Markers In Healthy Individuals Research Articles

Red wine alleviates atherosclerosis-related inflammatory markers in healthy subjects rather than in high cardiovascular risk subjects: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Moderate red wine (RW) consumption is associated with a low risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, few studies have evaluated the effects of RW and white wine (WW) on inflammatory markers related to atherosclerosis in healthy individuals and high-risk subjects for CVD. This study aimed to assess the effect of RW on inflammatory markers in healthy individuals and high-risk subjects for CVD compared with moderate alcohol consumption. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses 2020 (PRISMA) was followed in this study. The PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, Web of Science, SinoMed, EbscoHost, and ScienceDirect databases were searched. The risk of bias and quality of the included trials were assessed using the Cochrane Handbook. The main results are summarized in Stata 12. Twelve studies were included in the meta-analysis. The results demonstrated that RW significantly decreased circulating intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1, vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1, and Sialyl-Lewis X expression on the surface of monocytes in healthy subjects, but not in patients with CVD. Additionally, RW significantly decreased Sialyl-Lewis X but increased clusters of differentiation 40 (CD40) expressed on the surface of T lymphocytes and significantly decreased C-C chemokine receptor type 2 (CCR2) and very late activation antigen 4 (VLA-4) expressed on the surface of monocytes. Interestingly, subgroup analysis also found that RW significantly decreased circulating interleukin-6 (IL-6) in Spain but not in other countries, and significantly increased αMβ2 (Mac-1) in the group that had an intervention duration of less than 3 weeks. Moderate consumption of RW is more effective than WW in alleviating atherosclerosis-related inflammatory markers in healthy people rather than high-risk subjects for CVD, but this needs to be further confirmed by studies with larger sample sizes.

Platelet Microvesicles, Inflammation, and Coagulation Markers: A Pilot Study.

Platelet "Microvesicles" (MVs) are studied for their role in blood coagulation and inflammation. The study aimed to establish if MVs are related to age, plasma levels of inflammation, coagulation, and fibrinolysis markers in healthy individuals. We prospectively enrolled volunteers aged over 18 years. MVs, plasma levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), Interleukin 6 (IL-6), Interleukin 10 (IL-10), Interleukin 17 (IL-17), and transforming growth factor β (TGF-β), fibrinogen, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), von Willebrand factor (VWF), homocysteine, factor VII (FVII), thrombin activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor (TAFI), and Protein S were tested. A total of 246 individuals (median age 65 years ("IQR"54-72)) were evaluated. Both univariate analysis and logistic regression models showed that MVs positively correlate with age, CRP, IL-6, IL-10, IL-17, TGF-β, fibrinogen, PAI-1, VWF, FVII, and homocysteine, while inversely correlating with TAFI and Protein S. The ROC curve analysis performed to identify a cut off for MV values (700 kMP) showed a good accuracy with over-range cytokines fibrinolysis factor and coagulation markers. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to correlate MVs with an entire panel of cardiovascular risk factors in healthy individuals. A future possible role of MVs in screening exams is suggested.

Acute effect of low-load resistance exercise with blood flow restriction on oxidative stress biomarkers: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

The purpose of this review was to analyze the acute effects of low-load resistance exercise with blood flow restriction (LLE-BFR) on oxidative stress markers in healthy individuals in comparison with LLE or high-load resistance exercise (HLRE) without BFR. A systematic review was performed in accordance with the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. These searches were performed in CENTRAL, SPORTDiscus, EMBASE, PubMed, CINAHL and Virtual Health Library- VHL, which includes Lilacs, Medline and SciELO. The risk of bias and quality of evidence were assessed through the PEDro scale and GRADE system, respectively. Thirteen randomized clinical trials were included in this review (total n = 158 subjects). Results showed lower post-exercise damage to lipids (SMD = -0.95 CI 95%: -1.49 to -0. 40, I2 = 0%, p = 0.0007), proteins (SMD = -1.39 CI 95%: -2.11 to -0.68, I2 = 51%, p = 0.0001) and redox imbalance (SMD = -0.96 CI 95%: -1.65 to -0.28, I2 = 0%, p = 0.006) in favor of LLRE-BFR compared to HLRE. HLRE presents higher post-exercise superoxide dismutase activity but in the other biomarkers and time points, no significant differences between conditions were observed. For LLRE-BFR and LLRE, we found no difference between the comparisons performed at any time point. Based on the available evidence from randomized trials, providing very low or low certainty of evidence, this review demonstrates that LLRE-BFR promotes less oxidative stress when compared to HLRE but no difference in levels of oxidative damage biomarkers and endogenous antioxidants between LLRE. Register number: PROSPERO number: CRD42020183204.

