Levels Of Hp Research Articles

Oxidative Status and Acute Phase Response in Post-transition Early- and Mid-lactation Holstein Cows and Their Correlations with Some Performance Records

Oxidative stress and acute phase response were assessed in post-transition early-lactation and mid-lactation Holstein cows regards to the possible effects on milk production and reproductive performance. In two farms, 113 cows, 2-6 years old within 21-150 days in milk (DIM) were sampled for whole blood three times with 30-day intervals. The concentrations of glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), haptoglobin (Hp) and serum amyloid A (SAA) were measured in plasma. Three DIM stages were defined for further comparisons: DIM=21-70 as a post-transition early-lactation; 71-110 as the late weeks of early-lactation and the early weeks of mid-lactation; and 111-150 as the major portion of mid-lactation. Blood parameters (DIM=21-150) of the cows that conceived before (n=29) and after (n=56) DIM=110 and the cows that remained open (n=27) were also compared with the same test. The relationships between blood parameters (DIM=21-150) and performance indices were studied by Spearman’s rho correlation test. The studied performance records were not statistically different (P>0.05) between farms and between the cows that conceived (n=85) and the cows that remained open (n=27). GPx was not different (P>0.05) among DIM stages in the sum of both farms, though it increased significantly in Farm 2 at DIM=111-150. The levels of SOD and MDA were not different between farms and among DIM stages (P>0.05). The levels of Hp and SAA through DIM stages were close to or higher than those reported in fresh or diseased cows and their changes were mostly not significant. Performance records and blood parameters were not different (P>0.05) between the cows that conceived before DIM=110 or later and those that remained open. Negative correlations were observed between Hp and the maximum milk yield of the first 90 days (r=-0.20, P=0.034) and average milk yield during 150 DIM (r=-0.17, P=0.065). No relationship was observed between the plasma parameters and the studied reproductive records. The activity of GPx showed negative correlations with the level of Hp (r=-0.14, P=0.036) and the activity of SOD (r=-0.19, P=0.004). Oxidative stress was not a problem of the studied farms during DIM=21-150. However, high levels of Hp and SAA could reveal continuous mild stressful or inflammatory conditions during DIM=21-150, contributing to the less efficient milk production.

Decreased serum level of thioredoxin 1 in female patients with pneumonia and its combinational use with haptoglobin for the specific diagnoses of pneumonia and lung cancer.

Thioredoxin 1 (Trx1) and haptoglobin (Hp) are known to be involved in pathophysiology. This study was conducted to evaluate their diagnostic significance. We employed an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to determine the concentrations of both Trx1 and Hp in sera from female patients with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) and those with lung cancer. The Trx1 levels remarkably decreased in cases of female patients with CAP, while the Hp levels increased in both female patients with lung cancer and CAP. In addition, the serum levels of Trx1 were not significantly changed in patients with lung cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, and cardiovascular diseases compared to healthy controls. At the cut-off point of 0.396 at A450 nm on the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, Trx1 could discriminate between patients with CAP from normal female controls with a sensitivity of 72.5%, a specificity of 89.8%, and area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.877 ± 0.040. The serum levels of Trx1 in female CAP patients were inversely correlated with the levels of Hp (p < 0.05). The characteristic reduction in serum Trx1 levels, especially in female CAP patients, indicates that Trx1 could be used as a diagnostic marker for CAP. The advantage of serum Trx1 over Hp in discriminating female CAP patients among female patients who have a positive serum level of Hp suggests the use of Trx1 as an excellent combination marker with Hp for the specific diagnosis of CAP and lung carcinoma, because serum Hp levels increase in female patients with lung cancer and those with CAP without selectivity.

Understanding the role of haptoglobin in psoriasis: effects of ultraviolet B.

