Serum Of Children Research Articles

Antibodies reacting to mimotopes of Simian virus 40 large T antigen, the viral oncoprotein, in sera from children.

Recent data indicate that the Simian virus 40 (SV40) infection appears to be transmitted in humans independently from early SV40-contaminated antipolio vaccines. Serum antibodies against SV40 large T antigen (Tag) were analyzed in children/adolescents and young adults. To investigate antibodies reacting to SV40 Tag antigens, serum samples ( n = 812) from children and young adults were analyzed by indirect ELISAs using specific SV40 Tag mimotopes. Mimotopes were synthetic peptides corresponding to SV40 Tag epitopes. In sera ( n = 412) from healthy children up to 17 years old, IgG antibodies against SV40 Tag mimotopes reached an overall prevalence of 15%. IgM antibodies against SV40 Tag were detected in sera of children 6-8 months old confirming and extending the knowledge that SV40 seroconversion occurs early in life. In children/adolescents affected by different diseases ( n = 180) SV40 Tag had a prevalence of 18%, being the difference no significant compared to healthy subjects ( n = 220; 16%) of the same age. Our immunological data indicate that SV40 circulates in children and young adults, both in healthy conditions and affected by distinct diseases. The IgM detection in sera from healthy children suggests that the SV40 infection/seroconversion occurs early in life (>6 months). Our immunological data support the hypothesis that SV40, or a closely related still unknown polyomavirus, infects humans. The SV40 seroprevalence is lower than common polyomaviruses, such as BKPyV and JCPyV, and other new human polyomaviruses. In addition, our immunological surveillance indicates a lack of association between different diseases, considered herein, and SV40.

A cross-sectional serum investigation of a clustering hepatitis C virus infection in Southwest China.

Serum samples were collected in a village with a clustering hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. HCV antibody, HCV RNA loads, liver function indexes, HCV envelope antibody, and neutralizing activity were assessed. Among 851 adult sera, 342 samples were positive for anti-HCV. Of these positive samples, 254 (74.3%) were HCV RNA positive (≥800 copies/mL). None of the 69 children's sera were positive for HCV antibody or RNA. Among the HCV antibody positive sera, alanine aminotransferase, and aspartate aminotransferase levels increased with the higher virus loads, but decreased when virus loads were higher than 1 × 10 6 copies/mL. HCV envelope antibody and neutralizing antibody levels increased with viral load.

Longitudinal trends of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in children's serum

Studies suggest negative health impacts from early life exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs). However, information on longitudinal exposure to PFASs during childhood is scarce for background-exposed individuals. This study sought to fill this gap by investigating children's longitudinal exposure trends through measurement of PFAS serum concentrations and calculation of body burdens (μg, total in body). Blood of 54 Finnish children was sampled 2005–2015 and analyzed for 20 PFASs at 1, 6 and 10.5 years of age. The body burden was calculated by multiplying the serum concentration by the volume of distribution and the bodyweight for each individual. Associations between serum concentrations or body burdens and parameters, such as sex, breastfeeding duration, body mass index as well as indoor dust and air PFAS concentrations, were evaluated. Serum concentrations of perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) and perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS) decreased significantly (p < 0.001) with age. In contrast to serum concentrations, body burdens stayed unchanged or even increased significantly (p < 0.05), except for PFOA in female children. Breastfeeding duration was positively correlated (p < 0.001) with serum concentrations of PFHxS, PFOS, PFOA and PFNA at 1 year of age. Some associations were found at 10.5 years with sex and indoor PFAS concentrations. Observations of longitudinal decreasing trends of serum concentrations can be misleading for understanding exposure levels from external media during childhood, as the serum concentration is influenced by parallel temporal changes and growth dilution. Body burdens account for growth dilution and thus better reflect differences in early-life to adolescence exposure than serum concentrations.

