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Ines Matia-Garcia,1 Eduardo Vadillo,2 Rosana Pelayo,3 José F Muñoz-Valle,4 Mariel García-Chagollán,4 Jaqueline Loaeza-Loaeza,1 Amalia Vences-Velázquez,1 Lorenzo Salgado-Goytia,1 Samuel García-Arellano,4 Isela Parra-Rojas1 1Facultad de Ciencias Químico Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma de Guerrero, Chilpancingo, Guerrero, México; 2Unidad de Investigación Médica en Enfermedades Oncológicas, Hospital de Oncología, Centro Médico Nacional, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Ciudad de México, México; 3Centro de Investigación Biomédica de Oriente, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Atlixco, Puebla, México; 4Instituto de Investigación en Ciencias Biomédicas, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Jalisco, MéxicoCorrespondence: Isela Parra-RojasLaboratorio de Investigación en Obesidad y Diabetes, Facultad de Ciencias Químico Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma de Guerrero, Avenida Lázaro Cárdenas S/N, Ciudad Universitaria, Chilpancingo, Guerrero, 39090, MéxicoTel +52 7474719310Email iprojas@yahoo.comPurpose: We aim to identify Th1 and Th2 cell clusters in young subjects, including their clinical and metabolic characteristics and the Th1/Th2 balance.Patients and Methods: A total of 100 participants were included. The frequencies of Th1 and Th2 cells in peripheral blood were determined by flow cytometry. Serum C-reactive protein was measured using a turbidimetric assay, and insulin levels were quantified with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Circulating cytokine levels were analyzed using a multiplex system.Results: A cluster analysis was performed to determine the Th1/Th2 balance in a group of young people, and 3 clusters were formed with the following characteristics: 1) subjects with a higher prevalence of hyperglycemia (38%), dyslipidemia (38– 75%), and insulin resistance (50%), as well as a higher percentage of Th1 cells and Th1/Th2 ratio, including elevated IFN-ɣ levels; 2) subjects with a lower prevalence of hyperglycemia (23%) and insulin resistance (15.4%), but a higher prevalence of dyslipidemia (8– 85%) with a predominance of Th2 cells, and lower Th1/Th2 ratio; 3) subjects with a lower prevalence of hyperglycemia (6%), insulin resistance (41%), and dyslipidemia (10– 63%), as well as a balance of Th1 and Th2 cells and lower Th1/Th2 ratio, including low IFN-ɣ levels. Positive correlations between Th1 cells with IFN-γ, IL-12, and IL-1β and between Th2 cells with IFN-γ, IL-2, and IL-4 were found (p < 0.05). A significant increase in Th1 cells was observed in the presence of hyperglycemia and high LDL-C levels, as well as increased Th2 cells in the absence of abdominal obesity and high blood pressure, including low HDL-C levels. The Th1/Th2 ratio was higher in the group with high cardiometabolic risk (p = 0.03).Conclusion: Th1/Th2 balance is related to metabolic abnormalities that may occur in young population, and thus the timely identification of different phenotypes may help predict an increased cardiometabolic risk.Keywords: Th1 cells, Th2 cells, hyperglycemia, dyslipidemias, IFN-ɣ levels

Bacterial vaginosis is one of the most frequent vaginal infections. Its main etiological agent is Gardnerella vaginalis, which produces several virulence factors involved in vaginal infection and colonization, in particular, sialidase (SLD), a potential clinical biomarker that participates in immune response modulation and mucus degradation. The main objective of this work was the production and evaluation of a monoclonal antibody against G. vaginalis sialidase and its validation in immunoassays. For immunization of mice, a synthetic multiantigenic peptide was used, and hybridomas were generated. After fusion, hybridomas were evaluated for antibody production and cloned by limited dilution. One clone producing IgG1 was selected and characterized by indirect ELISA, dot blot, and Western blot, and we also tested clinical isolates and HeLa cells infected with G. vaginalis. The results showed that the anti-SLD antibody recognized a single protein of ~90 kDa that correlated with the estimated molecular weight of SLD. In addition, anti-SLD antibody recognized SLD from complete bacteria and from culture supernatants of infected Hela cells. In conclusion, our results showed that the anti-SLD antibody recognized SLD from different sources and could be considered a new tool for the diagnosis of bacterial vaginosis. Key Points • Anti-sialidase mAb was generated using a synthetic peptide • The mAb recognizes synthetic peptide and intact protein from multiple sources • The antibody was characterized by several immunological methods

