Effects of IL-6/IL-6R axis alterations in serum, plasma and cerebrospinal fluid with the schizophrenia: an updated review and meta-analysis of 58 studies.

Studies investigating the association between IL-6/IL-6R axis and schizophrenia (SZ) susceptibility found inconsistent data. To reconcile the results, a systematic review followed by a meta-analysis was performed to assess the associations. This study followed the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. A comprehensive search of the literature was carried out in July 2022 using electronic databases PubMed, EBSCO, Science Direct, PsychInfo, and Scopus. Study quality was assessed by the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. Pooled standard mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated by fixed-effect or random-effect model analysis. Fifty-eight studies were identified, including 4,200 SZ patients and 4,531 controls. Our meta-analysis results showed an increase of IL-6 levels in plasma, serum, or CSF and decreased IL-6R levels in serum in patients under treatment. Further studies are needed to better elucidate the correlation between the IL-6/IL-6R axis and the schizophrenia.

Effect of risperidone on serum IL-6 levels in individuals with schizophrenia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Risperidone has been significant correlated with a direct effect of interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels in patients with schizophrenia. This fact allows the opportunity to link the probable immunomodulatory effect of antipsychotic medication. Specially, a proper functioning of IL-6 pathway plays a potential role in the treatment or development of schizophrenia. OBJECTIVE: Our primary aim was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the effect of risperidone on IL-6 levels in individuals with schizophrenia. METHODS: Studies were identified through a systematic search using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. The articles found were subjected to the inclusion and exclusion criteria; then, the mean and standardised differences were extracted to calculate the standardised mean differences using the CMA software. RESULTS: IL-6 levels in individuals with schizophrenia were compared before and after receiving risperidone as treatment. Increased levels of IL-6 levels were observed in individuals with schizophrenia who received risperidone (point estimate 0.249, lower limit 0.042, upper limit 0.455, p-value 0.018). In the Asian population sub-analysis, no statistically significant differences were observed (point estimate 0.103, lower limit -0.187, upper limit 0.215, p value 0.890). When we compared individuals with schizophrenia to the control groups, a significant increase of IL-6 levels was observed in the group with schizophrenia (point estimate 0.248, lower limit 0.024, upper limit 0.472, p-value 0.30). CONCLUSIONS: Risperidone appears to play an important role in IL-6 levels in schizophrenia. Potential implications of increased IL-6 levels in people with schizophrenia should be considered in future studies.KEY POINTSIncreased levels of IL-6 levels were observed in individuals with schizophrenia who received risperidone.Risperidone appears to play an important role in IL-6 levels in schizophrenia.This study could serve for future research focussed on IL-6.

High Serum Levels of IL-6 Are Associated with Suicide Attempt but Not with High Lethality Suicide Attempts: A Preliminary Case-Control Study.

Suicide attempts are an emerging health problem around the world. Increased levels of IL-6 have been associated with suicidal behavior. Therefore, the aims of this study were to evaluate the serum levels of IL-6 in individuals with suicide attempts and a comparison group and to associate the IL-6 levels with the lethality of the suicide attempt. Additionally, we associated the rs2228145 polymorphism of the IL6R gene with suicide attempts or with the IL-6 serum levels. Suicide attempts and their lethality were evaluated using the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale. The serum concentrations of IL-6 were measured by the ELISA technique in individuals with suicide attempts and then compared to a control group. The rs2228145 polymorphism of the IL6R gene was analyzed by real-time polymerase chain reaction. We found elevated serum levels of IL-6 in the suicide attempt group when compared to the control group (F = 10.37, p = 0.002). However, we found no differences of the IL-6 levels between high and low lethality. The IL6R gene polymorphism rs2479409 was not associated with suicide attempts. Our data suggest that IL-6 serum is increased in individuals with suicide attempts.

