Assessment of potential contamination and acid drainage generation in uranium mining zones of Peña Blanca, Chihuahua, Mexico.

Potential pollution of mining environmental liabilities' locations can be preliminarily and efficiently assessed by the potential generation of acid mine drainage and indices of contamination. This research evaluates the potential pollution by potentially toxic elements at locations with uranium mining liability evidence, using the net acid generation test and determining the background values to estimate acid mine drainage and indices of contamination. Sixty soil samples were collected, and the mineralogy and potentially toxic elements' total contents were determined by x-ray diffraction and optical spectrometry. The findings suggest that the soils related to a specific lithology might not present potential acid mine drainage generation but potential soil and sediment contamination. Future research is recommended on applying leaching tests to identify which potentially toxic elements are effectively being solubilized. Finally, it can be concluded that the study area's potential contamination is relatively low overall.

Odorant-Binding and Chemosensory Proteins in Anthonomus eugenii (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) and Their Tissue Expression.

The pepper weevil Anthonomus eugenii is one of the most damaging pests to the pepper crop. To offer alternative management strategies to insecticides, several studies have identified the semiochemicals that are involved in the pepper weevil's aggregation and mating behavior; however, there is no information on its perireceptor molecular mechanism, to date. In this study, bioinformatics tools were used to functionally annotate and characterize the A. eugenii head transcriptome and their probable coding proteins. We identified twenty-two transcripts belonging to families related to chemosensory processes, seventeen corresponding to odorant-binding proteins (OBP), and six to chemosensory proteins (CSP). All results matched with closely related Coleoptera: Curculionidae homologous proteins. Likewise, twelve OBP and three CSP transcripts were experimentally characterized by RT-PCR in different female and male tissues. The results by sex and tissue display the different expression patterns of the AeugOBPs and AeugCSPs; some are present in both sexes and all tissues, while others show expressions with higher specificity, which suggests diverse physiological functions in addition to chemo-detection. This study provides information to support the understanding of odor perception in the pepper weevil.

Polluting potential from mining wastes: proposal for application a global contamination index.

Indices of contamination (IC) are usually employed to assess the hazardousness associated with potentially toxic elements (PTE) from mining wastes (MW). For such, it is necessary to know the total concentrations of the PTE and local, regional, or global background or reference levels which are tolerable or acceptable threshold values for total content in soils. Although scientific literature is vast regarding the application of IC to MW, there is scarce research on the reference levels that must be employed in locations with no established comparison values. This study proposes basic reference levels for the global application of PTE contents in MW, leading to a global index of contamination (ICG). To this end, it was determined that the PTE to be assessed in MW should be As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Hg, Mo, Ni, Pb, Sb, Se, V, and Zn. From the analysis of background and baseline values for soils, reference values for the PTE compiled from worldwide standards or studies on soil and sediment evaluation, and PTE content in MW, a classification is proposed for ICG that considers MW as very low, low, moderate, high, and very high contamination potential. The findings presented herein can be helpful in the comparison of multiple types of MW, representing the contamination hazard by particle emission due to erosion processes that reach the soils or sediments of the surrounding environment. This evaluation can aid in the decision-making process regarding the reutilization of some types of MW that receive a low classification.

Antiproliferative, Antiangiogenic, and Antimetastatic Therapy Response by Mangiferin in a Syngeneic Immunocompetent Colorectal Cancer Mouse Model Involves Changes in Mitochondrial Energy Metabolism.

In spite of the current advances and achievements in cancer treatments, colorectal cancer (CRC) persists as one of the most prevalent and deadly tumor types in both men and women worldwide. Drug resistance, adverse side effects and high rate of angiogenesis, metastasis and tumor relapse remain one of the greatest challenges in long-term management of CRC and urges need for new leads of anticancer drugs. We demonstrate that CRC treatment with the phytopharmaceutical mangiferin (MGF), a glucosylxanthone present in Mango tree stem bark and leaves (Mangifera Indica L.), induces dose-dependent tumor regression and decreases lung metastasis in a syngeneic immunocompetent allograft mouse model of murine CT26 colon carcinoma, which increases overall survival of mice. Antimetastatic and antiangiogenic MGF effects could be further validated in a wound healing in vitro model in human HT29 cells and in a matrigel plug implant mouse model. Interestingly, transcriptome pathway enrichment analysis demonstrates that MGF inhibits tumor growth, metastasis and angiogenesis by multi-targeting of mitochondrial oxidoreductase and fatty acid ß-oxidation metabolism, PPAR, SIRT, NFκB, Stat3, HIF, Wnt and GP6 signaling pathways. MGF effects on fatty acid ß-oxidation metabolism and carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1 (CPT1) protein expression could be further confirmed in vitro in human HT29 colon cells. In conclusion, antitumor, antiangiogenic and antimetastatic effects of MGF treatment hold promise to reduce adverse toxicity and to mitigate therapeutic outcome of colorectal cancer treatment by targeting mitochondrial energy metabolism in the tumor microenvironment.

Assessment of the pollution potential of a special case of abandoned sulfide tailings impoundment in Riotinto mining district (SW Spain).

