Erythrocyte Hemoglobin Research Articles

Mediators of the Effects of Canagliflozin on Heart Failure in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes

ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to explore potential mediators of the effects of canagliflozin on heart failure in the CANVAS Program (CANagliflozin cardioVascular Assessment Study; NCT01032629 and CANagliflozin cardioVascular Assessment Study–Renal; NCT01989754). BackgroundCanagliflozin reduced the risk of heart failure among patients with type 2 diabetes in the CANVAS Program. The mechanism of protection is uncertain. MethodsThe percentages of mediating effects of 19 biomarkers were determined by comparing the hazard ratios for the effect of randomized treatment from an unadjusted model and from a model adjusting for the biomarker of interest. Multivariable analyses were used to assess the joint effects of biomarkers that mediated most strongly in univariable analyses. ResultsEarly changes after randomization in levels of 3 biomarkers (urinary albumin:creatinine ratio, serum bicarbonate, and serum urate) were identified as mediating the effect of canagliflozin on heart failure. Average post-randomization levels of 14 biomarkers (systolic blood pressure, low-density lipoprotein and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, total cholesterol, urinary albumin:creatinine ratio, weight, body mass index, gamma glutamyltransferase, hematocrit, hemoglobin concentration, serum albumin, erythrocyte concentration, serum bicarbonate, and serum urate) were identified as significant mediators. Individually, the 3 biomarkers with the largest mediating effect were erythrocyte concentration (45%), hemoglobin concentration (43%), and serum urate (40%). In a parsimonious multivariable model, erythrocyte concentration, serum urate, and urinary albumin:creatinine ratio were the 3 biomarkers that maximized cumulative mediation (102%). ConclusionsA diverse set of potential mediators of the effect of canagliflozin on heart failure were identified. Some mediating effects were anticipated, whereas others were not. The mediators that were identified support existing and novel hypothesized mechanisms for the prevention of heart failure with sodium glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors.

The role of linoleic acid in oxidative damage of hemoglobin due to cytomegelavirus infection during pregnancy

The goalis to study the mechanisms of linoleic acid-dependent oxidative damage to hemoglobin in blood erythrocytes of pregnant women with cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection during the first trimester.Materials and methods. The study included 55 CMV-seropositive pregnant women at 8–11 weeks pregnant, aged 24,7 ± 0,18 years. 20 women had exacerbated cytomegalovirus infection and in 35 women a latent course of the disease was observed. The control group consisted of 20 CMV-seronegative pregnant women, comparable in age and gestational age with the group of pregnant women with cytomegalovirus infection. The levels of linoleic acid, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and methemoglobin in the blood were studied by the spectrophotometry. Glutathione was determined by histochemical methods, the total amount of hemoglobin was measured using the automatic hematological analyzer, and hydrogen peroxide level was calculated by enzyme immunoassay.Results. In cytomegalovirus infection, an increase in the indices of exogenous hydrogen peroxide and linoleic acid in blood erythrocytes of pregnant women is observed. During the period of acute disease in the first trimester of pregnancy it causes oxidative modification and a decrease in the level of not only superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione, the processes involved in the redox regulation of thiol-disulfide exchange of erythrocytes, but also hemoglobin with formation of large amount of methemoglobin, which contributes to reduction of oxygen metabolism and development of hemic hypoxia. In the latent course of the disease, the oxidative damage to hemoglobin in the erythrocytes of pregnant women is mitigated by the increase in the activity of redox enzymes, which maintains oxygen homeostasis at the level necessary for the development of pregnancy.

Influencia de la hipoxia hipóxica sobre algunos parámetros hematológicos, cardiovasculares y respiratorios de varones que residen en el valle del colca (3417 – 3633 msnm).