Cannabis smoking increases the risk of suicide ideation and suicide attempt in young individuals of 11-21 years: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Cannabis is the most frequently consumed drug around the world. Its use has been associated with increased suicide behaviors; nonetheless, the association of cannabis smoking and suicide behaviors in adolescents has not yet been established. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the risk of suicide attempt, suicidal ideation or suicide planning in individuals of 11-21 years of age who smoke cannabis. METHODS: We performed an online searched using PubMed, EBSCO and Science Direct databases, up to July 2021. We calculated odds ratio with 95% confidence intervals to evaluate the association between suicide attempt, suicidal ideation or suicide planning and cannabis smoking in individuals of 11-21 years of age. RESULTS: Twenty studies reported suicide attempts in 34,859 young individuals, suicidal ideation in 26, 937 individuals, and suicide planning in 9054 young individuals. We found an increased risk of suicide attempt in cannabis smokers than in non-cannabis users (OR: 2.33; 95% CI: 1.78-3.05; Z p value; <0.0001; I2 = 97.12%), as well as a significant association between cannabis smoking and suicidal ideation (OR: 2.04; 95%CI: 1.64-2.53; Z p value: <0.001; I2: 94.88) and suicide planning (OR: 1.674; 95% CI: 1.554-1.804; Z p value: 0.000; I2: 92.609). Subgroup analyses showed that American teens have an increased risk of suicidal ideation; the meta-regression analysis revealed that age was negatively associated with the risk of suicide attempt. CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis shows that cannabis smoking increased the risk of suicide attempt, suicidal ideation and suicide planning in young individuals of 11-21 years of age. The high risk of suicide behaviors could vary depending on the population studied; therefore, more studies are necessary to corroborate the risk of presenting suicide behaviors in individuals of 11-21 years of age who smoke cannabis.

Fluoxetine modulates the pro-inflammatory process of IL-6, IL-1ß and TNF-α levels in individuals with depression: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Clinical evidence suggests that inflammation is a key factor to understand the causes of depressive symptoms. Fluoxetine is one of the main first-line medications used for depression, and it is hypothesized that it participates in the decrease of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Hence, our aim was to perform a meta-analysis and systematic review to understand the interaction of fluoxetine in the IL-1ß, IL-6 and TNF-α inflammatory process. Studies identified in PubMed and Scopus databases were used to perform a meta-analysis via the Comprehensive software. Standardized mean difference (SMD) was used as a summary statistic. The analysis included a total of 292 individuals with major depressive disorder who received fluoxetine for a period longer than 6 weeks; additionally, IL-1ß, IL-6 or TNF-α levels were measured at the end of the antidepressant treatment. The findings were significant revealed decreased levels of the cytokines studied. In conclusion, the pooled data suggest that fluoxetine treatment improved depressive symptomatology by the modulation of pro-inflammatory process such as IL-1ß, IL-6 or TNF-α.

Estudio preliminar de un enjuague bucal de solución salina como muestra diagnóstica para SARS-CoV-2 / Preliminary study of a saline mouthwash as a diagnostic sample for SARS-CoV-2

Resumen Objetivo: Evaluar la utilidad de un enjuague bucal con solución salina (EBSS) como muestra diagnóstica para la detección de SARS-CoV-2 en pacientes ambulatorios. Material y métodos: Este fue un estudio prospectivo realizado en el Hospital Regional de Alta Especialidad "Dr. Juan Graham Casasús", se seleccionaron 34 muestras aleatorias pareadas EBSS/MNF (enjuague bucal con solución salina/muestra (clínica) de la nasofaringe) que se recolectaron durante la visita al centro de evaluación ambulatoria de dicho hospital. Las muestras se analizaron mediante la reacción en cadena de la polimerasa con transcripción inversa en tiempo real (RT-PCR) y se calculó la concordancia entre EBSS y MNF, la sensibilidad y especificidad del EBSS. Resultados: De las 34 muestras pareadas EBSS/MNF, 14 fueron positivas para SARS- CoV-2; 4 muestras de EBSS y 10 muestras de MNF. Los resultados concordantemente positivos en las muestras pareadas EBSS/MNF fueron 3 y las medias de CT de cada gen (RdRp, N, E) no mostraron diferencia significativa entre las muestras. Se observaron 8 discordancias entre los dos tipos de muestras (7 individuos dieron positivo por MNF y 1 por EBSS). La concordancia observada entre EBSS y MNF fue aceptable (coeficiente kappa 0.31). La sensibilidad de EBSS fue de 30% con una especificidad del 95.8%. Conclusiones: La sensibilidad de EBSS no es comparable con la sensibilidad de MNF para la detección de SARS-CoV-2, pero nuestros datos sugieren al EBSS como una herramienta no invasiva, permite la autocolección y no requiere personal de salud capacitado para su muestreo: asimismo, esta muestra podría ser alternativa ante la escasez de hisopos y medios de transporte viral. Además, el EBSS puede tener beneficio para poblaciones remotas, vulnerables o facilitar las pruebas a un gran número de individuos.

