Interleukin 35 (IL-35) is a heterodimeric cytokine involved in the development of atherosclerosis. The aim of the present study was to establish if the polymorphisms ofIL-12AandEBI3genes that encode the IL-35 subunits are associated with the development of premature coronary artery disease (CAD) in Mexican individuals. TheIL-12AandEBI3polymorphisms were determined in 1162 patients with premature CAD and 873 controls. Under different models, theEBI3rs428253 (OR = 0.831,Padd= 0.036; OR = 0.614,Prec= 0.033; OR = 0.591,Pcod2= 0.027) andIL-12Ars2243115 (OR = 0.674,Padd= 0.010; OR = 0.676,Pdom= 0.014; OR = 0.698,Phet= 0.027; OR = 0.694,Pcod1= 0.024) polymorphisms were associated with decreased risk of developing premature CAD. Some polymorphisms were associated with clinical and metabolic parameters. Significant different levels of IL-35 were observed inEBI3rs4740 and rs4905 genotypes only in the group of healthy controls. In summary, our study suggests that theEBI3andIL-12Apolymorphisms play an important role in decreasing the risk of developing premature CAD; it also demonstrates the relationship of theEBI3rs4740 and rs4905 genotypes with IL-35 levels in healthy individuals.

Interleukin 37 (IL-37) is an anti-inflammatory cytokine involved in the regulation of cholesterol homeostasis, reducing the levels of plasma cholesterol, fatty acids, and triglycerides. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the association of the IL-37 polymorphisms with the presence of hypercholesterolemia (HC), and with cardiovascular risk factors. Nine IL-37 polymorphisms (rs2708965, rs2708962, rs6717710, rs2708961, rs2708960, rs2708958, rs2723187, rs2708947, and rs2723192) were determined by TaqMan assays in a group of 1292 individuals (514 with and 778 without hypercholesterolemia) belonging to the cohort of the GEA Mexican Study. The associations were evaluated by logistic regression, using inheritance models adjusted by confounding variables. Under codominant 1 model, the rs2708961 (OR = 0.51, p = 0.02), rs2723187 (OR = 0.35, p = 0.005), and rs2708947 (OR = 0.49, p = 0.02) polymorphisms were associated with low risk of HC. The association of the polymorphisms with cardiovascular risk factors was evaluated independently in HC and non-HC individuals. In non-HC individuals, some polymorphisms were associated with the risk of having high levels of LDL-C, glucose, and high risk of T2DM, and low risk of having high visceral abdominal fat. On the other hand, in individuals with HC five, polymorphisms were associated with high levels of C-reactive protein. The IL-37 rs2708961, rs2723187, rs2708947 polymorphisms were associated with low risk of HC, and some IL-37 polymorphisms were associated with cardiometabolic factors in both individuals with and without HC.

La crisis por COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) puede convertirse en una catástrofe alimentaria para Latinoamérica, aumentando las personas que padecen hambre de 135 a 265 millones, especialmente en Venezuela, Guatemala, Honduras, Haití y El Salvador, que ya enfrentaban crisis económicas y sanitarias. Este manuscrito presenta la posición de un grupo de expertos latinoamericanos sobre las recomendaciones de consumo y/o suplementación con vitamina A, C, D, zinc, hierro, folatos y micronutrientes múltiples, en contextos de desnutrición, para grupos vulnerables: mujeres embarazadas y lactantes, niñas y niños menores de 5 años y adultos mayores. Las recomendaciones buscan disminuir el impacto potencial que tendrá COVID-19 en el estado nutricional, durante la pandemia. La posición surge de la discusión de dichos expertos con base a la revisión de evidencia científica actual para estos grupos vulnerables. Está dirigida a tomadores de decisiones, encargados de políticas públicas, personal de salud y organismos de la sociedad civil. Después de la lactancia materna y una dieta suficiente en cantidad y calidad, la suplementación con los micronutrientes presentados, puede contribuir a prevenir y tratar enfermedades virales, reforzar el sistema inmune y reducir complicaciones. La lactancia materna con medidas de higiene respiratoria, el suministro de múltiples micronutrientes en polvo para niños desde los 6 meses hasta los 5 años y el aporte de hierro y folatos o micronutrientes múltiples para la embarazada, son estrategias comprobadas y eficaces que deben seguirse implementando en tiempos de COVID-19. Para los adultos mayores la suplementación con vitamina C, D y zinc puede estar indicada. The COVID-19 crisis (SARS-CoV-2) might transform into a food catastrophe in Latin America and would increase the number of people suffering from hunger from 135 to 265 million, particularly in Venezuela, Guatemala, Honduras, Haiti and El Salvador, already facing economic and health crises. This manuscript presents the position of a group of Latin American experts in nutrition for establishing the recommendations for consumption and / or supplementation with vitamin A, C, D, zinc, iron, folates and multiple micronutrients, in undernutrition contexts, for vulnerable population of pregnant and lactating women, children under 5 years and the elderly. The recommendations seek to decrease the potential impact that COVID-19 will have on nutritional status during the pandemic. The position arises from the discussion of the experts based on the review of current scientific evidence for these vulnerable groups. It aims to reach stakeholders, public policy makers, health personnel and civil society organizations. Only after breastfeeding and a sufficient diet in terms of quantity and quality, a supplementation with the micronutrients mentioned above can help prevent and treat viral diseases, strengthen the immune system and even reduce complications. Breastfeeding with respiratory hygiene measures, the provision of multiple micronutrients powders for children from 6 moths to 5 years of age and the supply of iron and folates or multiple micronutrients tablets for pregnant women are proven and effective strategies that must continue to be implemented during COVID-19 pandemic. For older adults, supplementation with vitamin C, D and zinc might be indicated.

