Comparison Between HDL-C Levels in Argentine Indigenous Children Living at High Altitudes and U.S. Children

BACKGROUND

Studies have shown low levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) in indigenous children versus urban children from Argentina. We hypothesized that indigenous children living at high altitudes might have lower HDL-C levels compared with U.S. children, probably due to ambient hypoxia, lifestyle conditions, or ethnicity. This study was designed (1) to compare HDL-C levels in Argentinean indigenous children with those reported in the 2011-2012 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) for U.S. children and (2) to determine the association between HDL-C and adiposity in both groups.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

A cross-sectional study of 1,232 (631 females) Argentinean indigenous schoolchildren (4-14 years old) from San Antonio de los Cobres (SAC) was performed between November 2011 and November 2014. Anthropometric measures were performed in the whole group and compared with those of 2,151 U.S. children (1,034 females). However, HDL-C concentrations were measured in 905 SAC children and compared with those of 1,451 U.S. children. Analyses were done incorporating sampling weights for age in both samples to obtain unbiased estimates. In the case of NHANES the weights provided by each individual in the 2011-2012 NHANES demographic file were used, whereas in the SAC sample the weights were obtained using the census data provided by the 2010 National Statistics and Censuses Institute of Argentina.

RESULTS

The prevalence of overweight/obesity was significantly lower in SAC (135/1,232; 11%) than in the United States (759/2,151; 35%). However, the prevalence of low levels of HDL-C was significantly higher in SAC (298/905; 33%) than in the United States (142/1,451; 10%). The prevalence of low levels of HDL-C increased significantly in both groups as body mass index categories increased. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that SAC children had nine and a half times the odds of having low levels of HDL-C compared with U.S. children, adjusted for confounding variables (odds ratio = 9.55; 95% confidence interval, 7.18-12.71).

CONCLUSIONS

This study shows a high prevalence of low levels of HDL-C in indigenous Argentinean children 4-14 years of age living at high altitudes compared with U.S. children.

Waist Circumference Percentiles in Indigenous Argentinean School Children Living at High Altitudes

BACKGROUND

Central obesity is associated with increased risk of type 2 diabetes.

OBJECTIVES

The study objectives were to develop waist circumference (WC) percentiles, to determine if WC is associated with metabolic risk, and to compare our WC percentiles with those reported in the 2007-2010 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES).

METHODS

A cross-sectional study of 1232 children (606 boys ) 5-14 years was performed from 2011 to 2014 in indigenous Koya children from northwestern Argentina. Anthropometric characteristics, glucose, lipids, and insulin levels were measured. Sex-specific reference percentiles were computed using the Lambda-Mu-Sigma (LMS) method. We obtained 2007-2010 NHANES data for comparison with our results.

RESULTS

Compared with the NHANES 90th percentile, WC values for children in this study were lower by an average of 11.05 cm for girls and 12.66 cm for boys. The prevalence of low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) was 11.8% in children with WC ≤50th percentile, 10.3% in children with WC >50th-70th percentile, 17.5% in children with WC >70th-90th percentile, and 21.3% in children with WC >90th percentile. The prevalence of high triglycerides (TG) was 19.5% in children with WC ≤50th percentile, 19.9% in children with WC >50th-70th percentile, 28.8% in children with WC >70th-90th percentile, and 39.7% in children with WC >90th percentile. Multiple logistic regression analyses showed that high TG values (>150 mg/dL) were significantly associated with WC [odds ratio (OR)] 1.05; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.03-1.08; and low HDL-C values (<35 mg/dL) were significantly associated with WC (OR 1.04; 95% CI 1.01-1.06), adjusted for age and gender.

CONCLUSION

We present for the first time WC reference data for indigenous Koya children ages 5-14 years. There was a significant association between WC and dyslipidemia in this community. Compared with the NHANES WC percentiles, our WC values were lower. These differences possibly reflect ethnicity or the lower prevalence of obesity.