Abstract Objective: To assess the usefulness of a saline mouth rinse (SMR) as a diagnostic tool for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 in outpatients. Method: This was a prospective study carried out at the Hospital Regional de Alta Especialidad "Dr. Juan Graham Casasús", 34 SMR/SNP (saline mouth rinse/sample (clinical) of nasopharyngeal) randomized paired samples were selected and collected in the outpatient clinic. The samples were analyzed by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and the concordance between SMRs and SNP samples and the sensitivity and specificity of SMR were calculated. Results: Out of the 34 SMR/SNP paired samples, 14 samples were positive for SARS- CoV-2; 4 SMR samples and 10 SNP samples. We found 3 positive concordant results in the SMRs/SNP paired samples, the mean CT for each gene (RdRp, N, E) did not show a significant difference between the samples. Eight discrepancies were observed between the two types of samples (7 individuals were positive by SNP and 1 for SMR). The concordance observed between SMR and SNP was acceptable (kappa coefficient 0.31). The sensitivity of EBSS was 30% with a specificity of 95.8%. Conclusions: The SMR sensitivity is not comparable with SNP sensitivity for SARS- CoV-2 detection, but our data suggest SMR as a non-invasive tool that allows self- collection, and it does not require health trained personnel for its collection. Also, this sample could be an alternative to the lack of swabs and/or viral transportation media. Additionally, SMR may be of benefit in remote and vulnerable populations, and/or to facilitate the screening of SARS-CoV-2 in a large number of individuals.

Analysis of formulations of probiotics accessible to the population of Tabasco, México / Análisis de formulaciones de probióticos accesibles a la población de Tabasco, México

Abstract Objective: To analyze the composition of formulations of probiotics sold in establishments in the State of Tabasco or that can be purchased online. Materials and methods: A descriptive study in which formulations of probiotics sold in 21 establishments in the city of Villahermosa were identified and compared with 30 probiotic supplements sold online. Product information was organized in a database and analyzed according to the dosage form, probiotic genera, species/subspecies contained and their classification as probiotics or synbiotics and as drugs or supplements. Results: Thirty-one local products and 30 online products formulated with probiotics in 6 different dosage forms were analyzed. Only five local products and no online products are certified by COFEPRIS as drugs. Forty-eight percent of the formulations are monostrain and the rest are multistrain. Seventy-two percent of the formulations are probiotics and the rest are synbiotics. Among the 61 products analyzed, 46 species belonging to 13 different genera were identified, and 39% were common to local and online products. Many of products contain species of the Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium genera. The genus Bacillus was the only genus that was never combined with other genera in the formulations analyzed in this study. Conclusions: The population of the state of Tabasco can find at least 31 formulations of probiotics in local establishments. The variety increases if we consider the dietary supplements available for sale online. Multistrain supplements are particularly abundant in online retailers. The products certified by COFEPRIS ensure that the benefits of the formulation are supported by clinical trials in humans and are manufactured following good manufacturing practices.

Resumen Objetivo: Analizar la composición de formulaciones de probióticos que se venden en establecimientos del Estado de Tabasco o que se pueden comprar en línea. Materiales y métodos: Estudio descriptivo en el que se identificaron formulaciones de probióticos comercializados en 21 establecimientos de la ciudad de Villahermosa y se compararon con 30 suplementos probióticos comercializados en línea. La información del producto se organizó en una base de datos y se analizó de acuerdo con la forma de dosificación, los géneros y especies / subespecies de probióticos presentes y su clasificación como probióticos o simbióticos y como medicamentos o suplementos. Resultados: Se analizaron 31 productos locales y 30 productos de venta en línea formulados con probióticos en 6 formas de dosificación diferentes. Solo cinco productos locales y ningún producto en línea están certificados por COFEPRIS como medicamentos. El 48% de las formulaciones son monocepa y el resto son multicepa. El 72% de las formulaciones son probióticos y el resto son simbióticos. Entre los 61 productos analizados, se identificaron 46 especies pertenecientes a 13 géneros diferentes y el 39% fueron comunes a productos locales y de venta en línea. Muchos de los productos contienen especies de los géneros Lactobacillus y Bifidobacterium. El género Bacillus fue el único que nunca se combinó con otros géneros en las formulaciones analizadas en este estudio. Conclusiones: La población del estado de Tabasco puede encontrar al menos 31 formulaciones de probióticos en establecimientos locales. La variedad aumenta si tenemos en cuenta los suplementos dietéticos disponibles de venta en línea. Los suplementos multicepa son particularmente abundantes en los productos en línea. Los productos certificados por COFEPRIS aseguran que los beneficios de la formulación están respaldados por ensayos clínicos en humanos y se fabrican siguiendo buenas prácticas de fabricación.