The phosphodiesterase family is involved in a wide spectrum of diseases, including ischemic stroke. However, few studies have analyzed the relationship between phosphodiesterase 4D (PDE4D) and myocardial infarction (MI). Therefore, the aim of this research was to evaluate the association of the PDE4D gene polymorphisms with MI, and with cardiometabolic parameters in the Mexican population. Six polymorphisms (rs2910829, rs1423246, rs966221, rs4502776, rs13172481, and rs6869495) were genotyped in 1023 MI patients and 1105 healthy controls. A similar distribution of the six polymorphisms was observed in both studied groups. However, after evaluating the linkage disequilibrium, we detected a risk haplotype for MI (AGAGAA; OR = 1.148; P = 0.025). In addition, the polymorphisms were associated with the presence of some clinical and metabolic parameters (central obesity, hypertriglyceridemia, Aspartate transaminase >p75, Lipoprotein (a) >30 mg/dL, TAT >p75, fatty liver, and vitamin D <30 ng/dL) in healthy controls. The results suggest that in the Mexican population, a PDE4D haplotype is associated with increased risk of developing MI, and that PDE4D polymorphisms are independently associated with the presence of cardiometabolic parameters.

Estas recomendaciones se basan en la evidencia científica actual derivada de meta-análisis y revisiones sistemáticas sobre nutrición y prevención de infecciones respiratorias causadas por los virus SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV o influenza, similares en su estructura al SARS-CoV-2. Están dirigidas al personal en la primera línea de atención de salud y al personal que presta servicios esenciales a la comunidad, con alto riesgo de infección por la COVID-19. Estas personas usan equipo de protección personal, cumplen largos turnos laborales, en ocasiones bajo condiciones extremas, lo que puede llevar a descanso insuficiente, alto nivel de estrés, depresión, pobre calidad en la alimentación y deshidratación. Todos estos factores influyen negativamente en el sistema inmune y podrían conllevar un mayor riesgo de infección. Una ingesta adecuada de micronutrientes y otros compuestos bioactivos es esencial para el desempeño óptimo del sistema inmune. Existe evidencia moderada que avala la suplementación, en forma individual, con vitamina C (2 000 mg), vitamina D (1 000-2 000 UI) y zinc (≤ 40 mg) en la prevención de infecciones respiratorias en adultos. No se encontró evidencia suficiente para avalar la suplementación con vitamina A, niacina, ácido fólico, B12, omega 3, probióticos y polifenoles, aunque si se recomienda el consumo de alimentos ricos en estos nutrientes para apoyar al sistema inmune. Se recomienda al personal seguir la recomendación de consumir 5 porciones/día (400 g) de frutas y vegetales/hortalizas, mantenerse hidratado y limitar la cafeína. No hay evidencia del consumo de alimentos alcalinos para prevenir infecciones. Estas recomendaciones son particularmente importantes durante la pandemia. These recommendations are based on current scientific evidence obtained through meta-analysis and systematic reviews on nutrition and the prevention of respiratory infections related to SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV or influenza, similar in structure to SARS-CoV-2. They are aimed at primary health care personnel and to those who provide essential services to the community and are, consequently, at high risk of COVID-19 infection. These individuals wear personal protective equipment, work long shifts, sometimes under extreme conditions, which can lead to insufficient rest, high stress levels, depression, poor nutrition and dehydration. Together, these factors have a negative impact on the immune system and could result in an increased risk of infection. An adequate intake of micronutrients and other bioactive compounds is essential for optimal immune performance. There is moderate evidence supporting supplementation, individually, with vitamin C (2 000 mg), vitamin D (1 000-2 000 IU) and zinc (≤40 mg) for the prevention of respiratory infections in adults. Insufficient evidence was found to support supplementation with vitamin A, niacin, folic acid, B12, omega 3, probiotics and polyphenols; however, the consumption of foods rich in these nutrients is recommended to support immune function. It is recommended that workers follow the recommendation of consuming 400 g/day of fruits and vegetables, remain hydrated and limit caffeine. There is no scientific evidence supporting the consumption of alkaline foods to prevent infections. The aforementioned recommendations are particularly relevant during the pandemic.