The Involvement of microRNAs in Bone Remodeling Signaling Pathways and Their Role in the Development of Osteoporosis.

Bone remodeling, crucial for maintaining the balance between bone resorption and formation, relies on the coordinated activity of osteoclasts and osteoblasts. During osteoclastogenesis, hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) differentiate into the osteoclast lineage through the signaling pathways OPG/RANK/RANKL. On the other hand, during osteoblastogenesis, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) differentiate into the osteoblast lineage through activation of the signaling pathways TGF-ß/BMP/Wnt. Recent studies have shown that bone remodeling is regulated by post-transcriptional mechanisms including microRNAs (miRNAs). miRNAs are small, single-stranded, noncoding RNAs approximately 22 nucleotides in length. miRNAs can regulate virtually all cellular processes through binding to miRNA-response elements (MRE) at the 3' untranslated region (3'UTR) of the target mRNA. miRNAs are involved in controlling gene expression during osteogenic differentiation through the regulation of key signaling cascades during bone formation and resorption. Alterations of miRNA expression could favor the development of bone disorders, including osteoporosis. This review provides a general description of the miRNAs involved in bone remodeling and their significance in osteoporosis development.

Proteomic Biomarkers Associated with Low Bone Mineral Density: A Systematic Review.

Osteoporosis is a globally relevant public health issue. Our study aimed to summarize the knowledge on the proteomic biomarkers for low bone mineral density over the last years. We conducted a systematic review following the PRISMA guidelines; the scoured databases were PubMed, Web of Sciences, Scopus, and EBSCO, from inception to 2 June 2023. A total of 610 relevant studies were identified and 33 were assessed for eligibility. Finally, 29 studies met the criteria for this systematic review. The risk of bias was evaluated using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist tool. From the studies selected, 154 proteins were associated with changes of bone mineral density, from which only 10 were reported in at least two articles. The protein-protein network analysis indicated potential biomarkers involved in the skeletal system, immune system process, regulation of protein metabolic process, regulation of signaling, transport, cellular component assembly, cell differentiation, hemostasis, and extracellular matrix organization. Mass spectrometry-based proteomic profiling has allowed the discovery of new biomarkers with diagnostic potential. However, it is necessary to compare and validate the potential biomarkers in different populations to determine their association with bone metabolism and evaluate their translation to the clinical management of osteoporosis.

A mechanics theory for the exploration of a high-throughput, sterile 3D in vitro traumatic brain injury model.

Brain injuries resulting from mechanical trauma represent an ongoing global public health issue. Several in vitro and in vivo models for traumatic brain injury (TBI) continue to be developed for delineating the various complex pathophysiological processes involved in its onset and progression. Developing an in vitro TBI model that is based on cortical spheroids is especially of great interest currently because they can replicate key aspects of in vivo brain tissue, including its electrophysiology, physicochemical microenvironment, and extracellular matrix composition. Being able to mechanically deform the spheroids are a key requirement in any effective in vitro TBI model. The spheroids' shape and size, however, make mechanically loading them, especially in a high-throughput, sterile, and reproducible manner, quite challenging. To address this challenge, we present an idea for a spheroid-based, in vitro TBI model in which the spheroids are mechanically loaded by being spun by a centrifuge. (An experimental demonstration of this new idea will be published shortly elsewhere.) An issue that can limit its utility and scope is that imaging techniques used in 2D and 3D in vitro TBI models cannot be readily applied in it to determine spheroid strains. In order to address this issue, we developed a continuum mechanics-based theory to estimate the spheroids' strains when they are being spun at a constant angular velocity. The mechanics theory, while applicable here to a special case of the centrifuge-based TBI model, is also of general value since it can help with the further exploration and development of TBI models.

Dietary inflammatory index and lower glomerular filtration rate in Mexican adults.