Novel thiotolerant catalysts for the on-board partial dehydrogenation of jet fuels

The possibility of producing on-board H₂ by dehydrogenation of petrol derivates is interesting for transport applications.

Diginyc partial hydatidiform mole with increased fetal nuchal translucency and ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome

PURPOSE OF INVESTIGATION

Hydatidiform mole (HM) is an abnormal pregnancy characterized by proliferation of cytotrophoblast and syncytiotrophoblast and vesicular swelling of placental villi. The fetus or embryo can be absent or abnormal. HMs can be complete or partial.

CASE REPORT

A case of diginyc partial HM at 12 weeks of gestational age was referred to the present center of prenatal diagnosis. The patient showed ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. At ultrasonography, increased fetal nuchal translucency (NT) with fetal anomaly was evident, without sonographic signs of placental mole. Pregnancy was terminated with legal abortion.

RESULTS

Partial HM (PHM) was suspected by ultrasonographic fetal markers with ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, but the diagnosis was performed only with fluorescent in situ hybridization. In particular fetal NT appeared increased also in diginyc mole.

CONCLUSION

In order to improve the detection rate of PHM, routine histological examinations may be associated to fluorescent in situ hybridization in all cases of fetal anomalies.

Status of Dyslipidemia in Vitamin D Supplemented Argentinean Indigenous Children Versus A Non-supplemented Mixed Population Group

BACKGROUND

Epidemiological studies have suggested an inverse association between circulating levels of vitamin D and cardiovascular disease risk biomarkers, including an atherogenic lipid profile.

OBJECTIVE

To compare the prevalence and the distribution of lipid levels among vitamin D supplemented Argentinean indigenous San Antonio de los Cobres (SAC) children with a nonsupplemented Buenos Aires (BA) mixed population group.

METHODS

A group of indigenous children from SAC with hypovitaminosis D supplemented with vitamin D; and a nonsupplemented group from a BA mixed population were compared via a cross sectional study. Anthropometric measures, glucose, lipids, vitamin D, and insulin were measured.

RESULTS

The mean ages were 10.3 + 2.3 in SAC and 8.7 ± 1.8 years in BA children. There was a lower prevalence of overweight 7.9%(15/192) vs 17.8% (23/129); and of obesity 1.6% (3/192) vs 30.2% (39/129) in SAC vs. BA respectively. Approximately half of the SAC children versus 30% from BA had optimal vitamin D levels (≥30ng/mL). There was a significantly higher prevalence of high triglycerides (TG) (27.6%vs 4.6%) and low HDL-C (21.3% vs 5.4%) in SAC vs BA children, respectively. In separate linear regression models, we found that despite effective vitamin D repletion, SAC children had higher TG and TG/HDL-C values, whereas HDL-C levels were lower than those of BA children adjusted for age, gender, BMI, and insulin levels.

CONCLUSION

Indigenous Argentinean children have a higher risk for dyslipidemia in comparison with BA children, even after vitamin D treatment, suggesting that dyslipidemia could be related to diet or ethnic backgrounds.

Association between triglyceride to HDL-C ratio and insulin resistance in indigenous Argentinean children

BACKGROUND

Insulin resistance is considered one of the major risk factors for the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Thus, early identification, preferably by using simple and inexpensive diagnostic tools, is essential for preventing T2DM. Triglyceride (TG) to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) ratio (TG/HDL-C) has been proposed as an inexpensive tool to identify individuals at high risk of T2DM. The objective of this study was to determine the relationship between insulin resistance and TG/HDL-C in indigenous Argentinean children.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study of 501 (243 boys) indigenous school children aged 10.0 ± 2.4 yr were assessed for anthropometry, lipids, glucose, and insulin levels from November 2011 to November 2013. Insulin resistance was defined as the upper third quartile of homeostasis model assessment (HOMA-IR).

