ABSTRACT
In the last years, epigenetics is helping to explain the mechanisms non dependent on the genetic sequence by which the nutrients and other environmental factors contribute to modulate gene expression and disease development. Obesity and type 2 diabetes are two diseases that have been linked to changes in epigenetic marks (particularly DNA methylation, covalent modifications of histones and miRNAs). These epigenetic changes appear to be influenced, mainly in the perinatal period but also in adulthood, by environmental factors such as hyperglycemia or the diet. Among the food compounds that have been linked to epigenetic modifications, there are methyl donor groups, excessive or deficient caloric intake, short chain fatty acids, some minerals and antioxidant vitamins, and various compounds of plant origin, as catechins, isoflavones or isothiocyanates. EWAS studies, that analyze the methylation of thousands of CpG sites in thousands of individuals, will contribute in the next years to identify some of the epigenetic marks that can be used as early predictors of metabolic risk, as well as some intimate mechanisms that explain the development of obesity, type 2 diabetes and its complications. Moreover, epigenetic marks, among them the CpG-SNPs, can be heritable but some of them could be potentially reversible. One of the medium-term objectives is to develop drug or diet-related treatments that could delay or even reverse these epigenetic changes.
Subject(s)
Humans , Diet , /genetics , Epigenesis, Genetic , Obesity/genetics , DNA Methylation , HistonesABSTRACT
El presente trabajo de investigación tuvo como objetivo general determinar la frecuencia de las parasitosis intestinales y su asociación con los factores higiénicos sanitarios en localidades rurales Orinoco La Peña, Quebrada Seca y Río San Juan. Se analizaron un total de 562 muestras de heces, por métodos coproparasitológicos: evaluación microscópica en solución salina fisiológica al 0,85 por ciento y lugol, Ritchie, además de la coloración de Zielh-Neelsen. La mayor frecuencia de parásitos intestinales se encontró en Orinoco La Peña y Río San Juan, seguido de Quebrada Seca. Blastocystis hominis fue el parásito mayormente observado (44,9 por ciento, 21,82 por ciento, 33,74 por ciento) y como patógeno Giardia duodenalis (20,41 por ciento, 9,7 por ciento, 19,02 por ciento) para Orinoco La Peña, Quebrada Seca y Río San Juan respectivamente. Los helmintos variaron de acuerdo a la localidad de estudio, encontrándose presentes Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura y los Ancylostomídeos en mayores frecuencias. Al evaluar los factores higiénicos sanitarios se obtuvo asociación de la disposición de excretas (X²: 23,85***; p<0,001), tratamiento del agua (X²: 34,00***; p<0,001), hábitos higiénicos con protozoarios en individuos de Quebrada Seca, así como el servicio de aseo urbano (X²: 5,17*; p<0,05), mientras que los helmintos se asociaron con la fuente de agua (X²: 13,97***; p<0,001) y hábitos higiénicos. En Orinoco La Peña y Río San Juan resultó asociado el tratamiento de agua (X²: 11,56*; p<0,05), (X²: 21,5**; p<0,01) con los protozoarios. Las elevadas frecuencias de parásitos indican que las condiciones sanitarias e higiene son favorables para las infecciones parasitarias, además de factores ambientales propios de estas zonas rurales y a la carencia de servicios de salud; resultando indispensable la intervención de las autoridades sanitarias y gubernamentales para aplicar programas de saneamiento ambiental y educación sanitaria preventiva
The present study was carried out to determination the frequency intestinal parasitisms and its associated sanitary hygienic factors in the rural localities Orinoco La Peña, Quebrada Seca and San Juan River. A total of 562 feces samples were analyzed, by different coproparasitological methods: microscopic evaluation in 0.85 percent physiological saline solution and lugol, Ritchie, as well as the Zielh-Neelsen stainin. The highest frequencies of intestinal parasites was found in Orinoco La Peña and Quebrada Seca. Blastocystis hominis (44.9 percent, 21.82 percent, 33.74 percent) and Giardia duodenalis (20.41 percent, 9.7 percent, 19.02 percent) were most commonly observed. The frequency of helminths varied depending on the studied community, but observing more frequently Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura and Ancylostomids. When evaluating the sanitary and hygienic factors associated to parasitosis we found a relationship between feces excretion (X²: 23,85***; p<0,001), water treatment (X²: 34,00***; p<0,001), and hygienic habits with presence of protozoans in individuals from Quebrada Seca, as well as with the presence of garbage disposal services (X²: 5,17*; p<0,05 ), presence of helminths were associated with the water source (X²: 13,97***; p<0,001) and hygienic habits. In Orinoco La Peña and San Juan River water treatment (X²: 11,56*; p<0,05; and X²: 21,5 **; p<0,01 ) was associate to presence of protozoans. The high frequencies of parasites indicates that the sanitary conditions and hygienic habits were favorable factors for the infection and infestation of parasites, combined to the environmental factors and deficiency health of services characteristic of these rural communities. Sanitary intervention from governmental authorities is necessary to improve environmental reparation and preventive sanitary education