Enzyme Levels In Patients Research Articles

Bariatric Metabolic Surgery Reduced Liver Enzyme Levels in Patients with Non-Alcohol Fatty Liver Disease.

IntroductionApproximately 93.3 million Americans are obese (BMI > 30 kg/m2) and 51% have non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Progression of NAFLD can lead to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), which is the leading cause of liver transplant in the United States. This study analyzed liver enzyme levels following bariatric metabolic surgery in NAFLD patients up to one-year post-surgical intervention.MethodsA retrospective analysis of adults with NAFLD who underwent bariatric metabolic surgery from 2009 to 2016 was conducted. The primary outcomes were transaminase levels following surgery. Secondary outcomes included levels of blood glucose and lipids.ResultsA total of 130 participants consisting of 80% Caucasian females with an average BMI of 47.5 kg/m2 participated in the study. Reductions were noted in ALT (57.6% decrease) and AST (47.7% decrease) at one-year post-surgical intervention. Significant reductions also were noted in levels of blood glucose (22.34%; p < 0.0001), HbA1c (1.11% change; p < 0.0001), LDL (19.75%; p = 0.0046), total cholesterol (10.12%; p = 0.0153), and triglycerides (37.21%; p < 0.0001) with an increase in HDL levels (17.22%; p = 0.0007). Significant correlations were noted at six months between levels of alkaline phosphatase and both ALT (p = 0.0101) and AST (p = 0.0009), as well as an additional correlation trending toward significance between ALT and alkaline phosphatase at one year (p = 0.0547). When separated by obesity class, participants with class II obesity experienced improved outcomes compared to participants with class III obesity.ConclusionsBariatric metabolic surgery was associated with a reduction in liver enzyme levels in NAFLD. These findings suggested that bariatric metabolic surgery is a viable treatment option for participants with NAFLD.

Low Antioxidant Enzyme Levels and Oxidative Stress in Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR) Patients

ObjectiveLaryngopharyngeal reflux disease (LPR) is a characterized by symptoms different from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). LPR can causes chronic mucosal inflammation which may lead to an increase in cytokine production, and a systemic decrease in antioxidant enzyme levels. Our aim in this study is to evaluate antioxidant enzyme levels in patients with LPR. MethodsReflux Symptom Index (RSI) questionnaire, extraesophageal symptom questionnaire which is included in RSI and Reflux Finding Score (RFS) evaluation with 70° rigid laryngoscope were performed to patients who applied to the otolaryngology clinic with a typical LPR complaint, and 60 patients who had an RSI score above 13 and an RFS score above 7 were included in the study. Thirty people consisting of healthy volunteers were included in the control group. Antioxidant enzyme SOD, GSH-Px and CAT levels were measured in the blood serum of the patients and compared with the control group. Results obtained from biochemical tests were expressed as mean ± SE. Descriptive statistical methods (mean ± standard error) were used for the independent t test for the control and study group. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. ResultsIn the LPR group, 28 (46%) were women, 32 (53%) were men, and age range was 21–60, average age was 36.45 ± 1.147.There was no significant difference between LPR and control group in terms of age, gender and Body Mass Index (BMI). In the LPR group, the lowest score for RSI was 14 and the highest score was 39. The average RSI was 23.67. RFS ranges from 8–22. The mean RFS was 13.50. A highly significant statistical correlation was observed between RSI and total RFS (P < 0.001). There was a significant difference between the antioxidant enzyme levels of the control group and the LPR group. Antioxidant enzyme levels of the control group were SOD 274.10 ± 26.836 U / L, GSH-Px 174.20 ± 20.699 µU / mL and CAT 42.2898 ± 20.699 KU / L. Antioxidant enzyme level results of the LPR group were SOD 147 ± 14.022 U / L (P < 0.01), GSH-Px 88.28 ± 9.113 µU / mL (P < 0.01) and CAT 12.67 ± 0.799 KU / L (P < 0.001). The RSI results ranges from 4 to 39 and the RFS from 8 to 22. Antioxidant enzyme levels demonstrated fairly consistent reliability with individual variables from both RFS and RFS. There was also a highly significant statistical correlation between RSI and RFS. ConclusionWe found that the antioxidant enzymes SOD, GPX and catalase enzyme levels were significantly lower in LPR patients. Treatment modalities to reduce oxidative stress (OS) in LPR should be investigated.