RESULTS

The prevalence of overweight/obesity was 11.4% per Centers for Disease Control. Mean levels of various characteristics were: body mass index (BMI) 17.2 ± 2.6, HDL-C 39 ± 9 mg/dL, TGs 121 ± 58 mg/dL, TG/HDL-C 2.9 ± 1.8, glucose 77 ± 8 mg/dL, HOMA-IR 1.0 ± 0.8, and insulin 44 ± 9 mUI/L. Children in the higher quartiles of TG/HDL-C had significantly higher HOMA-IR values than children in the lower quartiles. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that TG/HDL-C was significantly associated with HOMA-IR (r² = 0.19) adjusted for age, gender, and BMI. Furthermore, for a 1-unit increase in log TG/HDL-C, the odds of being insulin resistant (HOMA-IR>III quartile) increased by 2.58 times [odds ratio (OR), 2.58 (1.63-4.05); p < 0.01], adjusted for age, gender, and BMI.

CONCLUSION

This study suggests that TG/HDL-C may be a good marker to identify insulin resistant indigenous Argentinean children.

[Preliminary data on the effectiveness of resveratrol in a new formulation in treatment of hot flushes]

AIM

We conducted a pilot study to evaluate the effectiveness of resveratrol absorbed orally, conveyed through a new patented technology that increases the absorption through the oral mucosa in treatment of hot flushes (HF) during menopause.

METHODS

This is a randomized controlled double-blind study with crossover design. From October 2012 to July 2014 we considered the first 50 patients enrolled at the Center for Menopause Maggiore Hospital of Charity of Novara, with diagnosis of physiological or surgical menopause. Each woman received a diary in which she indicated the weekly number of HF and the perceived intensity, in a 0-10 Scale (Visual Analogue Scale, VAS).

RESULTS

Reduction of the monthly number of vasomotor episodes. Resveratrol 16/28 (57.1%); P2/22 placebo (9.1%) <0.001. The resveratrol group gets a positive result 6.28 times more compared to the placebo arm (95% CI: 1.61-24.49). Improvement of the intensity of symptoms and improving quality of life: resveratrol 22/28 (78.6%); placebo 4/22 P (18.2%) <0.001. Resveratrol group obtained a positive result 4:32 times more than the placebo arm (95% CI: 1.74-10.71).

CONCLUSION

Resveratrol is effective in reducing the number of episodes vasomotor and the intensity of HF, with the transition from moderate/severe to mild symptoms in 78.6% of patients. Resveratrol has the characteristics to be an alternative therapy in the treatment of HF in menopause.

Heart Rate Variability (HRV) modifications in adult hemiplegic patients after botulinum toxin type A (nt-201) injection

BACKGROUND

The most important adverse effect of BoNT-A is the systemic diffusion of the toxin. There is some evidence that the administration of high doses can increase the risk of systemic diffusion and the development of clinically evident adverse effects, however an international consensus does not exist about its maximum dose.

AIM

The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in autonomic heart drive induced by high doses (higher than 600 units) of incobotulinumtoxinA injection in spastic stroke patients. Moreover, the treatment safety by monitoring adverse events occurrence was assessed.

DESIGN

Case control study.

POPULATION

Eleven stroke survivors with spastic hemiplegia.

METHODS

Patients were treated with intramuscular focal injections of IncobotulinumtoxinA (NT 201; Xeomin®, Merz Pharmaceuticals GmbH, Frankfurt, Germany). Doses were below 12 units/Kg. Each patient underwent an ECG recording before injection and 10 days after treatment. Linear and non-linear Heart Rate variability (HRV) measures were derived from ECGs with a dedicated software.

RESULTS

None of the variable considered showed statistically significant changes after BoNT-A injection.

CONCLUSION

The use of incobotulinumtoxinA in adult patients at doses up to 12 units/kg seems to be safe regarding autonomic heart drive.

CLINICAL REHABILITATION IMPACT

The use of IncobotulinumtoxinA up to 600 units could be a safe therapeutic option in spastic hemiplegic stroke survivors.

Maternal misperceptions of children's overweight in an indigenous Argentinean community

OBJECTIVE

To compare the prevalence of misperception between 2 groups of mothers towards their children's weight status from an indigenous population in San Antonio de los Cobres (SAC) and a Buenos Aires (BA) mixed population.

