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    Scopus© Citations 1
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    Exploring Atrial Fibrillation: Understanding the Complex Relation Between Lifestyle and Genetic Factors
    (Elmer Press, Inc., 2024-08)
    Rafael Tamayo-Trujillo
    ;
    Elius Paz-Cruz
    ;
    ; ;
    Viviana A. Ruiz-Pozo
    Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death worldwide across diverse ethnic groups. Among these, atrial fibrillation (AF) stands as one of the most prevalent types of arrhythmias and the primary cause of stroke. Risk factors associated with AF include alcohol consumption, aging, high blood pressure, hypertension, inflammation, and genetic factors. A family history of CVD could indicate an increased risk. Consequently, genetic, and genomic testing should be performed to identify the molecular etiology of CVDs and assess at-risk patients. It is important to note that CVDs are the results of the complex interplay of genes and environmental factors, including ethnicity. In this case, the proband’s clinic story includes a history of smoking abuse for 10 years (10 cigarettes per day), obesity, hypertension, and an associated familial history. These risk factors, along with genetic variants, could trigger the early onset of AF. In recent years, genetic and genomic studies have significantly advanced our understanding of CVD etiology, given that next-generation sequencing (NGS) allows for the identification of genetic variants that could contribute to these pathologies. Furthermore, NGS facilitates early diagnosis, personalized pharmacological approaches, and identification of novel biomarkers. Thus, NGS is a valuable tool in CVD management. However, such studies are limited in Ecuador, a low- and middle-income country. Several challenges contribute to this gap, encompassing economic, infrastructural, and educational obstacles. Notably, the cost of genetic and genomic studies may also pose a barrier, restricting access to a portion of the population. In this case report, we present a 56-year-old Ecuadorian woman, who has been diagnosed with AF; however, after performing NGS no disease-associated variants were found, despite having strong clinical signs and symptoms. In summary, this case report contributes valuable insights into the complex interplay between genetic and lifestyle factors in the development and management of AF. The case report aims to underscore the potential impact of genetic variants on disease risk, even when classified as variants of uncertain significance, and the importance of an integral approach to patient care that includes genetic screening, lifestyle interventions, and tailored pharmacological treatment.
    Scopus© Citations 6
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    Obesity and Obesity-Related Thyroid Dysfunction: Any Potential Role for the Very Low-Calorie Ketogenic Diet (VLCKD)?
    (Springer Science and Business Media LLC, 2024-03-25)
    Sebastián Pablo Chapela
    ;
    Alison Simancas-Racines
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    Florencia Ceriani
    ;
    Andrés Luciano Nicolas Martinuzzi
    ;
    María Paula Russo
    This review aims to explore in-depth the different aspects of the association between very low-calorie ketogenic diet (VLCKD), obesity and obesity-related thyroid dysfunction Recent Findings The VLCKD, proposed as a non-pharmacological strategy for the management of certain chronic diseases, is becoming increasingly popular worldwide. Initially used to treat epilepsy, it has been shown to be effective in controlling body weight gain and addressing various pathophysiological conditions. Research has shown that a low-calorie, high-fat diet can affect thyroid hormone levels. Weight loss can also influence thyroid hormone levels. Studies have suggested that long-term use of VLCKD for refractory epilepsy may be related to the development of hypothyroidism, with an effect seen in various populations. In particular, women with obesity following VLCKD tend to have reduced T3 levels. Summary We propose further research to unravel the underlying mechanisms linking VLCKD to obesity and obesity-related thyroid dysfunction
    Scopus© Citations 17
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    Genetic characterization of four Colombian populations using Investigator® Argus X-12 kit
    (Elsevier BV, 2017-12)
    J.J. Builes
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    L. Mendoza
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    A. Gaviria
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    ;
    N.D. Suarez
    Scopus© Citations 1
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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 4
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    Microbiota dynamics preceding bariatric surgery as obesity treatment: a comprehensive review
    (Frontiers Media SA, 2024-04-03) ;
    Elius Paz-Cruz
    ;
    Viviana A. Ruiz-Pozo
    ;
    Santiago Cadena-Ullauri
    ;
    Rafael Tamayo-Trujillo
    The review present data on the intricate relationship between bariatric surgery, gut microbiota, and metabolic health in obesity treatment. Bariatric surgery, is recognized as an effective intervention for managing morbid obesity, including various techniques with distinct mechanisms of action, efficacy, and safety profiles including Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RYGB), Sleeve Gastrectomy (SG), Laparoscopic Adjustable Gastric Banding (LAGB), and Biliopancreatic Diversion (BPD). RYGB and SG are the most prevalent procedures globally, inducing gut microbiota changes that influence microbial diversity and abundance. Post-surgery, alterations in bacterial communities occur, such as the increased of <jats:italic>Escherichia coli inversely correlated with fat mass and leptin levels. During digestion, microbiota produce physiologically active compounds like bile acids (Bas) and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). SCFAs, derived by microbial fermentation, influence appetite, energy metabolism, and obesity-related pathways. Bas, altered by surgery, modulate glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity. Furthermore, SG and RYGB enhance incretin secretion, particularly glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1). Therefore, understanding microbiota changes after bariatric surgery could be crucial for predicting metabolic outcomes and developing targeted interventions for obesity management.
