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    Molecular pathways and nutrigenomic review of insulin resistance development in gestational diabetes mellitus
    <jats:p>Gestational diabetes mellitus is a condition marked by raised blood sugar levels and insulin resistance that usually occurs during the second or third trimester of pregnancy. According to the World Health Organization, hyperglycemia affects 16.9% of pregnancies worldwide. Dietary changes are the primarily alternative treatment for gestational diabetes mellitus. This paper aims to perform an exhaustive overview of the interaction between diet, gene expression, and the metabolic pathways related to insulin resistance. The intake of foods rich in carbohydrates can influence the gene expression of glycolysis, as well as foods rich in fat, can disrupt the beta-oxidation and ketogenesis pathways. Furthermore, vitamins and minerals are related to inflammatory processes regulated by the TLR4/NF-κB and one carbon metabolic pathways. We indicate that diet regulated gene expression of <jats:italic>PPARα</jats:italic>, <jats:italic>NOS</jats:italic>, <jats:italic>CREB3L3</jats:italic>, <jats:italic>IRS</jats:italic>, and <jats:italic>CPT I</jats:italic>, altering cellular physiological mechanisms and thus increasing or decreasing the risk of gestational diabetes. The alteration of gene expression can cause inflammation, inhibition of fatty acid transport, or on the contrary help in the modulation of ketogenesis, improve insulin sensitivity, attenuate the effects of glucotoxicity, and others. Therefore, it is critical to comprehend the metabolic changes of pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus, to determine nutrients that help in the prevention and treatment of insulin resistance and its long-term consequences.</jats:p>
    Scopus© Citations 14
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    Exploring the genetic basis of violence: The impact of Y and X chromosomes
    Violence is a pressing global concern, causing more than 475 000 deaths annually and disproportionately affecting women and children. While environmental, genetic, and epigenetic factors contribute to violent behavior, this article focuses on the genetic aspect, particularly the roles of the X and Y chromosomes. The monoamino oxidase A () gene influences neurotransmitter catabolism and is located on the X chromosome. Polymorphisms, such as tandem repeat variants associated with low transcriptional activity, have been linked to aggression, particularly in men, as X chromosome inactivation complicates studies in women. Other variants, including single-nucleotide polymorphisms, have also been associated with violent behavior. Additionally, individuals with fragile X syndrome often exhibit increased aggression patterns. The Y chromosome’s sex-determining region Y gene () plays a pivotal role in male sexual development and behavior. Besides directing testicular formation, is expressed in other tissues, influencing violence by modulating catecholamine release and inhibiting the monoamio oxidasa A. Evolutionary hypotheses suggest that may have adapted to promote male aggression for survival. Despite evidence linking the X and Y chromosomes to violence, conflicting findings highlight the need for further research to fully understand their roles in aggressive behavior. This article focuses on the genetic component, specifically analyzing the bibliographic evidence associating Y and X chromosome genetics to violent behavior.
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    Interplay between endogenous hormones and immune systems in human metapneumovirus pathogenesis and management
    The present review explores the role of endogenous hormones, such as cortisol, melatonin, thyroid hormones, sex hormones, and insulin, in the modulation of the immune response to a human metapneumovirus (hMPV) infection. hMPV is a respiratory pathogen responsible for severe infections, particularly in vulnerable populations like children and the elderly. The virus triggers inflammatory responses through various molecular processes, including cytokine production and immune signaling pathways. Notably, these processes can be influenced by endocrine factors, such as hormones. Cortisol, through hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activation, modulates inflammation but may contribute to immunosuppression. Melatonin inhibits the NLRP3 inflammasome, reducing lung inflammation. Thyroid hormones regulate immune responses via nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and JAK/STAT pathways, while hypothyroidism may alter infection severity. Sex hormones, particularly estrogens, enhance antiviral immunity, whereas androgens may have variable effects on immune modulation. Insulin influences inflammation through NF-κB suppression, with insulin resistance potentially worsening viral pathogenesis. Therapeutic implications suggest that modulating these hormonal pathways could aid in hMPV management. Strategies such as hormone therapy, glucocorticoid regulation, and nanoparticle-based drug delivery are potential routes of intervention. The aim of the present review is to understand the complex interplay between endogenous hormones and the immune system during an hMPV infection by describing the complex molecular mechanisms associated with these processes.
