Low Blood Levels Research Articles

Malaria and Pregnancy.

Recent identification of local mosquito-borne transmission of malaria in Florida, Texas, and Maryland and increasing travel to malaria-endemic countries raise the likelihood that U.S. obstetricians might encounter a pregnant patient with malaria. Pregnancy increases the risk of becoming infected with malaria and of developing severe disease. Malaria during pregnancy also increases the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes, including low birth weight, pregnancy loss, and preterm birth; thus, prevention and prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential. Diagnosis can be challenging during pregnancy among persons with partial immunity because placental sequestration of parasite-infected red blood cells can result in lower parasite levels in peripheral blood. Treatment for uncomplicated malaria depends on the expected resistance pattern, which is determined by the specific Plasmodium species identified and where infection was acquired. For severe disease, parenteral artesunate treatment needs to be initiated immediately. Given the dire consequences of malaria in pregnancy, prevention is crucial. For persons born and raised in endemic areas, interventions include use of insecticide-treated bed nets, intermittent preventive treatment, and prompt diagnosis and treatment of illness. U.S. pregnant persons should avoid travel to endemic countries; for unavoidable travel, pregnant travelers should receive chemoprophylaxis and avoid mosquito bites. Although the risk is low to U.S. pregnant persons who are not traveling internationally, avoiding mosquito bites is important, especially for pregnant persons residing in or visiting areas with recent local mosquito-borne transmission.

Managing Vitamin B12 deficiency: A Comprehensive Guide

Vitamin B12 represents a group of water soluble vitamin which is necessary for the production of red blood cells and other functions such as DNA synthesis and neurologic functions. Cyanocobalamin is a man-made form of vitamin B12 used to prevent and treat low blood levels of vitamin B12. Most people receive enough vitamin B12 from their diet. However serious vitamin B12 deficiency in some cases may result in a low number of red blood cells (anemia), stomach/intestine problems and permanent nerve damage. B12 deficiency could be seen in certain health conditions such as intestinal/stomach problems, poor nutrition, cancer, HIV infection, pregnancy, old age, alcoholism and in people who follow a strict vegetarian (vegan) diet. Accordingly early diagnosis and treatment of vitamin B12 deficiency is important to avoid any serious health problems. The diagnosis of vitamin B12 deficiency includes both clinical assessment and laboratory tests to ensure an accurate diagnosis and treatment afterward.

Dengue virus NS1 secretion is regulated via importin-subunit β1 controlling expression of the chaperone GRp78 and targeted by the clinical drug ivermectin.

Dengue virus (DENV) is a major human pathogen that can cause hemorrhagic fever and shock syndrome. One important factor of DENV pathogenicity is non-structural protein 1 (NS1), a glycoprotein that is secreted from infected cells. Here we study the mode of action of the widely used drug ivermectin, used to treat parasitic infections and recently shown to lower NS1 blood levels in DENV-infected patients. We found that ivermectin blocks the nuclear transport of transcription factors required for the expression of chaperones that support the folding and secretion of glycoproteins, including NS1. Impairing nuclear transport of these transcription factors by ivermectin or depleting them from infected cells dampens NS1 folding and thus its secretion. These results reveal a novel mode of action of ivermectin that might apply to other flaviviruses as well.

Low Albumin Determination as a Biomarker Cancer with Cyclic Voltammetry in Agfilm/ITO and AgNOfilm/ITO Electrodes

