Blood Serum Proteins Research Articles

Metal Dust Exposure Caused Changes in Blood Indices and Serum Proteins

Background: Amongst the industrial hubs in Pakistan, Wazirabad is renowned for its cutlery industry. Cutlery industry generates heaps of multi-metallic dust in whetting units during the processing of stain fewer steel tools. This dust comprises certain potentially toxic and even carcinogenic constituents, thus pose a serious health threat to the workers involved in its processing. Laborers health and safety is something quite non-seriously considered in most of the developing countries, no different is Pakistan. Present exploration was aimed at searching for the differences, in blood profile and quantitative serum protein profile of a group of laborers in cutlery industry that are directly and regularly exposed to multi-metallic dust.
 Materials and Methods: After taking written consent from the participants, blood samples were drawn for hematological analysis and serum analysis. Hematological analysis was performed with hematological analyzer and serum was subjected to SDS gel electrophoresis for protein profiling.
 Results: Statistically significant changes were observed in the number of RBCs, MCV, HCT and RDW, whereas platelet count was decreased in experimental groups when compared to control group. Serum protein profiling using SDS-PAGE revealed the protein fractions ranging from 73 to 287 kDa. Densitometric analysis has shown changes in the serum proteins of the subjects exposed to metal dust. 
 Conclusion: Chronic exposure to the metal dust induce changes in the hematological parameters as well as serum proteins. The industrial workers should ensure the use of industry specific personal safety equipment.
 Key words: Health hazard, Hematology, Metals, Metal dust, Proteins, SDS-PAGE.

Isolation, characterization, and biological evaluation of ethanolic extract of Ajos sacha in Streptozotocin-induced hyperglycemia in Wistar albino rats

Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic endocrine disorder due to insulin imbalances associated with microvascular and macrovascular complications. This research was aimed to explore the diabetes-healing effect of Adenocalymma alliaceum Miers phytochemicals. Before secondary screening on animals, phytochemical constituent estimation, thin-layer chromatography, high-performance liquid chromatography, column chromatographies, Gas chromatography-Mass Spectroscopy (GC-MS), and acute toxicity study were performed. Then, Streptozotocin-induced hyperglycemia in Wistar albino rats was carried out in five groups of animals such as Normal control (NC), diabetic control (DC), Standard group (Std), Low dose (EEAAF 100 mg/kg, b.w), Medium dose (EEAAF 250 mg/kg, b.w) and High dose (EEAAF 500 mg/kg, b.w) group. Each group consists of six animals. Upon regular observation for fasting blood glucose level, body weight, polyuria, polyphagia, polydipsia, serum protein, serum creatinine, serum urea, and lipid profile for four weeks, the animals were sacrificed using Ketamine hydrochloride. Organs were removed. Pancreases were used for observing cellular injury using Olympus binocular microscope at 45X. Isolated liver cells homogenate used for free radical scavenging activity such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione (GSH). The results showed the presence of polyphenol and alkaloids, especially flavonoids. Current characteristics of A. alliaceum include many principal secondary metabolites on GC-MS. On isolation and spectroscopic determination, Flacitran was found. There was neither mortality nor morbidity observed in the acute toxicity study. Adenocalymma alliaceum Miers flowers extract (EEAAF) shows promising efficacy in reducing blood glucose level, metabolic symptoms, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, serum urea, and success in elevating body weight, high-density lipoprotein, and serum protein. The histopathological report also showed significant results from the trio's doses of EEAAF against pancreatic damages compared to the DC group. The data recommend that Adenocalymma alliaceum Miers could be very effective as a accepted resource of antidiabetic agent to modulate pancreatic action.

