Concentrations Of Biochemical Markers Research Articles

FEATURES OF THE COURSE OF STABLE CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE WITH BORDERLINE CORONARY ARTERY STENOSES DEPENDING ON THE EPICARDIAL FAT THICKNESS

HighlightsPatients with stable coronary artery disease, borderline coronary artery stenoses (BCAS) and increased thickness of epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) are characterized by development of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) at a younger age and higher levels of proinflammatory markers compared to patients without increased thickness of EAT (in case of comparable obesity class, diabetes type, angina grade and apolipoprotein B levels). Aim. To study the features of the course of stable coronary artery disease with borderline coronary artery stenoses (BCAS) depending on the epicardial fat thickness.Methods. 201 patients with stable angina of 1–3 grade with BCAS (50–70%) were included in the study. The 1st group consisted of 57 (28,4%) patients with high EAT levels, the 2nd group consisted of 144 (71,6%) patients without normal EAT levels. The results of biochemical blood tests and systemic inflammation markers (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, IL 1, 6, 8, 10, TNF-a, cystatin С, MMP-9, NTproBNP) concentration were evaluated. The epicardial fat thickness was determined by echocardiography. All patients underwent coronary angiography.Results. The general EAT thickness was at 6.00 [5.00; 6.50] mm in the 1st group and at 3.00 [2.30; 4.00] mm in the 2nd group (p<0.001). Hypertension (p<0.001), CAD (p<0.001), and myocardial infarction in particular (p = 0.003) were detected at a younger age in the 1st group. There were no significant differences in terms of prevalence of obesity, diabetes mellitus, angina grade and type of prescribed medication. Patients in the 1st group showed higher levels of NTproBNP (p = 0.002) and hsCRP (p = 0.027). Moreover, patients in the 1st group had a higher Apo-A1 levels (p = 0.023) and a lower Apo B/Apo-A1 ratio (p = 0.019). Proinflammatory cytokine levels were comparable, however anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 levels (р =0.005) and the frequency of elevated IL-10 levels (p<0.001) were lower in the 1st group. Higher cystatin C levels and the frequency of elevated cystatin C levels (p<0.001) were observed more often in patients with high EAT levels.Conclusion. Patients with stable CAD, borderline coronary artery stenoses and high EAT levels can be characterized by cardiovascular diseases detected at a younger age and higher levels of proinflammatory markers compared with patients with normal EAT levels in case of comparable obesity class, diabetes mellitus, angina grade, and Apo B levels.

Biochemical predictors of preclinical arteriosclerosis in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease after COVID-19

This article presents the findings of an open, comparative, prospective study aimed to investigate the state of vascular endothelial function in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who have recovered from COVID-19, and to assess the potential for long-term prediction of preclinical atherosclerosis development.Materials and methods. A total of 133 COPD patients were examined under outpatient conditions: the main group (n=90), with a history of COVID-19, and a comparison group (n=43). Participants were examined twice: V1 - initial examination from 3 weeks to three months post-infection, V2 - a follow-up examination 12 months after the first visit. Based on the CAVI index values at point V2, the main group was divided into 2 subgroups. The state of vascular endothelial function was assessed using volume sphygmomanometry and by determining the concentration of biochemical markers in the blood.Results. In the main group at point V2, the studied parameters of arterial stiffness were significantly higher compared to the comparison group (aortic pulse wave velocity, cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI) on the right and left, augmentation indices on the brachial and carotid arteries). At point V1, in the 1st subgroup (R-CAVI≥8.5 units), the concentration of biomarkers such as endothelin-1, total homocysteine, monocyte chemoattractant protein, vascular endothelial growth factor, C-reactive protein, interleukin-6,10 was significantly higher than in the 2nd subgroup (R-CAVI<8.5 units). Conclusion. Taking into account the results obtained, a mathematical model for predicting preclinical atherosclerosis in COPD patients 12 months after COVID-19 was developed, which can be applied by clinicians in the long-term assessment of cardiovascular risk. Key words: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, COVID-19, sphygmomanometry, predictors, prognosis, CAVI index> ˂ 8.5 units).Conclusion. Taking into account the results obtained, a mathematical model for predicting preclinical atherosclerosis in COPD patients 12 months after COVID-19 was developed, which can be applied by clinicians in the long-term assessment of cardiovascular risk.

