Mortality and Survival Factors in Patients with Moderate and Severe Pneumonia Due to COVID-19.

During the pandemic, some mortality-related factors were age, sex, comorbidities (obesity, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension), recovery time, hospitalizations, and biochemical markers. The present work aimed to identify the mortality and survival factors in adults with moderate and severe pneumonia due to COVID-19 during the first and second waves of the pandemic in Mexico at a third-level hospital (High-Specialty Regional Hospital of Ixtapaluca (HRAEI), Ixtapaluca, Estado de Mexico, Mexico). A database was generated using information from the electronic clinical records of patients hospitalized from December 2021 to August 2022. Survival analysis was performed associating age, sex, longer recovery times, and some drugs. The risk factors found were age in the patients between 40 and 60 years (OR = 1.70), male sex (OR = 1.53), the presence of comorbidities (OR = 1.66) and hypertension (OR = 2.19), work occupation (construction workers OR = 5.22, factory workers OR = 3.13, unemployed OR = 2.93), the prehospital use of metamizole sodium (OR = 2.17), cough (OR = 1.73), and in-hospital oxygen therapy (reservoir mask OR = 6.6). The survival factors found in this study were working in the healthcare field (OR = 0.26), the prehospital use of certain medications (paracetamol OR = 0.65, dexamethasone OR = 0.55, and azithromycin OR = 0.47), presenting ageusia (OR = 0.5) and hyporexia (OR = 0.34), and the time using in-hospital oxygen therapy (device 1 OR = 0.72). Prehospital treatment needs to be reevaluated as dexamethasone and azithromycin proved to be protective factors. Likewise, providing aggressive oxygen therapy during hospital admission decreased mortality risk.

Ultra-Processed Food Consumption during Pregnancy and Its Association with Maternal Oxidative Stress Markers.

Ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption during gestation may lead to increased oxidative stress (OS) and could affect pregnancy outcomes. This study aims to evaluate the association of UPF consumption during pregnancy with circulating levels of OS markers. Diet was assessed (average of three assessments) in 119 pregnant women enrolled in the OBESO perinatal cohort (Mexico), obtaining quantitative data and the percentage of energy that UPFs (NOVA) contributed to the total diet. Sociodemographic, clinical (pregestational body-mass index and gestational weight gain) and lifestyle data were collected. Maternal circulating levels of OS markers (malondialdehyde (MDA), protein carbonylation (PC), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC)) were determined at the third trimester of pregnancy. Adjusted linear regression models were performed to analyze the association between UPFs and OS markers. UPFs represented 27.99% of the total energy intake. Women with a lower UPF consumption (<75 percentile°) presented a higher intake of fiber, ω-3, ω-6, and a lower ω-6/3 ratio. Linear regression models showed that UPFs were inversely associated with TAC and MDA. Fiber intake was associated with PC. UPF intake during pregnancy may result in an increase in oxidative stress. When providing nutrition care, limiting or avoiding UPFs may be an intervention strategy that could promote a better antioxidant capacity in the body.

Serum miRNA profile as a potential tool for non-invasive gastric cancer diagnosis in Mexican patients.

INTRODUCTION: Gastric cancer (GC) is the third leading cause of cancer death and a major public health-care problem worldwide. At present, methods for plasma detection of cancer are limited. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have recently been proposed as genetic regulators, which are deregulated in different types of cancer. The miRNAs are stable in serum/plasma and can be detected. Circulating miRNAs in plasma have been proposed as potential diagnostic biomarkers in GC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: After reviewing the relevant literature, the expression levels of seven miRNAs (miR-16, miR-21, miR-25, miR-26a, miR-92, miR-218, miR-223, and miR-451) were assessed by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction using TaqMan microRNA Assays (Applied Biosystems) in plasma samples from GC patients (n = 80) and healthy controls (n = 80). RESULTS: Our results demonstrated that the expression levels of miR-21 and miR-25 were significantly upregulated in GC patients compared to healthy controls with a Fold Change of 11.551 and 60.129, respectively, while miR-223 showed downregulation in GC patients compared to healthy controls with a Fold Change of -247.281. The absolute value of Fold Change > 2 was consider significant, p < 0.05. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicated that miR-21, miR-25, and miR-223 in plasma samples can be served as a potential noninvasive tool in detection of GC.