Conformational binding mechanism of lysozyme induced by interactions with penicillin antibiotic drugs

In this study we present an in-depth and detailed analysis of the binding process between two antibiotics (cloxacillin and dicloxacillin) and a blood serum protein (lysozyme). Our objectives have been several: to determine, at the atomic level, the structural and conformational changes that take place in both molecular structures once the complex is formed; to investigate the effect that the substitution of a hydrogen atom for a chlorine atom has on the bonding process; and to relate these local modifications with macromolecular parameters. Achieving these goals requires a multi-pronged approach and effective resource management. In our case, we have combined different experimental (isothermal titration calorimetry, UV–vis and fluorescence spectroscopy) and computational techniques (molecular docking and network models), in order to obtain comprehensive and contrasted information of the interaction process. Both approaches have showed an excellent correlation, confirming that there is a single binding site, that both penicillins are moderate binders and hydrogen bond and van der Waals forces are predominant. On the other hand, the small discrepancies between the two techniques highlighted the pressing need to approach the study of these systems from both atomic and macromolecular perspectives.

"Dynamics of Indicators of Total Protein of Blood Serum of Partridges (Alectoris Chukar) in Postembryogenesis"

"Dynamics of Indicators of Total Protein of Blood Serum of Partridges (Alectoris Chukar) in Postembryogenesis"

A serum proteomic study of two case-control cohorts identifies novel biomarkers for bipolar disorder

We set out to identify novel protein associations with potential as clinically viable biomarkers for bipolar disorder. To this end, we used proximity extension assay to analyze 201 unique proteins in blood serum from two independent cohorts comprising patients with bipolar disorder and healthy controls (total n = 493). We identified 32 proteins significantly associated with bipolar disorder in both case-control cohorts after adjusting for relevant covariates. Twenty-two findings are novel to bipolar disorder, but 10 proteins have previously been associated with bipolar disorder: chitinase-3-like protein 1, C-C motif chemokine 3 (CCL3), CCL4, CCL20, CCL25, interleukin 10, growth/differentiation factor-15, matrilysin (MMP-7), pro-adrenomedullin, and TNF-R1. Next, we estimated the variance in serum protein concentrations explained by psychiatric drugs and found that some case-control associations may have been driven by psychiatric drugs. The highest variance explained was observed between lithium use and MMP-7, and in post-hoc analyses and found that the serum concentration of MMP-7 was positively associated with serum lithium concentration, duration of lithium therapy, and inversely associated with estimated glomerular filtration rate in an interaction with lithium. This is noteworthy given that MMP-7 has been suggested as a mediator of renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis, which is characteristic of lithium-induced nephropathy. Finally, we used machine learning to evaluate the classification performance of the studied biomarkers but the average performance in unseen data was fair to moderate (area under the receiver operating curve = 0.72). Taken together, our serum biomarker findings provide novel insight to the etiopathology of bipolar disorder, and we present a suggestive biomarker for lithium-induced nephropathy.

Influence of winter water temperatures on the physiological state of carp (Cyprinus carpio)

In the winter period, water temperature is one of the main factors influencing the physiological state of fish. Its optimal and stable indicator during the whole winter period guarantees high yield of fish and its quality. To this date, the winter period is characterized by elevated temperatures with acute fluctuations. In this work, the main object of study is carp (Cyprinus carpio) at the age of six (young-of-the-year) and ten (one-year) months. The aim of this study was to determine how much the period of the optimal winter water temperatures decreased and how this affected the weight and fatness, hematological profiles, erythrocyte indices and basic biochemical parameters of carp muscle tissue. As a result of research, it was found that optimal winter water temperatures decreased by an average of two months, which affected the physiological state of carp. Consequently, there was a decrease in body weight and fatness. Dissolved oxygen level, pH, nitrites, nitrates and hardness were normal, while oxidation was increased. Muscle fat and protein levels decreased to critical levels, at the same time, moisture and ash levels were noted to increase. The total content of red blood cells decreased, however, the level of hemoglobin, mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), mean cell hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) increased. With increasing hemoglobin content and concentration, mean corpuscular volume (MCV) decreased. After wintering, the number of white blood cells increased. The biochemical profile of carp blood showed a decrease in total protein in blood serum, albumin, triglycerides, cholesterol and glucose. After wintering, there was an increase in creatinine, phosphorus and calcium. Knowing how much the period of optimal winter temperatures has shortened, and how this affects the state of carp at the physiological level, will provide an opportunity to develop recommendations for improving wintering technologies. Considering the dynamics of climate change, the research in this area is promising.

