Marker Of Changes In Metabolism Research Articles

Raman microscopy reveals how cell inflammation activates glucose and lipid metabolism

Metabolism of endothelial cells (ECs) depends on the availability of the energy substrates. Since the endothelium is the first line of defence against inflammation in the cardiovascular system and its dysfunction can lead to the development of cardiovascular diseases, it is important to understand how glucose metabolism changes during inflammation. In this work, glucose uptake was studied in human microvascular endothelial cells (HMEC-1) in high glucose (HG), and additionally in an inflammatory state, using Raman imaging. HG state was induced by incubation of ECs with a deuterated glucose analogue, while the EC inflammation was caused by TNF-α pre-treatment. Spontaneous and stimulated Raman scattering spectroscopy provided comprehensive information on biochemical changes, including lipids and the extent of unsaturation induced by excess glucose in ECs., induced by excess glucose in ECs. In this work, we indicated spectroscopic markers of metabolic changes in ECs as a strong increase in the ratio of the intensity of lipids / (proteins + lipids) bands and an increase in the level of lipid unsaturation and mitochondrial changes. Inflamed ECs treated with HG, revealed enhanced glucose uptake, and intensified lipid production i.a. of unsaturated lipids. Additionally, increased cytochrome c signal in the mitochondrial region indicated higher mitochondrial activity and biogenesis. Raman spectroscopy is a powerful method for determining the metabolic markers of ED which will better inform understanding of disease onset, development, and treatment.

Differences in selected blood parameters between brachycephalic and non-brachycephalic dogs.

Cranial and upper-airway anatomy of short-nosed, flat-faced brachycephalic dogs predisposes them to brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS). Periodic apnoea increased inspiratory resistance, and an inability to thermoregulate effectively are characteristic of BOAS, but internationally accepted objective markers of BOAS severity are missing. The objective of this study was to compare the selected blood parameters between non-brachycephalic (NC) and brachycephalic (BC) dogs, exploring the possibility of developing a blood test for BOAS severity grading in the future. We evaluated blood biochemistry, complete blood cell counts, red blood cell (RBC) indices, reticulocyte counts, a blood-born marker of intermittent hypoxia (glutathione, NO production), RBC hydration, deformability, and blood markers of metabolic changes and stress between BC (n = 18) and NC (meso- and dolichocephalic, n = 22) dogs. Reticulocyte counts and the abundance of middle-fluorescence immature reticulocytes were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in BC dogs compared to NC dogs. BC dogs had significantly more NO-derived NO/NO in plasma than NC dogs. RBCs of BC dogs were shedding significantly more membrane, as follows from the intensity of eosin maleimide staining, and had a significantly higher mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration than NC dogs. Intracellular reduced glutathione content in RBCs of BC dogs was significantly lower, while plasma lactate was significantly higher in BC dogs compared to NC dogs. Plasma cholesterol and triglycerides were significantly lower, and cortisol was significantly higher in BC dogs compared to NC dogs. Eosinophil counts were significantly lower and the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio was higher in BC dogs compared to NC dogs. Taken together, our findings suggest that the brachycephalic phenotype in dogs is associated with alterations at the level of blood cells and, systemically, with oxidation and metabolic changes. The parameters identified within this study should be further investigated for their potential as objective indicators for BOAS.

Стан кишкової мікробіоти як один із патогенетичних факторів розвитку метаболічних порушень і терапевтична мішень у дітей з ожирінням (огляд літератури, власні дослідження)

The high prevalence of obesity among children and adolescents at the current stage is an important medical and social problem in pediatric practice. The presence of obesity in children is a significant risk factor for the development of metabolic disorders in the body. Pathogenetic mechanisms of the development of metabolic disorders in obese people remain to be fully understood, but the presence of a chronic inflammatory process in the body is considered to be one of the key factors in their formation. For today, many scientists are studying the state of the intestinal microbiota as one of the likely triggers of chronic inflammation and the development of metabolic changes in obese people. Purpose - to summarize the literature data and the results of our own research on the effectiveness of the therapeutic effect of probiotic cultures on the main metabolic indicators in children with obesity. Results and conclusions. At the current stage, scientific researches on the study the role of intestinal microbiota both as a marker of metabolic changes in the body of obese people and as a potential therapeutic target are continuing. According to systematic reviews, the level of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the body of obese people is significantly increased and pronounced dysbiotic disturbances are noted. Addition of probiotic cultures to therapy has been reported by various researchers to improve basic metabolic parameters and reduce inflammatory markers in obese people. As a result of our own research, improvements in carbohydrate and lipid metabolism indicators, the structural and functional state of the liver, and the general condition of obese children who took a synbiotic drug in complex treatment were revealed. The research was carried out in accordance with the principles of the Helsinki Declaration. The study protocol was approved by the Local Ethics Committee of all participating institutions. The informed consent of the patient was obtained for conducting the studies. No conflict of interests was declared by the authors.