The internalization of apoptotic cells by non-phagocytic cells has been observed in different tissues and could be an important mechanism for the elimination of dying cells. Here, we describe a probable event of phagocytosis of apoptotic cells mediated by urothelial cells in urinary sediment. A 90-years-old male patient was admitted unconscious to the hospital, visible signs included: pale skin and dry mucous membranes, presumptively diagnosed as dehydration. Blood test revealed anaemia (haemoglobin 130 g/L) and hyperglycaemia (glucose 7.8 mmol/L), urinalysis showed a picture of urinary tract infection (leukocyturia and bacteriuria). The microscopic analysis of urinary sediment revealed the presence of urothelial cells and leukocytes internalized in urothelial cells. Anti-CD68 (membrane marker of macrophages) was tested by immunocytochemistry and a negative result was observed. Based on the findings phagocytosis of apoptotic cells mediated by urothelial cells was identified. This phenomenon can be observed in urinary sediment and should not be confused with a neoplastic process since it is a physiological event of cell elimination.

Background Exosomes are microvesicles that actively participate in signaling mechanisms and depending on their content can contribute to the development of different pathologies, such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of cystatin C, CD26, and CD14 proteins in serum exosomes from patients with Type 2 Diabetes (T2D), metabolic syndrome (MetS), and atherogenic index of plasma (AIP). Methods Serum exosomes were isolated by ultracentrifugation from 147 individuals with and without diabetes. Both anthropometric and metabolic parameters were registered from everyone. The levels of exosomal proteins cystatin C, CD26, and CD14 were quantified by ELISA. The association between protein levels and T2D or atherogenic risk factors was analyzed by linear regression and generalized regression models. Results We observed a significant correlation of increased glucose with elevated levels of Cystatin C, and an effect of T2D on the levels of CD26 (β = 45.8 pg/µg; p = 0.001) and CD14 (β = 168 pg/µg; p Conclusions T2D may contribute to the increase of CD14 protein contained in exosomes, as well as to the predisposition of atherogenic events development due to its relationship with the increase in serum triglyceride concentrations and the AIP score. Finally, the increased levels of CD14 and Cystatin C in exosomes are related to MetS. The analysis of exosome contents of diabetic patients remains an incipient field, so extensive characterization is crucial for their use as biomarkers or to analyze their possible contribution to diabetic complications.

[Image: see text] Bacterial vaginosis (BV) affects reproductive-age women and can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease, postpartum endometritis, and preterm labor/delivery and predisposes the infection of sexually transmitted diseases. Typically, BV diagnosis involves the analysis of vaginal swab samples via microscopy operated by highly skilled personnel. Hence, novel approaches for BV diagnosis are an existing need. In response, the first immunosensing platform targeting sialidase, a BV biomarker, is reported. The nanophotonic operational principle of this biosensing platform allows for a cheaper, faster, and simpler analysis when compared with an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The clinical evaluation of such a nanotechnology is highlighted, where 162 vaginal swab samples were analyzed with high sensitivity and specificity (96.29%, respectively). The resulting nanoimmunosensing platform offers a resourceful approach to perform a timely BV diagnosis.

