Serum Levels Of Growth Factors Research Articles

Effect of Time Lag from Injury to Surgery on the Temporal Expression of Growth Factors After Intramedullary Nailing of Isolated Fracture of Femur Shaft.

Growth factors are considered to play an important role in the process of bone healing. This study assessed serum levels of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in patients undergoing intramedullary nailing for isolated fracture of femur shaft operated at various time lag from injury. All patients between 18 and 60years of age group operated for isolated femoral shaft fractures (AO/OTA32 A, B, C) were included. The serum levels of VEGF and TGF-β1 were compared at various intervals amongst the study group divided into two groups based on the time lag between injury and surgery along with a health control cohort. 31 patients were operated within the first 48h while 28 patients were operated within 2-12days after injury. Highest VEGF levels were observed on postop day 3, followed by a subsequent decline thereafter. TGF-β1 level also showed increasing trend after surgery, but the levels reached dual peaks after 2weeks and 12weeks after surgery. Both groups revealed similar trends of temporal expression of serum VEGF and TGF-β1. There was no statistical difference between the two groups at any point of time during the observation period. There was also no statistical difference in clinico-radiological healing of fractures among the groups. There is a definite and specific trend of serum levels of growth factors in the fracture healing process. There is no effect of time lag from injury to surgery on the healing outcome of isolated femoral shaft fractures both at the molecular level and also at the clinical level.

The relationships between systemic cytokine profiles and inflammatory markers in colorectal cancer and the prognostic significance of these parameters

BackgroundImmunomodulatory cytokines and systemic inflammatory markers are important during cancer development and progression. This study investigated the association and prognostic impact of systemic cytokine profiles and inflammatory markers in colorectal cancer (CRC).MethodsInterleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-9, IL-10, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) serum levels were measured using multiplex bead assays in CRC patients. Data on systemic inflammatory markers, such as the modified Glasgow prognostic score (mGPS), the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR), prognostic nutritional index (PNI) and fibrinogen, were collected. Survival analysis was performed to identify factors associated with progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS).ResultsThere were moderate-to-strong correlations within serum cytokines, as well as within systemic inflammatory markers, whereas the associations between serum cytokines and systemic inflammatory markers were generally weak. IL-8 and the LMR were independent significant prognostic factors for PFS and OS. The low IL-8 and high LMR group had the best survival (both PFS and OS) of all groups.ConclusionsSystemic cytokine profiles and inflammatory markers have relatively weak intergroup correlations. A composite classification of systemic cytokine profiles and inflammatory markers has an enhanced prognostic value in CRC.

An Intense, But Ecologically Valid, Resistance Exercise Session Does Not Alter Growth Factors Associated With Cognitive Health.

The purpose of this investigation was to assess the acute changes in growth factors associated with cognitive health following two ecologically valid, intense resistance exercise sessions. Twenty-nine late-middle-aged adults performed one session of either (a)moderate-load resistance exercise or (b)high-load resistance exercise. Venous blood was collected prior to warm-up, immediately following exercise and 30min following exercise. Serum was analyzed for brain-derived neurotrophic factor, insulin-like growth factor 1, and vascular endothelial growth factor. Session intensity was determined by blood lactate concentration and session rating of perceived exertion. Postexercise blood lactate was greater following moderate-load when compared with high-load resistance exercise. Subjective session intensity was rated higher by the session rating of perceived exertion following moderate-load when compared with high-load resistance exercise. No differences were observed in serum growth factor levels between groups. Ecologically valid and intense moderate-load or high-load exercise methods do not alter serum growth factor levels in late-middle-aged adults.

Evaluation of nerve growth factor serum level for early detection of leprosy disability.

Introductionthis research aimed to analyze nerve growth factor (NGF) contents as diagnostic tools for early disability in leprosy patients and the cut-off point value.Methodsresearch samples consisted of 79 leprosy patients with disability grade 0 or 1 who met the clinically approved inclusion criteria. The age of patients ranged from 14 to 50 years. For both sample groups, blood serum was collected to determine NGF concentration. NGF level was analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) according to the manual guide of the kit insert from Cussabio®. Statistical analysis used SPSS 17 software for Windows. A comparison was performed with the Student's t-test and the NGF concentration cut-off point was determined using a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.Resultsthe research result demonstrated that NGF concentration in multibacillary leprosy with disability grade 0 was higher than in grade 1. Leprosy with disability grade 0 had an NGF content reaching 100.46 pg/mL, while those with grade 1 had a lower concentration of NGF at 30.56 pg/mL. The higher disability grade indicated a lower NGF concentration in the blood serum. Based on the ROC analysis result, the NGF cut-off was shown to be 81.43 pg/mL. This result indicated that low NGF in nerve and skin lesions of leprosy patients contributes to early peripheral nerve malfunction due to Mycobacterium leprae infection.Conclusionthese results prove that NGF can be used as a marker of early disability in leprosy, with the cut-off value at 81.43 pg/mL.

