SUMMARY: One of the main genetic factors that influence the muscular performance is the gene that encodes the structural protein α-actinin-3 (ACTN3). The R577X polymorphism (rs1815739) of ACTN3 has been associated with indicators of muscle and physical performance in athletes and general population, but this has been scarcely described in the Latin American and Chilean population. Thus, the aim of the present study was to describe the genotypic frequency and allelic distribution of ACTN3 R577X genotypes in college athletes. A total of 129 unrelated Chilean college athletes representing various sport disciplines (weightlifting, handball, volleyball, rugby, basketball, soccer and futsal) were volunteered for the study. ACTN3 R577X gene polymorphism was analysed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP). For the total sample the genotypes distribution for R577X polymorphism was RR: 34.8 % (n=45), RX: 50.4 % (n=65), XX: 14.7 % (n=19), and the relative frequency of alleles was R: 0,601 and X: 0,399. Moreover, an association was found between genotype distribution (c2= 12.26; 2 df; p=0.002) and allele frequencies (c2= 11.02; 1 df; p=0.0009) with the sex of the participants. However, there were no associations when performing analysis by type of sports. These findings suggest that the R577X polymorphism of the ACTN3 gene is associated with sex in Chilean college athletes. Furthermore, these results describe in an unprecedented manner, the genotypic distribution and allelic frequency of this genetic variant in Chilean population, showing a similar distribution to other studies conducted in populations of athletes in Brazil, Russia, the United States and Turkey. However, it also shows differences with other general and athletes populations.

RESUMEN: Uno de los principales factores genéticos que influenciarían el rendimiento muscular humano es el gen ACTN3, que codifica la proteína estructural del sarcómero α-actinina-3. El polimorfismo R577X (rs1815739) del gen ACTN3 ha sido asociado con varios indicadores de rendimiento muscular y físico en deportistas y población general, pero este fenómeno ha sido escasamente descrito en poblaciones de Latinoamérica y Chile. Por lo tanto, el objetivo del presente estudio fue describir la frecuencia genotípica y distribución alélica de los genotipos de ACTN3 R577X en deportistas universitarios chilenos. 129 deportistas universitarios chilenos representantes de diferentes selecciones deportivas (halterofilia, balonmano, voleibol, rugby, basquetbol, futbol y futsal) participaron como voluntarios. Los análisis moleculares del polimorfismo R577X del gen ACTN3 fueron realizados mediante reacción en cadena de la polimerasa (PCR) y restricción enzimática (RFLP). La distribución de genotipos del polimorfismo ACTN3 R577X fue RR: 34,8 % (n=45), RX: 50,4 % (n=65), XX: 14,7 % (n=19), y la frecuencia relativa de alelos fue R: 0,601 y X: 0,399. Además, se encontró asociación entre distribución de genotipos (c2= 12,26; 2 gl; p=0,002) y frecuencia relativa de alelos (c2= 11.02; 1 gl; p=0.0009) con el sexo de los participantes. Sin embargo, no hubo asociación al realizar análisis por tipo de deporte practicado. Los hallazgos de la presente investigación sugieren que el polimorfismo R577X del gen ACTN3 está asociado con el sexo en deportistas universitarios chilenos. Además, estos resultados describen de forma inédita la distribución genotípica y frecuencia alélica de esta variante genética en población chilena, mostrando una distribución similar a otros estudios realizados en poblaciones de deportistas en Brasil, Rusia, Estados Unidos y Turquía. No obstante, también muestra diferencias con otras poblaciones generales y de deportistas.

ABSTRACT Objective Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is associated with hypertension, obesity and dyslipidemia. Thus, genetic variants related with these conditions may modulate its development. We evaluated the effect of polymorphisms in the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) on metabolic syndrome risk in a cohort of Chilean subjects. Subjects and methods A total of 152 subjects, 83 with MetS (51.2 ± 9.6 years) and 69 without MetS (49.5 ± 9.3 years) of both genders were included, according to the ATP III update criteria. The rs4340 Insertion/Deletion (I/D), rs699 (T>C) and rs5186 (A>C) of the ACE, AGT and AGTR1 genes, respectively, were genotyped. Results After adjusting for age and gender, we observed the DD genotype of rs4340 associated with MetS (p = 0.02). Specifically, the DD genotype was associated with MetS risk in women (OR = 4.62, 95%CI, 1.41 – 15.04; p < 0.01). In males, the AA genotype for rs5186 variant was associated with an increased risk for developing MetS when compared with women carrying the same genotype (OR = 3.2; 95%CI, 1.03 – 9.89; p = 0.04). In subjects without MetS, DD genotype was associated with increased waist circumference (p = 0.023) while subjects with MetS carrying the rs5186 TT genotype showed higher levels of HDL-cholesterol (p = 0.031). Conclusion The present study contributes data highlighting the role for RAS polymorphisms in predisposing to metabolic syndrome in Chilean subjects.

