Molecular biology techniques in articles published in Revista Médica de Chile]

Background: Molecular biology is a new branch of biological sciences, with novel laboratory techniques that are being progressively applied into biomedical and clinical research and, furthermore, into medical practice. Aims: To evaluate the use of molecular biology techniques in Chilean biomedical and clinical research and its evolution in the recent decade. Methods: All Papers published as research articles, clinical experiences or case reports, in Revista Medica de Chile, during two time periods: 1987-1989 and 1997-1999, were reviewed to find out whether molecular biology techniques had been used or riot. This journal publishes roughly 40% of papers generated in Chile, in biomedical or clinical topics, while another 15% appears in foreign journals. Results: Among 341 papers published in 1987-1989, 57 (16.7%) had used one or more molecular biology techniques; in contrast, among 318 papers published in 1997-1999, 91 (28.8%) had used them (p<0.001). Most papers using molecular biology techniques were research articles. Immunology genetics, endocrinology, hematology, hepatology and rheumatology were the specialties providing a greater number and proportion of papers using molecular biology techniques. Chilean universities were the main institutions sponsoring these articles and FONDECYT (the Chilean Government Research Granting Office) teas the main source of funding. The University of Chile (State-owned) provided cl most centers where these publications had been generated followed by the Pontifical Catholic University of Chile. Conclusions: Molecular biology techniques have been rapidly and progressively incorporated as research tools in biomedicine and clinical medicine, in Chile. At the present time these techniques are predominantly used in research conducted in University settings and funded by Governmental research grants.