Whole Blood Levels Research Articles

Influence of Selenium and Mercury on Age-Related Cataracts in the Brazilian Amazon

In their article, Lemire et al. (2010) provided important data on the frequency of age- related cataracts among adults in the Brazilian Amazon and found a correlation between age-related cataracts and whole-blood total mercury (Hg) concentrations and selenium (Se) levels in plasma and whole blood. However, in the “Discussion” of their paper, they stated that they “observed no adverse effects although Se concentrations were very high, reaching 1,500 μg/L for [blood]-Se and 913 μg/L for [plasma]-Se” (Lemire et al. 2010). However, they did not mention the potential and substantial adverse health effects associated with a high body Se burden. There are potentially adverse consequences to Se body burden, such as hair loss (alopecia), tooth decay, nail changes, peripheral paresthesias, weakness, skin lesions, and diabetes (Hira et al. 2004; Nuttall 2006; Shearer 1975; Stranges et al. 2010; Sutter et al. 2008; Yang et al. 1983). It would be valuable to know what Se-related adverse effects were observed by Lemire et al. (2010). Most studies, taken together, suggest a possible attenuation of Hg toxicity, probably as insoluble form of Hg selenide (Clarkson 2002; International Programme on Chemical Safety 1990). Selenium may be able to delay the onset of toxic effects in animal models exposed to methylmercury in the diet (Clarkson 2002; Ganther et al. 1972). However, the Hg–Se interaction may not have an equivalent effect in some animals. There is evidence that coadministration of methylmercury and Se may lead to an important synergistic effect (Heinz and Hoffman 1998). In studies of persons who have been co-exposed to Hg and Se, toxic effects of Se should be taken into account to discover the potential synergistic effect between Se and Hg.

Lupin seeds lower plasma lipid concentrations and normalize antioxidant parameters in rats

This study was designed to test bitter and sweet lupin seeds for lipid-lowering and for their antioxidative activities in hypercholesterolemic rats. The levels of plasma lipid, malondialdehyde (MDA) and whole blood reduced glutathione (GSH), as well as the activities of transaminases (ALT and AST), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in plasma, superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in erythrocytes and plasma glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione-S-transferase (GST) and catalase (CAT) were examined. A hypercholesterolemia-induced diet manifested in the elevation of total lipids (TL), total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), LDL-C and MDA levels, ALT, AST, LDH activities and the depletion of GSH and enzymic antioxidants. The supplementation of a hypercholesterolemia-induced diet with bitter and sweet lupin seeds significantly lowered the plasma levels of TL, TC, TG and LDL-C. ALT, AST and LDH activities slightly decreased in treated groups compared with the hypercholesterolemic group (HC). Furthermore, the content of GSH significantly increased while MDA significantly decreased in treated groups compared with the HC group. In addition, the bitter lupin seed group improved enzymic antioxidants compared with the HC group. In general, the results indicated that the bitter lupin seed supplements are better than those containing sweet lupin seeds. These results suggested that the hypocholesterolemic effect of bitter and sweet lupin seed supplements might be due to their abilities to lower the plasma cholesterol level as well as to slow down the lipid peroxidation process and to enhance the antioxidant enzyme activity.

Relationships Between Total Cholesterol Levels and Specific Alterations in Impulsivity and Attention

Abstract The relationship between total cholesterol (TC) levels in whole blood and error rates on the Conners Continuous Performance Test II (CPT; a standardized computer-based assessment of visual attention and reaction time) was investigated in a sample of generally healthy adults, and followed up previous research that tentatively suggested a positive relationship between TC and behavioral impulsivity. TC levels were gathered from capillary blood samples taken from each participant (n = 30). Measures of life stress and various socio-demographic and health variables were also obtained. Each participant also completed the CPT, and a covariate-adjusted analysis was completed to examine the relationship between TC and CPT performance. Adjusting for several relevant covariates, increases in TC were significantly positively associated with a greater rate of CPT commission errors, which are widely assumed to serve as an indicator of behavioral impulsivity. Noteworthy behavioral consequences of elevated TC may exist, particularly in situations that require impulse control and sustained visual attention.