Propolis is a non-toxic natural substance with multiple pharmacological properties including anticancer, antioxidant, fungicidal, antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory among others. The aim of this study was to determine the chemical and botanical characterization of Chilean propolis samples and to evaluate their biological activity against the cariogenic bacteria Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sobrinus. Twenty propolis samples were obtained from beekeeping producers from the central and southern regions of Chile. The botanical profile was determined by palynological analysis. Total phenolic contents were determined using colorimetric assays. Reverse phase HPLC and HPLC-MS were used to determine the chemical composition. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined on S. mutans and S. sobrinus. All propolis samples were dominated by structures from native plant species. The characterization by HPLC/MS, evidenced the presence of quercetin, myricetin, kaempferol, rutine, pinocembrin, coumaric acid, caffeic acid and caffeic acid phenethyl ester, that have already been described in these propolis with conventional HPLC. Although all propolis samples inhibited the mutans streptococci growth, it was observed a wide spectrum of action (MIC 0.90 to 8.22 µgmL-1). Given that results it becomes increasingly evident the need of standardization procedures, where we combine both the determination of botanical and the chemical characterization of the extracts. Research conducted to date, describes a promising effectiveness of propolis in the prevention of caries and other diseases of the oral cavity, making it necessary to develop studies to identify and understand the therapeutic targets or mechanisms of molecular action of the various compounds present on them.

Background: Restrained eaters (RE) are a group of individuals who constantly restrict their eating. However, they usually alternate restriction with periods of overeating. Aim: To evaluate the possible association of CRF-BP and SLC6A4 gene polymorphisms with chronic alimentary restriction. Material and Methods: The Spanish version of the Revised Restraint Scale was applied to 132 women aged 18 to 25 years. They were divided in a group classified as restrained eaters (RE) and a group of unrestrained eaters. The 5-HTTLPR and CRF-BPs11 polymorphisms of the SLC6A4 and CRF-BP genes were evaluated by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP), respectively. Results: There was a significant association between the s/s homozygous genotype for the 5-HTTLPR polymorphism of SLC6A4 gene and RE condition (p = 0.033). However, this association was not observed for the CRF-BPs11 polymorphism. Conclusions: The presence of s/s genotype is associated with the RE condition, being the presence of a s allele, a risk factor for this condition.

Dental caries is an infectious disease of worldwide public health concern. Among the bacteria involved in this pathology are Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus sobrinus and organisms belonging to the genera Actinomyces and Lactobacillus. The pharmaceutical industry is focussing on the discovery of new antibacterial products after a greater resistance to those already known. Propolis has been used since ancient times, so their effects against various microorganisms have been already investigated. In our study, we evaluated the antimicrobial effect of 6 commercial ethanolic propolis extracts on the bacterium Lactobacillus fermentum. This bacterium was isolated after its identification by Polymerase Chain Reaction using species specific primers, and after growing microbiological samples from cavities of patients diagnosed with dental caries and with indication of tooth extraction. L. fermentum was detected in 9 of 40 patients, corresponding to 22%. The susceptibility study, carried out by microplate dilution, found antimicrobial activity in four of the six ethanolic extract of propolis used. These differ in the effective concentration against the microorganism, which can be attributed to factors such as the botanical origin, geographic location and harvest season. Among the results, it was noticed that these polyphenols showed concentrations ranging between 9 ± 0.3 and 85 ±2.1 mg/mL. The chromatographic analysis allowed the identification of caffeic acid, myricetin, quercetin, kaempherol, apigenin, pinocembrin, galangin and caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE). Our study demonstrates the antimicrobial action of propolis on L. fermentum, the patogen related to caries development.

