Determination Of Serum Levels Research Articles

Hyperparathyroidism in kidney transplant candidates and postoperative parathyroid gland function in recipients

Objective: to evaluate the effects of secondary hyperparathyroidism (HPT) in kidney transplantation (KT) candidates on recipients’ parathyroid gland function in the first postoperative year.Materials and methods. The retrospective cohort study included 210 patients (103 women, 107 men, age 45 ± 9 years) with stage 5 chronic kidney disease (stage 5 CKD, including dialysis-dependent patients), who had undergone cadaveric KT. Biochemical screening before kidney transplantation and in the postoperative period at 3 and 12 months determined serum levels of parathyroid hormone (PTH), calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase activity, albumin and creatinine using standard methods. PTH levels of 130–595 pg/mL and ≤130 pg/mL were taken as the target level in the pre- and post-transplant periods, respectively.Results. Fifty-six KT candidates (group 1) had HPT and 154 (group 2) had the target PTH levels. PTH level was 897 (722; 1136) and 301 (229; 411) pg/mL, respectively, p < 0.001. PTH decreased in all recipients at 3 months after KT: by 595 (420; 812) in group 1 and 148 (77; 230) pg/ mL in group 2, p < 0.001, to 254 (180; 455) and 150 (118; 212) pg/mL, respectively, p < 0.001; the target level was detected in 10.7% and 42.2% of recipients, respectively, p < 0.001. At 12 months, blood PTH was 171 (94; 239) pg/mL in group 1 and 112 (90; 135) pg/mL in group 2, p = 0.004; target level was found in 48.2% and 73.4% of recipients, respectively, p < 0.001. Kidney graft function was identical in both recipient groups: acute tubular necrosis in 41.1% and 54.5%; at 3 months, median glomerular filtration rates (GFR) of 60 and 65 mL/min (n.d.); at 12 months, 56 and 54 mL/min (n.d.). Post-transplant PTH levels correlated directly with preoperative levels in both groups and inversely with renal graft function in group 2 recipients.Conclusion. HPT in kidney transplant candidates is a major, graft function-independent predictor of excess PTH secretion in recipients, increasing the risk of persistent HPT 1.9-fold, one year after KT.

Impact of local food consumption on exposure to perfluorooctanoic acid and perfluorooctane sulfonate in a contaminated community in North-Eastern Italy.

to estimate the contribution of locally-grown food consumption to perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) human exposure. residents of a PFAS-contaminated community of the Veneto Region (North-Eastern Italy) were categorized into two exposure groups, which refer to the period after the determination of serum levels of PFOA and PFOS conducted at baseline: 1. people drinking water filtered with double granular activated carbon (GAC) and not consuming locally-grown foods at all (reference group); 2. people drinking the same filtered water and which continue to consume only locally-grown foods. For each group, PFOA and PFOS daily intake rates (IR, ng/kg-day) were derived from measured PFOA and PFOS concentrations in treated water and local vegetable and animal food matrices. Then a one-compartment pharmacokinetic model was applied to predict PFOA and PFOS serum concentrations over time and the time needed to fall below a clinically significant threshold level of PFOA and PFOS (e.g., 20 ng/mL). the study area included 21 municipalities and 3 provinces (Vicenza, Verona, and Padua) located in the Veneto plain. Approximately 127,000 people lived in the most PFAS-contaminated areas on 31.12.2016; those aged 9 to 65 years were invited to participate in the Health Surveillance Plan (HPS), including laboratory tests and medical examination. predicted PFOA and PFOS serum levels (ng/mL) among residents in the contaminated area. compared to the reference group, residents who continued to consume locally-grown foods had an approximately 24% higher IR of PFOA and PFOS and this resulted in 3 more years for their PFOA and PFOS concentrations to fall below the threshold level of 20 ng/mL. this study showed that the contribution of locally-grown food consumption cannot be ignored for people living in PFAS-contaminated areas.