Biomonitorization of cadmium, chromium, manganese, nickel and lead in whole blood, urine, axillary hair and saliva in an occupationally exposed population

Heavy metal contamination from occupational origin is a cause for concern because of its potential accumulation in the environment and in living organisms leading to long term toxic effects. This study was aimed to assess Cd, Cr, Mn, Ni and Pb levels in whole blood, urine, axillary hair and saliva from 178 individuals with occupational exposure to heavy metals. Levels of metal compounds were determined by atomic absorption spectrometry. We collected information on occupation, lifestyle habits and food intake by questionnaire. Multiple linear regression analyses for metal ion concentration in whole blood, urine, axillary hair and saliva were adjusted for age, gender, smoking and alcohol consumption, lifetime workplace exposure, residence area and food habits. Overall, blood and urine median concentrations found for the five metals analyzed do not exceed biological exposure indexes, so that they are very similar to a non-occupationally exposed population. Toxicokinetic differences may account for the lack of correlations found for metal levels in hair and saliva with those in blood or urine. For those heavy metals showing higher median levels in blood with respect to hair (Cd, Mn and Pb) indicating lesser hair incorporation from blood, the lifetime working experience was inversely correlated with their hair levels. The longer the lifetime working experience in industrial environments, the higher the Mn and Ni concentration in saliva. Axillary hair and saliva may be used as additional and/or alternative samples to blood or urine for biomonitoring hair Mn, and saliva Ni in subjects with occupational exposure.

Circulating MicroRNAs are Promising Novel Biomarkers of Acute Myocardial Infarction

Recent studies have revealed that microRNAs (miRNAs) are involved in the regulation of cardiac development, physiologic, and pathologic processes via post-transcriptional control of gene expression. The stable circulating miRNAs offer unique opportunities for the early diagnosis of several diseases. In this study, we examined the circulating miR-133 and miR-328 levels from patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Twenty-eight control subjects and fifty-one consecutive AMI patients were enrolled. The plasma and whole blood samples from AMI patients were obtained within 24 hours (n=51) and 7 days (n=6) after the onset of AMI symptoms. The circulating miR-133 and miR-328 levels were analyzed using quantitative real-time PCR. The miR-133 levels in plasma from AMI patients exhibited a 4.4-fold increase compared with control subjects (p=0.006). Moreover, the increased miR-133 levels in whole blood were comparable with those in plasma samples. In contrast, the miR-328 levels in plasma and whole blood of AMI patients were markedly increased by 10.9-fold and 16.1-fold, respectively, compared to those in control subjects (p=0.033 and p<0.001). The elevated circulating miR-133 and miR-328 levels were recovered to the control levels at 7 days after AMI. In addition, there was a correlation between circulating miR-133 or miR-328 levels and cardiac troponin I. Furthermore, circulating miR-133 or miR-328 showed no significant changes in AMI patients with tachyarrhythmia (n=24) or bradyarrhythmia (n=26) compared to those in patients without arrhythmias. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis revealed that the areas under the curve of miR-133 or miR-328 in plasma and whole blood were 0.890, 0.702 and 0.810, 0.872, respectively (all p<0.05). The miR-133 and miR-328 levels in plasma and whole blood in AMI patients were increased compared to those in control subjects. These miRNAs may represent novel biomarkers of AMI.

Serotonin Levels in Platelet-Poor Plasma and Whole Blood from Healthy Subjects: Relationship with Lipid Markers and Coronary Heart Disease Risk Score

The serotonin level in platelet-poor plasma (PPP) is an important clinical marker for monitoring platelet activation accompanying vascular endothelial injury. We previously developed an HPLC method that combines column-switching with a post-column reaction to measure serotonin in PPP. This study determined serotonin levels in healthy volunteers and evaluated the possible relationship of serotonin levels with lipid markers and Framingham 10-year risk scores (FRS) for coronary heart disease. Serotonin was isolated from samples using our HPLC method and converted into a fluorescent derivative with benzylamine for specific and sensitive detection. Lipid fractionation was also performed by HPLC. FRS was calculated using the following: age, sex, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, blood pressure, and smoking and diabetes status. The PPP serotonin to whole blood serotonin ratio (PPP/WB) and the PPP serotonin level correlated significantly with HDL cholesterol levels: r= 0.187, p< 0.05 and r= 0.184, p< 0.05, respectively. The PPP/WB ratio also correlated significantly with FRS (r= 0.176, p< 0.05). The reference range (95% confidence interval) of PPP and WB serotonin levels in healthy subjects were 0.86-16.96 and 385-1319 nmol/L, respectively. Significant positive correlations between the serotonin PPP/WB ratio and FRS suggest that the PPP/WB ratio can serve as a biomarker for estimating atherosclerotic cardiovascular risk.

