Nephelometric Method Research Articles

Вплив біотину на ріст та розвиток бактерій Lactobacillus plantarum

Мета: вивчити вплив біотину на життєдіяльність молочнокислих бактерій. Методи: об’єктом дослідження були молочнокислі бактерії Lactobacillus plantarum, які виділили з пробіотика «Флактонія». Для культивування бактерій використовували селективні поживні середовища: МРС та капустяне. Для стимуляції росту бактерій Lactobacillus plantarum в середовища додавали 5 мг/л біотину. Контролем були вище названі середовища без стимулятору росту. Дослідження включали вивчення динаміки накопичення бактерій Lactobacillus plantarum. Для цього протягом 60 годин проводили відбір проб: кожні 6 годин визначали біомасу, активну кислотність та кінетичні параметри росту культур: швидкість експоненціонального росту (μ, год–1), константа швидкості ділення (V, год–1), час генерації (g, год). Виділення молочнокислих мікроорганізмів проводили методом багатосерійних розведень. Посіви інкубували протягом 2-3 діб при температурі 37 0С. Кількість колоній підраховували по трьом останнім розведенням, в яких спостерігали ріст молочнокислих бактерій. рН визначали потенціометрично за допомогою мембранного рН-метра. Бактеріальну біомасу визначали нефелометричним методом. Оптичну густину суспензії вимірювали при 590 нм. Біомасу виражали в мг сухих клітин на мл середовища. Для розрахунку використовували калібрувальну криву залежності оптичної густини культуральної рідини від біомаси. Результати: у статті досліджено вплив стимулятора росту біотину (вітамін Н) на життєдіяльність, накопичення біомаси та параметри культивування молочнокислих бактерій Lactobacillus plantarum. Результати досліджень свідчать про те, що при внесенні біотину в капустяне середовище та середовище МРС збільшується константа швидкості ділення клітини та зменшується час генерації. В даних середовищах зі стимулятором росту кількість біомаси збільшилась в капустяному на 76% і в МРС на 50% порівняно з контролем. Кількість колонієутворюючих організмів (КУО) на капустяному середовищі, була на 42%, а на середовищі МРС на 28% вища ніж в контролі (без біотину).

Nephelometry and turbidimetry to assess concentration and dispersion of coal dust in mines

The article considers the model of the optical instrument to measure coal dust concentration in mines based on the turbidimetric and nephelometric methods. The calculated data on the intensity of transmitted and scattered waves depending on coal dust concentration and on the size of coal dust particles are presented.

Glomerular and Tubular Functions in Children and Adults with Transfusion-Dependent Thalassemia.

This study aimed at assessing renal functions in patients with transfusion-dependent thalassemia (TDT). Fifty patients and 30 controls were enrolled in this prospective study. Serum levels of electrolytes and albumin were measured by a spectrophotometer. Serum levels of cystatin-C and urinary levels of β2-microglobulin were measured by nephelometric method. Thirty-eight patients were receiving deferasirox and 8 were on deferiprone. Serum electrolytes and albumin levels of the patients were found to be within normal ranges. Urinary β2-microglobulin and serum cystatin-C levels were significantly higher in patients than controls. They did not significantly differ between the subgroup of patients on deferiprone and the control group, whereas they were found to be higher in patients using deferasirox compared to controls. Urinary β2-microglobulin levels significantly increased in patients who were receiving high-dose deferasirox compared to those who were receiving a daily dose of 15-20 mg/kg or controls. Subclinical renal injury may be present in TDT patients.

C-reactive protein is linked to disease activity, impact, and response to treatment in patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria.

