Abstract Chironomidae are aquatic insects that have become a model in laboratory tests to evaluate toxic effect of different pollutants. The use of chironomids as test organisms depends on standard protocols for the rearing under laboratory conditions and expanding knowledge on its biology. We standardize a culture of C. columbiensis and analyze its life cycle under laboratory conditions. The experiments were carried out with different treatments for water, temperature, and food. As a result, a protocol was proposed for the rearing of C. columbiensis under the following conditions: semi-soft and reconstituted water, shredded paper towels as a substrate, soft aeration, temperature of 22 ± 2°C, fed with 0.3 g TetraMin® twice a week and weekly renewal of 50% of the water. Under these conditions, the duration of the life cycle was 17-31 days, with a continuous growth of 1.16 to 14.05 mm in the larval stage and an average of 530 eggs per oviposition. In comparison with other species in the family, this study indicated that C. columbiensis is a species with a short life cycle, sensible to changing conditions (e.g., temperature and food), wide distribution, so is a good organism for being used in aquatic bioassays.

RESUMEN Objetivos Determinar relación entre hipotiroidismo y plaguicidas en sangre. Metodología Estudio de corte transversal, en agricultores y sus compañeros(as) permanentes en municipios productores de plátano y café. Se calculó muestra representativa. Se realizaron pruebas de función tiroidea, se utilizó un lector de ELISA Stat Fax 303/Plus, en una longitud de onda 450 nm. Se determinó la residualidad de plaguicidas organoclorados, se implementó un método de microextracción dispersiva en fase líquida (DLLME) asistida por sonicación, y se empleó cromatografía de gases con detector de micro captura de electrones (GC-µECD) para el análisis. Resultados Se incluyeron 819 participantes, 58,7% hombres y 41,3% mujeres; promedio de edad 48,1 años. Prevalencia de hipotiroidismo manifiesto 1,2% y de hipotiroidismo subclínico 6,7%, mayor prevalencia en personas mayores de 60 años (2,6% y 8,9% respectivamente). Se encontró asociación no causal de hipotiroidismo subclínico con plaguicidas organoclorados 4,4'-DDE (sig.0,006), Heptacloro (sig.0,04), y Endosulfán I (sig.0,02). Los anticuerpos antiperoxidasa (Anti TPO) ≥ 60 lU/ml se asociaron con h. subclínico, OR 2,6. Conclusiones La prevalencia de hipotiroidismo hallada es similar a lo referido en la literatura, es menor que en áreas urbanas; la prevalencia de hipotiroidismo subclínico es mayor y con riesgo de progresión a hipotiroidismo franco cuando se relaciona con Anti-TPO positivos, razón por la cual se requiere seguimiento en estos pacientes. Se asociaron a h. subclínico 3 plaguicidas organoclorados. Se recomienda tamizaje de TSH en personas de 40 y más años sobre todo si están expuestas a los agroquímicos mencionados.

ABSTRACT Objectives To establish the correlation between hypothyroidism and blood pesticide levels. Materials and Methods Cross-sectional study in agricultural workers and their permanent partners in plantain and coffee producing municipalities as reference population. A representative sample was estimated and thyroid function tests were performed using ELISA Stat Fax 303/Plus reader, at a wavelength of 450 nm. Organochlorine pesticide residuality was determined, a dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction (DLLME) assisted by sonication was implemented, and a gas chromatography-micro-electron capture detector (GC-pECD) was used for the analysis. Results 819 participants, 58.7% men and 41.3% women were included; their average age was 48.1 years. Prevalence of symptomatic hypothyroidism (1.2%) and subclinical hypothyroidism (6.7%) was observed, with a higher prevalence in people older than 60 years (2.6% and 8.9%, respectively). Non-causal association was found between subclinical hypothyroidism and the organochlorine pesticides 4,4'-DDE (sig.0,006), Heptachlor (sig.0,04), and Endosulfan I (sig.0,02). Antiperoxidase (Anti TPO) antibodies ≥60 lU/ml were associated with subclinical hypothyroidism (OR 2.6). Conclusions The prevalence of hypothyroidism in the studied population is similar to that reported in the literature, and lower than in urban areas. In turn, the prevalence of subclinical hypothyroidism is higher and positive anti-TPO values are related to risk of progression to frank hypothyroidism, which is why follow-up is required in these patients. Three organochlorine pesticides were associated with subclinical hypothyroidism. TSH screening is recommended in people aged 40 and over, especially if they are exposed to the aforementioned agrochemicals.