We hypothesized that higher scores on the dietary inflammatory index (DII) would be associated with a lower glomerular filtration rate (GFR). This cross-sectional study included 2098 participants from Mexican Teachers Cohort Study, the Health Workers Cohort Study, and the Comitán Study belonging to the RenMex consortium. Energy-adjusted DII scores were estimated using a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). eGFR was estimated by the CKD Epidemiology Collaboration equation. Quantile regression models and ordered regression models were estimated to assess the associations of interest. Median age of study participants was 47 years, median eGFR was 102.9 mL/min/1.73m2, and the median energy-adjusted DII was 0.89 (range, -2.25, +4.86). The median eGFR was lower in participants in the highest percentile of DII compared to those in the lowest percentile (103.8 vs 101.4). We found that continuous and categorical energy-adjusted DII scores were associated with lower eGFR, especially at the lower percentiles. In adjusted ordered logistic regression, we found that the highest DII category was associated with 1.80 times the odds of belonging to the mildly decreased eGFR category or moderately decreased eGFR category compared lowest DII category (OR: 1.80, 95%CI 1.35, 2.40). A high DII score was associated with a lower eGFR among the Mexican population. Additional studies are crucial to validate these findings and explore potential strategies to reduce the consumption of pro-inflammatory foods as a preventive approach for chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Environmental and Genetic Risk Factors in Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip for Early Detection of the Affected Population.

Diagnosis of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) mostly relies on physical examination and ultrasound, and both methods are operator-dependent. Late detection can lead to complications in young adults. Current evidence supports the involvement of environmental and genetic factors, such as single nucleotide variants (SNVs). Incorporating genetic factors into diagnostic methods would be useful for implementing early detection and management of affected individuals. Our aim was to analyze environmental factors and SNVs in DDH patients. We included 287 DDH cases and 284 controls. Logistic regression demonstrated an association for sex (OR 9.85, 95% CI 5.55-17.46, p = 0.0001), family history (OR 2.4, 95% CI 1.2-4.5, p = 0.006), fetal presentation (OR 3.19, 95% CI 1.55-6.54, p = 0.002), and oligohydramnios (OR 2.74, 95%CI 1.12-6.70, p = 0.026). A model predicting the risk of DDH including these variables showed sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of 0.91, 0.53, 0.74, and 0.80 respectively. The SNV rs1800470 in TGFB1 showed an association when adjusted for covariables, OR 0.49 (95% CI 0.27-0.90), p = 0.02. When rs1800470 was included in the equation, sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV were 0.90, 0.61, 0.84, and 0.73, respectively. Incorporating no-operator dependent variables and SNVs in detection methods could be useful for establishing uniform clinical guidelines and optimizing health resources.

Choristoma: a very rare cause of thyroid nodule. Case report and literature review.

BACKGROUND: Choristoma is a well-defined benign lesion formed by histologically normal tissue in an unusual location. Diagnosis is confirmed after surgical removal of the mass. To our knowledge, to date there has been only one case of thyroid choristoma described in the literature. PATIENT FINDINGS: A 70-year-old man with a history of non-Hodgkin lymphoma presented with sudden cervical enlargement. Cervical CT scan showed a 47mm hypodense nodule on the right thyroid lobe. Fine-needle aspiration revealed follicular lesion of undetermined significance. During the following weeks there was noticeable thyroid enlargement. Reassessment with thyroid ultrasound showed a 73mm nodule. The patient underwent total thyroidectomy. Histopathological examination revealed a choristoma composed of squamous epithelium lined cysts, smooth muscle, adipose tissue, connective tissue, foci of ossification and extramedullary hematopoiesis. No cytological atypia or tumoral necrosis were found. Thyroid choristomas are an exceedingly rare cause of a thyroid nodule.

Interaction between MARK3 (rs11623869), PLCB4 (rs6086746) and GEMIN2 (rs2277458) variants with bone mineral density and serum 25-hidroxivitamin D levels in Mexican Mestizo women.

Introduction: Understanding the genetic factors contributing to variations in bone mineral density (BMD) and vitamin D could provide valuable insights into the pathogenesis of osteoporosis. This study aimed to evaluate the association of single nucleotide variants in MARK3 (rs11623869), PLCB4 (rs6086746), and GEMIN2 (rs2277458) with BMD in Mexican women. Methods: The gene-gene interaction was evaluated in these variants in serum 25(OH)D levels and BMD. A genetic risk score (GRS) was created on the basis of the three genetic variants. Genotyping was performed using predesigned TaqMan assays. Results: A significant association was found between the rs6086746-A variant and BMD at the total hip, femoral neck, and lumbar spine, in women aged 45 years or older. However, no association was observed between the variants rs11623869 and rs2277458. The rs11623869 × rs2277458 interaction was associated with total hip (p=0.002) and femoral neck BMD (p=0.013). Similarly, for vitamin D levels, we observed an interaction between the variants rs6086746 × rs2277458 (p=0.021). GRS revealed a significant association with total hip BMD (p trend=0.003) and femoral neck BMD (p trend=0.006), as well as increased vitamin D levels (p trend=0.0003). These findings provide evidence of the individual and joint effect of the MARK3, PLCB4, and GEMIN2 variants on BMD and serum vitamin D levels in Mexican women. Discussion: This knowledge could help to elucidate the interaction mechanism between BMD-related genetic variants and 25OHD, contributing to the determination of the pathogenesis of osteoporosis and its potential implications during early interventions.