An efficient electrochemical sandwich ELISA for urinary human serum albumin-biomarker based on highly redox-active thionine surface-confined MWCNT/PEDOT.PSS platform

• A new electrochemical immunosensor platform for urinary human albumin serum. • An improved electrochemical immune sensor better than the conventional ELISA. • A surface-confined redox probe-based heterogeneous immune-sensor platform. • 1 uL of test samples, 3 min of incubation time & EDC/NHS linker-free approach. • Methodology validated with conventional ELISA. Human serum albumin (HSA) is an abundant protein in blood serum and an indicator of several illnesses, for instance, Covid-19, wherein, a severe decrement in the concentration level is noticed that leads to a higher risk of mortality. The conventional ELISA-based protocol has been referred for the analysis which is less sensitive, cumbersome and time-consuming (4–6 h). Herein, we introduce, a new sandwich-type electrochemical immunosensor based on Thionine(Th)-redox immobilized f -MWCNT( f -carboxylic functionalized) + PEDOT.PSS modified glassy carbon/screen-printed electrode (GCE/ f -WCNT+PEDOT@Th) for quick (∼20 min), low-sample volume (1 µL) and low concentration (10 -9 g/mL) analysis of HSA. The GCE/ f -MWCNT + PEDOT@Th showed a highly stable and fouling-free surface-confined redox feature at an apparent standard electrode potential, E o ’=-0.25 V vs Ag/AgCl with a surface-excess value, Γ Th = 14 × 10 -9 mol cm −2 . A sandwich-type electrochemical immunosensor was prepared by sequential immobilization of 1 µL respective solutions without any linking agent on the chemically modified electrode followed by incubation at 37 °C for 3–5 min and testing its bioelectrocatalytic H 2 O 2 (500 µM) reduction reaction in pH 7 PBS. Interrelated solution phased and experimental conditions were systematically optimized. Under an optimal working condition, the as-prepared bioelectrode, CME-Ab1 p -SkM-HSA-Ab1 m -Ab2HRP showed a reliable calibration plot of HSA in a concentration window, 10 -9 —10 -4 g/mL. The obtained calibration plot was parallel to the ELISA of HSA in a limited concentration window, 10 -7 —10 -4 g/mL. As a proof of concept, electrochemical immunosensing of urinary HSA has been demonstrated. Since, the new approach is simple, rapid, and efficient over conventional ELISA, it can be extendable to various HSA-real sample analyses.

СОВРЕМЕННЫЙ КЛИНИЧЕСКИЙ ПОРТРЕТ ПАЦИЕНТА С ФЕНОТИПОМ ХРОНИЧЕСКОЙ ОБСТРУКТИВНОЙ БОЛЕЗНИ ЛЕГКИХ БЕЗ ЧАСТЫХ ОБОСТРЕНИЙ

Introduction. According to current data, the COPD phenotype without frequent exacerbations is frequently encountered and requires close attention. However, in the course of a literary search, it was possible to find only isolated scientific works with a generalized description of the features of this phenotype. Aim. The aim of the study is to compile a typical clinical portrait of a patient with the COPD phenotype without frequent exacerbations based on the analysis of clinical, laboratory and functional parameters. Material and methods. The study included 45 patients aged 57.2±1.1 years with a diagnosis of COPD without frequent exacerbations in age. In all patients, the concentration of proinflammatory cytokines, C-reactive protein in blood serum was determined by immunoferment analysis. Results and discussion. Males (93.3%) with a smoker index of 33.7± 2.5 packs/years and a disease duration of more than 10 years dominated the studied cohort. The average score on the CAT test was 10.32±0.05 points, on the mMRC scale more than two points. The post - bronchodilation value of FEV1 corresponded to the average severity of obstructive disorders in 91.1% of individuals. Among the examined patients, persons with bronchitic type of COPD predominated (53.3%). The concentration of inflammatory biomarkers determined in the blood serum significantly exceeded the levels of the reference values. Also, patients with COPD with the studied phenotype was found to have low adherence to treatment and dispensary observation and late visit to the doctor. Conclusions. The obtained results of the study made it possible to draw up a clinical portrait of the patient with the COPD phenotype without frequent exacerbations.