Steroid Concentrations in Plasma, Whole Blood and Brain: Effects of Saline Perfusion to Remove Blood Contamination from Brain

The brain and other organs locally synthesize steroids. Local synthesis is suggested when steroid levels are higher in tissue than in the circulation. However, measurement of both circulating and tissue steroid levels are subject to methodological considerations. For example, plasma samples are commonly used to estimate circulating steroid levels in whole blood, but steroid levels in plasma and whole blood could differ. In addition, tissue steroid measurements might be affected by blood contamination, which can be addressed experimentally by using saline perfusion to remove blood. In Study 1, we measured corticosterone and testosterone (T) levels in zebra finch (Taeniopygia guttata) plasma, whole blood, and red blood cells (RBC). We also compared corticosterone in plasma, whole blood, and RBC at baseline and after 60 min restraint stress. In Study 2, we quantified corticosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), T, and 17β-estradiol (E2) levels in the brains of sham-perfused or saline-perfused subjects. In Study 1, corticosterone and T concentrations were highest in plasma, significantly lower in whole blood, and lowest in RBC. In Study 2, saline perfusion unexpectedly increased corticosterone levels in the rostral telencephalon but not other regions. In contrast, saline perfusion decreased DHEA levels in caudal telencephalon and diencephalon. Saline perfusion also increased E2 levels in caudal telencephalon. In summary, when comparing local and systemic steroid levels, the inclusion of whole blood samples should prove useful. Moreover, blood contamination has little or no effect on measurement of brain steroid levels, suggesting that saline perfusion is not necessary prior to brain collection. Indeed, saline perfusion itself may elevate and lower steroid concentrations in a rapid, region-specific manner.

Antioxidant Effects of Melatonin and Coenzyme Q10 on Oxidative Damage Caused by Single-Dose Ochratoxin A in Rat Kidney

In the study, the effects of relatively high single-dose of Ochratoxin A (OTA) and the antioxidant effects of Melatonin (Mel) and Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) on OTA-induced oxidative damages in rats were investigated. A total of 28 male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups of 7 rats each: Control, OTA, Mel+OTA and CoQ10+OTA groups. Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in the plasma and glutathione (GSH) levels in whole blood were measured; kidneys (for histological inspection and for apoptosis detection by TUNEL method) and bone marrow samples (for chromosome aberration and mitotic index) were taken. The rats in the OTA group showed limited degeneration of tubular cells. In some tubules karyomegaly, desquamated cells and vacuolization were observed by light microscopy. Mel and CoQ10 treatment significantly reduced the severity of the lesions. MDA levels of the OTA group were significantly higher than the control, OTA+Mel and OTA+CoQ10 groups, while GSH levels were significantly lower than the control, OTA+Mel and OTA+CoQ10 groups. Higher incidences of apoptotic bodies were observed in the kidneys of the OTA group although OTA administration did not significantly change the incidence of apoptotic bodies when compared to the control and antioxidant administrated groups. Although the percentage of the mitotic index was lowest in the OTA group, no statistical difference was found among the groups. Additionally, OTA had no numerical and structural significant effects on chromosomes. It was observed that single-dose OTA administration caused oxidative damages in rat kidney and Mel or CoQ10 treatment appeared to ameliorate the OTA-induced tissue injuries.

