Blood Serum Proteins Research Articles

Predictive Value of Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Markers in Low Ejection Fractional Heart Failure

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress plays a critical role in the development of cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure. Heart failure is a crucial health problem that affects 23 million people worldwide, causes approximately 2.4 million people to be hospitalized every year in the USA, and leads to the death of more than 300,000 people. In this study, we aimed to investigate the clinical significance of ER stress markers and the predictive value of acute decompensated heart failure in patients with low ejection fraction heart failure (ADHF). This is a prospective case control study. The data included laboratory parameters pertaining to patients with ADHF in the emergency service and lipid parameters obtained during their admission to the hospital. In addition, the same parameters obtained from the control group patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) during their routine polyclinic control were recorded in the data set. Admission time to the hospital and length of hospital stay were included in the data. The levels of glucose regulated protein (GRP78), protein kinase RNA-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK), and C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP) in peripheral blood serum obtained from the patients and the control group were measured using the ELISA method. Serum GRP78 concentration was lower in the HF group (p=0.003) compared to the control. The median value of serum PERK concentration in the HF group was higher than that of the control group (573 pg/ml, IQR=477.5-650 vs. 495.5 pg/ml, IQR=294-648, respectively) (p=0.001). However, there were no statistically significant differences in GRP78 and PERK serum concentrations between ADHF and CHF subgroups. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis showed greater area under the curve (AUC) for the serum GRP78 levels of the healthy individuals (AUC=0.748, 95% CI=0.681-0.814, p=0.0003). The serum GRP78 level was found to be 80% sensitive and 70% specific at 147.5 pg/ml (p=0.0003) for distinguishing healthy individuals from HF patients. In the ADHF subgroup, there was a moderate correlation between hospitalization time and serum CHOP concentrations (Spearman rho=0.586 and p=0.001). High GRP78 serum concentration may protect the patient from ER stress. In addition, the serum PERK level is high in patients with HF, whereas it is insufficient in predicting acute decompensation. CHOP may be useful in predicting the length of hospital stay in patients with ADHF.

Measuring proteins in H2O with 2D-IR spectroscopy.

The amide I infrared band of proteins is highly sensitive to secondary structure, but studies under physiological conditions are prevented by strong, overlapping water absorptions, motivating the widespread use of deuterated solutions. H/D exchange raises fundamental questions regarding the impact of increased mass on protein dynamics, while deuteration is impractical for biomedical or commercial applications of protein IR spectroscopy. We show that 2D-IR spectroscopy can avoid this problem because the 2D-IR amide I signature of proteins dominates that of water even at sub-millimolar protein concentrations. Using equine blood serum as a test system, we investigate the significant implications of being able to measure the spectroscopy and dynamics of proteins in water, demonstrating relevance in areas ranging from fundamental science to the clinic. Measurements of vibrational relaxation dynamics of serum proteins reveals that deuteration slows down the rate of amide I vibrational relaxation by >10%, indicating a dynamic impact of isotopic exchange in some proteins. The unique link between protein secondary structure and 2D-IR amide I lineshape allows differentiation of signals due to albumin and globulin protein fractions in serum leading to measurements of the biomedically-important albumin to globulin ratio (AGR) with an accuracy of ±4% across a clinically-relevant range. Furthermore, we demonstrate that 2D-IR spectroscopy enables differentiation of the structurally similar globulin proteins IgG, IgA and IgM, opening up a straightforward spectroscopic approach to measuring levels of serum proteins that are currently only accessible via biomedical laboratory testing.

Comparison of blood serum protein analysis by MALDI-MS from either conventional frozen samples or storage disc-deposited samples: A study with human serum from pregnant donors and from patients with intrauterine growth restriction

Mass spectrometric profiling of intact serum proteins, i.e. determination of relative protein abundance differences, was performed using two different serum sample preparation methods: one with frozen and thawed serum, the other with at room temperature deposited and dried serum. Since in a typical clinical setting freezing of serum is difficult to achieve, sampling at room temperature is preferred and can be met when using the Noviplex™ card system. Once deposited and dried, serum proteins can be stored and shipped at room temperature. After resolubilization of serum proteins from "dried serum spots", mass spectra of high quality have been recorded comparable to those that were obtained using fresh-frozen and subsequently thawed serum samples. Differentiation between patients with intrauterine growth restriction and control individuals was achievable, independent from the sample work-up procedure. Having at hand a reliable and robust method for serum storage and shipment which works at room temperature bridges the gap between the clinics and the protein analysis laboratory. Our novel serum handling protocol reduces costs for both, storage and shipping, and ultimately enables clinical risk assessment based on mass spectrometric determination of intact protein abundance profiles.