ABSTRACT Objectives To establish the correlation between hypothyroidism and blood pesticide levels. Materials and Methods Cross-sectional study in agricultural workers and their permanent partners in plantain and coffee producing municipalities as reference population. A representative sample was estimated and thyroid function tests were performed using ELISA Stat Fax 303/Plus reader, at a wavelength of 450 nm. Organochlorine pesticide residuality was determined, a dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction (DLLME) assisted by sonication was implemented, and a gas chromatography-micro-electron capture detector (GC-pECD) was used for the analysis. Results 819 participants, 58.7% men and 41.3% women were included; their average age was 48.1 years. Prevalence of symptomatic hypothyroidism (1.2%) and subclinical hypothyroidism (6.7%) was observed, with a higher prevalence in people older than 60 years (2.6% and 8.9%, respectively). Non-causal association was found between subclinical hypothyroidism and the organochlorine pesticides 4,4'-DDE (sig.0,006), Heptachlor (sig.0,04), and Endosulfan I (sig.0,02). Antiperoxidase (Anti TPO) antibodies ≥60 lU/ml were associated with subclinical hypothyroidism (OR 2.6). Conclusions The prevalence of hypothyroidism in the studied population is similar to that reported in the literature, and lower than in urban areas. In turn, the prevalence of subclinical hypothyroidism is higher and positive anti-TPO values are related to risk of progression to frank hypothyroidism, which is why follow-up is required in these patients. Three organochlorine pesticides were associated with subclinical hypothyroidism. TSH screening is recommended in people aged 40 and over, especially if they are exposed to the aforementioned agrochemicals.

RESUMEN Objetivos Determinar relación entre hipotiroidismo y plaguicidas en sangre. Metodología Estudio de corte transversal, en agricultores y sus compañeros(as) permanentes en municipios productores de plátano y café. Se calculó muestra representativa. Se realizaron pruebas de función tiroidea, se utilizó un lector de ELISA Stat Fax 303/Plus, en una longitud de onda 450 nm. Se determinó la residualidad de plaguicidas organoclorados, se implementó un método de microextracción dispersiva en fase líquida (DLLME) asistida por sonicación, y se empleó cromatografía de gases con detector de micro captura de electrones (GC-µECD) para el análisis. Resultados Se incluyeron 819 participantes, 58,7% hombres y 41,3% mujeres; promedio de edad 48,1 años. Prevalencia de hipotiroidismo manifiesto 1,2% y de hipotiroidismo subclínico 6,7%, mayor prevalencia en personas mayores de 60 años (2,6% y 8,9% respectivamente). Se encontró asociación no causal de hipotiroidismo subclínico con plaguicidas organoclorados 4,4'-DDE (sig.0,006), Heptacloro (sig.0,04), y Endosulfán I (sig.0,02). Los anticuerpos antiperoxidasa (Anti TPO) ≥ 60 lU/ml se asociaron con h. subclínico, OR 2,6. Conclusiones La prevalencia de hipotiroidismo hallada es similar a lo referido en la literatura, es menor que en áreas urbanas; la prevalencia de hipotiroidismo subclínico es mayor y con riesgo de progresión a hipotiroidismo franco cuando se relaciona con Anti-TPO positivos, razón por la cual se requiere seguimiento en estos pacientes. Se asociaron a h. subclínico 3 plaguicidas organoclorados. Se recomienda tamizaje de TSH en personas de 40 y más años sobre todo si están expuestas a los agroquímicos mencionados.