Effects of Lead, Mercury, Manganese and Cadmium Co-Exposure on Preschool Children's Serum BDNF Levels in Taizhou, China

Effects of Lead, Mercury, Manganese and Cadmium Co-Exposure on Preschool Children's Serum BDNF Levels in Taizhou, China

Early-life exposure to p,p′-DDT and p,p′-DDE in South African children participating in the VHEMBE study: An assessment using repeated serum measurements and pharmacokinetic modeling

BackgroundThe World Health Organization recommends indoor residual spraying (IRS) of insecticides (including dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane [DDT]) to fight malaria vectors in endemic countries. There is limited information on children's exposure to DDT in sprayed areas, and tools to estimate early-life exposure have not been thoroughly evaluated in this context. ObjectivesTo document serum p,p′-DDT/E levels in 47 mothers and children participating in the Venda Health Examination of Mothers, Babies and their Environment (VHEMBE), a study conducted in an area where IRS insecticides are used annually, and to evaluate the precision and accuracy of a published pharmacokinetic model for the estimation of children's p,p′-DDT/E levels. Methodsp,p′-DDT/E levels were measured in maternal serum at delivery, and in children's serum at 12 and 24 months of age. A pharmacokinetic model of gestational and lactational exposure was used to estimate children's p,p′-DDT/E levels during pregnancy and the first two years of life, and estimated levels were compared to measured levels. ResultsThe geometric means of children's serum p,p′-DDT/E levels at 12 and 24 months were higher than those of maternal serum levels. Regression models of measured children's p,p′-DDT/E levels vs. levels estimated with the pharmacokinetic model (which only accounted for children's exposure through placental transfer and breastfeeding) had coefficients of determination (R2) ranging from 0.75 to 0.82. Estimated p,p′-DDE levels were not significantly different from measured levels, whereas p,p′-DDT levels were overestimated by 36% at 12 months, and 51% at 24 months. ConclusionResults indicate that children living in a sprayed area have serum p,p′-DDT/E levels exceeding their mothers' during the first two years of life. The pharmacokinetic model may be useful to estimate children's levels in the VHEMBE population.

IgG response against Staphylococcus aureus is associated with severe atopic dermatitis in children.

An altered immune response against Staphylococcus aureus might contribute to inflammation and barrier damage in atopic dermatitis (AD). To profile IgG antibodies against 55 S. aureus antigens in sera of children with mild-to-severe AD and to evaluate the association between IgG levels and disease severity. In this cross-sectional study, we included children with AD from two interventional study cohorts, the Shared Medical Appointment (SMA) cohort (n = 131) and the older DAVOS cohort (n = 76). AD severity was assessed using the Self-Administered Eczema Area and Severity Index (SA-EASI) and levels of thymus and activation-regulated chemokine (TARC) in serum. IgG antibody levels against 55 S. aureus antigens were quantified simultaneously using a Luminex assay. Pair-wise correlations were calculated between the 55 IgG levels using the Spearman rank correlation test. Linear regression analysis was performed to test for associations between 55 IgG levels and SA-EASI and TARC, adjusting for age, sex and S. aureus colonization. In the SMA cohort, 16 antigens were associated with SA-EASI and 12 with TARC (10 overlapping antigens; P-values 0·001-0·044). The associated IgG antibodies targeted mainly secreted proteins with immunomodulatory functions. In the DAVOS study, IgG levels against only four and one S. aureus antigen(s) were associated with SA-EASI and TARC, respectively (no overlap). In young children, severity of AD is associated with an IgG response directed against S. aureus antigens with mainly immunomodulatory functions. These findings encourage further evaluation of the role of S. aureus in the pathogenesis of AD.

Elevated Interleukin 1β and Interleukin 6 Levels in the Serum of Children With Hyperuricemia.

The aim of this study was to investigate the serum levels and clinical significance of interleukin 1β (IL-1β) and IL-6 in children with hyperuricemia (HUA). We included 71 children with HUA and 71 children with no HUA as control subjects. Children with HUA were divided into groups I and II according to whether they had a history of acute gout-like attacks (including sudden monoarthritis of rapid onset with intense pain and swelling). Group I was examined twice (A, in the acute phase; B, in the remission phase). Serum IL-1β and IL-6 levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Serum IL-1β and IL-6 levels were increased in children with HUA and were overall statistically different from the control group (P < 0.05, respectively). Serum IL-1β and IL-6 were significantly higher in group IA in comparison with group IB, group II, and control subjects (P < 0.05, respectively), as well as in groups IB and II compared with control subjects (P < 0.05, respectively). In group IB, the serum IL-1β and IL-6 concentrations were higher than those in group II, but there were no statistical differences (P > 0.05). In addition, in children with HUA, serum IL-1β and IL-6 levels were positively associated with white blood cell count, neutrophil count, monocyte count, uric acid levels, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, blood urea nitrogen, and serum creatinine levels (all P < 0.05), but were not associated with triglycerides, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, or high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels (all P > 0.05). IL-1β and IL-6 levels are increased in children with hyperuricemia, even if they have not had acute gout. Further studies are necessary to fully characterize the significance of IL-1β and IL-6 found in HUA children, and whether they could be correlated with long-term prognosis.