Ultrasensitive SERS Substrate for Label-Free Therapeutic-Drug Monitoring of Paclitaxel and Cyclophosphamide in Blood Serum.

Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) has recently emerged as an innovative tool for therapeutic-drug monitoring (TDM), making it an ideal candidate for personalized treatment. Herein, we report a layer-by-layer (LbL) approach for the fabrication of a highly reproducible hybrid SERS substrate based on graphene oxide (GO)-supported l-cysteine-functionalized starlike gold nanoparticles (SAuNPs). These designed substrates were utilized for TDM of paclitaxel and cyclophosphamide in blood serum. The SAuNPs' efficient binding at the edges of GO creates a better SERS hotspot with enhanced Raman sensitivity because of the spacing of ∼2.28 nm between the SAuNPs. In addition, the hierarchically modified substrate with a self-assembled monolayer of zwitterionic amino acid l-cysteines acts like a brush layer to prevent SERS-hotspot blockages and fouling by blood-serum proteins. The antifouling nature of the substrate was determined quantitatively by a bichinchonic acid assay using bovine-serum albumin (BSA) as a protein model on the l-cysteine SAuNPs@GO hybrid substrate (the test) and a cysteamine SAuNPs@GO substrate (the control). The l-cysteine SAuNPs@GO hybrid exhibited 80.57% lower BSA fouling compared with that of the cysteamine SAuNPs@GO substrate. The SERS spectra were acquired within 20 s, with detection limits of 1.5 × 10-8 M for paclitaxel and 5 × 10-9 M for cyclophosphamide in blood serum. Such sensitivities are 4 times and 1 order of magnitude higher than the currently available sophisticated analytical techniques, which involve high costs with each analysis.

Economic and Biological Features of the Holstein Cows Selected in Hungary when Year-Round Stable System

The purpose of the work is to study economic and biological features of the Holstein cows selected in Hungary when year-round stable system in conditions of the reconstructed dairy complex. Economic characters of purebred Holstein cows of Hungarian selection were studied (86 animals). The diets of cows were formed using the ASP program. Feeding control was carried out on the biochemical parameters of cows' blood. Hematological parameters of blood: leukocytes, erythrocytes and hemoglobin were determined with hematology analyzer XT-2000i from Sysmex. Total protein in blood serum (by biuret reaction), albumins and globulins, and bilirubin were determined with photocolorimeter KFK-2. The content of glucose and cholesterol in the blood was determined with the help of a biochemical automatic analyzer. Blood enzymes: ALT and AST were determined by the Reitman-Fraenkel method. Lactation yield and milk quality of cows were studied by the first three lactations, depending on the genealogical affiliation on three lines: Montvik Chiftain - 17 heads; Vis Beck Idiala - 50 heads and Reflection of Sovering - 19 heads. To study the lactation performance of cows, information recorded in computer base “SELEX”, functioning at the farm, was used. The intensity of milk ejection was considered with the help of “Dairymaster” program. The physical-chemical parameters of Holstein cows' milk were studied in the second lactation. The following parameters were determined in milk: density, acidity, freezing point, heat resistance, purity, fat weight fraction, protein, lactose and SOMO. Milk quality parameters were determined with the help of ultrasonic device "Ecomilk-M". In addition to the above parameters, the presence of antibiotics and the number of somatic cells were determined in the commercial milk. Holstein cows of the Hungarian selection had economic and biological features due to age and genealogical affiliation. The maximum milk yield for three full lactations was obtained from cows of the Vis Beck Idiala line - 20,881 kg of milk. In comfortable conditions of keeping and feeding, the Holstein cattle of the Hungarian selection realized the genetic potential: in terms of milk yield by 86.1-98.6 %, in the fat weight fraction by 102.7-108.4 % and in protein weight fraction by 95.2-104.9 %.