Impact of chronic cigarette smoking on blood count indices, erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein as inflammatory markers in healthy individuals.

Impact of chronic cigarette smoking on blood count indices, erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein as inflammatory markers in healthy individuals.

Gut microbiota is associated with dietary intake and metabolic markers in healthy individuals.

BackgroundMetabolic diseases have been related to gut microbiota, and new knowledge indicates that diet impacts host metabolism through the gut microbiota. Identifying specific gut bacteria associated with both diet and metabolic risk markers may be a potential strategy for future dietary disease prevention. However, studies investigating the association between the gut microbiota, diet, and metabolic markers in healthy individuals are scarce.ObjectiveWe explored the relationship between a panel of gut bacteria, dietary intake, and metabolic and anthropometric markers in healthy adults.DesignForty-nine volunteers were included in this cross-sectional study. Measures of glucose, serum triglyceride, total cholesterol, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), blood pressure (BP), and body mass index (BMI) were collected after an overnight fast, in addition to fecal samples for gut microbiota analyzes using a targeted approach with a panel of 48 bacterial DNA probes and assessment of dietary intake by a Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ). Correlations between gut bacteria, dietary intake, and metabolic and anthropometric markers were assessed by Pearson’s correlation. Gut bacteria varying according to dietary intake and metabolic markers were assessed by a linear regression model and adjusted for age, sex, and BMI.ResultsOf the 48 gut bacteria measured, 24 and 16 bacteria correlated significantly with dietary intake and metabolic and/or anthropometric markers, respectively. Gut bacteria including Alistipes, Lactobacillus spp., and Bacteroides stercoris differed according to the intake of the food components, fiber, sodium, saturated fatty acids, and dietary indices, and metabolic markers (BP and total cholesterol) after adjustments. Notably, Bacteroides stercoris correlated positively with the intake of fiber, grain products, and vegetables, and higher Bacteroides stercoris abundance was associated with higher adherence to Healthy Nordic Food Index (HNFI) and lower diastolic BP after adjustment.ConclusionOur findings highlight the relationship between the gut microbiota, diet, and metabolic markers in healthy individuals. Further investigations are needed to address whether these findings are causally linked and whether targeting these gut bacteria can prevent metabolic diseases.

Subfractional Spectrum of Serum Lipoproteins and Gut Microbiota Composition in Healthy Individuals.

Aim: To reveal the relationship between gut microbiota composition and subfractional spectrum of serum lipoproteins and metabolic markers in healthy individuals from Moscow. Methods: The study included 304 participants (104 were men), who underwent thorough preclinical assessment to exclude any chronic disease as well as cardiovascular pathology. Lipoprotein subfractional distribution was analyzed by Lipoprint LDL System (Quantimetrix, Redodno Beach, CA, USA). Gut microbiota composition was assessed by 16S rRNA sequencing of V3-V4 regions. Results: High gut microbiota diversity was positively associated with HDL-cholesterol (C) level and negatively associated with abdominal obesity, BMI, and dyslipidemia. According to selbal analysis, excessive representation of Prevotella spp. was positively associated with IDL-C and LDL-2-C. VLDL-C correlated with Ruminococcus_u/Faecalibacterium_prausnitzii balance. An unexpected positive relationship between LDL-C level and Bifidobacteriaceae_u/Christensenellaceae_u to Bifidobacterium_u balance was found, which may reflect the importance of the integrative microbiota assessment. Low microbiota diversity was associated with obesity, abdominal obesity and low HDL-C level. Conclusions: Gut microbiota imbalance may be one of the components involved in metabolic disorders. The balance of microorganisms and the microbiota diversity may play a more significant role in human health than individual bacterial genera.