Measurement of saliva tacrolimus levels in pediatric renal transplant recipients

The aim of this study was to investigate whether a strong and clinically applicable correlation exists between saliva and whole-blood tacrolimus levels measured by high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. A high degree of correlation would potentially allow pain-free saliva sample collection to replace blood sampling for the measurement of tacrolimus levels. Enrolled in the study were 37 children (24 boys) aged 8-18 years [median (IQR) 16.2 (12.9-17.5) years] attending the renal transplant clinic at the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital and 77 paired blood saliva samples were collected. The mean (SD) saliva tacrolimus level was 0.14 (0.16), range 0-0.7 μg/l. In ten cases, tacrolimus was not detected in the saliva despite being present in blood. The ratio of blood-to-saliva tacrolimus levels varied from 2.6 to 550. The Pearson product-moment correlation suggested a weak linear relationship between tacrolimus levels in blood and saliva with a coefficient 0.36. Individual patients did not demonstrate consistent tacrolimus blood/saliva ratios with a mean correlation of 0.08. Additional experiments excluded saliva contamination with blood and sample collection and storage conditions as causes of poor correlation. The measurement of saliva tacrolimus levels in place of or as an adjunct to blood sampling therefore cannot be recommended.

Risk gene variants for nicotine dependence in the CHRNA5–CHRNA3–CHRNB4 cluster are associated with cognitive performance

Recent studies strongly support an association of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor gene cluster CHRNA5-CHRNA3-CHRNB4 with nicotine dependence (ND). However, the precise genotype-phenotype relationship is still unknown. Clinical and epidemiological data on smoking behavior raise the possibility that the relevant gene variants may indirectly contribute to the development of ND by affecting cognitive performance in some smokers who consume nicotine for reasons of "cognition enhancement." Here, we tested seven single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) rs684513, rs637137, rs16969968, rs578776, rs1051730, rs3743078, rs3813567 from the CHRNA5-CHRNA3-CHRNB4 gene cluster for association with ND, measures of cognitive performance and gene expression. As expected, we found all SNPs being associated with ND in three independent cohorts (KORA, NCOOP, ESTHER) comprising 5,561 individuals. In an overlapping sample of 2,186 subjects we found three SNPs (rs16969968, rs1051730, rs3743078) being associated with cognitive domains from the Wechsler-Adult-Intelligence Scale (WAIS-R)-most notably in the performance subtest "object assembly" and the verbal subtest "similarities." In a refined analysis of a subsample of 485 subjects, two of these three SNPs (rs16969968, rs1051730) were associated with n-back task performance/Continuous Performance Test. Furthermore, two CHRNA5 risk alleles (rs684513, rs637137) were associated with CHRNA5 mRNA expression levels in whole blood in a subgroup of 190 subjects. We here report for the first time an association of CHRNA5-CHRNA3-CHRNB4 gene variants with cognition possibly mediating in part risk for developing ND. The observed phenotype-genotype associations may depend on altered levels of gene expression. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Polychlorinated Biphenyls, Lead, and Mercury Are Associated with Liver Disease in American Adults: NHANES 2003–2004

BackgroundHigh-level occupational exposures to some industrial chemicals have been associated with liver diseases, including nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). However, the potential role of low-level environmental pollution on liver disease in the general population has not been evaluated.ObjectiveWe determined whether environmental pollutants are associated with an elevation in serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity and suspected NAFLD in U.S. adults.MethodsThis cross-sectional cohort study evaluated adult participants without viral hepatitis, hemochromatosis, or alcoholic liver disease from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) for 2003–2004. ALT elevation was defined in men as ≥ 37 IU/L (age18–20 years) and ≥ 48 IU/L (age ≥ 21 years) and in women as ≥ 30 IU/L (age 18–20 years) and ≥ 31 IU/L (age ≥ 21 years). Adjusted odds ratios (ORs) for ALT elevation were determined across exposure quartiles for 17 pollutant subclasses comprising 111 individual pollutants present with at least a 60% detection rate. Adjustments were made for age, race/ethnicity, sex, body mass index, poverty income ratio, and insulin resistance. Individual pollutants from subclasses associated with ALT elevation were subsequently analyzed.ResultsThe overall prevalence of ALT elevation was 10.6%. Heavy metals and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were associated with dose-dependent increased adjusted ORs for ALT elevation. Within these subclasses, increasing whole-blood levels of lead and mercury and increasing lipid-adjusted serum levels of 20 PCBs were individually associated with ALT elevation.ConclusionsPCB, lead, and mercury exposures were associated with unexplained ALT elevation, a proxy marker of NAFLD, in NHANES 2003–2004 adult participants.

Genetic variation in the FAS gene and associations with acute lung injury.