The study of proteins oxidative modification in rats when being undergo the tobacco smoke combined with prolonged administration of monosodium glutamate in the sex and age aspects

Topicality. The widespread prevalence of tobacco smoking is a global problem of humanity, the solution of which is directed at the efforts of many scientists and professionals. At the same time, the distinctive feature of modern food technologies is the use of nutritional supplements. One of the most common nutritional supplements in Ukraine and in Europe is glutamate sodium (E621), which is not always safe for human health.Aim. To investigate degree of oxidative modification of proteins in serum of blood in rats during “passive tobacco smoking” on the basis of prolonged administration of monosodium glutamate in the sex and age aspects.Materials and methods. The study was conducted on 96 white, non-linear, sexually mature and sexually immature rats of both sexes. Each group of animals was divided into four subgroups: I – control; ІІ – rats, which were modeled «passive tobacco smoking»; ІІІ – rats, which were given glutamate of sodium; IV – rats, which were modeled «passive tobacco smoking» against the background of the introduction of glutamate sodium. Results and discussion. In the sexual aspect, the intensity of changes in the oxidation modification of proteins in serum exceeds those of the sexually active males under the condition of «passive tobacco smoking» – by 25.3 % for OMP370 and 31.5 % for OMP430; under the condition of “passive tobacco smoking” against the background of sodium glutamate – by 55,0 and 60,0 % respectively. When comparing the indicators of oxidative modification of proteins in blood serum of the sexually mature and immature males of control groups, lower values were recorded in immature animals.Conclusions. Based on the data obtained in the article, it can be argued that, excessive formation of free radical oxidation products under conditions of exposure to tobacco smoke and monosodium glutamate results in a marked increase in the oxidation modification of proteins. In the sexual aspect, the indicators of oxidative modification of proteins in the presence of passive tobacco smoking against the application of monosodium glutamate is increased more pronounced in females, and with the age-old comparison of changes in the degree of oxidative modification of proteins established its more intense increase in immature rats.

SIGNIFICANCE OF INFLAMMATION MARKERS DETERMINED IN PREGNANT WOMEN WITH ANEMIC SYNDROME AND OBESITY

The purpose of the present study was to specify a role of inflammatory mediators in pathogenesis of various types of anemia in pregnant obese women. We determined IL-1, IL-6, TNFα, C-reactive protein and hepcidin concentrations in blood serum of pregnant women with obesity depending on the type of anemic syndrome, either iron-deficiency anemia, or anemia of chronic diseases. We showed that the content of IL-6 in blood of the obese women exceeds the value of this index in healthy pregnant women (p < 0.05), and it does not depend on the presence and type of anemic syndrome. We found that the C-reactive protein concentration in pregnant women with obesity is higher than reference values (p < 0.05). Moreover, the contents of C-reactive protein in blood serum of pregnant women with anemia of chronic diseases is significantly higher (p < 0.05) than in women with iron deficiency anemia. Hepcidin concentration in blood of pregnant women with obesity and anemia of chronic disease was a specific feature: its content was significantly higher than in healthy pregnant women (p < 0.05), or in pregnant women with anemia-free obesity (p < 0.05). Hepcidin levels also exceeded 2-fold its contents in serum from pregnant women with obesity and iron deficiency anemia (p < 0.05). We have found that only pregnant women with obesity and anemia of chronic diseases have shown a positive correlation between the concentrations of C-reactive protein and blood levels of hepcidin (r = 0.733, p < 0.05), or IL-6 (r = 0.679, p < 0.05).The discussion concerns potential mechanisms of evolving anemia of chronic disease combined with subclinical inflammation in pregnant women with metabolic disorders. We conclude that a combination of obesity with gestational diabetes is a risk factor of anemia of chronic diseases in pregnant women. Development of an algorithm for differential diagnosis of iron deficiency anemia and anemia of chronic diseases in this cohort of patients is advisable for future studies in the area.