Biomarker Changes during 20 Years Preceding Alzheimer’s Disease

BackgroundBiomarker changes that occur in the period between normal cognition and the diagnosis of sporadic Alzheimer’s disease have not been extensively investigated in longitudinal studies.MethodsWe conducted a multicenter, nested case–control study of Alzheimer’s disease biomarkers in cognitively normal participants who were enrolled in the China Cognition and Aging Study from January 2000 through December 2020. A subgroup of these participants underwent testing of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), cognitive assessments, and brain imaging at 2-year–to–3-year intervals. A total of 648 participants in whom Alzheimer’s disease developed were matched with 648 participants who had normal cognition, and the temporal trajectories of CSF biochemical marker concentrations, cognitive testing, and imaging were analyzed in the two groups.ResultsThe median follow-up was 19.9 years (interquartile range, 19.5 to 20.2). CSF and imaging biomarkers in the Alzheimer’s disease group diverged from those in the cognitively normal group at the following estimated number of years before diagnosis: amyloid-beta (Aβ)42, 18 years; the ratio of Aβ42 to Aβ40, 14 years; phosphorylated tau 181, 11 years; total tau, 10 years; neurofilament light chain, 9 years; hippocampal volume, 8 years; and cognitive decline, 6 years. As cognitive impairment progressed, the changes in CSF biomarker levels in the Alzheimer’s disease group initially accelerated and then slowed.ConclusionsIn this study involving Chinese participants during the 20 years preceding clinical diagnosis of sporadic Alzheimer’s disease, we observed the time courses of CSF biomarkers, the times before diagnosis at which they diverged from the biomarkers from a matched group of participants who remained cognitively normal, and the temporal order in which the biomarkers became abnormal. (Funded by the Key Project of the National Natural Science Foundation of China and others; ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT03653156.)

Fuch's Endothelial Corneal Dystrophy in Cataract Patients Is Associated with Elevated Levels of Inflammatory Chemokines, but Not Growth Factors, in the Aqueous Humor.

The study investigated a profile of chemokines and growth factors in the aqueous humor (AH) of eyes with Fuch's endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD) and cataracts in comparison with cataract patients as a control group. A total of 52 AH samples (26 FECD + cataract and 26 cataract/control) were collected before cataract surgery. None of the patients had any clinically apparent inflammation at the time of AH collection. The AH levels of MCP-1 (CCL2), MIP-1α (CCL3), MIP-1β(CCL4), RANTES (CCL5), eotaxin (CCL11), IP-10 (CXCL10), FGF basic, G-CSF, GM-CSF, PDGF-bb, and VEGF were compared between the groups. The analyses were performed using the Bio-Plex 200 System from Bio-Rad. Among the studied parameters, the AH levels of RANTES, eotaxin, and IP-10 significantly increased in the FECD + cataract eyes, compared with the cataract controls (p < 0.05). Elevated levels of the RANTES, Eotaxin, and IP-10 indicate more intense inflammation in the eyes of patients in the FECD + cataract group. Moreover, these factors exhibit potential as predictive biomarkers for early detection of FECD in cataract patients. The discovery of elevated concentrations of biochemical markers in a patient, who has not yet received a clinical diagnosis, may suggest the need for heightened observation of the other eye to monitor the potential development of FECD.

Effect of acute resistance exercise on bone turnover in young adults before and after concurrent resistance and interval training.

Weight-bearing physical activity can stimulate bone adaptation. This investigation explored the effect of an acute bout of resistance exercise before and after resistance+interval training on circulating biomarkers of bone metabolism and muscle-bone crosstalk. Healthy young male and female participants (n = 21 male, 28 ± 4 years; n = 17 female, 27 ± 5 years) performed a 6 × 10 squat test (75% 1RM) before and after a 12-week resistance+interval training program. Before and after completion of the training program, blood samples were collected at rest, immediately postexercise, and 2 h postexercise. Blood samples were analyzed for βCTX, P1NP, sclerostin, osteocalcin, IGF-1, and irisin. Significant effects of acute exercise (main effect of time) were observed as increases in concentrations of IGF-1, irisin, osteocalcin, and P1NP from rest to postexercise. A sex*time interaction indicated a greater decline in βCTX concentration from rest to 2 h postexercise and a greater increase in sclerostin concentration from rest to immediately postexercise in male compared with female participants. Sex differences (main effect of sex) were also observed for irisin and P1NP concentrations. In summary, changes in concentrations of biochemical markers of bone metabolism and muscle-bone crosstalk were observed in males and females after an acute bout of resistance exercise and following 12 weeks of resistance+interval training.