La caries dental es una de las enfermedades infecciosas más prevalentes en el mundo. Entre las bacterias involucradas en esta patología se encuentran Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus sobrinus, Actinomyces spp. y Lactobacillus spp. La industria farmacéutica ha volcado sus esfuerzos al descubrimiento de nuevos productos antibacterianos ante el aumento de resistencia a los ya conocidos. El propóleos se ha utilizado como tal, desde tiempos antiguos, por lo que se ha investigado su efecto contra variados microorganismos. En este estudio se evaluó el efecto antimicrobiano de seis extractos etanólicos comerciales de propóleos, sobre la bacteria Lactobacillus fermentum. Ésta fue aislada luego de su identificación mediante PCR con el uso de primers especie específicos, posterior al cultivo microbiológico de muestras de caries de pacientes con indicación de extracción de pieza dental, y se detectó en 9 de 40 pacientes, correspondiendo a un 22%. El estudio de susceptibilidad se realizó mediante dilución en microplacas y se comprobó la actividad antimicrobiana en cuatro de los seis extractos etanólicos de propóleos utilizados, difiriendo en la concentración efectiva contra el microorganismo, lo que puede ser atribuido a factores como el origen botánico, el lugar geográfico y la estación de recolección. Los propóleos mostraron concentraciones de polifenoles que variaron entre 9 ± 0,3 y 85 ± 2,1 mg/mL. El análisis cromatográfico permitió detectar la presencia de ácido cafeico, miricetina, quercetina, kaempferol, apigenina, pinocembrina, galangina y ácido cafeico fenil éster (CAPE). Nuestro estudio demuestra la acción antimicrobiana del propóleos sobre L. fermentum, patógeno relacionado al desarrollo de caries.

Propolis has been used in traditional medicine for many centuries because of its benefcial health properties, including its antimicrobial capacity. Prosthesis stomatitis affects a signifcant percentage of users of removable dentures; Candida albicans is the most common fungal species associated with the development of this pathology. Thus, the objectives of this study were: a. To evaluate the antifungal activity of six commercial propolis extracts against Candida spp. that was isolated from the oral cavity of removable dentures users, and b. To determine chemical characteristics of the propolis extracts evaluated. Among the results, we note that these concentrations of polyphenols varied between 9 ± 0.3 and 85 ± 2.1 mg mL-1. Chromatographic analysis was able to detect 35 compounds, among which were caffeic acid, myricetin, quercetin, kaempferol, apigenin, pinocembrin, galangin, and caffeic acid phenyl ester (CAPE). All strains tested were inhibited by the liquid extracts of propolis. The MID ranged between 1:40 and 1:1280, and the MIC for C. albicans ranged from 197 µg mL-1 to 441 µg mL-1. From the results obtained in this investigation, we can conclude that all propolis extracts evaluated are capable of inhibiting the development of Candida spp. However, they show signifcant differences in the concentration of polyphenols present and in antifungal activity.