Haptoglobin (Hp) is one of the acute phase proteins, whose main function is to bind free haemoglobin (Hb) and transport it to the liver for degradation and iron recycling. In addition to its role as an Hb scavenger, Hp has been shown to behave as an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and angiogenic factor. We previously investigated the role of Hp in the pathogenesis of psoriasis, and found that it displays some structural modifications that might be associated with protein function in the disease. Phototherapy is an efficacious treatment for psoriasis, although the biological mechanisms by which phototherapy improves psoriasis are still unclear. To investigate the effects of ultraviolet (UV)B on Hp to clarify the role of Hp in psoriasis. Expression of the genes encoding Hp, interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-10 was assessed in UVB-irradiated and unirradiated HaCaT cells. The biological significance of Hp modulation of UVB treatment was confirmed by ELISA and Western blotting. The Hp gene and protein expression in the skin of patients with psoriasis was also investigated. In vitro results showed that UVB modulated IL-6 and IL-10 gene expression and Hp gene and protein expression in HaCaT cells. The invivo data also showed that Hp levels were increased in the skin of patients with psoriasis compared with healthy controls. UVB irradiation was able to modulate Hp production in immortalized keratinocytes. The higher levels of Hp invivo in both lesional and nonlesional skin suggest that it might have a role in the pathogenesis of the disease.

Inflammatory cytokine and acute phase protein concentrations in the peripheral blood and uterine washings of cows with subclinical endometritis in the late postpartum period.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the concentrations of proinflammatory cytokines: tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-10 (IL-10), and acute phase proteins (APPs)—haptoglobin (Hp) and serum amyloid A (SAA) in serum and uterine washings of cows with subclinical endometritis, and compare them to healthy animals. The study was performed on 24 cows on day 60 after delivery. The cows were divided into two groups based on the results of cytological tests: 12 cows with subclinical endometritis and 12 healthy cows. Experimental material consisted of blood serum and uterine washings. The levels of the following cytokines in the study material were determined with ELISA: TNF-α, IL-6, IL-10 and APPs - Hp and SAA. The results show that the levels of TNF-α (p < 0.01), IL-6, IL-10 as well as SAA and Hp were significantly higher in the serum of cows with subclinical endometritis compared to the controls (p < 0.001). Uterine washings had significantly higher levels of IL-6, IL-10, and Hp in the experimental cows compared to the controls (p < 0.001). The demonstrated differences in the concentration of cytokines and APP between cows with subclinical endometritis and healthy cows, in both the serum and uterine washings, may suggest the usefulness of these parameters in the diagnosis of subclinical endometritis in cows in the late postpartum period.

The concentrations of inflammatory cytokines and acute-phase proteins in the peripheral blood and uterine washings in cows with pyometra.

The development of pyometra in cows depends largely on the state of local immunity of the uterus. The objective of the study was to evaluate the concentration of the following proinflammatory cytokines: tumour necrosis factor (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6); anti-inflammatory cytokine: interleukin-10 (IL-10); and acute-phase proteins (APPs): haptoglobin (Hp) and serum amyloid A (SAA), in serum and uterine washings in cows with pyometra and healthy animals. The study was performed on 20 cows divided into two groups based on the results of cytological and ultrasonographic tests: a pyometra and a healthy group (10 cows per group). Experimental material consisted of blood serum and uterine washings. The levels of the following cytokines, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-10 and APPs - Hp and SAA, in the study material were determined by ELISA. The results showed that the values of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-10 as well as SAA and Hp were significantly higher in serum of cows with pyometra compared to controls (p<0.001). The uterine washings had significantly higher levels of IL-6, IL-10, and Hp in pyometra cows compared to the control (p<0.001). Our results indicate that it is possible to monitor the course of pyometra in cows based on the evaluation of the concentration of cytokines and Hp in the serum and uterine washings. Simultaneous evaluation of selected indicators of antagonistic interaction can be helpful in determining the current status of local immunity of the uterus. On this basis, it could be possible to properly select an adjunctive therapy in the form of immunomodulating preparations.

Inflammatory cytokines and acute-phase proteins concentrations in the peripheral blood and uterus of cows that developed endometritis during early postpartum