Low expression of vascular endothelial growth factor and high serum level of cyclic guanine monophosphate as the risk factors of femoral head osteonecrosis in alcohol-exposed Wistar rat

PurposeSevere damage to the femoral head in patients with osteonecrosis has a high impact on morbidity. Despite early diagnosis, the treatment outcome is still unsatisfactory. This study aimed to explore the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and cyclic guanine monophosphate (cGMP) serum level as the risk factors of femoral head osteonecrosis in alcohol-exposed Wistar rats. MethodsThis was an experimental study using randomized post-test only control group design, with samples using 10–14 weeks Wistar male rats. Rats were then divided into 6 groups: 3 groups without intervention, and 3 groups with intervention using 40% alcohol given perorally. Each one group from intervention and control group was euthanized by the end of the week for 3 consecutive weeks. Proximal femurs were examined under microscope for osteonecrosis, immunohistochemically for VEGF, and blood serum for cGMP levels. ResultsVEGF expression in the femoral head of alcohol-exposed Wistar rats was lower than those not exposed to alcohol (p < 0.005). Blood serum cGMP levels of alcohol-exposed Wistar rats were higher than those not exposed to alcohol (p < 0.005). The number of necrotic osteocytes in the femoral head of Wistar rats exposed to alcohol was greater than those not exposed to alcohol (p < 0.005). There are significant differences between VEGF, cGMP levels, and number of necrotic osteocytes in the control group and treatment at 1st, 2nd, and 3rd week (p < 0.005). ConclusionsBased on the result of this study, VEGF and cGMP may be considered as diagnostic biomarkers for alcohol-induced femoral head osteonecrosis.

Changes in Serum Levels of Growth Factors in Chronic Gastritis

Chronic inflammation, contributing to atrophy of the gastric epithelium, can develop in the induction of Helicobacter pylori and other microorganisms secretion of cytokines by cells of the gastric mucosa, including growth factors. Violation of the processes of repair of the gastric mucosa in terms of immune and microbiotic imbalance is the basis of ulcer and carcinogenesis. The aim of the study was to determine the serum level and diagnostic value of growth factors in exacerbation of chronic gastritis. Materials and methods . With informed consent in 122 patients with exacerbation of chronic gastritis and 40 healthy volunteers, sampling of gastrobioptates with esophagogastroduodenoscopy (for histological and microbiological examination), 5 ml of venous blood with serum separation (for enzyme immunoassay of serum levels of growth factors) was performed. Results . The amount of granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor, erythropoietin, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the serum of patients with atrophic gastritis exceeded the values of healthy individuals, were directly related to the degree and stage of gastritis, Helicobacter pylori infection, and among themselves. The greatest diagnostic value in atrophy gastric epithelial was determined in VEGF (sensitivity - 95,9%, specificity - 48,98%, criterion more 225 pg/ml, AUC 0,654, p = 0,0072). Conclusion. Determination of serum growth factors, especially VEGF, with exacerbation of chronic gastritis is diagnostically valuable, should be used for early diagnosis of atrophy of the gastric epithelium.

Role of Metformin on Osteoblast Differentiation in Type 2 Diabetes.