En la reserva de la Central Hidroeléctrica de Caldas (CHEC) se comparó la diversidad y densidad de de macroinvertebrados edáficos de las plantaciones en regeneración de urapán (Fraxinus chinensis) (PU) y eucalipto (Eucalyptus grandis) (PE) y un bosque secundario. Se realizaron dos muestreos entre enero y junio de 2011 al final de la época de lluvias, estableciéndose en cada uno de los sitios tres transectos lineales de 40 m, en los cuales se sacaron cinco monolitos de acuerdo al protocolo del "Tropical Soil Biology and Fertility". Los macroinvertebrados fueron extraídos in situ, se evaluó la estructura vegetal y se hizo análisis de fertilidad del suelo. Se encontró que la mayor densidad de los organismos colectados fue del phylum Arthropoda, dentro del cual la clase Insecta fue la que presentó la mayor (65,1%) densidad y la menor fue para Adenophorea del phylum Nematoda (0,3%). Después de realizar la prueba de Dunnett no se encontraron diferencias significativas en la diversidad (p = 0,5 y 0,4) y la densidad (p = 0,8 y 0,4) entre las plantaciones. El análisis de componentes principales (ACP) indicó que solo la plantación de eucalipto presentó correlaciones positivas entre la densidad de macroinvertebrados y variables como el área basal y el diámetro a la altura del pecho, y que en los tres sitios la diversidad de Hill se correlacionó positivamente con los contenidos de K, Ca, Mg, M.O y N. Se concluye que ambas plantaciones presentan similar heterogeneidad por lo que se asemejan al bosque secundario, lo que se reflejó en la diversidad y densidad de los macroinvertebrados.

The influence of regenerating plantations of Urapán (PU) and Eucalyptus (PE) was assessed on macroinvertebrate edaphic diversity and density in comparing to secondary forest in the Hydroelectric Caldas (CHEC) Nature Reserve. Two samplings were performed at the end of the rainy season. At each site were established three linear transects of 40 m, in which five monoliths were extracted according to protocol of "Tropical Soil Biology and Fertility". The macroinvertebrates were extracted in situ and the same time was evaluated vegetal structure and was analyzed the fertility of soil. The highest density of organisms collected was the phylum Arthropoda, in which the class Insecta was the one with the highest percentage (65.1%) and the lowest was Adenophorea the phylum Nematoda (0.3%). Dunnett's test showed that no significant differences in diversity (p = 0.5 and 0.4) and density (p = 0.8 and 0.4) between the plantations. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) indicated that only eucalyptus plantation showed a positive correlation between the density of macroinvertebrates and variables such as basal area and diameter at breast-height, and that in all three sites was positively correlated the diversity index of Hill with the contents of K, Ca, Mg, MO and N. We conclude that both plantations have similarly heterogeneity so resembling secondary forest, which was reflected in the diversity and density of soil macroinvertebrates.

Se evaluó la variación espacio-temporal de la comunidad de algas perifíticas y su relación con los diferentes tipos de contaminación antropogénica y natural a lo largo de la quebrada Tolda Fría-La María. Se realizaron cuatro muestreos en periodo lluvioso, lluvia menor y seco-transición lluvia en cinco estaciones: Bocatoma (E1), Ganadería (E2) y Caserío Gallinazo (E5) con impacto antrópico, y las estaciones Romerales (E3) y Termales (E4) con impacto natural. Se encontró que la relación entre la comunidad de algas perifíticas y el gradiente fisicoquímico varío espacialmente en la quebrada, presentando cambios notables en la composición, abundancia relativa, diversidad y densidad de morfoespecies, donde las estaciones E4 y E5 (las de mayor contaminación) mostraron mayor dominancia y menor densidad de morfoespecies. Dichas variaciones fueron explicadas en un 69% por las variables fisicoquímicas como los metales pesados, nutrientes, iones y las variables hidrológicas, siendo los minerales de las aguas termales los que produjeron un mayor impacto en el área de estudio, evidenciado en la conductividad. Además, la riqueza, diversidad y composición de algas perifíticas registradas, en conjunto con los resultados de las propiedades fisicoquímicas establecen que la calidad del agua de la quebrada Tolda Fría-La María fue mejor en las estaciones E1, E2 y E3.

