Microcapsules of Sacha Inchi seed oil (Plukenetia volubilis L.) obtained by spray drying as a potential ingredient to formulate functional foods.

Sacha Inchi seed oil (SIO) is rich in omega 3, 6, and 9 fatty acids with important health benefits, but is temperature sensitive. Spray drying is a technology that improves the long-term stability of bioactive compounds. This work aimed to study the effect of three different homogenization techniques on some physical properties and bioavailability of microcapsules of Sacha Inchi seed oil (SIO) emulsions obtained by spray drying. Emulsions were formulated with SIO (5%, w/w), maltodextrin:sodium caseinate as wall material (10%, w/w; 85:15), Tween 20 (1%, w/w) and Span 80 (0.5%, w/w) as surfactants and water up to 100% (w/w). Emulsions were prepared using high-speed (Dispermat D-51580, 18,000 rpm, 10 min), conventional (Mixer K-MLIM50N01, Turbo speed, 5 min), and ultrasound probe (Sonics Materials VCX 750, 35% amplitude, 750 W, 30 min) homogenization. SIO microcapsules were obtained in a Mini Spray B-290 (Büchi) using two inlet temperatures of the drying air (150 and 170 °C). Moisture, density, dissolution rate, hygroscopicity, drying efficiency (EY), encapsulation efficiency (EE), loading capacity, and oil release in digestive fluids in vitro were studied. Results showed that the microcapsules obtained by spray-drying had low moisture values and high encapsulation yield and efficiency values (greater than 50% and 70%, respectively). The thermogravimetric analysis indicates that heat protection was assured, enhancing the shelf life and the ability to withstand thermal food processing. Results suggest that spray-drying encapsulation could be a suitable technology to successfully microencapsulate SIO and enhance the absorption of bioactive compounds in the intestine. This work highlights the use of Latin American biodiversity and spray drying technology to ensure the encapsulation of bioactive compounds. This technology represents an opportunity for the development of new functional foods, improving the safety and quality of conventional foods.

Full annual monitoring of Subantarctic Emiliania huxleyi populations reveals highly calcified morphotypes in high-CO2 winter conditions.

Ocean acidification is expected to have detrimental consequences for the most abundant calcifying phytoplankton species Emiliania huxleyi. However, this assumption is mainly based on laboratory manipulations that are unable to reproduce the complexity of natural ecosystems. Here, E. huxleyi coccolith assemblages collected over a year by an autonomous water sampler and sediment traps in the Subantarctic Zone were analysed. The combination of taxonomic and morphometric analyses together with in situ measurements of surface-water properties allowed us to monitor, with unprecedented detail, the seasonal cycle of E. huxleyi at two Subantarctic stations. E. huxleyi subantarctic assemblages were composed of a mixture of, at least, four different morphotypes. Heavier morphotypes exhibited their maximum relative abundances during winter, coinciding with peak annual TCO2 and nutrient concentrations, while lighter morphotypes dominated during summer, coinciding with lowest TCO2 and nutrients levels. The similar seasonality observed in both time-series suggests that it may be a circumpolar feature of the Subantarctic zone. Our results challenge the view that ocean acidification will necessarily lead to a replacement of heavily-calcified coccolithophores by lightly-calcified ones in subpolar ecosystems, and emphasize the need to consider the cumulative effect of multiple stressors on the probable succession of morphotypes.

Prevalencia de EPOC entre la población fumadora de Colloto (Asturias) / Prevalence of COPD among the smoker population of Colloto (Asturias)