Effects of Sodium Valproate Monotherapy on Blood Liver Enzyme Levels in Patients with Epilepsy: A Meta-Analysis.

We conducted this meta-analysis to assess the effects of sodium valproate (VPA) monotherapy on blood liver enzymes in patients with epilepsy. PubMed, Web of Science, EBSCO, Cochrane Library, Wanfang, China national knowledge infrastructure databases were searched. Nine studies were included. Results showed: (1) The overall SMD for blood AST, ALT, and GGT levels of VPA monotherapy group versus control group were 0.70 (95% CI=0.31 to 1.09, Z=3.52, p=0.0004), 0.47 (95% CI=- 0.01 to 0.95, Z=1.91, p=0.06), 0.44 (95% CI=0.29 to 0.60, Z=5.55, p<0.00001), respectively. (2) In subgroup meta-analysis, increased blood AST and GGT levels were observed in epileptic minors (AST: total SMD=0.85, 95% CI=0.40 to 1.30, Z=3.69, p=0.0002; GGT: total SMD=0.46, 95% CI=0.29 to 0.63, Z=5.25, p<0.00001). Elevated blood ALT level was observed in Asian patients receiving VPA monotherapy (total SMD=0.70, 95% CI=0.51 to 0.90, Z=7.01, p<0.00001), and the early stage of VPA monotherapy (total SMD=0.93, 95% CI=0.57 to 1.29, Z=5.09, p<0.00001). Overall, our results indicated that blood AST and GGT were significantly increased in epileptic minors receiving VPA monotherapy. The elevation of blood ALT was observed in Asian patients and the early stage of VPA monotherapy. However, due to the small number of included studies, our results should be considered with caution.

Involvement of Endothelial Progenitor Cell Dysfunction in the Angiographically Defined Coronary Atherosclerotic Patients

Objectives: To evaluate the levels of endothelial progenitor cell-colony forming units in the angiographically defined coronary atherosclerotic patients. Methods: The 10 ml blood was drawn from the peripheral vein of 12-man patients that 4-stable angina, 4 acute myocardial infarction (AMI), and 4 healthy people. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated by Ficoll density-gradient centrifugation and EPC-CFUs was assayed after two plating and a 6-day culture on fibronectin-coated, 72 well plates, as described. eNOS enzyme titers were determined by ELISA according to the protocol in the cell culture. Results: The people were 52 ± 2.12 years. The number of EPC-CFUs increases with the accordance of patients with stable angina, AMI, healthy people with the statistical significance (H = 15.8, p &lt; 0.001): stable angina (2.6 ± 0.47 colony/well), AMI (6.7 ± 0.81 colony/well), healthy people (10.5 ± 1.34 colony/well). Furthermore, the Kruskal–Wallis test of eNOS enzyme levels in patients with stable angina (5.2 ± 0.61 pg/ml), AMI (8.7 ± 1.49 pg/ml), and healthy people (13.7 ± 2.48 pg/ml). The significant difference (H = 5.7, p &lt; 0.010) was observed among the three groups. The number of EPC-CFUs had a direct significant correlation (r = 0.621, p &lt; 0.001) with the eNOS enzyme levels of this culture. Conclusions: The number of EPC-CFUs and eNOS enzyme levels decrease at patients with stable angina, indicate more than endothelial dysfunction.

Measurement of serum glutathione peroxidase, catalase and superoxide dismutase concentration in patients with external anogenital warts before and after treatment with intralesional tuberculin purified protein derivative.

External anogenital warts are considered the commonest viral sexually transmitted infection that has serious negative psychological effects on both males and females such as anxiety and marked stress. Aim of this work is to measure serum glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), catalase and superoxide dismutase enzyme level in patients with external anogenital warts before and after intralesional tuberculin purified protein derivative (PPD) injection. This study carried out 59 patients with anogenital warts recruited from the dermatology clinic and the andrology clinic, Suez Canal University hospital. Each patient was injected with 10 units (0.2ml) of PPD intralesionally in the mother or largest wart with 2weeks interval till complete resolution or maximum of six injections. Serum GSH-Px, catalase and superoxide dismutase were measured using ELISA before and after injection. Results of PPD injection showed that 69.5% of patients were responders while 30.5% were nonresponders. The mean level of serum GSH-Px, catalase and superoxide dismutase dropped significantly after injection with levels pre- and post-injection, 91.1ng/ml versus 52.6ng/ml, 88.5ng/ml versus 67.4ng/ml and 28.6ng/ml versus 21.8ng/ml respectively. Antioxidant enzyme levels decrease significantly after PPD injection. Serum GSH-Px and catalase were significantly related to PPD response.

