syndrome related to the vitamin D levels (p=0.94). The mean serum 25(OH)D level for the total population was 30.6±8.3 ng/mL; in normal weight subjects it was 30.8±8.5 ng/mL, in obese subjects with MS it was 30.1±9.2 ng/mL, and in obese subjects without MS it was 30.6±7.5 ng/mL. Furthermore, there was no significant correlation between the individual MS parameters and serum VD, either globally or on subgroup analysis. Conclusion: there was no significant correlation between serum 25(OH)D levels and MS, nor was any significant correlation found between these and the anthropometric and biochemical parameters studied.(Acta Med Colomb 2020; 45. DOI:https://doi.org/10.36104/amc.2020.1323).

Uso de desfibriladores implantables y terapia de resincronización cardiaca en ancianos mayores de 70 a 80 años: controversias y evidencia / Use of implantable defibrillators and cardiac resynchronisation therapy in patients more than 70 to 80 years old: arguments and evidence

Resumen Prevenir la muerte súbita y aumentar la supervivencia y la calidad de vida en los pacientes con falla cardiaca son las principales indicaciones para el uso de los desfibriladores implantables y la terapia de resincronización cardiaca respectivamente. Hay certeza de la eficacia clínica de estos dispositivos para la población general; sin embargo, no es tan clara para los pacientes mayores de 70 años dado que esta población no está lo suficientemente representada en los diseños de los estudios clínicos. La evidencia disponible hasta el momento precisa que en este grupo etario existe beneficio de la terapia de resincronización cardiaca, pero es cuestionable el uso de cardiodesfibriladores. Así mismo, es indispensable tener en cuenta no sólo el riesgo de mortalidad de los pacientes sino también su funcionalidad y fragilidad para definir si se benefician o no de estos dispositivos.

Abstract The prevention of sudden death, to increase the survival, and quality of life in patients with heart failure, are the main indications for the use of implantable defibrillators and cardiac resynchronisation therapy, respectively. There is confidence in the clinical efficacy of these devices for the general population, but it is not so clear in patients over 70 years-old, given that this population is not sufficiently represented in clinical study designs. Although the evidence available up until now shows that there is a benefit in this age group for the use cardiac resynchronisation therapy, the use of cardiac defibrillators is questionable. It is also indispensable to not only to take into account the mortality risk in these patients, but also their functionality and frailty in order to determine whether or not they would benefit from these devices.

Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels throughout pregnancy: a longitudinal study in healthy and preeclamptic pregnant women.

BACKGROUND: Worldwide there is a high prevalence of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) deficiency and has been associated with adverse outcomes during pregnancy. OBJECTIVE: This is a nested, case-control study in a longitudinal cohort to compare the serum 25OHD levels and other biomarkers throughout pregnancy in a group of 20 preeclamptic women and 61 healthy pregnant women. An additional group of 29 healthy non-pregnant women were also studied during the two phases of the menstrual cycle. RESULTS: Mean 25OHD levels in non-pregnant women were 31.9 ng/mL and 34.9 ng/mL during follicular and luteal phase, respectively (P < 0.01). Mean serum 25OHD levels in healthy pregnant women were 26.5, 30.1 and 31.9 ng/mL, at first, second and third trimester, respectively (P < 0.001). The first trimester levels of 25OHD were lower than those of healthy non-pregnant women (P < 0.001), showing a significant recovery at third trimester. In the group of healthy pregnant women, the 25OHD levels were 25.7 ng/mL and 27.2 ng/mL at 3 and 6 months postpartum, respectively; both values were lower than those observed in the non-pregnant women (P < 0.001). In preeclamptic women, 25OHD serum levels were similar to those of healthy pregnant women; nevertheless, they remained almost unchanged throughout pregnancy. CONCLUSION: There were no significant differences between healthy and preeclamptic pregnant women in terms of 25OHD levels throughout the pregnancy. Serum 25OHD levels in non-pregnant women were higher during luteal phase compared with follicular phase. The 25OHD levels of non-pregnant women tended to be higher than those of pregnant women.