Se evaluó la influencia de la hipoxia hipóxica sobre algunos parámetros hematológicos, cardiovasculares y respiratorios de varones que residen en el valle del colca ( 3417 – 3633 msnm).. La evaluación experimental se realizó en el Centro de Salud de Chivay y Puesto de Salud de Yanque, durante los meses de Enero a Diciembre del 2015. El promedio de edad fue de 22.76 ± 5.04 años, peso promedio es de 58.94 ± 6.16 Kg, talla promedio de 1.64 ± 5.02 mt (p>0.05). No se encontró diferencia significativa en la edad, peso, talla e IMC en los pobladores de Chivay, Yanque y Achoma. Se encontró diferencia significativa en el recuento eritrocitario, hematocrito y hemoglobina en los pobladores de Chivay, Yanque y Achoma (p<0.05). No se encontró diferencia significativa en el recuento leucocitario en los pobladores evaluados (p>0.05). No se encontró diferencia significativa en el recuento leucocitario en los pobladores de Chivay, Yanque y Achoma (p>0.05). Se encontró diferencia significativa en el VCM (p<0.01). No se encontró diferencia significativa en los parámetros corpusculares HCM, CHCM. En la prueba de postcomparación de Tukey se encontró un aumento significativo (p<0.05) en el VCM de los individuos residentes de Chivay. Se encontró diferencia significativa en el pulso (p<0.05). No se encontró diferencia significativa en los parámetros corpusculares PS, PD, PP, PMF. En la prueba de postcomparación de Tukey se encontró un aumento significativo (p<0.05) en el pulso de los individuos residentes de Chivay. No se encontró diferencia significativa en el diámetro de tórax y frecuencia respiratoria (p>0.05).

Vitamin D rise enhances blood perfusion in patients with multiple sclerosis.

The chemical structure of vitamin D resembles steroids and anabolics. Following activation by enzymatic hydroxylation, vitamin D enhances numerous body functions. We determined 25-hydroxy-vitamin D, number of erythrocytes, haematocrit, mean corpuscular haemoglobin and mean corpuscular volume in 97 patients with multiple sclerosis initially and 6 months later. Patients with deficient levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (< 30ng/mL) were advised to perform vitamin D supplementation and received a prescription of a vitamin D formulation. Six months later we observed a rise of 25-OH-vitamin D, as to be expected, and a modified constellation of blood parameters such as elevation of mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration and fall of mean corpuscular volume. Mean corpuscular haemoglobin and number of erythrocytes remained stable. The haematocrit went down. We suggest that vitamin D elevation may be beneficial in disorders characterised by chronic neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration, since changes of blood perfusion parameters may enhance cellular tissue oxygenation.

Adaptive changes of the elemental status of Kalmyk cattle to conditions of biogeochemical province of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia)

The purpose of the study was to compare adaptive changes of the elemental status and hematologic indicators of blood of the Kalmyk cattle brought from the Republic of Kalmykia to the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia). Three groups of animals were formed for this purpose: brought cows (n=75), first-generation calves (n=28) and second-generation calves (n=16) received in Yakutia. The body weight of cows during bio-substrate selection made 480.4±13.8 kg. Age – 2.3-8.0 years. Wool samples weighing at least 0.4 g were taken from the top withers of animals. The proximal part of hair 15 mm long from the root was taken for analysis. The elemental analysis of samples was carried out via ICP-AES and ICP-MS. Blood samples were taken from a tail vein. The study was conducted using automatic hematologic analyzer: URIT-2900 Vet Plus (URIT Medial Electronic Co., Ltd, China). It is found that the wool of cows brought to the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) had smaller concentration of Ca, Na, K, I, Mn, Zn, B, Sr at higher Hg value in comparison with the first-generation cows and smaller Cu and Zn and higher n Cr, Si, Pb content in comparison with the second-generation animals. The study of blood revealed significant changes in their parameters. Thus, the increase of erythrocytes and lymphocytes is observed from one generation to another with the decrease of the average volume of erythrocytes and hemoglobin in a separate erythrocyte.

Устойчивость к негативным воздействиям и соотношение активности ферментов энергетического обмена в тканях черноморских моллюсков Mytilus galloprovincialis Lamarck, 1819 и Anadara kagoshimensis (Tokunaga, 1906)