Fetoplacental unit involvement in uric acid production in women with severe preeclampsia: a prospective case control pilot study

Purpose Preeclampsia (PE) is a common complication of pregnancy that carries significant risks for both the mother and the fetus, and is frequently accompanied by hyperuricemia, yet the exact source of elevated uric acid (UA) levels remains partially elucidated. Several potential origins for increased UA levels include abnormal renal function, increased tissue breakdown, and increased activity of the enzyme Xanthine Oxidase (XO). The aim of the study was to determine serum levels of UA and XO not only in maternal serum, but also in umbilical vein (UV) and umbilical artery (UA) and explore their possible role in PE development. Methods A prospective case-control pilot study was conducted in women who were found positive for PE with severe features, and had elevated UA levels above 6 mg/dL, with normotensive pregnant women serving as controls. Renal function, UA and XO levels were measured in maternal, UV and UA serums immediately after delivery. They were then compared between PE (n = 21) and control (n = 18) groups, as well as across all mediums (maternal, UV and UA) among the total study sample (N = 39). Diastolic blood pressure (DBP) was also measured immediately following delivery. Results The mean serum maternal creatinine levels did not differ significantly between groups (0.65 ± 0.03 vs 0.6 ± 0.07, p = 0.13). Both mean maternal serum UA and XO concentrations were higher in PE group than in control (7.3 ± 1.2 vs 4.2 ± 0.9, p < 0.01 and 3.6 ± 3.5 Vs 1.7 ± 0.8, p < 0.01, respectively). The mean UV and UA serum XO concentrations were significantly higher in PE group compared to control (4.2 ± 3.6 vs 2.2 ± 1.4, p < 0.01 and 4.2 ± 3.6 vs 2.1 ± 1.5, p < 0.01, respectively). Polynomial fit correlation test demonstrated a significant association between maternal DBP and UV XO concentration for all the total study participants (p = 0.03). Conclusion Despite preserved renal functions, UA and XO levels were elevated in women with PE. Importantly, this pattern was found to be applied to the feto-placental unit as well, which may indicate an active involvement of the fetus in the hypoxic process. Further study is needed to clarify the possible role of the feto-placental unit in pregnancies complicated by PE.

Can serum M30 levels be utilized as an activation marker in patients with ulcerative colitis?

Ascertainment of disease activation is an important component of therapeutic decisions in ulcerative colitis patients and may present certain clinical challenges. The objective of this study was to determine serum levels of the M30 fragment of cytokeratin 18 and its utility as an activation marker in patients with ulcerative colitis, who are known to have increased apoptosis. A total of 60 ulcerative colitis (30 active and 30 remission) patients aged over 18 years and 29 healthy individuals as controls were included in the study. M30, C-reactive protein, and mean platelet volume were evaluated in all participants and compared between ulcerative colitis patients and controls, as well as between those with active disease or remission. Although ulcerative colitis patients with active disease had higher M30 levels than those in remission, the difference was not statistically significant (p=0.085). The mean M30 levels tended to increase with increasing extent of involvement, although the differences were not significant (p=0.065). The comparison of C-reactive protein and mean platelet volume according to the site of involvement, however, showed significant differences (p=0.02 and 0.004, respectively). M30 did not show significant correlations with C-reactive protein, mean platelet volume, and Mayo Score (p=0.0834, 0.768, and 0.401, respectively). Our results suggest that, in contrast to C-reactive protein and mean platelet volume, M30 levels do not have a significant role as an activation marker in ulcerative colitis patients. Thus, we believe that M30 may not represent an appropriate marker to be used for this purpose.

Investigation of the immunomodulatory effect of inactive parapoxvirus (iPPVO) on infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR) vaccine in cattle

In the study, alterations in antibody titers, proinflammatory and antiinflammatory cytokine levels were determined in serum samples collected at various periods before and after administration of inactive IBR and iPPVO to cattle. It was aimed to investigate the immunomodulatory effects of inactivated parapoxvirus ovis (iPPVO) in cattle vaccinated with inactivated-IBR vaccine. In the study, 40 unvaccinated, clinically healthy cattle of different breeds aged older then 3 months were used. Three groups of cattle were formed as control group 1 (n=10), control group 2 (n=10) and experimental group (n=20). iPPVO was applied to the cattle in the control group 1 and experimental groups on the 0, 2nd, and 4th days. Blood samples were colleted from all the animals after 6th hours of the injections applied on 0th and 4th days of the study. Commercially available ELISA kits were used to determine serum levels of of IL-2, IL-6, IL-12 and IFN-γ. Furthermore, virus neutralization test was also performed to detect virus neutralizing antibody titres. In the present study, serum levels of IL-2, IL-6 IL-12, and IFN-γ levels were found to be significantly higher in the experimental group compared to that of the control group 1 and control group 2 (p&amp;lt;0,05). The differences between control group 1 and control group 2 groups were not statistically significant. In conclusion, iPPVO increased the levels of cytokines in IBR vaccinated cattle due to its immunomodulatory effects. In addition, virüs neutralizing antibody titers were found to be significantly higher in cattle that received vaccine and iPPVO.