The spatial and temporal variation of the periphytic algal community and its relation to the different types of natural and anthropogenic pollution along the ToldaFría-La María creek was evaluated. Four samplings were conducted during the rainy season, lesser rain season, and dry-rain transition period, infive stations:Bocatoma (E1), Ganadería (E2) and Caserío Gallinazo (E5) which have human impact, and Romerales (E3) and Termales (E4) which have natural impact. It was found that the relationship between periphytic algae community and physicochemical gradient varied spatially in the creek showing noticeable changes in composition, relative abundance, diversity and density of morphospecies where stations E4 and E5 (the most contaminated) showed more dominance and less density of morphospecies. These variations were explained in a 69% because of physicochemical variables such as heavy metals, nutrients, ions and hydrological variables being minerals in hot springs the ones producing a greater impact in the studied area which was evidenced in conductivity. Besides, richness, diversity and composition of periphytic algae in conjunction with the results of the physicochemical properties establish that the quality of water in the Tolda Fría-La María creek was better in stations E1, E2 and E3.

"Se evaluó la bioecología de la Cigua o Burgao (Cittarium pica) en el Darién Caribe colombiano, realizando muestreos mensuales durante un año en cuatro estaciones ubicadas en el litoral rocoso de los corregimientos de Capurganá y Sapzurro en el municipio de Acandí. Se registraron variables fisicoquímicas, densidad y distribución por tallas del gasterópodo, adicionalmente se colectaron cinco individuos para determinar el estado reproductivo, proporción de sexos y talla mínima de madurez sexual. Se encontró que la abundancia está relacionada positivamente con el gradiente de salinidad, la densidad promedio fue de 5.4 ± 6 individuos/m², la mayoría de los individuos presentan tallas pequeñas y el máximo tamaño fue de 79 mm de amplitud de concha. Cittarium pica se reprodujo continuamente, con un pico de desove en septiembre (época húmeda) y la población presentó una proporción de sexos 1:1 con una talla mínima de madurez sexual de 29 mm. La población estudiada es afectada por factores naturales como eventuales aportes de agua dulce. Además, presenta evidencia de sobreexplotación, ya que se encontraron pocos individuos de tallas grandes. Adicionalmente, en septiembre y octubre época en la cual se presenta el mayor desove de C. pica, se celebra el Festival de la Cigua (fiesta tradicional en Capurganá) el cual produce una mayor pesca de este caracol para su consumo y comercialización".

The bioecology of West Indian topshell (Cittarium pica) was studied in the Colombian Caribbean Darien, sampled monthly for a year at four stations located on the rocky coastline of Capurganá and Sapzurro in the municipality of Acandí. Physicochemical variables were recorded, density and size distribution in the gastropod. Additionally, five individuals were collected to determine the reproductive state, proportion of sexes and minimal sexual maturity size. It was found that the abundance is positively related to the salinity gradient; the average density was 5.4 ± 6 individuals/m². The majority of individuals were classified in the smallest sizes being 79 mm shell width the maximum size. C. pica reproduced continually with a spawning peak in September (wet season). The population showed a normal sex proportion (1:1) and a minimum sexual maturity of 29 mm. The population studied is affected by natural factor such as temporary freshwater inputs. It also presents evidence of overexploitation as they found few individuals of large size. Additionally, in September and October time which present the largest spawning of C. pica, is celebrated The Cigua Festival (a traditional festivity in Capurganá) brings with itself a massive fishing of this snail for consumption and marketing.

Resumen. En los últimos años el área cultivada con aguacate en Colombia ha crecido notoriamente y se espera que esta tendencia continúe en los próximos años. Sin embargo, muchos de los suelos de la zona andina utilizados para su siembra exhiben fuerte acidez y niveles deficientes de varios nutrientes, particularmente fósforo (P). Para corregir este problema se hacen aplicaciones de cales y fertilizantes fosfóricos solubles, en mucho casos las dosis aplicadas son altas. Esto eleva innecesariamente los costos de producción, crea desbalance nutricional en la planta y genera riesgos de contaminación ambiental. Una alternativa biotecnológica es el uso de microorganismos solubilizadores de fosfato (PSM) y hongos formadores de micorriza-arbuscular (AMF). En este trabajo se describe el aislamiento, caracterización y evaluación de la efectividad de AMF y PSM para mejorar la absorción de P por las plantas de aguacate. La asociación micorrizal ha probado ser una alternativa factible de implementar; sin embargo, el excesivo uso de fertilizantes fosfóricos puede limitar los beneficios de estos hongos en las plantas de aguacate. Hasta ahora no se han detectado PSM efectivos en la rizosfera de aguacate. En algunos casos, estos microorganismos están ausentes en la rizosfera del aguacate, y en otras circunstancias la baja capacidad para solubilizar P desestimula su uso en el cultivo.