INTRODUCCIÓN: El cáncer gástrico (CG) es la tercera causa de muerte por cáncer y un importante problema de salud pública. Actualmente, los métodos para la detección de CG en plasma son limitados. Recientemente se han propuesto los microARNs (miARN) como reguladores genéticos en diferentes tipos de cáncer. Los miARN son estables en plasma, lo que permite una fácil detección, pudiendo usarse como biomarcadores en CG. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Los niveles de expresión de siete miARN seleccionados (miR-16, miR-21, miR-25, miR-26a, miR-92, miR218, miR-223, miR-451) fueron evaluados mediante qRT-PCR mediante análisis con microARN TaqMan (Applied Biosystems) en muestras de plasma de pacientes con CG (n = 80) y controles sanos (n = 80). RESULTADOS: Se observo que los niveles de expresión de miR-21 y miR-25 estaban significativamente regulados al alza en los pacientes con CG en comparación con los controles con un Fold Change de 11.551 y 60.129 respectivamente, mientras que miR-223 mostró una regulación negativa con un cambio de -247,281. El valor absoluto de Fold Change >2 se consideró estadísticamente significativo, P <0,05. CONCLUSIONES: Nuestros resultados indicaron que miR 21, miR 25 y miR-223 en plasma pueden servir como una potencial herramienta no invasiva en la detección de CG.

Antisclerothic effect of tibolone by reducing proinflammatory cytokines expression, ROS production and LDL-ox uptake in THP-1 macrophages.

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular disease is more frequent in menopausal women, which has been related to factor such as weight gain, altered fat distribution, and increased inflammation markers including adipokines (MCP-1, TNF-α, IL-6) and cytokines (IL-1, IL-6, TNF-α) produced by macrophages. In addition to their phagocytic activity, macrophages secrete cytokines and chemokines that induces cell recruitment, which is a process related to vascular damage that favors the formation of atheromatous plaques. Tibolone (Tb) therapy is used to reduce the symptoms of menopause as well as osteoporosis and it has been shown to decreases the risk of fractures. METHODS: To investigate the effect of tibolone in macrophage enzymatic activity, gene expression of cytokines, and its effect on foam cells formation. We use phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA)-differentiated THP-1 cells. The cells were incubated 24 h and 48 h using pre and post-treatment schemes. We evaluated total ROS determination by NBT assay, expression of cytokines (IL-1ß, IL-6, TNF-α, NOS2, ARG1, TGFß) by RT-qPCR and foam cell formation in THP-1 differentiated macrophages stimulated with PMA. RESULTS: It was observed that the minor levels of total ROS determination were obtained with tibolone at 48 h in post-treatment scheme. Also, in a long term we found decrease the proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1ß, IL-6 and TNF-α). Finally, with treatment for 24 h with P4 y Tb we observed fewer LDL vesicles into macrophages cytoplasm. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that tibolone reduces the inflammatory process, also inhibits the foam cells formation; suggesting a possible role in reducing cardiovascular risk.