    Scopus© Citations 8
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    Case Report: Genomic and clinical insights into MYBPC3-related hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in Ecuadorian patients: implications for sudden cardiac death risk
    Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most common inherited cardiac disease and a leading cause of sudden cardiac death (SCD) in young adults and athletes. It exhibits marked clinical variability, which may be influenced by genetic background and environmental factors. Although MYBPC3 is the most frequently implicated gene, data from Latin American and admixed populations remain scarce. In this study, we describe three unrelated Ecuadorian patients with clinically diagnosed HCM who harbored MYBPC3 variants. Two patients carried likely pathogenic mutations (p.Glu258Lys and p.His875Profs*8), while novel missense variants (p.Ala536Pro and p.Thr274Met) were identified as variants of uncertain significance (VUS). Additional variants were detected in TTN, MYLK2, RYR1, SDHA, APOB, and JPH2, but given their classification as VUS or a lack of association with HCM, they are described only as incidental findings. An ancestry analysis revealed heterogeneous contributions of Native American, European, and African backgrounds, reflecting the admixed composition of the Ecuadorian population. This case series underscores the phenotypic heterogeneity of HCM, even among patients with MYBPC3 variants, and highlights the importance of genomic testing in underrepresented populations to improve diagnosis, family screening, and SCD risk stratification. 2026 Paz-Cruz, Guevara-Ramírez, Tamayo-Trujillo, Ruiz-Pozo, Cadena-Ullauri, Ibarra-Castillo, Laso-Bayas, Meza-Chico, Cabrera-Andrade and Zambrano.
    Scopus© Citations 1
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    Population Admixture and APOB Variant Landscape in Ecuadorian Mestizo Patients with Cardiac Diseases: Potential Implications for Familial Hypercholesterolemia Genetics
    Apolipoprotein B (APOB) is a key structural component of atherogenic lipoproteins and one of the principal genes implicated in familial hypercholesterolemia (FH). However, APOB genetic variation remains poorly characterized in Latin American and admixed populations. In this study, we performed a descriptive analysis of APOB variants in 60 Ecuadorian mestizo patients with inherited cardiac conditions using next-generation sequencing (NGS) and genetic ancestry inference. A total of 227 APOB variants were identified, the majority of which were classified as benign (n = 220) or likely benign (n = 3) according to ACMG criteria, while three variants were classified as variants of uncertain significance (VUS). The most frequently observed variants included rs1042034, rs679899, rs676210, and rs1367117. Comparative allele-frequency analyses using ALFA and PAGE Latin American reference datasets demonstrated that the APOB variant frequencies observed in the cohort were comparable to those reported in other Latin American populations, reflecting the admixed genetic background of Ecuadorian mestizos, predominantly of Native American and European ancestry. No pathogenic APOB variants were detected. Although lipid measurements were not available and genotype–phenotype associations could not be assessed, this study provides the first comprehensive overview of APOB variation in Ecuadorian mestizo individuals. These findings expand population-specific genomic data for an underrepresented group and underscore the importance of regional reference datasets for accurate variant interpretation in admixed populations.
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    Gut Microbiota Disruption in Hematologic Cancer Therapy: Molecular Insights and Implications for Treatment Efficacy
    Hematologic malignancies (HMs), including leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma, involve the uncontrolled proliferation of abnormal blood cells, posing significant clinical challenges due to their heterogeneity and varied treatment responses. Despite recent advancements in therapies that have improved survival rates, particularly in chronic lymphocytic leukemia and acute lymphoblastic leukemia, treatments like chemotherapy and stem cell transplantation often disrupt gut microbiota, which can negatively impact treatment outcomes and increase infection risks. This review explores the complex, bidirectional interactions between gut microbiota and cancer treatments in patients with HMs. Gut microbiota can influence drug metabolism through mechanisms such as the production of enzymes like bacterial &#x3B2;-glucuronidases, which can alter drug efficacy and toxicity. Moreover, microbial metabolites like short-chain fatty acids can modulate the host immune response, enhancing treatment effectiveness. However, therapy often reduces the diversity of beneficial bacteria, such as Bifidobacterium and Faecalibacterium, while increasing pathogenic bacteria like Enterococcus and Escherichia coli. These findings highlight the critical need to preserve microbiota diversity during treatment. Future research should focus on personalized microbiome-based therapies, including probiotics, prebiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation, to improve outcomes and quality of life for patients with hematologic malignancies.