Metformin, an effective hypoglycemic, can modulate different points of malignant mass, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), cardiovascular diseases, tuberculosis, and nerve regeneration. Recently, the effect of metformin on bone metabolism has been analyzed. Metformin relies on organic cation transporters (OCT1), a polyspecific cell membrane of the solute carrier 22A (SLC22A) gene family, to facilitate its intracellular uptake and action on complex I of the respiratory chain of mitochondria. These changes activate the cellular energy sensor AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). Thus, the increased cellular AMP/ATP ratio causes a dramatic and progressive activation of insulin and lysosomes, resulting in a decrease in intracellular glucose level, which promotes osteoblast proliferation and differentiation. AMPK also phosphorylates runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2) at S118, the lineage-specific transcriptional regulators, to promote osteogenesis. Metformin phosphorylates extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), stimulates endothelial and inducible nitric oxide synthases (e/iNOS), inhibits the GSK3β/Wnt/β-catenin pathway, and promotes osteogenic differentiation of osteoblasts. The effect of metformin on hyperglycemia decreases intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) in collagen, and reduced serum levels of insulin-like growth factors (IGF-1) were beneficial for bone formation. Metformin has a certain effect on microangiopathy and anti-inflammation, which can induce osteoporosis, activate the activity of osteoclasts, and inhibit osteoblast activity, and has demonstrated extensive alteration in bone and mineral metabolism. The aim of this review was to elucidate the mechanisms of metformin on osteoblasts in insulin-deficient diabetes.

Association of High Serum Levels of Growth Factors with Good Outcome in Ischemic Stroke: a Multicenter Study

The main objective of this research work was to study the association of serum levels of growth factors (GF) and SDF-1α with the functional outcome and reduction of lesion volume in ischemic stroke patients. In this multicenter study, 552 patients with non-lacunar stroke (male, 62.1%; mean age, 68.2 ± 11.4) were included within 24 h from symptom onset. The main outcome variable was good functional outcome (modified Rankin Scale [mRS] ≤ 2) at 12 months. Secondary outcome variable was infarct volume (in mL) after 6 ± 3 months. Serum levels of VEGF, Ang-1, G-CSF, BDNF, and SDF-1α were measured by ELISA at admission, 7 ± 1 days, at 3 ± 1 months, and 12 ± 3 months. Except for BDNF, all GF and SDF-1α serum levels showed a peak value at day 7 and remained elevated during the first 3 months (all p < 0.01). High serum levels at day 7 of VEGF (OR, 19.3), Ang-1 (OR, 14.7), G-CSF (OR, 9.6), and SDF-1α (OR, 28.5) were independently associated with good outcome at 12 months (all p < 0.0001). On the other hand, serum levels of VEGF (B, − 21.4), G-CSF (B, − 14.0), Ang-1 (B, − 13.3), and SDF-1α (B, − 44.6) measured at day 7 were independently associated with lesion volume at 6 months (p < 0.01). In summary, high serum levels of VEGF, Ang-1, G-CSF, and SDF-1α at day 7 and 3 months after ischemic stroke are associated with good functional outcome and smaller residual lesion at 1 year of follow-up.

Vascular endothelial growth factor and pulmonary hypertension in children with beta thalassemia major

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to illustrate the association between vascular endothelial growth factor level and pulmonary artery hypertension in children with β‐thalassemia major. MethodThis case–control study was conducted on 116 children with β‐thalassemia major; 58 of them had pulmonary artery hypertension. They were compared to 58 healthy children who were age and sex‐matched (control group). Serum levels of vascular endothelial growth factor and echocardiographic assessment were done for all children. ResultsVascular endothelial growth factor serum level was significantly higher in children with β‐thalassemia major with pulmonary artery hypertension than in those without pulmonary artery hypertension, as well as in control groups (p<0.001). Vascular endothelial growth factor serum level had a significant positive correlation with pulmonary artery pressure and serum ferritin, as well as a significant negative correlation with the duration of chelation therapy. Logistic regression analysis revealed that elevated vascular endothelial growth factor (Odd Ratio=1.5; 95% Confidence Interval, 1.137–2.065; p=0.005) was an independent risk factor of pulmonary artery hypertension in such children. Vascular endothelial growth factor serum level at a cutoff point of >169pg/mL had 93.1% sensitivity and 93.1% specificity for the presence of pulmonary artery hypertension in children with β‐thalassemia major. ConclusionElevated vascular endothelial growth factor serum level is associated with pulmonary artery hypertension in children with β‐thalassemia.