Определение соотношения активности ферментов энергетического обмена малатдегидрогеназы (МДГ, 1.1.1.37) и лактатдегидрогеназы (ЛДГ, 1.1.1.27) позволяет получить интегральную оценку физиологического состояния объекта исследования в ответ на воздействия разной природы. Цель работы ― сравнить изменение величины отношения МДГ/ЛДГ в тканях двустворчатых моллюсков: аборигенной Mytilus galloprovincialis Lamarck, 1819 и успешного вселенца Anadara kagoshimensis (Tokunaga, 1906), в лабораторных условиях под влиянием гипоксии, аноксии, токсиканта полихлорбифенила, сероводородного заражения и длительного содержания в аквариуме без кормления. Половозрелые моллюски собраны в районе г. Севастополя. Длина раковины мидии составляла 45–62 мм, анадары ― 27–49 мм. Активность ферментов измеряли спектрофотометрически (при 340 нм и 25 °C) по скорости окисления НАДН в цитоплазме тканей (мышцы, гепатопанкреас, жабры). Как правило, под воздействием негативных факторов активность ЛДГ снижалась значительно (на 36–80 %), активность МДГ оставалась стабильной, а коэффициент МДГ/ЛДГ в тканях обоих видов моллюсков увеличивался в 1,5–4 раза. Отмечено, что у гемоглобинсодержащей анадары коэффициент МДГ/ЛДГ был на порядок ниже, чем у мидии, как в контроле, так и в опыте. Сопоставление с литературными данными показало, что величина отношения МДГ/ЛДГ устойчивой к гипоксии анадары такая же низкая, как у оксифильных гидробионтов, в частности гребешка Mizuhopecten yessoensis (Jay, 1857) и ракообразных Crangon crangon (Linnaeus, 1758) и Carcinus aestuarii Nardo, 1847. По-видимому, низкое значение коэффициента МДГ/ЛДГ отражает способность анадары сохранять высокий уровень окислительных процессов в тканях благодаря значительному пулу соединений (эритроцитарный гемоглобин, каротиноиды, глутатион), поддерживающих аэробный процесс и осуществляющих антиоксидантную защиту. Величина коэффициента МДГ/ЛДГ может быть использована для оценки степени оксигенации тканей моллюсков в норме и в условиях гипоксии различного происхождения при мониторинговых исследованиях.

Assessment of Silver-Nanoparticles-Induced Erythrocyte Cytotoxicity through Ion Transport Studies.

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are the most frequently used nanomaterials in industrial and biomedical applications. Their functionalization significantly impacts their properties and potential applications. Despite the need to produce, investigate and apply them, not much is known about the toxicity of silver nanoparticles to and their interaction with blood components, such as erythrocytes. Here, we report on the effect of two negatively charged AgNPs (Creighton, and Lee-Meisel) on ion transport in human red blood cells (HRBCs). HRBCs were obtained from blood of adult donors, which was either expired, fresh or refrigerated for variable lengths of time, and from fresh or refrigerated cord blood. Rb+ and K+ ions were measured by atomic emission and absorption spectrophotometry, respectively. Erythrocyte hemoglobin optical density (Hbc OD), was determined at 527 nm to estimate RBC volume in the same tubes in which Rb+ and K+ were measured. Cellular Rb+ uptake and intracellular K+ concentrations, [K]i, were calculated in mmol/L of original cells (LOC) per time. Rubidium, a potassium ion (K+) congener used to measure K+ influx, [K]i, and Hbc ODs were determined in the presence and absence of several concentrations (0-150 µg mL-1) of spherical AgNPs of an average diameter of 10 nm, at different time points (0-60 min). Creighton AgNPs inhibited Rb+ influx and depleted the cells of K+ independently of the source and in a time and dose-dependent manner. In contrast, Lee-Meisel AgNPs caused ~ 50 % Rb+ influx inhibition and ~ 15 % K+ loss with larger interindividual variability than Creighton AgNPs. The loss of K+ from HRBCs was entirely accounted for by an increase in extracellular K+ concentration, [K]o. Enhanced dark field optical microscopy in conjunction with CytoViva® hyperspectral imaging helped visualize AgNPs internalized by HRBCs, thus pointing to a potential cause for their cytotoxic effects. These findings indicate that HRBC K+ homeostasis is an early and sensitive biomarker for AgNPs toxicity and is a function of their surface functionalization.