Ag and AgNO film were fabricated through sputter deposition on indium tin oxide (ITO) conductive glass. Electrochemical detection using cyclic voltammetry (CV) was carried out for low albumin levels in blood as a parameter of cancer patients. This study aims to determinate low albumin level as a biomarker cancer. Albumin adsorption on the Agfilm/ITO and AgNOfilm/ITO was also investigated to determine the level of sensitivity of both electrodes. Analysis of the CV measurements indicated that the Agfilm/ITO electrode was more sensitive compared to the AgNOfilm/ITO electrode, with a sensitivity value of 4.564 µA M-1cm-2 for the Agfilm/ITO electrode and 2.123 µA M-1cm-2 for the AgNOfilm/ITO electrode. The testing of albumin levels in blood within a range of low concentration levels between 10-1 and 10-8 g/dL indicated a detection limit of 10-9 g/mL. The selectivity of Ag electrodes was found to be very good for other interfering molecules such as urine, glucose, and lysozyme. The results of the modeling of electric field and magnetic field distribution showed that the Agfilm/ITO electrode possessed larger values than the AgNOfilm/ITO electrode. From this analysis, it can be concluded that the electrode modified with micro-sized Ag achieved more effective results than the electrode modified with AgNO. This sensor can determine low albumin level as a blood cancer biomarker. This sensor holds great promise for use in real samples in the future. HIGHLIGHTS Early detection with albumin biomarkers before metastasis cancer The testing of albumin levels with Cyclic Voltammetry and Electric Impedance Spectroscopy in the cancer within a wide range of low concentration levels (10-1 - 10-8) indicated a detection limit of 10-9 g/mL. The total mass of adsorbed BSA in electrode surface is more higher (281 mgm-2) than previous study. The Agfilm/ITO electrode exhibited high sensitivity and long-term stability for future applications. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

Hepatoprotective and nephroprotective effects of Tessaria integrifolia Ruiz and Pav. on diclofenac-induced toxicity in rats.

Tessaria integrifolia Ruiz and Pav. (also known as "Pájaro bobo") is known for its medicinal properties, including antiulcer, antiasthmatic, leishmanicidal, antipyretic, antispasmodic, diuretic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and hepatoprotective effects. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate its hepatoprotective and nephroprotective effects using a rat model of diclofenac-induced toxicity. We administered three different doses of the methanolic extract of T. integrifolia (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg/day orally) and compared them with the commercial medicine silymarin (100 mg/kg orally). The rats received the T. integrifolia extracts for 5 days, and on days 3 and 4, 1 h after receiving the extracts, diclofenac was administered intraperitoneally at a dose of 50 mg/kg. The animals were euthanized 48 h after the last diclofenac injection, and blood samples were obtained to measure biochemical parameters related to liver and kidney function, such as alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), bilirubin, cholesterol, triglycerides, creatinine, and urea. Kidney and liver tissues were preserved in 10% formaldehyde and sent for histopathological analysis. The results show that T. integrifolia has hepatoprotective and nephroprotective effects. These effects are verified by the lower blood levels of ALT, AST, urea, and creatinine compared to the diclofenac group, which exhibited elevated biochemical parameters. In addition, histopathological analysis showed that the groups that received T. integrifolia did not display necrosis or infiltration, which were observed in the diclofenac group. The methanolic extract of T. integrifolia has hepatoprotective and nephroprotective effects, with the highest protective activity observed at a dose of 400 mg/kg/day.

Insulin-like growth factor 1 associated with altered immune responses in preterm infants and pigs

BackgroundPreterm infants show low blood levels of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), known to be negatively correlated with Interleukin-6 (IL-6). We hypothesized that circulating IGF-1 is associated with systemic immune-markers following preterm birth and that exogenous IGF-1 supplementation modulates immune development in preterm pigs, used as model for preterm infants.MethodsPlasma levels of IGF-1 and 29 inflammatory markers were measured in very preterm infants (n = 221). In preterm pigs, systemic immune development, assessed by in vitro challenge, was compared between IGF-1 treated (2.25 mg/kg/day) and control animals.ResultsPreterm infants with lowest gestational age and birth weight showed the lowest IGF-1 levels, which were correlated not only with IL-6, but a range of immune-markers. IGF-1 supplementation to preterm pigs reduced plasma IL-10 and Interferon-γ (IFN-γ), IL-2 responses to challenge and reduced expression of genes related to Th1 polarization. In vitro addition of IGF-1 (100 ng/mL) further reduced the IL-2 and IFN-γ responses but increased IL-10 response.ConclusionsIn preterm infants, plasma IGF-1 correlated with several immune markers, while supplementing IGF-1 to preterm pigs tended to reduce Th1 immune responses. Future studies should document whether IGF-1 supplementation to preterm infants affects immune development and sensitivity to infection.ImpactSupplementation of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) to preterm infants has been proposed to promote postnatal growth, but its impact on the developing immune system is largely unknown.In a cohort of very preterm infants, low gestational age and birth weight were the primary predictors of low plasma levels of IGF-1, which in turn were associated with plasma immune markers. Meanwhile, in immature preterm pigs, experimental supplementation of IGF-1 reduced Th1-related immune responses in early life.Supplementation of IGF-1 to preterm infants may affect the developing immune system, which needs consideration when evaluating overall impact on neonatal health.