The Changes of the Levels of Tumor Necrosis Factor α, Interferon γ and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor in the Sera of Children with Acquired Aplastic Anemia after Blood Transfusion

Objective: To discuss how blood transfusion affects the progression of acquired aplastic anemia by assaying the levels of TNF-α, IFN-γ and VEGF in the sera of children with acquired aplastic anemia both before and after blood transfusion Methods: In the study, the sera of 15 children with acquired aplastic anemia were collected both before and one or two days after blood transfusion. And during the study period the sera of 12 normal children who had body checkups in our hospital were also collected. The levels of TNF-α, IFN-γ and VEGF in the sera of children were assayed by the method of ELISA with the corresponding kits. Results: The levels of TNF-α and IFN-γ in the sera of children with acquired aplastic anemia were 2.29 ± 0.36 ng/L and 21.30 ± 9.12 ng/L respectively. After blood transfusion they were 1.27 ± 0.12 ng/L and 15.33 ± 4.45 ng/L respectively. The levels of TNF-α and IFN-γ in the sera of children with acquired aplastic anemia after blood transfusion were lower than these before blood transfusion. But they were higher than those in the sera of normal children (TNF-α 0.85 ± 0.04 ng/L, IFN-γ 10.91 ± 4.67 ng/L) respectively. The level of VEGF in the sera of patients with acquired aplastic anemia was 50.07 ± 12.83 Pg/L and it was 80.02 ± 11.04 Pg/L after blood transfusion. The level of VEGF in the sera of patients with acquired aplastic anemia after blood transfusion was higher than this before blood transfusion, and both of them were lower than that in the sera of normal children (100.77 ± 36.83 Pg/L). There were significant differences between them (p<0.05). Conclusions: Blood transfusion can decrease the levels of TNF-α and IFN-γ and increase the level of VEGF in the sera of children with acquired aplastic anemia, which may affect the progression of the disease.

Anti-transglutaminase 6 Antibody Development in Children With Celiac Disease Correlates With Duration of Gluten Exposure.

Antibodies against transglutaminase 6 (anti-TG6) have been implicated in neurological manifestations in adult patients with genetic gluten intolerance, and it is unclear whether autoimmunity to TG6 develops following prolonged gluten exposure. We measured the anti-TG6 in children with celiac disease (CD) at the diagnosis time to establish a correlation between these autoantibodies and the duration of gluten exposure. We investigated a correlation between anti-TG6 and the presence of neurological disorders. Anti-TG6 (IgA/IgG) were measured by ELISA in sera of children with biopsy-proven CD and of children experiencing gastrointestinal disorders. CD patients positive for anti-TG6 were retested after 2 years of gluten-free diet (GFD). We analyzed the sera of 274 CD children and of 121 controls. Anti-TG6 were detected in 68/274 (25%) CD patients and in 19/121 (16%) controls, with significant difference between the 2 groups (P = 0.04). None of the CD patients and of the controls testing positive for anti-TG6 were experiencing neurological disorders. Eleven of 18 (61%) CD patients with other autoimmune diseases were positive for anti-TG6. In CD patients, a significant correlation between the gluten exposure before the CD diagnosis and anti-TG6 concentration was found (P = 0.006 for IgA; P < 0.0001 for IgG). After GFD anti-TG6 concentrations were significantly reduced (P < 0.001). No significant correlation was observed between anti-TG6 and anti-TG2 serum concentrations. Anti-TG6 are more prevalent in children with untreated CD in the absence of overt neurological disorders. The synthesis of the anti-TG6 is related to a longer exposure to gluten before the CD diagnosis, and the autoimmunity against TG6 is gluten dependent and disappeared during GFD.