The aim of the study was to evaluate the level of proinflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-α [TNF-α], interleukin-6 [IL-6]), anti-inflammatory cytokine (interleukin-10 [IL-10]), and acute-phase proteins (haptoglobin [Hp] and serum amyloid A [SAA]) in serum and uterine washings in cows that developed endometritis during the early postpartum period. The study was carried out on 40 cows. The experimental group consisted of 20 cows with subclinical endometritis and the control group of 20 cows without endometritis. Analyses in both groups of cows were carried out at 5, 22, and 40 days postpartum (DPP). Experimental material consisted of the blood serum and uterine washings. The levels of the following cytokines: TNF-α, IL-6, IL-10 and acute-phase proteins: Hp and SAA were determined using ELISA. Our study reported that the levels of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-10, Hp, and SAA at 22 DPP were higher in cows with subclinical endometritis (P < 0.001). The levels of TNF-α (P = 0.01), IL-6 and IL-10 (P = 0.001), and Hp (P < 0.001) at 40 DPP were higher in cows with subclinical endometritis compared to healthy cows. The level of IL-10 in uterine washings at 5 DPP was higher (P = 0.001), whereas of SAA was lower (P = 0.01) in cows with subclinical endometritis. At 22 DPP, the levels of IL-6, IL-10, and Hp were higher (P < 0.001) in cows with endometritis. At 40 DPP, the level of TNF-α was lower, whereas these of IL-10 and Hp were elevated (P < 0.001) in cows with endometritis compared to healthy cows. The results indicate that the evaluation of the levels of cytokines and Hp in serum, but primarily in uterine washings, can be an important diagnostic indicator in cows that developed subclinical endometritis. High levels of IL-10 in cows with subclinical endometritis may contribute to the weakening of local resistance mechanisms of the uterus and lead to the persistence of the inflammation in the postpartum period. The present study also shows that the simultaneous examination of selected parameters of antagonistic interactions allows for better assessment of the current state of local immunity in the uterus.

Proteomics analysis of urine reveals acute phase response proteins as candidate diagnostic biomarkers for prostate cancer.

Despite the overall success of prostate specific antigen (PSA) in screening and detection of prostate cancer (PCa), its use has been limited due to the lack of specificity. The principal driving goal currently within PCa research is to identify non-invasive biomarker(s) for early detection of aggressive tumors with greater sensitivity and specificity than PSA. In this study, we focused on identification of non-invasive biomarkers in urine with higher specificity than PSA. We tested urine samples from PCa and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) patients by 2-D DIGE coupled with MS and bioinformatics analysis. Statistically significant (p < 0.05), 1.8 fold variation or more in abundance, showed 41 spots, corresponding to 23 proteins. The Ingenuity Pathway Analysis showed significant association with the Acute Phase Response Signaling pathway. Nine proteins with differential abundances were included in this pathway: AMBP, APOA1, FGA, FGG, HP, ITIH4, SERPINA1, TF and TTR. The expression pattern of 4 acute phase response proteins differed from the defined expression in the canonical pathway. The urine levels of TF, AMPB and HP were measured by immunoturbidimetry in an independent validation set. The concentration of AMPB in urine was significantly higher in PCa while levels of TF and HP were opposite (p < 0.05). The AUC for the individual proteins ranged from 0.723 to 0.754. The combination of HP and AMBP yielded the highest accuracy (AUC = 0.848), greater than PSA. The proposed biomarker set is quickly quantifiable and economical with potential to improve the sensitivity and specificity of PCa detection.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12953-014-0059-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Long Term Effect of High Glucose and Phosphate Levels on the OPG/RANK/RANKL/TRAIL System in the Progression of Vascular Calcification in rat Aortic Smooth Muscle Cells.

Osteoprotegerin (OPG), receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL)/receptor activator of NF-κB (RANK) axis, and TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) participate in vascular calcification process including atherosclerosis, but their contributions under high glucose (HG) and phosphate (HP) condition for a long-term period (more than 2 weeks) have not been fully determined. In this study, we evaluated the effects of HG and HP levels over 2 or 4 weeks on the progression of vascular calcification in rat vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Calcium deposition in VSMCs was increased in medium containing HG (30 mmol/L D-glucose) with β-glycerophosphate (β-GP, 12 mmol/L) after 2 weeks and increased further after 4 weeks. OPG mRNA and protein expressions were unchanged in HG group with or without β-GP after 2 weeks. However, after 4 weeks, OPG mRNA and protein expressions were significantly lower in HG group with β-GP. No significant expression changes were observed in RANKL, RANK, or TRAIL during the experiment. After 4 weeks of treatment in HG group containing β-GP and rhBMP-7, an inhibitor of vascular calcification, OPG expressions were maintained. Furthermore, mRNA expression of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), a marker of vascular mineralization, was lower in the presence of rhBMP-7. These results suggest that low OPG levels after long term HG and phosphate stimulation might reduce the binding of OPG to RANKL and TRAIL, and these changes could increase osteo-inductive VSMC differentiation, especially vascular mineralization reflected by increased ALP activity during vascular calcification.

