Changes In Biochemical Markers Research Articles

Effects of Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles on Chick Embryo: Immunomodulatory, Hepatic and Biochemical Alterations.

The utilization of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) has significantly increased across various industries. This study rigorously explored the impact of TiO2 NPs exposure on chicken embryos, focusing particularly on alterations in the immune system, liver functionality and key biochemical markers. The study involved three groups of 30 eggs each, subjected to increasing doses of TiO2 NPs: Group C (control), Group T1 (150µg/mL) and Group T2 (300µg/mL). After 48h of incubation, the eggs in Groups T1 and T2 each received an injection of 0.3mL of the TiO2 NPs solution. In contrast, the eggs in the control group (Group C) were injected with 0.3mL of saline solution. Histopathological changes were analysed using haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining, whereas amniotic fluid's biochemical properties were examined photometrically. The study also assessed the expression of immune genes (AvBD9, IL6 and IL8L2) through quantitative PCR. The evaluations included growth metrics, amniotic fluid biochemistry and histological analysis of the liver, caecal tonsil and bursa of Fabricius. The results revealed subcutaneous haemorrhage, significant reductions in total body weight and marked changes in biochemical markers, including urea, creatinine, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT), in the amniotic fluid of the groups treated with TiO2 NPs, compared to the control. Histological examinations indicated noticeable alterations in the liver, caecal tonsil and bursa of Fabricius following TiO2 NP exposure. These alterations were characterized by disruptions in cellular structures and variations in lymphocyte counts. Furthermore, a notable decrease in the expression of immunity genes, namely, AvBD9, IL8L2 and IL6, was observed in the TiO2 NP-treated groups compared to the control. The findings underscore the need for risk assessments of TiO2 NPs exposure due to its impact on development and immunity. Future research should explore its impact on neurodevelopment and degeneration.

Hepatotoxicity induced by subacute exposure of Mancozeb and Arsenic in Wistar rats: Mitigating effect of quercetin and catechin

BackgroundWidespread use of Mancozeb (MZ) fungicide in endemic areas having high levels of arsenic (As+3) in the groundwater is likely to cause toxicosis in humans and animals. Therefore, the present study aimed to determine the hepatotoxic effect of MZ and As+3 interaction in Wistar rats and mitigating potential of quercetin and catechin on such toxicity. MethodsSixty adult rats were randomly divided into 10 groups of 6 animals each. Group I served as control and group II was exposed to MZ (800 mg kg-1, PO). Groups III, IV, and V were provided drinking water containing As+3 at the rate of 10, 50 and 100 µg L-1, respectively. Groups VI, VII, and VIII were given drinking water containing As+3 at 10, 50 and 100 µg L-1, respectively, along with MZ. Groups IX and X received drinking water contaminated with 100 µg L-1, As+3 and MZ along with quercetin or catechin (50 mg kg-1 each), respectively. ResultsSignificant (p <0.05) alterations in hepatic biomarkers in blood, liver antioxidant status and hepatic histoarchitecture were observed in animals treated with individual toxicants in a dose-dependent manner, however, such toxicity-induced changes were more severe in co-exposed rats. The administration of quercetin or catechin significantly mitigated the dual toxicant administration-driven changes in biochemical markers of hepatic damage, hepatic antioxidant profile and liver histomorphology. ConclusionsBoth quercetin and catechin proved beneficial in reducing toxicant-induced oxidation-mediated hepatic damage as demonstrated by alleviation in altered levels of determinants of hepatic biochemical and oxidative stress parameters in addition to restoration of toxicant-induced histological alterations of hepatic tissue.

Longitudinal Analysis of Bone Metabolic Markers and Bone Mechanical Properties in STZ-Induced Diabetic Rats.

Background: This longitudinal study examined the early effects of type 1 diabetes on bone mechanical properties and metabolic markers in mature rats, focusing on the natural progression of diabetes-induced changes without external treatments. Methods: Forty-eight 8-month-old male Wistar rats were divided into two groups, with one group receiving a single dose of streptozotocin (STZ, 60 mg/kg). Assessments were performed 2, 4, and 8 weeks post-administration, including serum biochemical analyses, bone marker assessments, and mechanical bone tests. The data were analyzed using two-way ANOVA to evaluate the impact of time and treatment. Results: At 2 weeks, diabetic rats showed increased fasting blood glucose (p < 0.001), decreased insulin levels (p = 0.03), and changes in HOMA markers (p < 0.001), liver enzymes (p < 0.001), inflammatory markers (p < 0.001), and bone metabolism markers (osteocalcin (p < 0.001), OPG (p = 0.006), RANKL (p < 0.001), and OPG/RANKL ratio (p < 0.001)), with initial alterations in bone geometry. By week 4, decreased body weight in the diabetic group (p < 0.001) led to further changes in bone geometry and initial differences in mechanical properties. At 8 weeks, significant declines in body (p < 0.001) and bone (p < 0.001) weights were observed, along with further deterioration in bone geometry and mechanical properties. Conclusions: The study highlights the significant impact of STZ-induced diabetes on bone health as early as two weeks post-STZ administration, with marked temporal changes in biochemical markers and mechanical properties.