METHODS

Questionnaires regarding mothers' perceptions about their children's shape were performed during 2014.

RESULTS

Overall, 152 SAC children (80 males) aged 9.0+2.1 years and 119 BA children (59 males) aged 8.1+1.7 years were evaluated. There was a significant difference in the prevalence of maternal misperception of normal weight vs overweight children in both ethnicities: SAC (38.8% vs 66.7%) and BA (33.3% vs 62.9%).

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that maternal misperception of children's overweight was poor in both communities despite having different socio-economic and ethnic backgrounds.

Improvement of Apolipoprotein B in Argentine Indigenous School Children after Vitamin D Supplementation

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether vitamin D supplementation improves non-traditional cardiovascular risk factors such as Apo B levels among indigenous children.

METHODS

A prospective two-year study evaluated a treated cohort of 190 children (104 males) aged 9.4+ 2.2 years. Children were divided into group A (n=104; 54.7%) and group B (n=86; 45.3%). Both groups received vitamin D supplementation with 100,000 u/year; group B was treated in 2013 and group A in 2014. All subjects were evaluated at the end of each treatment and anthropometric measures, lipids and vitamin D levels between the two groups were compared.

RESULTS

Changes in vitamin D levels were significantly higher in Group A, which was supplied in 2014, than in group B, which was not supplied in 2014 (6.8 vs 0.96 ng/dL; respectively). Levels of LDL-C and Apo B were improved in group A versus B: LDL-C (-5.7 vs 6.9 mg/dL respectively) and Apo B (-0.9 vs 11. mg/dL respectively). Several multiple regression linear analyses showed that changes in vitamin D were significantly associated with lower LDL-C levels (Beta- 0.41, p<0.01; R2 0.07); and with lower Apo B levels (Beta-0.37, p<0.01; R2 0.17).

CONCLUSION

Vitamin D supplementation among indigenous children could improve Apo B levels.

Screening for gestational diabetes in the Lombardy region: A population-based study

AIM

As the treatment of hyperglycaemia during pregnancy with diet or insulin reduces the risk of adverse maternal outcomes and perinatal complications, screening for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is included, albeit to variable extents, in all guidelines of care for pregnant women. The aim of the present investigation was to estimate the proportion of pregnancies screened for GDM in Lombardy between 2007 and 2010, and to identify predictors of screening.

METHODS

A retrospective cross-sectional study using regional healthcare utilization databases of Lombardy was conducted. The study included all residents of Lombardy without pregestational diabetes who delivered between 1 January 2007 and 31 December 2010. The proportion of pregnancies with at least one screening test for GDM was calculated, along with the odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals associated with selected covariates for GDM screening.

RESULTS

Of the 362,818 pregnancies included in the sample, 30% were screened for GDM. The proportion of pregnancies screened increased slightly from 2007 (27%) to 2010 (33%) and with maternal age (from 28% among women<25 years to 32% among those ≥35 years), and varied widely across local health management organizations (HMOs) of residence (range: 20% to 68%). Socioeconomic indicators (education, immigrant status), obstetric history and prepregnancy hypertension were independent predictors of GDM screening.

CONCLUSION

The study finding of a low rate of pregnant women screened for GDM among residents of Lombardy supports the need for programmes to improve training of healthcare professionals, to raise women's awareness of GDM and to eliminate barriers to GDM screening.

Posterior reconstruction and outcomes of laparoscopic radical prostatectomy in a high-risk setting

Posterior reconstruction was found to be associated with lower degree of anastomotic leakage and enhanced urinary continence at one and three months after extrafascial laparoscopic radical prostatectomy.

Background and Objectives:

To detail the technique and evaluate the impact of a personal modified posterior reconstruction technique (PDR) on the outcomes of extrafascial laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (eLRP) in a consecutive series of 52 patients affected by high-risk prostate cancer (HRPCa).