Fas (CD95) modulates apoptosis and inflammation and is believed to play an important role in lung injury. To determine if common genetic variation in FAS is associated with acute lung injury (ALI) susceptibility, risk of death, and FAS gene expression. We genotyped 14 single nucleotide polymorphisms (tagSNPS) in FAS in samples from healthy white volunteers (control subjects, n = 294) and patients with ALI (cases, n = 324) from the ARDSnet Fluid and Catheter Treatment Trial (FACTT). FAS genotypes associated with ALI in the discovery study were confirmed in a nested case-control validation study of critically ill patients at risk for ALI (n = 657). We also tested for associations between selected tagSNPS and FAS mRNA levels in whole blood from healthy control subjects exposed to media alone or LPS ex vivo. We identified associations between four tagSNPs in FAS (FAS(-11341A>T) [rs17447140], FAS(9325G>A) [rs2147420], FAS(21541C>T) [rs2234978], and FAS(24484A>T) [rs1051070]) and ALI case status. Haplotype-based analyses suggested that three of the tagSNPs (FAS(9325G>A), FAS(21541C>T), and FAS(24484A>T)) function as a unit. The association with this haplotype and ALI was validated in a nested case-control study of at-risk subjects (P = 0.05). This haplotype was also associated with increased FAS mRNA levels in response to LPS stimulation. There was no association between FAS polymorphisms and risk of death among ALI cases. Common genetic variants in FAS are associated with ALI susceptibility. This is the first genetic evidence supporting a role for FAS in ALI.

Increased Pulmonary Pressures and Myocardial Wall Stress in Children with Severe Malaria

Chronic intravascular hemolysis leads to nitric oxide (NO) depletion and pulmonary hypertension in sickle cell disease. To test whether this pathophysiology occurs in malaria, we examined in Mali 53 children who were admitted to the hospital with severe malaria (excluding cerebral malaria) and 31 age-matched controls. Severity of hemolysis was assessed from plasma levels of free hemoglobin and arginase-1. NO metabolism was assessed by whole-blood nitrite levels and plasma NO consumption. Effects on the cardiovascular system and endothelial function were assessed by using echocardiography to measure peak tricuspid regurgitant jet velocity and by evaluating plasma levels of N-terminal prohormone brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1. Children with severe malaria had higher plasma levels of hemoglobin and arginase-1, reduced whole-blood levels of nitrite, and increased NO consumption relative to controls. They also had increased pulmonary arterial pressures (P< .05) with elevated levels of NT-proBNP and soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (P< .001). Children with severe malaria have increased pulmonary pressures and myocardial wall stress. These complications are consistent with NO depletion from intravascular hemolysis, and they indicate that the pathophysiologic cascade from intravascular hemolysis to NO depletion and its cardiopulmonary effects is activated in children with severe malaria.

Cadmium, lead, arsenic and selenium levels in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

There is accumulating evidence that the metabolism of several trace metals are altered in diabetes mellitus and these micronutrients might have specific roles in the pathogenesis and progression of the disease. The aim of this study was to investigate the level of toxic elements: lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd) and arsenic (As) levels in whole blood and selenium (Se) (an antioxidant element) in serum of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Fifty diabetic patients and 40 apparently healthy non-diabetic individuals were recruited into this study. After an overnight fasting, blood was collected from each subject and blood/serum concentrations of these elements were measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometer after acid digestion. The mean value of Pb and Cd were significantly higher in the serum of diabetic patients when compared with the control (p 0.05). The serum concentration of Se was significantly lower in diabetic patients than in healthy control group (P < 0.01). Also, the concentration of the toxic elements showed positive correlation with fasting plasma glucose (Cd r = 0.378, Pb r = 0.425, p < 0.01) and inverse correlation with serum selenium (r = -0.599, p < 0.01). This study showed that, increased toxic metals are associated with diabetes mellitus. Thus, these elements may play a role in the development and pathogenesis of diabetes mellitus. In addition, depression in antioxidant concentration (especially, Se) may further aggravate this effect.