Tandem mass tag-based serum proteomic profiling revealed diabetic foot ulcer pathogenesis and potential therapeutic targets

ABSTRACT Diabetic foot ulcer (DFU), one of the most serious complications of diabetes mellitus, is associated with a high amputation rate and decreased life quality. The impact of blood serum proteins on the occurrence and development of DFU has attracted a lot of interest. In this study, we aimed to define and compare the serum proteome of patients with DFU and healthy control (HC) to provide new insights into DFU pathogenesis. DFU patients and age- and sex-matched HCs were enrolled in this study (n = 54). We screened alterations in blood serum proteins from DFU patients and HC using a tandem mass tag (TMT) method based on liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) quantitative proteomics, and the differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were further validated by parallel reaction monitoring (PRM) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). A total of 173 DEPs (100 up-regulated and 73 down-regulated) were identified between the DFU and HC groups (P < 0.05). Proteomic and bioinformatics analyses indicated that the proteins in the DFU group were mainly related to extracellular matrix (ECM)-receptor interaction and complement and coagulation cascades. The up-regulated DEPs were further verified by PRM and ELISA. LRG1, CD5L, CRP, IGHA1, and LBP were proved upregulated in DFU and these proteins are mainly related to immune response and complement activation. Our findings help to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the pathogenesis of DFU and new insight into potential therapeutic targets.

DYNAMICS OF CHANGES OF C-REACTIVE PROTEIN LEVEL IN BLOOD SERUM IN THE DEVELOPMENT AND COURSE OF EXPERIMENTAL PERIODONTITIS AND THEIR CORRECTION BY FLAVONOL

The aim: To study the value of C-reactive protein in the experimental animals blood serum with bacterial-immune periodontitis and its correction with quercetin. Materials and methods: Modeling of periodontitis was performed by the following method: after thiopental anesthesia (at a dose of 40 mg / kg intramuscularly) rats were fixed. A subcostal injection of 0.01 ml of egg protein with cultures of Streptococcus hemolytic and Staphylococcus aureus at a dose of 4 CFU was performed in the area of periodontal tissues of the lower incisor as an initiating inflammatory factor. To enhance the immune process, a complete Freund’s adjuvant was introduced into the animal’s hind limb at the same time. Results: Analysis of the results of the study of the content of C-reactive protein in the blood serum of animals with experimental bacteria and immune periodontitis, receiving injections of quercetin, showed a significant decrease by 1.31 times, compared with animals with this simulated pathology on the 14th day of the experiment without the use of flavonol. When comparing this indicator on the 14th day of development of experimental periodontitis with correction, it was found that it remained slightly higher than the indicators of the intact group of rats. Conclusions: The level of C-reactive protein in the blood serum of experimental animals is an important indicator of the immune-inflammatory response, which increases its activation of the inflammatory system. The administration of flavonoid quercetin for 7 days helps to reduce the level of C-reactive protein in the blood serum of animals with experimental bacterial and immune periodontitis.

Cerebrovascular complications in patients with moderate and small stenosis of the carotid arteries in the hospital period of coronary artery bypass grafting using cardiopulmonary bypass

Assessment of the incidence of acute cerebral circulatory disorder (ACCD) and decompensation of chronic cerebral ischemia (CCI) in the hospital period of coronary artery bypass graft performed using artificial circulation in patients with- and without moderate and minor carotid artery stenosis. One hundred and twenty-eight patients were examined. Neurological and neuropsychological examinations, neuroimaging were performed, concentrations of S100ß protein in blood serum were determined. In the group with stenosis, 3.5% of patients were diagnosed with ACCD, while patients without carotid artery damage did not have this complication. The frequency of decompensation of CCI in patients with stenosis was significantly higher (52%) compared with the group without stenosis (34%). Early postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) with an equally high frequency was diagnosed in both groups: 63% with stenosis and 65% without carotid artery stenosis. A decrease in the strength and mobility of nervous processes, deterioration of memory, workability and increased exhaustion of attention were revealed. Patients with moderate and minor stenoses are more susceptible to the development of cerebrovascular complications than patients who do not have atherosclerotic lesions of the carotid arteries and need more thorough preoperative preparation.