    Scopus© Citations 18
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    Next-Generation sequencing in a Native American patient with sea-blue histiocytosis: A case report and genomic analysis
    This study presents a case of a 25-year-old Native American woman from Otavalo, Ecuador, diagnosed with sea-blue histiocytosis and myelodysplastic syndrome. Bone marrow aspiration revealed sea-blue histiocytes, and next-generation sequencing identified a likely pathogenic stop-gain mutation in the gene, associated with myelodysplastic syndrome. Additionally, variants of uncertain significance were found in the and genes. Ancestral analysis showed a predominantly Native American composition, suggesting a potential genetic predisposition specific to Andean communities. The report underscores the importance of understanding genetic and ancestral backgrounds in diagnosing and managing hematological disorders.
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    The genomic bases of atrial fibrillation in an Ecuadorian patient: a case report
    Atrial fibrillation (AF) is one of the most globally prevalent arrhythmias with multifactorial factors, including environmental and genetic predisposition influences. The present case report describes a 30-year-old Ecuadorian mestizo male diagnosed with persistent AF with an history of hyperthyroidism, later progressing to hypothyroidism post-radioactive iodine therapy. Genomic test identified variants of uncertain significance in the TTN, MYH11, and RAF1 genes, which are associated with cardiovascular diseases but not directly linked to AF. The interplay between thyrotoxicosis and genetic predispositions is discussed as a potential mechanism underlying AF development. This report emphasizes the need for genomic screening and personalized strategies in populations like Ecuador with complex genetic and environmental backgrounds. 2025 Tamayo-Trujillo, Guevara-Ramirez, Meza-Chico, Cadena-Ullauri, Ruiz-Pozo, Paz-Cruz, Laso-Bayas, Ibarra-Castillo and Zambrano.
    Scopus© Citations 92
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    Genetic basis and spatial distribution of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency in ecuadorian ethnic groups: a malaria perspective
    (Springer Science and Business Media LLC, 2023-09-26)
    Sebastián Atarihuana
    ;
    Jennifer Gallardo-Condor
    ;
    Andrés López-Cortés
    ;
    Karina Jimenes-Vargas
    ;
    Germán Burgos
    <jats:title>Abstract</jats:title><jats:sec> <jats:title>Background</jats:title> <jats:p>Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency (G6PDd) is an X-linked disorder affecting over 400 million people worldwide. Individuals with molecular variants associated with reduced enzymatic activity are susceptible to oxidative stress in red blood cells, thereby increasing the risk of pathophysiological conditions and toxicity to anti-malarial treatments. Globally, the prevalence of G6PDd varies among populations. Accordingly, this study aims to characterize G6PDd distribution within the Ecuadorian population and to describe the spatial distribution of reported malaria cases.</jats:p> </jats:sec><jats:sec> <jats:title>Methods</jats:title> <jats:p>Molecular variants associated with G6PDd were genotyped in 581 individuals from Afro-Ecuadorian, Indigenous, Mestizo, and Montubio ethnic groups. Additionally, spatial analysis was conducted to identify significant malaria clusters with high incidence rates across Ecuador, using data collected from 2010 to 2021.</jats:p> </jats:sec><jats:sec> <jats:title>Results</jats:title> <jats:p>The A- c.202G &gt; A and A- c.968T &gt; C variants underpin the genetic basis of G6PDd in the studied population. The overall prevalence of G6PDd was 4.6% in the entire population. However, this frequency increased to 19.2% among Afro-Ecuadorian people. Spatial analysis revealed 12 malaria clusters, primarily located in the north of the country and its Amazon region, with relative risks of infection of 2.02 to 87.88.</jats:p> </jats:sec><jats:sec> <jats:title>Conclusions</jats:title> <jats:p>The findings of this study hold significant implications for public health interventions, treatment strategies, and targeted efforts to mitigate the burden of malaria in Ecuador. The high prevalence of G6PDd among Afro-Ecuadorian groups in the northern endemic areas necessitates the development of comprehensive malaria eradication strategies tailored to this geographical region.</jats:p> </jats:sec>
    Scopus© Citations 3
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