Staphylococcus aureus is a commensal bacterium in humans and animals able to adapt to multiple environments. The aim of this study was to compare the genetic diversity and virulence profiles of strains of S. aureus isolated from food (29 strains), humans (43 strains), and animals (8 strains). 80 lipase-producing strains belonging to a biobank of 360 isolates, identified phenotypically as S. aureus, were selected. Confirmation of the species was made by amplifying the spA gene and 80% (64/80) of the strains were confirmed within this species. The virulence profile of each of the isolates was determined by PCR. The seA gene coding for enterotoxin A was found in 53.1% of the strains, the saK gene, which codes for Staphylokinase, was amplified in 57.8% of the strains, and, finally, the hlB gene coding for β-Hemolysin was amplified in 17.2%. The profile of antimicrobial resistance was determined by the Kirby Bauer method showing that the strains from food presented greater resistance to erythromycin (40.7%) and ciprofloxacin (18.5%) while in strains isolated from humans were to erythromycin (48.4%) and clindamycin (21.2%). Also, in strains from animals, a high resistance to erythromycin was observed (75%). The frequency of MRSA was 12.5% due to the presence of the mec gene and resistance to cefoxitin. Of the total strains, 68.7% were typed by PCR-RFLP of the coa gene using the AluI enzyme; derived from this restriction, 17 profiles were generated. Profile 4 (490 bp, 300 bp) was the most frequent, containing a higher number of strains with a higher number of virulence factors and antimicrobial resistance, which is associated with greater adaptation to different environments. In this study, a wide genetic diversity of strains of S. aureus from different foods, humans, and animals was found. This demonstrates evolution, genetic versatility, and, therefore, the adaptation of this microorganism in different environments.

Resumen Introduccion La inflamacion y disfuncion endotelial son consideradas las primeras manifestaciones clinicas de la enfermedad cardiovascular. Diversos estudios han establecido una relacion entre los componentes del sindrome metabolico (Smet), los marcadores de inflamacion y la perdida de la permeabilidad, la vasoconstriccion y la vasodilatacion endotelial. Objetivo Determinar la relacion entre la concentracion de moleculas marcadores de disfuncion endotelial, las citocinas inflamatorias y los componentes del Smet en poblacion joven. Material y metodos Estudio llevado a cabo en 240 estudiantes jovenes-adultos con edades entre 18 y 28 anos. Para definir la presencia de alteraciones clinicas y metabolicas se consideraron los criterios ATP-III modificados. A todos los estudiantes se les determinaron caracteristicas sociodemograficas, parametros antropometricos y perfil metabolico. Los niveles circulantes de MCP-1, VEGF-A, sICAM-1, sVCAM-1, sE-selectina y sVE-cadherina fueron determinados por inmunoanalisis ELISA (Bioscience). El analisis estadistico fue realizado utilizando el software STATA v. 9.2. Resultados Del total de participantes en el estudio, el 44,6% presento obesidad, el 59,9% obesidad abdominal, el 49,6% niveles bajos de c-HDL y el 16,7% niveles elevados de trigliceridos. El 16,25% de la poblacion mostro al menos 3 componentes de Smet. Los niveles elevados de MCP-1, sICAM-1 y sE-selectina se asociaron a la presencia de obesidad. En un modelo ajustado por edad y genero los niveles de MCP-1 y VEGF-A se asociaron a obesidad abdominal (OR = 1,83; 1,02-3,28 y OR = 2,03; 1,15-3,56; respectivamente), asi como tambien a la presencia de 2 componentes de Smet. Los niveles de sVCAM-1 se asociaron a la alteracion de la glucosa (OR = 4,74; 1,32-17,0), sE-selectina a c-HDL bajo (OR = 1,99; 1,05-3,75), mientras que sICAM-1 y sVE-cadherina se asociaron a la presencia de presion arterial sistolica alterada (OR = 4,04; 1,24-13,1 y OR = 6,28; 1,90-20,7, respectivamente). Conclusion Los niveles circulantes de MCP-1 y VEGF-A se asociaron a adiposidad, los niveles de sVCAM-1 a la presencia de glucosa alterada, sE-selectina a c-HDL bajo, mientras que los niveles de sICAM-1 y sVE-cadherina se asociaron a presion arterial sistolica alterada en adultos jovenes, independientemente de otros factores tradicionales de riesgo cardiovascular.