Association Between Changes in Sleep, Nap Duration and Bone Mineral Density in Mexican Adults.

Studies have found associations between sleep, nap duration, and bone mineral density (BMD). However, the longitudinal relationship between sleep, nap duration, and BMD has not been explored. We evaluated the association between the change in sleep and nap duration and BMD in Mexican adults. Data come from 1,337 adult participants of the Health Workers Cohort Study (341 were men and 996 were women, including 450 women < 45 years old and 546 ≥ 45 years old), with two study waves. At each wave, sleep and nap duration was assessed using self-administered questionnaires and BMD in g/cm2 was determined by dual X-ray absorptiometry. We used fixed-effect regression models stratified by sex and adjusted for BMI, diet, physical activity, vitamin supplements, and hormone replacement therapy. Women who changed from < 7 to ≥ 7 h/day of sleep from baseline to follow-up were associated with increases in the total hip (ß = 0.012 g/cm2; 95% CI: 0.002, 0.022) and lumbar spine BMD (ß = 0.024 g/cm2; 95% CI: 0.009, 0.039). Furthermore, most of these associations were observed in women ≥ 45 years. For women, a changing from 0 to > 60 min/day of napping was associated with a significant increase in total hip BMD of 0.012 g/cm2 (95% CI: 0.004, 0.024) and lumbar spine BMD of 0.027 g/cm2 (95% CI: 0.009, 0.045). No significant associations were observed for men. Our results suggest that increased sleep and nap duration are associated with gains in BMD in Mexican women, emphasizing sleep's role in promoting bone health and supporting established recommendations.

Projeto Toy Box: estimulando a atividade física ao brincar em família durante a pandemia de COVID-19 / Toy Box Project: encouraging the physical activity when play with the family during the COVID-19 pandemic

Apesar da alta incidência do comportamento sedentário na infância, brincadeira popular em família pode estimular o estilo de vida saudável. Objetivou-se analisar o impacto da disponibilização de uma caixa com brinquedos populares no nível de atividade física (NAF) de crianças. 33 crianças de 7 a 11 anos, foram divididas em: grupo controle, sem intervenção, (GC, n = 12, ♂ = 4, ♀ = 8) e grupo experimental (GE, n= 21, ♂ = 6, ♀ = 14), que recebeu uma caixa com brinquedos populares para interagir com a família por 1 mês. O NAF foi mensurado pelo do Questionário do Dia Típico de Atividade Física ­ DAFA. A ANOVA para medidas repetidas de dois fatores não revelou diferença significativa entre os momentos (p = 0,382), e nem na interação grupos*momentos (p = 0,666). Contudo, notou--se que o GE teve um aumento maior no NAF após a intervenção (Δ = 2,45 ± 10,55) comparado ao GC (Δ = 0,83 ± 9,40). Além de uma frequência maior de crianças do GE se tornando mais ativas (pré: 25%; pós: 40%) comparado ao GC (pré e pós: 67%). Concluiu-se que apesar da intervenção com brinquedos populares não ter resultado em diferença estatisticamente significativa no NAF das crianças analisadas, as diferenças clínicas demonstram que o Projeto Toy Box tem potencialidade para resultados promissores no NAF, sugerindo continuidade do estudo.

Despite the increased sedentary behavior in childhood, a playful strategy in the family, with traditional play, can encourage a healthy lifestyle. This study verified the impact of a box with traditional toys on children's physical activity level (PAL). Thirty-three children between 7 and 11 years old were divided into following groups: control group (CG, n = 12, ♂ = 4, ♀ = 8) without intervention, and experimental group (EG, n = 21, ♂ = 6, ♀ = 14) that received a box with traditional toys to use with family for a month. The PAL was evaluated thru a questionnaire (DAFA). The Repeated measures ANOVA did not showed significance between moments (p = 0.382), and nether for groups*moments interaction (p = 0.666). However, the EG improved PAL after intervention (Δ = 2.45 ± 10.55) compared to CG (Δ = 0.83 ± 9.40). Beyond that, in GE children became more physically active (pre: 25%; post: 40%) than CG (pre and post: 67%). In con-clusion, the traditional toys intervention did not result in a statistically significant PAL improvement in evaluated children, however, the clinical differences showed that the Toy Box project has the potential for promising results in PAL, suggesting the research extension.