Potential biomarkers of early diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease of the brain, in which there are cognitive and behavioral disorders, but also visual impairment can occur. Deposits of beta-amyloid (Aβ) were also found in the retina of AD patients. At the same time, primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) occupies the first place among geronto-ophthalmic pathologies in patients with AD. POAG, like AD, is a neurodegenerative disease. AD and POAG have common symptoms, and therefore several common principles for their early diagnosis can be developed. Therefore, a promising direction is the search for biomarkers for the early detection of AD and POAG. Currently, the diagnosis of early AD biomarkers in cerebrospinal fluid and biomarkers in the brain (imaging of amyloid plaques and tau positron emission tomography) are well studied, while data in literature on using these biomarkers in patients with POAG is scarce. However, the above diagnostic methods are not considered in routine clinical practice due to their invasiveness and high cost. There is a growing need for conventional, affordable biomarkers for AD and POAG, as it is necessary to start treatment of prodromal conditions from symptoms to onset of symptoms. In this connection, biomarkers such as Aβ and tau protein in blood serum and plasma are actively evaluated in patients with AD. In patients with POAG, there is no published data on studies of these biomarkers, which requires scientific research. Many authors discover the role of sirtuins (SIRT) in aging and age-related diseases, such as AD, glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, and others. Possibly, SIRT could become potential biomarkers of neurodegenerative diseases.

Indicators of protein metabolism of heifers during pregnancy and under the influence of biotechnical treatments

The problem of the reactivity of the organism and ways of its increase, the features and significance of immune reactions in all stages of reproduction, from gametogenesis to postnatal development, attracts great attention of scientific and practical workers in animal husbandry. In this regard, it is extremely important to know the state of a pregnant female in a particular period of her ontogenesis. Therefore, the study of biologically active substances (BAS), which can act on biological systems, regulating their vital activity, is of fundamental importance. In particular, it was important to find out whether under the influence of vitamin A and trivitamin (vitamin A, D3, E) a change in the antigenic structure of proteins already present in the blood serum of animals occurs. Blood serum proteins, as well as other biochemical and physiological constants, undergo various changes in the animal body depending on the action of external and internal factors; they are directly dependent on the function of the organs of reproduction. The nature and direction of metabolism, especially protein metabolism, change during pregnancy with the development of the embryo in the mother's body is investigated. As it is now known, along with the nervous and endocrine systems, the immune system also participates in all links of the reproductive potential, but its changes in this case and under the influence of biotechnical means of reproduction control have not been studied enough. In this regard, it is of theoretical and practical interest to provide the breeding stock with vitamins and increase the metabolism of the main substrate of life - protein, change its biological functions, as well as to study some issues of the relationship between the mother's organism and the nascent offspring when exposed to the body of pregnant animals with biologically active substances. The results obtained in our experiments indicate that the state of pregnancy has an impact on the nature of the protein metabolism of pregnant animals, in this case – in the direction of strengthening the processes of assimilation in the body of animals of the experimental groups, which, in our opinion, takes place especially in the first half of pregnancy (up to 6 months).

Seasonal and fishery impacts on the nutritional condition of the Caribbean spiny lobster Panulirus argus in Florida, USA