Effect of a natural supplement containing glucosinolates, phytosterols and citrus flavonoids on body weight and metabolic parameters in a menopausal murine model induced by bilateral ovariectomy.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of a herbal preparation containing glucosinolates, phytosterols and citrus flavonoids (supplement) on body weight and metabolic parameters usually impaired by menopause. METHODS: A pre-clinical experimental study carried out in twenty-five Swiss strain mice (Mus musculus) randomly distributed (1:1:1:1:1 ratio) to five groups to receive for ten weeks: (1) oral gelatinized maca extract 0.5625 mg/kg/day + bilateral ovariectomy (Maca + OVX); (2) oral supplement 0.5625 mg/kg/day + bilateral ovariectomy (S1 + OVX); (3) oral supplement 1.6875 mg/kg/day + bilateral ovariectomy (S2 + OVX); (4) oral saline 100 µl/kg/day + bilateral ovariectomy (OVX); and (5) oral saline 100 µl/kg/day + sham surgery (sham). The primary endpoint was change in body weight gain from baseline to final. Secondary endpoints were uterine weight and cholesterol, triglyceride, glucose, and glucose/triglycerides index values at the end of the study. A modified intention-to-treat analysis was performed through linear regression models and using the Bonferroni method to penalized p-values by multiple comparisons. RESULTS: Twenty-three animals completed the study. There was a significant average difference in weight gain, with a greater reduction in the S2 + OVX group compared to the OVX group (difference= -3.5; 95% CI (-5.27; -1.74); p < .001). S2 + OVX group also displayed a significant average reduction of total blood cholesterol (difference: -16.94; 95% CI (-33.73; -0.15); p = .037). No significant effects of the supplement were found on other secondary endpoints. CONCLUSION: In this murine menopausal model, triple oral supplement dose resulted in an average reduction of weight gain and total cholesterol levels, suggesting that the compound could have a potential effect at regulating menopausal altered metabolism.

Efficacy of Diltiazem for the Control of Blood Pressure in Puerperal Patients with Severe Preeclampsia: A Randomized, Single-Blind, Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Postpartum preeclampsia is a serious disease related to high blood pressure that occurs commonly within the first six days after delivery. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate if diltiazem improves blood pressure parameters in early puerperium patients with severe preeclampsia. Methodology. A randomized, single-blind longitudinal clinical trial of 42 puerperal patients with severe preeclampsia was carried out. Patients were randomized into two groups: the experimental group (n = 21) received diltiazem (60 mg) and the control group (n = 21) received nifedipine (10 mg). Both drugs were orally administered every 8 hours. Systolic, diastolic, and mean blood pressures as well as the heart rate were recorded and analyzed (two-way repeated measures ANOVA) at baseline and after 6, 12, 18, 24, 30, 36, 42, and 48 hours. Primary outcome measures were all the aforementioned blood pressure parameters. Secondary outcome measures included the number of hypertension and hypotension episodes along with the length of stay in the intensive care unit. RESULTS: No statistical differences were found between groups (diltiazem vs. nifedipine) regarding basal blood pressure parameters. Interarm differences in blood pressure (systolic, diastolic, and mean) and heart rate were statistically significant between treatment groups from 6 to 48 hours. Patients in the diltiazem group had lower blood pressure levels than patients in the nifedipine group. Significantly, patients who received diltiazem had fewer hypertension and hypotension episodes and stayed fewer days in the intensive care unit than those treated with nifedipine. CONCLUSIONS: Diltiazem controlled arterial hypertension in a more effective and uniform manner in patients under study than nifedipine. Patients treated with diltiazem had fewer collateral effects and spent less time in the hospital. This trial is registered with NCT04222855.

Nutrients, Mitochondrial Function, and Perinatal Health.

Mitochondria are active independent organelles that not only meet the cellular energy requirement but also regulate central cellular activities. Mitochondria can play a critical role in physiological adaptations during pregnancy. Differences in mitochondrial function have been found between healthy and complicated pregnancies. Pregnancy signifies increased nutritional requirements to support fetal growth and the metabolism of maternal and fetal tissues. Nutrient availability regulates mitochondrial metabolism, where excessive macronutrient supply could lead to oxidative stress and contribute to mitochondrial dysfunction, while micronutrients are essential elements for optimal mitochondrial processes, as cofactors in energy metabolism and/or as antioxidants. Inadequate macronutrient and micronutrient consumption can result in adverse pregnancy outcomes, possibly through mitochondrial dysfunction, by impairing energy supply, one-carbon metabolism, biosynthetic pathways, and the availability of metabolic co-factors which modulate the epigenetic processes capable of establishing significant short- and long-term effects on infant health. Here, we review the importance of macronutrients and micronutrients on mitochondrial function and its influence on maternal and infant health.

von Willebrand Disease and other hereditary haemostatic factor deficiencies in women with a history of postpartum haemorrhage.