Interleukin-6 Levels in Serum, Plasma, and Cerebral Spinal Fluid in Individuals with Suicide Behavior: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis with Meta-Regression.

Evidence suggests that interleukin-6 (IL-6) concentrations have an important role in suicide behavior (SB) as they are usually increased in these individuals, although no conclusive outcomes have been attained. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the IL-6 levels in plasma, serum, and cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) to determine through a meta-analysis if these levels are increased in individuals with SB in comparison to a group. We calculated the standardized mean difference and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs). In the systematic review, 21 studies were included, while in the meta-analysis, we included nine studies. The results of our meta-analysis indicated that individuals with SB had reduced levels of IL-6 in plasma (d - 0.189, 95% CI: -0.274 to -0.103, Z, P (Q) = 0.339, I2= 7.478), but increased levels of IL-6 in serum (d - 1.14, 95% CI: 0.658 to 1.630, Z, P (Q) = 0.26, I2= 7.47) and CSF (d 0.64, 95% CI: 0.245 to 1.035, Z, P (Q) = 0.163, I2= 44.80). The meta-regression analysis showed an association between males and high IL-6 levels in plasma (P = 0.003) and serum (P = 0.010), but not the central nervous system (CNS), while age was not associated with IL-6 levels in any of the samples evaluated (plasma, serum, or CNS). The present meta-analysis indicates that serum and CNS IL-6 levels are increased in individuals with SB, while plasma IL-6 levels are decreased, highlighting the importance of the biological sample at the moment of selecting IL-6 as biomarker. However, we need more studies performed in different populations that measure IL-6 and also consider gender when these measures are performed.

Genome-wide association study of psychiatric and substance use comorbidity in Mexican individuals.

The combination of substance use and psychiatric disorders is one of the most common comorbidities. The objective of this study was to perform a genome-wide association study of this comorbidity (Com), substance use alone (Subs), and psychiatric symptomatology alone (Psych) in the Mexican population. The study included 3914 individuals of Mexican descent. Genotyping was carried out using the PsychArray microarray and genome-wide correlations were calculated. Genome-wide associations were analyzed using multiple logistic models, polygenic risk scores (PRSs) were evaluated using multinomial models, and vertical pleiotropy was evaluated by generalized summary-data-based Mendelian randomization. Brain DNA methylation quantitative loci (brain meQTL) were also evaluated in the prefrontal cortex. Genome-wide correlation and vertical pleiotropy were found between all traits. No genome-wide association signals were found, but 64 single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs) reached nominal associations (p < 5.00e-05). The SNPs associated with each trait were independent, and the individuals with high PRSs had a higher prevalence of tobacco and alcohol use. In the multinomial models all of the PRSs (Subs-PRS, Com-PRS, and Psych-PRS) were associated with all of the traits. Brain meQTL of the Subs-associated SNPs had an effect on the genes enriched in insulin signaling pathway, and that of the Psych-associated SNPs had an effect on the Fc gamma receptor phagocytosis pathway.

[Anticancer effect of modified banana (Musa cavendish AAA) starch in rats with 1.2-dimethylhydrazine]. / Efecto anticancerígeno del almidón modificado de banano (Musa cavendish AAA) en ratas con 1,2-dimetilhidrazina.