AN ASSOCIATION OF METABOLIC SYNDROME WITH NONALCOHOLIC FATTY LIVER DISEASE

Objectives: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is strongly linked with hepatic fatty infiltration and visceral adiposity, therefore, being a cause and a result of metabolic syndrome. The objective of the study is to find an association of metabolic syndrome (MetS) with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Methods: A total of 342 subjects from which 86 NAFLD 86 control were suitably selected for study duration of 1 year. Diagnosis of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease was done by liver imaging and based on liver enzymes. MetS assessment was done by the national cholesterol education program adult treatment panel III (NCEP ATP III) criteria. Estimation of all biochemical and hematological parameters and liver enzymes was done following standard guidelines. Mean comparison of quantitative data in different groups was analyzed with one-way analysis of variance. Results: There were significant high levels of body mass index, waist circumference, and lipid profiles in NAFLD patients in comparison to control population (p&lt;0.001). According to the NCEP ATP III criteria, 59.3% of NAFLD were present with MetS where risk estimate was significant (odds ratio=2.15). Conclusion: This study suggests that there is an increased in all the components of MetS and gross changes in biochemical markers in cases of NAFLD. Therefore, whenever MetS factors are met in the clinical checkups, patients must be diagnosed for NAFLD by imaging (fatty liver).

Monitoring of infusion therapy in patients with reduced cardiac reserve during abdominal operations

Background. In the pathogenesis of many intra- and postoperative complications, the composition, volume and rate of infusion therapy (IT) play a significant role. This problem is especially relevant for patients with concomitant chronic pathology of the cardiovascular, respiratory systems and kidneys. Informative indicators for assessing the correctness of IT and early diagnosis of intraoperative complications associated with errors in its implementation are complex monitoring of functional indicators of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. Purpose – of the study is to investigate changes in biochemical markers of heart failure and ultrasound signs of venous stasis in two modes of infusion therapy (restrictive and liberal), on the basis of a comparative study, to determine the optimal mode of perioperative IT in patients undergoing elective surgery for diseases of the abdominal cavity and have comorbid pathology in the form of coronary heart disease (CHD) and heart failure (HF). Materials and Methods. 86 patients were included in a single-center, prospective, randomized study. All patients were randomly divided into two groups depending on the mode of intraoperative IT: in the first group (n = 44) – a restrictive mode of 5–8 ml/kg/hour was applied, in the second (n = 42) – a liberal mode. Echocardiography was performed at the stages of the study. Heart contractility, central hemodynamics, and ejection fraction were evaluated. An ultrasound scan of the inferior vena cava (IVC) was performed during breathing as a non-invasive method of assessing the intravascular blood volume. The diameter of the vein during inhalation and exhalation was evaluated. Based on the respiratory change in the diameter of the IVC, the caval index is calculated, which is expressed as a percentage. An index approaching 100% indicates near-complete collapse and probable volume depletion, while an index close to 0% indicates minimal collapse and intravascular overflow. Ultrasound of the lungs was performed according to the BLUE protocol with a convex sensor in 8 zones along the front chest wall. The severity of pulmonary congestion was assessed based on the sum of B-lines: 5 and less – no congestion, 6 to 15 – slight congestion, 15 to 29 – moderate, 30 and more – significant. Results. The conducted study shows the advantage of the restrictive regimen of IT in patients with concomitant coronary artery disease and minimal signs of congestive heart failure during abdominal surgical operations. The regime with restriction of intravenous fluid administration was better, as it reduces venous congestion, reduces the amount of fluid in the interstitial space of the lungs, causes a smaller compensatory reaction of the cardiovascular system to infusion with normal values of NT-proBNP. The task of the anesthesiologist in this case is careful control of daily and cumulative water balance, adequate monitoring of indicators of the cardiovascular system, use of modern ultrasound technologies and protocols for controlling volemic status, assessment of the dynamics of biomarkers of heart failure, which will allow complex abdominal operations to be safely performed in patients with reduced cardiac reserve. Conclusions. As a result of the conducted research, it was established that: the use of a liberal regimen of infusion therapy in the perioperative period in patients with coronary heart disease and HF I, I-II FC compared to a restrictive regimen leads to a statistically significant increase in biomarkers of heart failure and ultrasound signs of volemic overload. The restrictive regimen of IT in a dose of 5–8 ml/kg/hour, in comparison with a liberal one in a dose of 12–15 ml/kg/hour, can be recognized as optimal and safe in patients with coronary heart disease and HF I, I-II FC during surgery on the organs of the abdominal cavity. The use and widespread implementation in practice of complex determination of the level of the amino-terminal prohormone of brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) NT-proBNP, non-invasive methods of ultrasound of the heart – echocardiography, ultrasound of the lungs and central vessels – assessment of the dynamic filling of the inferior vena cava (IVC) allows significantly supplement clinical information on volemic status, venous stasis, contractility of the heart and fluid retention in the interstitial space of the lungs and may be key in the prevention of cardiac complications in this category of patients.