The sublethal effects of fisheries (e.g. reduced nutritional condition or injuries) on the target species population are poorly understood, yet have the potential to reduce fishery efficiency and sustainability. The Caribbean spiny lobsterPanulirus argustrap fishery in Florida (USA) uses live, sublegal-size lobsters as bait to lure other lobsters into the ~462000 traps employed by the fishery. Long-term confinement of lobsters used as live bait causes stress, leading to the degradation of their nutritional condition or mortality; however, cumulative effects of confinement on nutritional condition throughout the fishing season and the effect on the population were unknown. We sampled sublegal- and legal-size lobsters hand-caught from a fished area (potentially affected by traps) and caught in commercial lobster traps in the fished area to determine how lobster health varies throughout the year and whether the intense recreational and commercial fisheries exhibit sublethal effects on lobster health. We compared the health of lobsters monthly for 1 yr using 2 nutritional indices (hepatopancreas dry weight and blood serum protein), and by the presence of external injuries and shell disease. Lobster blood serum protein and dry weight index varied throughout the year, peaking in late summer to early fall, dropping sharply during the winter, and rising again through the spring, likely in response to seasonal changes in environmental factors, such as water temperature. Both legal and sublegal lobsters within actively fished traps showed lower nutritional condition than lobsters from the surrounding population throughout the fishing season, suggesting that few lobsters escape traps.

Физиолого-биохимические адаптационные показатели азовской тарани Rutilus rutilus (L.) на разных этапах жизненного цикла

The roach, inhabiting the Azov Sea, is a semi-anadromous form of the species Rutilus rutilus (L., 1758) that holds major commercial importance. This study has been aimed at the investigation of long-term dynamics exhibited by some characteristics of metabolic activity in roach. The samples for various stages of its life cycle, including spawning, fattening, and wintering states, have been collected during sea trips, through catches of coastal stationary seines in various areas of the Azov Sea, and upon the breeders approaching to the spawning and rearing farms (hatcheries) of the Azov-Kuban Region. Around 3000 matured roach indaviduals aged 3-5 years have been investigated. Average long-term and reference intervals have been established, which limited 80% of the sample; the content of moisture, protein and total lipids in the tissues and organs of roach, as well as protein, cholesterol and lipids in blood, and the elements indicating its trophic quality has been identified. Table 1 shows the results obtained for determining the content of protein and lipids in gonads, liver and muscles, protein, cholesterol and lipids in blood serum. The data are presented in the form of a mean and a mean error (M ± mM). We found out that the investigated characteristics have high variability showing seasonal dynamics and associated with metabolic features of fish individuals with the gonad differing in maturity. During the fattening season that covers the end of spring, summer and autumn, the synthesis of lipids and protein and their deposition in muscle tissue and liver is taking place, their content in blood serum increases, and after this, a relatively fast gonadogenesis begins. Wintering starts with the developed reproductive products at the 4th maturity stage in females and at the 3rd-4th maturity stage in males. After winter depletion of depot fat used for maintaining catabolism and formative processes, their further reduction ensues. After spawning, content of these elements drops to their minimum. In female gonads, in the course of oocyte maturation from the 2nd to the 4th maturity stage, considerable accumulation of fat and protein takes place. Protein content in muscles is normally maintained at a constant level. The dynamics of the studied indicators is shown in Figures 2-8. Results of the investigation of the physiological status of the Azov Sea roach have made it possible to determine a physiological norm for this fish species for the present time. The fat content varies by season from 5.7 to 10.2% in muscles, and from 10.2 to 50.4% in liver. Its decrease during pre-spawning (down to less than 3% in muscles and less than 8 % in liver) affects the normal course of fish maturation and, later on, interferes with successful embryogenesis. The protein content in roach muscles is relatively stable; its optimal values lie within the range 130-170 mg/L. The protein content in muscles that is lower than 100 mg/g is considered critical. Optimal values of the protein content in ripe eggs of roach females range between 150 and 250 mg/g, and for the fat content they are no lower than 7-8%. High content of protein (58-100 g/L), lipids (2.0-3.8 g/L) and cholesterol (5.9-15.9 mmol/L) is recorded in blood serum during fattening; in the pre-spawning season, their amount decreases. Total protein content in the blood serum of roach females being higher than 80 g/L during the pre-spawning season indicates the beginning of resorption processes in reproductive products, which is supported by the data collected during histological surveys. The content of protein lower than 30 g/L, of lipids lower than 0.50 g/L, and cholesterol lower than 2.6 mmol/L is indicative of emaciation in fish, and attests to the unfavorable environment.