INTRODUCTION: Introduction: resistant starch (RS) is not completely digested in the human intestine but is fermented in the colon; intestinal pH decreases as short-chain fatty acids are produced. This is beneficial for health, and for preventing and treating rectal colon cancer. Pyrodextrinization and enzymatic hydrolysis are modifications to native starch (NS) that may increase the amount of RS. Objective: the objective of this project was to evaluate the effects of M. cavendish AAA native and both chemically and enzymatically modified starches on tumor markers in rats. Methods: modifications (chemical and enzymatic) were made to M. cavendish AAA NS, and were evaluated in rats with 1,2-DMH. Male Sprague Dawley rats (25) were used, divided into five experimental groups: PC, NC, NS, PI, and ERM. During 4 weeks they received the experimental diet assigned to each group. The PC, NS, PI and ERM groups received 2 weekly s.c. (subcutaneous) injections of 1,2-DMH (40 mg/kg) (third and fourth week). In feces, pH, ß-glucuronidase enzyme, and short-chain fatty acids were evaluated, and a histopathological study was performed of the intestine to detect microscopic lesions. Results: the activity of ß-glucuronidase decreased (p < 0.05) for NS, PI and ERM vs. PC. The highest proportion of butyric acid was observed in the NS (p < 0.05) vs. NC group. Sixty percent of enteritides were severe in grade in the PC group, and 40 % in the experimental groups. Conclusions: native starch granules resisted pyrodextrinization, but treatment with α-amylase broke the structure of the pyrodextrin granule. According to the treatments given to the rats, as the amount of RS present in the diet increases (NS), the neoplastic cells do not advance beyond the basement membrane, suggesting a possible cell-protective or anticancer effect.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Introducción: el almidón resistente (AR) no se digiere completamente en el intestino humano sino que se fermenta en colon; disminuye el pH intestinal, ya que se producen ácidos grasos de cadena corta, interviniendo de manera benéfica en el tratamiento preventivo y curativo del cáncer de colon rectal. La pirodextrinización y la hidrólisis enzimática son modificaciones al almidón nativo (AN) que pueden incrementar la cantidad de AR. Objetivo: el objetivo de este proyecto fue evaluar los efectos del almidón nativo de M. cavendish AAA y de los almidones modificados química y enzimáticamente sobre diversos marcadores tumorales en ratas. Métodos: se realizaron modificaciones (química y enzimática) del AN del banano M. cavendish AAA y se evaluaron en ratas tratadas con 1,2-DMH. Se utilizaron 25 ratas Sprague Dawley machos divididas en cinco grupos experimentales: CP, CN, AN, PI y MER. Durante 4 semanas recibieron la dieta experimental asignada a cada grupo. Los grupos CP, AN, PI y MER recibieron 2 inyecciones s.c. (subcutáneas) semanales de 1,2-DMH (40 mg/kg) (semanas 3 y 4). En las heces se evaluaron el pH, la enzima ß-glucuronidasa y los ácidos grasos de cadena corta, y se realizó un estudio histopatológico del ciego y el colon para detectar lesiones microscópicas. Resultados: la actividad de ß-glucuronidasa disminuyó (p < 0,05) para los grupos AN, PI y MER en comparación con el CP. La mayor proporción de ácido butírico se observó en el AN (p < 0,05) frente al CN. El 60 % de las enteritis fueron de grado severo en el CP, mientras que en los grupos experimentales fueron de 40 %. Conclusiones: los gránulos de almidón nativo resistieron la pirodextrinización pero el tratamiento con α-amilasa rompió la estructura del gránulo de pirodextrina. De acuerdo a los tratamientos suministrados a las ratas, conforme mayor es la cantidad de AR presente en la dieta (AN), las células neoplásicas no avanzan más allá de la membrana basal, sugiriendo un posible efecto protector o anticancerígeno celular.

Genetic Polymorphisms of CCDC26 rs891835, rs6470745, and rs55705857 in Glioma Risk: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

A genetic component is accepted in the etiology of the glioma. Evidence from candidate genes studies and GWAS reveal that CCDC26 gene could increase the risk of glioma. We performed a systematic review and up-to-date meta-analysis to explore if polymorphisms of CCDC26 gene (rs891835, rs6470745, and rs55705857) may be a susceptibility factor in developing glioma. An online search in PubMed, Web of Science, and SCOPUS up to September 2018 was performed. The pooled odds ratios were evaluated by fixed effects model and random effects model. Analyses of the overall sample and ethnic sub-groups were performed. In all the analyses, the allelic, additive, dominant, and recessive models were used. We found an association between all polymorphisms evaluated and an increased risk for glioma in the overall population in all the models studied. In sub-group analysis, we found that rs891835 and rs6470745 increased the risk of glioma in Europeans and Caucasians. On the other hand, the rs891835 polymorphism did not reveal any statistical association in Chinese population. Taken into consideration the limitations of this study, the present findings suggest a possible participation of rs891835, rs6470745, and rs55705857 as risk factors to develop glioma. Furthermore, it is possible that the involvement of CCDC26 variants depends on ethnicity. However, we recommend to perform further studies to have conclusive outcomes.