Abstract. In recent years the area cultivated with avocado has increased significantly in Colombia and this trend is expected to continue in the coming years. However, most of the soils in the highlands of the Colombian Andean, that have been used to grow avocado, are strongly acidic and nutrient deficient, particularly phosphorus (P). To alleviate these problems, high rates of lime and P fertilizers are frequently applied, in many cases the applied dose are excessive. This increases production costs, produces plant nutrient imbalance in the plant, and increases the risk of polluting surface waters. A biotechnological alternative is the combined use of phosphate solubilizing microorganisms (PSM) and arbuscular mycorhizal fungi (AMF). This work describes a series of experiments carried out to isolate, characterize, and evaluate the effectiveness of AMF and PSM in increasing plant growth and P uptake of avocado plants. The results indicate that the mycorrhizal association is an effective alternative that can easily be established in the crops; however, the excessive use of P fertilizer in these soils may limit the benefits of these fungi on avocado plants. Currently, effective PSM of avocado rhizosphere have not been detected. In some cases, these microorganisms are absent in the avocado rhizosphere and in other cases their low capacity to solubilize P discourage their use in the crop.

Introducción. El soporte nutricional genera complicaciones que deben detectarse y tratarse oportunamente. Objetivo. Estimar la incidencia de algunas complicaciones del soporte nutricional en pacientes hospitalizados en salas generales que recibieron soporte nutricional en seis instituciones de alta complejidad. Métodos. Estudio multicéntrico, descriptivo, prospectivo en pacientes que recibieron soporte nutricional. Las variables estudiadas fueron diagnóstico médico, estado nutricional, duración del soporte, vía de acceso, tipo de fórmula y ocho complicaciones. Resultados. Se evaluaron 277 pacientes; 83% recibieron nutrición enteral y 17% parenteral. El 69,3% presentaron al ingreso riesgo de malnutrición o malnutrición severa. El 35,4% que recibieron nutrición enteral y el 39,6 % de los que recibieron parenteral presentaron complicaciones, sin diferencia significativa por tipo de soporte (p = 0,363). Para la nutrición enteral, la complicación más incidente fue el retiro de sonda (14%) seguida de la diarrea (8,3%); se encontró asociación de la duración del soporte con la diarrea, estreñimiento y retiro de sonda (p < 0,05). Para la nutrición parenteral, la hiperglicemia fue la complicación de mayor incidencia (22,9%) seguida por la hipofosfatemia (12,5%); todas las complicaciones se asociaron con la duración del soporte (p < 0,05); en el 24,2% de los pacientes fue suspendido el soporte. Conclusiones. Las complicaciones del soporte nutricional en pacientes de salas fueron frecuentes, mayor incidencia el retiro de sonda y la hiperglicemia. La duración mostró asociación con las complicaciones. La aplicación estricta de los protocolos podría disminuir el riesgo de las complicaciones y potenciar los beneficios del soporte nutricional.

Introduction: Nutritional support generates complications that must be detected and treated on time. Objective: To estimate the incidence of some complications of nutritional support in patients admitted to general hospital wards who received nutritional support in six high-complexity institutions. Methods: Prospective, descriptive and multicentric study in patients with nutritional support; the variables studied were medical diagnosis, nutritional condition, nutritional support duration, approach, kind of formula, and eight complications. Results: A total of 277 patients were evaluated; 83% received enteral nutrition and 17% received parenteral nutrition. Some 69.3% presented risk of malnourishment or severe malnourishment at admittance. About 35.4% of those receiving enteral nutrition and 39.6% of the ones who received parenteral nutrition had complications; no significant difference per support was found (p = 0.363). For the enteral nutrition, the most significant complication was the removal of the catheter (14%), followed by diarrhea (8.3%); an association between the duration of the enteral support with diarrhea, constipation and removal of the catheter was found (p < 0.05). For parenteral nutrition, hyperglycemia was the complication of highest incidence (22.9%), followed by hypophosphatemia (12.5%); all complications were associated with the duration of the support (p < 0.05). Nutritional support was suspended in 24.2% of the patients. Conclusions: Complications with nutritional support in hospital-ward patients were frequent, with the removal of the catheter and hyperglycemia showing the highest incidence. Duration of the support was the variable that revealed an association with complications. Strict application of protocols could decrease the risk for complications and boost nutritional support benefits.