The use of monoclonal antibodies for the detection of cellular biomarkers during carcinogenesis provides new strategies for cancer diagnosis or prognosis in patients. Loss of the Restrictive Element 1-Silencing Transcription (REST) factor has been observed in previous molecular and immunological approaches in aggressive breast cancer, small cell lung cancer, liver carcinoma, and colo-rectal cancer; however, for clinic diagnosis, monoclonal antibodies for REST recognition are unavailable. The goal of this work was to design, produce and characterize monoclonal antibodies against the REST DNA binding damain (DBD) that would be suitable for immunoassays. We searched for conserved domains, and immunogenic and antigenic sites in the REST structure via in silico analysis. For mice immunization, we used a recombinant REST DBD purified by affinity chromatography, and then Hybridomas were generated by mouse spleen fusion with myeloma cells. Finally, for monoclonal antibody characterization, we performed enzyme-linked immunosorbent (ELISA), western blot, dot blot, immunocytochemistry (ICC) and immunoprecipitation assays. Results showed that the DBD is conserved in REST isoforms and contains immunogenic and antigenic sites. We generated three clones producing monoclonal antibodies against REST DBD, one of them specifically recognized native REST and was suitable for ICC in samples from patients.

Background The repressor element 1-silencing transcription factor (REST) is a regulator of gene expression, and the Ras association domain family member 1 A (RASSF1A) is an important tumor suppressor gene involved in cancer development. Although extensive characterization of the roles of REST and RASSF1A in cancer development have been reported in cellular models, the link between them and their possible role in the development of squamous intraepithelial lesions (SIL) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the cervix have not been explored. The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression of REST and RASSF1A in cervical cytological and histological samples from patients diagnosed with SIL or SCC and in CC-derived cell lines. Materials and methods We analyzed the expression of REST and RASSF1A by immunocyto/histochemistry in cervical samples from patients (n = 271) and in cancer cell lines. Data analyses were performed using the Kruskal–Wallis test and generalized linear models. Results We identified binding sites for REST in RASSF1A and observed a significant reduction in REST and RASSF1A nuclear expression in samples from patients with high-grade SIL (HSIL) and SCC. For REST, we observed an average decrease of 334 and 423 r.u.d. for HSIL (n = 21) and SCC (n = 18) compared with non-LSIL (n = 72), whereas for RASSF1A, this decrease was 126 and 217 r.u.d., respectively (p Conclusion Our results provide evidence of the altered expression of REST and RASSF1A in SIL and SCC, with a significant decrease in HSIL, SCC, and SCC-derived cell lines; findings that can contribute to the diagnosis, prognosis, and post-treatment follow-up of patients diagnosed with SIL or SCC.

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a combination of metabolic disorders associated with an increased risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Studies in women reported associations between polymorphisms in ESR1, LPL and CETP genes and MetS. Our aim was to evaluate the association between variants in ESR1, LPL and CETP genes with MetS and its components. Four hundred and eighty women were analyzed, anthropometric features and biochemical profiles were evaluated, and genotyping was performed by real-time PCR. We found an association with elevated glucose levels (odds ratio (OR) = 2.9, p = 0.013) in carrying the AA genotype of rs1884051 in the ESR1 gene compared with the GG genotype, and the CC genotype of rs328 in the LPL gene was associated with MetS compared to the CG or GG genotype (OR = 2.8, p = 0.04). Moreover, the GA genotype of rs708272 in the CETP gene is associated with MetS compared to the GG or AA genotype (OR = 1.8, p = 0.006). In addition the ACTCCG haplotype in the ESR1 gene is associated with a decrease in the risk of MetS (OR = 0.02, p &lt, 0.001). In conclusion, our results show the involvement of the variants of ESR1, LPL and CETP genes in metabolic events related to MetS or some of its features.

Variantes genéticas se han relacionado con enfermedades de rasgos complejos y factores de riesgo asociados a éstas. El propósito de este estudio fue evaluar la asociación entre diversos polimorfismos de un solo nucleótido (SNP, por sus siglas en inglés) con el síndrome metabólico (SM) y con el índice aterogénico de plasma (IAP). Se estudiaron mujeres guerrerenses, a quienes se les realizaron mediciones somatométricas, biomarcadores sanguíneos y se identificaron SNP en siete genes por reacción en cadena de la polimerasa (PCR, por sus siglas en inglés) en tiempo real. Se observó disminución de adiponectina en mujeres con SM y con el mayor riesgo aterogénico, y se encontraron asociaciones entre apoproteina E (APOE) con niveles elevados de lipoproteínas de baja densidad (LDL, por sus siglas en inglés) y triglicéridos, del SNP rs1501299 con el IAP, de los genotipos AA/rs708272 y GG/rs1884051, con los niveles altos de LDL, y del genotipo AA/rs854560 con LDL y con la actividad paraoxonasa. Los resultados indican que biomarcadores sanguíneos y genéticos pudiesen estar implicados en alteraciones metabólicas y, por tanto, incrementar el riesgo individual del desarrollo de enfermedades.