Association of biochemical markers with bone marrow lesion changes on imaging—data from the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health Osteoarthritis Biomarkers Consortium

BackgroundTo assess the prognostic value of short-term change in biochemical markers as it relates to bone marrow lesions (BMLs) on MRI in knee osteoarthritis (OA) over 24 months and, furthermore, to assess the relationship between biochemical markers involved with tissue turnover and inflammation and BMLs on MRI.MethodsData from the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health OA Biomarkers Consortium within the Osteoarthritis Initiative (n = 600) was analyzed. BMLs were measured according to the MRI Osteoarthritis Knee Score (MOAKS) system (0–3), in 15 knee subregions. Serum and urinary biochemical markers assessed were as follows: serum C-terminal crosslinked telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX-I), serum crosslinked N-telopeptide of type I collagen (NTX-I), urinary CTX-Iα and CTX-Iβ, urinary NTX-I, urinary C-terminal cross-linked telopeptide of type II collagen (CTX-II), serum matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-degraded type I, II, and III collagen (C1M, C2M, C3M), serum high sensitivity propeptide of type IIb collagen (hsPRO-C2), and matrix metalloproteinase-generated neoepitope of C-reactive protein (CRPM). The association between change in biochemical markers over 12 months and BMLs over 24 months was examined using regression models adjusted for covariates. The relationship between C1M, C2M, C3M, hsPRO-C2, and CRPM and BMLs at baseline and over 24 months was examined.ResultsIncreases in serum CTX-I and urinary CTX-Iβ over 12 months were associated with increased odds of changes in the number of subregions affected by any BML at 24 months. Increase in hsPRO-C2 was associated with decreased odds of worsening in the number of subregions affected by any BML over 24 months. C1M and C3M were associated with BMLs affected at baseline.ConclusionsShort-term changes in serum CTX-I, hsPRO-C2, and urinary CTX-Iβ hold the potential to be prognostic of BML progression on MRI. The association of C1M and C3M with baseline BMLs on MRI warrants further investigation.

The effect of complex pharmacotherapy regimens using a herbal remedy from &lt;i&gt;Hippophae rhamnoides&lt;/i&gt; on biochemical blood parameters of rats with paracetamol hepatitis

Background. The use of complexes of synthetic and herbal remedies as hepatoprotectors in the treatment of liver pathologies of various etiologies is an urgent task of pharmacology. A promising type of medicinal plant raw material is an extract of Hippophaes rhamnoides leaves. The hepatoprotective effect of extract of Hippophaes rhamnoides leaves in combination with ademethionine has not been studied to date.The aim of the research was to study changes in biochemical markers of hepatic function in the application of complex schemes of pharmacotherapy of experimental liver damage with paracetamol using Extractum foliorum Hippophaes rhamnoides.Materials and methods. The experimental study was performed on Wistar rats, the animals were divided into six groups. Group 1 (intact) – animals without a model of liver damage and without treatment; in Group 2 (control) paracetamol was used to create experimental hepatitis without treatment (positive control group); in Group 3 (comparison) a combination of “silibinin + ademethionine” was used on a model of paracetamol hepatitis; in Group 4 (experimental) extract of Hippophaes rhamnoides leaves was used on the model of paracetamol hepatitis; in Group 5 (experimental) ademethionine was used on a model of paracetamol hepatitis; in Group 6 (experimental) a combination of extract of Hippophaes rhamnoides leaves and ademethionine was used on a model of paracetamol hepatitis. The functional state of the liver of experimental animals was determined by biochemical parameters.Results. When using a combination of extract of Hippophaes rhamnoides leaves with ademethionine, the studied biochemical parameters significantly (p &lt; 0.05) differed from the numerical values in the negative control group and were closest to those in the intact group than in other experimental groups.Conclusions. A comparison of the effectiveness of the use of extract of Hippophaes rhamnoides leaves in combination with ademethionine by the total effect on blood biochemical parameters determines this complex as a promising drug for further research.