Prolotherapy for knee osteoarthritis using hypertonic dextrose vs other interventional treatments: systematic review of clinical trials

Abstract Background: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of prolotherapy with hypertonic dextrose in patients with knee osteoarthritis. A systematic search was performed in electronic databases including PUBMED, SCIELO, DIALNET and Google Scholar. Main body: We searched for randomized clinical trials that evaluated therapeutic interventions in patients with knee osteoarthritis. These trials compared the effect of intra-articular and / or extra-articular infiltrations of hypertonic dextrose vs the effect of intra-articular and / or extra-articular infiltrations of other substances or some interventional procedure application, via assessing pain, physical function and secondary effects and / or adverse reactions. Ten randomized clinical trials were included in this systematic review, the total sample size comprised 328 patients treated with hypertonic dextrose (prolotherapy) vs 348 controls treated with other infiltrations such as local anesthetics, hyaluronic acid, ozone, platelet-rich plasma or interventional procedures like radiofrequency. Conclusions: In terms of pain reduction and function improvement, prolotherapy with hypertonic dextrose was more effective than infiltrations with local anesthetics, as effective as infiltrations with hyaluronic acid, ozone or radiofrequency and less effective than PRP and erythropoietin, with beneficial effect in the short, medium and long term. In addition, no side effects or serious adverse reactions were reported in patients treated with hypertonic dextrose. Although HDP seems to be a promising interventional treatment for knee OA, more studies with better methodological quality and low risk of bias are needed to confirm the efficacy and safety of this intervention.

Lack of Association of Coffee Consumption with the Prevalence of Self-Reported Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in a Mexican Population: A Cross-Sectional Study.

It is estimated that almost 366 million people are currently suffering from diabetes mellitus worldwide. However, it has been suggested that coffee consumption has a protective effect against the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus. This association has been observed in many regions around the world. Today, there are no reports in Mexico regarding this association. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the association between coffee intake and self-reported type 2 diabetes mellitus in the southeastern part of Mexico. This study included 1277 residents of Comalcalco, a municipality of Tabasco State, Mexico. We calculated the prevalence for diabetes and performed multivariate analysis using multiple logistic regressions to evaluate the combined association with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The prevalence of the diabetes was 12.52% (95% CI: 10.67⁻14.38). The majority of people surveyed (77.29%; 95% CI: 74.95⁻79.60) indicated they were coffee drinkers. The results of multivariate analysis showed a non-significant relationship between the number of cups of coffee drank and type 2 diabetes mellitus. The adjusted odds ratio gave the following values: 1.20, (95% CI: 0.59⁻2.41) for non-daily consumption; 1.66 (0.82⁻3.34), for 1 cup of coffee peer day, and 1.49 (0.78⁻2.86) for 2⁻3 cups. Subsequently, an adjustment was made for age, gender, marital status, education, alcohol consumption, and cigarette smoking. In our population, we did not observe an association between coffee intake and its protective relationship with self-reported type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Relationship between leptin concentrations and disease activity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. / Relación entre las concentraciones de la leptina y la actividad de la enfermedad en pacientes con artritis reumatoide.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Multiple studies have found a direct relationship between leptin concentrations and disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We studied 77 patients with the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis; the leptin determination was through an enzyme immunoassay. Disease activity was assessed by the DAS-28 CRP. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to determine the association between significant variables and leptin concentrations. RESULTS: 40.3% of the patients were in remission, 41.6% were mildly active, 11.7% were moderately active and 6.5% were severely active. The results show an independent association between higher concentrations of leptin and disease activity (OR 1.7; 95% CI 1.4-3.2; p .03), the number of swollen joints (OR 4.6; 95% CI 1.7-8.3; p .000), the number of painful joints (OR 3.4; 95% CI 1.6-4.6; p .000), and the presence of metabolic syndrome (OR 1.3; 95% IC 1.2-1,9; p .045). CONCLUSION: The data suggest that serum leptin is elevated in patients with active RA.