Meta-analysis of changes in thiol-disulfide homeostasis during preeclampsia.

The present study systematically assessed alterations in thiol-disulfide homeostasis among women with preeclampsia (PE) through meta-analysis. This was conducted as such changes are believed to be associated with the oxidative stress underlying this condition. A comprehensive search of Medline, Web of Science, and Embase databases was conducted from their inception until 22 March 2023, to identify studies comparing levels of native thiol, total thiol, and disulfide between pregnant women with PE and those without PE. Results were pooled using a random-effects model to account for study heterogeneity. The analysis included a total of 631 women diagnosed with PE and 668 healthy pregnant women, encompassing 13 case-control studies and 1 prospective study. Pooled outcomes revealed that women with PE had significantly lower blood levels of native thiol, (mean difference [MD] -51.42 umol/L; 95% confidence interval [CI] -79.75 to -23.10 umol/L; P < 0.001; I2 = 0% and total thiol (MD -65.56 umol/L; 95% CI -104.97 to -26.15 umol/L; P = 0.001; I2 = 0%) compared to the control group. In contrast, no significant difference was observed in blood disulfide levels between the two groups (MD -1.10 umol/L; 95% CI -4.41 to -2.21 umol/L; P = 0.51; I2 = 0%). Subgroup analyses indicated that the results were consistent across studies matched by gestational age and body mass index, as well as those with varying quality scores (P for subgroup differences all > 0.05). In conclusion, women with PE are associated with significantly reduced blood levels of native and total thiols but show no change in blood disulfide levels, suggesting a state of reduced antioxidants in PE.

Cord Blood FGF-21 and GDF-15 Levels Are Affected by Maternal Exposure to Moderate to Severe Anemia and Malaria.

Anemia and malaria are global health problems affecting >50% of pregnant women in sub-Saharan Africa and are associated with intrauterine growth restriction. The hormones fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF-21) and growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15) are involved in metabolic regulation and are expressed in the placenta. No studies exist on FGF-21 and GDF-15 responses to exposures of malaria and anemia in pregnancy. Using a prospective, longitudinal pregnancy and birth cohort of women with an average age of 26 years from a rural region in northeastern Tanzania, we examined if FGF-21 and GDF-15 levels in maternal blood at week 33 ± 2 (n = 301) and in cord blood at birth (n = 353), were associated with anemia and malaria exposure at different time points in pregnancy and with neonatal anthropometry. Among mothers at gestation week 33 ± 2, lower FGF-21 levels were observed after exposure to malaria in the first trimester, but not anemia, whereas GDF-15 levels at week 33 ± 2 were not associated with malaria nor anemia. In cord blood, moderate to severe anemia at any time point in pregnancy was associated with higher levels of FGF-21, whereas malaria exposure in the third trimester was associated with lower FGF-21 levels in cord blood. Negative associations were observed between cord blood FGF-21 and GDF-15 levels and neonatal skinfold thicknesses and birthweight. Our results suggest that moderate to severe anemia throughout pregnancy associates with higher FGF-21 levels, and malaria in last trimester associates with lower FGF-21 levels, in the neonates, thereby potentially affecting the future cardiometabolic health of the child.