Analysis of nerve growth factor serum levels in psoriasis vulgaris patients

Background: Psoriasis is a complex chronic inflammatory skin disease with multifactorial mechanism affected by immunological, genetic, environmental and nervous system factors which its mechanism is still unknown. The involvement of nervous system in psoriasis is ruled by nerve growth factor (NGF). Increased levels of NGF serum are expected occurring in psoriasis vulgaris.Aim: To determine the differences between NGF serum levels in psoriasis vulgaris patients and controlsMethods: This study is an analytic study with cross sectional design involving 30 psoriasis vulgaris patients and 30 healthy controls. Diagnosis of psoriasis vulgaris was made based on history and clinical examination; we conducted blood sampling and measurement of NGF serum level to the patients and controls. The differences between NGF serum levels in psoriasis vulgaris patients and controlled is analyzed by independent-t test. This research approved by the health research ethics committee of the Faculty of Medicine of Sumatra Utara University/ H. Adam Malik Medan General Hospital.Results: In this study, we found the mean NGF serum level of female psoriasis vulgaris patients (810.30 ± 299.97 pg/ml) was higher compared to male (806.70 ± 256.04 pg/ml). The mean NGF serum of psoriasis vulgaris patients were highest on ages group 15 – 23 years (930.14 ± 69.03 pg/ml). The mean NGF serum level of psoriasis vulgaris without family history (875.38 ± 203.91 pg/ml) was higher compared to patient with a maternal history (600.87 ± 387.45 pg/ml) and paternal history (477.88 ± 406.97 pg/ml). The mean NGF serum level in the psoriasis vulgaris group (808.38 ± 272.48 pg/ml) was higher compared to the control group (524.92 ± 281.22 pg/ml) dengan with p=0.0001.Conclusion: There were significant differences in NGF serum levels between psoriasis vulgaris patients and control.

Inflammatory cytokines and growth factors were not associated with psychosis liability or childhood trauma.

Psychosis is a multifactorial condition arising from an interaction between genetic liability and exposure to environmental risk factors, in particular childhood trauma. Furthermore, accumulating evidence supports a role for the immune system in the aetiology of psychosis. Increased peripheral levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and reduced neurotrophic factors are found in patients with psychosis. Childhood trauma is highly prevalent in psychosis patients and is also associated with increased pro-inflammatory cytokines and reduced neurotrophic factors. Recent studies suggest the increase in pro-inflammatory cytokines and decrease in neurotrophic factors seen in psychosis may be attributable to the effects of child maltreatment. The aim of this study was to improve understanding of the relation between childhood trauma, inflammation and psychosis. We examined separate and interaction effects of psychosis liability and childhood trauma on serum levels of BDNF, CCL-2, CRP, IFN-γ, IGFBP2, IL-6, PDGF, SCF and TNF-α in 40 patients with recent onset psychosis, 13 patients at Ultra-High Risk (UHR) for psychosis, 31 unaffected siblings of psychosis patients and 41 healthy controls. Childhood trauma was assessed retrospectively with the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ). No statistically significant effects of psychosis liability or childhood trauma on concentrations of cytokines or growth factors in peripheral blood were found, nor were there any statistically significant interaction effects of psychosis liability with childhood trauma on serum levels of cytokines and growth factors.

Reduction in Serum Levels of Inflammatory Cytokines in Subjects Consuming the Fermented Soy Beverage Q-CAN® Plus (P19-010-19)

