Characterization of the external exposome and its contribution to the clinical respiratory and early biological effects in children: The PROMESA cohort study protocol.

BACKGROUND: Air pollution contains a mixture of different pollutants from multiple sources. However, the interaction of these pollutants with other environmental exposures, as well as their harmful effects on children under five in tropical countries, is not well known. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to characterize the external exposome (ambient and indoor exposures) and its contribution to clinical respiratory and early biological effects in children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cohort study will be conducted on children under five (n = 500) with a one-year follow-up. Enrolled children will be followed monthly (phone call) and at months 6 and 12 (in person) post-enrolment with upper and lower Acute Respiratory Infections (ARI) examinations, asthma development, asthma control, and genotoxic damage. The asthma diagnosis will be pediatric pulmonologist-based and a standardized protocol will be used. Exposure, effect, and susceptibility biomarkers will be measured on buccal cells samples. For environmental exposures PM2.5 will be sampled, and questionnaires, geographic information, dispersion models and Land Use Regression models for PM2.5 and NO2 will be used. Different statistical methods that include Bayesian and machine learning techniques will be used for the ambient and indoor exposures-and outcomes. This study was approved by the ethics committee at Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana. EXPECTED STUDY OUTCOMES/FINDINGS: To estimate i) The toxic effect of particulate matter transcending the approach based on pollutant concentration levels; ii) The risk of developing an upper and lower ARI, based on different exposure windows; iii) A baseline of early biological damage in children under five, and describe its progression after a one-year follow-up; and iv) How physical and chemical PM2.5 characteristics influence toxicity and children's health.

Cytotoxicity and Genotoxicity of Azobenzene-Based Polymeric Nanocarriers for Phototriggered Drug Release and Biomedical Applications.

Drug nanoencapsulation increases the availability, pharmacokinetics, and concentration efficiency for therapeutic regimes. Azobenzene light-responsive molecules experience a hydrophobicity change from a polar to an apolar tendency by trans-cis photoisomerization upon UV irradiation. Polymeric photoresponse nanoparticles (PPNPs) based on azobenzene compounds and biopolymers such as chitosan derivatives show prospects of photodelivering drugs into cells with accelerated kinetics, enhancing their therapeutic effect. PPNP biocompatibility studies detect the safe concentrations for their administration and reduce the chance of side effects, improving the effectiveness of a potential treatment. Here, we report on a PPNP biocompatibility evaluation of viability and the first genotoxicity study of azobenzene-based PPNPs. Cell line models from human ventricular cardiomyocytes (RL14), as well as mouse fibroblasts (NIH3T3) as proof of concept, were exposed to different concentrations of azobenzene-based PPNPs and their precursors to evaluate the consequences on mitochondrial metabolism (MTT assay), the number of viable cells (trypan blue exclusion test), and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) damage (comet assay). Lethal concentrations of 50 (LC50) of the PPNPs and their precursors were higher than the required drug release and synthesis concentrations. The PPNPs affected the cell membrane at concentrations higher than 2 mg/mL, and lower concentrations exhibited lesser damage to cellular genetic material. An azobenzene derivative functionalized with a biopolymer to assemble PPNPs demonstrated biocompatibility with the evaluated cell lines. The PPNPs encapsulated Nile red and dofetilide separately as model and antiarrhythmic drugs, respectively, and delivered upon UV irradiation, proving the phototriggered drug release concept. Biocompatible PPNPs are a promising technology for fast drug release with high cell interaction opening new opportunities for azobenzene biomedical applications.

Genotoxicity of organic material extracted from particulate matter of alternative fuels.

Global demand for energy is rapidly increasing, and resources for the production of petroleum-based fuels are running out. For this, renewable fuels like biodiesel and hydrotreated vegetable oil biofuel are considered important alternatives to replace such fuels. In this study, we evaluated the in vitro genotoxicity effect on HepG2 cells of organic material extracted from particulate matter emissions of an engine fueled with conventional diesel or mixtures of diesel with 10% of biomass. The emissions were collected in two operational modes, 2410 rpm (slope simulation) and 1890 rpm (plane). Genotoxicity was evaluated through two methods, chromosomal aberration test and the alkaline comet assay. The former did not show any genotoxic effect, but the latter exhibited a statistically significant effect despite the operational mode of the engine and the concentration organic material extracted. In conclusion, regardless of the concentration of organic material extracted from particulate matter, the operational mode of the engine, or the fuel used, a significant damage of the DNA was found. In general, at the physicochemical level, a decrease in the amount of emissions of the used fuels is not directly related to a decrease in the genotoxicity potential.