Increased IGFBP Proteolysis, IGF-I Bioavailability, and Pappalysin Levels in Children With Prader-Willi Syndrome.

Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is associated with impaired growth hormone (GH) secretion and decreased insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I levels. Pappalysins (PAPP-A, PAPP-A2) and stanniocalcins (STC-1, STC-2) regulate IGF binding-protein (IGFBP) cleavage and IGF bioavailability, but their implication in PWS is unknown. We determined serum levels of PAPP-As and STCs in association with IGF axis components in prepubertal and pubertal patients with PWS, also analyzing the effect of GH treatment. Forty children and adolescents with PWS and 120 sex- and age-matched controls were included. The effect of GH was evaluated at 6 months of treatment in 11 children. Children with PWS had lower levels of total IGF-I, total and intact IGFBP-3, acid-labile subunit, intact IGFBP-4, and STC-1, and they had higher concentrations of free IGF-I, IGFBP-5, and PAPP-A. Patients with PWS after pubertal onset had decreased total IGF-I, total and intact IGFBP-3, and intact IGFBP-4 levels, and had increased total IGFBP-4, and STCs concentrations. GH treatment increased total IGF-I, total and intact IGFBP-3, and intact IGFBP-4, with no changes in PAPP-As, STCs, and free IGF-I levels. Standardized height correlated directly with intact IGFBP-3 and inversely with PAPP-As and the free/total IGF-I ratio. The increase in PAPP-A could be involved in increased IGFBP proteolysis, promoting IGF-I bioavailability in children with PWS. Further studies are needed to establish the relationship between growth, GH resistance, and changes in the IGF axis during development and after GH treatment in these patients.

Accurate prediction of biliary atresia with an integrated model using MMP-7 levels and bile acids.

Biliary atresia (BA) is a rare fatal liver disease in children, and the aim of this study was to develop a method to diagnose BA early. We determined serum levels of matrix metalloproteinase-7 (MMP-7), the results of 13 liver tests, and the levels of 20 bile acids, and integrated computational models were constructed to diagnose BA. Our findings demonstrated that MMP-7 expression levels, as well as the results of four liver tests and levels of ten bile acids, were significantly different between 86 BA and 59 non-BA patients (P < 0.05). The computational prediction model revealed that MMP-7 levels alone had a higher predictive accuracy [area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) = 0.966, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.942, 0.989] than liver test results and bile acid levels. The AUC was 0.890 (95% CI 0.837, 0.943) for liver test results and 0.825 (95% CI 0.758, 0.892) for bile acid levels. Furthermore, bile levels had a higher contribution to enhancing the predictive accuracy of MMP-7 levels (AUC = 0.976, 95% CI 0.953, 1.000) than liver test results. The AUC was 0.983 (95% CI 0.962, 1.000) for MMP-7 levels combined with liver test results and bile acid levels. In addition, we found that MMP-7 levels were highly correlated with gamma-glutamyl transferase levels and the liver fibrosis score. The innovative integrated models based on a large number of indicators provide a noninvasive and cost-effective approach for accurately diagnosing BA in children. Video Abstract (MP4 142103 KB).

Low serum vitamin D in North Indian multi-drug resistant pulmonary tuberculosis patients: the role of diet and sunlight

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) and malnutrition are major global health problems, with multidrug-resistant (MDR) TB complicating international efforts. The role of vitamin D in susceptibility to and as an adjunctive treatment for TB is being studied extensively, although no study has included MDR-TB patients in context to dietary profile with vitamin D levels and sunlight exposure.Objective: This study aimed to estimate vitamin D serum levels and examine their association with dietary intake of vitamin D and sun exposure in patients with MDR-TB.Methods: North Indian participants were enrolled in three groups: MDR-TB, drug-susceptible pulmonary TB (DS-PTB), and healthy controls. All consenting participants underwent the estimation of macro- and micronutrient intake and sunlight exposure using structured questionnaires. Serum biochemistry, including 25-hydroxyvitamin D and calcium levels, was measured, and the correlation between variables was determined.Results: 747 participants were enrolled. Significant differences among the three groups were found in mean serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels, body mass index, macronutrient intake, dietary vitamin D and calcium content, and sun exposure index (SEI). All except sun exposure (SEI was highest in DS-PTB patients) were found to follow the trend: MDR-TB < DS-PTB < healthy controls. The mean serum vitamin D levels of all groups were deficient and correlated positively with dietary intake and SEI.Conclusion: In this study’s we found significant association of serum vitamin D concentrations, dietary intake and sunlight exposure in MDR-TB, DS-PTB patients and healthy controls. Dietary intake may be more important than sun exposure in determining serum levels. However, the significance of this finding is uncertain. Further studies are required to confirm the association, direction, and potential for vitamin D supplementation to treat or prevent MDR-TB infection.

