Chemiluminescent Microparticle Research Articles

Increased serum human epididymis protein 4 is associated with disease activity and systemic involvement in pediatric-onset systemic lupus erythematosus.

We aimed to investigate human epididymis protein 4 (HE4) as a potential biomarker in patients with pediatric-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (pSLE), particularly on the association of serum HE4 levels with disease activity and other laboratory tests. We included 137 patients with pSLE and 75 age- and sex-matched healthy controls (HCs). Serum HE4 level was measured by a chemiluminescent microparticle on an Abbott ARCHITECT i2000SR Immunoassay Analyzer. Comparisons between groups were performed using the independent Student t-test, Mann-Whitney U test, Chi-square test, or Fisher's exact test, as appropriate. We also determined the relationships between HE4 and clinical parameters and evaluated disease activity using SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) and renal SLEDAI (rSLEDAI). Serum HE4 levels in patients with pSLE (44.6 pmol/L; IQR, 32.5-73.5) were significantly higher than those in HCs (38.9 pmol/L; IQR, 34-46.1). HE4 levels were significantly higher in moderate to severe disease activities (57.4 pmol/L, IQR 37.7-164.5) than in mild disease activities (38.8 pmol/L, IQR 30.1-48.5) or HCs (38.9 pmol/L, IQR 34.0-46.1), as well as in active renal disease activities (77.2 pmol/L, IQR 47.4-224.1) than in inactive renal disease activities (36.1 pmol/L, IQR 27.8-46.7). The ROC curve analysis showed that HE4 could discriminate pSLE with renal (AUC, 0.717; 95% CI, 0.632-0.801), hematological (AUC, 0.740; 95% CI, 0.648-0.831), and cardiovascular involvement (AUC:0.775, 95% CI 0.669-0.880). Serum HE4 levels significantly correlated with several indicators related to renal morbidity, such as creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, uric acid, cystatin C, urine protein/24 h, etc. Serum HE4 levels in pSLE were elevated and highly associated with disease activity and systemic involvement, indicating HE4 as a potential biomarker for pSLE.

Anti-thyroid peroxidase (TPO) antibodies – Comparative analysis of two automatic methods, ECLIA and CMIA

Abstract Introduction: Anti-thyroid peroxidase autoantibodies (TPO) is an essential diagnostic tool for autoimmune disorders of the thyroid gland. However, TPO results are not always comparable due to differences between methods. Here, we aimed to investigate the differences between two modern laboratory methods for TPO measurement: electrochemiluminescence (ECLIA) and chemiluminescence microparticle (CMIA) immunoassays. Methods: A total of 234 serum samples were tested on two methods: Cobas-e601 (ECLIA) and Alinity i (CMIA). TPO results were compared statistically both quantitatively and qualitatively (results were coded as positive/negative, according to ECLIA/CMIA reference ranges. Results: The precisions of both methods were acceptable compared with the claims of the manufacturer. There was a very strong, but unsatisfactory correlation between the two methods (Pearson r=0.85). Passing-Bablok regression revealed a significant deviation from linearity (Cusum p<0.01) and an unacceptable quantitative relationship: intercept −7.61, slope 1.10. Moreover, a visual analysis of overall and medical decision level-focused Bland-Altman plots confirmed the lack of quantitative agreement. As for the qualitative analysis, the concordance rate between methods was 218/234 (93.1%). The agreement was considered good to very good according to the inter-rater agreement test: weighted Cohen κ = 0.805. Conclusions: The qualitative agreement between Cobas-e601 (ECLIA) and Alinity i (CMIA) was good, therefore the two methods may be used indiscriminately for initial testing of patients suspected of thyroid gland autoimmune diseases. However, due to poor quantitative agreement, the two methods should not be used interchangeably for monitoring as the results may mislead both physicians and patients, possibly leading to medical errors.