ObjectivesWe want to investigate the effects a fermented soy drink (Q-CAN® Plus) on the serum levels of inflammatory cytokines in lean and obese individuals. MethodsProspective study comprised of lean (10) and obese (10) individuals without a known diagnosis. 11 clinic visits over 14 weeks (visit 1/wk −2, visit 2/wk −1, visit 3/wk 0, visit 4/wk 1, visit 5/wk 2, visit 6/wk 3, visit 7/wk 4, visit 8/wk 6, visit 9/wk 8, visit 10/wk 10, visit 11/wk 12). Visits 1, 2 and 3 occurred prior to treatment. 237 ml of soy was dispensed at visit 3 and was consumed twice daily for 4 weeks until visit 7 (weeks 1–4). Visits 8, 9, 10 and 11 were post treatment. Blood was collected during visits 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10,11, and serum was subjected to quantification of cytokine levels using Human Magnetic Luminex® Assays - Human XL cytokine Discovery Premixed kit (CCL-2,4,5,11,20, FLT-3 ligand, CXCL-2,3,10, PDGF AB/BB, AA, IL-1RA, IL-10, PDL-1, VEGF, GMCSF and TRAIL, expressed as pg/ml). Paired t-test and one-way ANOVA (significance of P < 0.05) for the three therapeutic phases of pretreatment, during treatment and post treatmen ResultsIn lean subjects during treatment PDGF AA and AB/BB was significantly lower as compared to pretreatment, and this was sustained post-treatment (PDGF AA mean, pre = 1355 pg/ml, on = 913 pg/ml & post = 746, P < 0.05; PDGF AB/BB mean, pre = 611, on = 403 & post = 313 pg/ml, P < 0.05). In obese subjects only PDGF AA levels showed significant reduction on Q-CAN® Plus treatment, and returned to baseline post-treatment (PDGF AA mean pre = 922 pg/ml & on = 694 pg/ml; PDGF AB/BB mean in obese pretreatment = 267 pg/ml). In obese subjects, the levels of IL-1RA & GMCSF were also significantly lowered upon treatment as compared to their respective pre-treatment phase levels (IL-1RA mean, pre = 474 pg/ml & on = 353 pg/ml, P < 0.05; GMCSF mean, pre = 14 pg/ml & on = 10 pg/ml; P < 0.05). Post-treatment IL-1RA and GMCSF levels in obese subjects trended back to base line ConclusionsConsumption of Q-CAN® Plus fermented soy drink by healthy subjects resulted in reduction of serum levels of key inflammatory cytokines and growth factors. This suggests that Q-CAN® Plus consumption may prove beneficial for the management of chronic inflammatory and metabolic disorders. Future studies are necessary to confirm the effects of Q-CAN plus in patients with other inflammatory conditions Funding SourcesBESO Biological Research, Inc.

Sorafenib-loaded PAMAM dendrimer attenuates liver fibrosis and its complications in bile-duct-ligated rats.

We assessed the effect of sorafenib-loaded polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimer on liver fibrosis induced by bile duct ligation (BDL). Male Wistar rats were divided into 9 groups: intact, sham, DMSO + BDL, BDL, sorafenib (30 mg/kg), sorafenib (60 mg/kg), PAMAM + BDL, sorafenib (30 mg/kg) + PAMAM + BDL, sorafenib (60 mg/kg) + PAMAM + BDL. BDL was induced and then rats were treated daily with sorafenib and (or) PAMAM for 4 weeks. Improvement of liver was detected via assessment of ascites formation, collagen deposition, liver blood flow, vascular endothelial growth factor level, and blood cells count. Sorafenib-loaded PAMAM dendrimer in both 30 and 60 mg/kg doses reduced ascites formation, reduced collagen deposition, and improved drug-induced hematological side effects of sorafenib alone in comparison with sorafenib-alone treatment. Sorafenib-loaded PAMAM dendrimer increased liver blood flow compared with sorafenib-received groups. Sorafenib-loaded PAMAM dendrimer reduced BDL-induced liver injury compared with sorafenib-received groups. Moreover, sorafenib-loaded PAMAM dendrimer decreased vascular endothelial growth factor level in serum and liver tissue in comparison with sorafenib-received groups. Sorafenib-loaded PAMAM dendrimer profoundly improved the therapeutic effects of sorafenib in BDL rats.

Nerve Growth Factor Serum Levels Are Associated With Regional Gray Matter Volume Differences in Schizophrenia Patients.

Numerous neuroimaging studies have revealed structural brain abnormalities in schizophrenia patients. There is emerging evidence that dysfunctional nerve growth factor (NGF) signaling may contribute to structural brain alterations found in these patients. In this pilot study, we investigated whether there was a correlation between NGF serum levels and gray matter volume (GMV) in schizophrenia patients. Further, we investigated whether there was an overlap between the correlative findings and cross-sectional GMV differences between schizophrenia patients (n = 18) and healthy controls (n = 19). Serum NGF was significantly correlated to GMV in the left prefrontal lobe, the left midcingulate cortex, and the brainstem in schizophrenia patients. However, we did not find any correlations of NGF serum levels with GMV in healthy controls. Schizophrenia patients showed smaller GMV than healthy controls in brain regions located in the bilateral limbic system, bilateral parietal lobe, bilateral insula, bilateral primary auditory cortex, left frontal lobe, and bilateral occipital regions. In a conjunction analysis, GMV in the left midcingulate cortex (MCC) appears negatively correlated to NGF serum levels in the group of schizophrenia patients and also to be reduced compared to healthy controls. These results suggest an increased vulnerability of schizophrenia patients to changes in NGF levels compared to healthy controls and support a role for NGF signaling in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. As our pilot study is exploratory in nature, further studies enrolling larger sample sizes will be needed to further corroborate our findings and to investigate the influence of additional covariates.