Objetivos. Conocer la prevalencia total y no conocida de EPOC en la población fumadora y ex-fumadora de 40 a 75 años en el área urbano-rural de Colloto, Asturias, y las diferencias según las distintas variables sociodemográficas. Pacientes y método. Estudio descriptivo transversal sobre 364 fumadores y ex-fumadores de ambos sexos de 40 a 75 años que acudían al consultorio de Colloto. Se realizó una historia clínica del hábito y examen físico detallados, y un estudio espirométrico completo para el diagnóstico y estadiaje. Resultados. La prevalencia de EPOC fue del 15,1% (IC 95% 11,7-19,4), sin diferencias entre sexos. Los factores asociados fueron la edad (pasando del 8,1 al 24,8% del primer al tercer terciles de edad) y el índice tabáquico (pasando del 8,4 al 24,8% del primer al tercer terciles del mismo), y como factor protector el índice de masa corporal. El hábito actual de consumo de tabaco no presentaba diferencias. El 48% de los diagnosticados por espirometría fueron nuevos diagnósticos. De los diagnosticados previamente de EPOC, en el 52% no se confirma el diagnóstico en la espirometría. El 14,8% de los EPOC se clasificaron como grave o muy grave. Conclusiones. La prevalencia obtenida es similar a la de otros estudios, siendo la mitad de los casos desconocidos. Deben estudiarse espirométricamente de rutina todos los fumadores, al menos desde 15 paquetesaño a partir de los 40 años, y en todos los pacientes que hayan sido fumadores a partir de los 65 años (AU)

Objectives. To know the total and unknown prevalence of COPD in the smoker and ex-smoker population of 40 to 75 years in the urban -rural area of Colloto, Asturias, and the differences according to the different sociodemographic variables. Patients and method. A descriptive cross-sectional study on 364 smokers and ex-smokers of both genders, 40 to 75 years old, who came to the medical facility of Colloto. A detailed clinical history on the habit and physical examination was obtained, as well as a complete spirometric study for the diagnosis and staging. Results. COPD prevalence was 15.1% (95% CI 11.7- 19.4), without differences between genders. Associated factors were age (going from 8.1 to 24.8% from its first to third terciles of age) and the smoking habit index (going from 8.4 to 24.8% from its first to the third terciles) and as protective factor, the body mass index. The current smoking consumption habit showed no differences. A total of 48% of those diagnosed by spirometry were new diagnoses. Of those previously diagnosed of COPD, the diagnosis was not confirmed in the spirometry in 52% and 14.8% of the COPD were classified as severe or very severe. Conclusions. The prevalence obtained is similar to that of other studies, half of the cases being unknown. All smokers should undergo routine spirometric studies, at least those smoking from 15 packs a year after the age of 40 and in all of those patients who have been smokers after the age of 65 (AU)

Prevalencia de tabaquismo en una población general y valoración de la actitud ante el cambio. ¿Están preparados nuestros pacientes para abandonar el hábito? / Prevalence of smoking in a general population and evaluation of patient attitude prior to stopping. Are our patients prepared to stop smoking?

Introducción y objetivos. El modelo teórico de los Estadios del Cambio permite entender los cambios en el grado de disposición del paciente ante un hipotético intento de abandono del tabaquismo. El objetivo del presente trabajo ha sido estudiar la prevalencia del tabaquismo, la dependencia del tabaco y los intentos del abandono del hábito, estudiar la asociación con la historia de tabaquismo en los padres, estudiar a los fumadores en función de la fase de abandono en que se encuentran y conocer si los afectados por enfermedades relacionadas con el tabaco son más proclives al abandono. Pacientes y métodos. Estudio descriptivo transversal en la población mayor de 14 años perteneciente al Consultorio de Colloto (Asturias). Se calculó una muestra de 415 personas, que se seleccionaron de forma aleatoria simple. Los datos se obtuvieron mediante encuesta. Para el análisis estadístico de los datos se utilizó el programa Epi Info (v. 6.04b). Resultados. Se evaluó a 402 individuos, un 51,7% mujeres. La prevalencia de fumadores actuales es del 29,9% (25,5-34,6%); son ex fumadores el 19,1% (15,5-23,4%) y nunca ha fumado el 51,0% (46,0-56,0%). Hay diferencias muy significativas entre sexos en el grupo de más de 64 años. De los que han sido fumadores, el 39,1% (32,3-46,3%) ha dejado el hábito. El abandono del tabaco se incrementa con la edad. Cuando los padres han sido fumadores los sujetos tienen 2 veces más posibilidades de serlo. Sólo el 13% de los fumadores tienen elevada dependencia. Se encuentra en la fase precontemplativa el 46,6% (37,5-55,0%), en la contemplativa el 40,7% (31,8-50,1%), y en la de preparación el 12,7% (7,5-20,4%). Aquellos que estaban en fase precontemplativa presentaban un grado de dependencia (índice de Fageström), una media de cigarrillos/día y de paquetes/año más altos que el resto. El 50,8% de los fumadores han intentado abandonar el tabaco. En los pacientes con enfermedades crónicas relacionadas con el tabaquismo o factores de riesgo vascular el abandono del hábito tabáquico ha sido mayor que en los que no presentaban ninguna enfermedad. Conclusiones. Se sugiere la existencia de un descenso en el número de consumidores activos. No obstante, en los más jóvenes el número de mujeres fumadoras se equipara al de varones. La distribución de los fumadores en función del modelo de los Estadios del Cambio revela un elevado número de pacientes en las fases donde es previsible una mayor eficacia de la intervención. Es notable el grado de abandono existente en pacientes con factores de riesgo cardiovascular y en aquéllos con enfermedad vascular ya presente (AU)