The rs1883832 Polymorphism (CD40-1C>T) Affects the Intensity of IgA Responses after BNT162b2 Vaccination

The effectiveness of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination strategies is affected by several factors, including the genetic background of the host. In our study, we evaluated the contribution of the functional polymorphism rs1883832 affecting the Kozak sequence of the TNFSF5 gene (c.-1C>T), encoding CD40, to humoral immune responses after vaccination with the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2. The rs1883832 polymorphism was analyzed by PCR-RFLP in 476 individuals (male/female: 216/260, median age: 55.0 years, range: 20−105) of whom 342 received the BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine and 134 received the adenovirus-based vector vaccines (67 on ChAdOx1-nCoV-19 vaccine, 67 on Ad.26.COV2.S vaccine). The IgG and IgA responses were evaluated with chemiluminescent microparticle and ELISA assays on days 21, 42, and 90 after the first dose. The T allele of the rs1883832 polymorphism (allele frequency: 32.8%) was significantly associated with lower IgA levels and represented, as revealed by multivariable analysis, an independent risk factor for reduced anti-spike protein IgA levels on days 42 and 90 following BNT162b2 mRNA vaccination. Similar to serum anti-spike IgA levels, a trend of lower anti-spike IgA concentrations in saliva was found in individuals with the T allele of rs1883832. Finally, the intensity of IgA and IgG responses on day 42 significantly affected the prevalence of COVID-19 after vaccination. The rs1883832 polymorphism may be used as a molecular predictor of the intensity of anti-spike IgA responses after BNT162b2 mRNA vaccination.

Selection of a SARS-CoV-2 antibody quantification method and development of an antibody reference standard for ELISA to test immunoglobulin preparations

The development of COVID-globulin, a COVID-19-specific human immunoglobulin preparation, involved choosing a method to quantify antibodies to SARS-CoV-2. Antibody titre determination by virus neutralisation (VN) is labour-intensive and unsuitable for large-scale application. To enable routine testing, it was necessary to develop a less demanding method; the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was the most appropriate of solutions. The lack of international and industry reference standards (RS) prompted the preparation and certification of an RS for COVID-globulin potency control.The aim of the study was to examine the possibility of substituting ELISA for VN and to develop an RS for SARS-CoV-2 antibody quantification in immunoglobulin preparations.Materials and methods: the authors used commercial ELISA kits by several manufacturers, COVID-globulin by Microgen (48 batches), and human plasma samples from multiple sources (1499 samples). The tests were performed by VN, ELISA, and chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay.Results: the authors validated an ELISA method for SARS-CoV-2 antibody quantification with the selected reagent kits by the National Medical Research Center for Hematology (NMRC for Hematology) and Euroimmun AG. The authors demonstrated the possibility of using ELISA instead of VN (with a correlation coefficient of more than 0.9). They developed and characterised an in-house RS for SARS-CoV-2 antibody content in human immunoglobulin preparations. The RS was certified in newly introduced anti-COVID units (ACU) and in international binding antibody units (BAU) using the World Health Organisation (WHO) international reference panel (NIBSC code: 20/268). The RS's potency was measured in terms of its neutralising activity in ACU (320 ACU/mL) and BAU (2234.8 BAU/mL). The authors established the relationship between ACU and BAU units. For the selected ELISA reagent kits, the conversion factors were 6.4 (NMRC for Hematology) and 7.0 (Euroimmun AG).Conclusions: the ELISA method for SARS-CoV-2 antibody quantification and the RS for SARS-CoV-2 antibody content can be applied to determine the potency of human anti-COVID-19 immunoglobulins.