INTRODUCTION: Postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) is the main cause of maternal morbidity and mortality globally, but it is far more important in non-developed countries. PPH represents 25% of all maternal deaths worldwide. Women with von Willebrand disease (VWD) and other inherited haemorrhagic disorders are at increased risk of PPH. Our aim was to establish a probable association of severe PPH in women with a history of haemostatic abnormalities. METHODS: An observational, controlled study of adult women with a one or more episodes of severe PPH requiring treatment in an intensive care unit or >10 units of blood products during the 24-hour period after diagnosis and their controls. The tests performed were blood cell count, blood group, renal, viral, liver function and haemostatic tests, fibrinogen, activity of the plasma factors and specific test to diagnose and classify VWD. RESULTS: We included 124 women with 133 PPH events and their controls. The median age at the first event was 25.5 years old. Results were significantly different between the groups in terms of fibrinogen concentration, VWF:Ag, VWF:RCo and FVIII. A specific diagnosis was established in 69 (55.6) and 4 (3.2%) patients in the PPH group and controls, respectively. Of 61 patients with VWD, 57 had type 1, two had type 2A, and another two had type 2B. CONCLUSION: Our results show a relationship between PPH and inherited haemostatic disorders. VWD was the most frequent diagnosis. Appropriate and opportune diagnosis before pregnancy of inherited haemostatic disorders may be important to effectively prevent and treat PPH.

Efecto del manejo de la obesidad clase I con metformina sobre actividad de metaloproteinasas en pacientes con periodontitis crónica / Effect of the management of class I obesity with metformin on metalloproteinase activity in patients with chronic periodontitis

Introducción: el principal problema de salud pública en México es la obesidad y sus enfermedades asociadas, incluyendo las bucales. Objetivo: evaluar el efecto del tratamiento con metformina en pacientes obesos de clase I sobre la actividad de las metaloproteinasas presentes en el periodonto con periodontitis crónica. Métodos: se realizó un estudio clínico con 68 pacientes mujeres con obesidad de clase I y enfermedad periodontal. Se dividieron en 4 grupos; a 2 de ellos, además del tratamiento periodontal, se les administro metformina de 850 mg al día durante seis semanas. Se tomaron 2 muestras por paciente de tejido periodontal antes y después de cada tratamiento y se midió el índice de masa corporal (IMC), el índice de placa dentobacteriana y de inflamación. Mediante zimografía en gel de acrilamida se midió la actividad de las metaloproteinasas en la muestra de tejido recolectada. Los datos obtenidos fueron analizados mediante estadística descriptiva t de student para muestras relacionadas y se realizó ANOVA de una vía considerando p < 0,01 como estadísticamente significativa. Resultados: en el grupo de pacientes a las que se les administro metformina al final del tratamiento se observó una disminución del índice de masa corporal, del grado de inflamación y menor actividad de metaloproteinasas respecto al grupo control (65% frente a 25%; p < 0,01). Conclusiones: el tratamiento con metformina en pacientes con obesidad de clase I y enfermedad periodontal disminuye el IMC, mejora los síntomas de la periodontitis crónica y disminuye la actividad de las metaloproteinasas 1, 3, 8 y V presentes en el periodonto de estos pacientes