Este artículo describe una investigación realizada para determinar el efecto del contenido de materia extraña mineral y la presencia de jugo de caña en el desgaste de las mazas de acero en contacto con bagazo. Para ello se diseñó y construyó un prototipo basado en la máquina estándar ASTM G-65, en el cual se desgasta acero de bajo carbono, deslizándolo contra bagazo. Se realizaron pruebas con jugo de caña y sin jugo en el bagazo y se varió el contenido de materia extraña mineral. Como materia extraña, se utilizó sílice con un tamaño en el rango 0,212-0,300 mm. El desgaste se midió como la pérdida de peso de las probetas. Se utilizó microscopía electrónica de barrido para analizar las superficies desgastadas. Se encontró que el desgaste es más intenso en presencia de jugo, que produce corrosión sobre el acero. También el desgaste se incrementa con el contenido de materia extraña mineral. El principal mecanismo de desgaste observado en las superficies fue microdeformación plástica y microcorte por parte de las partículas de sílice.

This paper presents a study carried out to determine the effect of mineral extraneous matter and sugarcane juice on the wear of sugar cane rollers which get in contact with bagasse. A prototype based on the ASTM G-65 standard machine, whose low carbon steel is worn by sliding it against bagasse, was designed and built. Tests with and without juice in the bagasse were carried out. Additionally, the level of mineral extraneous matter was varied. Silica sized between 0.212 and 0.300 mm was used as mineral extraneous matter. Wear was measured in terms of the weight loss shown by the specimens. Scanning electron microscopy was used to analyze worn surfaces. It was found that wear is higher with juice, which causes steel to corrode. This also happens with the presence of mineral extraneous matter. The main wear mechanism observed on the worn surfaces was plastic microdeformation and micro-cutting due to the silica grains.

Este artigo descreve uma pesquisa realizada para determinar o efeito do conteúdo de matéria mineral estranha e a presença de caldo de cana no desgaste das maças de aço em bagaço com bagaço. Para isso foi desenhado e construído um protótipo baseado na máquina e padrão ASTM G-65, no qual se desgasta aço de baixo carbono, deslizando-o contra bagaço. Realizaram-se três testes com caldo de cana e sem caldo no bagaço e variou-se o conteúdo de matéria mineral estranha. Como matéria estranha, foi utilizada sílica com um tamanho dentro da faixa de 0,212-0,300 mm. O desgaste foi medido com a perda de peso das provetas. Utilizou-se microscopia eletrônica de varredura para analisar as superfícies desgastadas. Encontrou-se que o desgaste é mais intenso na presença de caldo, que produz corrosão sobre o aço. O desgaste também aumenta com o conteúdo de matéria mineral estranha. O principal mecanismo de desgaste observado nas superfícies foi microdeformação plástica e microcorte por parte das partículas de sílica.

Introducción. El polimorfismo de la apolipoproteína E (apoE) es un factor determinante genético de los niveles de colesterol total y colesterol LDL. Objetivo. Evaluar la relación del polimorfismo apoE con el perfil lipídico por edad y sexo en escolares quindianos de 8 a18 años. Materiales y métodos. Se utilizó la reacción en cadena de la polimerasa y enzimas de restricción para la genotipificación de apoE en 500 escolares de 8 a 18 años. Los lípidos sanguíneos se determinaron con estuches comerciales. Resultados. La frecuencia alélica fue: E3 (91,6%), E2 (5,3%) y E4 (3,1%); y la frecuencia genotípica: E3/E3 (90,8%), E2/E3 (5,6%) y E3/E4 (3,2%). No se encontraron homocigotos para E2/E2 y E4/E4. Se encontraron distribución genotípica y alélica similares para cada sexo. El genotipo apoE y el sexo tuvieron un efecto significativo sobre el colesterol total y el colesterol LDL. En niños, ambas variables se distribuyeron así: E4>E3>E2 (p<0,05); en niñas: E3>E4>E2; el colesterol LDL en niños fue: E2>E4>E3; y, en niñas: E4>E2>E3. En niños, el alelo con efecto protector fue el E2, en todas las variables; mientras que, en las niñas, este alelo fue protector sólo para el colesterol total y colesterol LDL; para triacilglicéridos y colesterol VLDL y altos niveles de colesterol LDL, el efecto protector estuvo en el E4 (p<0,05). Conclusión. Estos resultados sugieren una asociación entre el genotipo apoE y los lípidos plasmáticos de la población estudiada, influenciada por sexo y edad, especialmente, en niñas mayores de 10 años. Sin embargo, se necesita ampliar la población.