Hypoxia tolerance in a selectively bred F4 population of blunt snout bream (Megalobrama amblycephala) under hypoxic stress

Blunt snout bream (Megalobrama amblycephala) is a hypoxia-sensitive fish species. A sudden decrease in the dissolved oxygen (DO) content in the pond will cause massive death. Therefore, breeding of new hypoxia-tolerant strains is important for blunt snout bream aquaculture. From 2007, selective breeding under hypoxic stress was performed on the wild M. amblycephala (F0) population from Poyang Lake, China. In 2015, the selectively bred hypoxia-tolerant F4 population was obtained, which the LOEcrit (loss of equilibrium) was 0.54 mg·L−1, 0.89 mg·L−1 and 1.28 mg·L−1 at 10 °C, 25 °C and 30 °C, respectively. And the LOEcrit in the ‘Pujiang No.1’ breed (control group) was 0.72 mg·L−1, 1.03 mg·L−1 and 1.41 mg·L−1 at 10 °C, 25 °C and 30 °C, respectively. Compared with the control group, the hypoxia-tolerant population had a significantly (P < 0.01) lower critical oxygen tension value at which they lost equilibrium (LOEcrit) at the same temperatures. Furthermore, when hypoxia-tolerant population was exposed to 4 or 7 days of hypoxia (DO = 2.0 mg·L−1) at 10 °C, the average protruding gill lamellar height and mean gill lamellar area were significantly (P < 0.01) smaller than those of the control group. Simultaneously, in order to enhance their blood oxygen-carrying capacity to adapt to the hypoxic environment, the erythrocyte count and hemoglobin concentration of the hypoxia-tolerant population were significantly increased, and were much higher (P < 0.01) than those of the control group under hypoxia treatment (DO = 2.0 mg·L−1). These data showed that the hypoxia-tolerant F4 population had high potential for coping with hypoxic stress, and we can get a hypoxia-tolerant strain of blunt snout bream by continuous hypoxia breeding in aquaculture.

Factors associated with erythrocyte count and hemoglobin concentration in men and women with type 2 diabetes

Introduction: The risk of developing anemia in diabetic patients is nearly 3-times higher than in non-diabetic patients. Aim: The aim was to assess factors that may affect both the erythrocyte count (RBC) and hemoglobin concentration (HGB) in type 2 diabetes patients. Material and methods: In type 2 diabetes patients (N = 80) and in control subjects with normal carbohydrate metabolism (N = 40) RBC and HGB were determined in whole blood collected in the EDTA-K3 tube. Results: The degree of metabolic compensation of diabetes, measured by the percentage of HbA1c, did not significantly affect RBC and HGB. In diabetic women, unlike men, there was no relationship between RBC and HGB and kidney function, measured with eGFR. Angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers did not significantly affect RBC and HGB in these patients. Multivariate linear regression analysis showed that in type 2 diabetes women variables that affect the RBC included: systolic BP, arrhythmias, taking fibrates. In the multivariate linear regression model variables that influence the HGB in type 2 diabetes women included systolic BP and fibrate treatment. In type 2 diabetes men a statistically significant model of multivariate linear regression for RBC was not obtained. In the multivariate linear regression model the variables that influence the HGB in type 2 diabetes men included: white blood cell count, age, obesity, and taking statins. Conclusions: In women with type 2 diabetes, the RBC is influenced by other factors (systolic BP, cardiac arrhythmias, fibrates and calcium antagonists) than in men (obesity and the use of oral antidiabetic agents). In type 2 diabetes women also other factors influence HGB (systolic BP, cardiac arrhythmias presence, fibrates, calcium antagonists and ACE inhibitors) than in type 2 diabetes men (hypertension, obesity, leukocyte count, age, proton pump inhibitors and statins medication).

Effects of oral administration of copper capsules on helminth control in lactating dairy sheep: An effective alternative to replace conventional antiparasitics during lactation

Two experiments were performed to determine whether oral administration of copper oxide capsules controlled helminthic infections in Lacaune sheep without acute collateral effects on animal health. In experiment 1, 48 multiparous lactating sheep (60.1 ± 8.5 kg) were stratified according to initial number of eggs (Haemonchus contortus) per gram of feces (EPG) and were assigned randomly to 1 of two treatments (24 sheep/treatment): no oral administration (control) or oral administration of two copper capsules (treated; approximately 58 mg copper/kg body weight). Blood and fecal samples were collected on days 0, 15 and 45. Animals treated with copper capsules showed lower of EPG, eosinophils, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in whole blood, and lower butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) activity in serum. Treated sheep had higher erythrocyte numbers, hemoglobin concentrations, hematocrit, and lymphocyte numbers. In experiment 2, 12 male lambs negative for helminths and coccidia were assigned randomly to one of two treatments (six lambs/treatment): control or treated (one copper capsule; approximately 58 mg copper/kg body weight); the experiment was designed to determine whether the results of experiment 1 were due to treatment or parasitism. Blood samples were collected on days 0, 5, 10 and 15 and fecal samples were collected on days 0, 7 and 15. Treated animals showed greater concentrations of lymphocytes; however, treatment had no effect on other hemogram variables, AChE and BChE activities, or levels of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, gamma-glutamyl transferase, creatinine, urea, albumin, total protein, and reactive oxygen species. These data suggest that copper capsules in dairy sheep efficiently controlled H. contortus infections. Treatment was not harmful to lambs during the first 15 days, i.e. there were no signs of acute toxicity.