Elevated levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), a sensitive marker of inflammation, have been consistently reported in chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU). Here, we retrospectively analyzed data from 1253 CSU patients from 2 centers to answer the following questions: (i) What is the prevalence of elevated levels of CRP in CSU? (ii) Why do CSU patients show elevated levels of CRP? (iii) Are elevated CRP levels relevant? Serum levels of CRP were measured by the nephelometric method. We collected information regarding various laboratory tests including ESR, CBC with differential, D-dimer, fibrinogen, C3, C4, IL-6, etc. For most patients, we also collected data on age, gender, duration of CSU, presence of angioedema, activity (UAS at the time of blood sampling and for 7 days), quality of life (CU-Q2oL and/or DLQI), comorbidities and possible causes of CSU, and autologous serum skin test (ASST) response. The efficacy of second-generation antihistamines was evaluated on the day of blood collecting. One-third of CSU patients had elevated levels of CRP. Higher levels of CRP were associated with ASST positivity (P = .009) and arterial hypertension (P = .005), but not with other possible causes or comorbidities of CSU. C-reactive protein correlated with urticaria activity (P < .001), quality of life impairment (P = .026), and inflammatory and coagulation markers (P < .001). C-reactive protein levels were significantly higher in nonresponders to antihistamines as compared to responders (P < .001). Elevated levels of CRP are common and relevant in CSU patients. The assessment of CRP levels may help to optimize the management of patients with CSU.

A New Kinetic, Automated Assay to Determine the Ferroxidase Activity of Ceruloplasmin.

A new kinetic and automated assay was developed to determine ceruloplasmin ferroxidase activity. Ferrous ions are turned into ferric ions via catalytic activity of the ferroxidase enzyme. Acetohydroxamic acid, a chromogen, forms a colored complex with ferric ions. This reaction was measured kinetically. Significant and strong correlations were obtained between the new acetohydroxamic method and the p-phenylenediamine oxidase (r = 0.988, p <0.001), o-dianisidine oxidase (r = 0.981, p <0.001), norfloxacine oxidase (r = 0.989, p <0.001) and nephelometric methods (r = 0.861, p <0.001). This reliable, applicable, user-friendly, and low-priced method can be performed fully automatically or with manual spectrophotometry, and can be used to measure the ferroxidase activity of ceruloplasmin.

Rapid reagent-less on-line H2O2 quantification in alkaline semiconductor etching solution, Part 2: Nephelometry application

A simple and rapid reagent less nephelometric method for on-line H2O2 quantification in semiconductors etching solutions was developed, optimized, characterized and validated. The intensity of the light scattered by the oxygen gas suspension resulted from H2O2 catalytic decomposition by immobilized MnO2 was registered as analytical response. The influences of the light wave length, the agitation rate, the temperature and the catalyst surface area on the response amplitude were studied and optimization was done. The achieved linear concentration range from 10 to 150mmolL−1 at 0.9835 calibration curve correlation coefficient, precision from 3.65% to 0.95% and response time from 35 to 20s respectively, at sensitivity of 8.01µAmmol−1 L and LOD of 2.9mmolL −1 completely satisfy the semiconductor industry requirements.

Estimation of the dilution field near a marine outfall by using effluent turbidity as an environmental tracer and comparison with dye tracer data.

The alternative use of effluent turbidity to determine the dilution field of a domestic marine outfall located off the city of Rio de Janeiro was evaluated through field work comprising fluorescent dye tracer injection and tracking with simultaneous monitoring of sea water turbidity. A preliminary laboratory assessment was carried out with a sample of the outfall effluent whose turbidity was measured by the nephelometric method before and during a serial dilution process. During the field campaign, the dye tracer was monitored with field fluorometers and the turbidity was observed with an optical backscattering sensor interfaced to an OEM data acquisition system. About 4,000 samples were gathered, covering an area of 3 km × 3 km near the outfall diffusers. At the far field - where a drift towards the coastline was observed - the effluent plume was adequately labeled by the dye tracer. The turbidity plume was biased due to the high and variable background turbidity of sea water. After processing the turbidity dataset with a baseline detrending method, the plume presented high correlation with the dye tracer plume drawn on the near dilution field. However, dye tracer remains more robust than effluent turbidity.