Hydroxycarbamide Is Related with Higher Expression of Band-3 and CD59 in Sickle Erythrocytes

BACKGROUND: Sickle Cell Anemia (SCA) presents extra and intravascular hemolysis. The eryptosis depends on phagocytosis signs like CD47, which is known as a "don’t eat me" signal. Other mechanisms associated to hemolysis, such as complement activation mediated by CD59, are poorly understood. One of the effects of hydroxycarbamide (HU) is the reduction of hemolysis, but little is known about the action of HU in these mechanisms.OBJECTIVES: To evaluate markers related to hemolysis in patients with SCA at steady state, with and without HU.METHODS: We studied 40 adult patients with SCA (n=36) or Sβ0-Thalassemia (n=4), 70% females, median age 30 years (range 18-70y). The patients were followed at the Outpatient Clinic of EPM /UNIFESP. Inclusion criteria: patients in use of HU in maximum tolerated dose for more than 1 year (G1, n=20); or without HU (G2, n=20). Exclusion criteria: pregnant women and chronic transfusion. Laboratory evaluation: CBC, reticulocyte (Ret), fetal hemoglobin (HbF), indirect bilirubin, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), LDH isoforms, free Hb (free-Hb), haptoglobin (Hp), hemopexin, phosphatidylserine, microvesicles (Mcv), Howell-Jolly bodies (in erythrocytes and Ret), and expression of band-3, CD47 (in erythrocyte and Ret) and CD59 (in erythrocytes and Mcv). The last parameters were evaluated by flow cytometry (FACS Calibur®, BDB, San Jose, CA), using specific antibodies according to the manufacturer instructions. Data were analyzed by CellQuest® software (BDB), and the results expressed in median fluorescence intensity or percentage of positivity. Statistical analysis: Mann-Whitney test and Pearson’s correlation, with significance level of 5%.RESULTS: Themean corpuscular volume and HbF were higher in G1 than G2 (p=0.033, p=0.0001, respectively) (Table 1). Free-Hb, LDH and isoforms LDH-1, -2, and -3 were lower in G1 (p=0.023, p=0.003, p=0.005, p=0.001, p=0.002, respectively). There were correlation between free-Hb and LDH-1 (r=0.45, p=0.003), LDH-2 (r=0.80, p=0.001), and LDH-3 (r=0.71, p=0.001). As expected, Hp was diminished in all patients, however G1 patients showed higher values (p=0.040). The expression of band 3 and of CD59, in erythrocytes and Mcv, were higher in G1 (p=0.001, p<0.0001 and p<0.0001, respectively). Other variables showed no statistical difference.DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: The beneficial effects of HU include decrease hemolysis, although the associated mechanisms are still unknown. Total LDH and isoforms levels were decreased in patients using HU. LDH-2 and LDH-3 showed an important correlation with free-Hb. Despite the fact that LDH-3 has been considered a nonspecific marker of tissue damage and frequently associated with lung injury, our results suggest that LDH-3 may be a valuable marker of hemolysis. The use of HU was also associated with higher levels of Hp, reinforcing its possible role on intravascular hemolysis. The higher band-3 and CD59 expression in HU patients support the protective action of this drug in sickle erythrocytes, since lower expression of these proteins have been associated with erythrocyte aging. These data present new and important insights on the effects of HU in sickle erythrocyte survival.This work was supported by FAPESP (2011/17349-0) and CAPES-SUS.Table 1:Laboratorial data.G1with HUG2without HUpMean corpuscular volume (fL)111.0 (86.6 - 125.0)86.8 (71.9 - 106.6)< 0.0001Fetal Hemoglobin (HbF, %)12.6 (1.5 - 46.6)6.9 (0.8 - 27.1)0.0337LDH (U/L)351 (214 - 728)526 (174 – 1,112)0.0035LDH -1 (U/L)154.9 (72.1 - 361.0)225.7 (54.1 -3,248)0.0054LDH -2 (U/L)132.5 (86.5 - 361.4)203.2 (71.9 - 421.4 )0.0013LDH -3 (U/L)33.7 (25.7 - 69.9)56.0 (28.0 - 111.2)0.0025Free Hemoglobin (free-Hb, mcg/dL)51.2 (15.1 - 248.1)104.6 (24.9 - 286.1)0.0239Haptoglobin (Hp, mcg/dL)0.6 (0 - 90.8)0.1 (0 - 56.59)0.0406Microvesicles (Mcv, /µL)21,643 (5,322 – 51,726)32,185 (8,708 – 114,384)0.0639Howell Jolly in erytrocytes (x106)5,350 (1,800 – 164,850)2,750 (100 -75,850)0.0829Band-3 (MFI)396.0 (291.6 - 461.5)342.2 (217.7 - 388.9)0.0010CD47 in Ret (MFI)164.7 (95.6 - 230.8)146.6 (96.4 - 226.7)0.2913CD59 in erytrocytes (MFI)1,039 (749.9 – 1,202)808.0 (523.5 -1,032)<0.0001CD59 in Mcv (MFI)830.7 (636.4 - 1.023)604.8 (495.9 - 802.2)<0.0001HU = hydroxycarbamide; Ret= reticulocytes; LDH= Lactate Dehydrogenase ; MFI= median fluorescence intensity DisclosuresNo relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Assessment of diagnostic and therapeutic approaches of Helicobacter pylori-associated iron deficiency and anemia in children with dyspeptic symptoms.