This work describes a special case of pollution potential assessment applied to an abandoned sulfide tailings impoundment located in the Riotinto mining district (Huelva), near the Tinto River. Three overlapping levels of discharged tailings were recognized in the impoundment, from deeper to upper: pale yellow to white, red, and brownish-yellow. Mineralogical, physical, and chemical characteristics of tailings, water leachates, water, and sulfate efflorescent salts were analyzed. The total toxic element content and the leachate concentration were respectively used to calculate two indices that support potential toxicity assessment: the Index of Contamination (IC) and the Hazard Average Ratio (HAQ). According to the IC values, all tailings samples showed a high potential for contaminating soils and sediments, especially the intermediate tailings with up to As (8.6 g kg-1), Pb (14.8 g kg-1), and Cu (1 g kg-1). Deeper tailings leachate was extremely saline and acidic, with a very high concentration of sulfates and toxic elements, exceeding the values: 2600, 980, 30, and 17 mg L-1 for SO4, Fe, Al, and Cu, respectively. For this reason, these deeper tailings were linked to the saline and acid seepage, and also to the sulfate acid efflorescences formed at the dike toe. In conclusion, the studied abandoned tailings impoundment is related with a high likelihood of polluting the environment, represented by very high IC and HAQ values. However, when the Tinto River is considered the receiving water body, the severity of the potential contamination must be judged as very low.

Sociodemographic and Maternal Risk Factors Associated with Psychomotor Retardation in Infants under Two Years Old in Tabasco / Factores de riesgo sociodemográficos y maternos asociados al retraso psicomotor en infantes menores de dos años en Tabasco / Fatores de risco sociodemográficos e maternos associados ao atraso psicomotor em crianças menores de dois anos em Tabasco

Abstract Introduction: Adequate psychomotor development during the first years of life significantly impacts the growth of each infant, so the timely detection of risk factors that affect this development is of vital importance. The objective was to determine sociodemographic and maternal factors associated with the presentation of psychomotor retardation in infants under two years old who attended the Centro de Rehabilitación y Educación Especial in Villahermosa (Tabasco, Mexico) in 2017. Materials and methods: An observational, retrospective study of cases and controls in infants under two years old. Data collection was performed using a questionnaire consisting of 45 questions, which included variables such as psychomotor retardation, prenatal, perinatal, and postnatal risk factors, that used Pearson's chi-square test and Fisher's exact test, with a significant correlation of p <.05 being accepted . Results: A low social class showed a significant relationship with psychomotor retardation (p =.000), while the presence of infections at a very young age in the newborn, a family history of psychomotor retardation, and a history of disease during pregnancy showed a value of p <.05. Conclusión: A low socioeconomic status, pregnancy-associated diseases such as malnutrition, high blood pressure, and traumatic accidents, as well as infectious diseases at birth were the main factors that conditioned psychomotor retardation.

Resumen Introducción: el adecuado desarrollo psicomotor en los primeros años de vida influye significativamente en el crecimiento de cada sujeto, por lo que la detección oportuna de factores de riesgo que lo afecten es de vital importancia. El objetivo fue determinar factores sociodemográficos y maternos asociados a la presentación del retraso psicomotor en infantes menores de dos años que acudieron al Centro de Rehabilitación y Educación Especial en Villahermosa (Tabasco, México) en el 2017. Materiales y métodos: estudio observacional, retrospectivo de casos y controles en infantes menores de dos años. Los datos se recolectaron mediante un cuestionario de 45 ítems, que incluyó variables como retraso psicomotor, factores de riesgo prenatales, perinatales y posnatales. Se emplearon las pruebas chi cuadrado de Pearson y la prueba exacta de Fisher. Se aceptó una correlación significativa de p<0.05. Resultados: el estrato social bajo mostró una relación significativa con el retraso psicomotor (p = 0.000), así como la presencia de infecciones a una edad muy temprana en el recién nacido, el historial de antecedente familiar y el antecedente de enfermedad en el embarazo (p<0.05). Conclusión: un estatus socioeconómico bajo, enfermedades asociadas al embarazo como malnutrición, hipertensión arterial y accidentes traumáticos, además de las enfermedades infecciosas al nacer, fueron los principales factores que condicionaron el retraso psicomotor.

Resumo Introdução: o adequado desenvolvimento psicomotor nos primeiros anos de vida impacta significativamente no crescimento de cada sujeito, pelo que a detecção oportuna de fatores de risco que o afetem é de vital importância. O objetivo foi determinar fatores sociodemográficos e maternos associados à apresentação do atraso psicomotor em crianças menores de dois anos que acorrem ao Centro de Reabilitação e Educação Especial em Villahermosa (Tabasco, México) em 2017. Materiais e métodos: estudo observa-cional, retrospectivo de casos e controles em crianças menores de dois anos. A recolecção de dados se realizou mediante um questionário de 45 itens o qual incluiu variáveis como atraso psicomotor, fatores de risco pré-natais, perinatais, e pós-natais, empregando as provas qui-quadrado de Pearson, prova exata de Fisher. Se aceitou uma correlação significativa de p<.05. Resultados: o estrato social baixo mostrou relação significativa com o atraso psicomotor (p=.000); também a presença de infeções a uma idade muito precoce no recém-nascido, o historial de antecedente familiar e antecedente de doença na gravidez (p<.05). Conclusão: o status socioeconómico baixo, doenças associadas à gravidez como subnutrição, hipertensão arterial e acidentes traumáticos, para além das doenças infeciosas ao nascer, foram os principais fatores que condicionaram o atraso psicomotor.

A new ranking scale for assessing leaching potential pollution from abandoned mining wastes based on the Mexican official leaching test.