Reduction in Pappalysin-2 Levels and Lower IGF-I Bioavailability in Female Adolescents With Anorexia Nervosa.

Anorexia nervosa (AN) can cause severe undernutrition associated with alterations in the IGF axis. Pappalysins (PAPP-A, PAPP-A2) and stanniocalcins (STC-1, STC-2) modulate IGF binding-protein (IGFBP) cleavage and IGF bioavailability, but their implications in AN are unknown. We determined serum levels of PAPP-As and STCs in relationship with classical IGF axis parameters in female adolescents with AN and their association with nutritional status and secondary amenorrhea. Parameters of the IGF axis were determined in fasting serum samples of 68 female adolescents with AN at diagnosis and 62 sex- and age-matched controls. Standardized body mass index (BMI) and bone mineral density (BMD) were calculated. Patients with AN had lower concentrations of total and free IGF-I, total IGFBP-3, acid-labile subunit (ALS), insulin, PAPP-A2, STC-1, and STC-2 and higher levels of IGF-II and IGFBP-2. Their free/total IGF-I ratio was decreased and the intact/total IGFBP-3 and -4 ratios increased. BMI was directly related to total IGF-I and intact IGFBP-3 and inversely with IGFBP-2 and intact IGFBP-4. Weight loss was directly correlated with intact IGFBP-4 and negatively with intact IGFBP-3, ALS, STC-2, and PAPP-A2 concentrations. BMD was directly related to intact IGFBP-3 and inversely with intact IGFBP-4 and PAPP-A2 levels. Patients with amenorrhea had lower levels of total IGF-I and IGFBP-3 than those with menses. The reduction of PAPP-A2 in patients with AN may be involved in a decline in IGFBP cleavage, which could underlie the decrease in IGF-I bioavailability that is influenced by nutritional status and amenorrhea.

Changes of Serum Angiotensin Peptides, Pro-Endothelin-1 Levels in Women One Year After Preeclampsia and their Association with Cardiovascular Risk Factors

Abstract Introduction Women who suffered preeclampsia (PE) have two to four times higher risk for development of cardiovascular disease (CVD) compared with women with a history of normotensive pregnancy. Microvascular and endothelial dysfunction, mediated by different vasoactive factors have been suggested as attainable pathophysiological pathways. The study aimed to: (1) determine changes in circulating levels of key vasoactive peptides in sera of women with history of PE and in women who had a normal pregnancy 1 year after delivery and (2) investigate whether an association exists between these molecules and cardiovascular risk factors. Materials and methods The current research examined 32 women one year after preeclampsia (mean age 25.3 ± 6.3 years) and control group of 20 women one year after normal pregnancy (mean age 25.6 ± 5.6 years). The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to determine serum levels of angiotensin II (AngII), angiotensin-(1-7) [Ang-(1-7)] and pro-endothelin-1 (Pro-ET-1). Results We found that at 1 year after delivery 38.46% of women who suffered PE have developed hypertension and 5.77% have developed diabetes mellitus. Women who had normal pregnancy developed neither hypertension, nor diabetes mellitus 1 year after delivery. Serum AngII levels in women one year after PE were statistically significantly lower than in women one year after normotensive pregnancy 0.9 (0.55÷1.7) vs. 2.3 pg/ml (2.0 ÷ 2.9) (KW = 20.849; p = 0.0001). Ang-(1-7) concentrations in women one year after PE were lower than in women one year after normal pregnancy, but not significantly 1.7 (0.3÷4.5) vs. 3.2 ng/ml (0.2÷8.0) (p&gt;0.05). Levels of serum Pro-ET-1 in women one year after PE were statistically significantly higher than in women one year after normal pregnancy 322.65 (261.75÷391.85) vs. 248.7 pmol/L (231.05÷282.15) (KW = 6.639; p = 0.009). AngII showed correlation with AH grade (r = -0.33; 0.02), Ang-(1-7) (r = 0.27; 0.05), DBP (r = -0.28; p = 0.04), mean arterial pressure (r = -0.43; p = 0.002), pulse pressure (r = -0.28; p = 0.04), BMI (r = -0.30; p = 0.03), TC (r = -0.31; p = 0.03) and LDL (r = -0.30; p = 0.03). Pro-ET-1 correlated with age (r = 0.30; p = 0.03), mean arterial pressure (r = -0.25; p = 0.05) and pulse pressure (r = 0.41; p = 0.003). Conclusion Our data showed an association between key vasoactive peptides and major CVD risk factors in women one year after PE. We suggest that imbalance between AngII, Ang-(1-7) and Pro-ET-1 could have a potential imply on the vascular wall after PE, reflecting persistent microvascular and endothelial injury/dysfunction postpartum. Further studies are warranted to clarify these vasoactive peptides’ role in the ongoing vascular endothelial function after delivery and the pathogenic mechanisms determining development of CVD in previously PE women.