Circulating nucleosomes to identify non-smoker subjects at risk of lung cancer and triage them for low-dose CT scan.

e20558 Background: Lung cancer (LC) is the leading cause of cancer death worldwide and the most frequently occurring in men and the second most diagnosed cancer in woman after breast cancer. The primary risk factor leading to LC is tobacco smoke. Nevertheless, several studies in the US, UK and Asia reported an increasing rate of LC in non-smokers. 15-20% of LC patients worldwide are non-smokers with this percentage rising to 60% in non-smoking women in Asia. Current LC screening guidelines recommend a CT scan only for high-risk smokers. Despite there being no guidelines to recommend LC screening in non-smokers those with increased risk factors could be monitored. Therefore, a blood-test could offer a simple way to identify non-smokers at high-risk of LC and triage them to go for low-dose CT scan. Methods: We measured circulating levels of nucleosomes and CEA in 722 non-smoker subjects referred for CT scan at National Taiwan University Hospital. The patients were later confirmed to have either a LC (n = 509, including 401 patients at stage 0-1), non-malignant nodules (n = 142), or no-nodules (n = 71). Whole blood was collected in EDTA plasma tubes for analysis by six different Nu.Q chemiluminescent magnetic microparticle immunoassays (Belgian Volition SRL, Belgium) targeting H3.1-nucleosomes or different histone modifications (H3K9Me3-, H3K27Me3-, H3K36Me3-, H3K9Ac-, H3K14Ac-nucleosomes). CEA was analyzed on the Abbott ARCHITECT analyzer. We defined by logistic regression the best combination of biomarkers to identify LC cases in this non-smoking population in a rule-in approach. Results: At 95% specificity, none of the individual biomarkers exceed 24.8% of sensitivity for LC vs non-malignant nodules and no nodules. A combination of 2 nucleosome biomarkers: H3K9Me3- and H3K9Ac-nucleosomes with CEA in a logistic regression model showed improved sensitivity detecting 32.4% of LC in the non-smoker subjects at 95% specificity for LC vs non-malignant nodules and no nodules (area under the curve (AUC): 0.76, R2: 19.1%). In a non-smoking women sub-group by adding a third nucleosome biomarker: H3K36Me3-nucleosomes to the model we could detect 34.3% of the women who have lung cancer at 95% specificity (AUC: 0.75; R2: 20.2%). Conclusions: Our results indicate that a blood test combining circulating nucleosomes targeting different epigenetic modifications with CEA allow the detection of LC cases in a non-smokers population. This blood test could be part of the screening criteria for the non-smoking population at risk to develop LC and could help to triage them for low-dose CT scan.

High specificity lung cancer test to rule out cancer in non-malignant lung nodules found at LDCT.

e20533 Background: Lung Cancer (LC) is the leading cause of cancer death worldwide and smoking is the leading risk factor. Only 15% of patients with LC are still alive 5 years after diagnosis due to advanced diseases stage at diagnosis. Low-Dose Computed Tomography (LDCT) is the widely accepted standard for screening of individuals at high risk of lung cancer. However, LDCT has several limitations including the high prevalence of non-malignant pulmonary nodules detected leading to overdiagnosis, the potential harms of cumulative radiation dose and poor adherence to recommended follow-up. Therefore, novel blood-based tests could offer a simple follow confirmation approach and this test is designed to find those patients who DO NOT have cancer. Methods: We measured levels of nucleosomes, CEA and CYFRA21-1in a cohort of 912 subjects and report data relating to 184 smoker subjects referred for CT scan at National Taiwan University Hospital. The smoker patients were later confirmed to have either a LC (n = 129, including 59 patients at early stage (stage 0-I), 15 at stage II, 47 at late stage (III and IV) and 8 with unknown stage), or non-malignant nodules (n = 41), or control with no-nodules (n = 14). Whole blood was collected in EDTA plasma tubes for analysis by six different Nu.Q chemiluminescent magnetic microparticle immunoassays (Belgian Volition, Belgium) targeting H3.1-nucleosomes or different histone modifications (H3K9Me3-, H3K27Me3-, H3K36Me3-, H3K9Ac-, H3K14Ac-nucleosomes). CEA was analyzed on the Abbott ARCHITECT analyzer. CYFRA21-1 was analyzed on the Roche Cobas E411 analyzer. We evaluated each biomarker levels individually and in a combinatorial approach by logistic regression for their performance in discriminating subject with a LC vs non-malignant nodules. Results: Among the eight individual markers evaluated, the best area under the curve (AUC) in discriminating LC vs non-malignant nodule were observed for CEA, H3K9Ac-nucleosomes and CYFRA21-1 with an AUC of 0.68, 0.69 and 0.74, respectively and a specificity at 95% sensitivity of 9.5%, 7.3% and 21.4%, respectively. A logistic regression approach defined H3K9Ac-nucleosomes, CEA and CYFRA21-1 as the best panel of biomarkers tested to improve the discrimination between LC and non-malignant nodules relatives to the markers alone, achieving a specificity of 34.1% at 95% sensitivity and an AUC of 0.80. 55 out of the 59 stage 0-I, 25/26 stage III and 20/21 stage IV LC were detected by this combination of markers while 34.1 % of the patients with benign nodules are found negative and not sent to unnecessary biopsy to ascertain the nodule status. Conclusions: Results of our proof-of-concept study indicate that a blood test combining H3K9Ac-nucleosome levels with CEA and CYFRA21-1 levels could help to rule-out patients with a non-malignant nodule offering a non-invasive tool as an aid to the decision-making process of the malignancy status of nodules detected by LDCT.