Potentially toxic elements (PTEs) present in abandoned mining wastes (AMW) are of great concern because of potential risks to human health and ecosystems. Indices of contamination (IC) applied to mining wastes are calculated using the total concentration of PTEs and comparing them with regional geochemical backgrounds. However, determining the total content of heavy metals is insufficient to assess the hazard of mining wastes. Therefore, in addition to total concentration, the potential risk is also evaluated through water mobility of elements. Accordingly, leaching procedures are useful tools for the geochemical characterization of soluble constituents that are mobilized. In this study, the solubility of PTEs from different types of mining wastes is comparatively assessed using three standard leaching methods (European; U.S. Geological Survey and; Mexican). The Hazard Average Quotient (HAQ) was calculated to assess the potential Toxicity Factor (TF). TF is an indicator of the relative potential toxicity of wastes and is the basis for the classification of AMW. A comparative assessment provides evidence that there are no statistically significant differences in PTEs solubility by the three leaching methods and it was also found that the pH of the eluates was dictated by the type of waste. Results suggest that the IC gives an indicator of the potential contamination of soils and sediments by erosive processes, or a long-term measure, whereas TF assesses the possibility of contaminating water in the short term. The most significant finding is the new ranking scale of TF, as a function of HAQ, applied to the Mexican standard leaching test. This factor, together with other considerations relating to risk-generating processes, might then be applied in places having large amounts of recorded AMW, such as the Iberian Peninsula and Latin America, where effective management is required to rank sites, based on preliminary environmental and human risk assessment.

Geochemical anomalies for the determination of surface stream sediments pollution: case of Sierra de Cartagena-La Unión mining district, Spain.

This work explores the ability of the Spanish Geochemical Database to identify the existence of polluted stream sediments due to the presence of abandoned mine wastes. The mining district of Sierra de Cartagena-La Unión has been used as test area. A total of 18 abandoned tailings facilities were selected and samples were taken for analysis of the content in potential toxic elements. The results were contrasted with geochemical background values in order to identify which geochemical elements could entail anomalies potentially reflected in the Spanish Geochemical Database. For the study area, As, Cd, Pb, and Zn have been identified as potential toxic elements which can be used as geochemical indicators of sediment pollution processes originated in abandoned mine wastes. Furthermore, the correlation between Cd and Zn allows them to be considered as the best indicators of potential sediment contamination. The study of anomaly thresholds, through the analysis of accumulated frequencies of the contents of these elements in the sediments of the Spanish Geochemical Database, allows identifying sediments that may have been contaminated. A Mann-Whitney test contrasting the data of tailings, polluted sediments, and non-polluted sediments has been performed in order to verify differences among these types of samples. In addition, a geospatial analysis has demonstrated a very close relationship between contaminated sediments and the presence of mining wastes upstream. This methodology can be applied to any other mining region, to recognize the possible influence of pollution processes derived from the presence of abandoned mine wastes taking advantage of existing geochemical databases.

Effect of resveratrol on seric vascular endothelial growth factor concentrations during atherosclerosis. / Efecto del resveratrol sobre las concentraciones séricas del factor de crecimiento endotelial vascular durante la aterosclerosis.

INTRODUCTION: Although it is known that resveratrol has anti-inflammatory and anti-atherogenic actions, its effect on vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in atherosclerosis is unknown. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of resveratrol on serum concentrations of VEGF during the progression and evolution of atherosclerosis, as well as and its evolution over time in rabbits fed with a cholesterol diet. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 48 New Zealand white male rabbits were randomly divided into four groups of 12 rabbits: group1 (control): standard diet (commercial rabbit food); group2: cholesterol diet (0.5% cholesterol); group3 (control resveratrol): standard diet (commercial rabbit food) and resveratrol (2mg/Kg); group4: cholesterol diet (0.5% cholesterol) and resveratrol (2mg/Kg), for 12weeks. Blood samples of overnight-fasted rabbits were collected at baseline and the sixth and twelfth weeks, and the lipid profile, VEGF, and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were determined. Half of the animals were sacrificed on the sixth or twelfth week, and the aorta was dissected for histological studies. RESULTS: VEGF and CRP levels were significantly higher in groups2 and 4 than in groups1 and 3, respectively, from the 6th week (p<0.001). VEGF and CRP were significantly lower in group4 than in group2 on 12th week (p<0.004). Supplementation of resveratrol reduced the formation of atherosclerotic lesions. CONCLUSIONS: Serum VEGF and CRP levels are early markers of atherosclerosis. Oral supplementation of resveratrol exerts anti-inflammatory and anti-atherosclerotic effects, decreasing serum concentrations of VEGF and CRP and the formation and evolution of atherosclerotic lesions.