El propóleo ha sido utilizado por la medicina tradicional desde hace muchos siglos debido a sus propiedades benéfcas para la salud, entre las que destaca su capacidad antimicrobiana. La estomatitis subprotésica, afecta a un porcentaje importante de usuarios de prótesis dental removible, siendo Candida albicans la especie fúngica más común asociada al desarrollo de esta patología. Así, los objetivos de este estudio fueron: a) evaluar la actividad antifúngica de seis extractos de propóleos comerciales sobre cepas de Candida spp. aisladas de la cavidad oral de usuarios de prótesis dental removible, y b) determinar algunas características químicas de los extractos de propóleos utilizados. Entre los resultados obtenidos, podemos señalar que éstos mostraron concentraciones de polifenoles que variaron entre 9 ± 0,3 y 85 ± 2,1 mg/mL. El análisis cromatográfco permitió detectar 35 compuestos, entre los cuales se logró identifcar la presencia de ácido cafeico, miricetina, quercetina, kaempferol, apigenina, pinocembrina, galangina y ácido cafeico fenil éster (CAPE). Todas las cepas de Candida spp. evaluadas fueron inhibidas por los seis extractos líquidos de propóleos, observándose que la DIM varió entre 1/40 y 1/1280, y la CIM para C. albicans varió entre 197 µg/mL y 441 µg/ mL. A partir de los resultados obtenidos en esta investigación podemos concluir que todos los propóleos evaluados son capaces de inhibir el desarrollo de Candida spp., sin embargo, éstos muestran importantes diferencias en la concentración de los polifenoles presentes y en la actividad antifúngica.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) covers a wide spectrum of injuries ranging from simple steatosis to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Its main risk factors are disorders associated with metabolic syndrome (MS). Propolis, a resinous substance produced by Apis mellifera to protect is hive, has demonstrated a hepatoprotective effect. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of Chilean propolis on development of nonalcoholic hepatic steatosis in C57BL/6J mice exposed to Paigen atherogenic diet. Twenty eight mice C57BL/6J were divided four groups: 1, balanced diet (CH); 2, hypercholesterolemic diet (HD); 3, HD diet supplemented with 10 mg/kg/day of propolis (LP); 4, HD diet supplemented with 40 mg/kg/day of propolis (HP). After 16 weeks of treatment was determined glucose, total cholesterol and triglycerides concentrations and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity. The liver tissue was fixed in 10% buffered formalin solution, embedded in paraplast and stained with hematoxylin-eosin. No differences was detected in glucose and triglycerides concentrations, contrasting with total cholesterol levels between group fed with a balanced diet (CH) and feed with atherogenic diet D12336 (HD, LP and HP). In the same way, it was noted differences in ALT activity between groups, standing out the reduction in propolis supplemented groups (LP and HP). Likewise the histoarchitecture of HD group, showed simple steatosis, inflammatory cell infiltration and inflammatory foci in hepatic lobule. This characteristics show a gradual decrease in LP and HP groups. In conclusion, the Chilean propolis analyzed decreases hepatic steatosis induced by atherogenic diet in C57BL/6J mice. However, the involved mechanisms in this hepatoprotective activity must be identified.

El hígado graso no alcohólico (HGNA), comprende un amplio espectro de lesiones, que van desde esteatosis hepática, hasta cirrosis y carcinoma hepatocelular, siendo sus principales factores de riesgo los desordenes asociados a síndrome metabólico (SM). El propóleos, sustancias resinosa elaborada por Apis mellifera para la protección de la colmena, ha demostrado un efecto hepatoprotector, así el objetivo de esta investigación fue evaluar el efecto de un propóleos chileno sobre el desarrollo de esteatosis hepática no alcohólica en ratones C57BL/6J sometidos a una dieta aterogénica tipo Paigen. Veintiocho ratones (C57BL/6J), divididos en: 1, dieta balanceada (CH); 2, dieta hipercolesterolémica (HC); 3, dieta HC + 10 mg/kg/día de propóleos (BP); 4, dieta HC + 40 mg/kg/día de propóleos (AP). Después de 16 semanas, se determinó la concentración de glucosa, colesterol total, triglicéridos y los niveles de alanina aminotransferasa (ALAT). El tejido hepático fue fijado en una solución de formalina tamponada al 10% para, posteriormente, ser incluido en paraplast y teñido con Hematoxilina-Eosina y fragmanetos congelados a -30C fijados en formalina teñidos con tinción Oil red O. No existieron diferencias en la concentración de glucosa ni triglicéridos, a diferencia del colesterol total, entre el grupo alimentado con dieta balanceada (CH) y los alimentados con la dieta aterogénica D12336 (HC, BP y AP). De la misma forma se observó que existen diferencias en los niveles de actividad de ALAT entre los grupos estudiados, destacando su reducción en los grupos suplementados con propóleos (BP y AP). De forma concordante, la histoarquitectura del grupo HC, mostró esteatosis simple y focos de infiltrado leucocitario en el lobulillo hepático, observándose una disminución gradual de las alteraciones en los grupos de BP y AP. En conclusión, el propóleos chileno estudiado disminuye la esteatosis hepática inducida por la dieta aterogénica tipo Paigen en ratones C57BL/6J, sin embargo, los mecanismos implicados en esta actividad hepatoprotectora tienen que ser identificados.

Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sobrinus are the main causative organisms of dental caries. Nevertheless, the microbiological and biochemical methods, available at the moment in Chile, do not allow to the fast detection and identification of these bacteria. The aim of this investigation is implement the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique to detect the presence of S. mutans and S. sobrinus in saliva. A total of 51 schoolchildren (5 to 17 years oíd) from five different schools from Temuco city (Chile) participated in this study. The presence of salivary mutans streptococci was determined by microbiological method, and the species differentiation was assessed using PCR technique. The sensitivity for the PCR technique was 1000 cfu/mL of saliva, ten times superior to the sensitivity of the microbiological method used (10,000 cfu/mL). In addition, the analysis of the specificity of the amplification, evaluated by enzymatic restriction, confirmed the presence of the investigated bacteria. The prevalence of S. mutans was of 88.2% and for 5. sobrinus was 11.8%. The combined presence of both bacteria was observedin 7.8% of the individuáis. In conclusión, theobtained results indícate that the implemented methodology is useful for the rapid detection of S. mutans and S. sobrinus in saliva.