Fustin alleviates lipopolysaccharide-induced anxiety-depression-like performances by modulation of oxidative stress/neuroinflammatory markers/ NF-κB/caspase-3/BDNF expression in rodents.

Anxiety and depression are common psychiatric disorders that affect millions of people worldwide. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is a bacterial endotoxin that has been demonstrated to cause depression and anxiety-like behaviors in animal models. Fustin is a flavonoid found in various plant species that have been reported to have neuroprotective effects. The study proposed the evaluation of fustin's impact on anxiety and depression in LPS-injected rats. The efficacy of fustin in higher and lower doses was studied by administering a single dose of LPS-injected anxiety/depression in rodents. Behavioral models like the elevated plus maze test, open field test, marble burying test, force swimming test, tail suspension test, and hyperemotionality behavior were performed to evaluate anxiety/depression in rodents. The neuroinflammatory markers such as interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), apoptosis marker caspase-3, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) were also measured as a part of the study. Additionally, biochemical markers of oxidative stress, such as malonaldehyde (MDA) and antioxidants, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT), and nitric oxide (NO), were also evaluated. LPS administration resulted in significant (p<0.001) changes in behavior tests and biochemical markers including IL-1β, IL-6, NF-κB, TNF-α, NO, caspase-3, BDNF, MDA, CAT, SOD, and GSH. In contrast, treating the rats with fustin significantly improved the behavior tests and restored the changes in biochemical markers. The current work established the efficacy of fustin with its therapeutic impact on depression and anxiety-like behaviors in rodent experimental models through its modulation of apoptosis markers, oxidative stress, and neuroinflammation.

Результати комплексних пренатальних обстежень за наявності дисбалансу хромосоми 21 у плода