Evaluación del efecto del tratamiento combinado de mangiferina con cisplatino y 5-fluorouracilo en células CT26. WT y CHO-K1 / Evaluation of combination treatment effect of mangiferin with cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil in CT26. WT and CKO-K1 cells

INTRODUCCIÓN: la mangiferina posee diferentes propiedades farmacológicas, y otras están por ser investigadas, tal como su actividad antitumoral como agente adyuvante a la quimioterapia antineoplásica convencional en la terapia combinada. OBJETIVO: evaluar el efecto antiproliferativo de la mangiferina sola y combinada con concentraciones bajas de agentes quimioterapéuticos. MÉTODOS: las líneas celulares de carcinoma de colon de ratón CT26.WT y normal de ovario de hámster chino CHO-K1, se trataron con mangiferina en combinación con cisplatino y 5-fluorouracilo bajo diferentes esquemas de tratamiento (secuencial y simultáneo), a diferentes concentraciones y tiempos de incubación. La viabilidad celular se determinó por el ensayo de MTT. RESULTADOS: la mangiferina (1-200 µg/mL) no fue citotóxica para ambas líneas celulares. El cotratamiento secuencial con mangiferina (1-200 µg/mL) por 3 h y cisplatino a concentraciones no citotóxicas (1 µM y 5 µM) durante 72 h, mostró un incremento significativo de la muerte celular en CT26.WT, sin inducir incremento significativo de la muerte en células CHO-K1, a concentraciones bajas de ambos compuestos. En el caso de los cotratamientos con mangiferina y 5-fluorouracilo (0,1 µM y 0,5 µM), se incrementó significativamente la muerte celular en los cotratamientos simultáneo por 72 h y secuencial 5-fluorouracilo 72 h y mangiferina 24 h en células CT26.WT; pero solo en este último, no se incrementó significativamente la muerte celular en CHO-K1. CONCLUSIONES: la mangiferina en combinación con concentraciones bajas no citotóxicas de cisplatino y 5-fluorouracilo, promueve la muerte celular e incrementa la citotoxicidad de estos agentes quimioterapéuticos en las condiciones de experimentación realizadas(AU)

INTRODUCTION: mangiferin has several pharmacological properties, but others remain to be deeply explored, such as antitumor activity since it may serve as adjuvant agent in conventional antitumoral chemotherapy in a combined treatment. OBJECTIVE: to evaluate the antiproliferative effect of the use of mangiferin alone and in combination with low concentrations of chemotherapeutic agents. METHODS: the CT26.WT mouse colon carcinoma and the CHO-K1 hamster ovary normal cell lines were treated with mangiferin in combination with cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil in several treatment schedules (sequential and simultaneous), at different concentrations and incubation times. The cell viability was evaluated by MTT assay. RESULTS: mangiferin (1-200 µg/mL) was not cytotoxic in both cell lines. Mangiferin (1-200 µg/mL) for 3h plus cisplatin at not citotoxic concentrations (1 µM and 5 µM) for 72 h in sequential combined treatment showed a significant increase of cell death in CT26.WT, without inducing significant increase of cell death in CHO-K1 cells at low concentrations of both compounds. In the case of combined mangiferina and 5-fluorouracil (0,1 µM and 0,5 µM) treatments, cell death rose in a significant way in simultaneous combined treatments for 72 h whereas sequential combined therapy with 5-fluorouracil for 72 h plus mangiferin for 24 h in CT26.WT cells, a significant rise was not induced in the cell line death of CHO-K1 hamster CONCLUSIONS: mangiferin in combination with low non cytotoxic concentrations of cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil promotes cell death and increases the cytotoxicity of these chemotherapeutic agents in experimental conditions of this study(AU)

El sistema citocromo P450 y el metabolismo de xenobióticos / Cytochrome P450 system and xenobiotic metabolism

Los organismos están constantemente expuestos a una gran variedad de xenobióticos. Las enzimas citocromo P450 participan en la fase I del metabolismo de xenobióticos, incluyendo los fármacos, y en funciones biosintéticas endógenas por reacciones de oxidación, reducción e hidrólisis. En el hombre se estima que pueden metabolizar hasta dos tercios de las drogas y la mayor parte de estas reacciones ocurre en el hígado. Estas enzimas se encuentran en todos los reinos biológicos. Actualmente se conocen más de 18 000 genes citocromo P450 organizados en familias y subfamilias según el porcentaje de identidad de secuencia de sus aminoácidos, y este número aumenta cada año con el hallazgo de nuevas secuencias del genoma. Ellas son una superfamilia de hemoproteínas monooxidasas del sistema oxidasa de función mixta localizadas en las membranas del retículo endoplasmático liso y mitocondrial interna. La diversidad de reacciones que cataliza y su amplia especificidad de sustrato lo destacan como uno de los catalizadores más diversos y versátiles conocidos y juega un papel crítico en la bioquímica, farmacología y toxicología. Se realizó una búsqueda por palabras clave en las bases de datos Pubmed y Medscape en los últimos diez años. También se consultaron sitios de Internet relacionados con investigaciones del citocromo P450 como bases de datos. Esta revisión es una actualización sobre aspectos generales del citocromo P450 y comprende una breve historia de la investigación del citocromo P450, su sistema de nomenclatura estándar; y describe su multiplicidad, la distribución a nivel de órgano y localización subcelular, estructura y función(AU)

The organisms are constantly exposed to a wide array of xenobiotics. Cytochrome P450 enzymes are involved in the phase I of xenobiotic metabolism, including pharmaceuticals, and in endogenous biosynthetic functions through oxidation, reduction reactions and hydrolysis. It is estimated that cytochrome P450 can metabolize up to two-thirds of drugs present in humans and that the bulk of these reactions occur in the liver. These enzymes are found in all biological domains. More than 18 000 cytochrome P450 genes are currently known and arranged into families and subfamilies on the basis of amino acid sequence identity percentage, and this number increases each year as new genome sequences are reported. They are a superfamily of monooxidase hemoproteins in the oxidase system with mixed functions and found on the membranes of the smooth endoplasmic reticulum and in the inner mitochondrial membrane. The diversity of reactions that catalyzes and its extensive substrate specificity turn it into one of the most diverse and versatile catalysts ever known and plays a critical role in biochemistry, pharmacology and toxicology. A keyword search was performed in Pubmed and Medscape databases in the last ten years. Websites related to cytochrome P450 research as databases were also consulted. This updated review covered general aspects of cytochrome P450, a brief history of the research on this enzyme and its standard nomenclature system, and also described its multiplicity, its distribution in body organs and its sub-cellular location, structure and function(AU)