Association between soft drinks intake and low glomerular filtration rate in Mexican adults: Results from RenMex.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: To evaluate the association between soft drinks (SDs) consumption and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in a Mexican adult population. METHODS: We used data from the RenMex consortium (n = 2095) that included the Mexican Teachers Cohort Study (34-65 years), the Health Workers Cohort Study (18-90 years), and the Comitán Study (19-91 years). In this cross-sectional study, we assessed SDs consumption (cola and flavored soda) using a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) and estimated eGFR using the CKD Epidemiology Collaboration equation. Quantile regression was used to assess the association between SDs consumption and eGFR with eGFR as a continuous variable. Multinomial logistic regression models were used for eGFR categories derived from quantile regression (mildly decreased eGFR, ≥72.9-87.9 mL/min/1.73 m2 and moderately decreased eGFR, <72.9 mL/min/1.73 m2). RESULTS: Mean age of study participants was 47.2 years, 67.5% were women, and 12.2% had diabetes. eGFR was <60 mL/min/1.73 m2 in 3.7% of study participants. Mildly decreased eGFR was present in 14.8%, and moderately decreased eGFR was present in 10.1% of study participants. Quantile regression results showed that SDs consumption was associated with lower eGFR at the 10th, 25th, 50th and 75th percentile. Based on the final adjusted multinomial model, ≥7 servings/week was positively associated with moderately decreased eGFR relative to <1 serving/week (Relative Risk Ratio = 1.95; 95% CI: 1.07-3.57). CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that higher SDs consumption is associated with lower eGFR. Encouraging healthy dietary choices should be part of the management and prevention of CKD.

Distribution and virulence of Escherichia coli harboring cyclomodulins and supplementary virulence genes isolates from clinical and environmental samples.

This study aimed to determine the prevalence of cyclomodulins (cdt, cnf, pks and cif) in Escherichia coli (E. coli) isolated from clinical and environmental samples, the presence of supplementary virulence genes (SVG), antibiotic resistance, and in vitro cytotoxicity. 413 E. coli were isolated from clinical (stool from obese subjects, normal weight subjects, children with diarrhea, and children without diarrhea; and urine from pregnant and non-pregnant women with urinary tract infections) and environmental (water and different foods) samples. PCR was performed to identify E. coli pathotypes, the four cyclomodulins, and 18 SVG; virulence score, cytotoxic assay, and antibiotic resistance assay were performed. Fifteen percent of E. coli were positive for cyclomodulins and were found in all isolation sources; however, in children with diarrhea, they were more frequent. The most frequent cyclomodulin was cdt. More DEC strains harbor cyclomodulins than non-DEC, and cyclomodulins were most frequent among aEPEC pathotype. SVG ehaC was associated with cyclomodulin-positive strains. Cyclomodulin-positive E. coli had a higher virulence score but no significant cytotoxic activity. They were slightly more resistant to antibiotics. In conclusion, cyclomodulins-positive E. coli was widely distributed in humans, food, and the environment, and they were associated with SVG ehaC, suggesting that these genes may play a role in the pathogenesis of the cyclomodulins. However, more research is needed.

Meta-Scaler: A Meta-Learning Framework for the Selection of Scaling Techniques.

Dataset scaling, a.k.a. normalization, is an essential preprocessing step in a machine learning (ML) pipeline. It aims to adjust the scale of attributes in a way that they all vary within the same range. This transformation is known to improve the performance of classification models. Still, there are several scaling techniques (STs) to choose from, and no ST is guaranteed to be the best for a dataset regardless of the classifier chosen. It is thus a problem-and classifier-dependent decision. Furthermore, there can be a huge difference in performance when selecting the wrong technique; hence, it should not be neglected. That said, the trial-and-error process of finding the most suitable technique for a particular dataset can be unfeasible. As an alternative, we propose the Meta-scaler, which uses meta-learning (MtL) to build meta-models to automatically select the best ST for a given dataset and classification algorithm. The meta-models learn to represent the relationship between meta-features extracted from the datasets and the performance of specific classification algorithms on these datasets when scaled with different techniques. Our experiments using 12 base classifiers, 300 datasets, and five STs demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of the approach. When using the ST selected by the Meta-scaler for each dataset, 10 of 12 base models tested achieved statistically significantly better classification performance than any fixed choice of a single ST. The Meta-scaler also outperforms state-of-the-art MtL approaches for ST selection. The source code, data, and results from the experiments in this article are available at a GitHub repository (http://github.com/amorimlb/meta_scaler).