Morphological and biochemical characteristics of osteogenesis during drug therapy of experimental osteoporosis

Relevance. Osteoporosis is a clinical and economic problem on a global scale. A significant contribution to solving the problem of effective treatment of osteoporosis can be the creation of drugs based on unique biologically active compounds.The aim of the study was the morphological substantiation of the experimental model of osteoporosis and a comprehensive (multifactorial) assessment of the effectiveness of its drug therapy.Materials and methods. The study was carried out on 40 mature female Wistar rats, which comprised 6 groups. A model of osteoporosis was formed in animals of four experimental groups (6 animals in each): the first and second groups (respectively) consisted of young rats, the third and fourth — old ones. Animals of the second and fourth groups were injected with a drug tested for its ability to activate the process of osteosynthesis. Rats of the fifth and sixth groups (young and old, 8 animals each), subjected to sham surgery, served as controls. As a result of the use of the histo-morphometric method and atomic absorption spectroscopy in the diaphysis of the femur, the thickness of the layers of the compact substance, the number of bone plates and osteocytes, as well as the amount of collagen, calcium and phosphorus were determined. Using enzyme immunoassay, bone remodeling markers — osteocalcin, sclerostin, osteoprotegerin, fibroblast growth factor-23 and nuclear factor kappa-β activator ligand (RANKL) — were determined in the blood serum. Statistical processing of the data was carried out using the GraphPad PRISM (USA) program to determine the median, upper and lower quartiles. Differences were considered significant at p &lt; 0.01.Results. Modeling of osteoporosis induces atrophic thinning of the compact substance, a decrease in the number of osteocytes and bone plates in the diaphysis of the femur, a decrease in the content of collagen, calcium and phosphorus in them, a decrease in the concentration of osteocalcin, sclerostin, fibroblast growth factor, osteoprotegerin and an increase in the concentration of RANKL in the blood plasma, more pronounced in old animals. As a result of the use of the drug X3 for the treatment of osteoporosis, the following were revealed: a significant increase in the thickness of the compact substance, the number of osteocytes and bone plates in the diaphysis, the content of collagen, calcium and phosphorus in them, an increase in the concentration of biochemical markers of osteosynthesis, and a mild imbalance of RANKL. The increase in plasma levels of markers of bone remodeling was most pronounced when the drug X3 was combined with vitamin D3.Conclusion. 1. The used surgical-endocrine method of modeling osteoporosis leads to pronounced degenerative changes in osteocytes and their derivatives in all parts of the compact bone substance, and also causes significant disturbances in the mineral composition and an imbalance of bone remodeling markers, more pronounced in senile rats. 2. The tested drug X3, used for the treatment of osteoporosis, has a high degree of effectiveness, since it stimulates regenerative osteogenesis, restores the damaged structure of bone tissue elements, its organic and mineral components. 3. The restorative effect of the drug is more pronounced in senile rats.

The severity and dynamics of changes in the serum concentration of biochemical markers of muscle tissue damage in an experienced ultramarathon runner after overcoming a distance of 165 km against the background of continuing physical activity

Purpose: to determine the severity and dynamics of changes in the concentration of biochemical markers of muscle tissue damage in the blood serum of an experienced ultramarathon runner after overcoming a distance of 165 kilometers.Materials and methods: measurement of serum concentrations of markers of muscle tissue damage (aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), creatine kinase (CK), creatine kinase MB (CK-MB), myoglobin) in serum before and 16 and 144 hours after ultramarathon in an experienced runner (age 36, height 186 cm, weight 76 kg, body mass index 21.96).Results: 16 hours after the end of the race, extremely high levels of AST, ALT, CK, CK-MB and myoglobin were observed, the combination of which indicates severe rhabdomyolysis. After 144 hours, a decrease in the level of all markers of muscle tissue damage, including myoglobin, was noted, however, they continued to remain significantly higher than the reference values. At the same time, the athlete did not have any significant pathological symptoms, and he continued to train in the recovery mode.Conclusion: ultramarathon races lead to significant muscle damage, which can lead to rhabdomyolysis. Its severity may not correlate with any significant clinical manifestations.