This study assessed the diagnostic approaches of Helicobacter pylori (IP)-associated iron deficiency (ID) and anemia (IDA) in children with dyspeptic symptoms and evaluated the effect of simultaneous anti-H. pylori (anti-HIP) therapy and oral iron in comparison with each of anti? HP therapy and oral iron therapy alone, on iron status as assessed by serum soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR) level. Two hundreds children with dyspeptic symptoms were subjected to clinical evaluation, stool examination, CBC, biochemical assays for serum iron parameters and measurements of serum IgG antibodies to HP and serum sTfR level by ELISA. Sixty children were found to have HP. associated ID or IDA and were randomly divided into 3 groups (20 children each). GA received 2-week anti-HP therapy plus 90-day oral iron, and GB received 2-week anti-HP therapy alone whereas group C received 90-day oral iron alone. Re-evaluation of the 3 groups was performed after 3 months of treatment initiation by repeat CBC and serum sTfR level. Children (45%) were HP-seropositive. The mean values of serum sTfR were significantly higher in HP-positive group and in HP-positive children with IDA than in HP-negative group and in HP-negative children with IDA although no significant differences were noted in hematologic variables and iron parameters between the corresponding groups and children. As regard treatment groups, there were significant improvements in the mean values of indices of IDA status (HIb, MCH, MCV, sTfR) and ID status (sTtRi) at 3 months of treatment initiation compared with their baseline values after. anti-HP triple therapy either with oral iron or without oral iron whereas the control children who were treated with oral iron alone showed insignificant changes despite oral iron administration. The improvements in these parameters were significantly greater in groups of children who received anti-HP therapy either combined with iron or alone, where compared with those who did not receive anti-HP therapy. Their magnitudes were significantly higher among children receiving anti-HP therapy combined with oral iron when compared with that receiving anti-HP therapy alone.

Efferent intestinal lymph protein responses in nematode-resistant, -resilient and -susceptible lambs under challenge with Trichostrongylus colubriformis.

Breeding lines of sheep with resistance (R), resilience (Ri) or susceptibility (S) to nematode infections provide an experimental model to examine the biological mechanisms underlying the ability of some sheep to expel worms and remain healthy without the use of an anthelmintic. Using proteomics we identified differences in the expression of acute phase lymph proteins in the R, Ri and S lambs. The results will assist the development of alternative control strategies to manage nematode infections in livestock.