Milk and dairy foods have frequently been implicated in staphylococcal food poisoning, and contaminated raw milk is often involved. The aim of the study was to determine the occurrence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in raw cow milk cheese produced in Mexico. A total of 78 unpasteurized cow milk cheese samples were screened for S. aureus. The isolates were identified as S. aureus based on morphology, Gram stain, catalase test, coagulase test, and mannitol salt agar fermentation. Isolates were subjected to biotyping, the methicillin resistance was analyzed using the disk diffusion, and the Staphylococcus enterotoxin A (SEA) production was examined by a dot-blot analysis. From a total of 78 samples of unpasteurized cheeses analyzed in this study, 44 cheeses were positive for S. aureus; however, a differential contamination between the different types of cheeses was observed, with high risk of contamination in adobero cheese (12, 95% CI 1.75 to 94.20; p=0.002). In this study, the frequency of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was 18.1% (8/44) and of enterotoxin A producers was 18.1% (8/44). When classified by biotypes, MRSA only belongs to the human ecovar biotype (2/8, 25%) and the D biotype (4/8, 50%). S. aureus producers of enterotoxin A were distributed in specific nonhost biotypes.

Introduction Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most common vaginal infection among women around the world, characterised by the replacement of the normal vaginal microbiota by anaerobic bacteria, mainly G. vaginalis a Gram negative coccobacillus that is isolated in up to 98% of the cases. This bacterium is classified into eight biotypes and has several virulence factors such as the production of biofilm and phospholipase C (PLC) that are associated with gineco-obstetric complications. Therefore, it is necessary to evaluate the relationship between biotypes and virulence factors with BV, which was the main objective of this study. Methods 250 samples of vaginal swab were analysed; the samples were inoculated on Columbia agar for the isolation of G. vaginalis . We use Amsel and Nugent criteria for the classification of vaginal flora and for the diagnosis of BV. For biotyping, we use Piot et al 1984 classification (hydrolysis of hippurate, β-galactosidase and lipase). Biofilm production was performed in 96-well plates and the results were classified as non-producing ( 0.2). We measured PLC production on skim milk agar. Results We isolated G. vaginalis in 75% (187) of the samples, of wich 15% (37) were associated with BV whereas 60% (150) with normal flora. We identify biotypes 1 (19%), 2 (8%), 5 (16%) and 6 (57%) in BV cases, whereas in normal flora we identify the same biotypes at different frequency [1 (22%), 2 (11%), 5 (21%) and 6 (46%)]. We observed PLC production in 22% of the cases associated with BV and at 27% in normal flora. We observed that 76% of strains associated with BV were non-producers, 19% were moderate and 5% were abundant, whereas in the normal flora group was 66%, 26% and 8%, respectively. Conclusion: G. vaginalis was isolated in 75% of the samples (15% associated with BV and 60% in normal flora). We identified biotypes 1, 2, 5 and 6 of G. vaginalis ; the production of PLC and biofilm was similar in both study groups. We couldn’t associate biotypes and virulence factors with BV.