Taekwondo Enhances Cognitive Function as a Result of Increased Neurotrophic Growth Factors in Elderly Women.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of regular taekwondo (TKD) training on physical fitness, neurotrophic growth factors, cerebral blood flow (CBF) velocity, and cognitive function in elderly women. Thirty-seven women aged 65 or older were randomly assigned to either TKD (n = 19) or control (n = 18) group. TKD training was performed at 50–80% maximum heart rate (HRmax) for 60 min, five times per week for 16 weeks. All participants underwent the following examinations before and after the intervention: Senior Fitness Test; serum levels of neurotrophic growth factors, including brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1); systolic, diastolic, and mean blood flow velocity and pulsatility index of the middle cerebral artery using Doppler ultrasonography; Mini-Mental State Examination for dementia screening (MMSE-DS); and Stroop Color and Word Test (word, color, and color-word). In the TKD group, lower body strength and flexibility, aerobic endurance levels, BDNF, VEGF, and IGF-1 serum levels as well as the color-word test scores were significantly increased after as compared to before the intervention (p < 0.05). No statistically significant differences were found in cerebral blood flow velocities and the MMSE-DS score (p > 0.05). These findings suggest that regular TKD training may be effective in improving not only fitness but also cognitive function in elderly women. The latter effect may be due to increased neurotrophic growth factor levels.

Circulating MiRNA-195-5p and -451a in Transient and Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients in an Emergency Department.

We have evaluated circulating miRNAs (-195-5p and -451a) in subjects with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) and in patients with transient ischemic attack (TIA). In this study, 18 subjects with AIS and 18 patients with TIA were enrolled and examined at admission (T0) and at 24 h and 48 h after admission, and compared to 20 controls (C). At T0, circulating miRNA-195-5p and -451a were significantly upregulated in both AIS and TIA patients, compared to C. We also observed a progressive reduction of circulating miRNA levels at 24 h and 48 h in both AIS and TIA patients. Hypoxia inducible factor 1alpha (HIF-1α) serum level was significantly increased at T0, in both AIS and TIA patients, in comparison to C (both p < 0.01 vs. C) and it decreased in both AIS and TIA patients at 24 h and at 48 h, in comparison to T0 (both p < 0.01 vs. T0). Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) serum level was significantly decreased at T0, in both AIS and TIA patients, if compared to C (both p < 0.01 vs. C) and increased, in both AIS and TIA patients, at 24 h and 48 h, if compared to T0 (both p < 0.01 vs. T0). The elevated expression of miRNA-195-5p and miRNA-451a significantly decreased over time at 24 h and 48 h, and it is associated with decreased HIF-α levels and increased VEGF serum levels. These data may suggest a role for this miRNAs as biomarker in the pathogenesis and prognosis of AIS patients and for the first time also in TIA patients.

The Correlation between Malondialdehyde and Nerve Growth Factor Serum Level with Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy Score.

AIM:This study was conducted to identify malondialdehyde (MDA) serum level, nerve growth factor (NGF) serum level, diabetic peripheral neuropathy score and the correlation between MDA and NGF serum level with diabetic peripheral neuropathy score.METHODS:A cross-sectional study was conducted to observe diabetic patients in the internal medicine department in Dr M. Djamil Hospital, Padang, Indonesia. The MDA serum level was measured using Beuge method with thiobarbituric acid. The NGF serum level was analysed using ELISA method. Diabetic peripheral neuropathy score was defined when history score in Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument (MNSI) ≥ 7 and physical assessment score in MNSI > 2.RESULTS:Thirty subjects with diabetes has diabetic peripheral neuropathy score 3.53 (± 0.91), MDA serum level 2.16 (± 2.89) nmol/ml, and NGF serum level 10.56 (± 2.89) pg/dl. There were significant correlations between the MDA serum level and the diabetic peripheral neuropathy score (r = 0.364, p = 0.048), and between the NGF serum level with the diabetic peripheral neuropathy score (r = -0.59, p = 0.001).CONCLUSION:There are high MDA serum level and low NGF serum level in patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Low NGF serum level plays a bigger role than high MDA serum level in diabetic peripheral neuropathy.