Streptococcus mutans y Streptococcus sobrinus han sido indicados como los principales agentes etiológicos de la caries dental. Sin embargo, los métodos microbiológicos y bioquímicos, disponibles actualmente en Chile, no permiten la rápida detección e identificación de estas bacterias. El objetivo de este trabajo fue implementar la metodología de reacción en cadena de la polimerasa (PCR) para detectar la presencia de S. mutans y S. sobrinus en saliva. Participaron de este estudio 51 escolares (5 a 17 años), provenientes de cinco diferentes colegios de la ciudad de Temuco; a los cuales se les realizó recuento de estreptococos del grupo mutans en saliva por método microbiológico y la diferenciación de especies por la técnica de PCR. Los resultados mostraron que la sensibilidad para la técnica de PCR fue 1000 UFC/mL de saliva, diez veces superior a la sensibilidad del método microbiológico utilizado (10.000 UFC/mL). Además, el análisis de la especificidad de la amplificación, evaluada por restricción enzimática, confirmó la presencia de las bacterias investigadas. La prevalencia de S. mutans fue de 88.2% y para S. sobrinus de 11.8%. La presencia conjunta de ambas bacterias fue observada en 7.8% de los individuos. En conclusión, podemos señalar que la metodología implementada es útil para la detección rápida de S. mutans y S. sobrinus en saliva.

The platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (PECAM-1), a 130-kDa membrane glycoprotein, is expressed on the surface of monocytes, some T-lymphocyte subsets, neutrophils, platelets and endothelial cells. PECAM-1 plays a key role in the transendothelial migration of circulating leukocytes during vascular inflammation. The aim of the present investigation was to evaluate the association between the C373G polymorphism of the PECAM-1 gene and coronary artery disease in Chilean subjects. A total of 220 individuals were investigated (112 cases and 108 controls). The presence of coronary artery disease was confirmed by angiography (Stenosis >70%). The C373G polymorphism was detected by polymerase chain reaction followed enzymatic restriction. The genotype frequencies were in agreement with those predicted by the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium in both groups. The genotype distribution and the relative alíele frequencies for C373G polymorphism of the PECAM-1 gene were similar between cases and controls (P= 0.820 and P= 0.739, respectively). Moreover, the OR associated with the mutated G alíele was 0.92 (C.I. 95%, 0.54 - 1.57; P=NS). In summary, our study showed that C373G polymorphism of the PECAM-1 gene is not associated with coronary artery disease in the population analyzed

La molécula de adhesión celular endotelial plaquetaria-1 (PECAM-1) es una glicoproteína de membrana expresada por células endoteliales, plaquetas, monocitos, neutro filos y algunos tipos de linfocitos T. Constituye una pieza clave en la extravasación de leucocitos a través de las uniones intercelulares del endotelio vascular durante el proceso inflamatorio. El objetivo de nuestro estudio fue determinar la asociación entre el polimorfismo C373G (Leul25 Val) del gen PECAM-1 y enfermedad coronaria, en individuos chilenos. Se estudió un total de 220 individuos (112 casos y 108 controles). La presencia de enfermedad coronaria fue confirmada mediante angiografía (estenosis > 70%). El polimorfismo C373G, fue detectado mediante la técnica de reacción en cadena de polimerasa seguida de restricción enzimática. Las frecuencias genotípicas observadas en ambos grupos cumplen con la ley de Hardy-Weinberg. La distribución de genotipos como la frecuencia relativa de alelos para el polimorfismo C373G del gen PECAM-1, fueron similares entre casos y controles (p = 0.820 y p = 0.739, respectivamente). Además, la OR asociada al alelo mutado G fue 0.92 (I.C. 95%, 0.54-1.57; p= NS). Los datos obtenidos sugieren que el polimorfismo C373G del gen PECAM-1 no está asociado a enfermedad coronaria en la población analizada