Introduction and objectives. The theoretical model of the Stages of Change allows us to understand changes in the degree of a patient's willingness in a hypothetical attempt to quit smoking. The aims of this study were to assess the prevalence of smoking, dependence and attempts to stop; study the link with a history of smoking by parents, classify smokers by the degree of desire to stop smoking and to ascertain whether those with smoking-related disesaes are more inclined to quit smoking. Patients and methods. Cross-sectional, descriptive study in the population aged 14 and over in Colloto (a primary care center in Asturias, Spain). The study was focused on a simple, random sample of 415 persons. Data were obtained by means of a survey. The epi-info 6.04b was used for statistical analysis. Results. A sample of 402 patients were evaluated; 51.7% were female. The prevalence of current smokers was 29.9% (25.5-34.6%); 19.1% (15.5-23.4%) had stopped smoking and 51.0% (46.0-56.0%) had never been smokers. Marked differences were observed between sexes in the over-64 age group. Among smokers, 39.1% (32.3-46.3%) had stopped. Quitting had increased with age. When parents had been smokers, the chance of their offspring also being smokers had doubled. Only 13% of smokers had high dependence. 46.6% (37.5-55.0%) were in the "precontemplative" stage, 40.7% (31.8-50.1%) in the contemplative stage and 12.7% (7.5-20.4%) in the readiness stage. Those in the precontemplative stage presented a Fageström score, a number of cigarettes-daily and packs per year consumption higher than the rest. The 50.8% of smokers had made attempts to stop. In patients with chronic tobacco-related illnesses and those at risk for vascular disease, stopping smoking was more prevalent than in those with no such symptoms. Conclusions. A decline in the number of active smokers is suggested; however, in the younger population the number of females approaches that of males. The distribution of smokers according to the Stages of Change model reveals a large number of patients in phases where there should be a high probability of intervention effectiveness. The degree of quitting in patients with higher cardiovascular risk and those who already have vascular diseases is noteworthy (AU)

Tabaquismo pasivo y asma infantil / Passive smoking and childhood asthma

El humo ambiental del tabaco es un riesgo significativo para la salud de los niños pequeños. Se pretende estudiar el papel del tabaquismo pasivo en el padecimiento de asma en niños expuestos al mismo. Material y métodos: Se realiza un estudio retrospectivo de casos y controles apareados en 835 niños, distribuidos por grupos de edad y sexo. Se elige de forma aleatoria un control por cada caso, realizándose el apareamiento de 482 niños. Se analizan los siguientes factores: convivencia con fumadores, cohabitación con una madre fumadora habitual, presencia de fumadores en el domicilio durante la gestación y tabaquismo materno durante la misma. Los datos se organizan en tablas tetracóricas. Se realiza el test χ2 de Mantel-Haenszel. Se calcula la odds ratio, con intervalo de confianza del 95% y la fracción etiológica del riesgo para cada una de ellas. Resultados: El estudio no demuestra asociación significativa entre presencia habitual de fumadores en el domicilio y mayor frecuencia de asma infantil. En cambio, tener una madre fumadora habitual –especialmente si fuma durante la gestación– y la convivencia de aquélla con fumadores en ese período, sí se asocia significativamente con tal patología. Conclusión: Nuestro estudio pone de manifiesto el riesgo que supone la exposición al humo del tabaco para el desarrollo del asma infantil, determinando una mayor prevalencia de asma en los hijos de mujeres fumadoras –sobre todo si fumaron durante la gestación– y quizás coadyuvando para desencadenar obstrucción bronquial en los que se expusieron al tabaquismo de otras personas en ese período