Serum troponin-I as a marker of fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF-23) cardiotoxic effect, in patients with chronic kidney disease

It has been established that an increased fibroblast growth factor (FGF-23) serum levels significantly contribute to the heart and blood vessels remodeling in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). But the precise mechanisms of the FGF-23 cardiac effect are currently being actively studied. At the same time, it is believed that the cardiac effects of FGF-23 may be due to the increasing deficit of Klotho protein as CKD progresses. In parallel with these changes, a number of studies indicate the persistence of the detectable troponins serum levels in CKD patients, even in the absence of clear clinical manifestations of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). The aim of the study was to confirm / exclude the existence of a causal relationship between elevated FGF-23, reduced Klotho and elevated troponin-I (as the most specific troponin in CKD). The study included 130 CKD stages 1-5D patients without clinically pronounced symptoms of СVD (Coronary artery disease, CCS class 2-4, Chronic heart failure, NYHA 24, myocarditis, pericarditis, arrhythmias), as well as the severe arterial hypertension (BP >160/90 mm Hg), according to the laboratory and instrumental methods of examination. The selected group of patients was studied: serum levels of FGF-23 (Human FGF-23 ELISA kit), Klotho (Human soluble Klotho with antiklotho monoclonal antibodies), troponin-I (high - sensitive assay), and also data from instrumental examination methods: electrocardiography (ECG), echocardiography (left ventricular myocardial mass index (LVMI), cardiac (valvular) calcification score (CCS) using a semi - quantitative point scale), sphygmagraphy (augmentation (stiffness) indices of vessels (AI), pulse wave velocity (PWV), central (aortic) blood pressure (CBP), blood supply of subendocardium (BSE) - using "Shygmacor" device (Australia)). The changes in serum levels of FGF-23, Klotho and troponin-I (Tr-I) depended on the stage of CKD. The following correlations were identified: FGF-23 and: Tr-I (r=0.601; p.

Association of serum levels of vascular endothelial growth factor and thrombospondin-1 to body mass index in polycystic ovary syndrome: a case-control study.

PurposePolycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a gynecological endocrine disorder that is characterized by disturbances in ovarian blood flow and angiogenesis. The aim of this study was to determine the association of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1) serum levels with the body mass index (BMI) in patients with PCOS compared with healthy subjects.MethodsThe study was conducted with 80 subjects in 3 PCOS groups, including normal weight, overweight, and obese PCOS groups, and a control group of healthy subjects (n=20). The participants in all groups completed a questionnaire comprising sociodemographic and obstetric questions. The PCOS diagnosis in the study subjects was confirmed based on the Rotterdam criteria, BMI was determined according to the World Health Organization guidelines, and the lipid accumulation product index was calculated for all groups. Venous blood samples were collected from all participants after fasting to measure the serum levels of fasting blood glucose (FBG), lipids, insulin, VEGF, TSP-1, and leptin.ResultsOur findings showed that the serum VEGF level was significantly higher in the normal BMI PCOS group than that in the control group (P=0.03), and the TSP-1 level was significantly lower in the obese PCOS group than that in the control group (P=0.04).ConclusionsOur study demonstrated that alterations in VEGF and TSP-1 concentrations are dependent on BMI. Because abnormal ovarian angiogenesis is considered to be the main feature of PCOS, the study of ovarian angiogenic imbalance is proposed as a new tool for PCOS diagnosis and management.

Optimal Partitioning Method for Evaluating of Effect of Hemoglobin Oxygenation Levels of Vessel Endothelial Growth Factor

The work is aimed to study relationship between vessel endothelial growth factor (VEGF) serum levels and hypoxia in patients with severe neurological disorders. Overviewed literature sources indicate activation of VEGF synthesis during hypoxia. But standard correlation analysis does not reveal a statistically significant association between VEGF levels and pulse oxymetry parameters objectively assessing oxygen supply. Due to a proposed in the paper technique it became possible to reveal valid relationship between VEGF levels and oxygenation. This relationship can be described as increase of correlation between VEGF and immunological complement C4 when oxygenation level is below a certain threshold. Developed method includes searching of such boundaries for oxymetry parameters that correlation coefficients between VEGF and some additional factor Z in formed group are maximally different. ranges. The original technique based on permutation test was used not only to asses validity of effects associated with each oxymetry parameter but also to evaluate joint effect by full group of such factors. Great number of variable from database were tested as additional factors. So additional correction of validity was made to take into account multiple testing.