MP57-17 PROGNOSTIC IMPACT OF PHOSPHATIDYLINOSITOL PHOSPHATE AND ITS ASSOCIATED ENZYME LEVELS IN PATIENTS WITH RENAL CELL CARCINOMA TREATED SURGICALLY

You have accessJournal of UrologyKidney Cancer: Localized: Surgical Therapy IV (MP57)1 Apr 2020MP57-17 PROGNOSTIC IMPACT OF PHOSPHATIDYLINOSITOL PHOSPHATE AND ITS ASSOCIATED ENZYME LEVELS IN PATIENTS WITH RENAL CELL CARCINOMA TREATED SURGICALLY Shintaro Narita*, Hiroki Nakanishi, Yoshinori Matsuda, Huang Mingguo, Mizuki Kobayashi, Akane Kikuchi, Taketoshi Nara, Sohei Kanda, Kazuyuki Numakura, Atsushi Koizumi, Mitsuru Saito, Takamitsu Inoue, Shigeru Satoh, Takehiko Sasaki, and Tomonori Habuchi Shintaro Narita*Shintaro Narita* More articles by this author , Hiroki NakanishiHiroki Nakanishi More articles by this author , Yoshinori MatsudaYoshinori Matsuda More articles by this author , Huang MingguoHuang Mingguo More articles by this author , Mizuki KobayashiMizuki Kobayashi More articles by this author , Akane KikuchiAkane Kikuchi More articles by this author , Taketoshi NaraTaketoshi Nara More articles by this author , Sohei KandaSohei Kanda More articles by this author , Kazuyuki NumakuraKazuyuki Numakura More articles by this author , Atsushi KoizumiAtsushi Koizumi More articles by this author , Mitsuru SaitoMitsuru Saito More articles by this author , Takamitsu InoueTakamitsu Inoue More articles by this author , Shigeru SatohShigeru Satoh More articles by this author , Takehiko SasakiTakehiko Sasaki More articles by this author , and Tomonori HabuchiTomonori Habuchi More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1097/JU.0000000000000926.017AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookLinked InTwitterEmail Abstract INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: The phosphoinositide (PIP) is associated with the risk of developing renal cell carcinoma (RCC). However, the levels of lipid metabolites, including PIPs phosphate derivatives, in patients with RCC is unknown. Thus, we investigated the PIP profile and its impact on clinical outcomes in patients with RCC who underwent surgery. METHODS: A total of 85 patients with RCC treated with surgery between 2011 and 2014 were included. The level of PIPs (PI, PIP1 and PIP2) in the tumor and its surrounding normal tissues was assessed by LC–MS–MS using a selected reaction monitoring with electrospray ionization. The mRNA expression of 16 phosphatases associated with the PIPs in the tumor was measured by qRT–PCR. RESULTS: No significant difference was observed in the PIP level between the tumors and normal surrounding tissues. The patients with high-grade tumor had significantly lower PIP1 and PIP2 (C38:4) tumor-to-normal (T/N) ratio than those with low-grade tumor. The metastatic-free survival (MFS) of patients with low PIP1 and PIP2 (C38:4) T/N ratios was significantly lower than that of patients with high PIP1 and/or PIP2 (C38:4) T/N ratios (p = 0.007). However, no significant difference was observed in the cancer-specific survival between the two groups (p = 0.590). The 5-year MFS of patients with low PIP1 and PIP2 (C38:4) T/N ratios was 67.0% and that of patients with either high PIP1 or PIP2 T/N ratio was 96.2%. In a multivariable analysis, pT stage and low PIP1 and PIP2 T/N ratios were found to be the independent prognostic factors of poor MFS in patients with RCC who underwent surgery (hazard ratio [HR] = 6.8, p = 0.015 and HR = 9.23, p = 0.041, respectively). Several candidate phosphatases associated with high-grade tumor were assessed using VIP score. Among the different types of phosphatases, the T/N ratios of patients with MTM1 and MTMR6 mRNA significantly correlated with PIP1 and PIP2 (C38:4) T/N ratios. CONCLUSIONS: Low PIP1 and PIP2 (C38:4) T/N ratios are associated with cancer aggressiveness and poor MFS in patients with RCC who underwent surgery. The PIP levels in surgical specimens can be a potential biomarker of oncological outcomes in patients with RCC, and targeting the enzymes associated with PIPs may be a novel treatment strategy for RCC. Source of Funding: None © 2020 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 203Issue Supplement 4April 2020Page: e868-e869 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2020 by American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc.MetricsAuthor Information Shintaro Narita* More articles by this author Hiroki Nakanishi More articles by this author Yoshinori Matsuda More articles by this author Huang Mingguo More articles by this author Mizuki Kobayashi More articles by this author Akane Kikuchi More articles by this author Taketoshi Nara More articles by this author Sohei Kanda More articles by this author Kazuyuki Numakura More articles by this author Atsushi Koizumi More articles by this author Mitsuru Saito More articles by this author Takamitsu Inoue More articles by this author Shigeru Satoh More articles by this author Takehiko Sasaki More articles by this author Tomonori Habuchi More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement PDF downloadLoading ...