Methods:

From October 2007 to March 2012, 52 patients underwent PDR during eLRP for HRPCa. Fifty-four patients who underwent eLRP for HRPCa with no PDR were considered as historical controls. Mean operative time (MOT), mean catheterization time (MCT), % continence and quality of life (QoL) at a scheduled follow-up, % anastomotic leakage, % adjuvant therapy were compared between the groups. Percentage of continence and QoL were prospectively assessed by self-administered validated questionnaires (ICI-Q-SF; SF-36) at 1, 3, 6, and12 months.

Results:

PDR was associated wither higher continence rates at 1 and 3 mo (P = .028, P = .006), a lower incidence of cystographic leakage (P = .002), and an increased adjuvant radiotherapy rate (P = .008). At 1- and 3-mo interval, in the PDR group, we found a higher number of patients reporting better general health, (P = .01, P = .03) reduced role limitations due to physical health, (P = .02, P = .001), and emotional problems (P = .001, P = .02).

Conclusions:

PDR is associated with a lower degree of anastomotic leakage, and it significantly enhances urinary continence at 1 and 3 mo. The increased adjuvant radiotherapy rate and quality of life after surgery observed with our technique suggest that in the high-risk setting an early functional recovery may substantially influence the oncologic outcome of eLRP.

Improvement in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels in argentine Indian school children after vitamin D supplementation

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Low vitamin D levels correlate with dyslipidemia, but limited data exist on indigenous children. The objective was to determine whether vitamin D supplementation improves high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels among Koya children.

METHODS

A prospective 1-year study evaluated a treated cohort of 70 (38 males) children aged 10.3 ± 2.1 years who received 5,000 U of vitamin D weekly during 8 weeks, and a control group of 20 (8 males) children aged 9.2 ± 1.1 years who did not receive vitamin D.

RESULTS/CONCLUSIONS

At baseline, 18 (20%) had severe vitamin D deficiency (<10 ng/ml), 66 (73.3%) had deficiency (10 to <20 ng/ml), and 6 (6.6%) had insufficiency (20 to <30 ng/ml). At baseline, there was no significant difference in the prevalence of hypovitaminosis D between groups. After 1 year, the prevalence of severe vitamin D deficiency decreased from 20 to 0%, and that of insufficiency increased from 6 to 19% (p < 0.001) only in the treated group. The prevalence of low HDL-C also decreased in the treated group only (35.7-5.7%; p < 0.01). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that treated children improved HDL-C levels by 4 mg/dl (R(2): 0.13) adjusted for confounding factors, suggesting that vitamin D supplementation among Indian children improved HDL-C levels.

Orthofile®: a new approach for mechanical interproximal reduction : a scanning electron microscopic enamel evaluation

PURPOSE

The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the stripping achieved on different teeth (incisors, canines, and premolars) by two grades of abrasive strips used for the first and tenth time. Our second aim was to test the efficacy of these strips by calculating the time necessary to perform interproximal reductions of 0.10, 0.20, and 0.30 mm.

METHODS

Four models were constructed using extracted teeth affixed in wax. The upper and lower arches were set on plaster bases and fixed in wax, carefully creating contact points. All model mouths were treated with artificial saliva (Oral Balance®) in order to simulate the biological conditions in the oral cavity. We then tested specific air-rotor strips of different grades and degrees of wear (15-µm-grain and 25-µm-grain Orthofile® strips). Afterwards the teeth from all samples were cut lengthwise in half, and each mesial and distal portion was gold-plated and observed under SEM at incremental magnification (30, 60, and 100 µm).

RESULTS

The 25-µm-grain strip was more effective than the 15-µm-grain strip, irrespective of the tooth involved. Second, the finishing phase with specific polishing strips after interproximal reduction was fundamental in reducing the number of abrasions and irregularities created by stripping, in particular after using the 25-µm-grain strip. To achieve the best result, the entire abraded area must be polished.

CONCLUSION

This system permits a rapid and effective stripping procedure in direct proportion to the strip's grain and in inverse proportion to the wear from its use. Further research will enable us to compare this system with similar procedures.