Exploring the Fluconazole-Resistance Modifying Activity and Potential Mechanism of Action of Fixed Oil from Caryocar coriaceum Wittm. (Caryocaraceae) against Candida Species.

The fixed oil from the inner mesocarp of Caryocar coriaceum Wittm. is used in the Chapada do Araripe region of Brazil for the treatment of genitourinary candidiasis. This study aimed to evaluate the chemical composition, antifungal activity, reduction of fungal virulence, and the preliminary toxicity of the fixed oil from the inner mesocarp of C. coriaceum tested against three Candida yeasts. The oil was characterized by gas chromatography (GC-MS and GC-FID). Antifungal activity was assessed using the serial microdilution method. Additionally, the potential of the oil as an enhancer of fluconazole action was tested at sub-inhibitory concentrations (MIC/8). The mechanism of action of C. coriaceum fixed oil was determined by evaluating the inhibition of morphological transition in Candida spp. The chemical composition of the fixed oil of C. coriaceum comprised both unsaturated and saturated fatty acids. Oleic (61 %) and palmitic (33 %) acids were the major constituents. Regarding its anti-Candida activity, the oil inhibited the growth of C. albicans (IC50 : 371 µg/mL) and C. tropicalis (IC50 : 830 µg/mL). Furthermore, the oil reversed the antifungal resistance of C. albicans and C. tropicalis, restoring the susceptibility to fluconazole and reducing their IC50 from 12.33 µg/mL and 362 µg/mL to 0.22 µg/mL and 13.93 µg/mL, respectively. The fixed oil of C. coriaceum completely inhibited the morphological transition of C. albicans and C. tropicalis at a concentration of 512 µg/mL, but exhibited limited low antifungal potential against C. krusei. The observed antifungal activity may be attributed to the overproduction of reactive oxygen species. Additionally, the oil showed no toxic effect on the Drosophila melanogaster in vivo model. The fixed oil from the inner mesocarp of C. coriaceum emerge as a strong candidate for the development of new pharmaceutical formulations to treat infections caused by Candida spp.

Label-free quantitative proteomics in serum reveals candidate biomarkers associated with low bone mineral density in Mexican postmenopausal women.

Postmenopausal osteoporosis is a public health problem leading to an increased risk of fractures, negatively impacting women's health. The absence of sensitive and specific biomarkers for early detection of osteoporosis represents a substantial challenge for improving patient management. Herein, we aimed to identify potential candidate proteins associated with low bone mineral density (BMD) in postmenopausal women from the Mexican population. Serum samples from postmenopausal women (40 with normal BMD, 40 with osteopenia (OS), and 20 with osteoporosis (OP)) were analyzed by label-free LC-MS/MS quantitative proteomics. Proteome profiling revealed significant differences between the OS and OP groups compared to individuals with normal BMD. A quantitative comparison of proteins between groups indicated 454 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs). Compared to normal BMD, 14 and 214 DEPs were found in OS and OP groups, respectively, while 226 DEPs were identified between OS and OP groups. The protein-protein interaction and enrichment analysis of DEPs were closely linked to the bone mineral content, skeletal morphology, and immune response activation. Based on their role in bone metabolism, a panel of 12 candidate biomarkers was selected, of which 1 DEP (RYR1) was found upregulated in the OS and OP groups, 8 DEPs (APOA1, SHBG, FETB, MASP1, PTK2B, KNG1, GSN, and B2M) were upregulated in OP and 3 DEPs (APOA2, RYR3, and HBD) were downregulated in OS or OP. The proteomic analysis described here may help discover new and potentially non-invasive biomarkers for the early diagnosis of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women.

An approach for searching genes in signaling pathways or gene-gene interaction networks related to Hypertension in the Mexican population.