Analysis of the functional state of red blood cells in patients with surgical pathology of the aorta after surgical intervention using cardiopulmonary bypass (cogortant prospective research)

The aim is to analyse the functional state of red blood cells in patients with surgical pathology of the aorta after surgical intervention using cardiopulmonary bypass.Materials and Methods. 118 patients with surgical aortic pathology (SAP) were examined. Patients were divided into 2 groups. Group I included 46 patients who were additionally prescribed a solution of meglumin sodium succinate (reamberin), group II included 46 patients who were additionally assigned a solution of D-fructose-1,6-diphosphate sodium hydrate (esophosphine). Erythrocyte indices were analyzed: MCV (mean erythrocyte volume), MCH (mean hemoglobin in erythrocyte), MCHC (mean hemoglobin concentration in erythrocyte mass) and RDW (erythrocyte mean volume ratio).Result. When analyzing the dynamics of the indicator of the width of the distribution of erythrocytes by volume (coefficient of the average volume of the erythrocyte) in the blood of patients with groups K, I and II, no significant differences were found between the groups. Despite the absence of statistically significant differences in the RDW index between the groups on a daily basis and in comparison with the starting values, nevertheless, in patients of group II, the recovery of its numbers was faster compared to others. Considering that patients of group II differed in prescribing an additional substance to the main treatment protocol - D-fructose-1,6-diphosphate sodium hydrate salt - its pharmacodynamic effect can be considered positive for the erythrocyte membrane elasticity, their elasticity and hemolytic resistance.Conclusions. It can be argued that the mere fact of anesthesia support using cardiopulmonary bypass negatively affects the state of erythrocyte indices: МСV, МСН, МСНС, RDW. The study provides a vector for the appointment during surgery additional pharmacological substances that would have a positive impact on these indicators

Growth performance, haematology and intestinal histo‐morphology of Nile tilapia fed on Indian Lotus (Nelumbo nuciferaGaertn.) leaf powder at different concentrations

Indian lotus, Nelumbo nucifera (Gaertn.) is a valued medicinal plant that exhibits several pharmacological properties. The present work aimed to investigate the effect of Indian lotus as a feed supplement on the growth performance, haematological and biochemical indices, and intestinal histo-morphology of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus L.). The fish were randomly distributed into four groups and fed on a basal diet containing Indian lotus leaf powder at different concentrations (0, 0.1, 0.2 and 0.4%) for up to 60 days. The results elucidated that Indian lotus supplemented diets (0.2% and 0.4% followed by 0.1%) significantly improved weight gain, specific growth rate (%) and feed conversion ratio (p < .05). The feed intake was significantly increased in the fish fed on the Indian lotus supplemented diets in a dose-dependent manner (p < .05). However, Indian lotus had no significant effect (p > .05) on survival rate, total erythrocytes (RBCs) count, haemoglobin (Hb) and hematocrit value (PCV, %) except a significant reduction on Hb content of the fish fed on 0.2% Indian lotus and a significant increase in PCV (%) in the fish fed on 0.1% Indian lotus (p < .05). The total leucocytes (WBCs), neutrophils and lymphocytes counts displayed significant elevations in the fish fed on the Indian lotus diets especially at 0.2% and 0.4%, whereas significant reduction in neutrophils count in the fish fed on 0.1% Indian lotus (p < .05) was observed. The serum glucose was significantly decreased in the fish fed on Indian lotus (0.1% and 0.2%), whereas cholesterol and triglycerides were markedly increased in the fish fed on the Indian lotus supplemented diets (p < .05). Moreover, the intestinal villous heights and the numbers of goblet cells and intraepithelial lymphocytes (IEL) were significantly boosted in all parts of the intestine in all Indian lotus diet groups as compared with the control group. However, as an exception, villous heights in the middle part of the intestine in the fish fed on 0.1% and 0.4% diets (p < .05) were not affected. In the proximal part, the villous heights and the numbers of goblet cells were markedly increased in fish fed on 0.2% and 0.4% diets followed by 0.1% diet. The fish fed on 0.2% lotus supplemented diet followed by 0.1% and 0.4% supplemented diets exhibited significant elevations in villous heights in the distal part and the numbers of goblet cells in the middle part of the intestine. There were no significant differences between the fish fed on the supplemented diets in the numbers of goblet cells in the distal part and the numbers of IEL in the proximal and middle parts (p > .05). In the distal part, the numbers of IEL revealed a significant elevation in 0.4% lotus supplemented diet followed by 0.1% and 0.2% lotus supplemented diet groups (p < .05). Therefore, this study indicates the advantageous effect of the Indian lotus leaves as a natural feed additive for improving growth, intestinal structure and hence, health status of Nile tilapia.