Introduction. Apolipoprotein E (apoE) polymorphism is a genetic determinant of total cholesterol and LDL-c levels. Several studies have examined the relationship between variations at the APO E and cardiovascular disease. It is important to determine this relationship in the Colombian population. Objectives. The relationship of apoE polymorphisms was associated with lipid profile by age and sex. Materials and methods. A sample of 500 children aged 8 to 18 years, were selected from school populations in Quindio Province, Colombia. ApoE genotypes were determined by polymerase chain reaction and restriction enzyme. Lipid profiles were obtained by commercial kits. Results. The apoE allele frequencies were as follows: E3 - 91.6%, E2 - 5.3, and E4 - 3.1%. Genotypic frequencies were as follows: E3/E3 - 90.8%, E2/E3 - 5.6%, and E3/E4 - 3.2%. No homozygotes for E2/E2 and E4/E4 were recovered. Similar genotypic and allelic distribution was found for each gender. ApoE genotype and gender had a significant effect on total serum cholesterol (CT) and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (c-LDL). In boys these variables were related as follows: E4>E3>E2 (p<0.05); in girls the relationships were somewhat changed (E3>E4>E2). High density lipoprotein cholesterol (c-HDL) levels in boys were related as follows: E2>E4>E3; for girls, E4>E2>E3. In boys, for all variables, the protector effect was in E2; but in girls this allele was only a protector for CT and c-LDL, For triacylglycerol (TAG), very low density lipoprotein cholesterol (c-VLDL) and c-HDL, this the protector effect was associated with the E4 allele, (p<0.05). Conclusion. The results suggested that modulation of apoE genotype on plasma lipids was influenced by gender and age, especially in girls older than 10 years.

OBJETIVO: Determinar a existência de associação entre os níveis plasmáticos de homocisteína, folato ou vitamina B12 e síndrome coronariana aguda em pacientes colombianos. MÉTODOS: Estudo caso-controle: foram 50 pacientes portadores de síndrome coronariana aguda e 50 pacientes ambulatoriais sem síndrome coronariana. Foram medidos os níveis de homocisteína, folato e vitamina B12 por meio de imunoensaio por quimioluminescência. Foram também medidos os níveis de colesterol e frações, triglicérides, uréia, creatinina, hemoglobina e hematócrito. RESULTADOS: As concentrações plasmáticas médias de homocisteína foram significativamente diferentes entre os casos (12,4 µmol/l ± 6,0) e os controles (9,7 µmol/l ± 2,4), p=0,01. Os níveis de ácido fólico dos casos foram menores que os dos controles (respectivamente 10,5 ng/ml ± 3,5 x 12,6 ng/ml ± 3,6; p=0,01). Foi observada relação inversa entre os níveis de folato e os de homocisteína. Não houve relação entre os níveis de vitamina B12 e os de homocisteína. Houve diferença significativa nos níveis de triglicérides entre os grupos caso e controle (respectivamente 136,91 ± 67,27 x 174,3 ± 77,6; p=0,01). A razão das chances para hiper-homocisteinemia na síndrome coronariana aguda foi de 4,45 (intervalo de confiança de 95%: 1,5 - 13,3). CONCLUSÃO: O presente estudo demonstrou associação significativa entre os níveis de homocisteína e síndrome coronariana aguda em pacientes colombianos semelhante à encontrada em populações européias e norte-americanas. Houve correlação negativa entre os níveis plasmáticos de homocisteína e os de folato. Não houve associação entre os níveis plasmáticos de homocisteína e os de vitamina B12.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the occurrence of association between homocysteine, folate, or vitamin B12 plasma levels and acute coronary syndrome in Colombian patients. METHODS: Case control study: cases were 50 patients with acute coronary syndrome and controls were 50 outpatients without coronary syndrome. Homocysteine, folate and vitamin B12 levels were determined by means of chemiluminescence immunoassay. Cholesterol and lipoproteins, triglycerides, BUN, creatinine, hemoglobin and hematocrit were also measured. RESULTS: Mean homocysteine plasma concentrations were significantly different between cases (12.4 µmol/l ± 6.0) and controls (9.7 µmol/l ± 2.4), p=0.01. The folic acid levels of the cases were lower than those of the control patients (10.5 ng/ml ± 3.5 vs 12.6 ng/ml ± 3.6, respectively, p=0.01). An inverse relationship was found between folate and homocysteine levels. No relationship was observed between vitamin B12 levels and homocysteine levels. There was a significant difference in triglyceride levels between case and control groups (136.91 ± 67.27 vs 174.3 ± 77.6, respectively, p=0.01). The odds ratio for hyperhomocysteinemia in acute coronary syndrome was 4.45 (95% confidence interval: 1.5 - 13.3). CONCLUSION: The present study found a significant association between homocysteine levels and acute coronary syndrome in Colombian patients, similarly to the European and North American populations. There was a negative correlation between homocysteine plasma levels and folate levels. No association between plasmatic levels of homocysteine and those of vitamin B12 was observed.