Lack of an association between first-trimester concentration of mid-regional pro-atrial natriuretic peptide and risk of early-onset preeclampsia

We examined the heart failure biomarker mid-regional pro-atrial natriuretic peptide during the first trimester of pregnancy in relation to early-onset preeclampsia <34 weeks. This case-control study included 34 women with singleton pregnancies with a preeclampsia diagnosis and delivery before 34 weeks of gestation who had attended the routine first-trimester ultrasound scan at 11-13+6 weeks of gestation between August 2010 and October 2015 at the Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Denmark, and 91 uncomplicated singleton pregnancies matched by time of the routine first-trimester blood sampling at 8-13+6 weeks. Descriptive statistical analyses were performed for maternal characteristics and obstetric and medical history for the case versus the control group. Concentrations of mid-regional pro-atrial natriuretic peptide, placental growth factor, soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1, and pregnancy-associated plasma protein A between early-onset preeclampsia cases and the control group were compared using Students t-test and the Mann-Whitney U test. Biochemical marker concentrations were converted into multiples of the expected median values after adjustment for gestational age. Mid-regional pro-atrial natriuretic peptide levels were not significantly different between early-onset preeclampsia cases and the control group in the first trimester of pregnancy. As expected, both placental growth factor and pregnancy-associated plasma protein A levels were significantly lower in early-onset preeclampsia, whereas soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 levels were not statistically significantly different. The maternal first-trimester concentration of mid-regional pro-atrial natriuretic peptide, a peptide with multiple biological functions including a relation to cardiovascular disease, was not significantly different in women with early-onset preeclampsia.

Alterations in Biochemical Markers of Liver and Kidney Function and Oxidative Stress Indices on Sub-acute Exposure of Meloxicam in Albino Rats

Background: The study was performed to study the alterations in biochemical markers of liver and kidney function and oxidative stress indices on sub-acute exposure of meloxicam in albino rats. Methods: The study was performed in three groups of rats, consisting six rats in each group. The rats of group I were served as control. However, rats of group II, III were treated with meloxicam @ 0.2 mg/kg b.wt. meloxicam @ 0.6 mg/kg b.wt. respectively. Result: Meloxicam administration induced oxidative stress in rats as indicated by significant decrease in concentration of catalase, superoxide dismutase and reduced glutathione in blood as compared to control. However, lipid peroxidation was significantly enhanced as indicated by increased level of MDA in blood as compared to control. Meloxicam altered the functions of liver and kidney as indicated by the alteration in the biochemical markers of liver and kidney function. Meloxicam significantly enhanced the concentration of biochemical markers of liver function viz. ALT, AST, GGT, ALP, albumin and bilirubin as compared to control. The concentration of biochemical markers of kidney function viz. BUN and creatinine was significantly enhanced after meloxicam administration as compared to control.

Effects of immunocastration and supplementary feeding level on the performance and blood biochemical markers of farmed yearling fallow deer (Dama dama).