Serum Galanin Levels in Young Healthy Lean and Obese Non-Diabetic Men during an Oral Glucose Tolerance Test.

Galanin (GAL) is a neuropeptide involved in the homeostasis of energy metabolism. The objective of this study was to investigate the serum levels of GAL during an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) in lean and obese young men. This cross-sectional study included 30 obese non-diabetic young men (median 22 years; mean BMI 37 kg/m(2)) and 30 healthy lean men (median 23 years; mean BMI 22 kg/m(2)). Serum GAL was determined during OGTT. The results of this study include that serum GAL levels showed a reduction during OGTT compared with basal levels in the lean subjects group. Conversely, serum GAL levels increased significantly during OGTT in obese subjects. Serum GAL levels were also higher in obese non-diabetic men compared with lean subjects during fasting and in every period of the OGTT (p < 0.001). Serum GAL levels were positively correlated with BMI, total fat, visceral fat, HOMA-IR, total cholesterol, triglycerides and Leptin. A multiple regression analysis revealed that serum insulin levels at 30, 60 and 120 minutes during the OGTT is the most predictive variable for serum GAL levels (p < 0.001). In conclusion, serum GAL levels are significantly higher in the obese group compared with lean subjects during an OGTT.

Serum Adipsin Levels throughout Normal Pregnancy and Preeclampsia.

Adipsin is a protease produced at high levels by adipose tissue. It is involved in complement activation and metabolic control. The objective of this study was to determine the changes in adipsin levels during different stages of normal pregnancy, and its association with obstetric outcomes, such as preeclampsia. This nested case-control study in a longitudinal cohort included normal pregnant (n = 54) and preeclamptic (n = 18) women, both followed throughout pregnancy. Additionally, some of the normal pregnant women were followed up three months postpartum (n = 18). Healthy non-pregnant women were also studied during their menstrual cycle (n = 20). The results of this study show that in healthy non-pregnant women, adipsin levels did not change significantly during the menstrual cycle. In normal pregnant women, adipsin levels were lower (p < 0.01) when compared with non-pregnant healthy women, but these serum levels increased again during postpartum (p < 0.001). Adipsin levels were significantly elevated in preeclamptic women in late pregnancy (P < 0.01). A significant correlation was not found between leptin and adipsin during the three periods of gestation studied in healthy pregnant and preeclamptic women. Our results suggest that adipsin may be involved in pregnancy-associated metabolic changes. Moreover, the increase of adipsin levels towards late gestation in preeclamptic women could be related to the pathophysiology of this disease.

Inhibidores de dipeptidil dipeptidasa-IV: de la teoría a la práctica / Dipeptidil dipeptidase-IV inhibidors: from the theory to the practice

Esta revisión de los inhibidores de dipeptidil peptidasa-IV busca motivar el uso racional de tal grupo farmacológico en la práctica diaria. Este grupo es una nueva opción terapéutica en monoterapia o terapia combinada para el tratamiento de los pacientes con diabetes mellitus tipo 2. En Colombia, se encuentran disponibles: sitagliptina, vildagliptina, saxagliptina y linagliptina. Si bien todas las gliptinas tienen el mismo mecanismo de acción-aumentan la vida media del péptido similar al glucagón-, esta revisión presenta las diferencias entre sus propiedades farmacológicas, eventos adversos y perfil de seguridad. Estos medicamentos son de segunda o tercera línea para el tratamiento oral de los pacientes con diabetes mellitus tipo 2, o primera línea en los pacientes intolerantes a la metformina. Además, algunas de las ventajas que tienen son que: generan menor riesgo de hipoglucemia, tienen efecto neutro sobre el peso, son seguros en adultos mayores, disminuyen la variabilidad de la glucemia y, adicionalmente, se pueden utilizar en la enfermedad renal crónica avanzada, con o sin terapia de reemplazo renal, y en la insuficiencia hepática.