Purpose - to characterize the cases of chromosome 21 imbalance in fetuses of high-risk pregnant women, to describe prenatal cytogenetic diagnosis and associated ultrasound findings - structural anomalies and soft markers. Materials and methods. The results of complex prenatal examination of high-risk pregnant women in the Department of Fetal Medicine of the SI “Institute of Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology named after academician O.M. Lukyanova of the NAMS of Ukraine” during 5 years period were analyzed: results of ultrasound and cytogenetic exams of 200 cases of chromosome 21 imbalance in the fetus. Results. Among 4,748 prenatal cytogenetic testing of fetuses of high-risk women abnormal karyotypes with an imbalance of chromosome 21 were found in 200 (4.21%) cases. In the majority of cases Down's syndrome (DS) was diagnosed (n=199; 99.5%), in 1 (0.2%) case - deletion of chromosome 21. In DS, regular trisomy of chromosome 21 was found in 191 (95.97%) cases, translocant forms - in 5 (2.51%) cases, in 1 (0.5%) case there was there was an additional sex chromosome, and in 1 (0.5%) - a variant with two cell lines. In 1 (0.5%) case limited placental mosaicism was present, with a false negative result that required verification by the analysis of fetal lymphocytes obtained during cordocentesis. Advanced maternal age (≥35 years) was registered in less than half of fetal DS cases (n=92/199, 46.2%). The main indications for invasive procedures and their types are described. It was demonstrated that ultrasound findings (structural anomalies and/or “soft” markers for chromosomal pathology) were present in 78% of fetal chromosome 21 imbalance; nevertheless in 22% ultrasound findings were absent, and the indication for invasive procedures were advanced maternal age or isolated changes of biochemical markers. Conclusions. Chromosome 21 imbalance in fetuses is mainly represented by trisomy, cases of chromosome 21 deletion are extremely rare. Targeted ultrasound examination is important for screening and diagnosis of fetal chromosomal abnormalities. High-risk pregnant women shouldn’t be reassured in case of “normal” ultrasound exam results. Under certain conditions, it is advisable to perform placental biopsy in the II trimester of pregnancy, but only in specialized tertiary centers or departments. The research was carried out in accordance with the principles of the Helsinki Declaration. The study protocol was approved by the Local Ethics Committee of the participating institution. The informed consent of the patient was obtained for conducting the studies. No conflict of interests was declared by the authors.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of the efficacy and safety of Mavacamten therapy in international cohort of 524 patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most common heritable myocardial disorder worldwide. Current pharmacological treatment options are limited. Mavacamten, a first-in-class cardiac myosin inhibitor, targets the main underlying pathology of HCM. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Mavacamten in patients with HCM. PRISMA flow chart was utilized using PubMed, SCOPUS, and Cochrane databases for all up-to-date studies using pre-defined keywords. Pre-specified efficacy outcomes comprised several parameters, including an improvement in peak oxygen consumption (pVO2) and ≥ 1 NYHA class, the need for septal reduction therapy (SRT), change from baseline in Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ), changes in biochemical markers and LVEF, along with peak left ventricular outflow tract gradient at rest and after Valsalva maneuver. Safety outcomes included morbidity and serious adverse events. This systematic review included five studies, four RCTs and one non-randomized control trial comprised a total of 524 (Mavacamten [273, 54.3%] vs placebo [230, 45.7%] adult (≥ 18 years) patients with a mean age of 56 years. The study. comprised patients with Caucasian and Chinese ethnicity and patients with obstructive (oHCM) and non-obstructive (nHCM) HCM. Most baseline characteristics were similar between the treatment and placebo groups. Mavacamten showed a statistically significant increase in the frequency of the primary composite endpoint (RR = 1.92, 95% CI [1.28, 2.88]), ≥ 1 NYHA class improvement (RR = 2.10, 95% CI [1.66, 2.67]), a significant decrease in LVEF, peak left ventricular outflow tract gradient at rest and after Valsalva maneuver. Mavacamten also showed a significant reduction in SRT rates (RR = 0.29, 95% CI [0.21, 0.40], p < 0.00001), KCCQ clinical summary scores (MD = 8.08, 95% CI [4.80, 11.37], P < 0.00001) troponin levels and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide levels. However, there was no statistically significant difference between Mavacamten and placebo regarding the change from baseline peak oxygen consumption. Mavacamten use resulted in a small increase in adverse events but no statistically significant increment in serious adverse events.Our study showed that Mavacamten is a safe and effective treatment option for Caucasian and Chinese patients with HCM on the short-term. Further research is needed to explore the long-term safety and efficacy of Mavacamten with HCM. In addition, adequately powered studies including patients with nHCM is needed to ascertain befits of Mavacamten in those patients.

Evaluation of renal markers and liver enzymes in patients infected with the Chikungunya virus.

Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is an arbovirus (Togaviridae family, Alphavirus genus) that was first identified in 1953 in Tanzania. In 2014, the Asian and East/Central/South/African (ECSA) genotypes were identified in Brazil, although the genotype that spread the most in the following years across the Brazilian territory was the ECSA. The clinical symptoms associated with the infection caused by CHIKV include mainly fever, myalgia, headache, and arthralgia. In infections caused by other arboviruses (such as the ones caused by Dengue and West Nile viruses), changes in biochemical markers are often observed. This study aims to evaluate the biochemical markers profile of kidney and liver injury in acute patients infected with CHIKV. Two groups of correlations were found between the variables analyzed, namely, one between liver enzymes (r = 0.91), and another for kidney markers (r = 0.54-0.66). A significant elevation in the percentage of altered creatinine in CHIKV-infected patients was observed, followed by uric acid and AST. Altogether, in 8 different comparisons, it was possible to observe statistically significant differences between the levels of the markers when compared to the manifestation of symptoms (presence and absence). These noticeable changes in marker measurements could potentially be connected to the range of clinical symptoms seen in the disease.