Obesity is associated with a state of chronic low-grade inflammation. Ge- nerally, there are significant correlations between body mass index and increased C-reactive protein levels. We investigated the relationship of high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) levels with body adiposity distribution and blood cell count in obese children. A cross-sec- tional study was performed in 225 Mexican children. In the study were included 106 obese and 119 normal-weight children, aged 6-13 years old. The body composition was evaluated by BMI, body circumferences and skinfold thickness. hsCRP levels and hematological para- meters were analyzed in all children. The hsCRP levels were higher in obese children than in the control group (1.5 and 0.41 mg/L respectively, P0.001). Interestingly, hsCRP levels3 mg/L were associated with the increase of circumferences of the waist, hip and arms (ORs= 9.08, 6.78 and 8.73, respectively, P0.001), and,a higher thickness of triceps, subscapular and suprailiac skinfolds (ORs= 4.73, 6.39 and 5.26, respectively, P=0.001), as well as a higher leukocyte and platelet counts. The data suggest that hsCRP levels are associated with skinfold thickness and body circumferences, and a moderate relationship was found with leukocyte and Dlatelet counts in the studied children.

Squamous cervical carcinoma (SCC) is the most common cancer found in Mexican women. Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is a prerequisite for this disease. In Mexico little is known about the prevalence of HPV-types and knowledge of the circulating genotypes by region is limited. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and genotypes of HPV in biopsies from women with intraepithelial lesions and SCC. A total of 211 cervical biopsies were studied. Histopathological analysis was done and HPV DNA was detected by PCR using MY09/MY11 (MY-PCR) and GP5+/GP6+ (GP+PCR) primers. Viral type was determined by RFLP's or sequencing. Tissues were classified as low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL) in 123 cases, high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSL) in 40 and SCC in 48. Prevalence of HPV was 55.3% in LSIL, 65% in HSIL and 91.7% in SCC by MY-PCR. These percentages increased to 83, 77.5 and 100%, respectively, when HPV-negative samples were analyzed by GP+PCR. In 138 of 211 samples (65.4%), HPV was detected by MY-PCR and 43 (20.4%) were positive by GP+PCR. In 166 (91.7%) of 181 infections high risk HPV-types were found. Twelve genotypes were detected (16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, 58, 59, 61, 66, 70, 81). Prevalence of HPV 16 in LSIL, HSIL and SCC, were 70.6, 54.8 and 70.8%, respectively and it was the most common type in all cases (67.9%). A significantly higher number of positive samples were detected with MY-PCR and GP+PCR. The high prevalence of HPV infection with high-risk types, especially HPV16, among Mexican women with SIL and SCC, has important implications in the treatment and prophylaxis.

Introduction Inflammation and endothelial dysfunction are considered the primary manifestations of the cardiovascular disease. Studies have established a relationship among components of metabolic syndrome (MetS) with inflammatory markers and the loss of permeability, vasoconstriction and vasodilatation endothelial. Objective To determine the relationship among the concentrations of soluble endothelial dysfunction molecules and inflammation cytokines and components of the metabolic syndrome in young population. Material and methods A study was performed in 240 young adult students ages 18–28 years. To define the presence of clinical and metabolic alterations and MetS the modified ATP-III criteria was considered. In all subjects were determined sociodemographic characteristics, anthropometric measures and the metabolic profile. Circulating levels of MCP-1, VEGF-A, sICAM-1, sVCAM-1, sE-selectin and sVE-cadherin were determined by ELISA immunoassay (Bioscience). Statistical analysis was performed using STATA statistical software v. 9.2. Results From all the participants, 44.6% had obesity, 59.9% had abdominal obesity, 49.6% low HDL-c and 16.7% high levels triglycerids. The 16.25% of the population showed 3 or more components of the MetS. Elevated MCP-1, sICAM-1 and sE-selectin levels were linked to the presence of obesity. In a model adjusted by age–gender, high soluble levels of MCP-1 and VEGF-A were linked with abdominal obesity (OR = 1.83; 1.02–3.28 and OR = 2.03; 1.15–3.56, respectively), as well as to the presence of the 2 components of MetS. sVCAM-1 levels were associated with impaired glucose (OR = 4.74; 1.32–17.0); sE-selectin with low HDL-c (OR = 1.99; 1.05–3.75), although sICAM-1 and sVE-cadherin were associated with impaired systolic blood pressure (OR = 4.04; 1.24–13.1 and OR = 6.28; 1.90–20.7, respectively). Conclusion Levels of circulating MCP-1 and VEGF-A were associated with adiposity, levels of sVCAM-1 with the presence of impaired glucose, sE-selectin with low HDL-c, while the levels of sICAM-1 and sVE-cadherin were associated with impaired systolic blood pressure in young adults independently of other traditional risk factors.