Vitamin D protects human endothelial cells from oxidative stress through the autophagic and survival pathways

CONTEXT

Recently, vitamin D (VitD) has been recognized as increasingly importance in many cellular functions of several tissues and organs other than bone. In particular, VitD showed important beneficial effects in the cardiovascular system. Although the relationship among VitD, endothelium, and cardiovascular disease is well established, little is known about the antioxidant effect of VitD.

OBJECTIVE

Our objective was to study the intracellular pathways activated by VitD in cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells undergoing oxidative stress.

DESIGN

Nitric oxide production, cell viability, reactive oxygen species, the mitochondrial permeability transition pore, membrane potential, and caspase-3 activity were measured during oxidative stress induced by administration of 200 μM hydrogen peroxide for 20 minutes. Experiments were repeated in the presence of specific vitamin D receptor ligand ZK191784.

RESULTS

Pretreatment with VitD alone or in combination with ZK191784 is able to reduce the apoptosis-related gene expression, involving both intrinsic and extrinsic pathways. At the same time, it has been shown the activation of pro-autophagic beclin 1 and the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and Akt, indicating a modulation between apoptosis and autophagy. Moreover, VitD alone or in combination with ZK191784 is able to prevent the loss of mitochondrial potential and the consequent cytochrome C release and caspase activation.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study shows that VitD may prevent endothelial cell death through modulation of the interplay between apoptosis and autophagy. This effect is obtained by inhibiting superoxide anion generation, maintaining mitochondria function and cell viability, activating survival kinases, and inducing NO production.

Association between nontraditional risk factors and metabolic syndrome in indigenous Argentinean schoolchildren

BACKGROUND

Whether apolipoproteins (Apos) are better cardiovascular disease (CVD) markers than metabolic syndrome (MS) is widely debated. Measurement of Apo B is standardized, simple, and inexpensive and does not require fasting. The aim of this study was to compare the ability of nontraditional CVD markers such as Apo B, Apo B/Apo A, non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), vitamin D, and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) to identify children with MS.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

A cross-sectional study of 355 Argentinean Koya schoolchildren (166 boys) 9.6±2.3 years old was performed in November 2011. Anthropometric measures, blood pressure, Tanner stages, and serum levels of glucose, lipids, insulin, Apo A, Apo B, and vitamin D were measured.

RESULTS

The prevalence of overweight/obesity was 10.7% (n=38), and that of underweight was 14.6% (n=52) using Centers for Disease Control and Prevention criteria. The prevalence of central obesity was 10.9% (38/355), high triglycerides was 11.1% (39/355), low HDL-C was 44.9% (158/355), hypertension was 12.8% (45/355), hyperglycemia was 0.3% (1/355), and MS was 4.2% (15/355). Several multiple logistic regression analyses showed that MS was significantly associated with HOMA-IR (odds ratio [OR], 3.6 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.51-8.52]), non-HDL-C (OR, 1.03 [95% CI 1.007-1.049]), Apo B (OR, 1.06 [95% CI 1.03-1.09]), and Apo B/Apo A (OR, 78.3 [95% CI 3.67-1,674.4]) adjusted for age and gender. Furthermore, the areas under the receiver operator characteristic curves were as follows: Apo B, 0.77 (95% CI 0.63-0.90); Apo B/Apo A, 0.76 (95% CI 0.63-0.88); non-HDL-C, 0.72 (95% CI 0.57-0.85); and HOMA-IR, 0.69 (95% CI 0.49-0.90). These values indicate that these variables were acceptable predictors for MS.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first study of nontraditional markers in South American Indian children. MS was associated with multiple nontraditional markers of future CVD risk such as non-HDL-C, Apo B, and Apo B/Apo A. However, Apo B was the best predictor for MS, suggesting that it could be used as a risk marker of future CVD in this community.

Improvement in lipid profile after vitamin D supplementation in indigenous argentine school children

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether vitamin D supplementation of indigenous school children living at high altitude who are vitamin D insufficient improves lipid profile.