Introduction: in Mexico the main problem in public health is obesity and other diseases that are associated whit this condition, including oral health. Objective: to evaluate the effect of metformin treatment in patients with class I obese on the activity of metalloproteinases present in periodontium with chronic periodontitis. Methods: a clinical study was conducted in 68 patients with class I obesity and periodontal disease. They were divided into 4 groups. 2 of them, in addition to the periodontal treatment, were administered metformin 850 mg per day for six weeks; 2 samples were taken per patient of periodontal tissue before and after each treatment, body mass index, plaque index and inflammation were measured. Acrylamide gel zymography was used to measure the activity of metalloproteinases in the sample of tissue collected. The data obtained were analyzed by descriptive statistics, student t for related samples and one-way ANOVA was performed considering p < 0.01 as statistically significant. Results: in the group of patients who were administered metformin at the end of the treatment, there was a decrease in the body mass index, the degree of inflammation and lower metalloproteinase activity, compared with the control group (65% vs 25%; < 0.01). Conclusions: treatment with metformin in patients with obesity class I and periodontal disease decreases BMI, improves the symptoms of chronic periodontitis and decreases the activity of metalloproteinases 1, 3, 8, V present in periodontium of these patients

[Effect of the management of class I obesity with metformin on metalloproteinase activity in patients with chronic periodontitis]. / Efecto del manejo de la obesidad clase I con metformina sobre actividad de metaloproteinasas en pacientes con periodontitis crónica.

INTRODUCTION: Introduction: in Mexico the main problem in public health is obesity and other diseases that are associated whit this condition, including oral health. Objective: to evaluate the effect of metformin treatment in patients with class I obese on the activity of metalloproteinases present in periodontium with chronic periodontitis. Methods: a clinical study was conducted in 68 patients with class I obesity and periodontal disease. They were divided into 4 groups. 2 of them, in addition to the periodontal treatment, were administered metformin 850 mg per day for six weeks; 2 samples were taken per patient of periodontal tissue before and after each treatment, body mass index, plaque index and inflammation were measured. Acrylamide gel zymography was used to measure the activity of metalloproteinases in the sample of tissue collected. The data obtained were analyzed by descriptive statistics, student t for related samples and one-way ANOVA was performed considering p < 0.01 as statistically significant. Results: in the group of patients who were administered metformin at the end of the treatment, there was a decrease in the body mass index, the degree of inflammation and lower metalloproteinase activity, compared with the control group (65% vs 25%; < 0.01). Conclusions: treatment with metformin in patients with obesity class I and periodontal disease decreases BMI, improves the symptoms of chronic periodontitis and decreases the activity of metalloproteinases 1, 3, 8, V present in periodontium of these patients.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Introducción: el principal problema de salud pública en México es la obesidad y sus enfermedades asociadas, incluyendo las bucales. Objetivo: evaluar el efecto del tratamiento con metformina en pacientes obesos de clase I sobre la actividad de las metaloproteinasas presentes en el periodonto con periodontitis crónica. Métodos: se realizó un estudio clínico con 68 pacientes mujeres con obesidad de clase I y enfermedad periodontal. Se dividieron en 4 grupos; a 2 de ellos, además del tratamiento periodontal, se les administro metformina de 850 mg al día durante seis semanas. Se tomaron 2 muestras por paciente de tejido periodontal antes y después de cada tratamiento y se midió el índice de masa corporal (IMC), el índice de placa dentobacteriana y de inflamación. Mediante zimografía en gel de acrilamida se midió la actividad de las metaloproteinasas en la muestra de tejido recolectada. Los datos obtenidos fueron analizados mediante estadística descriptiva t de student para muestras relacionadas y se realizó ANOVA de una vía considerando p < 0,01 como estadísticamente significativa. Resultados: en el grupo de pacientes a las que se les administro metformina al final del tratamiento se observó una disminución del índice de masa corporal, del grado de inflamación y menor actividad de metaloproteinasas respecto al grupo control (65% frente a 25%; p < 0,01). Conclusiones: el tratamiento con metformina en pacientes con obesidad de clase I y enfermedad periodontal disminuye el IMC, mejora los síntomas de la periodontitis crónica y disminuye la actividad de las metaloproteinasas 1, 3, 8 y V presentes en el periodonto de estos pacientes.