Serum prolidase and oxidative stress levels in patients with recurrent aphthous stomatitis: a prospective, controlled study.

Recurrent aphthous stomatitis is a common disease characterized by single or multiple, self-healing, well-circumscribed, periodic ulcers occurring in the oral cavity. Although the relationship between recurrent aphthous stomatitis and oxidative stress has been extensively reviewed in the past, its relationship with prolidase enzyme levels has not been previously investigated. The aim of this study is to investigate plasma antioxidant status and prolidase enzyme levels in patients with recurrent aphthous stomatitis. The serum total oxidant status, total antioxidant status, oxidative stress index, prolidase and paraoxonase levels of 34 recurrent aphthous stomatitis patients (mean age 35.1) and 34 healthy controls (mean age 37.7) were compared in this study. Total oxidant status was significantly higher in the recurrent aphthous stomatitis group (P < 0.005). The mean total oxidant status value was 5.19 mmol/L in the recurrent aphthous stomatitis group, while it was 2.90 mmol/L in the control group. Oxidative stress index was significantly higher in the recurrent aphthous stomatitis group (P = 0.016*). The mean oxidative stress index level was 0.28 AU in the recurrent aphthous stomatitis group, while it was 0.18 AU in the control group. When control and patient groups were compared, there was no significant difference between groups with regard to the total antioxidant status (P = 0.343). The total antioxidant status levels were 1.09 and 1.14 mmol/L in control and patient groups, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between PON1 levels of recurrent aphthous stomatitis and control groups (P = 0.218). Mean PON1 levels were 326 U/L in the recurrent aphthous stomatitis group and 381 U/L in the control group. Prolidase levels were not significantly different between recurrent aphthous stomatitis and control groups (P = 0.955). The mean prolidase level was 219.79 U/L in the recurrent aphthous stomatitis group and 219.26 U/L in the control group. The limitation of this study is the small size of both patient and control groups and exclusion of pediatric patients., Similar studies performed in pediatric patient populations with a comparison to adults may be useful in providing meaningful results. We detected that the total oxidant status and oxidative stress index was higher in patients with recurrent aphthous stomatitis as compared to healthy controls. We could not demonstrate a significant difference in total antioxidant status, PON1 and prolidase values.