Practical aspects of laboratory monitoring of estrogens in men

Since the discovery of estrogens in the 30s of the XX century, scientific and practical interest in them has been concentrated exclusively from the standpoint of female endocrinology, and the physiology and pathophysiology of estrogens in men, due to the historically established interpretation of the role of these steroids exclusively as female sex hormones, have remained practically unexplored for a long time. However, according to the classical theory of steroidogenesis, estrogens are the end product of this biochemical process, and testosterone, in addition to its well-known independent functions in the male body, also acts as their biochemical precursor. Therefore, normal endocrinology of sex steroids in men is in principle impossible without the participation of estrogens, and over the past decades, convincing scientific data have been accumulated indicating important physiological functions of estrogens in the male body. The review article, based on the literature of recent years, briefly examines the key aspects of clinical endocrinology of estrogens in men and describes in more detail the modern possibilities of methods for laboratory monitoring of estrogens in blood serum in men and some diagnostic tools that allow a more complete and objective interpretation of the results of laboratory methods for determining estrogens, in particular, testosterone/estradiol ratio. It is shown that the calculation of this ratio is a more reliable method for assessing estrogen metabolism disorders in routine clinical practice than the separate determination of serum levels of sex steroids, and can be considered as an important marker of various diseases in men.

High Density Lipoprotein Subfraction Changes in End Stage Liver Failure

BACKGROUND: This work was designed to ascertain high-density lipoprotein (HDL) subfractions and HDL-related enzyme alterations in end stage liver failure (ESLF). METHODS: Twenty patients with ESLF and twenty control subjects (liver donors) were chosen for the study. Before the transplant, serum samples from each patient and control were evaluated. Continuous disc polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis was performed to determine HDL subfraction changes and ELISA was carried out to determine serum levels of lecithin–cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT), apolipoprotein A-1 (ApoA-I) and cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP). RESULTS: Liver failure patients had significantly higher levels of triglycerides (TG) and very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) compared to healthy donors. Additionally, these patients showed significant increases in levels of aspartate aminotransaminase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine aminotransaminase (ALT), and blood urea nitrogen (BUN), while albumin was notably lower compared to controls. Even though HDL cholesterol concentrations were not considerably altered between the two groups, ESLF patients had a marked raise in the HDL-large subfraction and a significant decline in the HDL-small subfraction in contrast to controls. Moreover, liver failure patients had considerably lower serum ApoA1 levels compared to healthy controls, but there was no significant difference in LCAT and CETP levels between the two groups. CONCLUSION: HDL subfraction profile can distinguish between healthy donors and liver failure patients. The results also indicate that levels of ApoA-1, which performs a crucial function in HDL metabolism, are lower in ESLF. This decrease in HDL-small subfractions may be due to impaired anabolism resulting from hepatic failure.

Assessing serum cytokine and immunoglobulin levels in patients with allergic rhinitis and allergic rhinoconjunctivitis before and after treatment supplemented with macromycetes