Genotypic and Phenotypic Analysis of αβ-Thalassemia in Children

To analyze the genotype and hematological characteristics of children with αβ-thalassemia in Shenzhen area of China. The erythrocyte parameters and hemoglobin components of the children were determined by blood routine examination and capillary electrophoresis (CE). Reverse dot blot (RDB) -polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to determine gene mutations in α- and β-thalassemia children. The Gap-PCR was used to determine the gene deletion of α-thalassemia children，while specimens suspected HKαα were determined with nested PCR. Total of 29 complex genotypes were detected from 74 cases of αβ-thalassemia, among which 1 case was determined as β-thalassemia with αααanti4.2/αα and 5 cases were double heterozygous β-thalassemia combining α-thalassemia with intermediate phenotype. 1 case of β-28/βcap+40-43 double heterozygotes combined with --SEA/αα and the other 62 cases were characterized by light β-thalassemia, 2 cases ofβCAP+40-43/βN with --SEA/αα showed light α-thalassemia. The genotypes of αβ-thalassemia in Shenzhen area of China are complex and diverse. The common complex genotypes are similar to those of simple β-thalassemia. If the genotype and phenotype are not consistent, the existence of rare genotype should be considered.

Sarcopenia in systemic sclerosis: the impact of nutritional, clinical, and laboratory features.

We evaluated the presence of sarcopenia in a population of systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients, with respect to nutritional, clinical, and laboratory features. A total of 62 patients who met the ACR/EULAR 2013 classification criteria were enrolled. Sarcopenia was defined according to the Relative Skeletal Mass Index (RSMI) and hand grip strength (HGS). Body composition was assessed with the calculation of the Body Mass Index (BMI), lean body mass (LBM) and fat mass (FM). Malnutrition was evaluated according to the ESPEN criteria. Clinical evaluation included nailfold capillaroscopy and skin evaluation by modified Rodnan Skin Score (mRSS), pulmonary function tests (PFT) with diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide adjusted for hemoglobin (DLCO), high-resolution computed tomography (HR-CT) of the lungs, echocardiography and high-resolution manometry (HRM) for esophageal involvement. Laboratory evaluation included erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), hemoglobin, creatinine, creatine kinase (CK), transaminases, lipid profile, glycemia, albumin, and vitamin-D. Antinuclear antibodies (ANA) and extractable nuclear antigens (ENA) were also assessed. Considering RSMI, the prevalence of sarcopenia is 42%. In this case, age, malnutrition, disease duration, mRSS, capillaroscopy score, esophageal involvement, ESR, and ANA titer are higher in the sarcopenic group, while DLCO and LBM are lower. Considering HGS, the prevalence of sarcopenia is 55%. Age, disease duration, malnutrition, FM, mRSS, capillaroscopy score, esophageal involvement, ESR, and ENA positivity are higher in the sarcopenic group, while DLCO is lower. By using both RSMI and HGS to assess sarcopenia in SSc, the results of this study demonstrated that this condition correlates with different nutritional, clinical, and biochemical parameters associated with the worsening of the disease.