In cervids, blood biochemical markers may reflect changes in various physiological and environmental factors, especially in response to changes in metabolism following nutrient supplementation or the manipulation of hormone production. Decreasing androgen production through immunocastration (IC) to ease the husbandry of male animals is currently a more ethically acceptable method than physical castration, but its commercial use is unexplored in fallow deer. Forty yearlings male fallow deer were grouped into four treatment combinations: IC on high (200 g commercial pellets + 600 g concentrate mixture of 90% oats and 10% wheat grains) or low (100 g commercial pellets + 300 g concentrate mixture of 90% oats and 10% wheat grains) level of feed supplementation, or noncastrated bucks on a high or low level of feed supplementation. Immunocastrated animals were vaccinated at the start of the study (Week 1) and again during Week 3 of the study. Diet affected all body growth parameters (slaughter weight, daily gain, carcass weight, dressing percentageand body condition score). Fallow deer from all treatments showed increasing concentrations of fat and energy blood biochemical markers over the study period, including plasma glucose(GLU)and triglyceride(TRIG), and decreased cholesterol(CHOL) and lipase(LIPA) concentrations. The higher level of supplementary feeding decreased plasma albumin(ALB) and creatinine (CREA), and increased globulin(GLOB) concentrations. On the other hand, IC and lower-level supplementation reduced growth performance. Overall, IC may be an interesting tool for welfare management of yearling stags for slaughter; however, the advantage appears to only be in well-fed animals, as low-level of feeding can further reduce growth performance in immunocastrated animals. Further studies should evaluate the carcass performance of animals under similar treatment conditions to ascertain the effects on muscle and fat yields.

Characteristics of the state of bone tissue in genetically modified mice with impaired enzymatic regulation of steroid hormone metabolism

Introduction: The aim was to evaluate the structural and functional changes of bone tissue in mice with null expression of 11β-HSD2 or both 11β-HSD2 and Apolipoprotein E.&#x0D; Materials and methods: The experimental study was performed in 60 male mice, weighting 24–30 g. The animals were kept in accordance with the rules of laboratory practice for preclinical studies on the territory of the Russian Federation. Mice lacking 11β-HSD2 (Hsd2-/-) and male mice lacking 11β-HSD2 and Apolipoprotein E (Hsd2-/-/Apoe-/-) were used in the study. We studied and characterized the state of bone tissue, indicators of bone density, microcircu­lation in bone tissue, endothelial dysfunction coefficient, width of bone trabeculae, as well as serum concentrations of bone alkaline phosphatase, hydroxyproline, deoxyprinoline and expression levels of p53, Bcl2, Bax, eNOS genes.&#x0D; Results and discussion: We showed that mice with the Hsd2-/- genotype with no expression of 11ß-HSD2 by the 6th month of life showed a statistically significant decrease in bone density, which progresses to the 7th and 8th months of life. At the 8th month of animal life, a decrease in bone density is accompanied by a statistically significant decrease in the level of microcirculation in the bone and an increase in the coefficient of endothelial dysfunction. Taking into account the relationship of endothelial dysfunction, atherogenesis and disorders in the processes of bone remodeling, in the framework of this study, we also assessed the state of bone tissue in double transgenes with the genotype Hsd2-/-/Apoe-/-, which lack the expression of both 11ß-HSD2 and Apolipoprotein E. In this study, we also saw increased acti­vation of processes leading to disruption of bone remodeling processes. In the group of the animals with the genotype Hsd2-/-/Apoe-/-, we found statistically significant differences from the mice with no expression of 11ß-HSD2 in bone density and microcirculation, and the width of bone trabeculae. Also, a statistically significant increase in hydroxypro­line and deoxyprinoline was found in the group of double transgenes, in the absence of significant changes in the con­centration of bone alkaline phosphatase. This fact indicates a pronounced activation of bone resorption processes in the absence of activation of osteosynthesis processes, which leads to the detected violation of bone remodeling processes.&#x0D; Conclusion: Thus, we have shown that a violation of the metabolic regulation of steroid hormone metabolism in ani­mals with null expression of the 11ß-HSD2 (Hsd2-/- genotype) leads to the development of signs of osteoporosis – bone density decreases, which is accompanied by a decrease in the width of bone trabeculae, the level of microcirculation in bone tissue decreases simultaneously with an increase in the coefficient of endothelial dysfunction. The additional null expression of ApoE gene in double transgenes with the genotype Hsd2-/-/Apoe-/- leads to an increase in the severity of changes associated with a violation of bone remodeling processes and, in addition to a more pronounced change in bone tissue density, bone trabecular width, microcirculation and the coefficient of endothelial dysfunction leads to an increase in the concentration of biochemical markers of bone resorption. These changes indicate the important role of the enzyme 11ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 in the processes of bone remodeling disorders.&#x0D; Graphical abstract:

Changes in biochemical, immunological and inflammatory parameters in hyper and hypothyroidism: A systematic review