Haptoglobin phenotypes as a risk factor for coronary artery disease in type 2 diabetes mellitus: An Egyptian study

ObjectiveDiabetes has long been known to be an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Recognition of diabetic individuals at greatest risk of developing coronary artery disease (CAD) would have important public health importance by allowing the distribution of limited resources to be directed on those who would most benefit from aggressive management. Several functional differences between haptoglobin (Hp) phenotypes have been demonstrated that appear to have important biological and clinical consequences in the development of CAD in patients with type 2 DM. The present study was conducted to demonstrate the relationship between the Hp phenotypes and the development of CAD among Egyptian patients with type 2 DM. To our knowledge this work had not been carried out in Egypt before. Subjects and methodsThe study included 160 subjects divided into three groups. Group I: 72 type 2 DM patients without CAD, Group II: 48 type 2DM patients with developed CAD, Group III: 40 age and gender matched apparently healthy subjects to serve as controls. All patients and controls were subjected to full history taking, complete clinical examination, and routine laboratory investigations. Serum C-reactive protein (CRP) levels and serum haptoglobin levels were measured. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used for Hp phenotypes’ determination. ResultsAnalysis revealed association between Hp2-2 phenotype and the presence of CAD in type 2 DM. Hp and CRP serum levels were significantly higher in patients with CAD. Although the levels of Hp did not reach significance among patients with different Hp phenotypes yet the individual with Hp2-2 phenotype had trend toward higher level. ConclusionHp2-2 phenotype is considered to be a major susceptibility gene for the development of CAD in type 2 DM. Awareness of this gene susceptibility should raise future research for proper treatment and prevention of CAD development in type 2 DM.

Genetic factors associated with serum haptoglobin level in a Japanese population

BackgroundHaptoglobin (HP) is an acute-phase protein induced by inflammatory stimuli. Its serum level varies in several clinical conditions and among individuals. The common HP alleles (HP1 and HP2), HP complete deletion allele (HPdel), and two SNPs (rs5472 and rs2000999) have been reported to be possible genetic determinants of serum HP levels so far. However, no studies have explored the relationship among the polymorphisms using the same samples. For this purpose, the impact of these polymorphisms was examined using Japanese heterozygote samples of the HPdel allele because all of the polymorphisms were found in Japanese samples. MethodsWe collected 194 HPdel heterozygotes and 385 randomly selected samples without HPdel from 5679 Japanese samples. Genotyping of all polymorphisms was performed by PCR using hydrolysis probes. Phenotyping of the common HP alleles was determined by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Serum HP level was measured by a sandwich ELISA. ResultsWe observed a significant association between each of the polymorphisms and serum HP level. Two SNPs, rs5472 and rs2000999, were found to be in almost absolute linkage disequilibrium. ConclusionsWe suggest that rs5472 is a strong genetic determinant of HP levels in Japanese samples, in addition to rs2000999, the common HP alleles, and HPdel. Further, the haplotypes of these polymorphisms were determined automatically and the effects of the polymorphisms were clearer in HPdel heterozygotes than samples without HPdel.

Cardioprotective Effects of Astaxanthin against Isoproterenol-Induced Cardiotoxicity in Rats

Myocardial infarction (MI) is an important cause of mortality around the world. Isoproterenol (ISO) is a synthetic catecholamine found to cause toxicity leading to severe stress in the myocardium of experimental animals. The aim of the present article is to investigate cardioprotective activity of astaxanthin against ISO-induced cardiotoxicity in adult rats, in an attempt to understand its mechanism of action, which may pave the way for possible therapeutic applications. Oral administration of astaxanthin at a concentration of 50 and 100 mg/kg b.wt. daily for 58 days showed a significant protection against-induced alteration in plasma and cardiac SOD, GPx, GSH and CAT as well as CK-MB, LDH, ALT and AST activities. In addition, astaxanthin reduced plasma CK-MB, LDH, ALT and AST as well as cardiac MDA and HP levels as compare to control group. In conclusion, astaxanthin renders resiliency against isoproterenol cardiotoxicity due to its antioxidant and free radical scavenging activity that might serve as novel adjuvant therapy with isoproterenol.

Growth Hormone Deficiency and Lysinuric Protein Intolerance: Case Report and Review of the Literature.