Fetal hemoglobin does not inhibit Plasmodium falciparum growth

Key Points P falciparum growth is not inhibited in either cord or heterozygote hereditary persistence of fetal hemoglobin erythrocytes. P falciparum growth in fetal hemoglobin erythrocytes is oxygen independent.

Heinz body-related interference with leukocyte and erythrocyte variables obtained by an automated hematology analyzer in cats.

Heinz bodies (HBs) are known to interfere with automated hematology in cats, particularly with the white blood cell (WBC) count. We evaluated the influence of feline HBs on the complete blood count (CBC) results obtained using a flow cytometry-based analyzer. We retrospectively selected cats with circulating HBs and reviewed the results of their CBCs, including red blood cell (RBC) indices, basophil/lobularity (Baso) WBC count (WBCB), peroxidase (Perox) WBC count (WBCP), and cytograms. Based on the presence or absence of HB-related artifacts in their Baso cytogram, cats were grouped into Baso-HBs and HBs groups, respectively, for comparison. The WBCB and WBCP were compared to manual counts of WBCs carried out on blood smears at 400× (MC-WBC). We included 32 cats in our study: 9 of 32 were in the Baso-HBs group, and 23 of 32 were in the HBs group. Baso-HBs cats had a significantly increased HB percentage (p < 0.001), WBCB (p < 0.001), difference between WBCB and WBCP (p < 0.001), lymphocyte count (p < 0.001), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (p < 0.001), and difference between calculated and measured erythrocyte hemoglobin concentrations (p < 0.001) compared to HBs cats. In Baso-HBs cats, the WBCB was significantly higher than the WBCP (p = 0.02); no significant difference was detected between the WBCP and the MC-WBC (p = 0.88). Evaluation of automated CBC results raised the suspicion of HB-related interference when using a hematology analyzer in cats; hence, blood smear examination remains essential in routine practice.

The Impact of Perinatal Cobalt Chloride Exposure on Extramedullary Erythropoiesis, Tissue Iron Levels, and Transferrin Receptor Expression in Mice.

The objective of the present study was to elucidate the effect of perinatal cobalt chloride (CoCl2) exposure on extramedullary erythropoiesis in suckling mice in relation to iron (Fe) content and transferrin receptor (TfR) expression. Pregnant ICR mice were subjected to a daily dose of 75 mg CoCl2/kg body weight 2-3 days prior and 18 days after delivery. Co exposure significantly increased erythrocyte count (RBC), and reduced the erythrocytic parameters mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) in the offspring. Total iron-binding capacity (TIBC) was decreased while bilirubin values were ~ 1.2-fold higher in the metal-exposed mice. Perinatal CoCl2 treatment also induced pathohistological changes in target organs (spleen, liver, and kidneys) as altered organ weight indices, leukocyte infiltration, abundant Kupffer cells in the liver, increased mesangial cellularity, and reduced capsular space in the kidney. CoCl2 administration induced significant 68-, 3.8-, 41.3-, and 162-fold increase of Co content in the kidney, spleen, liver, and RBC, respectively. Fe content in the target organs of CoCl2-treated mice was also significantly elevated. Immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated that TfR1 was well expressed in the renal tubules, hepatocytes, the red pulp, and marginal zone of white pulp in the spleen. TfR2 showed similar expression pattern, but its expression was stronger in the spleen and liver samples of Co-treated mice compared with that of the untreated controls. The results demonstrate that exposure to CoCl2 during late pregnancy and early postnatal period affects body and organ weights and alters hematological and biochemical parameters, iron content, and TfR expression in target organs.

Non-invasive measurement techniques for quantitative assessment of optic nerve head blood flow.