This review of dipeptidyl peptidase-IV inhibitors seeks to encourage the rational use of these drugs in daily practice; this group is a new therapeutic option in monotherapy or combination therapy for the treatment of patients with diabetes mellitus type 2. Sitagliptin, vildagliptin, saxagliptin and linagliptin are available in Colombia. While all gliptins have the same mechanism of action-they increase the average life of glucagon-like peptide-, this review presents the differences among their pharmacological properties, adverse events and safety profile. These drugs are second or third-line for the oral treatment of patients with diabetes mellitus type 2, or first-line in patients intolerant to metformin. They also have some advantages like lower risk of hypoglycemia, neutral effect on weight, safety for the elderly, reduction of glycaemia variability; additionally, they can be used in advanced chronic kidney disease, with or without renal replacement therapy, and in liver failure.

Helicobacter hepaticus del modelo a la infección: la controversia en hepatocarcinoma humano / Helicobacter hepaticus model of infection: the human hepatocellular carcinoma controversy

El descubrimiento de Helicobacter, hace 30 años, cambió por completo el pensamiento de las comunidadesmédica y científi ca sobre las úlceras péptica y duodenal. El paradigma anterior al descubrimiento de Marshally Warren planteaba la imposibilidad de supervivencia de microorganismos en el estómago, debido a su pH,y que si algunos sobrevivían se iban a alojar en el duodeno o en otras porciones del intestino. Es indiscutiblehoy día el papel en la carcinogénesis de H. pylori, pero poco se conoce sobre especies emergentes del géneroHelicobacter en el ser humano. Helicobacter hepaticus es una de las especies más estudiadas después deH. pylori. De la bacteria se saben sus características microbiológicas, genéticas y patogénicas, así como surelación con el hepatocarcinoma en modelo murino y su infección en el ser humano. Esta revisión pretendemostrar a las comunidades médica y científica la existencia de nuevas especies de Helicobacter que tienenun potencial patogénico en humanos, y así alentar investigaciones al respecto.

The discovery of Helicobacter 30 years ago by Marshall and Warren completely changed thought about pepticand duodenal ulcers. The previous paradigm posited the impossibility of the survival of microorganisms in thestomach’s low pH environment and that, if any microorganisms survived, they would stay in the duodenumor elsewhere in the intestine. Today the role of H. pylori in carcinogenesis is indisputable, but little is knownabout other emerging species of the genus Helicobacter in humans. Helicobacter hepaticus is one of thesespecies that has been studied most, after H. pylori. We now know about their microbiological, genetic andpathogenic relationships with HCC in murine and human infections. This review aims to show the medical andscientifi c community the existence of new species of Helicobacter that have pathogenic potential in humans,thus encouraging research.

Nanotecnología en la gastrohepatología / Nanotechnology in the gastrohepatology

El mundo llama hoy nanotecnología a la investigación y desarrollo de estructuras y dispositivos en la escala del nanómetro (10-9 m) producto de la manipulación de átomos y moléculas. Dichos elementos tienen aplicaciones en diferentes campos de la investigación, como en la gastrohepatología, donde se adelantan estudios que involucran Nnanomateriales y nanoestructuras como nanopartículas, nanocapas, nanotubos de carbón, puntos cuánticos entre otros, todos ellos relacionados con el diagnóstico y terapia de diversas enfermedades gastrointestinales y hepáticas, especialmente neoplasias. De acuerdo con este panorama, en la presente revisión se pretende generar interés por el tópico de la nanotecnología en la comunidad médica.

The world calls today Nanotechnology to the investigation and development of structures and devices in the nanometer scale (10-9 m), by means of atoms and molecules manipulation. These elements have applications in different investigation fields, like Gastrohepatology, where there are studies that involve Nanostructures and Nanodevices like: Nanoparticles, Nanoshell, quantum dots, and coal Nanotubes, all of them related with the diagnosis and therapy of diverse gastrointestinal and hepatic disease, specifically neoplasm. According to panoramic, in this review we pretend to generate interest about nanotechnology in the medical community.