METHODS

A prospective two-year study evaluated 60 children (29 males) from Hogar School who received 100,000 units of vitamin D and 36 children (16 males) from Sosa School who received 50,000 units. Anthropometric measures, Triglycerides (TG), HDL-C, TG/HDL-C, and vitamin D levels were measured in November 2011 and in November 2013.

RESULTS

Children aged 8.8 ± 2 years with mean z-BMI (-0.43) were evaluated. After vitamin D supplementation, mean vitamin D levels increased from 14.7 to 32.1 ng/mL (p < 0.01) in Hogar and from 14.6 to 25.1 ng/mL (p < 0.01) in Sosa School. Furthermore, mean HDL-C increased significantly in Hogar (39.8 to 43.9 mg/dL); while no significant changes were found in Sosa School (44.4 to 45.1 mg/dL). Though no significant changes were found in median TG (117 to 111 mg/dL) and TG/HDL (3.0 to 2.7 mg/dL) in Hogar; TG (95 to 111 mg/dL) and TG/HDL-C (2.2 to 2.4 mg/dL) increased significantly in Sosa School. Several multiple linear regression analyses showed that children from Hogar School decreased TG/HDL-C by 1.3 mg/dL (R(2): 0.14), HDL-c by 3.6 mg/dL (R(2): 0.13), and TG by 31 mg/dL (R(2): 0.11), adjusted for confounding factors.

CONCLUSIONS

Indigenous children who received 100,000 U of vitamin D significantly improved vitamin D and lipid levels compared to children who received 50,000 U, suggesting that optimal vitamin D levels are associated with a healthier lipid profile.

Low vitamin D concentrations among indigenous Argentinean children living at high altitudes

BACKGROUND

Hypovitaminosis D is an international problem; however, there is little information about its prevalence in apparently healthy Indian children living at high altitudes.

OBJECTIVES

To determine (i) the prevalence of hypovitaminosis D and (ii) the association of serum vitamin D with the risk factors for diabetes among Indian Koya children.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study of 290 (129 males) school children aged 10.7 ± 2.9 yr was performed. Anthropometric measures, blood pressure (BP), Tanner stages and serum levels of glucose, lipids, and insulin were measured. 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] was measured by radioimmunoassay (Dia Sorin).

RESULTS

The prevalence of obesity was 3.4% (10), overweight 3.4% (10), normal weight 79.0% (229), and underweight 14.1 % (41) per CDC reference standards. Concentrations of [25(OH)D] were median 10 (range 8-13 ng/mL); 10 (3.4%) had insufficient vitamin D levels (20 to <30 ng/mL), 136 (46.9%) had deficient levels (10 to <20 ng/mL), 144 (49.7%) had severe deficiency (<10 ng/mL) and none had optimal levels (≥30 ng/mL). There was an inverse significant correlation between [25(OH)D] and age (r = 0.14), body mass index (BMI) (r = 0.16), waist circumference (r = 0.15), systolic BP (r = 0.19), hemoglobin (r = 0.19), glucose (r = 0.22), insulin (r = 0.13), and homeostasis model of assessment-insulin resistance (r = 0.16). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that 25(OH)D concentrations were significantly and inversely associated with glucose concentrations (β = -0.28; p = 0.02) adjusted for age, BMI, systolic BP, hemoglobin, and insulin.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated a high prevalence of both 25(OH)D deficiency and insufficiency and an inverse association between 25(OH)D and glucose concentration in apparently healthy Koya Indian children. Further research is needed to confirm these findings.