Perchlorate and Iodide in Whole Blood Samples from Infants, Children, and Adults in Nanchang, China

Perchlorate, ClO(4)(-), interferes with iodide (I(-)) uptake by the sodium-iodide symporter (NIS) and thereby affects thyroid hormone production in the body. Studies have reported human exposures to perchlorate based on measurements in urine, but little is known about the levels in blood. In this study, we determined concentrations of perchlorate, iodide, and other anions (e.g., chlorate [ClO(3)(-)], bromate [BrO(3)(-)], bromide [Br(-)]) in 131 whole blood samples collected from Chinese donors aged 0.4 to 90 yr, in Nanchang, China. Perchlorate, iodide, and bromide were detected in all of the samples analyzed, whereas chlorate was found in only 27% of the samples and bromate was found in only 2%. The mean (range) concentrations of perchlorate, iodide, and bromide were 2.68 (0.51-10.5), 42.6 (1.58-812), and 2120 (1050-4850) ng/mL, respectively. Perchlorate levels in blood from Nanchang adults were 10-fold greater than levels that have been previously reported for U.S. adults. The iodide/perchlorate molar ratio ranged from 3.05 to 15.3 for all age groups, and the ratio increased with age (r = 0.732, p < 0.01). Perchlorate and bromide concentrations decreased significantly with age, whereas iodide concentrations increased with age. No significant gender-related differences in blood perchlorate, iodide, or bromide levels were found. A significant negative correlation was found between the concentrations of perchlorate and iodide in blood. Exposure doses of perchlorate were estimated for infants, toddlers, children, adolescents, and adults based on the measured concentrations in blood, using a simple pharmacokinetic model. The mean exposure doses of perchlorate for our age groups ranged from 1.12 (adults) to 2.22 μg/kg bw/day (infants), values higher than the United States Environmental Protection Agency's (USEPA) reference dose (RfD: 0.7 μg/kg bw/day). This is the first study on perchlorate and iodide levels in whole blood from infants, toddlers, children, adolescents, and adults from a city in China with known high perchlorate levels.

Blood BDNF concentrations reflect brain-tissue BDNF levels across species

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is involved in synaptic plasticity, neuronal differentiation and survival of neurons. Observations of decreased serum BDNF levels in patients with neuropsychiatric disorders have highlighted the potential of BDNF as a biomarker, but so far there have been no studies directly comparing blood BDNF levels to brain BDNF levels in different species. We examined blood, serum, plasma and brain-tissue BDNF levels in three different mammalian species: rat, pig, and mouse, using an ELISA method. As a control, we included an analysis of blood and brain tissue from conditional BDNF knockout mice and their wild-type littermates. Whereas BDNF could readily be measured in rat blood, plasma and brain tissue, it was undetectable in mouse blood. In pigs, whole-blood levels of BDNF could not be measured with a commercially available ELISA kit, but pig plasma BDNF levels (mean 994±186 pg/ml) were comparable to previously reported values in humans. We demonstrated positive correlations between whole-blood BDNF levels and hippocampal BDNF levels in rats (r2=0.44, p=0.025) and between plasma BDNF and hippocampal BDNF in pigs (r2=0.41, p=0.025). Moreover, we found a significant positive correlation between frontal cortex and hippocampal BDNF levels in mice (r2=0.81, p=0.0139). Our data support the view that measures of blood and plasma BDNF levels reflect brain-tissue BDNF levels.

Selenoprotein P gene r25191g/a polymorphism and quantification of selenoprotein P mRNA level in patients with Kashin-Beck disease

Kashin-Beck disease (KBD) is an endemic and deformable osteoarthrosis. Epidemiological study has revealed that lower Se level is the principal environmental factor in the pathogenesis of KBD. Selenoprotein P (SEPP1) is a special selenoprotein, which is the primary form of Se in vivo. Our aim was to investigate the putative association of SEPP1 r25191g/a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) with KBD risk and the SEPP1 transcriptional levels in whole blood and articular cartilage tissue of KBD cases and controls, respectively. One hundred and sixty-seven cases with KBD and 166 control subjects from Shaanxi province of China were included in the present study. The detection of SNP r25191g/a in the 3' untranslated region was performed using an efficient technique, tetra-primer amplification refractory mutation system PCR. A quantitative analysis of SEPP1 mRNA in KBD and control groups by real-time PCR was also performed. The present results show no significant difference in genotype and allele distribution of SNP r25191g/a between individuals with KBD and controls (P=0·279 and 0·428, respectively). There was also no association between SNP r25191g/a and risk of KBD (OR 1·153; 95% CI 0·533, 2·496). However, the frequency of the rare genotype AG of SNP r25191g/a was significantly lower in Chinese population than in the Caucasians. It was shown that the SEPP1 mRNA expression in whole blood was lower in KBD patients than in the control group (0·149-fold, P<0·001), but that it was much higher in articular cartilage tissue (4·53-fold, P=0·012). Our aim was to lay a foundation for us to further study the association between the pathogenesis of KBD and SEPP1.