SERUM LEVELS OF HEMOPOIETIC AND ANGIOGENESIS GROWTH FACTORS (IL-5, IL-7, IL-9, FGF-β, G-CSF, VEGF AND PDGF) IN WOMEN WITH UTERINE MYOMA

Uterine leiomyomas are common benign tumors developing from smooth muscle tissues, often leading to infertility and recurrent abortions. Pregnancy and development of uterine fibroids are characterized by an unusual rate of myometrium growth, hyperproduction of extracellular matrix and increased expression of numerous growth factor receptors. The purpose of this study was to determine concentrations of some key growth factors (IL-5, IL-7, IL-9, FGF-β, G-CSF, VEGF and PDGF) in blood serum of women with uterine myoma. Concentrations of the 27 cytokines were determined using a Bio Rad kit (USA) – Bio-Plex Pro™. Human Cytokine 27-plex Assay by means of flow-through fluorometry at the Bio-Plex 200 double-beam laser analyzer. Thirty-six patients with verified uterine myoma were followed up, being later subject to operative treatment (laparoscopic myomectomy). The results of this study showed a trend to decreased amounts of some hematopoiesis and angiogenesis growth factors, e.g., IL-9 and FGF, in blood serum of women with uterine myoma. Сoncentrations of IL-5, IL-7, and G-CSF proved to be significantly decreased if compared to serum contents of European healthy women. The most significant decrease was registered for pro-angiogenic factors, such as VEGF and PDGF. Their serum concentration in women with leiomyoma was reduced, respectively, 3- and 6-fold against controls. The decreased G-CSF concentration was not only quite significant, as compared to healthy women, but showed significant correlations with changes of such factors as IL-5, IL-7 and IL-9, with correlation quotients of, resp., 0.723, 0.637, and 0.504, respectively. One may conclude that, in spite of literature data on significantly increased contents of the mentioned growth factors in tissues of myometrium and growing uterine leiomyoma, our data show that the concentrations of these regulatory proteins in blood serum are decreased to some extent in this clinical condition.

Human immunodeficiency virus status in malnourished children seen at Lagos

IntroductionHuman immunodeficiency virus and protein energy malnutrition are still prevalent in Nigeria and the occurrence of the two conditions together confers a poor prognosis. The aim of this study was to determine the current categories of malnutrition amongst under-5 children in Lagos, document their HIV status and determine any peculiarities in the clinical features, haematological and some biochemical profile in these children.MethodsThe study was a cross-sectional study conducted at the Paediatric departments of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital and the Massey Street Children’s Hospital, both in Lagos, over a 6-month period. All the subjects had anthropometry, HIV testing, full blood count and serum proteins done. The factors associated with HIV status were determined with the logistic regression analysis.ResultsTwo hundred and fourteen (214) malnourished children ≤5 years, including 25 (11.7%) with HIV were recruited in the study. Among the study participants, 150 (70.1%) and 54 (29.9%) had moderate and severe malnutrition, respectively. Fever, cough and diarrhea were the most common symptoms in the study participants. The haematological indices were comparable in the two groups, the serum globulin levels though higher in the HIV infected group was not statistically significantly different from the non-infected group.(p = 0.66). None of the factors explored on multivariate analysis was able to predict the occurrence of the infection in this cohort.ConclusionMalnourished children remain a high risk group for HIV infection and the prevalence of the infection obtained in this group of children is still unacceptably high. Discriminatory features between malnutrition and HIV remains difficult. The presence of hyperglobulinaemia on laboratory analysis in a malnourished child may heighten the suspicion of possible underlying associated HIV infection. Screening of malnourished children for HIV infection and further longitudinal studies on malnourished children with HIV is advocated

PEGylation of Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles with Self-Organizing Polyacrylate-PEG Brushes for Contrast Enhancement in MRI Diagnosis.

For biomedical applications, superparamagnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) have to be coated with a stealth layer that provides colloidal stability in biological media, long enough persistence and circulation times for reaching the expected medical aims, and anchor sites for further attachment of bioactive agents. One of such stealth molecules designed and synthesized by us, poly(polyethylene glycol methacrylate-co-acrylic acid) referred to as P(PEGMA-AA), was demonstrated to make MNPs reasonably resistant to cell internalization, and be an excellent candidate for magnetic hyperthermia treatments in addition to possessing the necessary colloidal stability under physiological conditions (Illés et al. J. Magn. Magn. Mater. 2018, 451, 710–720). In the present work, we elaborated on the molecular background of the formation of the P(PEGMA-AA)-coated MNPs, and of their remarkable colloidal stability and salt tolerance by using potentiometric acid–base titration, adsorption isotherm determination, infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR ATR), dynamic light scattering, and electrokinetic potential determination methods. The P(PEGMA-AA)@MNPs have excellent blood compatibility as demonstrated in blood sedimentation, smears, and white blood cell viability experiments. In addition, blood serum proteins formed a protein corona, protecting the particles against aggregation (found in dynamic light scattering and electrokinetic potential measurements). Our novel particles also proved to be promising candidates for MRI diagnosis, exhibiting one of the highest values of r2 relaxivity (451 mM−1s−1) found in literature.