Lysinuric protein intolerance (LPI; MIM# 222700) is a rare metabolic disorder caused by a defective cationic amino acids (CAA) membrane transport leading to decreased circulating plasma CAA levels and resulting in dysfunction of the urea cycle. Short stature is commonly observed in children with LPI and has been associated with protein malnutrition. A correlation between LPI and growth hormone deficiency (GHD) has also been postulated because of the known interaction between the AA arginine, ornithine, and lysine and growth hormone (GH) secretion. Our report describes a case of GHD in an LPI patient, who has not presented a significant increase in growth velocity with recombinant-human GH (rhGH) therapy, suggesting some possible pathogenic mechanisms of growth failure. The proband was a 6-year-old boy, diagnosed as suffering from LPI, erythrophagocytosis (HP) in bone marrow, and short stature. Two GH provocative tests revealed GHD. The patient started rhGH therapy and a controlled-protein diet initially with supplementation of oral arginine and then of citrulline. At 3-year follow-up, no significant increase in growth velocity and in insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) levels was observed. Inadequate nutrition and low plasmatic levels of arginine, ornithine, lysine, and HP may have contributed to his poor growth. Our case suggests that growth failure in patients with GHD and LPI treated with rhGH could have a complex and multifactorial pathogenesis. Persistently low plasmatic levels of lysine, arginine, and ornithine, associated with dietary protein and caloric restriction and systemic inflammation, could determine a defect in coupling GH to IGF-1 production explaining why GH replacement therapy is not able to significantly improve growth impairment. We hypothesize that a better understanding of growth failure pathophysiology in these patients could lead to the development of more rational strategies to treat short stature in patients with LPI.

Serum Adiponectin Level in Diabetic Patients with and withoutHelicobacter pyloriInfection: Is There Any Difference?

Background. Increased insulin resistance is an extragastrointestinal manifestation of Helicobacter pylori (HP) infection. HP changes the level of inflammatory markers and cytokines and changes the adipocyte function by altering the adiponectin level. Given the high prevalence of HP and diabetes in our society, we evaluated the association between HP and serum adiponectin level. In this cross-sectional study, 211 diabetic patients under treatment other than insulin were studied. These patients were divided into two groups of HP+ and HP− based on their HP IgG antibody serology and their blood adiponectin levels were measured. Data was analyzed using independent t-test, Chi-square test, and Fisher's exact test. Results. Seventy-two patients with an average age of 51.56 ± 8.34 years were HP− and 139 patients with an average age of 50.35 ± 9.01 years were HP+. The mean serum adiponectin level in HP− and HP+ groups was 4.54 ± 5.43 and 5.64 ± 3.88 ng/mL, respectively. Insulin resistance degree was significantly higher in HP+ group (HP− = 3.160 ± 3.327 versus HP+ = 4.484 ± 3.781, P = 0.013) but no significant difference was found between the mean serum adiponectin level in HP− and HP+ groups (P = 0.140). Conclusions. Although the insulin resistance degree was significantly higher in HP+ diabetic patients, no significant relationship was found between HP infection and serum levels of adiponectin.

Concentrations of C-reactive protein, serum amyloid A, and haptoglobin in uterine arterial and peripheral blood in bitches with pyometra

Pyometra is a life-threatening reproductive disorder that affects the uterus of female dogs. This study was designed to identify the possible indicators of uterine inflammation by comparing C-reactive protein (CRP), serum amyloid A (SAA), and haptoglobin (Hp) concentrations in uterine arterial and peripheral venous blood in bitches with open- and closed-cervix pyometra. CRP, SAA, and Hp concentrations were higher in bitches with closed-cervix pyometra irrespective of the site of blood collection. Higher acute-phase protein concentrations were observed in peripheral compared with uterine arterial blood in bitches with closed-cervix pyometra, whereas the levels were comparable in dogs with open-cervix pyometra. Our results indicate that mean acute-phase protein concentrations differ according to pyometra type/severity and blood source and suggest the possible use of peripheral blood levels of CRP, SAA, and Hp to monitor inflammation during the course of pyometra.

SAT0155 The Relationship Between Clinical Disease Activity and Acute Phase Response in Behcet’S Disease

BackgroundDisease activity evaluation in Behcet’s Disease (BD) needs to be based on the clinical features due to thefluctuating course of the disease and absence of reliable laboratory indices that are...