Background: In recent decades, the prevalence of allergic rhinitis (AR) has been increasing all over the world including Ukraine. Allergic rhinoconjunctivitis (ARC) is one of the most common clinical forms of AR. An imbalance between pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines is known to have a key role in allergic inflammation. Purpose: To compare cytokine and immunoglobulin levels among patients with AR and ARC treated with different therapeutic options. Material and Methods: Forty patients with AR and ARC (age range, 20 to 46 years) were included in the study. Disease duration ranged from 6 months to 2 years. Patients were divided into two subgroups of 20 patients each. Patients of subgroup 1 received the basic therapy (a 10-mg loratadin tablet daily and mometasone furoate nasal spray at a dosage of 200 μg once daily), whereas patients of subgroup 2, the basic therapy plus polypore macromycetes (Astmagan), one capsule twice daily. Treatment course duration was 90 days. The control group was composed of 25 healthy individuals. A comprehensive clinical immunological examination was conducted at baseline and on the completion of the treatment course. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits were used to determine serum levels of immunoglobulins A (IgA), IgM, IgG, and IgE, and cytokines (gamma interferon (IFN-γ) and IL4). Results: At baseline, serum levels of IgA, IgM and IgE were almost twice as high (р = 0.0008; 0.0005; and 0.0001, respectively); IgG, 1.2 times higher (р = 0.001); pro-inflammatory cytokine IL4, 3.5 times higher (р = 0.0001); and anti-inflammatory cytokine IFN-γ, 2.4 times lower (р = 0.0001) in patients with AR and ARC compared to controls, and these differences were significant. Astmagan, when used as an adjunct to the basic treatment of AR and ARC, contributed to 8%, 17%, 16.2%, 7.3% and 6.0% greater decreases in the serum levels of IgA, IgM, IgE, IgG and IL4, respectively, and a 16.6% greater increase in the serum level of IFN-γ compared to the basic treatment only, and these differences were significant, with an improvement in immune response to therapy.

Oxidative stress a potent risk factor for thyroid diseases in young pregnant females.

Objective: To evaluate the potent role of oxidative stress in thyroid disease development and progression in young pregnant females during 1st and second trimesters compared with matched healthy pregnant females of the same gestational age. Study Design: Cross-sectional Comparative study. Setting: Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (IMBB), The University of Lahore, Pakistan. Samples were collected at the Punjab Institute of Nuclear Medicine (PINUM), Faisalabad, and the Department of Obstetrics at DHQ Hospital, Chiniot. Period: July 2019 to July 2021. Material &amp; Methods: Thyroid disease- comorbid pregnant women and euthyroid pregnant women were compared for serum levels of oxidative stress markers and antioxidants. The markers were evaluated between 68 healthy subjects in Group A and 43 subjects in Group B known for having thyroid diseases. Blood samples were taken under highly sterile conditions after gaining written consent from all subjects and stored at –8°c to –30°c. A spectrophotometer at 532nm was used to measure serum concentrations of oxidative stress markers. ELISA kits were used to determine serum levels of triiodothyronine, thyroxin, and thyroid-stimulating hormone. Data was analyzed using independent student t-test, multiple logistic regression, and receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis using SPSS version 25. Results: Group A and Group B had a mean age of 26.07±4.88 and 29.19±4.17 years, respectively. Pregnant women having thyroid dysfunction had decreased superoxide dismutase levels (0.05±0.01 nmol/ml) than group A (0.06±0.01). Other indicators of lipid peroxidation showed a non-significant mean difference compared between both groups (p&gt;0.05). Multiple linear regression studies revealed healthy pregnant women with a positive thyroid medication history had higher SOD levels among group B than those without antithyroid medicine, with a Beta coefficient of +0.26 and p=0.04. According to ROC curve analysis, the Superoxide Dismutase biomarker area under ROC was 67.25% at p=0.002. Thus, it may be used as a diagnostic and predictive biomarker. A cutoff value of 51.5pg/ml was proposed, at which sensitivity is 79% and specificity is 69%. It can be a diagnostic and predictive biomarker. Conclusion: The results of the current study concluded that oxidative stress can be considered a potent risk factor for the development and progression of thyroid disease in young pregnant females.

Circulating prolactin level in Juvenile Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and its correlation with disease activity: a case control study

BackgroundThe linkage between prolactin (PRL) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is still vague. Determination of serum levels of prolactin to reveal its role in patients with SLE is the aim of the study.MethodsThis is a case-control study performed on 40 children with SLE and 40 age- and sex-matched controls. Cases were further subdivided according to disease activity into mild, moderate, and severe groups using the SLEDAI (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index) score. Serum prolactin levels were assayed by ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay).Resultsprolactin level was significantly higher in SLE patients (17.3 ± 6.6 µg/L) than in controls (13.5 ± 5.3 µg/L) (P value = 0.005). Although the prolactin level was highest in severe cases (19.3 ± 7.7 µg/L), followed by moderate cases (17.0 ± 5.3 µg/L), and lowest in mild cases (14.0 ± 6.2 µg/L), the variance between the 3 groups was not statistically significant (P value = 0.212). A significant positive correlation between prolactin level and SLEDAI score was detected (r = 0.368) (P value = 0.019). Hyperprolactinemia was found in 8 patients (20%) but not in controls; 4 out of 8 patients with hyperprolactinemia (50%) showed neurological manifestations compared to only 3 out of 32 patients with a normal prolactin level (9.4%) (P value = 0.007).ConclusionA relationship between serum prolactin levels and juvenile SLE disease was detected. Neurological manifestations were more prevalent among SLE patients with hyperprolactinemia.