Raised IL-6 and C-reactive protein in neonatal sepsis in Eastern India

Background: Neonatal sepsis (NS) has significant morbidity and mortality rates and it is still difficult to diagnose on presentation. Early diagnosis and treatment decreases the mortality and morbidity of neonatal sepsis (NS). The study’s aim was to detect the levels of IL-6, CRP and hs-CRP in clinically suspected cases of neonatal sepsis and establish its association with the pathogenesis of the disease.Methods: The case control study consists of 70 neonates of whom 36 were clinically suspected case of sepsis admitted in NICU of paediatric department and were taken as cases and 34 were normal healthy neonates taken as control subjects. The cases as well as controls were within 28 days of age. Preterm and term neonates (&lt;28 days of age) of both sexes showing signs of both early and late onset sepsis and also blood culture positive were included in the study. About 4 ml of venous blood was taken for measurement of hs CRP and IL 6. Serum hs-CRP levels was determined with a high-sensitivity nephelometric method while the serum level of IL 6 was measured by immunoassay Kits (Raybiotech, USA).Results: Serum IL 6 levels were increased in sepsis cases as compared to controls and were statistically significant (68.94±36.32 versus 8.26±3.82 pg/ml; P &lt;0.0001). However, a high positive correlation was observed between ESR with serum IL 6 level (r=0.825; P = &lt;0.001) among neonatal sepsis subjects while no correlation was seen in controls (r=0.279; P=0.098).Conclusions:It was observed that a significant rise in IL-6 or hs-CRP which may be suggested as specific marker for the identification of neonatal sepsis. The combination of IL-6 or CRP or hs-CRP could therefore be vital for the diagnosis and would be better predictors of neonatal sepsis and may be crucial in the pathogenesis of the disease.

A Comparative Analysis of Serum IgG4 Levels in Patients With IgG4-Related Disease and Other Disorders

ObjectiveElevated serum IgG4 levels are an important hallmark for diagnosing IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD) but can also be found and reported in other diseases. The present study intended to compare the serum IgG4 levels in both IgG4-RD and non-IgG4-RD and determine the serum IgG4 levels in patients with IgG4-RD before and after glucocorticoid therapy. MethodsThe study included 323 patients from Anhui Medical University Affiliated Provincial Hospital (China) and was conducted from July 2014-January 2016. A total of 25 patients were eventually diagnosed as having IgG4-RD, according to the IgG4-RD diagnostic criteria. Our study also included 108 patients with connective tissue disease, 94 patients with pancreatic lesions, 66 patients with bile duct lesions, 13 patients with carcinoma of the duodenal papilla and 20 control participants. The assay for serum IgG4 detection was peformed using the nephelometric method. ResultsElevated levels of serum IgG4 (>1.35g/L) were detected in all patients with IgG4-RD, and reduced levels of serum IgG4 (<1.35g/L) were found in all patients with non-IgG4-RD. The serum IgG4 level in patients with IgG4-RD after glucocorticoid therapy was significantly lower than that before glucocorticoid therapy (t = 2.426, P = 0.04). ConclusionsHigh levels of IgG4 were observed in IgG4-RD. However, a diagnosis of IgG4 disease can not only be dependent on the detection of elevated serum IgG4 levels but also may need clinical manifestations, serology, histopathology and other comprehensive information for verification.