Molecular features of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Relevance.To identify new markers of early diagnosis and prognosis of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) it is necessary to study the molecular features of this disease.Purpose.The aim of the study was to analyze blood serum protein spectrum in patients with HNSCC and in healthy volunteers using the methods of mass spectrometry and to evaluate the selected serum protein markers as candidates for early detection of HNSCC.Materials and Methods: The blood serum of HNSCC patients before therapy with metastases, without metastases and healthy volunteers was studied by proteomic methods. Validation of the results of proteomic analysis was carried out by ELISA in serum of 52 patients with HNSCC (T1-4N0-3M0), 10 patients with chronic hyperplastic laryngitis, dysplasia DII-DIII and 10 healthy volunteers. The statistical analysis was carried out using Statistica 6.0. Software package.Results.Blood serum proteome of HNSCC patients with metastases, without metastases and healthy volunteers are different and contain proteins of different classes. Adenylyl cyclase-associated protein 1 (CAP1) and protein phosphatase 1B (PPM1B) were selected to validate the obtained results. It was shown that the serum level of CAP1 and PPM1B differed in control and dysplasia groups and dysplasia and cancer groups (p ≤ 0,05). In patients with HNSCC (T1N0M0) the serum CAP1 and PPM1B levels were higher than in patients with dysplasia and healthy individuals (p ≤ 0,05). It was noted the positive correlation of the CAP1 level in the serum with the presence of metastases and the PPM1B level.Conclusion.Candidates for serum markers of HNSCC prognosis were identified. The difference in serum levels of CAP1 and PPM1B depending on the prevalence of primary tumors and the difference in serum level of CAP1 depending on the presence of regional metastases was shown. Determination of CAP1 level in the serum can be useful for early diagnosis and prognosis of HNSCC.

Modeling of a single nanoparticle interaction with the human blood plasma proteins.

When nanoparticles are introduced into a physiological environment, proteins and lipids immediately cover their surface, forming a protein "corona". It is well recognized that the corona structure influences the biological response of the body. Two deterministic models for corona formation of the human blood serum proteins around a single nanoparticle are presented and studied numerically in this paper. One of them is based on a coupled system of PDEs and involves diffusion of proteins toward the nanoparticle surface. The other one is described by ODEs and is a limit version of the first model as the protein diffusivity tends to infinity. The protein diffusivity influence on the temporal corona structure is studied in detail. Results are presented using figures and discussion.

Nitric oxide-mediated fibrinogen deposition prevents platelet adhesion and activation.

Thrombosis is one of the most critical challenges faced by successful clinical use of blood-contacting medical devices. The formation of blood clots on medical device surfaces is a multistep process that includes protein adsorption, platelet adhesion and activation, and platelet aggregation, resulting in platelet consumption and blockage of blood flow. Without proper treatment, thrombosis will lead to ultimate device failure and create complications in patients. Nitric oxide (NO), a small signaling molecule generated from natural endothelial cells, has been widely shown to reduce platelet adhesion and activation, which occurs in the second step of blood clotting cascade. However, few studies have investigated the effect of NO on protein adsorption, which is the first step of blood clotting cascade. In this study, the effects of NO on fibrinogen (Fb) adsorption and subsequent effects of Fb on platelet adhesion and activation were investigated. This was done by using a model NO-releasing polymer film system, plasticized poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) and S-nitrosoglutathione, to examine how NO-mediated pre-adsorbed Fb, a major blood serum protein that initiates the blood clotting cascade, affects platelet adhesion and activation. The NO-releasing polymer films were found to increase Fb adsorption, but decrease platelet adhesion and activation on the surface when compared to plasticized PVC control films. Further, to eliminate the effects of NO on platelets, NO-releasing polymer films were first exposed to Fb and then incubated until all NO was released. This experiment isolates the effect of NO-mediated pre-adsorbed Fb on platelets in the absence of continuing NO release. Surprisingly, the results show that films with adsorbed Fb that no longer release NO continue to prevent platelet adhesion and activation. This study suggests that NO can affect adsorbed Fb to further prevent platelet adhesion and activation.