Effectiveness of Training Prescription Guided by Heart Rate Variability Versus Predefined Training for Physiological and Aerobic Performance Improvements: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed to determine if heart rate variability-guided training (HRV-g), compared to predefined training (PT), maximizes the further improvement of endurance physiological and performance markers in healthy individuals. This analysis included randomized controlled trials assessing the effects of HRV-g vs. PT on endurance physiological and performance markers in untrained, physically active, and well-trained subjects. Eight articles qualified for inclusion. HRV-g training significantly improved maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max) (MD = 2.84, CI: 1.41, 4.27; p < 0.0001), maximum aerobic power or speed (WMax) (SMD = 0.66, 95% CI 0.33, 0.98; p < 0.0001), aerobic performance (SMD = 0.71, CI 0.16, 1.25; p = 0.01) and power or speed at ventilatory thresholds (VT) VT1 (SMD = 0.62, CI 0.04, 1.20; p = 0.04) and VT2 (SMD = 0.81, CI 0.41, 1.22; p < 0.0001). However, HRV-g did not show significant differences in VO2max (MD = 0.96, CI −1.11, 3.03; p = 0.36), WMax (SMD = 0.06, CI −0.26, 0.38; p = 0.72), or aerobic performance (SMD = 0.14, CI −0.22, 0.51; p = 0.45) in power or speed at VT1 (SMD = 0.27, 95% CI −0.16, 0.70; p = 0.22) or VT2 (SMD = 0.18, 95% CI −0.20, 0.57; p = 0.35), when compared to PT. Although HRV-based training periodization improved both physiological variables and aerobic performance, this method did not provide significant benefit over PT.

The Effects of Linoleic Acid Consumption on Lipid Risk Markers for Cardiovascular Disease in Healthy Individuals: A Review of Human Intervention Trials.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death worldwide. Risk factors for developing this disease include high serum concentrations of total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoproteins, very-low density lipoproteins, and low concentrations of high-density lipoproteins. One proposed dietary strategy for decreasing risk factors involves replacing a portion of dietary saturated fatty acids with mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). The essential omega-6 PUFA, linoleic acid (LA), is suggested to decrease the risk for CVD by affecting these lipid risk markers. Reviewing human intervention trials will provide further evidence of the effects of LA consumption on risk factors for CVD. PubMed was used to search for peer-reviewed articles. The purpose of this review was: (1) To summarize human intervention trials that studied the effects of LA consumption on lipid risk markers for CVD in healthy individuals, (2) to provide mechanistic details, and (3) to provide recommendations regarding the consumption of LA to decrease the lipid risk markers for CVD. The results from this review provided evidence that LA consumption decreases CVD lipid risk markers in healthy individuals.

Effects of Far-Infrared Emitting Ceramic Material Clothing on Recovery after Maximal Eccentric Exercise.

The purpose of this study was to determine whether Far-Infrared Emitting Ceramic Materials worn as Bioceramic pants would improve neuromuscular performance, biochemical and perceptual markers in healthy individuals after maximal eccentric exercise. Twenty-two moderately active men were randomized into Bioceramic (n = 11) or Placebo (n = 11) groups. To induce muscle damage, three sets of 30 maximal isokinetic eccentric contractions of the quadriceps were performed at 60°·s-1. Participants wore the bioceramic or placebo pants for 2 hours immediately following the protocol, and then again for 2 hours prior to each subsequent testing session at 24, 48 and 72 hours post. Plasma creatine kinase and lactate dehydrogenase activity, delayed-onset muscle soreness, perceived recovery status, and maximal voluntary contraction were measured pre-exercise and 2, 24, 48, and 72 hours post-exercise. Eccentric exercise induced muscle damage as evident in significant increases in delayed-onset muscle soreness at 24 - 72 hours (p < 0.05) and creatine kinase between Pre to 2, 24, 48 and 72 hours (p < 0.05). Despite the increased delayed-onset muscle soreness and creatine kinase values, no effect of Bioceramic was evident (p > 0.05). Furthermore, decreases in maximal voluntary contraction between Pre and immediately, 2, 24, 48 and 72 hours post (p < 0.05) were reported. However, the standardized difference was moderate lower for lactate dehydrogenase at 24 h (ES = 0.50), but higher at 48 h (ES = -0.58) in the Bioceramic compared to the Placebo group. Despite inducing muscle damage, the daily use of Far-Infrared Emitting Ceramic Materials clothing over 72 hours did not facilitate recovery after maximal eccentric exercise.