This review presents an assessment of alterations in various biomarkers in hyper and hypothyroidism. In hyperthyroidism, the level of thyroid hormone increases while it decreases in the case of hypothyroidism. The thyroid gland has been implicated in a broad spectrum of carbohydrate metabolism, imbalance of lipid profile, and mineral metabolism. Autoimmunity and inflammatory reactions in the thyroid gland might lead to the conditions like hyper and hypothyroidism. Lipid profile dysfunction is common in hypothyroidism patients while a higher level of liver enzymes is associated with hyperthyroidism. Glucose level has been observed to increase in both conditions. Hypothyroid patients are more prone to autoimmune conditions in comparison to hyperthyroid patients. According to the type of thyroid disorder, the concentrations of various biochemical, immunological and inflammatory markers alter. The literature reviewed in this article establishes considerable changes in the above parameters among thyroid patients which might help further in the early diagnosis and management of thyroid dysfunctions.

Concentration of maternal biochemical markers: Complications during pregnancy and their effect on the detection of trisomy 21 in the first trimester, by combined test (study carried out at a private clinic in CDMX)

Aneuploidies are alterations that affect the number of chromosomes. Historically, a combination of markers has been used that includes: maternal age, concentrations of biochemical markers and ultrasonographic markers during pregnancy, as well as screening in the first trimester in order to detect Trisomy 21 (T21).Objective:To identify if biochemical markers such as Pregnancy Associated Placental Protein A (PAPP-A) and Beta human Chorionic Gonadotropin (β-hCG) are altered by complications during pregnancy and if this leads to an increased risk of developing T21 in pregnant women with healthy babies (combined test).Material and method:Retrospective, observational and cross-sectional study, included 73 pregnant women. Anthropometric data from the mother and the newborn were collected. A combined test was performed in the 1st trimester and biochemical markers were recorded in maternal serum (β-hCG AND PAPP-A) and ultrasonographic markers [Nuchal Translucency (NT)]. In addition, the evaluation of Cell-Free Fetal DNA (cffDNA) in peripheral blood was performed to identify aneuploidies and a pathological study of the placenta.Results:In the group of patients with intermediate risk for T21, there was a higher prevalence of complications during pregnancy [fetal growth restriction (4.5%), preterm labor (4.5%), miscarriage (9.09%) and death (9.09%). In the same way, patients with intermediate risk presented a higher prevalence of placental alterations such as calcifications, atrophy, congested dilated vessels, hemorrhage, hematomas, Chorioangioma, extravasation of erythrocytes and villus infarcts.&#x0D; Conclusions:The development of placental alterations and the presence of complications in pregnancy could modify the peripheral blood concentrations of β-hCG and PAPP-A, and alter the results of the combined test for T21.

Plasma Concentrations of New Biochemical Markers of Atherosclerosis in Patients with Dyslipidemia-A Pilot Study.

Background and Objectives: The process of atherosclerotic plaque formation and its destabilisation is a process in which many proteins and cytokines are involved. Examples of such proteins are osteopontin (OPN), osteoprotegerin (OPG), metalloproteinases (MMPs) and myeloperoxidase (MPO). The aim of our study is to compare the concentrations of the above-mentioned markers in the plasma of patients with the confirmed presence of rupture plaque in comparison with the plasma of healthy people. Materials and Methods: The study included people suffering from dyslipidemia in whom the presence of unstable atherosclerotic plaque was confirmed by ultrasound. The concentrations of OPN, OPG, MPO, metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2), and metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) in the plasma of these people were determined and compared with the concentrations of these proteins in the plasma of healthy people. Results: Levels of MMP-2, MMP-9 (p < 0.001), OPN, and OPG (p < 0.05) were statistically significantly lower in the group of healthy people than in the study group. Differences in MPO concentration were not statistically significant (p = 0.073). Conclusions: In the plasma of people with confirmed presence of rupture plaque, the concentrations of OPN, OPG, and MMPs are higher compared to the group of healthy people, which may suggest the use of these proteins as novel markers of the presence of unstable atherosclerotic plaque.

Benefits of lumican on human bone health: clinical evidence using bone marrow aspirates.