Predictive Ability of Serum Amino Acid Levels to Differentiate Fibromyalgia Patients from Healthy Subjects.

Fibromyalgia is a complex illness to diagnose and treat. To evaluate a broad range of circulating free amino acid (AA) levels in fibromyalgia patients as well as the ability of the AAs to differentiate fibromyalgia patients from healthy subjects. We carried out a case-control study to evaluate AA levels in 62 patients with fibromyalgia and 78 healthy subjects. This study adheres to the STROBE guidelines. AAs content was assayed by HPLC in serum samples. The predictive value of AA levels in fibromyalgia was determined by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and forward binary logistic regression analyses. Fibromyalgia patients showed higher serum levels of aspartic acid, glutamic acid, aminoadipic acid, asparagine, histidine, 3-methyl-histidine, 5-methyl-histidine, glycine, threonine, taurine, tyrosine, valine, methionine, isoleucine, phenylalanine, leucine, ornithine, lysine, branched chain AAs (BCAAs), large neutral AAs, essential AAs (EAAs), non-essential AAs (NEAAs), basic AAs, EAAs/NEAAs ratio, phenylalanine/tyrosine ratio, and global arginine bioavailability ratio than the controls. Serum alanine levels were lower in patients than in controls. According to ROC analysis, most of these AAs may be good markers for differentiating individuals with fibromyalgia from healthy subjects. Results of logistic regression showed that the combination of glutamic acid, histidine, and alanine had the greatest predictive ability to diagnose fibromyalgia. Our results show an imbalance in serum levels of most AAs in patients with fibromyalgia, which suggest a metabolic disturbance. The determination of serum levels of these AAs may aid in the diagnosis of fibromyalgia, in combination with clinical data of the patient.

The clinical significance of some serum tumor markers among chronic patients with Helicobacter pylori infections in Ibb Governorate, Yemen

BackgroundHelicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a carcinogenic bacterium, it is the greatest risk factor for gastric cancer (GC), according to these evidences, there may be a certain association between chronic H. pylori infections and serum levels of tumor markers. This study was conducted to determine serum levels of some tumor markers, namely carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), cancer antigen 19-9 (CA19-9) and cancer antigen 72-4 (CA72-4) in patients with chronic H. pylori infections and evaluate the association between serum tumor marker levels and chronic patients with H. pylori infections in Ibb Governorate, Yemen.Subjects and methodsThis study involved 200 patients who had been diagnosed with H. pylori infections using a serum immunochromatography antibody test. Stool and blood samples were collected from all patients to confirm the presence of H. pylori through detection of serum H. pylori IgG antibody and stool antigen test (SAT). Additionally, serum samples were analyzed to measurement the level of certain tumor markers CEA, CA19-9 and CA72-4. These tests were conducted at various Hospitals, Gastroenterology and Hepatology clinics in Ibb governorate, Yemen from October 2019 to November 2020.ResultsThe findings of current study showed that the prevalence of H. pylori infections by rapid anti H. pylori test were 200 (100%), 157 (78.5%) by serum H. pylori IgG antibody and 108 (54%) by SAT. In addition, the results showed that 42 (21%) of the patients had abnormal level of CEA, 30 (15%) had abnormal level of CA19-9 and 31 (15.5%) had abnormal level of CA72-4. Most importantly, the results indicated that the serum tumor marker levels CEA, CA19-9 and CA72-4 were correlated with the levels of serum H. pylori IgG antibody as well as positive results from the SAT (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the results indicated that serum tumor marker levels were associated with different infection status. Finally, the results indicated that the serum levels of tumor markers were associated with older ages, symptomatic patients and long duration of H. pylori infections (P < 0.05).ConclusionThe findings of this study indicated that there is a significant association between chronic H. pylori infections and the serum levels of tumor markers (CEA, CA19-9 and CA72-4). This suggests that the patients with active chronic H. pylori infection may have an increased risk of developing GC. Therefore, monitoring and early detection of H. pylori infection and tumor markers levels in these patients may be crucial for identifying individuals at higher risk and implementing appropriate interventions.