Perfil clínico y epidemiológico de pacientes con enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica hospitalizados en un centro de alta complejidad de la ciudad de medellín, colombia, durante el año 2015

Introducción. La enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica (EPOC) es una condición que cursa con limitación del flujo aéreo espiratorio e inflamación crónica de las vías aéreas, y que representa un problema de salud pública a nivel mundial. Objetivo. Determinar el perfil clínico y epidemiológico de pacientes con EPOC en una institución hospitalaria de la ciudad de Medellín, Colombia. Metodología. Se realizó un estudio transversal, con una muestra de 50 pacientes, con diagnóstico clínico o espirométrico de enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica, atendidos de forma intrahospitalaria en una institución privada en Medellín durante el año 2015. A las variables cuantitativas se les calculó el promedio, desviación estándar y valores mínimo y máximo. A las cualitativas, medidas de nivel nominal y ordinal y se les estimaron proporciones. Resultados. La edad promedio fue de 73,5±9,3 años, el 52% fueron mujeres. El promedio de tiempo de diagnóstico fue de 7,8±1,3 años. Las características clínicas más frecuentes fueron las siguientes: el 36% tenía como clasificación estadio D para la enfermedad, el 34% tenía VEF1 <30%, el 88% tenían antecedente de tabaquismo y el 52% utilizaba oxígeno en casa. Conclusiones. La mayoría de nuestra población fue clasificada como GOLD categoría D, con una limitación grave del flujo aéreo espiratorio (VEF1 < 30%) y requerimiento de uso de oxígeno domiciliario. Lo anterior indica un inadecuado control de la enfermedad, debido, probablemente, al contexto intrahospitalario de los pacientes incluidos en el estudio.

Introduction. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a condition that limits the air flow and produce chronic inflammation of the airways, which represents a public health problem worldwide. Objective. To determine the clinical and epidemiological profile of patients with COPD in a hospital of the city of Medellin, Colombia. Methodology. A cross-sectional study was carried out, with a sample of 50 subjects, who had a clinical or spirometric diagnosis of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, receiving Inpatient care in a private institution in Medellin in 2015. It was calculated on quantitative variables, the average, standard deviation and minimum and maximum values. It was estimated on qualitative variables, measures of nominal and ordinal level and proportions. Results. The average age was 73.5 ) 9,3 years, 52% were women. The average of Diagnostic time was 7.8 ) 1,3 years. The most common clinical characteristics were the following: 36% had a stage D classification for the disease, 34% had FEV1 <30%, 88% had a smoking history and 52% used oxygen at home. Conclusions. The majority of our population was classified as GOLD category D, with a severe limitation to breath (FEV1 <30%) and had to use oxygen at home. The foregoing indicates that there is an inadequate control of the disease, due to the inpatient environment of the subjects involved in the study.

Introdução. A doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica (DPOC) é uma condição caracterizada por fluxo respiratório limitado e inflamação crônica das vias aéreas, e representa um problema de saúde pública em todo o mundo. Objetivo. Determinar o perfil clínico e epidemiológico dos pacientes com DPOC em uma instituição hospitalar da cidade de Medellín, Colômbia. Metodologia. Foi realizado um estudo transversal, com uma amostra de 50 pacientes, com diagnóstico clínico e espirométrico da doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica, que receberam atenção hospitalar em uma instituição privada em Medellín durante o ano de 2015. Para as variáveis quantitativos foram calculados a média, desvio padrão e valores mínimo e máximo. Para medidas qualitativas de nível nominal e ordinal se estimaram proporções. Resultados. A idade média foi de 73,5 ± 9,3 anos, 52% eram mulheres. A média do tempo de diagnóstico foi de 7,8 ± 1,3 anos. As características clínicas mais frequentes foram: 36% tinham classificação no estádio D para a doença, 34% tinham VEF1 <30%, 88% tinham história de tabagismo e 52% usavam oxigênio em casa. Conclusões. A maioria da nossa população foi classificada como GOLD categoria D, com uma limitação severa do fluxo de ar (VEF1 <30%) e exigência de uso de oxigênio domiciliar. O que precede indica um controle inadequado da doença, devido, provavelmente, ao contexto hospitalar dos pacientes incluídos no estudo.