Effects of Different Manganase Sources and Levels in the Diets on the Performance, Reproductive Characteristics and Some Blood Parameters of Breeder Japanese Quail

An experiment with breeder Japanese quails was conducted to determine the effects of different manganese (Mn) sources and levels in diet on the performance, reproductive characteristics and blood constituents during for five-28 day periods. In the experiment, a total of three hundred and sixty quails (female:male ratio, 2:1) at seven weeks of age was fed on diets containing 0, 60, 120, 180 and 240 mg kg -1 Mn levels from inorganic (MnSO 4 .H 2 O) or organic (Mn-amino acid chelate, Glycinoplex-Mn) source. Ten treatments combination of 2 Mn source and 5 Mn levels in 2X5 factorial arrangement were used with six replicate consisting of 4 female and 2 male quails each. The diets in mash form and water were given as adlibitum and 16 hours ligthting was provided in a day. In the experiment, final body weight (BW), body weight gain (BWG), livability, hen day egg production (EP), egg weight (EW) and egg mass (EM), feed consumption (FC) and feed conversion ratio (FCR), chick weights at hatching, fertility, hatchability of eggs set (%), hatchability of fertile eggs (%), embryonic mortalities and glucose, total cholesterol and protein, albumin, BUN, GGT, SGOT, SGPT, calcium, phosphorus and magnesium content of blood serum were measured. Dietary Mn source and levels as the main factor did not significantly affect the performance and reproductive traits which was measured in the experiment. Nevertheless the interaction between source and levels of Mn had a significant effect on average EW and chick weights at hatching over the experimental period. Egg weight of quails fed diet with 60 mg kg -1 Mn from inorganic form was higher (P<0.01) than those of quails fed with 0, 180 and 240 mg kg -1 Mn from inorganic and 0, 60, and 240 mg kg -1 Mn from organic form, again chick weights at hatching of quails fed diet with 60 mg kg -1 inorganic Mn, was significantly higher (P<0.05) compared with quails fed with all other levels of inorganic and organic Mn. In the experiment, while dietary Mn levels do not significantly affect any blood parameters, the serum glucose level of the quails fed with organic Mn was significantly higher than that of the quails fed with inorganic Mn and also serum phosphorus level of the quails fed with inorganic Mn was higher than that of the quails fed with organic Mn (P<0.01). The interaction between source and levels of Mn significantly affected the total protein, albumin and calcium levels of blood serum (P<0.05). These parameters were found to be higher in quail fed diets containing 60 mg kg -1 Mn in inorganic form than quails with some other diets. These results have shown that addition of 60 mg kg -1 Mn in inorganic form to breeder quail diets (containing 21.56 mg kg -1 Mn, found in analysis) based on corn + soybean meal may be beneficial.

The blood proteome in disease

Proteomics Understanding the function of human blood serum proteins in disease has been limited by difficulties in monitoring their production, accumulation, and distribution. Emilsson et al. investigated human serum proteins of more than 5000 Icelanders over the age of 65. The composition of blood serum includes a complex regulatory network of proteins that are globally coordinated across most or all tissues. The authors identified modules and functional groups associated with disease and health outcomes and were able to link genetic variants to complex diseases. Science , this issue p. [769][1] [1]: /lookup/doi/10.1126/science.aaq1327

Co-regulatory networks of human serum proteins link genetics to disease.

Proteins circulating in the blood are critical for age-related disease processes; however, the serum proteome has remained largely unexplored. To this end, 4137 proteins covering most predicted extracellular proteins were measured in the serum of 5457 Icelanders over 65 years of age. Pairwise correlation between proteins as they varied across individuals revealed 27 different network modules of serum proteins, many of which were associated with cardiovascular and metabolic disease states, as well as overall survival. The protein modules were controlled by cis- and trans-acting genetic variants, which in many cases were also associated with complex disease. This revealed co-regulated groups of circulating proteins that incorporated regulatory control between tissues and demonstrated close relationships to past, current, and future disease states.