The relationship between serum levels of haptoglobin and neopterin and the number of episodes in patients with major depression

Objective: In explaining the association between depression and immune system pro-inflammatory cytokines have come to the fore and there appears to be an increase in particular at the cellular immune response. Neopterin measurements enable monitoring of the cellular immune response although its specific function is still not fully described. Similarly, haptoglobin (Hp), a positive acute phase protein, has been mentioned as well. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of depressive episodes on serum levels of neopterin and Hp by comparing serum haptoglobin and neopterin levels of the depressive patients in their first attack with those of depression patients suffering from recurrent attacks, and with the healthy control group. Method: Eighty patients who admitted to the outpatient psychiatry clinic of Ankara Gulhane Military Medical Academy (GMMF) were included in the study. Fourty-four individuals were being followed up with a diagnosis of first episode depression. There were 36 patients in the recurrent major depression (MD) group. The control group consisted of 41 healthy individuals. Of recurrent MD patients, 22 patients were in their second episode, 16 patients were in their third attack and 6 patients had four episodes or more. Severity of depression was evaluated with 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D). Peripheral venous blood samples were collected from participants to determine complete blood count, routine biochemistry, serum neopterin, and haptoglobin measurements. The levels of serum neopterin and haptoglobin were measured by using the samples that were collected between the hours of 8:00 am and 11:00 am after 12 hour fasting during the previous night. Results: There was no significant difference between the three groups in terms of gender, age, educational level, and smoking. There was also not significant difference between the first episode MD and recurrent MD groups for HAM-D scores. No significance was detected between the first episode MD and control groups in terms of serum Hp and neopterin levels. In the recurrent MD group serum Hp and neopterin levels were higher than those of the first episode MD patients and the control subjects. HAM-D scores of MD patients (both first-episode MD and recurrent MD group) were correlated with serum levels of Hp, but there was no correlation between serum neopterin levels and HAM-D scores. Conclusion: The independent factor affecting the neopterin and Hp levels in patients with MD was found as the number of episodes of depression. Recurrent episodes have resulted with increased levels of both markers. We believe that this finding is important. Our findings support the hypothesis that major depressive disorder is generally associated with widespread inflammatory reaction and severity of depressive symptoms are positively correlated with the increase in inflammatory markers. Serum levels of Hp were associated with depression severity in patients who had a single episode as well as patients with multiple episodes. The same relationship was not found for neopterin. Further studies are needed to determine the importance of this difference observed between the two markers and also etiological significance of them.

Individual Variation in Levels of Haptoglobin-Related Protein in Children from Gabon

BackgroundHaptoglobin related protein (Hpr) is a key component of trypanosome lytic factors (TLF), a subset of high-density lipoproteins (HDL) that form the first line of human defence against African trypanosomes. Hpr, like haptoglobin (Hp) can bind to hemoglobin (Hb) and it is the Hpr-Hb complexes which bind to these parasites allowing uptake of TLF. This unique form of innate immunity is primate-specific. To date, there have been no population studies of plasma levels of Hpr, particularly in relation to hemolysis and a high prevalence of ahaptoglobinemia as found in malaria endemic areas.Methods and Principal FindingsWe developed a specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to measure levels of plasma Hpr in Gabonese children sampled during a period of seasonal malaria transmission when acute phase responses (APR), malaria infection and associated hemolysis were prevalent. Median Hpr concentration was 0.28 mg/ml (range 0.03–1.1). This was 5-fold higher than that found in Caucasian children (0.049 mg/ml, range 0.002–0.26) with no evidence of an APR. A general linear model was used to investigate associations between Hpr levels, host polymorphisms, parasitological factors and the acute phase proteins, Hp, C-reactive protein (CRP) and albumin. Levels of Hpr were associated with Hp genotype, decreased with age and were higher in females. Hpr concentration was strongly correlated with that of Hp, but not CRP.Conclusions/SignificanceIndividual variation in Hpr levels was related to Hp level, Hp genotype, demographics, malaria status and the APR. The strong correlations between plasma levels of Hp and Hpr suggest that they are regulated by similar mechanisms. These population-based observations indicate that a more dynamic view of the relative roles of Hpr and Hpr-Hb complexes needs to be considered in understanding innate immunity to African trypanosomes and possibly other pathogens including the newly discovered Plasmodium spp of humans and primates.