Introducción: El embarazo se acompaña de cambios en el metabolismo materno de las lipoproteínas para satisfacer las demandas nutricionales del feto. El objetivo de este trabajo fue determinar el comportamiento del perfil lipídico durante los diferentes trimestres en una población de gestantes colombianas. Metodología: el colesterol total, las lipoproteínas y los triglicéridos fueron estudiados en 422 mujeres durante los tres trimestres del embarazo. Colesterol, triglicéridos y lipoproteínas fueron medidos en suero por métodos enzimáticos. Resultados: Los triglicéridos (128,2 ± 85,8; 238,6 ± 130,2; 305,1 ± 168,7 mg/dL), el colesterol total (180,3 ± 70,8; 235,8 ± 72,5; 269.9 ± 107,5 mg/dL), las lipoproteínas de muy baja densidad (25,6 ± 17,2; 47,5 ± 25,8; 59,9 ± 31,7 mg/dL) y las lipoproteínas de baja densidad (123,8 ± 69,2; 158,3 ± 77,6; 185 ± 102,6 mg/dL). Las diferencias en las variables fueron estadísticamente significativas trimestre a trimestre (todos las p <0,001). Conclusiones: estos resultados muestran cambios metabólicos en el perfil lipídico durante el embarazo, los datos pueden ser de interés médico para hacer seguimiento a aquellas gestantes con perfil lipídico alterado, diabetes gestacional, hipertensión u otras enfermedades relacionadas.

Introduction: pregnancy is accompanied by changes in maternal lipoprotein metabolism which may serve for satisfying a foetus' nutritional demands. Objective: studying quarterly lipid profile patterns in pregnant Colombian women. Methods: total cholesterol, triglycerides and lipoproteins were investigated in this study in 422 healthy women during normal pregnancy in the first, second and third trimesters. Enzymatic methods were used for measuring cholesterol, triglycerides and lipoprotein concentrations in serum. Results: triglycerides (128.2 ± 85.8; 238.6 ± 130.2; 305.1 ± 168.7 mg/dL), cholesterol (180.3 ± 70.8; 235.8 ± 72.5; 269.9 ± 107.5 mg/dL), very low density (25.6 ± 17.2; 47.5 ± 25.8; 59.9 ± 31.7 mg/dL) and low density lipoprotein (123.8 ± 69.2; 158.3 ± 77.6; 185.0 ± 102.6 mg/dL), increased from trimester by trimester. High density lipoprotein decreased (31.0 ± 13.4; 30.0 ± 12.8; 25.8 ± 10.3 mg/dL); this difference was significant (p values <0,001). Conclusions: these results revealed metabolic changes in lipid profiles during pregnancy. This data will be used by physicians in following-up pregnant Colombian women who have an altered lipid profile, gestational diabetes, hypertension or other related diseases.