Effects of Dapagliflozin on Volume Status When Added to Renin-Angiotensin System Inhibitors.

Sodium glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors reduce the risk of heart and kidney failure in patients with type 2 diabetes, possibly due to diuretic effects. Previous non-placebo-controlled studies with SGLT2 inhibitors observed changes in volume markers in healthy individuals and in patients with type 2 diabetes with preserved kidney function. It is unclear whether patients with type 2 diabetes and signs of kidney damage show similar changes. Therefore, a post hoc analysis was performed on two randomized controlled trials (n = 69), assessing effects of dapagliflozin 10 mg/day when added to renin–angiotensin system inhibition in patients with type 2 diabetes and urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio ≥30 mg/g. Blood and 24-h urine was collected at the start and the end of treatment periods lasting six and 12 weeks. Effects of dapagliflozin compared to placebo on various markers of volume status were determined. Fractional lithium excretion, a marker of proximal tubular sodium reabsorption, was assessed in 33 patients. Dapagliflozin increased urinary glucose excretion by 217.2 mmol/24 h (95% confidence interval (CI): from 155.7 to 278.7, p < 0.01) and urinary osmolality by 60.4 mOsmol/kg (from 30.0 to 90.9, p < 0.01), compared to placebo. Fractional lithium excretion increased by 19.6% (from 6.7 to 34.2; p < 0.01), suggesting inhibition of sodium reabsorption in the proximal tubule. Renin and copeptin increased by 46.9% (from 21.6 to 77.4, p < 0.01) and 33.0% (from 23.9 to 42.7, p < 0.01), respectively. Free water clearance (FWC) decreased by −885.3 mL/24 h (from −1156.2 to −614.3, p < 0.01). These changes in markers of volume status suggest that dapagliflozin exerts both osmotic and natriuretic diuretic effects in patients with type 2 diabetes and kidney damage, as reflected by increased urinary osmolality and fractional lithium excretion. As a result, compensating mechanisms are activated to retain sodium and water.

Associations between childhood maltreatment and inflammatory markers.

Childhood maltreatment is one of the strongest predictors of adulthood depression and alterations to circulating levels of inflammatory markers is one putative mechanism mediating risk or resilience.AimsTo determine the effects of childhood maltreatment on circulating levels of 41 inflammatory markers in healthy individuals and those with a major depressive disorder (MDD) diagnosis. We investigated the association of childhood maltreatment with levels of 41 inflammatory markers in two groups, 164 patients with MDD and 301 controls, using multiplex electrochemiluminescence methods applied to blood serum. Childhood maltreatment was not associated with altered inflammatory markers in either group after multiple testing correction. Body mass index (BMI) exerted strong effects on interleukin-6 and C-reactive protein levels in those with MDD. Childhood maltreatment did not exert effects on inflammatory marker levels in either the participants with MDD or the control group in our study. Our results instead highlight the more pertinent influence of BMI.Declaration of interestD.A.C. and H.W. work for Eli Lilly Inc. R.N. has received speaker fees from Sunovion, Jansen and Lundbeck. G.B. has received consultancy fees and funding from Eli Lilly. R.H.M.-W. has received consultancy fees or has a financial relationship with AstraZeneca, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Cyberonics, Eli Lilly, Ferrer, Janssen-Cilag, Lundbeck, MyTomorrows, Otsuka, Pfizer, Pulse, Roche, Servier, SPIMACO and Sunovian. I.M.A. has received consultancy fees or has a financial relationship with Alkermes, Lundbeck, Lundbeck/Otsuka, and Servier. S.W. has sat on an advisory board for Sunovion, Allergan and has received speaker fees from Astra Zeneca. A.H.Y. has received honoraria for speaking from Astra Zeneca, Lundbeck, Eli Lilly, Sunovion; honoraria for consulting from Allergan, Livanova and Lundbeck, Sunovion, Janssen; and research grant support from Janssen. A.J.C. has received honoraria for speaking from Astra Zeneca, honoraria for consulting with Allergan, Livanova and Lundbeck and research grant support from Lundbeck.