Background/AimsLumican, a small leucine-rich proteoglycan, has shown osteoprotective effects by synchronously stimulating bone formation and suppressing bone resorption. To clarify the role of lumican in human bone metabolism, the association between lumican concentrations and osteoporosis-related phenotypes was evaluated using bone marrow (BM) samples directly reflecting local microenvironments.MethodsBM aspirates were obtained from 77 patients during hip surgery for either fragility hip fractures (HF) (n = 29) or osteoarthritis (n = 48) and centrifuged. Concentrations of lumican and biochemical bone markers in BM supernatants were measured using enzyme linked immunosorbent assays.ResultsAfter considering confounders, lumican concentrations in BM supernatants were 16.9% lower in patients with HF than in controls, with each increase in the standard deviation of lumican concentration being associated with a 61% lower likelihood of HF. The odds ratios for HF decreased linearly with increasing lumican tertiles in BM, with the odds of having fragility HF markedly lower in participants in the highest than in the lowest lumican tertile. Higher lumican level correlated significantly with higher femur neck bone mineral density and higher bone-specific alkaline phosphatase levels, but not with tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase 5b concentrations, in BM supernatants.ConclusionsThese data clinically validate previous in vitro and animal experiments showing the beneficial roles of lumican for bone homeostasis and suggest that lumican may contribute to a reduction in fracture risk in humans mainly through its stimulation of bone formation.

Integrating Nanosensors into Macroporous Hydrogels for Implantation.

Macroporous hydrogels are an attractive platform for implantable sensors because the network of interconnected macropores facilitates tissue integration. Embedded sensing elements, in our case, plasmonic gold nanoparticles, can transduce the presence, absence, and concentration of biochemical markers to the outside. We present here how to integrate such nanosensors into a macroporous hydrogel while preserving the nanosensor functionality in order to produce implantable sensors. We demonstrate that out of four different polymers, the poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate-poly(ethylene glycole)diacrylate copolymer (pHEMA-PEGDA) results in a working sensor. Our approach of incorporating nanosized sensor elements into a hydrogel matrix generally identifies suitable polymers for implantable sensor systems.

Кардіопротективний ефект інгаляційних анестетиків

На сьогодні є різниця між експериментальними даними на тваринах і клінічними результатами у пацієнтів кардіохірургічного і загальнохірургічного профілю. Протективна дія інгаляційних анестетиків ґрунтується на тих самих шляхах, що закладають основу захисту від ішемічного прекондиціонування. Наведено експериментальні дані щодо провідної ролі севофлурану й ізофлурану в активації мітохондріальних K+-каналів молекули аденозинтрифосфату аналогічно до того, що природним чином відбувається при ішемічному ураженні. Також в експерименті показано, що інгаляція севофлураном поліпшувала відновлення скоротливості міокарда до 67 % порівняно з 28 % у контрольній групі. Інший механізм кардіопротекції полягає у зміні активності мітохондріального переходу модуляції й активації цитокінів, що є ключовим внутрішньоклітинним сигнальним шляхом апоптозу. Наступний механізм кардіопротекції при використанні інгаляційних анестетиків — це зміна позаклітинного сигналу кіназ. Надано висновки клінічних досліджень щодо застосування інгаляційних анестетиків. Збереження мітохондріального споживання кисню вказує на кардіопротективний ефект внаслідок дії ізофлурану. Клінічні дослідження визначають, що сила стиснення шлуночків була значно поліпшена в групі севофлурану (з 53 до 85 %) і в групі десфлурану (з 53 до 86 %). Майбутні дослідження повинні оцінити найбільш оптимальний анестетик, його концентрацію та протокол для кращого кардіопротекторного ефекту.