Nivel de información de los médicos acerca de la asociación entre periodontitis y algunas enfermedades sistémicas / Information level of physicians on the association between periodontitis and certain systemic diseases

Fundamento: la infección periodontal se considera como una inflamación subclínica en la que se observa asociación con niveles elevados de proteína C-reactiva y aumento en el riesgo de enfermedades sistémicas inflamatorias. Objetivo: evaluar el nivel de información de los médicos generales sobre la relación existente entre enfermedad periodontal y diabetes, y entre enfermedad periodontal y enfermedad cardiovascular. Método: se encuestaron 37 médicos generales de dos hospitales públicos de primer nivel, en dos ciudades de Colombia. En la encuesta estructurada se indagó sobre los conocimientos y prácticas habituales de los médicos en la consulta general con relación a la anamnesis, el examen clínico y las recomendaciones más frecuentes hacia los pacientes. Resultados: la mayoría de sujetos encuestados informaron conocimiento de la relación entre la enfermedad periodontal y las enfermedades cardiovasculares y diabetes, sin embargo, solamente el 37,8 % realizó algún reporte en la historia clínica del paciente mientras que el 46 % efectuó remisiones a odontología. Adicionalmente, se observó un menor conocimiento sobre la relación entre el manejo terapéutico de la diabetes y la severidad de la enfermedad periodontal, en los médicos con menos de cinco años de experiencia profesional. Conclusiones: aunque un porcentaje considerable de médicos generales informaron conocimiento acerca de la relación de la enfermedad periodontal con algunas enfermedades sistémicas, muy pocos documentaron esta información en la historia clínica del paciente evaluado.

Background: periodontal infection is considered a subclinical inflammation in which is observed association with elevated levels of C-reactive protein and increased risk of systemic inflammatory diseases. Objective: to assess the level of information of general practitioners on the relationship between periodontal disease and diabetes, and periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease. Methods: a survey was conducted to 37 general practitioners at two public hospitals of first level, in two cities from Colombia. The structured survey was asked about knowledge and usual practices of physicians in general consultation in relation to anamnesis, clinical examination and the most frequent recommendations to patients. Results: the majority of the surveyed individuals reported knowledge of the relationship between periodontal and cardiovascular disease and diabetes, however, only 37,8 % carry out a report in the patient's medical history while the 46 % made referrals to odontology. Additionally, it was observed a less knowledge about the relationship between the therapeutic management of diabetes and the severity of periodontal disease in physicians with less than five years of professional experience.Conclusions: although a significant proportion of general practitioners reported knowledge on the relationship of periodontal disease with systemic diseases, very few of them evidenced this information in the patient's medical history.

[Cardiovascular risk factors and apolipoproteic profile in a group of adults treated in a public health center in Carabobo state, Venezuela]. / Factores de riesgo cardiovascular y perfil apolipoprotéico en un grupo de adultos atendidos en un centro público de salud del estado Carabobo, Venezuela.

OBJECTIVES: To compare serum levels of apolipoproteins A-I and B as well as Apo B/Apo A-I and HDL cholesterol/Apo A-I ratios by age, gender and cardiovascular risk factors in individuals treated at a Venezuelan public health center. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We determined in 221 individuals (44.0 ± 15.5 years) of both genders blood pressure, waist circumference (WC), lipid profile and apolipoproteins A-I and B; body mass index (BMI) was calculated from weight and height; smoking habit, alcohol intake and consumption pattern were established. RESULTS: 27.5% of individuals had low levels of Apo A-I, 45.2% high Apo B and 60.6% high Apo B/Apo A-I ratio. Serum levels of apolipoproteins and Apo B/Apo A-I ratio did not vary with age or gender, while the ratio HDL cholesterol/Apo A-I decreased with the age. Obese individuals, smokers, hypertensive, hypercholesterolemics, hypertriglyceridemics or with low HDL cholesterol showed higher Apo B and Apo B/Apo A-I ratio. Older individuals, smokers or individuals with increased LDL cholesterol and triglycerides showed lower HDL cholesterol/Apo A-I ratio. Consumption of three or more alcoholic drinks/day was associated with decreased Apo B. CONCLUSIONS: These results show high prevalence of altered apolipoprotein profile, which is associated with major cardiovascular risk factors. The results support the inclusion of the evaluated apolipoproteins in laboratory determinations made in public health centers in Venezuela.