Pyruvate Kinase Deficiency Cases Mimicking Congenital Dyserythropoietic Anemia

Introduction Pyruvate kinase (PK) deficiency is the most common glycolytic pathway defect that leads to hereditary hemolytic anemia with autosomal recessive inheritance pattern, which may present with severe hemolysis in the neonatal period, frequent blood transfusion requirement during infancy or with milder course of anemia. The prevalence reported among the Caucasians is 51 per million. Herein we present two cases of PK deficiency who were clinically and morphologically mimicking congenital dyserythropoietic anemia (CDA) at presentation and were diagnosed molecularly. Case 1 A three-year-old male patient was admitted with jaundice. Personal history revealed that he was born prematurely from a non-consanguineous family, and he did not need phototherapy at neonatal period. By the third month, he received first erythrocyte transfusion; then he needed transfusions every month. Strikingly, transfusion requirements increased in febrile episodes. Physical examination at admission revealed jaundice and splenomegaly. Complete blood count showed hemoglobin (Hb) 7.2 g/dL, mean corpuscular volume (MCV) 86.1 fL, mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) 27.3 pg, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) 31.7 pg, and reticulocytes 12.3%. A blood film examination showed macrocytosis, hypochromia, anisocytosis, and rare spherocytes. Hemoglobin electrophoresis was normal, and direct Coombs' test was negative. The PK enzyme level was ignored since the patient was regularly transfused. Bone marrow aspiration showed erythroid hyperactivity and severe megaloblastic changes with double and multi-nucleated erythroid precursors suggestive for CDA. However, no genetic mutation detected concerning CDA (C15orf41, F8, F9, KLF1, CDAN1, VWF, SEC23B, GATA1, G6IBA genes). After negative molecular testing for CDA, sequencing of the PK-LR gene revealed the presence of a homozygous c.1151C&gt; T mutation. Case 2 A three-month-old male patient presented with pallor and jaundice. Personal history revealed that he was born at term from a non-consanguineous family, and he required phototherapy and exchange transfusion due to icterus and anemia at the neonatal period. He needed erythrocyte transfusions during follow-up. Hemogram revealed Hb 6.7 g/dL, MCV 81.2 fL, MCH 25.2 pg, MCHC 31.1 pg, and reticulocytes 2.6%. Blood film examination showed polychromasia, rare spherocytes, and acanthocytes. Direct Coombs' test and Parvovirus B19 PCR analysis were negative. Bone marrow aspiration showed erythroid hyperactivity along with double and multi-nucleated erythroid precursors, which suggested CDA. However, no genetic mutation detected concerning CDA (SEC23B, CDAN1). The PK enzyme level was normal, which was 2 ½ months after the last transfusion. Finally, the molecular analysis of the PK-LR gene revealed the presence of a novel homozygous c.880G&gt;A mutation. The mutation predicted as possibly damaging by in Silico analysis. Discussion The diagnostic approach to transfusion-dependent hereditary hemolytic anemia could be challenging related to false normal erythrocyte enzyme studies and osmotic fragility tests in previously transfused patients. It was reported that PK deficiency cases with inappropriately low reticulocytes might mimic CDA, which was discerned in cases where NGS performed for CDA but revealed PK-LR mutation. PK deficiency may lead to ineffective erythropoiesis due to erythrocyte ATP depletion, as well as CDA-like morphological findings (Cases 1 and 2) and low reticulocyte counts (Case 2). We suggest that in cases where CDA is suspected, PK deficiency should be considered in the differential diagnosis. Furthermore, instead of the PK enzyme level in patients with regular transfusions, PK-LR genetic analysis would be appropriate. Disclosures No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Seasonal variability in the activity of common chronic liver diseases.

Seasonal variations in flu-like illnesses and vaccinations, vitamin D levels, alcohol intake, and sedentary lifestyles raise the possibility that seasonal variations exist in the severity of immune-mediated, alcohol, and obesity- or dyslipidemia-related chronic liver diseases, respectively. We documented months-seasons in which biochemical evidence of disease activity is greatest in adult patients with common liver disorders. Months-seasons associated with peak liver enzyme levels in patients with largely immune-mediated disorders (autoimmune hepatitis, primary biliary cholangitis [PBC], and primary sclerosing cholangitis), alcoholic liver disease, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease were documented from a hospital-based, liver diseases outpatient clinic database. Aside from a spike in the severity of PBC during July (p < .005), no significant associations were found between months-seasons and peak liver enzyme activities in any of these liver disorders. These findings suggest that seasonal illnesses or immunizations and vitamin D depletion, alcohol intake, and sedentary lifestyle do not significantly exacerbate common underlying immune-mediated, alcohol, or metabolic liver disorders, respectively.

A445 Effect of bariatric surgery on serum enzyme status in patients with obesity

There is scarce data about change of serum enzyme level in patients after bariatric surgery. To assess serum enzyme status in patients receiving Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and sleeve gastrectomy (SG), and to identify related predictors.