Molecular analyses of ADAMTS-1, -4, -5, and IL-17 a cytokine relationship in patients with ulcerative colitis

BackgroundUlcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that develops due to the impaired immune response in genetically susceptible individuals, and its etiopathogenesis is not fully elucidated. IL-17 A is a cytokine that is produced by a type of immune cell called Th17 cells and is involved in the immune response and inflammation. On the other hand, ADAMTS-1, -4, and − 5 are enzymes that are involved in the breakdown of extracellular matrix proteins, including proteoglycans, which are important components of the intestinal wall. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between interleukin 17 (IL-17 A) cytokine, which plays a role in the pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis, and the inflammation-controlled a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs (ADAMTS)-1, -4, and − 5 protein members.MethodsBowel tissue samples and blood serum from 51 patients with UC and 51 healthy controls were included in this study. mRNA expression levels of the ADAMTS-1, -4, -5, and IL-17 A were analyzed by RT-qPCR, and immunohistochemical analyses were performed to evaluate ADAMTS-1, -4, -5, and IL-17 A proteins in tissue samples. In addition, ELISA analysis determined serum levels of the ADAMTS-1, -4, -5, and IL-17 A.ResultsRT-qPCR results reveal that the expression of ADAMTS-1, -4, -5, and IL-17 A genes in the UC tissue samples were significantly high according to the control tissue samples. Also, ADAMTS-1, -4, -5, and IL-17 A proteins revealed enhanced expression pattern UC groups according to the control. Also, ADAMTS-1, -4, -5, and IL-17 A protein showed cytoplasmic localization patterns in both control and UC groups. The serum levels of ADAMTS-1,-5, and IL-17 A were significantly higher in UC samples than in the control group.ConclusionsWe observed a positive correlation between the ADAMTS-1, -5 and IL17A cytokine expression in UC samples. These results provide a new understanding of controlling crucial ADAMTS family protein members by IL-17 A cytokines with UC.

Impact of wartime stress factors on the metabolic status of the civilian population

Materials and methods. As part of the longitudinal study, 29 civilians were examined; all of them remained in their place of residence during the war, were not directly in the combat areas and did not receive physical damage. Body composition was determined by the method of bioelectrical impedance using Composition Monitor BF511, Omron, including body fat percentage (FAT, %), skeletal muscle percentage (MUS, %), visceral fat level (VIS, %). Hematological and biochemical investigations were conducted according to the standard methods. The enzyme immunoassay with appropriate sets of reagents was used to determine serum levels of insulin, C­reactive protein, sirtuin­1 (SIRT1), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF­α), and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). The saliva cortisol levels were measured by enzyme immunoassay as well. Molecular genetic studies included determination of the relative length of telomeres of blood leukocytes. Results. The mean age of the examined subjects was 53.05 ± 12.06 years, women made up 55.2 % (n = 16). The average time between the prewar visit and the wartime visit was 12.1 ± 2.4 months. When assessing the anthropometric status of the increase in the body mass index, waist circumference and hips: (26.82 ± 3.58 vs 29.67 ± 3.92 kg/m2, p = 0.0184; 84.93 ± 15.58 vs 100.03 ± 12.57 cm, p = 0.0021; 98.57 ± 6.69 vs 106.75 ± 6.73 cm, p = 0.0004), respectively. The most significant changes occurred in the VIS indicator (8.77 ± 3.44 vs 12.88 ± 4.57, p = 0.0003). The significant changes of other parameters were not observed during the study. Correlation analysis of stress indicators (cortisol, DHEA and their ratio) with clinical anthropometric and metabolic indicators, demonstrated their probable association with body composition (cortisol/DHEA &amp; MUS, cortisol/DHEA &amp; FAT), lipid metabolism disorder (cortisol/DHEA &amp; total cholesterol, cortisol/DHEA &amp; low­density lipoprotein cholesterol) and the number of leukocytes (p &lt; 0.05). Conclusions. Among the civilian population, persons who remained in their place of residence during the war showed negative changes in anthropometric status compared to the pre­war period. The impact of a psychotraumatic factor on the anthropometric status, body composition and lipid metabolism in persons who did not change their place of residence during the war is confirmed by the highly probable relationship of the stress indicator (cortisol/DHEA ratio) with the corresponding indicators. Among the civilian population, in persons who did not change their place of residence during the war, no reliable changes in the parameters related to aging (telomeres, SIRT1) compared to the pre­war period were demonstrated.

43130 Determination of serum level of IL-31 in patients suffering from chronic kidney disease- associated pruritus.

43130 Determination of serum level of IL-31 in patients suffering from chronic kidney disease- associated pruritus.