New insight of high-intensity interval training on physiological adaptation with brain functions.

[Purpose]Exercise effectively enhances physiological adaptation, performance, and health-related markers in healthy individuals and diseased populations. However, the type and amount of optimal exercise remain controversial. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) took the top spot in the American College of Sports Medicine worldwide survey on fitness trends in 2018.[Methods]We review information on the effect of HIIT on physiological adaptation and the novel role on brain functions.[Results]HIIT is a more cost-effective way to improve physiological adaptations with aerobic capacity, and it also enhances brain functions such as hippocampus-dependent learning and memory.[Conclusion]In this review, we provide insight on the utility of HIIT in improving performance and highlight suggestions for future research.

Are adverse childhood experiences and depression associated with impaired glucose tolerance in females? An experimental study

Adverse childhood experiences (ACE) enhance the risk for mental disorders, e.g. major depressive disorder (MDD). Increasing evidence suggests an association between ACE and impaired physical health, e.g. metabolic syndrome. The aim of this study was to assess several metabolic risk markers in healthy individuals with and without ACE and depressed patients with and without ACE.We examined glucose and insulin release in the oGTT in 33 women with MDD and ACE, 47 women with MDD without ACE, 21 women with ACE but no current or lifetime MDD and 36 healthy women without either MDD or ACE. Several metabolic markers such as triglycerides, cholesterol, LDL, HDL, HbA1c, BMI and waist to hip ratio were assessed.The four groups did neither differ in insulin release and glucose concentrations in the oGTT nor with respect to other metabolic variables. Depressed patients with and without psychotropic medication did not differ in any outcome variable, but there was a trend towards higher glucose concentrations in the oGTT in patients with current psychotropic medication.In this physically healthy sample neither ACE nor MDD were associated with metabolic risk factors. Thus, metabolic alterations might not directly be linked to ACE and depression.

Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations are associated with nuclear factor kappa-B activity but not with inflammatory markers in healthy normoglycemic adults

Vitamin D has been reported to have anti-inflammatory properties in in vitro and animal studies, which are thought to occur via inhibition of the nuclear factor kappa-B (NFκB) pathway. However, the association between vitamin D and in vivo NFκB activity in humans has not previously been reported. The aim of the present study was to examine the associations between circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentrations and NFκB activity in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) as well as plasma inflammatory markers in healthy individuals. We hypothesized that 25(OH)D concentrations would be negatively associated with NFκB activity and pro-inflammatory markers downstream of NFκB, and positively associated with anti-inflammatory markers. We measured circulating 25(OH)D (chemiluminescent immunoassay); anthropometry: body mass index (BMI), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), and % body fat (dual X-ray absorptiometry); plasma pro- and anti-inflammatory markers: high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), tumor necrosis factor (TNF), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and IL-10 (ELISA); and NFκB activity in PBMCs (DNA-binding assay). Forty-nine participants were included in the study (21M/28F; age=31.6±10.2years (mean±SD); BMI=28.4±4.6kg/m2; % body fat=30.2±9.3%). Mean 25(OH)D concentration was 48.2±24.5 nmol/l. There were no differences in 25(OH)D concentrations between genders and no association between 25(OH)D concentrations and age, BMI, or % body fat (all p>0.1). Serum 25(OH)D concentrations were positively associated with NFκB activity in PBMCs (r=0.48, p=0.0008) but not with any of the pro- or anti-inflammatory markers measured (all p>0.1). After adjusting for age, sex, and % body fat, 25(OH)D concentrations remained positively associated with NFκB activity in PBMCs (β=0.55, p<0.0001). Although in-vitro studies suggest that vitamin D inhibits NFκB activity, our novel cross-sectional data from a cohort of healthy individuals suggest that vitamin D may regulate rather than inhibit the NFκB pathway. Large-scale intervention and mechanistic studies are needed to further investigate the effects of vitamin D on NFκB activity in vivo in humans.