Factores de riesgo cardiovascular y perfil apolipoprotéico en un grupo de adultos atendidos en un centro público de salud del estado Carabobo, Venezuela / Cardiovascular risk factors and apolipoproteic profile in a group of adults treated in a public health center in Carabobo state, Venezuela

Objetivos. Comparar los niveles séricos de las apolipoproteínas A-I y B así como las relaciones Apo B/Apo A-I y HDL colesterol/Apo A-I según edad, sexo y factores de riesgo cardiovascular en individuos atendidos en un centro público de salud venezolano. Materiales y métodos. Se determinó la presión arterial, la circunferencia de cintura (CC), el perfil lipídico y las apolipoproteínas A-I y B en 221 individuos (44,0±15,5 años) de ambos sexos; también se calculó el índice de masa corporal (IMC) a partir del peso y la talla y se estableció hábito al tabaco, la ingesta de bebidas alcohólicas y el patrón de su consumo. Resultados. El 27,5 por ciento presentó concentraciones bajas de Apo A-I, 45,2 por ciento Apo B elevada y 60,6 por ciento relación Apo B/Apo A-I alta. Los niveles séricos de las apolipoproteínas y la relación Apo B/Apo A-I no variaron con la edad o sexo, mientras que la relación HDL colesterol/Apo A-I disminuyó al elevarse la edad. Los individuos obesos, fumadores, hipertensos, hipercolesterolémicos, hipertrigliceridémicos o con HDL colesterol bajo mostraron cifras más elevadas de Apo B y Apo B/Apo A-I. La relación HDL colesterol/Apo A-I disminuyó con la edad, el nivel de habito al tabaco y el aumento de LDL-C y triglicéridos. El consumo de tres o más bebidas alcohólicas/día se asoció con disminución de Apo B. Conclusiones. Se demostró alta prevalencia de perfil apolipoprotéico alterado, lo cual se asoció con los principales factores de riesgo cardiovascular. Los resultados del estudio apoyan la inclusión de las apolipoproteínas evaluadas en las determinaciones de laboratorio realizadas en los centros públicos de atención de salud venezolanos.

Objectives. To compare serum levels of apolipoproteins A-I and B as well as Apo B/Apo A-I and HDL cholesterol/Apo A-I ratios by age, gender and cardiovascular risk factors in individuals treated at a Venezuelan public health center. Materials and methods. We determined in 221 individuals (44.0 ± 15.5 years) of both genders blood pressure, waist circumference (WC), lipid profile and apolipoproteins A-I and B; body mass index (BMI) was calculated from weight and height; smoking habit, alcohol intake and consumption pattern were established. Results. 27.5 percent of individuals had low levels of Apo A-I, 45.2 percent high Apo B and 60.6 percent high Apo B/Apo A-I ratio. Serum levels of apolipoproteins and Apo B/Apo A-I ratio did not vary with age or gender, while the ratio HDL cholesterol/Apo A-I decreased with the age. Obese individuals, smokers, hypertensive, hypercholesterolemics, hypertriglyceridemics or with low HDL cholesterol showed higher Apo B and Apo B/Apo A-I ratio. Older individuals, smokers or individuals with increased LDL cholesterol and triglycerides showed lower HDL cholesterol/Apo A-I ratio. Consumption of three or more alcoholic drinks/day was associated with decreased Apo B. Conclusions. These results show high prevalence of altered apolipoprotein profile, which is associated with major cardiovascular risk factors. The results support the inclusion of the evaluated apolipoproteins in laboratory determinations made in public health centers in Venezuela.

Actualización de la conducta diagnóstica en el nódulo de tiroides / Updating on diagnostic behavior in thyroid nodule

En los últimos años la frecuencia diagnóstica del nódulo de tiroides se ha incrementado, y constituye una de las entidades de mayor asistencia en las consultas de endocrinología en nuestro país. A pesar de no existir cambios en el diagnóstico diferencial de acuerdo con el estado funcional del nódulo, sí se han incorporado algunos elementos diagnósticos útiles para identificar mejor el riesgo de malignidad de la lesión. El ultrasonido aporta nuevos datos y aparecen estudios novedosos como la elastografía. El objetivo de esta actualización es rememorar algunos criterios sobre el diagnóstico del nódulo tiroideo, así como plantear los aspectos que tienen un nivel de evidencia científica reconocida en la actualidad. Puede servir como guía de trabajo para contribuir a una racional y óptima toma de decisiones en el paciente con un nódulo de tiroides(AU)

In past years the diagnostic frequency of thyroid nodule increased and it is one of entities of more attendance to Endocrinology consultations in our country. Despite there are not changes in differential diagnosis according to the nodule functional status, certainly some useful diagnostic elements have been incorporated to identify better the malignancy risk of lesion. The ultrasound (US) provides new data and to appear novel studies e g the elastography. The objective of present updating is to remember some criteria on the diagnosis of thyroid nodule, as well as to propose the features with a recognized scientific evidence at present time. May to be a working guide to contribute to a rational and optimal decision-making in the patient presenting with a thyroid nodule(AU)

Anticuerpos antitiroperoxidasa y antitransglutaminasa en familiares de primer grado de personas con diabetes tipo 1 y su relación con algunas características clínicas, bioquímicas e inmunológicas / Antithyroperoxidase and antitransglutaminase antibodies in first degree relatives of type 1 diabetes persons and its relation to some clinical, biochemical and immunological features