Environmental tobacco smoke represents a significant risk for children health. The role of passive smoking habit in exposed children suffering from asthma is to be studied. Patients and methods: A retrospective matched casecontrol study is conducted in 835 children, who are distributed in groups according to their age and sex. Acontrol is randomly chosen per each case, thus matching 482 children. The following factors were analyzed: living with smokers, living with an usual smoking mother, usual presence of smokers at home during pregnancy, and maternal smoking habit during pregnancy. Data are arranged in 2x2 tables. χ2 Mantel- Haenszel test is conducted. Odds ratio, with a 95% confidence interval, and ethiological risk fraction are calculated for each one of the studied factors. Results: Our study does not show significant association between usual presence of smokers at home and higher childhood asthma frequency. However, having an usual smoking mother –specially if she smokes during pregnancy– and her living with smokers during this period, do associate significantly with this pathology. Conclusions: Our study reveals the risk that implies the exposure to tobacco smoke for the development of childhood asthma, demonstrating a higher prevalence of asthma in children of smoking mothers –particularly if they smoked during pregnancy– and perhaps contributing to trigger bronchial obstruction in those who were exposed to other people smoking habit during that period

Lack of association between polymorphisms of the coagulation factor VII and myocardial infarction in middle-aged Spanish men.

In order to determine the role of two polymorphisms in the factor VII gene (R353Q and intron 7 hypervariable region) in the susceptibility to develop early myocardial infarction, a total of 175 patients with acute myocardial infarction aged 50 years or less (mean age 41+/-7 years) and 200 controls (average age 42+/-6) without cardiovascular disease were genotyped for these polymorphisms. Gene and genotype frequencies did not differ between patients and controls. Although the 353-QQ genotype was at a higher frequency among controls (4%) compared to patients (1%), the difference did not reach statistical significance. Carriers of the H7-allele (intron 7 polymorphism) were at a slightly higher frequency among patients (51 vs. 43%; P=0.19; OR=1.36; 95% CI=1.09-1.70). Our data suggest a lack of association between both polymorphisms in the factor VII gene and early myocardial infarction in our population.

Association between the NOS3 (-786 T/C) and the ACE (I/D) DNA genotypes and early coronary artery disease.

DNA polymorphisms at the endothelium constitutive nitric oxide synthase gene (NOS3) have been linked to the risk of developing coronary artery disease (CAD). In vitro, a polymorphism in the 5' region of the NOS3 gene (-786 T/C) influences promoter activity. This polymorphism has been associated with coronary spasms among Japanese. The genetic variation at the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) is associated with plasma ACE activities and has also been linked with susceptibility to cardiovascular disease. Our objective was to determine if DNA polymorphisms in the NOS3 and ACE genes were associated with early CAD. We analyzed the -786 T/C polymorphism in the 5' flanking region and the 27-bp repeat polymorphism in NOS3 intron 4, as well as the ACE-I/D polymorphism. A total of 170 male smokers (CAD patients) younger than 50 years and 300 male smokers (healthy controls) were genotyped. Frequencies were compared by the chi(2) test, and odds ratios (ORs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CI) were also calculated. Only the -786 T/C polymorphism in the 5' flanking region of the NOS3 gene was significantly associated with early CAD in our population. The frequency of the CC genotype was significantly increased (P = 0.039) in patients compared to controls (OR = 1.67; 95% CI = 1.01, 2.72). We found a synergistic effect between the NOS3-CC and the ACE-DD genotypes in the risk of developing early CAD. The frequency of CC + DD was significantly increased among patients (P = 0.002). Thus, those with a NOS3-CC and an ACE-DD genotype would have a significantly increased risk of suffering an early episode of coronary artery disease (OR = 2.82; 95% CI = 1.40, 5.70). Although based on a limited number of patients, our work suggests that individuals who are NOS3-CC + ACE-DD are at a higher risk for early CAD, probably as a consequence of increased endothelial dysfunction.