Requirement for vitamin D supplementation in patients using photoprotection: variations in vitamin D levels and bone formation markers.

Avoiding sun exposure is obligatory in photodermatoses; however, the need for oral supplementation with vitamin D appears unrecognized. The aim of the study was to investigate the seasonal variation of vitamin D level and bone formation markers in healthy individuals and to compare it with vitamin D status in patients using photoprotection. Thirty-four healthy inhabitants of the Lodz region, Poland, a country in central Europe (51° and 52° north latitudes), were examined at the baseline visit within 2 weeks of peak sun exposure during recreational activity on vacation, after 8, and after 16 weeks. The group of patients using photoprotection comprised 104 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. Serum 25(OH) vitamin D, procollagen type I N-terminal propeptide (PINP), and osteocalcin levels were measured. The serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration was lower and vitamin D deficiency more common in patients using photoprotection than in healthy individuals during the warm and the cold season (P < 0.05). In healthy individuals, vitamin D deficiency was more prevalent after 8 and 16 weeks than at baseline assessment (P < 0.001). PINP level was 39.56 (30.51-53.22) ng/ml, and elevated in 50% of individuals, whereas osteocalcin was 18.88 (13.52-21.33) ng/ml, and within reference range. Diagnoses of vitamin D deficiency and oral supplementation in patients using photoprotection need to be included in practice. Peak 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels are probably achieved from vitamin D skin synthesis during the summertime and fall over time, starting from August. Elevated levels of PINP appear in line with the process of bone remodeling related to age.

Effects of Light Intensity Activity on CVD Risk Factors: A Systematic Review of Intervention Studies.

The effects of light intensity physical activity (LIPA) on cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors remain to be established. This review summarizes the effects of LIPA on CVD risk factors and CVD-related markers in adults. A systematic search of four electronic databases (PubMed, Academic Search Complete, SPORTDiscus, and CINAHL) examining LIPA and CVD risk factors (body composition, blood pressure, glucose, insulin, glycosylated hemoglobin, and lipid profile) and CVD-related markers (maximal oxygen uptake, heart rate, C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and tumor necrosis factor receptors 1 and 2) published between 1970 and 2015 was performed on 15 March 2015. A total of 33 intervention studies examining the effect of LIPA on CVD risk factors and markers were included in this review. Results indicated that LIPA did not improve CVD risk factors and CVD-related markers in healthy individuals. LIPA was found to improve systolic and diastolic blood pressure in physically inactive populations with a medical condition. Reviewed studies show little support for the role of LIPA to reduce CVD risk factors. Many of the included studies were of low to fair study quality and used low doses of LIPA. Further studies are needed to establish the value of LIPA in reducing CVD risk.

Analysis of Short and Long Term Variability of Nasal Mucus versus Breath Condensate Inflammation Markers in Healthy Individuals

Objective: Inflammation markers were measured in nasal mucus and exhaled breath condensate (EBC) to assess the normal variability of these markers among healthy individuals. The measurement of protein markers in those matrices is valuable to provide information on inflammation endotypes and local reaction of the immune system. Methods: Inflammation markers (IFN-γ, IL-1β, IL-8, IL-10, IL-13 and TNF-α) in nasal mucus and EBC from six healthy adults were measured by Meso Scale Discovery technology. Nasal mucus was collected with sponges of polyurethane foam, which is a recently developed sampling technique. EBC was sampled via an optimized breath manoeuver with the RTUBETM device. Both collections were done within a limited sampling time of two minutes. The samples were taken on the same day and within a time period of twenty days for the determination of short and long term variability, respectively. Results: All inflammation markers were detectable in nasal mucus. This was in contrast with the measurements in EBC, in which only IFN-γ, IL-8 and IL-13 were detectable in the majority of the samples. EBC collected with the applied breathing technique gave a repeatable almost constant volume (448 μL (95% CI: 429 to 467 μL)). The collected volume of nasal mucus was more variable (from 0 to 200 μL). The variability of nasal analytes was similar over the short and long time period. The nasal inflammation marker levels were more stable within an individual than between different individuals (0.72 ≤ ICC ≤ 0.96). This was in contrast with the measurements in EBC that were highly variable over time (0.08 ≤ ICC ≤ 0.51). Conclusion: We indicate – given the good detectability and low variability of the inflammation markers determined in nasal mucus – that nasal mucus, more than EBC, is potentially a good matrix to assess inflammation in the respiratory system.