Body composition of Tashkent school-aged boys

Background: Body composition in periods of childhood, puberty and adolescent is a marker of metabolic changes that occur during these periods of growth and maturation, and, thus, it is an important information regarding child and adolescent health. Purpose: The purpose is to study the age-related body index mass and body composition in the different age school boys in Tashkent city. Method: Boys body composition was measured by analyzer “Tanita BC 543” (Japan) in the morning between 9.00-10.00 p.m. Body composition parameters were determined in boys of three stage of development: childhood (seven year old), early adolescence (twelve year old), and late adolescence age (eighteen year old). Results: The obtained data show that as boys grow and develop, mass of all body components increased. The greatest increase was in adipose tissue, and the least one was in content of bone minerals. It was found 7-year-old children were underweight, but by the age of 18 there weight approached the normal value. However, weight normalization occurs due to an increase in adipose tissue. It is indirectly indicated a growing risk in the boys predisposition to the diabetes.

Association of Circulating COMP and YKL-40 as Markers of Metabolic Changes of Cartilage with Adipocytokines in Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of circulating cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) and human cartilage glycoprotein-39 (YKL-40) as markers of metabolic changes of cartilage, with leptin, adiponectin, and resistin in juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) patients before and after treatment. A significant decrease of COMP and an increase of YKL-4 were found in blood of untreated patients. JIA treatment leading to clinical improvement resulted in normalization of COMP levels only. Concentrations of both markers in treated patients, while showing no clinical improvement, differed from those in controls and patients with remission. The leptin level decreased (p < 0.05) in untreated patients; however, concentrations of adiponectin and resistin increased (p < 0.05) as compared to controls. JIA treatment resulted in normalization of adipocytokine levels in remissive patients but not those with active JIA. Untreated patients showed a correlation between COMP and leptin, adiponectin, and body mass index (BMI) and between YKL-40 and leptin, adiponectin, BMI, C-reactive protein (CRP), and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). In inactive JIA, a correlation between YKL-40 and leptin was shown. Treated patients with an active JIA demonstrated a correlation between COMP and adiponectin and between YKL-40 and leptin, adiponectin, BMI, CRP, and ESR. The results of this work indicate that leptin and adiponectin but not resistin may be involved in the development and progression of joint dysfunction in JIA. Additionally, we suggest that YKL-40 may be a useful biomarker of disease activity and may be used to assess treatment towards remission, as compared to COMP.

Decoupling of Brain Temperature and Glutamate in Recent Onset of Schizophrenia: A 7T Proton Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy Study

BackgroundConverging evidence suggests that cerebral metabolic and cellular homeostasis is altered in patients with recent onset of schizophrenia. As a possible marker of metabolic changes that might link to altered neurotransmission, we used proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy to estimate brain temperature, and we evaluated its relationship to a relevant metabolite, glutamate, within this study population. MethodsUsing proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy at 7T, 20 patients with recent onset (≤24 months after first psychotic symptoms) of schizophrenia and 20 healthy control subjects were studied. We measured levels of N-acetylaspartate and glutamate and estimated brain temperature in a noninvasive manner. ResultsHealthy control subjects showed a significant negative correlation between glutamate and brain temperature in the anterior cingulate cortex. In contrast, the physiological correlation between glutamate and brain temperature was lost in patients with recent onset of schizophrenia. ConclusionsThis study supports the hypothesized disrupted relationship between brain metabolism and neurotransmission in patients with recent onset of schizophrenia. The findings include mechanistic implications that are to be followed up in both preclinical and clinical studies.