Evaluation of lacrimal production, osmolarity, crystallization, proteomic profile, and biochemistry of capuchin monkeys’ tear film

To evaluate the composition and characteristics of capuchin monkey (CM) tear film. Eleven CM (Sapajus sp.) was evaluated. Strip meniscometry test (SMT), osmolarity, and tear ferning test (TFT) (by Rolando and Masmali scales) were assessed. Tear protein profile (SDS-PAGE), and total protein, albumin, urea, glucose, and cholesterol levels in tear film and blood serum were screened. Median±semi-interquatil range for SMT and osmolarity values were 8.0±1.625 and 303.0±9.875, respectively. TFT for Rolando was 2.0±0.5, and Masmali was 2.0±0.0. Monkeys's tear obtained type II and III for Rolando, and 1 and 2 for Masmali. Tear components showed protein bands among 23-217kDa, and presence of albumin, urea, glucose, and cholesterol. The results of SMT, osmolarity, TFT, SDS-PAGE, and tear biochemistry may serve as a reference baseline for CM, and the data may serve as a basis for future experimental model evaluations.

Sublethal and lethal effects of confinement of Caribbean spiny lobsters, Panulirus argus, in ghost traps

Ghost fishing occurs when lost or abandoned fishing gear continues to capture animals, resulting in lethal and sublethal effects. Though ghost fishing by lost traps is a known cause of lobster mortality in the Florida lobster trap fishery, the sublethal effects of long-term confinement in these traps remains largely unknown. Here, we examine the nutritional condition and overall health (e.g., incidence of injuries and disease) via three assays: a field survey to compare nutritional condition and overall health of lobsters in existing ghost traps to natural shelters via blood serum protein (BSP) and hepatopancreas dry weight indices (DWI); a field experiment to monitor the effects of confinement on individual lobsters over time; and a laboratory experiment to simulate starvation and recovery of the BSP of lobsters associated with confinement and escape from traps. Overall, lobsters in existing ghost traps were in poorer nutritional condition, had a higher prevalence of injuries and shell disease, and were lethargic. There was a clear deterioration of the health and increased mortality of lobsters as confinement duration increased in our experimental ghost traps. After 2 wks, BSP of lobsters decreased by 23.7%; lobsters in this poor nutritional condition were less likely to escape and more likely to die in traps. Laboratory experiments indicate that if escape does occur, recovery may be slow or unlikely. Our study highlights the drastic sublethal effects of long-term confinement in ghost fishing traps on lobsters and the need for further research on ways to mitigate these effects.

Immunological Markers of Chronic Occupational Radiation Exposure.

This study aimed to identify immunological biomarkers for prolonged occupational radiation exposure and thus studied a random sample of the Mayak Production Association worker cohort (91 individuals). The control group included 43 local individuals never employed at the Mayak Production Association. To identify biomarkers, two groups of workers were formed: the first one included workers chronically exposed to external gamma rays at cumulative doses of 0.5-3.0 Gy (14 individuals); the second one included workers exposed to combined radiation-external gamma rays at doses ranging from 0.7 to 5.1 Gy and internal alpha radiation from incorporated plutonium with 0.3-16.4 kBq body burden (77 individuals). The age range of the study individuals was 66-91 y. Peripheral blood serum protein concentrations of cytokines, immunoglobulins, and matrix metalloproteinase-9 were analyzed using enzyme-linked immunoassay following the manufacturer's protocol. Flow cytometry was used to analyze levels of various lymphocyte subpopulations. The findings of the current study demonstrate that some immunological characteristics may be considered as biomarkers of prolonged chronic radiation exposure for any radiation type (in the delayed period after the exposure) based on fold differences from controls: M immunoglobulin fold differences were 1.75 ± 0.27 (p = 0.0001) for external gamma-ray exposure and 1.50 ± 0.27 (p = 0.0003) for combined radiation exposure; matrix metalloproteinase-9 fold differences were 1.5 ± 0.22 (p = 0.008) for external gamma-ray exposure and 1.69 ± 0.24 (p = 0.00007) for combined radiation exposure; A immunoglobulin fold differences were 1.61 ± 0.27 (p = 0.002) for external gamma-ray exposure and 1.56 ± 0.27 (p = 0.00002) for combined radiation exposure; relative concentration of natural killer cell fold differences were 1.53 ± 0.23 (p = 0.01) for external gamma-ray exposure and 1.35 ± 0.22 (p = 0.001) for combined radiation exposure; and relative concentration of T-lymphocytes fold differences were 0.89 ± 0.04 (p = 0.01) for external gamma-ray exposure and 0.95 ± 0.05 (p = 0.003) for combined radiation exposure. Based on fold differences from controls, interferon-gamma (3.50 ± 0.65, p = 0.031), transforming growth factor-beta (2.91 ± 0.389, p = 0.026), and relative blood serum levels of T-helper cells (0.90 ± 0.065, p = 0.02) may be used as immunological markers of chronic external gamma-ray exposure. Moreover, there was a significant inverse linear association of relative concentration of T-helper cells with dose from external gamma rays accumulated over an extended period.