INTRODUCTION: The selection of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) to evaluate the genetic susceptibility in complex traits is often conducted in isolation, without considering the entire set of genes. Incorporating signaling pathways or gene-gene interaction search may provide a more comprehensive approach to selecting SNP candidates for further study. OBJECTIVE: To propose a systematic procedure for identifying SNPs candidates with complex traits such as hypertension and blood pressure. METHODS: Sequential stages to SNPs selection: 1) literature review to identify SNPs, following the PRISMA methodology, 2) identification and selection of signaling pathways and selection of gene-gene interaction networks using the STRING software, and 3) application of specific criteria for SNPs candidates, including: a) SNPs with minor allele frequency > 5% in the target population, b) SNPs located within genes involved in three or more signaling pathways, and c) SNPs that are not in linkage disequilibrium, with a D'or r2 value < 0.8. RESULTS: Stage 1) A total of 44 publications were selected, providing information on 230 genes evaluated with blood pressure. Stage 2) Using the STRING software, we selected 7 signaling pathways with a false discovery rate < 0.0001 and strength ≥ 0.8; and we identified 16 genes belonging to gene-gene interaction networks, six of them share ≥ 3 signaling pathways. Stage 3) Finally, 7 SNPs were selected for genotyping in the Health Workers Cohort Study. We observed a positive association between SNPs with hypertension incidence in males (rs1130214, rs3807989) and females (rs5051, rs2493123). CONCLUSION: Our methodological proposal may be a reliable way for selecting SNPs candidates to study complex traits.

Hypoxia Induces Alterations in the Circadian Rhythm in Patients with Chronic Respiratory Diseases.

The function of the circadian cycle is to determine the natural 24 h biological rhythm, which includes physiological, metabolic, and hormonal changes that occur daily in the body. This cycle is controlled by an internal biological clock that is present in the body's tissues and helps regulate various processes such as sleeping, eating, and others. Interestingly, animal models have provided enough evidence to assume that the alteration in the circadian system leads to the appearance of numerous diseases. Alterations in breathing patterns in lung diseases can modify oxygenation and the circadian cycles; however, the response mechanisms to hypoxia and their relationship with the clock genes are not fully understood. Hypoxia is a condition in which the lack of adequate oxygenation promotes adaptation mechanisms and is related to several genes that regulate the circadian cycles, the latter because hypoxia alters the production of melatonin and brain physiology. Additionally, the lack of oxygen alters the expression of clock genes, leading to an alteration in the regularity and precision of the circadian cycle. In this sense, hypoxia is a hallmark of a wide variety of lung diseases. In the present work, we intended to review the functional repercussions of hypoxia in the presence of asthma, chronic obstructive sleep apnea, lung cancer, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, obstructive sleep apnea, influenza, and COVID-19 and its repercussions on the circadian cycles.

Caracterización sociodemográfica, antropométrica y dietética de adultos mayores venezolanos / Sociodemographic, anthropometric, and dietary characterization of Venezuelan older adults

Resumen Objetivo: Caracterización antropométrica y alimentaria de personas adultas mayores venezolanas según su estratificación socioeconómica, determinando su adecuación nutricional en función a las referencias nacionales. Materiales y métodos: A través de la técnica de Graffar se categorizaron socioeconómicamente 484 personas adultas mayores; evaluando su patrón de consumo a través de la técnica combinada de R24H y FCCA, para compararlo cualitativamente con los valores de referencia ponderados de macro y micronutrientes venezolanos. Resultados: El 35.3% (n=171) cursaban con déficit y no se reportó obesidad en el grupo. Solo el subgrupo etario de 60-69 años demostró un perfil energético ajustado a las referencias nacionales; los mayores de 70 años promediaron una dieta de insuficiencia energética y proteica. Todos los subgrupos etarios mostraron inadecuación para Ca, Mg, Zn y vitaminas A y C. La inadecuación se describió más amplia en la misma proporción que se incrementaba la edad. Las dietas más pobres en energía demostraron ser las de menor diversidad dietética. Conclusiones: Se muestra ampliamente la vulnerabilidad alimentaria-nutricional actual de este grupo de población, especialmente en los estratos sociales y niveles educativos más bajos.