    Scopus© Citations 26
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    Impact of fundamental components of the Mediterranean diet on the microbiota composition in blood pressure regulation
    Background: The Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) is a widely studied dietary pattern reflecting the culinary traditions of Mediterranean regions. High adherence to MedDiet correlates with reduced blood pressure and lower cardiovascular disease (CVD) incidence and mortality. Furthermore, microbiota, influenced by diet, plays a crucial role in cardiovascular health, and dysbiosis in CVD patients suggests the possible beneficial effects of microbiota modulation on blood pressure. The MedDiet, rich in fiber and polyphenols, shapes a distinct microbiota, associated with higher biodiversity and positive health effects. The review aims to describe how various Mediterranean diet components impact gut microbiota, influencing blood pressure dynamics. Main body: The MedDiet promotes gut health and blood pressure regulation through its various components. For instance, whole grains promote a healthy gut microbiota given that they act as substrates leading to the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) that can modulate the immune response, preserve gut barrier integrity, and regulate energy metabolism. Other components of the MedDiet, including olive oil, fuits, vegetables, red wine, fish, and lean proteins, have also been associated with blood pressure and gut microbiota regulation. Conclusion: The MedDiet is a dietary approach that offers several health benefits in terms of cardiovascular disease management and its associated risk factors, including hypertension. Furthermore, the intake of MedDiet components promote a favorable gut microbiota environment, which, in turn, has been shown that aids in other physiological processes like blood pressure regulation.
    Scopus© Citations 33
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    Novel nonsense mutation in the TCOF1 gene associated with treacher collins syndrome: A case report
    Treacher Collins Syndrome (TCS) is a congenital disorder characterized by craniofacial malformations. In this case, a novel likely pathogenic nonsense variant, in the TCOF1 gene, associated with TCS, was reported. Genetic analysis was performed on an Ecuadorian participant (Subject A) and his mother (Subject B), both of whom exhibited characteristic features of TCS. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) identified a single nucleotide variant (c.4423A > T) in exon 25 of the TCOF1 gene, resulting in a premature stop codon (p.(Lys1475Ter)) and a truncated treacle protein. The likely pathogenic variant presented in Subjects A and B could alter critical functions of the protein, contributing to the craniofacial malformations of the subjects. The variant informed in this case report contributes to the knowledge of TCOF1 gene variants associated with TCS and highlights the importance of genomic screening for accurate diagnosis and improved clinical management in patients and families. © The Author(s) 2025.
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    Effect of diet on the microbiota and immune system in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
    Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by widespread inflammation and organ damage. Studies indicate that diet significantly influences the gut microbiota, which, in turn, affects the immune system. This article explores gut microbiota dysbiosis in SLE patients and potential mechanisms related to dietary interventions and immune function. It highlights specific dietary patterns, such as a high-fibre diet and the Mediterranean diet, that may modulate the diversity and activity of the gut microbiota. The interaction between altered microbiota and immune responses, including the regulation of inflammatory cytokines, intestinal barrier permeability, and autoantibody production is examined. This review highlights the importance of personalized dietary strategies to modulate the diversity and activity of the gut microbiota by enhancing the immune response and potentially mitigating disease progression.
    Scopus© Citations 8
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    Spectrum and Clinical Interpretation of TTN Variants in Ecuadorian Patients with Heart Disease: Insights into VUS and Likely Pathogenic Variants
    This study described TTN gene variants in Ecuadorian patients with hereditary cardiac diseases, integrating genetic ancestry to improve variant interpretation in an underrepresented population. Sixty patients with confirmed hereditary cardiac conditions were analyzed using the TruSight Cardio NGS panel (Illumina, San Diego, CA, USA), which targets 174 cardiac-associated genes. Bioinformatic analyses and classification were performed in accordance with ACMG/AMP guidelines, and ancestry inference was conducted using 46 Ancestry Informative Markers (AIM-InDels). From 4008 detected TTN variants, 29 variants of interest remained after filtering: 27 classified as variants of uncertain significance (VUS) and two as likely pathogenic. All variants were heterozygous and distributed across exons 3–358, primarily in the A-band region, commonly associated with cardiomyopathies and arrhythmic phenotypes. Two truncating variants (exons 267 and 272) met PVS1 criteria, while several missense variants (p.Ser91Gly, p.Pro12140Ser, p.Arg34653Cys) showed possible modulatory effects on hypertrophic or arrhythmic outcomes. Genetic ancestry revealed a predominant Native American background, followed by European and African components. These findings expand the understanding of TTN-related cardiac disease in Latin America, suggesting that TTN functions as a genetic modifier influencing disease expression. Incorporating ancestry information enhances genomic interpretation and supports precision medicine in diverse populations.
    Scopus© Citations 3