Correlation analysis of laboratory parameters in seasonal allergic rhinitis in the Karaganda Region

&lt;b&gt;Background:&lt;/b&gt; Allergic rhinitis is a recurrent inflammation of the nasal mucosa that is triggered by various allergens and has an extremely negative impact on the quality of a patient's life. With the increasing morbidity of seasonal allergic rhinitis worldwide, the possibility of a deterioration in the course of the disease must be taken into account. Consequently, its prompt diagnosis is essential. High levels of total immunoglobulin E, eosinophil cationic protein and eosinophil count, along with appropriate clinical data, are associated with allergic rhinitis. However, studies regarding the relation of allergic reaction predictors with severity of allergic rhinitis symptoms are currently insufficient and inconsistent. &lt;b&gt;The objective of this study&lt;/b&gt; was to determine the total immunoglobulin E (IgE), eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) and eosinophil count in blood serum and to identify the relationship of each parameter with the severity of seasonal allergic rhinitis. &lt;b&gt;Methods:&lt;/b&gt; This cross-sectional study was conducted in the regional allergological center “DiVera” which is located in Karaganda city (central Kazakhstan). In order to perform statistical analysis, we used initial levels of seasonal allergic rhinitis markers and 4-point scale aspects for assessing symptoms (Daily Symptom Score). Allergic rhinitis markers were identified by using automatic modular and immunological analyzers. The study involved 49 patients aged 18-60 years with a diagnosis of seasonal allergic rhinitis. Verification of the diagnosis was carried out on the basis of a positive allergic anamnesis, objective and subjective patients data. Statistical analysis was performed using the “Statistica” software version 13.0 for Windows. The results were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and Spearman's rank correlation coefficient was applied to determine the relations between the studied parameters. &lt;b&gt;Results:&lt;/b&gt; The study revealed a positive direct, strong statistically significant relationship (p&lt;0.05) of all three serological markers - immunoglobulin E (r=0.96), eosinophilic cationic protein (r=0.91), and eosinophil count (r=0.86) with symptom severity of allergic rhinitis. &lt;b&gt;Conclusion:&lt;/b&gt; This correlation analysis revealed a relation of eosinophil count, total IgE and eosinophil cationic protein levels to symptom severity in seasonal allergic rhinitis. The concentration of serological markers could be an important predictor of allergic sensitization, particularly in adult patients.

Biomarkers of brain damage and inflammation in patients with acute cerebral ischemia

To study the pathogenetic and clinical significance of factors of hypoxic brain damage and inflammatory mediators in the development of stroke, to improve the diagnosis using laboratory markers of brain damage and inflammation in patients with acute cerebrovascular accident. We examined 55 people with stroke of the ischemic type at the age of 74 (67; 80) years, the comparison group consisted of 25 volunteers at the age of 65.0 (62.0; 66.5) years. Depending on the outcome of ischemic stroke, patients were assigned to the discharged group or to the deceased group. Blood serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) S100b protein, glial fibrillar acidic protein and interleukin-6 (IL-6); blood serum neurospecific enolase, and cortisol and C-reactive protein (CRP) were determined. Clinical blood test and assessment of fibrinogen content were performed on days 1, 3 and 10 of stroke. There is an increase in the levels of markers of brain tissue damage and systemic inflammation in the blood and CSF in response to cerebral ischemia that reflects the synergy of these pathological processes in patients with stroke, their association with the severity of stroke and its outcome. The results indicate that the postischemic release of neurospecific proteins, an increase in the content of IL-6, CRP, and cortisol make it possible to additionally characterize the severity of stroke and the body's response to damage, and predict the outcome of the disease.

Detection of paracetamol binding to albumin in blood serum using 2D-IR spectroscopy.

Binding of drugs to blood serum proteins can influence both therapeutic efficacy and toxicity. The ability to measure the concentrations of protein-bound drug molecules quickly and with limited sample preparation could therefore have considerable benefits in biomedical and pharmaceutical applications. Vibrational spectroscopies provide data quickly but are hampered by complex, overlapping protein amide I band profiles and water absorption. Here, we show that two-dimensional infrared (2D-IR) spectroscopy can achieve rapid detection and quantification of paracetamol binding to serum albumin in blood serum at physiologically-relevant levels with no additional sample processing. By measuring changes to the amide I band of serum albumin caused by structural and dynamic impacts of paracetamol binding we show that drug concentrations as low as 7 μM can be detected and that the availability of albumin for paracetamol binding is less than 20% in serum samples, allowing identification of paracetamol levels consistent with a patient overdose.