Genetic variation at the chemokine receptors CCR5/CCR2 in myocardial infarction.

Our objective was to examine the association between myocardial infarction (MI) and two DNA-polymorphisms at the proinflammatory chemokine receptors CCR2 (I64V) and CCR5 (32 bp deletion, (Delta)ccr5), defining if these polymorphisms influence the age for the onset of MI. A total of 214 patients with an age at the first MI episode <55 years, 96 patients that suffered the first MI episode when older than 60 years, and 360 population controls were polymerase chain reaction genotyped for the CCR2-V64I and CCR5-Delta32/wt polymorphisms. Patients and controls were male from the same Caucasian population (Asturias, northern Spain). The frequency of the Deltaccr5 allele was significantly higher in controls compared to patients <55 years (P = 0.004), or in patients >60 years compared to patients <55 years (P = 0.002). Taking the patients >60 years as the reference group, non-carriers of the (Delta)ccr5-allele would have a three-fold higher risk of suffering an episode of MI at <55 years of age (OR = 3.06; 95% CI = 1.46-6.42). Gene and genotype frequencies for the CCR2 polymorphism did not differ between patients <55 years and controls or patients >60 years. Our data suggest that the variation at the CCR5 gene could modulate the age at the onset of MI. Patients carrying the (Delta)ccr5-allele would be protected against an early episode of MI. CCR5 and the CCR5-ligands are expressed by cells in the arteriosclerotic plaque. Thus, the protective role of (Delta)ccr5 could be a consequence of an attenuated inflammatory response, that would determine a slower progression of the arteriosclerotic lesion among (Delta)ccr5-carriers. Our work suggests that the pharmacological blockade of CCR5 could be a valuable therapy in the treatment of MI.

[Adult congenital anomalies of the coronary arteries described over 31 years of angiographic studies in the Asturias Principality: main angiographic and clinical characteristics]. / Anomalías congénitas de las arterias coronarias del adulto descritas en 31 años de estudios coronariográficos en el Principado de Asturias: principales características angiográficas y clínicas.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of adult congenital anomalies of the coronary arteries over 31 years of angiographic studies, describing their angiographic and clinical characteristics. The results have been compared with the main series published. METHODS: The diagnostic angiographic reports done in the Principado de Asturias from 1968 to 1999 are reviewed. In those in which a congenital anomaly was diagnosed, the clinical report and the angiography were studied. The initial course of the anomaly was defined following angiographic criteria. RESULTS: Thirteen thousand five hundred reports were reviewed describing 75 patients with 75 anomalies (0.5%) including: anomalous origin of the left circumflex coronary artery (n = 24), coronary artery fistulae (n = 21), both coronary arteries arising from the left coronary sinus (n = 15), single coronary arteries (n = 6), both coronary arteries arising from the right coronary sinus (n = 2), separated origin of anterior descending and left circumflex coronary arteries (n = 3), anterior descending artery arising from the right coronary sinus (n = 2), and others (n = 1). Angiographic studies were done because of: angina (59%), dysnea (25%), atypical chest pain (7%), syncope (3%), dizziness (3%) and palpitations (3%). The initial course was retroaortic in all the circumflex arteries, interarterial in the right coronaries, anterior in the anterior descending arteries and retroaortic, septal and combined, in the left coronaries. CONCLUSIONS: Adult congenital anomalies of the coronary arteries are not very common and are usually casual findings of diagnostic angiographic studies. Left circumflex coronary artery anomalies are the most frequently diagnosed.

