Ariana Lissette Franco Bourne

The human gut microbiota plays a central role in gastrointestinal health, yet its alterations in Latin American populations remain understudied. This study aimed to characterize microbial diversity, taxonomic composition, and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) profiles in patients with gastrointestinal disorders in Mexico and Ecuador. A total of 430 adults (54% female, mean age 42.5 years, mestizo and indigenous backgrounds) were recruited and divided into five groups: inflammatory bowel disease (n=120), irritable bowel syndrome (n=80), colorectal cancer (n=70), celiac disease (n=60), and healthy controls (n=100). Demographic and clinical data were collected using structured questionnaires and validated instruments, while stool samples were analyzed through 16S rRNA sequencing and SCFA quantification. Results showed that alpha diversity was highest in healthy controls and significantly reduced in inflammatory bowel disease and colorectal cancer, with intermediate values in irritable bowel syndrome and celiac disease. Beta diversity analysis demonstrated distinct clustering between healthy and diseased groups, with greater heterogeneity among Ecuadorian participants. Taxonomic analysis revealed depletion of Faecalibacterium prausnitzii and enrichment of Ruminococcus gnavus, Fusobacterium nucleatum, and Bacteroides fragilis in diseased groups. Functional profiling indicated butyrate depletion as a consistent marker of gastrointestinal disorders, with higher propionate levels observed in Ecuador. These findings reinforce the role of microbial diversity and specific taxa as hallmarks of gastrointestinal health and disease, while highlighting the importance of regional research. The study underscores the potential of microbiota-based biomarkers and therapies to inform clinical practice and public health strategies in Latin America.

Electronic cigarettes have gained popularity worldwide, particularly among adolescents and young adults, raising serious concerns regarding their pulmonary health impacts. In Latin America, where regulatory responses differ across countries, Mexico, Colombia, and Ecuador provide a valuable context to examine vaping behaviors, respiratory risks, and policy frameworks. This study evaluated prevalence, usage patterns, respiratory outcomes, risk perceptions, and device preferences through a cross-sectional design with stratified random sampling of 3,000 participants (Mexico: 1,200; Colombia: 1,000; Ecuador: 800). Data were collected through validated questionnaires and complemented with secondary sources from WHO, PAHO, and national health surveys. Results showed that e-cigarette use was most frequent in individuals aged 15–24 years, with Mexico reporting the highest prevalence (28%), followed by Colombia (24%) and Ecuador (18%). Users reported higher rates of cough (42% vs. 15%), wheezing (28% vs. 9%), and dyspnea (35% vs. 12%), as well as increased medical consultations (30% vs. 10%) and hospitalizations (12% vs. 3%) compared with non-users. Misperceptions of reduced harm were more common among participants with lower education, while pods and disposables dominated device preferences, often with medium-to-high nicotine concentrations. These findings confirm the association of vaping with respiratory morbidity, misperceptions of safety, and rising dependence on high-nicotine devices. Pulmonologists and policymakers in Latin America must prioritize prevention, accurate risk communication, and enforcement of comprehensive regulations to protect vulnerable populations, especially adolescents and young adults, from the long-term burden of vaping-related lung disease.