Diseases of the optic nerve head involving changes in blood flow are common. However, the pathophysiology is not always fully understood. Several non-invasive methods for measuring optic nerve head blood flow are available, but currently no gold standard has been established. Methods for measuring blood flow in optic neuropathies including colour Doppler imaging, retinal function imager, optical coherence tomography angiography and laser speckle flowgraphy are reviewed. Ultrasound colour Doppler imaging is a fast measurement technique where several different parameters, especially the blood flow velocity, can be calculated. Though used for many years in ophthalmology, its use is not standardized and it requires significant observer skills. The retinal function imager is a direct method where the haemoglobin in erythrocytes is visualized and blood flow velocities in retinal vessels are calculated from a series of photos. The technique is not suitable for direct measurement of blood flow within the optic nerve head. Laser speckle flowgraphy uses a laser light which creates a light scatter pattern in the tissue. Particles moving in the area causes changes in the speckle pattern from which a relative blood flow can be estimated. It is, however, not known whether optic nerve head microcirculation is measurable with the technique. Optical coherence tomography angiography uses multiple scans to evaluate blood flow with good reproducibility but often problems with artefacts. The technique is continuously being refined and increasingly used in research as a tool for the study of blood flow in retinopathies and optic neuropathies. Most of the conducted studies are based on small sample sizes, but some of the methods show promising results in an optic nerve head blood flow research setting. Further and larger studies are required to provide standardized and comparable measurements before one or more of the methods can be considered clinical helpful in daily practice.

Inhibition of Plasmodium falciparum cysteine protease falcipain-2 by a human cross-class inhibitor serpinB3: A mechanistic insight

Falcipain-2(FP2), a cysteine protease from Plasmodium falciparum, cleaves host erythrocyte hemoglobin and specific membrane skeleton components during the parasite life cycle. Therefore its inhibition has been considered as an attractive approach to combat the disease. SerpinB3 (SPB3) belongs to the ovalbumin-serpin family and is a potent cross-class inhibitor of cysteine cathepsins L, K, S and papain. This study explored the possibility of inhibition of FP2 by SPB3. It turned out that general proteolytic activities as well as specific hemoglobinolytic activity of FP2 have been inhibited by SPB3. Furthermore, studies have been designed to investigate and characterize the mechanism of inhibition in comparison with proteases Cathepsin L (CTSL) and papain. The Ki value of inhibition for FP2, measured against its specific substrate (VLK-pNA), is 338.11 nM and stoichiometry (I/E ratio) of inhibition is 1. These values are comparable to CTSL and papain. Analytical gel filtration profile and CD spectroscopy data confirm FP2-SPB3 complex formation. Our studies revealed that interaction of SPB3 with FP2 is non-covalent type like that of CTSL and papain but unlike other serine protease-inhibiting serpins. An in-silico docking and simulation study have been performed with FP2 as well as CTSL and results suggest different binding mode for FP2 and CTSL, though both the complexes are stable with significant contribution from electrostatic energy of interaction. We further showed a disease state mutant SPB3-Gly351Ala performed better anti-protease activity against FP2. This study, for the first time, has shown a serpin family inhibitor from human could efficiently inhibit activity of FP2.

Comparative study of the efficacy of gentamicin-coated intramedullary interlocking nail versus regular intramedullary interlocking nail in Gustilo type I and II open tibia fractures

PurposeOpen tibia fracture is prone to infection, consequently causing significant morbidity and increasing the hospital stay, occupational loss and onset of chronic osteomyelitis. Intramedullary nailing is one choice for treating tibia shaft fractures. To improve the delivery of antibiotics at the tissue-implant interface, many methods have been proposed as a part of prophylaxis against infection. This study was conducted to study the role of gentamicin-impregnated intramedullary interlocking (IMIL) nail in the prevention of infection in Gustilo type I and II open tibia fractures and to compare the results with regular intramedullary nail. MethodsThe study included 28 patients with open tibia fractures (Gustilo type 1 or type 2); of them 14 underwent regular IMIL nailing and the other 14 were treated with gentamicin-coated nailing. Randomization was done by alternate allocation of the patients. Follow-up was done postoperatively (day 1), 1 week, 6 weeks, and 6 months for bone union, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), hemoglobin and C-reactive protein (CRP). Statistical significance was tested using unpaired t-test. A p value less than 0.05 was considered significant. ResultsThere were 4 cases of infection in controls (regular IMIL nail) and no infection among patients treated with gentamicin-coated nail during the follow up (X2 = 4.66, p = 0.031). At 6 months postoperatively, CRP (p = 0.031), ESR (p = 0.046) and hemoglobin level (p = 0.016) showed significant difference between two groups. The bone healing rate was better with gentamicin-coated nail in comparison to regular IMIL nail at 6 months follow-up (p = 0.016). ConclusionGentamicin-coated IMIL nail has a positive role in preventing infection in Gustilo type I and II open tibia fractures.