Age-related variations in the in vitro bactericidal activity of human sera against Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

The human serum is a vital component of the innate immunity of the host that acts as the first line of defence against invading pathogens. A key player in serum-mediated innate immune defence is a system of more than 35 proteins, collectively named as the complement system. After exposure of the pathogen, these proteins are activated in a cascade manner, ultimately forming a membrane attack complex (MAC) on the surface of the pathogen that directly lyses the bacterial cell. Formation of the MAC can be demonstrated in vitro by using serum bactericidal assay (SBA) that works in the absence of cellular components of blood after incubating the serum along with bacteria. Here, we describe the age-related differences in the bactericidal activity of human serum against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, an opportunistic human pathogen causing an array of hospital and community-acquired infections.We demonstrate that adult sera were highly effective in the in vitro killing of Pseudomonas aeruginosa as compared to children and the elderly (p < 0.0001). Sera from children were seriously compromised in the killing P. aeruginosa, whereas elderly sera showed a reduced level of killing. Data revealed a positive correlation between age and serum-killing with higher coefficient of determination values of 0.34, 0.27, and 0.58 and p values of < 0.0001, < 0.001, and < 0.0001, respectively, after 60, 90, and 120 minutes of incubation. Hence, our study highlights the age-related difference in the bactericidal activity of human sera. We conclude that sera of children are totally compromised, whereas elderly sera are only partially compromised, in the killing of P. aeruginosa.

Interleukin-17A Levels Increase in Serum of Children With Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis.

This study aims to determine the serum levels of interleukin-17A (IL-17A) in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) and analyze the correlation between IL-17A values and disease activity, certain clinical features, and laboratory markers of inflammation. The study included 30 children (7 boys, 23 girls; mean age 8.8±5.3 years; range 1 to 18 years), who had been diagnosed with JIA (18 children were diagnosed during the study period and 12 children were diagnosed before the start of the study) and had active disease during the study period. Control group included 30 healthy, age- and sex- matched children (9 boys, 21 girls; mean age 8.3±4.8 years; range 1 to 18 years). The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to assess the serum IL-17A levels of children with JIA in the active phase of the disease and control group. Clinical and laboratory features of the disease were evaluated for the children with JIA. Serum levels of IL-17A in children with JIA were significantly higher in comparison to control group. In children with JIA who were prospectively monitored, statistically significantly decreased IL-17A level was recorded in the inactive phase of the disease. The incidence of arthritis of coxofemoral joints was significantly more common, and the mean levels of erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein were significantly higher in the group of children with JIA with detectable levels of IL-17A. Children with JIA and detectable levels of IL-17A had significantly higher values of Juvenile Arthritis Disease Activity Score-27 in comparison to children with JIA and non-detectable IL-17A. Assessment of serum IL-17A levels in early phases of JIA gives an opportunity for early detection of children that have higher risk for worse functional outcome.

Seroprevalence of Hepatitis E Virus Antibodies in Portuguese Children.

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) has become a growing public health concern in industrialized countries. Most of the HEV seroprevalence studies have focused on adult populations, and reports regarding HEV seroepidemiology among children are scarce in these countries. The aims of this work were to perform a nationwide seroprevalence study on HEV infection in Portuguese children and to compare the HEV seropositivity in this 2015 children cohort with results in sera performed 20 years earlier. Sera (N = 352) from children collected in 2015 from all regions of Portugal were screened for anti-HEV IgG and IgM using the commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay recomWell HEV IgG/IgM (2015 version; Mikrogen, Neuried, Germany), and positive samples were retested by immunodot assay recomLine HEV IgG/IgM (2015 version; Mikrogen, Neuried, Germany). For the comparative assessment of HEV seropositivity of the 2 children cohorts, children's sera (N = 71) archived since 1995 were screened for anti-HEV IgG and results were compared with that of the 2015 cohort, matched by sex, age and region. Anti-HEV antibodies were detected in 4 children giving an overall HEV seroprevalence in the 2015 cohort of 1.1%. A healthy 10-15-year-old female was found positive for anti-HEV IgM indicating a current or recent HEV infection. No statistically significant difference was observed in HEV seroprevalence regarding gender, age group and region of residence. Comparison of the HEV seropositivity of the 2 children cohorts showed a statistical significant decrease with time (P = 0.024). This is the first national study of HEV seroprevalence in Portuguese children and the first to demonstrate a decrease of anti-HEV antibodies in this age group over time.