Development and In Vivo Assessment of 4-Phenyltellanyl-7-chloroquinoline-loaded Polymeric Nanocapsules in Alzheimer's Disease Models.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia in older people, and available treatments are palliative and produce undesirable side effects. The 4-phenyltellanyl-7-chloroquinoline (TQ) is an organochalcogen compound studied due to its pharmacological properties, particularly its antioxidant potential. However, TQ possesses some drawbacks such as low aqueous solubility and high toxicity, thus warranting the search for tools that improve the safety and effectiveness of new compounds. Here, we developed and investigated the biological effects of TQ-loaded polymeric nanocapsules (NCTQ) in an AD model in transgenic Caenorhabditis elegans expressing human Aβ1-42 in their body-wall muscles and Swiss mice injected with Aβ25-35. The NCTQ displayed good physicochemical properties, including nanometer size and maximum encapsulation capacity. The treatment showed low toxicity, reduced Aβ peptide-induced paralysis, and activated an endoplasmic reticulum chaperone in the C. elegans model. The Aβ injection in mice caused memory impairment, which NCTQ mitigated by improving working, long-term, and aversive memory. Additionally, no changes in biochemical markers were evidenced in mice, demonstrating that there was no hepatotoxicity in the tested doses. Altogether, these findings provide insights into the neuroprotective effects of TQ and indicate that NCTQ is a promising candidate for AD treatment.

Association between lithium treatment and renal, thyroid and parathyroid function: A cohort study of 6659 patients with bipolar disorder.

Although potential adverse effects of lithium treatment on renal and endocrine systems have been extensively investigated, most prior studies are limited by selected populations and short follow-up. Within the Psychiatric Services of the Central Denmark Region, we identified all patients with bipolar disorder and ≥1 serum-lithium (se-Li) measurements between January 1, 2013, and July 20, 2022, and reference patients with bipolar disorder matched on age, sex, and baseline creatinine. Outcomes were diagnoses of renal, thyroid and parathyroid disease, and blood tests measuring creatinine, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), parathyroid hormone (PTH) and calcium. Analyses included unadjusted multilevel regression to describe changes in biochemical markers, and adjusted Cox regression to compare rates of disease/biochemical outcomes between lithium users and reference patients. Among 1646 lithium users (median age 36 years, 63% women) and 5013 reference patients, lithium users had decreasing TSH and eGFR, stable PTH, and increasing calcium levels over time. Lithium use was associated with increased rates of renal, thyroid and parathyroid disease, and levels of biochemical markers outside normal ranges (hazard rate ratios: 1.07-11.22), but the absolute number of severe outcomes was low (e.g., chronic kidney disease: N = 10, 0.6%). Notably, the rate of blood testing was substantially higher among lithium users than among reference patients (e.g., mean number of creatinine tests during the second year of follow-up: lithium users = 2.5, reference patients = 1.4). Severely adverse renal and endocrine outcomes are rare during lithium treatment. Observational studies of long-term lithium treatment are prone to detection bias.

Effects of preseason training on body composition, running performance, biochemical markers and workload variation in professional rugby union players

Few studies have examined the impact of a preseason training intervention through systematic measures in Pro D2 rugby union (RU). Therefore, this study aimed to describe the effects of 12 weeks of preseason training (three blocks) on body composition, running performance, biochemical markers, and workload (WL) variation in professional RU players. Physiological (physical and biochemical) responses to preseason WL were analyzed by examining changes in anthropometric characteristics, Yo-Yo intermittent recovery level 1 (Yo-Yo IR1) test, blood samples (BS), Hooper index (1–7), the 10-Hz global positioning system (GPS), and session rating of perceived exertion (s-RPE) in nineteen elite male players. Changes throughout the preseason were analyzed using the one-way and mixed-model analysis of variance. Significant (p < 0.01) improvements occurred in anthropometry and Yo-Yo IR1 running performance in forwards and backs. Total distance (p < 0.01) and impact (p < 0.05) during the second block were meaningfully higher than the other two blocks, with backs showing higher values than forwards. As expected, WL decreased significantly (p < 0.01) during the last training block. The WL variations were correlated with changes in biochemical markers over the preseason period. The collected data can be used for i) profiling French Pro D2 rugby championships players, ii) establishing effective training strategies, and iii) setting preseason WL expectations.