Evaluation of oxidative stress and antioxidant parameters in children with carbon monoxide poisoning.

In this study, we aimed to investigate oxidative stress and antioxidant parameter levels in patients with carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. The study was conducted prospectively between March 1, 2015 and April 30, 2016 in the pediatric emergency department. Eligible patients included children aged 0-18 years old with a diagnosis of CO poisoning. To determination of oxidative stress and antioxidant parameter levels, venous blood with heparinized and urine samples were drawn during the admission and after normobaric oxygen (NBO) and hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) treatment. Forty-seven children with CO poisoning for study group and 29 patients as control group were included to the study. Sixteen patients treated with HBO. Basal plasma malondialdehyde levels were found to be significantly higher in the CO poisoning group when compared with the control group (p = 0.019). There is no significant difference in oxidative stress and antioxidant parameter levels except erythrocyte catalase enzyme levels in patients treated with NBO when comparing before and after NBO treatment (p > 0.05). Decreasing of basal erythrocyte catalase enzyme levels were found statistically significant after NBO treatment (p = 0.04). There was no significant difference in oxidative stress and antioxidant parameter levels in patients treated with HBO before and after therapy (p > 0.05). CO poisoning is associated with increased lipid peroxidation in children immediately after the poisoning. However, both treatment modalities including NBO or HBO do not have a significant effect on oxidative stress or antioxidant parameter levels.

Evaluation of Serum Lysyl oxidase and Calreticulin as Biomarkers in patients with Chronic Kidney Disease

This study was carried out to determine the level of lysyl oxidase and calreticulin in CKD patients and correlate the serum level of those markers with routine markers such as urea, creatinine, phosphorus, albumin, duration, stages and causes of disease. A total 65 patient with chronic kidney disease were studied among them (32) female and (33) male patients and (26) healthy as control of them were (13 females, 11 males). Their ages (patients and controls) were ranged from (18–70). Blood samples were collected from patients and control to evaluate serum levels of (serum Urea, Creatinine, calcium, ionized calcium, phosphorus, albumin, lysyl oxidase and calreticulin). The level of lysyl oxidase in patients and control was (19.82 ± 12.96 ng/mL and 27.73 ± 9.48 ng/mL respectively with a significant difference (p=0.013) and the level of calreticulin was patients showed higher serum level of CRT (8.64 ± 7.43 μg/L) than controls (3.46 ± 2.68 μg/L) with highly significant difference (p=0.003). serum urea, Creatinine and phosphorus level was highly significantly increased p value <0.001 in patient CKD as compared to the controls. Where calcium and ionized calcium normal in both groups. The significant decrease of Lysyl oxidase enzyme level in patients with chronic kidney disease and the significant increase of serum calreticulin in patient with chronic kidney disease in advance stages (stage 4 and stage 5). Lysyl oxidase have significant correlation with urea and have no significant correlation with other routine biomarkers used in present study also have no significant relation with duration of dialysis. Calreticulin have significant correlation with phosphorus and have no significant correlation with other routine biomarkers used in present study also have no significant relation with duration of dialysis. Phosphorus have significant negative correlation with albumin and creatinine.

The -3279C>A and -924A>G polymorphisms in the FOXP3 Gene Are Associated With Viral Load and Liver Enzyme Levels in Patients With Chronic Viral Liver Diseases.

The transcription factor FOXP3 is an essential marker of the development and activation of regulatory T cells (Tregs), which are cells specialized in the regulation and normal tolerance of the immune response. In the context of chronic viral liver diseases, Tregs participate in the maintenance of infections by promoting histopathological control and favor the immune escape of viral agents by suppressing the antiviral response. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) may influence the function of FOXP3 in a number of pathological conditions. The present study sought to evaluate the influence of SNPs in the FOXP3 gene promoter region in patients with chronic viral liver diseases. Three SNPs (−3279C>A, −2383C>T, and −924A>G) were analyzed in groups of patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC), active chronic hepatitis B (CHB-A), inactive chronic hepatitis B (CHB-I), and a healthy control group (CG) using real-time PCR. The frequencies of the polymorphic variants were compared between groups and correlated with liver histopathological characteristics and enzyme levels [i.e., alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT)] obtained via biopsy and from the clinical records of the participating patients, respectively. For the −2338C>T SNP, no significant differences were found in the frequencies of variants between groups or in the histological findings. Significant associations between the polymorphisms and the CHB-I group were not established. The −3279C>A SNP was associated with altered viral loads (log10) and GGT levels in CHC patients with advanced stages of inflammatory activity and liver fibrosis. The −924A>G SNP was associated with altered viral loads (log10) and liver enzyme levels among CHB-A patients with milder inflammation and fibrosis. However, the frequencies of the −3279C>A and −924A>G polymorphisms were not directly associated with the histopathological profiles of the analyzed patients. These polymorphic variants may influence hepatic function in patients with chronic viral liver diseases but are not directly associated with the establishment of the degree of inflammatory activity and liver fibrosis.