Los anticuerpos antitiroperoxidasa (AcTPO) y antitransglutaminasa (ATGt) son útiles marcadores de enfermedad tiroidea autoinmune y enfermedad celíaca, respectivamente. Su presencia en familiares de primer grado de personas con diabetes tipo 1 no se ha descrito en Cuba. Objetivo: determinar las frecuencias de los AcTPO y ATGt en familiares de primer grado de personas con diabetes tipo 1 y su relación con algunas características clínicas, bioquímicas e inmunológicas. En un grupo de 285 sujetos se realizó la medición del AcTPO y en 262 individuos la de ATGt. Se incluyeron casos entre los 2 y 65 años de edad. Se registraron datos sobre edad, sexo, color de la piel, antecedentes personales, historia familiar de obesidad, diabetes tipo 2, enfermedad tiroidea y enfermedad celíaca. Se interrogaron síntomas y exploraron signos clínicos de enfermedad celíaca y enfermedad tiroidea autoinmune. Se determinó glucemia, insulinemia, AcTPO, ATGt y autoanticuerpos asociados a diabetes tipo 1 (AGAD y AIA-2), así como la resistencia a la insulina mediante el índice HOMA-IR. RESULTADOS: las frecuencias de AcTPO y ATGt positivos fueron 5,3 y 1,9 por ciento, respectivamente. La historia familiar de enfermedad tiroidea, el temblor muscular fino y el exoftalmos se relacionaron con la presencia de AcTPO. Malabsorción intestinal, diarrea persistente, dolor abdominal recurrente y antecedente personal de hepatopatía se asociaron con la presencia de ATGt. Se encontró asociación entre los ATGt y el AIA-2. La resistencia a la insulina no se asoció con la presencia de AcTPO ni de ATGt. En los familiares de primer grado de personas con diabetes tipo 1 las frecuencias de AcTPO y ATGt son bajas. Algunos antecedentes, síntomas y signos vinculados con enfermedad celíaca y enfermedad tiroidea autoinmune pueden ser indicadores prácticos previos a la indicación de estos autoanticuerpos(AU)

The antithyroperoxidase (TPOAb) and antitransglutaminase (tTGAb) antibodies are useful markers of autoimmune thyroid disease and celiac disease, respectively. Its presence in first-degree relatives of type 1 diabetes patients has not been described in Cuba. Objetive: to determine the TPOAb and tTGAb frequencies in first-degree relatives of type 1 diabetes patients and its relation to some clinical, biochemical and immunological features. In a group of 285 subjects we measured TPOAb and in 262 subjects we measured tTGAb. The cases included aged between 2 and 65. Data were registered on age, sex, skin color, personal backgrounds, and a family history of obesity, type 2 diabetes, thyroid disease and celiac disease. Symptoms were look for and clinical signs of celiac disease and autoimmune thyroid disease were explored. Fasting glucose, fasting insulin, TPOAb, tTGAb and type 1 diabetes associated autoantibodies (AGAD and AIA-2) were determined as well as the insulin resistance according the HOMA-IR index. RESULTS: the frequencies of positive TPOAb and tTGAb were of 5,3 and 1,9 percent, respectively. The family history of thyroid disease, slight muscular tremor and exophthalmos are related to presence of TPOAb. Intestinal malabsorption, persistent diarrhea, recurrent abdominal pain and personal background of liver disease were associated with presence of tTGAb. There was an association between tTGAb and AIA-2. Insulin resistance was not associated with the presence of both antibodies. In first-degree relatives of type 1 diabetes patients, frequencies of TPOAb and tTGAb are low. Some backgrounds, symptoms and signs linked to celiac disease and autoimmune thyroid disease may be practical indicators previous to perform these autoantibodies(AU)

Limitaciones técnicas de los métodos para cuantificar tiroglobulina sérica y su repercusión clínica: [revisión] / Technical limitations of methods to quantify the serum thyroglobulin and its clinical repercussion: [review]

La determinación de tiroglobulina sérica se emplea, sobre todo, como marcador tumoral en el seguimiento posoperatorio de pacientes con cáncer diferenciado del tiroides. Lamentablemente, los métodos de tiroglobulina sérica presentan gran variabilidad en sus cualidades analíticas y padecen problemas técnicos que repercuten sobre la utilidad clínica de esta prueba. Para cuantificar tiroglobulina sérica se emplean 2 tecnologías diferentes: los iniciales radioinmunoensayos competitivos y los mßs recientes métodos inmunométricos no competitivos. Estos últimos son más propensos a sufrir las interferencias provocadas por la presencia de autoanticuerpos tiroglobulina y anticuerpos heterofílicos, a pesar de brindar los beneficios técnicos relativos al uso de reactivos no isotópicos, menor volumen de muestra, tiempos de incubación más cortos, así como mejor sensibilidad y facilidad de automatización. Resulta esencial que los clínicos conozcan y comprendan las limitaciones técnicas inherentes a la determinación de tiroglobulina sérica y su repercusión sobre la utilidad clínica de esta, con la finalidad de hacer un uso efectivo y eficiente de esta prueba en el seguimiento posoperatorio de pacientes con cáncer diferenciado del tiroides(AU)

The serum thyroglobulin assessment is used mainly as tumor marker during the postoperative follow-up of patients presenting with thyroid differentiated cancer. Progressively, the serum thyroglobulin methods have much variability in its analytical qualities and also have technical problems affecting on the technical usefulness of this test. To quantify the serum thyroglobulin we used two different technologies: the initial competitive radioimmunoassays and the most recent non competitive inmunometrical methods. These latter are more prone to have interferences provoked by presence of thyroglobulin antibodies and heterophilic antibodies despite to offer technical beneficial relative to use of non-isotopic reagents, a lower sample volume, shorter incubation times, as well as a better sensitivity and feasibility of automation. It is essential that clinicians know and understand the technical limitations inherent of serum thyroglobulin assessment and its repercussion on its clinical usefulness to an effective and efficient use of this test during the postoperative follow-up of patients presenting thyroid differential cancer(AU)

[Cardiovascular risk profile and insulin resistance according body mass index, waist circumference and hypertriglyceridemic waist in adult subjects]. / Perfil metabólico de riesgo cardiovascular y resistencia a la insulina según índice de masa corporal, circunferencia de cintura y cintura hipertrigliceridémica en pacientes adultos.