DIAGNOSTIC VALUE OF INTESTINAL FATTY ACID-BINDING PROTEIN (I-FABP) IN PRETERM INFANTS WITH NECROTIZING ENTEROCOLITIS

Introduction. Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is characterized by loss of gut wall integrity. Fatty acid binding protein (I-FABP) in blood serum allows to isolate infants in the early stages of the NEC and correlates with the severity of the disease. This protein is involved in the transport of polar lipids, such as fatty acids from the lumen of the small intestine.Aim of work: to determine diagnostic value of fatty acid binding protein (I-FABP) in blood serum in preterm children with necrotizing enterocolitis.Materials and methods. Under supervision there were 67 preterm children with NEC. The children were divided into groups depending on the severity of the NEC. Prior to the first group were involved 20 preterm infants with the NEC of IA and IB stage, and to the second group were involved 30 premature infants from the NEC of IIA and IIB stage and to the third group were involved 7 preterm infants with NEC of IIIA stage. The control group comprised 10 preterm infants without NEC. The content of the protein bound to fatty acids, the intestinal form (I-FABP) in serum was determined by the immunoassay method of the Human I-FABP (Hycult Biotech, Netherlands) kit according to the manufacturer's instructions.Results and discussion. Children of the III group had significantly lower body mass (p&lt;0.05) and gestational period at birth than children of the control group.All children with NEC involved in the study had an increase in the serum I-FABP content. Thus, in the I group, the I-FABP content was 796,0 [579-961] pg/ml, in group II - 1031,0 [873-1630] pg/ml, in group IІІ - 1698,0 [1598-2953] pg/ml, which significantly exceeded the value of I-FABP in control group children - 269,5 [252-289] pg/ml (p&lt;0.05). Also, there was a significant difference in I-FABP content in preterm infants with NEC, depending on the severity of the disease, the higher the stage, the higher the I-FABP content (p&lt;0.05). Diagnostic value of I-FABP in blood serum of prematurely born children with necrotizing enterocolitis, depending on severity, determined by ROC analysis. The most diagnostic value of I-FABP is for the diagnosis of NEC grade III. I-FABP ≥ 1484.0 pg/ml allows to identify NEC of III stage in preterm children with a sensitivity of 85.7% and a specificity of 82.0%. The area under the curve (AUC) is 0.880 [95% CI 0.784-0.976], which indicates a high diagnostic value of the model.Conclusions. The heavier course of NEC is associated with lower body weight (p&lt;0.05) and lower gestational age. In all children who were born prematurely with necrotizing enterocolitis, the content of intestinal fatty acid-binding protein (I-FABP) in serum was elevated. The highest level of I-FABP (1698,0 [1598-2953] pg/ml) was observed in preterm infants with necrotizing enterocolitis of the third stage (p&lt;0.05). The I-FABP index ≥1484.0 pg/ml allows to identify preterm infants with necrotizing enterocolitis of III stage with a sensitivity of 85.7% and a specificity of 82.0%, the area under the curve 0.880 [95% CI 0.784-0.976], which confirms the results of the ROC analysis.