Follistatin-like 1 (FSTL1) levels as potential early biomarker of cardiovascular disease in a Mexican population.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the leading cause of death globally. In recent years, follistatin-like protein 1 (FSTL1) has been proposed as an emerging potential clinical biomarker of CVD, since its concentration is upregulated in heart failure. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the association of FSTL1 levels and classic biomarkers with the risk of CVD in Mexican population. A case-control study was carried out in patients with cardiovascular diseases (CVD), arterial hypertension, but not CVD (cardiovascular risk factor-CRF), and healthy controls (control group) from the Mexican Institute of Social Security. Lipid profile, homocysteine (Hcys), serum amyloid A (SAA), FSTL1 concentration, PON1 concentration and activities [Arylesterase (ARE), and Lactonase (LAC)] were evaluated. High levels of FSTL1 were found in the CRF group and a positive association of FSTL1 (OR = 4.55; 95% CI 1.29-16.04, p = 0.02) with the presence of arterial hypertension, as well as Hcys (OR, 3.09; 95% CI 1.23-7.76, p = 0.02) and SAA (OR, 1.03; 95% CI 1.01-1.05, p < 0.01) with the presence of CVD. LAC activity (OR, 0.26; 95% CI 0.07-0.94, p = 0.04) and PON1 concentration (OR, 0.17; 95% CI 0.05-0.62, p = 0.01) were associated with a decrease in OR belonging to the group with CVD. Our results suggest that FSTL1 may be a useful biomarker for monitoring cardiovascular risk in clinical settings. However, longitudinal studies are needed to evaluate how FSTL1 could influence the association of PON1 activity and Hcys with CVD.

Preliminary survey of the occurrence of mycotoxins in cereals and estimated exposure in a northwestern region of Mexico.

Mycotoxins have several toxicological implications. In the present study, we evaluate the presence of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), ochratoxin A (OTA), and fumonisin (FB1) in paddy rice, polished rice, and maize from the fields and markets in Nayarit State (Mexico). The results indicated the presence of AFB1 in 21.21% of paddy rice samples and 11.11% of market maize samples. OTA was present in only 3.03% (one sample) of paddy rice samples. FB1 was detected in 87.50% and 88.88% of maize samples from field and market, respectively. The estimated human exposure was calculated for FB1 using the probable daily intake (PDI), which suggested that FB1 could contribute to the development of diseases through the consumption of contaminated maize. Positive samples indicated that some rice and maize samples were not suitable for human consumption. Further efforts are needed to continue monitoring mycotoxins and update national legislation on mycotoxins accordingly.

PON1 status and homocysteine levels as potential biomarkers for cardiovascular disease.

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death. The mainly risks factors for CVD are diabetes, hypertension and high levels of homocysteine (Hcys), among others. Paraoxonase 1 (PON1) has been proposed as an antiatherogenic target for its ability to hydrolyzing oxi-Low-Density-Lipoproteins (LDL) and Hcys-thiolactone. Thus, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the association of Hcys levels, and the activities and concentration of PON1, as well as vitamin B from the diet with a risk for CVD. METHODS: A case-control study was carry out in patients with cardiovascular diseases (CVD), Arterial hypertension, but not CVD (AH), and in healthy controls (control group) from the Mexican Institute of Social Security. Lipid profile, intake of vitamin B, Hcys, serum amyloid A (SAA), PON1 concentration, and PON1 activities (Arylesterase activity (ARE), Lactonase activity (LAC), and CMPA activity (CMPA)) were evaluated. RESULTS: The CVD group had the highest concentration of Hcys and SAA than in the AH and control groups (p < 0.01). ARE, LAC, and CMPA activities and PON1 concentration were lowest in the CVD group. A positive-independent association between Hcys levels and CVD was found (OR = 2.09; 95% CI: 1.69-2.56) and this increase when it was adjusted by age, BMI, ApoA1, vitamin B intake, SAA, and PON1 (OR = 14.41; 95% CI: 1.75-118.71). LAC and CMPA, as well as PON1 concentration, were inversely associated with CVD. CONCLUSION: LAC activity, PON1 concentration, and Hcys levels might be good biomarkers for CVD and their association could be modified by the intake of vitamin B.

Acetylcholinesterase and metallothionein in oysters (Crassostrea corteziensis) from a subtropical Mexican Pacific estuary.

Substantial efforts have been devoted to developing and applying biomarkers for ecological risk assessment. Bivalve mollusks, such as mussels and oysters, are commonly used in environmental monitoring programs because of their wide geographical distribution, great sensitivity to environmental pollutants, and ability to accumulate anthropogenically derived chemicals at a high rate. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity and metallothionein (MT's) content are representative specific biomarkers that indicate the presence of anticholinesterasic compounds (like organophosphorus and carbamate pesticides) and metals, respectively. The aim of this study was to evaluate AChE activity and MT's content in Crassostrea corteziensis from Boca de Camichín estuary. The results obtained here showed that AChE activity was 65% lower in oysters from Boca de Camichín than in control organisms. In contrast, MT's content in collected organisms was not statistically different from that in control organisms. AChE activity and MT's content in oysters could be used as early biomarkers of effects and exposure to pesticides and heavy metals, respectively, in aquatic environments.