Seroprevalence of viral Hepatitis B in the Marrakech region

Viral hepatitis B (HBV) is a major public health problem worldwide. Indeed, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that more than 2 billion the number of people who have been exposed to this virus, about 30% of the world population, 18% in sub-Saharan Africa and 41% in Asia, of which 5% with chronic infection or 300-350 million. So the HBV prevalence is 5.4% globally, against 1% for the HIV and 3% for hepatitis C. More than 1 million of them die each year complications essentially cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. The diagnostic of HBV (recent or chronic infection) relies on research HBs antigen in the serum of patients, it is the witness of a recent or past infection with HBV according to the presence or absence of other serological markers (HBe Ag, anti-HBs Ig and total anti-HBc and anti-HBe antibody IgM) but they do not provide information on the status of viral replication. The detection and quantification of HBV genome (replication of viral marker) can be performed in serum, liver tissue or in blood mononuclear cells. They typically based amplification methods: Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). The treatment of viral hepatitis B is for patients with hepatitis B associated with viral replication (HBV DNA positive), cytolysis (elevated transaminases) and presence on biopsy of an activity necroinflammatory or significant fibrosis. Despite the recent antiviral therapeutics, treatment of chronic hepatitis B is difficult and expensive, and the prevention of HBV infection through routine immunization policy and prevention measures currently remains the best option for reducing morbidity and mortality from liver failure and liver cancer. Morocco is considered far, according to WHO data, such as having an intermediate prevalence of viral hepatitis B. Currently, few studies relate the epidemiology of hepatitis B (HBV) in Morocco. The objective of this study was the evaluation of the HBV infection prevalence in a Moroccan workers population, and compare with national and international studies. A total of 20192 individuals were screened for HBsAg. HBV screening was conducted by immunoassay chemiluminescent micro particle (CMIA) PLC (Abbott Architect) and with a prevalence rate of HBsAg estimated at 0.55%. These data are of interest for the diagnosis and prognosis, and therapeutic decision, and can be for the development of an eventual national strategy for the prevention of the transmission of HBV.

The relationship between sex hormones and glycated hemoglobin in a non-diabetic middle-aged and elderly population

BackgroundSex hormones are strongly linked to the occurrence and development of diabetes, and influence glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels in diabetic population; but, the relationship between sex hormones and HbA1c in non-diabetic population remains unknown. This study aimed to explore the extent of influence of sex hormones on HbA1c levels in non-diabetic population.MethodsA total of 1409 non–diabetic subjects, including 601 men and 808 postmenopausal women were recruited from Shanghai community. HbA1c was detected using high performance liquid chromatography, and hemoglobin level was determined by sodium lauryl sulfate colorimetry. Serum estradiol (E2), total testosterone (TT), and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) were measured by chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassays.ResultsThe level of HbA1c was 5.6 (5.4–5.9) % in all subjects, with 5.6 (5.4–5.8) % in men and 5.7 (5.5–5.9) % in postmenopausal women. After adjusting for age, body mass index (BMI), and hemoglobin, E2 was positively correlated with HbA1c in men (r = 0.122, P = .003), and SHBG was inversely correlated with HbA1c (r = − 0.125, P < .001) in women. Other hormones were not correlated with HbA1c (all P > .05). Multivariate linear regression analysis showed that, except for traditional factors, such as age, hemoglobin, and BMI, E2 was another determinant of HbA1c (standardized β = 0.137, P = .003) in men; besides, in women, SHBG was another determinant of HbA1c (standardized β = − 0.178, P < .001), except for age and systolic blood pressure.ConclusionAfter controlling for confounding factors, two sex hormones, as E2 and SHBG could influence HbA1c levels in non-diabetic population.