Association of Blood Manganese and Preeclampsia: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed to comprehensively evaluate the association between manganese (Mn) level and preeclampsia (PE) during pregnancy. Relevant observational studies were retrieved by searching Medline, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Library from database inception to May 25, 2023. Pooling results was performed using a random-effects model incorporating heterogeneity. This meta-analysis incorporated 18 observational studies, which included 1113 women with PE and 5480 normotensive pregnant women. Pooled results showed that compared to normotensive control, women with PE had significantly lower blood Mn concentration (standardized mean difference: -0.36, 95% confidence interval: -0.50 to -0.22, p < 0.001; I2 = 67%). Subgroup analysis showed that the results were not significantly affected by study country (African, Asian, or Western), timing of blood sampling (before, at, or after the diagnosis of PE), mean blood Mn level of controls, or numbers of confounding factors adjusted (p for subgroup analysis all > 0.05), while methods for measuring blood Mn levels might affect the results (p for subgroup difference < 0.001). Finally, pooled results of three studies showed that a high level of blood Mn was related to a low risk of PE with blood Mn analyzed in continuous (risk ratio [RR]: 0.71, 95% CI: 0.59 to 0.85, p < 0.001; I2 = 0%) and categorized variables (RR: 0.50, 95% CI: 0.30 to 0.82, p = 0.006; I2 = 32%). In conclusion, a low blood level of Mn may be associated with PE in pregnant women.

Mild Crigler-Najjar Syndrome with Progressive Liver Disease-A Multicenter Retrospective Cohort Study.

Crigler-Najjar Syndrome (CNS) with residual activity of UDP-glucuronosyltransferase 1A1 (UGT1A1) and no need for daily phototherapy is called mild Crigler-Najjar Syndrome. Most of these patients need medical treatment for enzyme induction (phenobarbital) to lower blood levels of unconjugated bilirubin (UCB). Apart from this, no long-term problems have been described so far. The phenotype of patients with the homozygous pathogenic variant c.115C>G p.(His39Asp) in UGT1A1 is described as variable. Clinical observations of our patients led to the assumption that patients with variant c.115C>G have a mild CNS phenotype while having a high risk of developing progressive liver disease. For mild CNS disease, progressive liver disease has not been described so far. Therefore, we conducted a retrospective multicenter analysis of 14 patients with this particular variant, aiming for better characterization of this variant. We could confirm that patients with variant c.115C>G have a high risk of progressive liver disease (seven of fourteen), which increases with age despite having a very mild CNS phenotype. Earlier predictors and causes for an unfavorable disease course are not detectable, but close follow-up could identify patients with progressive liver disease at the beginning. In conclusion, these patients need close and specialized follow-up. Our study questions whether fibrosis in the CNS is really driven by high amounts of UCB or phototherapy.

Effects of Maternal HIV Infection on Early Kaposi Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus Seroconversion in a Kenyan Mother-Infant Cohort.

We identified whether maternal human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection during pregnancy affects transplacental transfer of Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV)-specific antibodies and subsequent infant infection. We followed pregnant Kenyan women through delivery and their infants until age 2 years. Children were classified as HIV-exposed uninfected (HEU) or HIV-unexposed uninfected (HUU) based on maternal HIV status. Maternal venous and cord blood at delivery and child venous blood every 6 months were tested for antibodies to 20 KSHV antigens by multiplex bead-based immunoassay. Multiple comparisons were adjusted using false discovery rate (FDR). Maternal HIV infection was significantly associated with decreased transplacental transfer of antibodies against all KSHV antigens and lower cord blood levels for 8 antigens at FDR P < .10. Neither birth to 6-month antibody level changes nor 6-month levels differed in HEU and HUU, except for ORF50. By age 24 months, 74% of children KSHV seroconverted but HEU and HUU did not differ in time to seroconversion nor 2-year seropositivity after adjustment for child malaria infection. Maternal HIV infection reduced a child's initial KSHV antibody levels but did not affect age of infection. Regardless of HIV exposure in utero, KSHV seroconversion in Kenyan children occurred early; associated factors must be identified.