Acute Effects of Isocaloric Meals with Different Fiber and Antioxidant Contents on Inflammatory Markers in Healthy Individuals

Chronic inflammation contributes to the pathophysiology of many chronic diseases. Dietary fibers and antioxidants may exert anti-inflammatory effects. The objective of this study was to determine whether meals with different fibers and antioxidants may elicit a different response in inflammatory markers in healthy volunteers. On 3 separate days, subjects (n = 8) consumed one of three isocaloric meals with different antioxidant (vitamin E, selenium and β-carotene) and fiber content (high, intermediate and low) in a randomized crossover design. Blood samples were collected at different times: 0 min (before the meal), and 30 and 240 min after the meal. Plasma interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, glucose and insulin content were evaluated at each time point. There were no significant differences for any of the parameters at baseline. Furthermore, plasma levels of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-10 were unchanged at the 30- and 240-min time points whatever meal consumed. Moreover, the cytokine responses to glucose and insulin intake were not significantly different between experimental conditions. In conclusion, isocaloric meals with different fiber, β-carotene, vitamin E and selenium contents do not acutely affect inflammatory markers in healthy young males.

Effect of surgical and non-surgical periodontal debridement on vascular thrombotic markers in hypertensives.

Background:Periodontal debridement has an impact on the vascular thrombotic markers in healthy individuals. This study aimed to investigate changes in several vascular thrombotic markers after surgical and non-surgical periodontal debridement in hypertensives with periodontitis.Materials and Methods:40 hypertensives, 27 males and 13 females, 37-68 year old, mean 51.2 years, with moderate to severe periodontitis, were divided into two groups, (n = 20 for each); the first received comprehensive one session non-surgical periodontal debridement, (pockets 4-6 mm), while the second received comprehensive supragingival scaling with surgical debridement at one quadrant, (Pockets > 6 mm). Periodontal parameters included; plaque index (PI), gingival inflammation (GI), bleeding on probing (BOP), pocket probing depth (PPD). Vascular thrombotic tests included; platelets count (Plt), fibrinogen (Fib), Von Willebrand factor antigen activity (vWF:Ag), and D-dimers (DD).Results:PI, GI, BOP, PPD, decreased significantly (P = 0.001) after 6 weeks of periodontal debridement in both groups, while BOP and PPD remained higher in the surgical one (P < 0.05). Thrombotic vascular markers changes through the three-time intervals were significant in each group (P = 0.001), and time-group interception effect was significant for vWF:Ag (P = 0.005), while no significant differences between groups after treatment (P > 0.05).Conclusion:Periodontal debridement, surgical and non-surgical, improved the periodontal status in hypertensives. Periodontal treatment activated the coagulation system in hypertensives and recessed later while the treatment modality did not affect the degree of activation.

Passive Smoking, Endothelial Dysfunction and Related Markers in Healthy Individuals: An Update

By the analysis of previous studies, functional and biochemical markers related to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) exposure are discussed. 18 healthy never smokers, 12 men (67%) and 6 women (33%) aged from 21 to 55 years (mean: 34+/-9 ys.) underwent experimental procedures twice. in a smoking free environment and in the same environment polluted by 35 ppm carbon monoxide derived from smoked cigarettes. Brachial artery ultrasonography, exercise stress testing, heart rate (HR) and blood pressure (BP) monitoring, and carboxyhaemoglobin (COHb) concentrations were examined. Five markers related to ETS exposure of healthy individuals could be demonstrated: l. Impaired FMD as an effect of endothelial dysfunction, 2. Transient increase in systolic BP; 3. HR increase; 4. Diminished tolerance to exercise; 5. Increased COHb blood concentrations. Some of these feel the effects of sympathetic stimulation induced by both nicotine and carbon monoxide. Since both active and passive smoking are believed to be a chemical toxicosis, avoiding ETS exposure of healthy nonsmokers must be a categorical imperative.