Synergistic effect between apolipoprotein E and angiotensinogen gene polymorphisms in the risk for early myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND: Several studies based on different populations worldwide have described an association between cardiovascular diseases and genetic variations in the apolipoprotein E (A:POE), angiotensinogen (A:GT), angiotensin receptor type 1 (A:T1R), and angiotensin-converting enzyme (A:CE) genes. In addition, there is growing evidence of an interaction between hypercholesterolemia and the renin-angiotensin system in the risk for hypertension and atherosclerosis. METHODS: To determine whether the DNA polymorphisms in A:POE (epsilon2, epsilon3, and epsilon4 alleles), A:GT (M235T), A:T1R (1166 A:/C:), and ACE (I:/D:) are associated with early onset of myocardial infarction (MI), we genotyped 220 patients and 200 controls <55 years of age. Patients and controls were males from the same homogeneous Caucasian population. Data concerning hypertension, diabetes, and tobacco consumption were recorded. The lipid profiles of patients and controls were also determined. RESULTS: APOE, ACE, AGT, and AT1R allele and genotype frequencies did not differ between patients and controls. None of these polymorphisms was related to the biochemical values in patients or controls. The frequency of individuals who were both APOE epsilon4 allele carriers and AGT-TT homozygotes was significantly higher in patients than in controls (11% vs 3.5%; P: = 0.0037). In patients, the frequency of epsilon4 carriers was significantly higher (P: <0.00001) in those who were AGT-TT (46%) than those who were AGT-MT/MM (14%). Mean cholesterol was significantly higher in AGT-TT + APOE epsilon34/44 patients than in the TM/MM + epsilon34/44 or TT + epsilon23/33 genotypes (P: = 0. 029). CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest a synergistic effect between the APOE and AGT polymorphisms and early MI. The increased risk could be mediated in part through higher cholesterol concentrations among individuals who are AGT-TT + APOE epsilon4 allele carriers.

Genetic variation in the renin-angiotensin system and athletic performance.

The D allele at the angiotensin-I-converting enzyme (ACE)-insertion/deletion polymorphism has been associated with an increased risk of developing several pathological processes, such as coronary heart disease and ventricular hypertrophy. Individuals with the DD genotype show a significantly increased left-ventricular mass in response to physical training, compared to the II genotype (which would be associated with the lowest plasma ACE levels) and the ID genotype. The II genotype has been linked to a greater anabolic response. In accordance with a role for ACE in the response to rigorous physical training, a higher frequency of the I allele has been reported to exist among elite rowers and high-altitude mountaineers. Sixty elite (professional) athletes (25 cyclists, 20 long-distance runners, and 15 handball players), and 400 healthy controls were genotyped for the DNA polymorphisms of the ACE, angiotensinogen (Ang) and angiotensin receptor type 1 (AT1) genes. Plasma ACE levels showed a strong correlation with the I/D genotype in our population. The I-allele occurred at a significantly higher frequency in athletes compared to controls (P = 0.0009). Gene and genotype frequencies for the Ang and AT1 polymorphisms did not differ between athletes and controls. Since the frequency of the ACE I allele was significantly increased among our elite athletes, we conclude that the ACE polymorphism represents a genetic factor that contributes to the development of an elite athlete.

[Civil bioethics in pluralistics societies]. / Bioética cívica en sociedades pluralistas.

The author examines how Bioethics should be approached in a pluralist society. She argues that through the gradual discovery of shared ethical values and principles for judging which practices are humanizing and which or not, ever-more dense civil Bioethics helps bring out--in contrast to relativism and subjectivism--an ethical intersubjectiveness, the fundaments of which should be addressed by moral philosophy if it hopes to fulfill one of its main tasks.

The prothrombin 20210A allele and the factor V Leiden are associated with venous thrombosis but not with early coronary artery disease.

This study was performed in order to establish the role of the prothrombin 20210 G/A and factor V Leiden (R506Q) polymorphisms in the susceptibility to develop venous thromboembolism and early coronary artery disease (CAD). These polymorphisms were determined in 82 consecutive patients with venous thromboembolism, 175 male patients with early CAD, and 200 healthy controls from the same Caucasian population (Asturias, Northern Spain). DNA was amplified using polymerase chain reactions and digested with the appropriate restriction enzymes in order to define the prothrombin and factor V genotypes. The prevalence of the heterozygous for the prothrombin A allele was 3.5% in the general population and 15.8% in patients with venous thrombosis (P = 0.0007); the frequency was 4% in patients with early CAD. No sex-related differences in the prevalence of the A allele were observed, and the average age at the first venous thromboembolic event was similar between GG and AG patients. The frequency of carriers of the factor V Leiden polymorphism was 9.75% among patients with venous thromboembolism, compared with 3.5% among controls, and 3.4% in the patients with CAD. Our data showed an association between venous thromboembolism and the AG genotype at the prothrombin 20210 G/A polymorphism. This polymorphism was not related to an increased risk for early CAD in our population of male patients.