Estimation of red blood cell volume fraction from overall permittivity measurements

The rapid testing of red blood cell (RBC) volume fraction (“hematocrit”) is becoming increasingly important to identify blood disorders (“hemoglobinopathies”). Electromagnetic techniques provide an advantageous way to measure blood properties, primarily because they are inexpensive, quick and noninvasive. The goal of this paper is to develop estimates of the RBC volume fraction levels of whole blood from macroscopic electromagnetic (permittivity) measurements. The approach taken is to generate volume fraction estimates by inverting classical bounds on the effective permittivity of dielectric mixtures. The usefulness of the approach is that, given the permittivities of the plasma (known), cells (known) and whole mixture (measured), one can determine the cell volume fraction and compare it to the levels found in healthy blood. The deviation of the properties can be used to help characterize certain blood disorders. The expressions developed are not limited to RBC measurement, and are applicable to any cell-in-solution system. Through correlation of our laboratory measurements, the analytical expressions and direct large-scale numerical simulations, the results suggest that RBCs form high-permittivity cell-networks by making cell-to-cell contact, even at relatively low volume fraction.

Protective effect of Matricaria chamomilla on ethanol-induced acute gastric mucosal injury in rats

The antiulcerogenic and antioxidant properties of Matricaria chamomilla L. (Compositae) hydroalcoholic extract (MCE) on ethanol-induced gastric mucosal injury were investigated in rats. After the induction of gastric mucosal injury, all groups were sacrificed; the gastric ulcer index was calculated, and malondialdehyde (MDA) and reduced glutathione (GSH) in whole blood and gastric tissue, and serum ascorbic acid, retinol, and β-carotene levels were measured in all groups. Pretreatment with MCE at some doses significantly reduced gastric lesions. Again, some doses of MCE significantly reduced the MDA, and significantly increased GSH levels in gastric tissue or whole blood. Serum β-carotene and retinol levels were significantly higher in the 200 mg/kg MCE-administered group with respect to control. As a result, MCE clearly has a protective effect against ethanol-induced gastric mucosal lesions, and this effect, at least in part, depends upon the reduction in lipid peroxidation and augmentation in antioxidant activity.

Preventing Platelet-Derived Microparticle Formation—and Possible Side Effects—With Prestorage Leukofiltration of Whole Blood

Platelet-derived microparticles (PDMPs) probably function in hemostasis, thrombosis, inflammation, and transfusion-related immunomodulation. To compare PDMP levels of leukocyte-filtered and unfiltered whole blood during storage. Ten whole blood donations were collected and processed. Half of each collection was filtered, half remained unfiltered, and both halves were measured for red cell, white cell, and platelet (PLT) content before storage. Samples were drawn on days 0, 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 14, 21, 28, and 35 and analyzed by flow cytometry. Leukocyte filtration lowered prestorage PDMP and PLT counts by an average of 72% and 99%, respectively. Prestorage PDMP counts were 123 +/- 51/microL in unfiltered whole blood supernatant versus 34 +/- 18/microL after filtration. Prestorage PLT counts were 190 +/- 49/microL in unfiltered whole blood supernatant versus 2 +/- 4/microL after filtration. Moreover, PDMP and PLT counts in filtered whole blood remained low throughout storage, typically below 100/microL. In contrast, unfiltered whole blood PDMP- and PLT-gated events increased approximately 2 log during storage, with the peak number of PLT-gated events tending to coincide with the peak number of PDMP-gated events (4 donors) or to come after the peak number of PDMP-gated events (6 donors). Leukocyte filtration of whole blood lowers prestorage PDMP and PLT counts. Platelet-derived microparticle and PLT counts remain low throughout 35 days of storage. In contrast, PDMP- and PLT-gated events increase significantly in unfiltered whole blood. The nature of PLT-gated events in stored blood warrants further investigation.