Intensity and Dynamics of Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Immune Responses after BNT162b2 mRNA Vaccination: Implications for Public Health Vaccination Strategies.

The aim of our study was to investigate the immunogenicity of the BNT162b2 vaccination according to the age and medical status of vaccinated individuals. A total of 511 individuals were enrolled (median age: 54.0 years, range: 19–105); 509 of these individuals (99.6%) received two doses of BNT162b2 at an interval of 21 days. IgG and IgA responses were evaluated on days 21, 42, 90, and 180 after the first dose with chemiluminescent microparticle and ELISA assays. The cell-mediated immune responses were assessed by an automated interferon-gamma release assay. We demonstrated positive antibody responses after vaccination for the majority of enrolled participants, although waning of IgG and IgA titers was also observed over time. We further observed that the intensity of humoral responses was positively correlated with increased age and prior COVID-19 infection (either before or after the first vaccination). Moreover, we found that only a medical history of autoimmune disease could affect the intensity of IgA and IgG responses (3 weeks after the primary and secondary immunization, respectively), while development of systemic adverse reactions after the second vaccination dose was significantly associated with the height of IgG responses. Finally, we identified a clear correlation between humoral and cellular responses, suggesting that the study of cellular responses is not required as a routine laboratory test after vaccination. Our results provide useful information about the immunogenicity of COVID-19 vaccination with significant implications for public health vaccination strategies.

Antibody responses after two doses of CoronaVac of the participants with or without the diagnosis of COVID-19

BackgroundCoronaVac, an inactivated whole-virion vaccine against COVID-19, has been shown to be safe with acceptable antibody responses by various clinical trials.AimsThe objective was to investigate the post-vaccination antibody levels of both symptomatic and asymptomatic healthcare workers with or without the diagnosis of COVID-19 in an emergency department (ED) of a hospital serving as a pandemic hospital.MethodsThis single-centred, prospective study was conducted on 86 participants who were working as nurse or doctor in the ED. The volunteers were older than 18 years and either positive or negative for either computed tomography (CT), real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), or both. Thirty days after the second dose of CoronaVac (3 µg), the antibody levels were chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay.ResultsMean age of all participants were 33.1 ± 9.1 years. The antibody levels in the qRT-PCR( +) and CT( +) groups were significantly higher than the qRT-PCR( −) and CT( −) groups, respectively (p < 0.05). In the CT( +)/qRT-PCR( +) group, the antibody level was significantly higher than the CT( −)/qRT-PCR( −) and CT( −)/qRT-PCR( +) or CT( +)/qRT-PCR( −) group (p < 0.05). On the other hand, antibody levels in the hospitalized group were significantly higher than in the non-hospitalized group (p < 0.05). A significant positive correlation was observed between the time elapsed after vaccination and antibody levels of the participants (r = 0.343; p = 0.000).ConclusionIn conclusion, antibody responses of recovered patients COVID-19 diagnosed by both CT and qRT-PCR were much robust than the patients diagnosed by either one of the techniques or undiagnosed/disease-free participants suggesting that severity of the disease likely contributes to the antibody responses after vaccination with CoronaVac.

Clinical Evaluation of Serum Levels of SARS-CoV-2 Anti-Spike Protein IgG Antibodies in Infected Patients and Vaccinated Subjects.