[Coronary spasm and heart arrest caused by ventricular fibrillation]. / Espasmo coronario y parada cardíaca por fibrilación ventricular.

We report the cases of three young men, heavy smokers, without previous heart disease and who were resuscitated after cardiac arrest due to ventricular fibrillation attributed to coronary spasm. All of them complained of atypical chest pain and the exercise testing, echocardiogram and coronary angiography were normal. The first case was diagnosed by Holter monitoring and by provocative testing with intracoronary ergonovine; the second by provocative testing with intracoronary acetylcholine and the third by Holter monitoring. The patients were treated with a calcium antagonist and/or nitrates and in the follow up they remained asymptomatic.

Takayasu arteritis in Colombia.

Takayasu arteritis has been recognized in Colombia just recently, and so far we do not have any report concerning its presentation here. In this first report, some issues related to the presentation of the disease are indicated and compared with those found in the medical literature. No differences were found in age and sex. Most of the cases were diagnosed during an inactive phase of the disease with advanced manifestations due to vascular lesion which suggests the existence of some genetic factor influencing such a presentation, or may be the consequence of a delay in diagnosing the disease during initial and active stages due to not suspecting it. Comparing the vessels which are affected among other races and countries, we can find both differences and similarities. With the purpose of discovering the demographic, clinical, angiographic and laboratorial characteristics of Takayasu arteritis in Colombia, the present study was carried out by studying 35 clinical cases in different medical centers of the country.

Apolipoprotein A1 gene polymorphisms and risk of early coronary disease.

Genetic studies have identified polymorphisms at the apolipoprotein (Apo) A1 gene associated with HDL cholesterol and apolipoprotein levels, and a relationship between the severity of coronary artery disease and polymorphisms at the 5'-end of Apo A1 has been also reported. This study was designed to examine the relationship between polymorphism at the Apo A1 gene and the risk of early coronary artery disease. Furthermore, the association of the polymorphism with the classical risk factors was analyzed. A total of 176 male patients (mean age 43 +/- 5 years) diagnosed as having unstable angina (53 cases) or myocardial infarction (123 cases) were prospectively evaluated. Data referring to hypertension, diabetes and tobacco consumption were recorded. The levels of total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, Apo A1 and B and triglycerides were determined. DNA was obtained from the 176 patients and from 200 controls. In order to determine the Apo A1 genotypes at two polymorphic sites (G/A at -75 bp, and C/T at +83 bp), DNA was PCR amplified and digested with MspI. The frequency of carriers of the rare allele at the -75 bp site (M1-) was 0.34 in cases and 0.24 in controls (p < 0.05). The frequencies of the M1- allele among patients with angina and myocardial infarction were 0.43 (p = 0.009, angina vs. controls) and 0.30, respectively. No significant association between this polymorphism and other cardiovascular risk factors was found. No difference in the frequencies for carriers of the rare allele at the +83-bp polymorphism (M2) was observed among patients with angina (0.08 vs. 0.07) or myocardial infarction (0.04 vs. 0.07), and no association between this polymorphism and tobacco, hypertension and diabetes was noted. Patients carrying the rare M2- allele had a lower concentration of total cholesterol compared to those without this allele (183 +/- 29 vs. 223 +/- 54, p < 0.04) and HDL cholesterol was also lower among patients carrying the M2- (26 +/- 4 vs. 33 +/- 9, p < 0.02). In our community male patients with a diagnosis of coronary artery disease and age less than 50 years showed a higher frequency of the M1- allele at the -75-bp site of the Apo A1 gene. There was a significant increase in the frequency of the M1- allele in patients with unstable angina and no association with risk factors. In the +83-bp polymorphism there was no difference in the allelelic frequencies or the risk factors, except for the HDL cholesterol and total cholesterol where the patients with the allele M2- had lower levels than those homozygous for the M2+.