POLYELECTROLYTE COMPLEX OF CHITOSAN AND CHONDROITIN SULFATE: FORMATION, PHYSICO-CHEMICAL PROPERTIES

The formation conditions, stability and solubility of polyelectrolyte complex (PEC) of chondroitin sulphate (CS) and chitosan (CN) were studied. CS was isolated from cartilage of Atlantic salmon Salmo salar. The molecular weight determined by nephelometric method was 60 kDa. CN was prepared from the shell of crab Paralithodes camtschaticus, degree of deacetylation is 68.8%, molecular weight is 368 kDa. The conditions of PEC formation are established by mixing solutions of polysaccharides. The comparing the original polysaccharides and their interaction products was carried out on the basis of infrared (IR) spectra study. CS have revealed the presence of absorption near 1250 cm-1, corresponding to the asymmetric stretching vibrations of -SO2- group in organic sulfates. This absorption was absent in the spectrum of CN. In the IR spectra of the PEC this absorption of CS decreased in 2 times that correspond to molar ratio of CS and CN equals to 1:1. The absence of new bands in PEC spectrum compared with spectra of CS and CN was been explained the bonds formation due to electrostatic interactions. PEC formation conditions are studied. At the interaction of CN and CS the PEC suspension is formed, and then dense sediment of PEC drops out, whereas the molar ratio of these polysaccharides remains constant. At addition of solution of CS to the CN solution in the molar ratio 1:3; 1:6 the PEC dispersion is formed that preserves stability during 2-3 days. Possibility of practical application of the PEC formation reaction is considered. The titration of CS solution by CN solution with a known degree of deacetylation can be used to quantify the CS drug's purity. We investigated the possibility of quantitative extraction of CS directly from raw material using CN solution through formation and separation of insoluble PEC. To study the possibilities for further use of PEC its stability in aqueous solutions of electrolytes was considered. In alkaline there is partial dissolution of substances with the absorption close to CS absorption (1250 cm-1), in acid – to CS absorption. Thus, there is partial destruction of PEC in alkaline and acidic media with liberation of polysaccharides, each of which is dissolved at an appropriate pH: CS in alkaline medium, CN in acidic medium. Thus, the PEC formation, its properties and possibilities of practical application were studied in this work. For citation:Novikov V.Yu., Dolgopyatova N.V., Konovalova I.N., Kuchina Yu.A. Polyelectrolyte complex of chitosan and chondroi-tin sulfate: formation, physico-chemical properties. Izv. Vyssh. Uchebn. Zaved. Khim. Khim. Tekhnol. 2017. V. 60. N2. P. 60-66.

Plasma Beta-Trace Protein as a Marker of Residual Renal Function: The Effect of Different Hemodialysis Modalities and Intra-Individual Variability over Time

Background/Aims: Beta-trace protein (BTP) is a low-molecular-weight molecule, which may be used to assess residual renal function (RRF) in dialysis patients. Here we evaluated the influence of hemodialysis (HD) and hemodiafiltration (HDF) on plasma BTP, and analyzed the inter- and intra-individual variability of plasma BTP over time in HD and peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients. Methods: In 12 prevalent HD patients, the effect of a single session of low-flux HD, high-flux HD and HDF on plasma BTP was studied. Blood samples were taken at baseline, after 120 and 240 minutes, and at the start of the next dialysis session. In 13 HD patients and 10 PD patients, inter- and intra-individual variability over three months was studied (monthly and weekly, respectively). Plasma BTP was measured using a nephelometric method. Results: No significant decrease in plasma BTP was seen following a session of low-flux HD. Both high-flux HD and HDF resulted in a significant decrease immediately after dialysis (22% and 61% median decrease, respectively). A significant reduction of the molecule persisted only in HDF and a significant decrease (-15%) was still found immediately before the start of the next dialysis session. In both HD and PD patients, the reproducibility over time was excellent with intra-class correlation coefficient of 0.96 (0.93-0.99) and 0.92 (0.86-0.99) respectively. In a small cohort of PD patients, fair agreement existed between mGFR (average of renal urea and creatinine clearance from a 24 hours urine collection) and the BTP-based GFR estimation. Conclusion: BTP is a stable marker and a promising tool for RRF estimations in PD and HD patients. In patients receiving HDF, plasma levels of BTP should be interpreted with caution.

The Impact of Supplementation with Folic Acid on Homocysteine Concentration and Selected Lipoprotein Parameters in Patients with Primary Hypertension.