PR073: The effect of sequential sampling and two different sampling methods on gingival crevicular fluid volume and elastase enzyme levels in patients with chronic periodontitis

PR073: The effect of sequential sampling and two different sampling methods on gingival crevicular fluid volume and elastase enzyme levels in patients with chronic periodontitis

Association between hepatitis C infection in Thai patients with oral lichen planus: A case-control study.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and evaluate liver enzyme levels in patients from upper northern Thailand with oral lichen planus (OLP). A case-control study of 101 patients with OLP and 101 patients without OLP was conducted. Peripheral blood was taken from each patient and screened for anti-HCV antibody using immunochromatography. Positive samples were further confirmed using chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay (CMIA) and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. In addition, liver enzyme levels, alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, and alkaline phosphatase were evaluated using spectrophotometry. Immunochromatography and CMIA revealed that nine patients with OLP (8.9%) were positive for anti-HCV antibodies, whereas only one patient without OLP was HCV positive (odds ratio=9.78). All patients who were HCV positive had significantly higher liver enzyme levels than patients who were HCV negative. The results of the present study indicated that OLP in certain patients was significantly associated with HCV. This could warrant screening for HCV-infected patients with OLP in Thailand.

Factors predictive of the efficacy of bezafibrate therapy in patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis.

Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a rare cholestatic disease. We previously reported the effects of bezafibrate on elevated hepatobiliary enzyme levels in patients with this disease both retrospectively and prospectively. In this study, we assessed factors predictive of bezafibrate efficacy. Twenty-five patients with PSC, who underwent bezafibrate therapy (400mg per day) from November 2006 to June 2015, were evaluated. Treatment was judged as being effective if the levels of all of the hepatobiliary enzymes decreased after 12weeks. We investigated the patients' characteristics, disease history, concomitant medications, liver function, and liver stiffness. The efficacy rate of bezafibrate was 60% (15/25 patients). The efficacy rate in patients graded as Child-Pugh class A was significantly higher (75% [15/20]) than that in patients graded as class B (0% [0/5], P <0.01). Non-responders had higher liver stiffness values (18.0 vs. 8.8kPa, P = 0.19), and concomitantly used ursodeoxycholic acid more frequently (100% vs. 73%, P = 0.12) than responders. We could not elucidate the factors predictive for bezafibrate efficacy for the treatment of PSC. However, bezafibrate was more effective for patients with preserved liver function (Child-Pugh class A) when it was prescribed before progression of liver fibrosis and failure of ursodeoxycholic acid therapy.

Elevation of Serum Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Level in Patients with Ocular Toxocariasis

Copyright © 2016 The korean retina society This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0/) which permits unrestricted non-commercial use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. 눈 개회충증 환자에서의 혈청 안지오텐신전환효소 수치 상승 Elevation of Serum Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Level in Patients with Ocular Toxocariasis

The serum angiotensin converting enzyme and lysozyme levels in patients with ocular involvement of autoimmune and infectious diseases.