Circulating biomarkers of mortality prediction in patients undergoing liver transplantation due to hepatocellular carcinoma

There are different macromorphological factors obtained prior to liver transplantation (LT) to predict the prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients undergoing LT. The use of blood biomarkers could help improve the prognosis prediction of these patients. Blood levels of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) are the first and most studied prognostic blood biomarkers of HCC patients undergoing LT. This review is to summarize the evidence of prognostic blood biomarkers for HCC patients undergoing LT. A higher mortality rate has been found with high blood levels of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), systemic immune-inflammation index (SII), C-reactive protein (CRP), albumin-bilirubin (ALBI) score, des-gamma-carboxy prothrombin (DCP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), gamma glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), fibrinogen, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), homocysteine, Golgi protein 73 (GP73), substance P, soluble CD40 ligand (sCD40L), caspase-cleaved cytokeratin (CCCK)-18, caspase-3, malondialdehyde and oxidized guanine species (OGS). A higher mortality rate has been found with low blood levels of lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR), PD-L1, Galectin-9, total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and melatonin. Moreover, some studies with small sample sizes associate blood levels of metabolites and microRNAs (MIRs) with the prognosis of HCC patients undergoing LT. More research is warranted to determine the possible utility of these biomarkers to predict the prognosis of HCC.

RISK FACTORS AND PREVENTION OF MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune-inflammatory disease that causes widespread neurodegeneration in central nervous system. The prevalence of MS is increasing worldwide, and the cause of the disease is still unclear. However, the role of a number of factors in developing MS has been studied. These include genetic factors, race and ethnicity, Epstein-Barr virus infection, geografic latitude, ultraviolet exposure, migration, low blood levels of vitamin D, female gender, diet, obesity, smoking, occupational exposure to toxic substances, stress, mycoplasma pneumonia infection, etc. The proposed literature review discusses studies on the study and prevention of risk factors for MS.

Peripartum Cardiomyopathy with the Cardiac Function Restored by Cabergoline.

Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is a left ventricular systolic dysfunction associated with heart failure (HF) in late-term pregnancy or peripartum. A 29-year-old pregnant woman with no history of cardiac disease noted lower extremity edema around 34 weeks' gestation with significant weight gain. She delivered twins via caesarean section, and the edema regressed postpartum. On postpartum day 4, however, she experienced difficulty breathing at night and was diagnosed with HF owing to PPCM. HF treatment along with cabergoline was initiated. With low prolactin blood levels, her symptoms and cardiac function improved over time. This case demonstrated the usefulness of anti-prolactin therapy with cabergoline in PPCM.

Relapsing of Sever the Pulmonary Hypertension in A Neonate with Low Blood Level of L-Arginine

Relapsing of Sever the Pulmonary Hypertension in A Neonate with Low Blood Level of L-Arginine

A 8-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled human trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Saccharum officinarum wax alcohols (Policosanol) on improvement of blood cholesterol

BackgroundThe prevalence of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease appears to be reduced, according to a large body of research, by lowering blood levels of the ratio of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C)/ high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), triglyceride (TG)/HDL-C, and LDL-C. ObjectiveThe objective of the investigation was to determine the safety and endurance of policosanol (20 mg/d), as well as its efficacy in healthy individuals. Two parallel groups in this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled human experiment received either a policosanol (20 mg/d) or a placebo for eight weeks. 80 people were randomly assigned, with a mean (SD) age (years) of 42.61 (13.51), a mean (SD) BMI (kg/m2) of 24.53 (3.57), a mean (SD) weight (kg) of 66.71 (14.30), and a mean (SD) height (cm) of 164.21. (7.99). ResultsAt 8 weeks, when compared to the baselinegroup, the policosanol (20 mg/d) batch displayed considerably greater LDL-C (-4.87 ± 11.30 mg/dL; p = 0.014), total cholesterol (-6.82 ± 14.32 mg/dL; p = 0.007), triglyceride (-9.37 ± 19.27 mg/dL; p = 0.008), non HDL-C reductions (-10.32 ± 13.75 mg/dL; p = 0.0001), and significantly greater augmentation of HDL-C (3.50 ± 4.55 mg/dL; p = 0.010). Policosanol (20 mg/d) treatment also significantly reducing the serum levels of TC/HDL-C (p = 0.0001) and LDL-C/HDL-C (p = 0.0002), triglyceride/HDL-C (p = 0.001), and T-cholesterol-HDL-C/HDL-C (p = 0.0001) ratios. ConclusionIn humans, policosanol delivery resulted in a lowering of LDL-C levels and an improvement in other lipid markers, demonstrating the product potential to regulate hypercholesterolemia.