The aim was clinical evaluation of immune response against SARS-CoV-2, analyzing serum levels of IgG antibodies against the SARS-CoV-2 protein S in infected and vaccinated patients, as well as in subjects with and without frequent comorbidities (arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus, heart disease, and chronic respiratory disease). Patients infected by SARS-CoV-2 confirmed by RT-PCR and subjects vaccinated with vaccines based on the mRNA encoding the SARS-CoV-2 protein S were studied. SARS-CoV-2 anti-S IgG serum levels were quantified by chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay. There were 79 infected patients with a median age of 53.0 years; 35 women and 44 men; 42 patients with any comorbidities and 37 without comorbidities. The median of SARS-CoV-2 anti-S IgG serum level was 203.4 BAU/mL (11.6 - 5,620.6). The median antibody level in the infected patients with any comorbidities was higher than those without comorbidities. The group of vaccinated subjects included 96 subjects with a median age of 49.5 years; 77 women and 19 men; 31 subjects with any comorbidities and 65 without comorbidities. The median of SARS-CoV-2 anti-S IgG serum levels was 1,145.6 BAU/mL (138.3 - 4,828.1). No significant differences were found in terms of specific or global comorbidities in the vaccinated subjects. SARS-CoV-2 anti-S IgG serum levels were 5.6 times higher in vaccinated subjects than infected patients. The vaccination produces higher serum antibody levels than SARS-CoV-2 infection. This reinforces the indication for the vaccine in infected patients. These antibodies did not decrease significantly in patients with frequent comorbidities such as hypertension, diabetes, heart disease or chronic respiratory disease.

Knowledge and attitudes about vitamin D and sunlight exposure in premenopausal women living in Jeddah, and their relationship with serum vitamin D levels

BackgroundSaudi women are at risk of vitamin D deficiency because they are fully covered by traditional clothing and because of their indoor lifestyle. The latest national study reported that vitamin D deficiency (serum 25(OH)D < 50 nmol/L) affects 72% of young Saudi women. Because little information is available regarding knowledge on vitamin D, attitudes toward sun exposure, and the vitamin D status of premenopausal women in Jeddah, more research is necessary in order to develop effective intervention programs. The purpose of this study is to explore how the relationship between knowledge of vitamin D and attitudes about sun exposure affect the serum 25(OH)D levels in premenopausal Saudi women.MethodsThis cross-sectional study included 257 women aged 20–50 years attending the primary care clinic in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Participants completed questionnaires about socio-demographics, dietary vitamin D intake, attitudes toward sun exposure, and were tested on their knowledge of vitamin D. Serum 25(OH)D was evaluated using chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay.ResultsAlthough 99% of participants had heard of vitamin D and 91% knew that sunlight exposure is a primary source of vitamin D, they also expressed the feeling of having insufficient knowledge regarding vitamin D sources. Furthermore, the majority of participants had negative attitudes toward sun exposure. High fish consumption was associated with a higher level of knowledge regarding vitamin D. The binary logistic regression indicated that low levels of knowledge about vitamin D were associated with low education levels (odds ratio = 0.397, 95% CI = [0.206, 0.765], p = 0.019) and with being married (odds ratio = 0.522, 95% CI = [0.281, 0.971], p = 0.04). In addition, spending time outside in the sun was significantly associated with increased serum 25(OH)D levels (p = 0.006), and the wearing of colored abaya was significantly associated with increased serum 25(OH)D levels (p = 0.008).ConclusionSuboptimal vitamin D status and insufficient knowledge of vitamin D intake sources are common in premenopausal women in Jeddah. Based on this data, health professionals could provide medical intervention to the most vulnerable female patients, as well as offer clear guidelines and information to the general public.

Prevalence and risk factors of toxoplasmosis among adults in a small Brazilian city.

The prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection varies markedly among different populations, especially depending on factors related to socioeconomic development and eating habits. Cássia dos Coqueiros is a small city in Brazil with rural characteristics and increased risk factors traditionally associated with T. gondii infection. We carried out a cross-sectional study involving 970 inhabitants aged 18 years or more, selected from patients of the local health unit and home visits in urban and rural areas. Each participant completed a survey with questions regarding demographic, socioeconomic, and risk factors for toxoplasmosis. Blood samples from participants were tested for presence of IgG and IgM antibodies against T. gondii using a chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay. The prevalence of IgG and IgM antibodies was 62.3% and 2.5%, respectively. Variables that proved to be independent predictors of infection were age, low levels of education, and previous diagnosis of toxoplasmosis. The high prevalence of toxoplasmosis serological markers in this adult population highlights the need to promote preventive practices, especially those directed toward women of childbearing age, in this part of Brazil.

Serum levels of homocysteine, asymmetric dimethylarginine and nitric oxide in patients with Parkinson’s disease

Objectives: Endothelial dysfunction has been implicated as a crucial event in the development of several neurodegenerative diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate the serum homocysteine, asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) and nitric oxide (NO) levels in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) and to compare the results with data from healthy controls.Methods: A total of 132 subjects, including 82 idiopathic PD patients who were newly diagnosed and untreated (47 males, 35 females, mean age of 60.8 ± 7.1 years) and 50 healthy controls (28 males, 22 females, mean age of 60.2 ± 6.7 years) were enrolled in this study. The serum ADMA and NO levels were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), while the homocysteine levels were determined by chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay.Results: The ADMA and NO levels of the PD patients were significantly higher than those of the healthy controls. The serum ADMA levels were 0.70 ± 0.15 μmol/L in the PD patients and 0.50 ± 0.12 μmol/L in the healthy controls (p < 0.001). The serum NO levels were 78.7 ± 10.3 μmol/L in the PD patients and 59.9 ± 9.5 μmol/L in the healthy controls (p < 0.001). In addition, the ADMA and NO levels were significantly correlated with the serum homocysteine levels in patients with PD (r = 0.874, p < 0.001, r = 0.803, p = 0.005, respectively).Conclusion: In our study, the high ADMA and NO levels of patients with PD indicate endothelial dysfunction, and this dysfunction may play a role in PD pathogenesis. Larger studies, including randomised clinical trials in humans and animal studies, are needed to validate our findings and help in developing a better understanding of the pathogenesis of PD.

Hepatitis A seroprevalence in patients with chronic viral hepatitis in Konya, Turkey.

AimHepatitis A is among the diseases that can be prevented with vaccination in our time. Acute hepatitis A progresses more severely in individuals with a liver disease. Therefore, patients with a chronic liver disease (because of hepatitis B or hepatitis C) are advised vaccination with the hepatitis A vaccine. This study is aimed to determine the seroprevalence of hepatitis A virus (HAV) antibodies in patients infected with hepatitis C virus or hepatitis B virus in Konya province of Turkey.MethodsA total of 537 patients who had chronic viral hepatitis between January 2011 and December 2014 were included in the study. Serum samples were collected from each patient and tested for anti-HAV using the chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay.ResultsThe overall seroprevalence of total anti-HAV IgG was 94.2%. The overall prevalence of anti-HAV IgG in patients with chronic hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus infection was 97.5 and 93.6%, respectively. Anti-HAV IgG positivity was 97.4% in cirrhotic patients and 93.9% in noncirrhotic individuals.ConclusionAt the end of the study, being older than 40 years and living in a rural area were found to be independent risk factors for anti-HAV IgG seropositivity. In conclusion, we recommend that patients younger than 40 years and/or those living in cities and having a chronic liver disease should be vaccinated with the hepatitis A vaccine.