Calcium handling in porcine coronary endothelial cells by gastrin-17

In porcine coronary artery endothelial cells (PCAEC), gastrin-17 has recently been found to increase nitric oxide (NO) production by the endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) isoform through cholecystokinin 1/2 (CCK1/2) receptors and the involvement of protein kinase A (PKA), PKC and the β2-adrenoreceptor-related pathway. As eNOS is the Ca(2)(+)-dependent isoform of the enzyme, we aimed to examine the effects of gastrin-17 on Ca(2)(+) movements. Thus, experiments were performed in Fura-2-acetoxymethyl-ester-loaded PCAEC, where changes of cytosolic Ca(2)(+) ([Ca(2)(+)]c) caused by gastrin-17 were analysed and compared with those of CCK receptors and β2-adrenoreceptors agonists/antagonists. In addition, some experiments were performed by stimulating cells with gastrin-17 in the presence or absence of cAMP/PKA activator/inhibitor and of phospholipase C (PLC) and Ca(2)(+)-calmodulin dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) blockers. The results have shown that gastrin-17 can promote a transient increase in [Ca(2)(+)]c mainly originating from an intracellular pool sensitive to thapsigargin and from the extracellular space. In addition, the response of cells to gastrin-17 was increased by the adenylyl cyclase activator and the β2-adrenoreceptor agonists and affected mainly by the CCK2 receptor agonists/antagonists. Moreover, the effects of gastrin-17 were prevented by β2-adrenoreceptors and CaMKII blockers and the adenylyl cyclase/PKA and PLC inhibitors. Finally, in PCAEC cultured in Na(+)-free medium or loaded with the plasma membrane Ca(2)(+) pump inhibitor, the gastrin-17-evoked Ca(2)(+) transient was long lasting. In conclusion, this study shows that gastrin-17 affected intracellular Ca(2)(+) homeostasis in PCAEC by both promoting a discharge of an intracellular pool and by interfering with the operation of store-dependent channels through mainly CCK2 receptors and PKA/PLC- and CaMKII-related signalling downstream of β2-adrenoreceptor stimulation.

Association of vitamin D with glucose levels in indigenous and mixed population Argentinean boys

INTRODUCTION

There is little information about low vitamin D concentrations in apparently healthy indigenous children in South America.

OBJECTIVES

(a) To compare the prevalence of hypovitaminosis D in SAC (San Antonio de los Cobres) versus BA (Buenos Aires) boys and (b) to determine the association of serum vitamin D concentration with age, gender, and risk factors for diabetes.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study compares 129 boys from SAC with a 98% indigenous population, versus 116 boys from BA with a mixed population. Anthropometric measures and serum levels of glucose, lipids, insulin, and 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] were measured in May 2011 and May 2010 (fall season). Optimal, insufficiency, deficiency, and severe deficiency of vitamin D were defined as [25(OH)D[levels ≥75 nmol/L, 50 to <75 nmol/L, 25 to <50 nmol/L, and <25 nmol/L respectively.

RESULTS

The mean age was 9.7±2.7 in SAC and 11.3±2.51 years in BA children. Seventeen (13.2%) SAC and 2 (1.7%) BA children were underweight; 99 (76.7%) SAC and 58 (50.0%) BA children were normal weight; 5 (3.9%) SAC and 15 (12.9%) BA children were overweight; and 8 (6.2%) SAC and 41 (35.3%) BA children were obese (p<0.001). Sixty-six (51.2%) SAC and 1 (0.9%) BA children had vitamin D severe deficiency; 58 (45.0%) SAC and 53 (45.7%) BA children had deficiency; 5 (3.9%) SAC and 61 (52.6%) BA had insufficiency; and 0 (0%) SAC and 1 (0.9%) BA children had optimal vitamin D (p<0.001). Therefore, there was a lower prevalence of overweight/obesity and a higher prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in SAC than in BA children. Separate linear regression models showed an inverse association between glucose levels (beta=-0.22; p=0.01) and HOMA=IR (beta=-0.21; p=0.02) with vitamin D levels adjusted for age, z-BMI and community.

CONCLUSIONS

There was a higher prevalence of 25(OH)D deficiency in SAC versus BA boys, suggesting that dark skin, high altitudes, or genetic backgrounds could contribute to this problem. In addition, we found an inverse association between [25(OH)D] and glucose concentration in apparently healthy children. Additional longitudinal studies should be done to confirm these findings.