Marcadores genéticos en pacientes con síndrome de ovario poliquístico y dos de sus familiares en primer grado de consanguinidad: estudio de casos y controles / Genetic markers in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome and in two relatives in the first degree of consanguinity: case control study

Objetivo: estimar la asociación entre los marcadores genéticos D19S884 y UCSNP-19 y el síndrome de ovario poliquístico (SOP).Materiales y métodos: estudio de 50 casos con SOP según criterios de Rotterdam y 100 controles: dos familiares femeninos en primer grado de consanguinidad sin la enfermedad. Se evaluaron características sociodemográficas y clínicas. Los marcadores genéticos D19S884 y UCSNP-19 se identificaron por reacción en cadena de la polimerasa. Las variables cuantitativas se presentan con media ± desviación estándar; se utilizaron las pruebas de t de Student y de McNemar. Se calcularon los OR y el IC 95%. Resultados: la edad promedio en los casos fue 23 ± 6 años y en los controles de 39 ± 18 años. Los casos se asociaron de manera significativa a hirsutismo OR = 3,6 (IC 95%: 1,3-12,8) y acné OR = 4,3 (IC 95%: 1,4-17,4). Los polimorfismos del ins e ins/ins de UCSNP-19 tuvieron las mayores proporciones en los dos grupos de estudio, siendo el primero más frecuente en casos y el segundo en controles; sin embargo, esta diferencia no fue estadísticamente significativa. Se identificaron 14 alelos de D19S884 que van desde 215 a 242 pb. Conclusiones: no se encontró asociación entre el polimorfismo UCSNP-19 del gen CAPN10 y del marcador D19S994 con el SOP en la población estudiada

Objective: To estimate the association between genetic markers D19S884 and UCSNP-19 and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).Materials and methods: Study of 50 cases of PCOS consistent with the Rotterdam criteria and of 100 controls and two first-degree female relatives without the disease. Social, demographic and clinical characteristics were assessed, and genetic markers D19S884 and UCSNP-19 were identified using polymerase chain reaction. Quantitative variables are expressed as mean ± standard deviation; the Student t test and the McNemar test were used. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were estimated. Results: Mean ages were 23 ± 6 years and 39 ± 18 years for the cases and controls, respectively. Cases showed a significant association with hirsutism OR = 3.6 (CI 95%: 1.3-12.8) and acne OR = 4.3 (CI 95%: 91.4-17.4). Del/ins and ins/ins polymorphisms of UCSNP-19 were found in the highest proportions in the two study groups, the former being more frequent among the cases and the latter among the controls. However, this difference was not statistically significant. Fourteen alleles of D19S884 were identified, ranging from 215 to 242 bp. Conclusions: No association was found between the CAPN10 gene UCSNP-19 polymorphism and the D19S994 marker with PCOS in the population studied

Efecto genotóxico y mutagénico de contaminantes atmosféricos / Genotoxic and mutagenic effect of atmospheric pollutants

Cada día, con los avances de la industria, las zonas urbanas incrementan la concentración y número de contaminantes, por ende, se exceden los valores permisibles (100 mg/m3) y se altera la sensibilidad de los organismos y se crean las condiciones para desarrollar mutaciones y cáncer. Históricamente, la exposición del hombre a una gran variedad de mezclas complejas se ha asociado con el aumento del riesgo para generar mutaciones y cáncer. La contribución sobre el riesgo para la salud, que ejerce la contaminación atmosférica, presenta dificultades en la identificación de los componentes tóxicos de las mezclas complejas y el poco conocimiento acerca del comportamiento de las sustancias genotóxicas encontradas en ellas.

Everyday, with industrial development, urban zones increase the amounts and concentrations of pollutants , frequently rising beyond their permissible values (100mg/m3) and modifying the organisms’ sensitivity and their possibility of developing mutations and cancer. Historically, human exposures to a variety of complex mixtures have been associated with an increased risk for cancer. Risk assessment in health of complex environmental samples suffers from difficulty in identifying toxic components, inadequacy of available toxicity data, and a paucity of knowledge about the behavior of genotoxic substances in complex mixtures.