Circulating keratan sulfate as a marker of metabolic changes of cartilage proteoglycan in juvenile idiopathic arthritis; influence of growth factors as well as proteolytic and prooxidative agents on aggrecan alterations.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the plasma keratan sulfate (KS) level as a potential marker of joint damage in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). The influence of growth factors as well as proteolytic and prooxidative agents on aggrecan alterations were evaluated in this study. Plasma levels of KS, transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1), platelet-derived growth factor BB (PDGF-BB), a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs 4 and 5 (ADAMTS-4 and ADAMTS-5), and thiol groups (TG) were quantified in samples obtained from 30 healthy subjects and 30 patients with JIA before and after treatment. Increased (p<0.01) plasma KS was observed in JIA patients before treatment. Therapy resulted in a decrease in KS level. However, plasma KS level remained higher (p<0.05) than in controls. Increased levels of TGF-β1 (p<0.01) and PDGF-BB (p<0.05) in untreated JIA patients were recorded. Clinical improvement was accompanied by significant decrease in TGF-β1 and PDGF-BB, compared with a pretreatment condition and a control group. The concentrations of proteinases were characterized by different trends of alterations. When the ADAMTS-4 level increased (p<0.01) in the blood of untreated patients, the concentration of ADAMTS-5 was found to be reduced (p<0.0001), compared with controls. JIA treatment resulted in the normalization of ADAMTS-4 level. Plasma TG concentration was decreased only in untreated patients (p<0.05). We have revealed a significant correlation between plasma KS level and ADAMTS-4, TGF-β1, TG, C-reactive protein, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate levels. Plasma KS level in JIA patients, reflecting the aggrecan structure, indicates that treatment that modifies inflammation simultaneously does not contribute to total regeneration of articular matrix components and signalizes the need for further treatment.

Correlação entre MCP-1, HbA1c e a filtração glomerular em pacientes não diabéticos

This study aims investigate if nondiabetic subjects with fasting glucose < 126 mg/dL but altered HbA1c already have lower estimated glomerular filtration (eGFR) and high serum MCP-1 levels in comparison to nondiabetics with normal HbA1c, independent of other metabolic changes. Data were derived from the database of the CAMELIA (cardio-metabolic-renal family) study, a cross sectional study performed between July 2006 and December 2007, with participants recruited from the Family Doctor Program, Niterói, RJ. An independent association between changes in HbA1c (≥ 5.7 and < 6.5% versus < 5.7%) and decreased eGFR rate was found. The HbA1c was shown to be a marker of metabolic changes in nondiabetic subjects with fasting glucose < 126 mg/dL, particularly in women and blacks. These observations support the use of HbA1c levels in strategies for early intervention and prevention of chronic diseases such as diabetes mellitus and chronic kidney disease.

Application of fluorimetric analysis of plant esterases to study of programmed cell death and effects of cadmium(II) ions

Esterases (EC 3.1.1.x) represent a diverse group of hydrolases catalyzing the cleavage and formation of carboxyl ester bonds. Their connection with development has made them a suitable marker of development in plants. In the present work, we focused on the fluorimetric determination of the plant esterases in plant cell cultures (tobacco BY-2 cells and early somatic embryos of Norway spruce, clone 2/32) with respect to application the method for the study of programmed cell death and the influence of cadmium(II) ions on the plant cells. The programmed cell death has been triggered by sodium nitroprusside and glucose oxidase. The determination of the esterase activity by the proposed technique in a cell extract determined very small difference in enzyme activity, which was a reliable marker of metabolic changes. In addition, the esterase activity of spruce somatic embryos decreased with the increase in medium Cd concentration.

Keratan sulfate as a potential biomarker of loading of the intervertebral disc.

A review of the literature. To investigate the potential of serum levels of keratan sulfate as a biomarker of the effects of loading of the spine. Exposure to mechanical loading of the spine causes changes in metabolism of intervertebral discs, eventually leading to accelerated disc degeneration. This process is characterized by the degradation of proteoglycans, which is reflected by an increase in the blood level of proteoglycan components. The serum level of keratan sulfate, an epitope present on these proteoglycan components, has been suggested as a marker of changes in metabolism of cartilaginous tissues. A review of the literature on serum keratan sulfate levels in relation to degenerative changes in cartilaginous tissue. In a number of studies keratan sulfate in serum was reported to be related to degeneration of articular cartilage in patients with osteoarthritis. In addition, massive and rapid degradation of intervertebral discs was determined to result in a large rise in serum keratan sulfate levels. Whether degenerative changes of intervertebral discs induced by mechanical stress also cause a detectable increase in serum keratan sulfate should be subjected to further investigation. Quantification of keratan sulfate in serum offers a promising measure for the early effects of mechanical loading of the spine, but research is needed for validation.

Acidification power: indicator of metabolic activity and autolytic changes in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

Acidification power, defined as the sum of the spontaneous pH change determined after suspending yeast cells in water and the substrate-induced pH change after addition of glucose to the resulting suspension, reflects the level of cellular energy sources. Its use as an indicator of metabolic state of the cells was tested during a 120-h aerobic starvation. Its changes coincided with changes in cell viability, initial rate of endogenous oxygen consumption rate, cell ATP, extra- and intracellular buffering capacity, and the ability of cell-free extract to produce acidity by glucose fermentation. It was used as a sensitive marker of metabolic changes occurring during starvation, on treatment with glycolytic and respiratory inhibitors, and at elevated temperature.