#6857 MATHEMATICAL MODEL FOR ADVERSE CARDIOVASCULAR EVENTS RISK ASSESSMENT IN KIDNEY TRANSPLANT RECIPIENTS

Abstract Background and Aims Kidney transplantation is the most cardioprotective method of renal replacement therapy. Nevertheless, cardiovascular diseases are one of the main reason of mortality of with functioning kidney graft. The aim is creation of a mathematical model for adverse cardiovascular events risk assessment in kidney transplant recipients (KTR). Method The study included 237 kidney transplant recipients whose age was 47.1±10.8 years. For three years of observation 79 (33.3%) patients had adverse cardiovascular events (CVE) (acute coronary syndrome, life-threatening rhythm disturbance, complicated hypertensive crisis). The comparison group was 158 (66.7%) recipients without cardiovascular events. The study groups were comparable by gender, age and traditional cardiovascular risk factors. Results The proportion of patients with obesity and the graft glomerular filtration rate less than 30 ml/min/1.73 m2 were higher in KTR with CVE than in KTR without CVE –– 27.8% (n = 22) versus 12.7% (n = 20) and 12.7% (n = 10) versus 3.2% (n = 5), p&amp;lt;0.01. p&amp;lt;0.01. The erythrocytosis and an increased NT-proBNP blood level was more common in KTR with CVE than in KTR without CVE – 29.1% (n = 23) versus 16.5% (n = 26), p&amp;lt;0.05 and 27.8% (n = 22) versus 11.4% (n = 18), p&amp;lt;0.01. KTR with CVE had a longer duration of chronic kidney disease than KTR without CVE – 21.1±12.2 years versus 16.6±9.6 years, p&amp;lt;0.01. Triglycerides and low density lipoproteins blood levels of KTR with CVE were higher than those of KTR without CVE – 1.70 (1.30-2.50) mmol/L versus 1.45 (1.08-1.80) and 2.97±0.88 mmol/L versus 2.61±0.69 mmol/L, p&amp;lt;0.01, respectively. was more common in KTR with CVE than in KTR without CVE. The above factors were included in the mathematical model. $Y\; = \;\frac{1}{{\;1 + {e^{( {4,156 - 1,033X1 - 0,037X2 - 1,003X3 - 0,384X4 - 0,470X5 - 1,712X6 - 1,119X7} )}}}},$ X1 - body mass index &amp;gt; 30 kg/m2 (0 - no, 1 - yes), X2 - duration of chronic kidney disease (years); X3 - erythrocytosis (0 - no, 1 - yes), X4 - triglycerides blood level (mmol/l); X5 - low density lipoproteins blood level (mmol/l); X6 - glomerular filtration less than 30 ml/min/1.73 m2 (0 - no, 1 - yes), X7 - increased NT-proBNP blood level (0 - no, 1 - yes) The formula predicts low risk of CVE in kidney transplant recipients with an estimated value of Y&amp;lt;0.35, with Y≥0.35 - high risk. Conclusion Obesity, graft dysfunction erythrocytosis, an elevated NT-proBNP blood level, longer duration of chronic kidney disease, higher triglycerides and low density lipoproteins blood levels can be used to assess cardiovascular risk in kidney transplant recipients.

Very low Omega-3 Index in young healthy students from Palestine.

Oily fish is rich in long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which have been associated with several health benefits. However, fish consumption is generally low in many countries, including the Middle East, resulting in low omega-3 blood levels. In Palestine, no data on the omega-3 blood status is available. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to assess the omega-3 status and related factors in young healthy subjects from Palestine. Omega-3 status was assessed using the Omega-3 Index-defined as the sum of EPA + DHA in relation to the total fatty acid content of erythrocytes. A total of 149 subjects, 50 males and 99 females (age range: 18-24 years), were included in the study. In addition to the Omega-3 Index, data on anthropometrics, physical activity, smoking status, fish intake, dietary supplement intake, blood lipid profile, and whole erythrocyte fatty acid pattern were collected. The mean (SD) Omega-3 Index was 2.56 (0.57)%, with 97.9% of subjects having an index below 4%. The majority of participants (91.8%) consumed less than two portions of fish per week, and only 4% reported taking omega-3 supplements, mostly irregularly. Our findings show that young Palestinian students have an alarmingly low omega-3 status. Further studies are needed to investigate whether the omega-3 status is also low in the general Palestinian population.