The aim of the study was the assessment of the impact of supplementation with folic acid on the concentration of homocysteine, total cholesterol (TC), HDL- and LDL-cholesterol, triglycerides (TG), apoprotein AI (apoAI) and apoprotein B (apoB) in patients suffering from primary hypertension. The examined group comprised 42 patients suffering from primary hypertension. All examined patients underwent laboratory tests as follows: concentration of homocysteine, folic acid, TC, LDL-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, TG, apoAI and apoB. All patients were orally administered with 15 mg of folic acid per day for 45 d. After this period, all laboratory tests were repeated. Homocysteine concentration was measured by the FPIA method, concentrations of apoAI and apoB were measured by the nephelometric method, and other parameters with routine methods. After administration of 15 mg of folic acid to patients with primary hypertension, a considerable decrease in the concentration of homocysteine was observed in parallel with a substantive growth of HDL-cholesterol, as well as apoprotein AI concentrations and a reduction of the apoprotein B concentration. Results of statistical analysis indicated a significant correlation between the decline in homocysteine concentration and the increase in HDL-cholesterol concentration, as well as between the increase of folic acid concentration and the increase in apoAI concentration in patients following the intake of folic acid. The drop in homocysteine concentration through the supplementation with folic acid can cause quantitative changes in the lipid and lipoprotein parameters which, in consequence, may lead to the mitigation of risk concerning the development of atherosclerosis.

Evaluation of Hepcidin and Atherosclerosis in Dialysis Patients.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a condition that involves 10% - 15% of population worldwide, which increases the risk of cardio-vascular diseases (CVD). Chronic kidney disease is one of the main reasons for illness and mortality in the world. Chronic kidney disease is a serious health problem caused by involvement of a large number of patients with kidney injury, especially in industrial countries. Among the main reasons for this are population living longer and the number of diseases in elderly persons, such as diabetes mellitus type 2, hypertension, and cardio-vascular diseases. We evaluated 63 patients on chronic dialysis at the Dialysis Centre at University "Aleksandrovska" Hospital; the average age was 49.9 ± 7.8. Their results were compared to 63 age matched controls. Blood samplings were taken before dialysis procedure. In the included groups, we measured CBC, serum iron (by Ferrozine method), ferritin, soluble transferrin receptors and hsCRP (by nephelometric method), hepcidin (by ELISA method), and homocysteine (by CLIA method). IMT was measured by using electronic calipers and evaluated by automated software programs. We established elevated serum hepcidin levels in CKD patients (205.1 ± 29.9 µg/L) compared to the control group (20.8 ± 3.1 µg/L), p < 0.001. Serum homocysteine and hsCRP concentrations were elevated in CKD cases (48.7 ± 6.8 µmol/L; 29.7 ± 4.1 mg/L) compared to controls (7.9 ± 1.8 µmol/L; 1.1 ± 0.4 mg/L), p < 0.005. In patients with CKD we found a strong positive correlation between serum hepcidin and homocysteine concentrations, r = 0.879, p < 0.001. In patients with impaired kidney function soluble transferrin receptors correlated negatively to hepcidin: r = -0.799, p < 0.001. In dialysis, the transferrin concentration correlated highly positive to hepcidin: r = 0.691, p < 0.001. IMT in CKD patients correlated positively to hepcidin and homocysteine levels: r = 0.788 and r = 0.841, respectively, p < 0.005. Chronic kidney disease is connected to cardio-vascular disease risk factors. CKD might be an independent CVD risk factor. In early kidney injury stages, increased morbidity is found from CVD. The risk of fatal and non-fatal cardio-vascular incidents is connected to kidney injury. For clinical practice, early evaluation of hepcidin and atherosclerosis in chronic kidney disease patients is very important.

Prognostic significance of indices of platelets aggregation and interleukin-1β in the acute period of ischemic stroke

To determine the prognostic significance of indices of platelet aggregation (PA) and the level of interleukin IL-1β in the outcome of ischemic stroke (IS). One hundred and eight patients were studied. According to disease outcome, two groups of patients were identified: survivors (group 1) and patients with fatal outcome (group 2). Patients were examined in the very early stage (the 1st day of hospitalization) and in the early stage (the 7th day of hospitalization) of IS. The level of interleukin IL-1β in blood serum was defined by enzyme immunoassay method. PA was measured by nephelometric method. According to PA indices, a posteriori prognosis of fatal outcome was 10%, but according to IL-1β indices, it was 0.90%. Consequently, the prognostic significance of PA indices with regard to fatal outcome of IS patients in the acute period is higher than that of IL-1b indices. Taking into consideration the expenses of both methods of diagnosis, the authors conclude that with regard to economic availability, PA measurement as a prognostic-diagnostic method is more acceptable in clinical practice.