Assessment of Liver Functions in Thalassaemia

Thalassaemias are a heterogenous group of genetic heritable disorders of haemoglobin synthesis, considered as the most common monogenic disorder in the world. This study was conducted to find out the role of iron overload- without concomitant viral hepatitis -as a cause of liver dysfunction in patients with β-thalassaemia major. One hundred six (106) patients with homozygous β-thalassaemia major and forty four (44) apparently healthy subjects were analyzed at the Thalassaemic Centre of Ibn Al-Atheer hospital in Mosul city in Iraq for the assessment of liver functions as reflected by the serum levels of bilirubin, AST, ALT and ALP and iron status as reflected by serum ferritin. The mean pretransfusional Hb was (87.33±13.84 g/L and 85.85±13.21 g/L) for thalassaemic males and females respectively. All thalassaemic patients showed elevated serum ferritin with a mean level of (3799.30±2343.68 ng/ml and 4100.61±1977.28 ng/ml) for thalassaemic males and females respectively. A significant increase in the serum levels of AST, ALT, ALP and bilirubin was found in thalassaemic patients with respect to control subjects. Serum ferritin showed a significant positive correlation with ALT in male and female patients. Hepatomegaly was found in 71.70% of the studied cases. A significant alteration in liver functions of thalassaemic patients shown by changes in biochemical markers and hepatomegaly, both with the close association between elevated ALT and iron overload, necessate re-evaluation of transfusion, Desferal doses and therapies other than blood transfusion.

Biological responses of Chironomus sancticaroli to exposure to naturally aged PP microplastics under realistic concentrations.

Microplastic (MP) is yet another form of chronic anthropogenic contribution to the environment. MPs are plastic particles (<5 mm) that have been widely found in the most diverse natural environments, but their real impacts on ecosystems are still under investigation. Here, we studied the toxicity of naturally aged secondary polypropylene (PP) MPs after constant exposure to ultraviolet radiation (26 µm) to the third instar larvae of Chironomus sancticaroli, a dipteran species. The concentrations tested were 13.5; 67.5; and 135 items g-1 of dry sediment. C. sancticaroli organisms were investigated for fragment ingestion, mortality and changes in enzymatic biomarkers after 144 h of exposure. The organisms were able to ingest MPs from the first 48 h, and the amount of items internalized was dose-dependent and time-dependent. Overall, the results show that mortality was low, being significant at the lowest and highest concentrations (13.5 and 135 items g-1). Regarding changes in biochemical markers, after 144 h MDA and CAT activities were both significantly altered (increased and reduced, respectively), while SOD and GST levels were unchanged. In the present study, naturally aged polypropylene MPs induced biochemical toxicity in C. sancticaroli larvae, with toxicity being higher according to exposure time and particle concentration.

Predictors of Clinical Efficacy of Cytokine Hemoadsorption in COVID-19 (Clinical Trial)

Materials and methods. This study analyzed the results of treatment of 62 patients with severe COVID-19 in the intensive care unit using selective hemoadsorption of cytokines. All patients with severe COVID-19 were admitted to the intensive care unit within 14 days from the disease onset were subdivided into two groups. Group 1 patients (n=32) received on a top of standard treatment the hemoperfusion (HP) procedure for 4 hours, for 2–3 days in a row, using a cytokine sorption column composed of mesoporous styrene-divinilbenzen copolymer matrix. Group 2 patients were not subjected to extracorporeal blood purification. All patients received IL-6 inhibitors at a baseline in accordance to the temporary guidelines. We evaluated factors of unfavorable outcomes by analyzing changes in biochemical markers of systemic inflammatory response and mortality rates in patients of both groups.Results. Initiation of HP later than 10 days from NCI onset (P &lt; 0.001), length of stay in the ICU, extent of lung damage (P = 0.036) and the SOFA (Sequential Organ Failure Assessment) score (P = 0.009) were the most powerful predictors of unfavorable outcome. Levels of systemic inflammatory response markers (interleukin- 6, CRP, D-dimer) in both groups did not significantly affect the survival rates and length of hospital stay (P &gt; 0.05). HP group demonstrated better survival (P &lt; 0.05). Mean hospital stay was 31 and 27 days, ICU stay — 11 and 8 days for Groups 1 and 2, respectively (P &lt; 0.05).Conclusion. Treatment of severe COVID-19 patients with HP using novel domestic hemosorbent composed of styrene-divinilbenzen copolymer matrix resulted in decrease in CRP levels on the first day after application and, with early onset, contributed to a significant increase in survival and decreased hospital and ICU stay. Additional studies are warranted to clarify the optimal timing of the initiation of HP in severe COVID-19 patients.