Analysis of Antioxidant Consumption, Body Mass Index and the Waist-Hip Ratio in Early Postmenopause.

Oxidative stress is present in early postmenopause. Antioxidants, present in food, avoid or limit the damage caused by free radicals. The aim of this study was to analyze whether the consumption of vitamin A, vitamin C, and Selenium was adequate in postmenopausal women and its relationship with levels of malondialdehyde. A descriptive, cross-sectional prospective clinical study was carried out with 132 women (45⁻55 years old) in postmenopause. The body mass index (BMI) and the waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) were calculated. The participants were surveyed about their food consumption for seven days. The plasmatic concentration of malondialdehyde was quantified by the methyl-phenyl-indole method. The women were grouped according to their BMI. All groups showed similar consumption of proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates, which exceeded the daily recommended level. According to the WHR, 87% had android fat distribution. Selenium, vitamin C, and vitamin A intake were below the daily recommended/suggested levels. The greater the BMI, the higher the plasmatic concentration of malondialdehyde in the patients. It was observed an elevated caloric intake, android fat distribution, and a greater BMI was accompanied by a lower consumption of antioxidants and an increased level of malondialdehyde.

Effect of chronic administration of estradiol, progesterone, and tibolone on the expression and phosphorylation of glycogen synthase kinase-3ß and the microtubule-associated protein tau in the hippocampus and cerebellum of female rat.

Gonadal hormones regulate expression and activation of protein tau. Tibolone is a drug used as first- choice comprehensive treatment for the relief of menopausal symptoms, because it and its various metabolites have estrogenic properties and progestogenic/androgenic effects; however, the effect on the activation of tau protein and its signaling cascade in the brain is unknown. We studied the effect of chronic administration of estradiol (E2), progesterone (P4), and tibolone (TIB) on the expression and phosphorylation of microtubule-associated protein tau and glycogen synthase kinase-3ß (GSK3ß) in the hippocampus and cerebellum of ovariectomized rats. Ovariectomized adult female rats were implanted with pellets of vehicle, E2, or P4 or were treated with TIB by oral administration for 60 days. The animals were sacrificed, and tissue proteins were analyzed by Western blot. We observed that, in the hippocampus, administration of E2, P4, or TIB significantly decreased the protein content of hyperphosphorylated tau and increased the tau dephosphorylated form, whereas only treatment with TIB increased the content of the phosphorylated form of GSK3ß. In the cerebellum, E2 and TIB treatments resulted in a significant decrease in the expression of hyperphosphorylated tau, whereas E2 and TIB increased phosphorylated GSK3ß; P4 had no effect. These results indicate that chronic administration of gonadal hormones and tibolone modulates tau and GSK3ß phosphorylation in hippocampus and cerebellum of the rat and may exert a neuroprotective effect in these tissues.

Differential aromatase (CYP19) expression in human arteries from normal and neoplasic uterus: an immunohistochemical and in situ hybridization study.

Aromatase CYP19 catalyzes the synthesis of estrogen from androgens in a tissue-specific manner. This enzyme is present in several tissues, including gonads, brain and fatty tissue. More recently, its presence has been described in vessels. Here, we describe the expression of aromatase in human uterine artery and compare its expression with that found in arteries of estrogen-dependent uterine leiomyomata from women. To do this, we employed immunohystochemical and in situ hybridization techniques. We used, a polyclonal antibody raised against the carboxyl terminus of aromatase (ARO) and RNAm probes, of the exon 1 of ARO. We found an increased immunoreactivity of ARO in uterine arteries of patients with leiomyoma as compared with control group. Probe showing positive signal in skin fibroblasts (1b), showed positive hybridization signal in normal artery, while probes with positive signal in placenta (1a), ovary (1c) and testis (1d) were over-expressed in arteries of leiomyomas.