Cigarette smoking does not affect female ovarian reserve. Analysis of a cohort of 1964 consecutive blood samples evaluating hormonal ovarian status

Cigarette smoking is a very well accepted risk factor for female infertility. However, mechanisms are still discussed, and the impact on ovarian reserve (OR), has not been established, on large samples and using AMH as marker. The objective of the study was to investigate, in a population of women addressed for an OR determination whether smoking has a deleterious effect on OR. Transversal epidemiological study on 1963 women 18-45 years recruited in August-December 2012 in a single private laboratory with OR testing between cycle day 1 and 5. AMH was measured using AMH/MIS enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit (Beckman Coulter), FSH and E2 by Chemiluminescent Microparticle (Abbott). Cigarette smoking (Yes/No), and the number of cigarettes were recorded. Analysis considered the main confounders: age, BMI, cycle day and previous cycle duration. Women with current hormonal treatment were discarded (n=59). In total, 20.9% of women were smokers (8.3 ± 6.3 cigarettes / day). Smokers had not a decreased AMH (4.1 ± 4.0 vs. 3.7 ± 3.1 pg/ml), or increased FSH (8.2 ± 5.1 vs. 8.8 ± 6.5 UI/l) and the percentage of low OR (AMH<1.5pg/ml) was not increased (17.5% vs. 22.4%). The results were similar when entering women's age and other confounders (BMI, cycle day, previous cycle duration) in the model and when considering the number of cigarettes. Only age was related to low OR assessed by AMH. We found no impact of cigarette smoking on OR assessed by AMH. Potential bias cannot totally be ruled out (infertile women, only current exposition measured). However, the large number, the consideration of major confounders reinforce the results. The absence of effect means that the deleterious role of smoking may be explained by other factors. In utero exposition to smoking has been hypothesized to play a detrimental role on the ovary, but this may be not the case in adult women. More research is needed.

Low level of serum sex hormone binding globulin is associated with the occurrence of metabolic syndrome

Objective To investigate the relationship between serum sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG)and metabolic syndrome (MS) in Chinese young population.Methods A total of 797 patients were enrolled and subdivided into MS group(n=377)and non-MS group(n =420).Body height and weight were measured for body mass index(BMI),and waist and hip circumstances for waist-to-hip ratio (WHR).Glutamate aminotransferase,aspartate aminotransferase,serum lipid level,fasting glucose and fasting insulin were determined.The level of serum SHBG was measured by chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay.HOMA-IR was employed to evaluate the insulin sensitivity.Results The serum SHBG level of non-MS group was significantly higher than that in MS group[(34.97± 33.97 vs 19.54 ± 15.54) nmol/L,P＜0.001].After adjusted for age,sex,BMI,and WHR,serum SHBG level was negatively associated with diastolic blood pressure,fasting plasma glucose,fasting insulin,homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR),and triglycerides (P ＜ 0.05),but it was significantly positively associated with HDL-C (P ＜ 0.001).After adjusted for age,sex,BMI,WHR,and HOMA-IR,binary logistic regression analysis showed that serum SHBG level was negatively associated with metabolic syndrome.Conclusions In Chinese young population,low level of serum SHBG is associated with the occurrence of metabolic syndrome. Key words: Chinese young population ; Sex hormone binding globulin ; Metabolic syndrome

Plasma, aqueous and vitreous homocysteine levels in proliferative diabetic retinopathy

Background/AimsTo compare homocysteine (Hcy) concentration in the blood plasma, vitreous and aqueous of eyes with proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) against control, and to investigate associations between Hcy concentration in blood...

Variance of serum prolactin in controlled ovarian stimulation

To investigate the variance of peripheral blood prolactin (PRL) in controlled ovarian stimulation. Seventy-two patients, with totally 106 cycles receiving a long protocol of gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist combined with gonadotropin (Gn) were randomly enrolled in this retrospective study. During controlled ovarian stimulation, peripheral blood hormones were measured by chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay. Prolactin was positively correlated with estradiol (r = 0.5897, P < 0.01) while there was no significant correlation between luteinizing hormone and PRL Progesterone had a positive relation with prolactin (r = 0.1412, P < 0.01). During controlled ovarian stimulation, prolactin secretion is not affected by Gn but may be stimulated by estradiol. Progesterone has a positive relation with prolactin.