Realistic environmental exposure to secondary PET microplastics induces biochemical responses in freshwater amphipod Hyalella azteca

ABSTRACT Freshwater environments are especially susceptible to microplastic contamination due to their proximity to urbanised and industrial areas. Also, there is a lack of information about the effects of this pollutant on freshwaters making it difficult the conservation of these environments. Benthic species, such as the freshwater amphipod Hyalella azteca, have been superficially studied so far for evaluation of microplastic pollution. In the present study, we analyzed whether polyethylene terephthalate (PET) microplastics could lead to reduced survival of H. azteca or changes in biochemical markers (SOD, CAT, MDA, and GST) at environmentally relevant concentrations (60 and 600 particles) after 7 d of exposure. The results showed that there was no significant mortality at any of the concentrations tested. The enzyme CAT showed no variation compared to the control group at any of the concentrations. SOD, MDA, and GST were statistically different (p < 0.05). Our study demonstrated that PET MP did not affect the survival of H. azteca at environmentally relevant concentrations. However, changes in biomarkers of oxidative stress may be detected at low level of exposure (60 particles). Although survival is not affected, the macrobenthic invertebrate community may be under threat in environments where there is PET microplastic pollution.

Biochemical Parameters of Female Wistar Rats and Their Offspring Exposed to Inorganic Mercury in Drinking Water during the Gestational and Lactational Periods.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of inorganic mercury (Hg2+) exposure on biochemical parameters of dams and their offspring exposed to metal in drinking water. Female Wistar rats were exposed to 0, 10, and 50 µg Hg2+/mL (as HgCl2) for 42 days corresponding to gestational (21 days) and lactational (21 days) periods. The offspring were sacrificed on postnatal days 10, 20, 30, and 40. Dams exposed to Hg2+ presented a decrease in water intake in gestation [total: F(2,19) = 15.84; p ≤ 0.0001; daily: F(2,21) = 12.71; p = 0.0002] and lactation [total: F(2,19) = 4.619; p = 0.024; daily: F(2,21) = 5.309; p = 0.0136] without alteration in food intake. Dams exposed to 50 µg Hg2+/mL had an increase in kidney total [F(2,21) = 8.081; p = 0.0025] and relative [F(2,21) = 14.11; p = 0.0001] weight without changes in biochemical markers of nephrotoxicity. Moreover, dams had an increase in hepatic [F(2,10) = 3.847; p = 0.0577] and renal [F(2,11) = 6.267; p = 0.0152] metallothionein content concomitantly with an increase in renal Hg levels after Hg2+ exposure. Regarding offspring, the exposure to Hg2+in utero and breast milk increased the relative liver [F(2,18) = 5.33; p = 0.0152] and kidney [F(2,18) = 3.819; p = 0.0415] weight only on the postnatal day 40. In conclusion, dams were able to handle the Hg2+ avoiding the classic Hg2+ toxic effects as well as protecting the offspring. We suggest that this protection is related to the hepatic and renal metallothionein content increase.

The effects of a 6-week controlled, hypocaloric ketogenic diet, with and without exogenous ketone salts, on cognitive performance and mood states in overweight and obese adults

BackgroundKetogenic diets are a commonly used weight loss method, but little is known how variations in sodium content and ketones influence cognition and mood during the early keto-adaptation period.ObjectivesTo investigate the effects of an exogenous ketone salt (KS) as part of a hypocaloric KD on mood and cognitive outcomes in overweight and obese adults. A secondary objective was to evaluate changes in biochemical markers associated with inflammatory and cognitive responses.Materials and methodsAdults who were overweight or obese participated in a 6-week controlled-feeding intervention comparing hypocaloric diets (∼75% of energy expenditure). KD groups received twice daily ketone salt (KD + KS; n = 12) or a flavor-matched placebo, free of minerals (KD + PL; n = 13). A separate group of age and BMI matched adults were later assigned to an isoenergetic low-fat diet (LFD; n = 12) as comparison to KD. Mood was assessed by shortened Profile of Mood States and Visual Analog Mood Scale surveys. Cognitive function was determined by the Automated Neuropsychological Assessment Metrics mental test battery.ResultsBoth KD groups achieved nutritional ketosis. Fasting serum glucose decreased in both KD groups, whereas glucose was unaffected in the LFD. Insulin decreased at week 2 and remained lower in all groups. At week 2, depression scores in the KD + PL group were higher compared to KD + KS. Performance in the math processing and go/no-go cognitive tests were lower for KD + PL and LFD participants, respectively, compared to KD + KS. Serum leptin levels decreased for all groups throughout the study but were higher for KD + KS group at week 6. Serum TNF-α steadily increased for LFD participants, reaching significance at week 6.ConclusionDuring a short-term hypocaloric diet, no indication of a consistent decline in mood or cognitive function were seen in participants following either KD, despite KD + PL being relatively low in sodium. WK2 scores of “anger” and “depression” were higher in the LFD and KD + PL groups, suggesting that KS may attenuate negative mood parameters during the early intervention stages.