INTERACTION OF INDICATORS OF STAT SIGNALING AND WNT SIGNALING IN THE PROCESS OF ADIPOGENESIS

An increase in the consumption of high-calorie foods combined with the spread of a sedentary lifestyle are the main factors contributing to the growth of obesity in modern society. Due to excess body weight, the course of many chronic diseases is aggravated, including diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular diseases, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, etc. In recent years, many researchers have paid close attention to the involvement of transcription factors of signal transducers and STAT transcription activators in the pathogenesis of metabolic diseases. It has been established that STAT signaling is involved in the most important functions of metabolically active tissues, including fat cells, liver, skeletal muscles and pancreatic B cells, as well as in immune cells, including macrophages, natural killers and T cells. The WNT signaling pathway is an important regulator of the development and progression of organ and cell growth. In vivo and in vitro studies have shown that components of the WNT pathway are involved in pancreatic β-cell proliferation, lipid metabolism, and glucose-induced insulin secretion. The interaction of STAT and WNT signaling systems in the process of adipogenesis is poorly studied. The purpose of this study was to study the interaction of these signaling systems. The study included 39 people aged 40 ± 10 years, of which 15 people with normal body weight, they made up the control group. The study group was represented by 24 patients with alimentary-constitutional obesity of I - III degree in the absence of diabetes mellitus. A complex of immunological and general clinical research methods was used in the work. The study revealed a correlation of STAT and WNT indicators of signaling systems, which suggests that a change in the concentration of proteins representing these signaling systems has a multidirectional regulatory effect on adipogenesis. Determination of the level of correlating proteins in blood serum may be promising for the diagnosis and new therapeutic approaches to the treatment of obesity, liver steatosis and other diseases.

Validation of hand-held refractometers for assessing Merino ewe colostrum and neonatal lamb serum

Context The high incidence of lamb mortality in Merino sheep is a persistent issue for the industry. Poor-quality colostrum or inadequate colostrum consumption increases the risk of low energy intake and failed passive immunity transfer, resulting in lamb mortality. The rapid assessment of colostrum quality and intake would be a valuable tool for producers which house ewes for lambing. Aims This experiment determined the relationship and accuracy of analysis techniques to measure immunoglobulin G (IgG) and total protein (TP) concentrations within ewe colostrum and lamb serum and compared those results against digital hand-held refractometers. Methods Merino ewe colostrum and lamb blood were sampled at 4 and 24 h post-partum during autumn (n = 93 ewes) and spring (n = 79 ewes) in 2018. Colostrum was analysed for total milk solids (%) and lamb serum was analysed for total blood serum protein (%), and both colostrum and lamb serum were analysed for IgG and TP using in-house laboratory analysis techniques. Correlation coefficients were performed to identify the relationship between the different assessment methods. Key results There was a significant Pearson’s correlation (P &lt; 0.05) between 4 h total milk solids and TP (R = 0.19), between total milk solids and IgG (R = 0.19), and TP and IgG (R = 0.38). For 24 h colostrum samples, the significant correlations (P &lt; 0.001) between TP and IgG (R = 0.54) and total milk solids and IgG (R = 0.56) were higher than the correlation between total milk solids and TP (R = 0.24; P = 0.006). Further, 4 h serum IgG (R = –0.14; P = 0.026) and 24 h total blood serum protein (R = 0.21; P = 0.009) were correlated with lamb survival to 72 h. Conclusions While the refractometer provided a crude measure of colostrum IgG and TP and was valuable in identifying lambs with low IgG transfer at 24 h, further research is required regarding analysis techniques to allow for reliable measures need to be refined. Implications The use of refractometers to assess colostrum quality and intake could benefit researchers or producers who practice indoor lambing.