BackgroundIncreased serum levels of angiotensin converting enzyme and lysozyme are considered as inflammatory markers for diagnosis of sarcoidosis which is an autoimmune inflammatory disease. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the significance of differences in serum angiotensin converting enzyme and lysozyme levels of patients with ocular involvement of other autoimmune inflammatory and infectious diseases.MethodsThis is a prospective study involving patients with ankylosing spondylitis, behcet’s disease, presumed sarcoidosis, presumed latent tuberculosis, presumed latent syphilis, and control group. The serum levels of angiotensin converting enzyme and lysozyme were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Bonnferoni analysis was used to assess pairwise comparisons between the groups.ResultsThere was a significant increase in serum angiotensin converting enzyme level in patients with presumed sarcoidosis compared to ankylosing spondylitis (p = 0.0001), behcet’s disease (p = 0.0001), presumed latent tuberculosis (p = 0.0001), presumed latent syphilis (p = 0.0001), and control group (p = 0.0001). The increase in serum lysozyme level was significant for patients with presumed sarcoidosis with respect to ankylosing spondylitis (p = 0.0001), behcet’s disease, (p = 0.0001) presumed latent tuberculosis (p = 0.001), presumed latent syphilis (p = 0.033), and control group (p = 0.0001).ConclusionElevated serum angiotensin converting enzyme levels are significant for patients with presumed sarcoidosis compared to ocular involvement of other autoimmune diseases such as behcet’s disease and ankylosing spondylitis, and ocular involvement of infectious diseases such as presumed latent tuberculosis and presumed latent syphilis. However, elevated serum lysozyme level might be also detected in ocular involvement of infectious diseases such as presumed latent tuberculosis and presumed latent syphilis.Trial registrationTrial Registration number: NCT02627209. Date of registration: 12/09/2015.

Liver damage in primary biliary cirrhosis and accompanied by primary Sjögren's syndrome: a retrospective pilot study.

IntroductionPrimary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) and primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) have been referred to as “generalized autoimmune epithelitis”. Indeed, the pathogenic mechanisms, clinical features, and optimal therapeutic approaches for them are not yet fully defined.Material and methodsA retrospective analysis was carried out on clinical data obtained from 302 inpatients newly diagnosed with PBC, pSS, or the coexistence of PBC and SS between May 2011 and December 2014. Forty-two patients with abnormal hepatic function were divided into the PBC group (n = 17), the coexistent group (PBC accompanied by SS, n = 13), and the pSS group (n = 12). Their clinical symptoms, laboratory data, and pathological features were collected and analyzed when they were first diagnosed. The clinical and laboratory data were collected at 0, 1, and 3 months after treatment.ResultsOf the 42 patients with abnormal liver function, 4 were male and 38 were female patients. Compared with the patients in the PBC group, the patients in the other 2 groups were more likely to have an elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) levels. Abnormal serum immunoglobulin M levels (IgM) were more frequent in the PBC group. Corticosteroids were effective in normalizing elevated liver enzyme levels in patients with SS and in those with coexistent conditions.ConclusionsThis pilot study suggests that patients with PBC, pSS, and PBC/SS coexistence and having liver function abnormality share similar symptoms, but have different pathogenesis and prognosis.

Elevated Serum Liver Enzymes in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea-hypopnea Syndrome.

Background:Obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAS) is associated with elevated liver enzymes and fatty liver. The purpose of this study was to measure serum liver enzyme levels in patients evaluated by polysomnography (PSG) and the factors associated with liver injury in OSAS patients.Methods:All patients referred to PSG for evaluation of sleep apnea symptoms between June 2011 and November 2014 were included in this study. Demographic data and PSG parameters were recorded. Serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and gamma-glutamyl transferase levels were systematically measured. OSAS patients were divided into mild, moderate, and severe groups according to the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) values of 5–14 events/h, 15–29 events/h, and ≥30 events/h.Results:A total of 540 patients were enrolled in this study; among these patients, 386 were male. Elevated liver enzymes were present in 42.3% of OSAS patients (32.4% in mild/moderate group; 51.0% in severe group) and 28.1% patients without OSAS. Patients with OSAS had higher body mass index (BMI) (P < 0.01). In the bivariate correlation, the liver enzymes level was negatively correlated with age and the lowest arterial oxygen saturation (SaO2), and was positively correlated with BMI, oxygen desaturation index, percent of total time with oxygen saturation level <90% (TS90%), AHI, total cholesterol (TC), and triglyceride (TG). In logistic regression analysis, Age, BMI, TS90%, TC, and TG were included in the regression equation.Conclusions:Our data suggest that OSAS is a risk factor for elevated liver enzymes. The severity of OSAS is correlated with liver enzyme levels; we hypothesize that hypoxia is one of main causes of liver damage in patients with OSAS.