The Association between the Condition of Dentition and Myocardial Infarction Risk

Introduction: Inflammatory process plays a great role in pathogenesis and development of many of the systemic diseases, including Cardiovascular Disease and Incident Cardiovascular Events (CVEs). Interleukin-6 and C-reactive protein are recognized as an inflammatory markers. The Aim of the Study: To assess the level of the inflammatory markers: hs-CRP and IL-6, related to the number of remaining teeth in post-myocardial infarction patients, treated with primary coronary angioplasty (pPCI). Materials and Methods: The research was based on 80 people, 32 women and 48 men aged 34-82. Within this sample of 80 people, 50 had previously suffered a heart attack while 30 were in good general health. The partially edentulous arches were classified with Galasinska- Landsbergerowa classification and the number of remaining teeth was assessed in both groups. The level of hs-CRP was measured with nephelometric method, IL-6 with immunoenzymatic method (ELISA). For statistical analysis the Statistica 10.0 software was used. Results: In the post-myocardial infarction male group, the statistically significant negative correlation between IL-6 level and the mean remaining teeth in general, as well as in mandible was observed. However no correlation between the number of remaining teeth and CRP level, in postmyocardial patients, was noticed. Conclusion: Increased level of hs-CRP and IL-6 in research confirms the hypothesis, that unsatisfactory oral hygiene status raises the risk of myocardial infarction. Hence, there is a necessity of creation and implementation of professional preventive-therapeutic-educational program dedicated directly to cardiac high risk group.

Evaluation of Serum Cystatin C Levels in Fibroid Patients in Elele

This study was aimed at determining the serum levels of Cystatin C in fibroid patients. A total of 140 women were recruited for the study, 70 served as control while 70 were fibroid patients (test). Nephelometric Immunoassay Method in Mispa autoanlyser was used for the assay. The data were analyzed with statistical package for social science (SPSS) version 20. The results showed significant difference (P<0.05) when Cystatin C in fibroid subjects (2.6 ± 1.11 mg/dl) were compared to control (1.0 ± 0.34 mg/dl) and there was significant difference (P<0.05) when Cystatin C levels were compared among the different age groups. It was concluded that Cystatin C was elevated in fibroid women.

The association of sialic acid levels with nitric oxide and C-reactive protein in patients with diabetic foot ulcer / Diyabetik ayak ülseri olan hastalarda sialik asit düzeylerinin nitrik oksit ve C-reaktif protein ile ilişkisi

Abstract Objective: The present study aimed to evaluate the association of serum sialic acid (SA) levels with nitric oxide (NO) and C-reactive protein (CRP) in patients with diabetic foot ulcer. Methods: This study included total 56 type 2 diabetic patients (27 of them had diabetic foot ulcer and 29 without it) and 22 healthy volunteers. Serum SA, NO and CRP levels were measured with spectrophotometric and nephelometric methods respectively. Results: Serum SA levels were higher in diabetic foot group than diabetes group (p&lt;0.05). CRP and NO levels were found to be significantly higher in diabetic foot group compared to the diabetes (p&lt;0.001 and p=0.002, respectively) and control groups (p&lt;0.001, both). Although there was no correlation between SA and NO (p&gt;0.05), serum SA levels were significantly correlated with CRP in diabetic foot group (p&lt;0.001). Conclusion: We suggest that SA could be related to acute phase response in patients with diabetic foot ulcer. Elevated serum SA and NO levels may be indicators of oxidative stress-induced vascular damage.