Molecular analysis and comparison of CD34+ and CD133+ very small embryonic-like stem cells purified from umbilical cord blood.

Very small embryonic like stem cells (VSELs) are a dormant population of stem cells that, as proposed, are deposited during embryogenesis in various tissues, including bone marrow (BM). These cells are released under steady state conditions from their tissue locations and circulate at a low level in peripheral blood (PB). Their number increases in response to stressors as well as tissue/organ damage. This increase is evident during neonatal delivery, as delivery stress prompts enrichment of umbilical cord blood (UCB) with VSELs. These cells could be purified from BM, PB, and UCB by multiparameter sorting as a population of very small CXCR4+ Lin- CD45- cells that express the CD34 or CD133 antigen. In this report, we evaluated a number of CD34+ Lin- CD45- and CD133+ Lin- CD45- UCB-derived VSELs. We also performed initial molecular characterization of both cell populations for expression of selected pluripotency markers and compared these cells at the proteomic level. We noticed that CD133+ Lin- CD45- population is more rare and express, at a higher level, mRNA for pluripotency markers Oct-4 and Nanog as well as the stromal-derived factor-1 (SDF-1) CXCR4 receptor that regulates trafficking of these cells, however both cells population did not significantly differ in the expression of proteins assigned to main biological processes.

Associations of insulin-like growth factor binding protein-2 with metabolic profile and hepatic fat deposition in asymptomatic men and women.

Low circulating levels of insulin-like growth-factor binding protein-2 (IGFBP-2) have been associated with increased adiposity and metabolic alterations such as insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in individuals with obesity. However, whether IGFBP-2 affects energy metabolism in the early stages of these disorders remains unclear. Herein, we hypothesized that plasma IGFBP-2 concentrations are inversely associated with early liver fat accumulation and alterations in lipid and glucose homeostasis in apparently healthy and asymptomatic men and women. Three hundred thirty-three middle-aged Caucasian men and women apparently healthy and without cardiovascular symptoms were enrolled for a cross-sectional cardiometabolic imaging study. Individuals with BMI ≥ 40 kg/m2, cardiovascular disease, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and diabetes were excluded. Fasting glucose and lipid profiles were measured and an oral glucose tolerance test was performed. Liver fat content was assessed by magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Volume of visceral adipose tissue (VAT) was evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging. Plasma IGFBP-2 levels were quantified by ELISA. Participants with low IGFBP-2 levels were characterized by a higher body fat mass (P < 0.0001), insulin resistance (P < 0.0001), higher plasma triglyceride (TG) (P < 0.0001), and lower HDL-cholesterol levels (P < 0.0001) in a sex-independent manner. IGFBP-2 levels were inversely correlated with hepatic fat fraction in both men (r = -0.36, P < 0.0001) and women (r = -0.40, P < 0.0001). IGFBP-2 concentrations were negatively associated with hepatic fat fraction independently of age and VAT in both men (R2 = 0.23, P = 0.012) and women (R2 = 0.27, P = 0.028). In conclusion, our findings show that even in asymptomatic, apparently healthy individuals, low IGFBP-2 levels are associated with a more deteriorated cardiometabolic risk profile and with a high hepatic fat content in a VAT-independent manner. However, IGFBP-2 does not appear to influence the established sexual dimorphism observed for metabolic variables and hepatic fat fraction. Additional studies are required to better understand the relationships between IGFBP-2 and liver fat content.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Faced with a paucity of reliable clinical etiologic markers for fatty liver, this research article demonstrates, for the first time, that low blood levels of the protein IGFBP-2 are associated with a more deteriorated cardiometabolic risk profile and with a high hepatic fat content independently of visceral fat volume and sex, even in asymptomatic, apparently healthy individuals.