Markers of myocardial injury and inflammation after radiofrequency ablation in children and adolescents

Aim. To assess the severity of myocardial damage and inflammation after radiofrequency ablation in children and adolescents using biochemical markers.Material and methods. The study included 58 children with tachyarrhythmias (Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome, WPW phenomenon, atrial tachycardia, paroxysmal atrioventricular reciprocating tachycardia, ventricular tachycardia) who underwent catheter ablation from July to October 2019. Before and after surgical treatment (after 2 hours and 5 days), the blood concentrations of myocardial damage and inflammation biomarkers (myoglobin, creatine phosphokinase-MB, interleukin-8, C-reactive protein, tumor necrosis factor alpha, metalloproteinase (MMP)-2, MMP-9, heart-type fatty acid binding protein). During the operation, catheter ablation parameters (power, temperature, application duration), the localization of arrhythmogenic focus and the type of ablation catheter were recorded. Their relationship with changes in the concentration of biochemical markers before and after intervention was studied.Results. Two hours after the operation, the concentrations of myoglobin, creatine phosphokinase-MB, MMP-9, heart-type fatty acid binding protein were increased several times (p&lt;0,05). Changes in concentrations of interleukin-8, tumor necrosis factor alpha after the operation was not revealed. On the 5th day, elevated levels of cardiac markers returned to baseline values. MMP-9 level also decreased, but was higher than the preoperative level. Using Spearman’s correlation analysis, a direct relationship was revealed between the application duration and heart-type fatty acid binding protein level.Conclusion. Radiofrequency ablation is a safe method of treating arrhythmias in children and adolescents, since there is low volume of damaged myocardium. There was a slight increase in the level of biochemical markers after ablation (myoglobin, creatine phosphokinase-MB, fatty acid binding protein, MMP-9), incomparable with their rise in acute coronary syndrome, as well as the rapid decrease in the early postoperative period.

Comparative hepatoprotective activity of detoxified roots of Plumbago zeylanica L. and Plumbago rosea L. in Wistar rats

BackgroundParacetamol (acetaminophen) toxicity is considered to be one of the major causes of drug-induced hepatic failure. Citraka (Plumbago rosea L. and Plumbago zeylanica L.) was mentioned in Ayurveda classics as a remedy in liver disorders. Objective(s)The aim of the study was to experimentally evaluate the comparative effect of hepatoprotective activity of detoxified root decoction of the two species of Citraka against paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity in male Wistar albino rats. Materials and methodsThe hepatoprotective effect of Citraka decoction of two species was evaluated by the assessment of biochemical parameters such as SGOT, SGPT, alkaline phosphatase, total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, and serum creatinine. The study was also supported by histopathological assessment of liver sections. ResultsThe results showed the elevated concentration of biochemical markers and histopathological degenerative changes in animals treated with paracetamol indicating severe hepatic damage; whereas, the treatment with decoction of both the species of Citraka showed significant reduction in the serum markers and regenerative changes in the histopathological specimens pointing towards its effectiveness as a hepatoprotective drug. ConclusionThe present study showed Citraka’s effectiveness as a hepatoprotective drug and proved that the detoxified root decoction of P. rosea L. has a significant protective activity against paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity than P. zeylanica L.

SALMONELLA TYPHIMURIUM INFECTION: ANTIOXIDANT STATUS OF INFECTED POULTRY AND EFFICACY OF TREATMENT WITH KHAYA GRANDIFOLIOLA EXTRACT

Salmonella infections remain one of the major health problems in both poultry farming and human medicine. In addition, resistance to Salmonella has emerged as a global health problem in both sectors. The present study aimed at evaluating the in vivo antisalmonellal and antioxidant activities of 95° ethanol extract of Khaya grandifoliola using broiler chickens as animal model. Animals were divided into the normal control group, negative control group, positive control group and three test groups treated with the extract at 10, 20 and 40 mg/kg respectively. The antioxidant status of broiler chickens was also evaluated by measuring the concentration of enzymatic antioxidants (catalase, glutathione peroxidase) and biochemical markers (malondialdehyde and nitric oxide). The results showed that infected animals treated with the Khaya grandifoliola extract at 40 mg/kg recovered on day 11 after the beginning of the treatment and on day 13 for those treated at the 10 and 20 mg/kg. The antioxidant assay showed that the infection led to the reduction of enzymatic markers in the body of infected animals, while the treatment increases such makers. The infection resulted in a significant increase in serum and pulmonary malondialdehyde. It also caused a significant decrease in cardiac and pulmonary nitric oxide whereas the treatment depending on the doses of the extract tends to normalize these biochemical markers. The overall results showed that Khaya grandifoliola extract can be successfully used in the treatment of avian salmonellosis as well as the management of the oxidative stress caused by the infection.