Association between leptin and IL-6 concentrations with cardiovascular risk in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Pro-inflammatory cytokines such as leptin and IL-6 play an important role in the development of cardiovascular risk. Determine the relationship between leptin and IL-6 concentrations with cardiovascular risk in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. We determined IL-6 and leptin levels in 77 patients with the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis. The cardiovascular risk was calculated using the modified Framingham scale. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 22 considering a significant p < 0.05. Serum leptin concentrations and cardiovascular risk (CVR) factors were compared and found that there was a significant difference between higher leptin values and disease activity (p 0.047), obesity (p 0.038), positive rheumatoid factor (p 0.009), tobacco (p 0.009), and metabolic syndrome (p 0.001). Likewise, a significant relationship was found between lower leptin concentrations and hydroxychloroquine consumption (p = 0.023). We found significant difference between IL-6 concentrations and disease activity (p 0.028), hypertriglyceridemia (p 0.023), LDL-C (p 0.029), and smoking (0.005). Similarly, an association between hydroxychloroquine consumption and low concentrations of IL-6 was found (p 0.005). Framingham CVR was calculated and the result obtained was multiplied by 1.5. The 35.2% of the population studied had a low Framingham CVR, 38.9% moderate, and 25.9% presented a high risk. We compared the level of CVR and serum leptin and IL-6 concentrations, finding that the highest CVR was the leptin and IL-6 values. There is a positive association between CVR and serum leptin concentrations. It is also significantly associated with traditional and non-traditional risk factors.

Uso de tecnologías de la información en el rendimiento académico basados en una población mexicana de estudiantes de Medicina / Use of information technologies in the academic performance based on a Mexican population of medical students

Introducción: en la actualidad, las tecnologías de la información han modificado la relación entre los diferentes factores que inciden en el rendimiento académico. Dentro de las herramientas virtuales disponibles, los Grupos de Google fueron seleccionados para su aplicación, bajo la hipótesis que su uso permite mejorar el aprovechamiento de los estudiantes durante el curso y a su vez mejorar sus calificaciones. Objetivo: comparar las calificaciones obtenidas en dos grupos de estudiantes de Medicina que cursaron la asignatura de genética. Métodos: un grupo que utilizó las herramientas virtuales de los Grupos de Google y el otro grupo en el cual no se utilizó estas herramientas. Resultados: al comparar las calificaciones en ambos grupos, el resultado confirmó nuestra hipótesis, pues se observó mayor rendimiento académico en los estudiantes que utilizaron las herramientas virtuales de los Grupos de Google. Conclusiones: el uso de las tecnologías conlleva a un cambio en la dimensión gnoseológica de la actividad educativa, cambio que aún adolece de una base metodológica acabada. Los resultados obtenidos en este estudio sugieren que el uso de Tecnologías de la Información y Comunicación en la enseñanza de las Ciencias Médicas, como las herramientas virtuales de los Grupos de Google, aumenta el rendimiento académico en estos estudiantes(AU)

Introduction: Today, information technologies have changed the relationship between the different factors that influence academic performance. Within the available virtual tools, the Google Groups were chosen for their application, under the hypothesis that their use allows to improve the students' use during the course and, in turn, improve their marks. Objective: To compare the marks obtained in two groups of medical students who studied the subject of genetics. Methods: A group that used the virtual tools of Google Groups and the other group, in which these tools were not used. Results: When comparing the marks obtained by both groups, the result confirmed our hypothesis, as it was observed greater academic performance in the students who used the virtual tools of the Google Groups. Conclusions: The use of technologies leads to a change in the gnoseological dimension of educational activity, a change that still suffers from a finished methodological basis. The results obtained in this study suggest that the use of information and communication technologies in the teaching of medical sciences, as the virtual tools of the Google Groups, increases the academic performance in these students(AU)

Association of G308A and G238A Polymorphisms of the TNF-α Gene with Risk of Coronary Heart Disease: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: It is widely acknowledged that coronary heart disease (CHD) has a genetic influence. One of the most promising candidate genes is tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). Although there have been several positive studies associating the TNF-α gene and CHD, the evidence is not entirely consistent. The aim of the study was to evaluate the role of the TNF-α gene in CHD using combined evidence by generating a meta-analysis and a systematic review of all published data. METHODS: Meta-analysis and systematic review were conducted using 27 articles of genetic association studies of the TNF-α gene variants (G308A and G238A) and CHD. To analyze the association we used allelic, additive, dominant and recessive models. Moreover, we conducted a subanalysis by populations using the same four models. RESULTS: TNF-α variant G308A showed a significant association with CHD but only when the analysis comprised the whole population. In addition, the variant G238A yielded the same outcome in the Asian population. CONCLUSIONS: Genetic polymorphisms at positions -308 and -238 in the promoter region of the TNF-α gene may be useful as predictive factors for CHD.