BACKGROUND: Insulin plays a determinant role in the individual metabolic profile. Obesity, the most common cause of insulin resistance (IR), can be diagnosed by body mass index (BMI). Waist circumference (WC), specifically, measures accumulation of abdominal fat. The cardiovascular risk of an individual is strongly related to a combination of abdominal obesity with hypertriglyceridemia or hypertriglyceridemic waist (HTW). AIM: To assess the metabolic profile of cardiovascular risk and RI according to BMI, WC and HTW in adult patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Weight, height, BMI, blood pressure (BP), WC, HTW, blood glucose, total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides and insulin were assessed and IR calculated by the homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) in 63 females aged 46+/-11 years and 12 males aged 4 7+/- 10 years. RESULTS: Differences in weight, WC, BP, lipids, glucose, insulin and HOMA, were observed as BMI increased. When patients were grouped according to WC, there were significant differences only in systolic pressure, triglycerides, insulin and HOMA. Individuals with HTW had a more adverse metabolic profile than those without HTW or with only high WC. A multiple regression equation determined that body mass index, total cholesterol and diastolic blood pressure were independent predictors of insulin resistance. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with HTW displayed an unfavorable cardiac risk profile.

Perfil metabólico de riesgo cardiovascular y resistencia a la insulina según índice de masa corporal, circunferencia de cintura y cintura hipertrigliceridémica en pacientes adultos / Cardiovascular risk profile and insulin resistance according body mass index, waist circumference and hypertriglyceridemic waist in adult subjects

Background: Insulin plays a determinant role in the individual metabolic profile. Obesity, the most common cause of insulin resistance (IR), can be diagnosed by body mass index (BMI). Waist circumference (WC), specifically, measures accumulation of abdominal fat. The cardiovascular risk of an individual is strongly related to a combination of abdominal obesity with hypertiiglyceridemia or hypertriglyceridemic waist (HTW). Aim To assess the metabolic profüe of cardovascular risk and RI according to BMI, WC and HTW in adult patients. Material and methods: Weight, height, BMI, blood pressure (BP), WC, HTW, blood glucose, total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides and insulin were assessed and IR calculated by the homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) in 63 females aged 46±11 years and 12 males aged 4 7± 10 years. Results: Differences in weight, WC, BP, lipids, glucose, insulin and HOMA, were observed as BMI increased. When patients were grouped according to WC, there were significant differences only in systolic pressure, triglycerides, insulin and HOMA. Individuals with HTW had a more adverse metabolic profüe than those without HTW or with only high WC. A multiple regression equation determined that body mass index, total cholesterol and diastolic blood pressure were independent predictors of insulin resistance. Conclusions: Patients with HTW displayed an unfavorable cardiac risk profile (Rev Méd Chile 2009; 137:1179-86).

Niveles plasmáticos de mieloperoxidasa y proteína C reactiva en conejos machos en Nueva Zelanda expuestos a una dieta hiperlipidémica / Plasma concentration of myeloperoxidase and C reactive protein in male New Zealand rabbits, exposed to a hyperlipidemic diet

La Mieloperoxidasa (MPO) y la Proteína C Reactiva (PCR) han sido implicados en la fisiopatología de la aterosclerosis. El objetivo del presente estudio fue determinar las concentraciones plasmáticas de MPO y PCR y su relación con la formación de ateromas en conejos. Se estudiaron 23 conejos machos Nueva Zelanda: Grupo 1: conejarina y verdura; Grupo 2: Huevo y conejarina. El periodo experimental duró 13 semanas. Se determinó perfil lipídico por métodos enzimáticos, MPO por ELISA y PCR por turbidimetría en 0 13va semana. Se realizó estudio histológico de aorta. Los resultados revelaron que la PCR se elevó en el grupo 2 al final del estudio (p<0,05). No se observó diferencias en MPO en el grupo 2 en el estudio. En cuanto a los ateromas se evidenciaron lesiones tipo I y II en los conejos del grupo 2. En conclusión, se encontró que la PCR y no la MPO son marcadores de aterosclerosis según nuestras condiciones experimentales.

Myeloperoxidase (MPO) and C-reactive protein (CRP) have been implicated in atherosclerosis. The objective of the present study was to determine plasma concentration MPO and CRP and its relationship of formation of aortic lesions in rabbits. 23 male New Zealand rabbits were study: Group 1: “conejarina” (commercial rabbit food) and vegetables; Group 2: egg and conejarina. The experiment lasted 13 weeks. Lipid profile was done by enzymatic methods, MPO by ELISA, and PCR by turbidimetry in weeks 0 and 13. Histological study of rabbits’ aorta was done. Results revealed that in group 2 CRP increased at final study (p <0.05). No differences were observed in MPO values in the experiment. Regarding atheroma, group 2 presented type I and II lesions. In conclusion only CRP is marker of atherosclerosis according to our experimental conditions.