Abstract Objective: Anthropometric and dietary characterization of elderly Venezuelans according to their socioeconomic stratification, determining their nutritional adequacy based on national references. Materials and methods: Through the Graffar technique, 484 older adults were categorized socioeconomically; evaluating their intake pattern through the combined technique of R24H and FCCA, to compare it qualitatively with the weighted reference values of Venezuelan macro and micronutrients. Results: 35.3% (n=171) had deficits and no obesity was reported in the group. Only the 60-69 age subgroup demonstrated an energy profile adjusted to national references; those older than 70 years averaged a diet of insufficient energy and protein. All age subgroups showed inadequacy for Ca, Mg, Zn and vitamins A and C. The inadequacy was described more extensively in the same proportion as age increased. The most energy-poor diets proved to be those with the least dietary diversity. Conclusions: The current food-nutritional vulnerability of this population group is widely shown, especially in the lower social strata and educational levels.

Association Study between Antioxidant Nutrient Intake and Low Bone Mineral Density with Oxidative Stress-Single Nucleotide Variants: GPX1 (rs1050450 and rs17650792), SOD2 (rs4880) and CAT (rs769217) in Mexican Women.

Oxidative stress is essential in developing multiple bone metabolism diseases, including osteoporosis. Single-nucleotide variants (SNVs) have been associated with oxidative stress, promoting an imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen species and the ability to neutralize them, and it has been reported that antioxidant nutrient intake can influence bone mineral density (BMD). This work reports the association between oxidative stress-related SNVs (GPX1-rs1050450, rs17650792, SOD2-rs4880, and CAT-rs769217), BMD, and antioxidant nutrient intake. The study included 1269 Mexican women from the Health Workers Cohort Study. Genotyping was performed using predesigned TaqMan assays. Dietary data were collected using a 116-item semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. A dietary antioxidant quality score (DAQS) was used to estimate antioxidant-nutrient intake. Association analysis was estimated via linear, logistic, or quantile regression models. The results showed an association of the rs1050450-A and rs17650792-A alleles with femoral neck BMD (p = 0.038 and p = 0.017, respectively) and the SNV rs4880-A allele with total hip BMD (p = 0.026) in respondents aged 45 years or older. In addition, antioxidant-nutrient intake was associated with the rs4880-GG genotype, being significant for fiber (p = 0.007), riboflavin (p = 0.005), vitamin B6 (p = 0.034), and vitamin D (p = 0.002). The study showed an association between oxidative stress-related SNVs, BMD, and antioxidant-nutrient intake in Mexican women. Therefore, treatments for low BMD could be developed based on antioxidant supplementation.

Función de las hormonas sexuales en la homeostasis del hueso y su papel en el desarrollo de la osteoporosis masculina: Una revisión narrativa / Role of sex hormones in bone homeostasis and their role in the development of male osteoporosis: A narrative review

El hueso es un tejido dinámico, que se encuentra en constante adaptación durante la vida de los vertebrados con el fin de alcanzar tamaño, forma, preservar la integridad estructural del esqueleto y regular la homeostasis mineral. Su desarrollo durante la infancia es determinante para alcanzar la estatura, así como la resistencia a fracturas en edad avanzada. Las hormonas sexuales juegan un papel importante en el remodelado óseo, tanto en hombres como en mujeres y las alteraciones en los perfiles hormonales pueden conducir al desarrollo de enfermedades asociadas con el metabolismo del hueso. En mujeres, la deficiencia de estrógenos durante la menopausia es una de las principales causas de osteoporosis, mientras que en hombres los andrógenos pueden influir en la salud ósea al unirse directamente a los receptores de andrógenos o indirectamente a receptores de estrógenos. En esta revisión se explora el papel y los efectos de las hormonas sexuales sobre el metabolismo óseo, las vías de señalización implicadas y los efectos que pueden conducir al desarrollo de enfermedades como la osteoporosis. (AU)

Bone is a dynamic tissue that undergoes constant adaptation throughout the life of vertebrates to achieve size, shape, preserve the structural integrity of the skeleton, and regulate mineral homeostasis. Bone growth during childhood is crucial to achieve height and resistance to fractures later in life. Sex hormones play a key role in bone remodeling in men and women alike, and changes to hormonal profiles can trigger bone metabolism-related diseases. In women, estrogen deficiency during menopause is one of the leading causes of osteoporosis, while in men, androgens can have an impact on bone health by binding directly to androgen receptors or indirectly to estrogen receptors. This review explores the role and effects of sex hormones on bone metabolism, the signaling pathways involved, and the effects that can trigger diseases such as osteoporosis. (AU)