Evaluation of inflammation during fixed orthodontic treatment

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to assess effects of fixed orthodontic therapy on high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) level, CBC parameters and levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT), gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), urea, creatinine, sodium (Na), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), total protein (TP), and albumin (Alb). DesignBlood samples (7ml) were drawn at baseline, on days 1 and 7, and three months after placement of braces in the study group, while only one blood sample was drawn at baseline in the control group. Serum hs-CRP levels were measured by nephelometric method. Friedman two-way variance analysis was used to assess values with skewed distribution obtained at baseline, on days 1 and 7, in the third month. Wilcoxon rank sign test was performed if median values were unequal. ResultsDuring measurement periods, there were significant increases in hs-CRP level, WBC count and neutrophil count while a significant decrease in Na level (p<0.05). K level was significantly decreased on the day 1. No significant differences were detected in other biochemical parameters evaluated. ConclusionElevation in serum hs-CRP levels and neutrophil: lymphocyte ratio within first 3 months indicates that a systemic immune response develops against therapy in patients undergoing fixed orthodontic therapy.

Inflammation markers are associated with metabolic syndrome and ventricular arrhythmia in patients with coronary artery disease

Inflammation plays a major role in the development and progression of atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease (CAD). Inflammation markers, including white blood cell (WBC) count, C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), are widely used for cardiovascular risk prediction. The aim of the study was to establish factors associated with WBC, CRP and IL-6 in patients with CAD. Two functional polymorphisms in genes encoding enzymes participating in adenosine metabolism were analyzed (C34T AMPD1, G22A ADA). Plasma concentrations of IL-6 were measured using high-sensitivity ELISA kits, and the nephelometric method was used for high-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) measurement in 167 CAD patients. Presence of metabolic syndrome (MS) and its components, presence of heart failure, severity of CAD symptoms, severe past ventricular arrhythmia (sustained ventricular tachycardia [sVT] or ventricular fibrillation [VF]), lower left ventricle ejection fraction, higher left ventricle mass index, higher end-diastolic volume and higher number of smoking pack-years were significantly associated with higher WBC, CRP and IL-6. Strong associations with arrhythmia were observed for IL-6 (median 3.90 vs 1.89 pg/mL, p<0.00001) and CRP concentration (6.32 vs 1.47 mg/L, p=0.00009), while MS was associated most strongly with IL-6. CRP and IL-6 were independent markers discriminating patients with sVT or VF. There were no associations between AMPD1 or ADA genotypes and inflammation markers. WBC, CRP and IL-6 are strongly associated with components of the metabolic syndrome. Their strong association with life-threatening ventricular arrhythmia emphasizes the proarrhythmic role of inflammation in the increased cardiovascular risk of CAD patients.

Relationship between platelet aggregation and interleukins IL-1β and IL-4 in the acute stage of ischemic stroke

To reveal relationships between the level of interleukins IL-1β and IL-4 and platelet aggregation (PA) in patients with ischemic stroke (IS). A prospective clinical cohort study includes 108 IS patients. The level of IL-1β and IL-4 in blood serum was determined by enzyme immunoassay. The study of PA was performed using nephelometric method in the very early (first 24 hours of hospitalization) and early (7th day of hospitalization) stages. In the very early stage of IS, significant PA disorders are accompanied by the increased IL-1β synthesis. In the early stage, decreased PA is accompanied by the decreased IL-1β synthesis and increased IL-4 synthesis. The decrease in the pro-inflammatory interleukin IL-1β level is accompanied by the increase in the anti-inflammatory interleukin IL-4. There is a mutual relationship between platelet activation, aggregation, degranulation, and interleukin synthesis, namely the lysis of aggregated platelets is accompanied by the expression of pro-inflammatory interleukin IL-1β. The positive correlation between PA and IL-1β allows us to conclude that interleukin IL-1β plays a neurodestructive role in the lesion-protection process while the negative correlation between PA and IL-4 indicates a neuroprotective role of the latter.