Background and objective Childhood obesity is considered the main risk factor for the development of metabolic syndrome (MetS) during childhood, adolescence and adulthood. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of MetS components and its main defining combinations in a sample of school children with and without obesity. Patients and methods A total of 225 children aged 6–12 years, 106 obese and 119 with normal weight were included. MetS was defined by the presence of 3 or more of the following: obesity as a body mass index ≥ 95th percentile, fasting glucose ≥ 100 mg/dl, triglycerides ≥ 150 mg/dl, high density lipoproteins cholesterol (HDL-c) Results We found MetS components in both groups. Most frequent abnormalities in the obese group included increased levels of HDL-c, triglycerides, fasting glucose and total cholesterol, while increased levels of glucose and total cholesterol, and lower HDL-c levels predominated in the normal weight group. The prevalence of MetS in the obese group was 44.3% and, in normal weight children, it was 0.84%. The 3 main components that defined the MetS in the obese group were obesity/triglycerides/HDL-c (34.0%), obesity/glucose/triglycerides/HDL-c (29.8%) and obesity/glucose/HDL-c (14.9%), while the only combination observed in the normal weight group was glucose/HDL-c/triglycerides. Conclusion A percentage of 44.3 of obese school children had MetS, and dyslipidemia showed to be strong determinants of MetS. Although the prevalence of MetS was low in children with normal weight, one third of them showed one of the components of MetS.

Objective. We evaluated the association between four polymorphisms in theCRPgene with circulating levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), type 2 diabetes (T2D), obesity, and risk score of coronary heart disease.Methods. We studied 402 individuals and classified them into four groups: healthy, obese, T2D obese, and T2D without obesity, from Guerrero, Southwestern Mexico. Blood levels of CRP, glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, and leukocytes were measured. Genotyping was performed by PCR/RFLP, and the risk score for coronary heart disease was determined by the Framingham's methodology.Results. The TT genotype of SNP rs1130864 was associated with increased body mass index and T2D patients with obesity. We found that the haplotype 2 (TGAG) was associated with increased levels of CRP (β=0.3; 95%CI: 0.1, 0.5;P=0.005) and haplotype 7 (TGGG) with higher body mass index (BMI) (β=0.2; 95%CI: 0.1, 0.3;P<0.001). The risk score for coronary heart disease was associated with increased levels of CRP, but not with any polymorphism or haplotype.Conclusions. The association between the TT genotype of SNP rs1130864 with obesity and the haplotype 7 with BMI may explain how obesity and genetic predisposition increase the risk of diseases such as T2D in the population of Southwestern Mexico.

Objective. This study was to establish the frequency of HPV infection and which HPV types are circulating in women with cervical cancer (CC), with squamous intraepithelial lesions (SIL), and with no intraepithelial lesion (non-IL) from the State of Guerrero in Southern Mexico. Additionally, we investigated the frequency and distribution of HPV 16 intratypic variants found in this population. Methods. This cross-sectional study was conducted in 4150 women who attended five public health centers seeking cytological screening or for gynecological complaints. Pap smears or biopsies, as appropriate, were obtained for cytological and/or histological diagnosis. HPV detection was done by MY09/11 and GP5+/GP6+ PCR systems and typing by restriction fragment length polymorphism or DNA sequencing. HPV 16 variants were also analyzed. Results. HPV was found in 100% of CC, 83.5% in HSIL, 94.5% in LSIL, and 40.9% in non-IL. HR-HPV was the most frequent in all groups. HPV 16 was the most commonly identified HPV genotype in CC and HSIL. HPV 33 was the most frequent in LSIL and non-IL. The highest HPV prevalence was found in the youngest women, HR-HPV and HPV 16 were more frequent in women less than 25 years and more than 55 years of age. The HPV 16 variants E, AA-a and AA-c were found, AA-c was found only in CC. Conclusion. This study contributes to the knowledge of regional prevalence of HPV types in the whole spectrum of disease, which can be useful in the application of prophylactic vaccines against HPV and in the viral screening methods.