Simultano određivanje željeza i bakra u serumu djece FAAS-om

A new and simple flame atomic-absorption spectrometric (FAAS) method is proposed for simultaneous determination of iron and copper in children's sera. It is based on single-step sample pretreatment (deproteinization with 3 mol L–1 HCl, ratio 1:1) and single-step calibration using 1.5 mol L–1 HCl standard. During method’s optimization a short multifactorial design experiment was used. The proposed method assures accuracy, sensitivity and precision comparable to that of the reference methods. The new approach is simple and time-, labour- and serum-saving, the latter being especially important in pediatric diagnostics.

Bcl-2 and Caspase-9 serum levels in children and adolescents with idiopathic epilepsy and active seizures

In the present study we investigated the levels of proapoptotic caspase-9 and antiapoptotic Bcl-2 proteins in the sera of children and adolescents with idiopathic epilepsy and tried to relate the findings to the patients' clinical parameters. This retrospective study consisted of 118 children and adolescents with idiopathic epilepsy, categorized according to type and number of seizures, duration of the disease and the control of seizures and 30 age- and sex-matched controls. The relapse of seizures was taken into consideration. Mean serum level between Bcl-2 and caspase-9 was significantly higher only in Bcl-2 patients, compared to controls (P≤0.0001) and (P=0.987) respectively. Significant difference in Bcl-2 level was found among the different types of focal seizures. Caspase-9 level was statistically different in patients with two or more seizures per month compared to those with one seizure per month (P=0.048). No correlation was found between Bcl-2 and caspase-9 levels and age, gender, seizure frequency, total number of seizures and the duration of epilepsy. No significant difference was found in patients with and without drug treatment. Bcl-2 displays an association with apoptosis and highlights the potential of being a surrogate biomarker for active seizures and epilepsy. There is a significant difference in Bcl-2 serum level among the different types of focal seizures. Proapoptotic caspase-9 cannot act as a marker of active seizures and epilepsy. Caspase-9 serum level is increased acutely in controlled cases after a single relapse.

Phthalates and thyroid function in preschool age children: Sex specific associations

BackgroundResearch relating either prenatal or concurrent measures of phthalate exposure to thyroid function in preschool children is inconclusive. MethodsIn a study of inner-city mothers and their children, metabolites of di-n-butyl phthalate, butylbenzyl phthalate, di-isobutyl phthalate, di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, and diethyl phthalate were measured in a spot urine sample collected from women in late pregnancy and from their children at age 3years. We measured children's serum free thyroxine (FT4) and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) at age 3. Linear regression models were used to investigate the associations between phthalate metabolites, measured in maternal urine during late pregnancy and measured in child urine at age 3 and thyroid function measured at age 3. ResultsMean concentrations (ranges) were 1.42ng/dL (1.02–2.24) for FT4, and 2.62uIU/mL (0.61–11.67) for TSH. In the children at age 3, among girls, FT4 decreased with increasing loge mono-n-butyl phthalate [estimated b=−0.06; 95% CI: (−0.09, −0.02)], loge mono-isobutyl phthalate [b=−0.05; 95% CI: (−0.09, −0.01)], loge monoethyl phthalate [b=−0.04; 95% CI: (−0.07, −0.01)], and loge mono(2-ethyl-5-hydroxyhexyl) phthalate [b=−0.04; 95% CI: (−0.07, −0.003)] and loge mono(2-ethyl-5-oxy-hexyl) phthalate [b=−0.04; 95% CI: (−0.07, −0.004)]. In contrast, among boys, we observed no associations between FT4 and child phthalate metabolites at age 3. On the other hand, in late gestation, FT4 increased with increasing loge mono-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate [estimated b=0.04; 95% CI: (0.02, 0.06)] and no sex difference was observed. We found no associations between phthalate biomarkers measured in either the child or prenatal samples and TSH at age 3. ConclusionsThe data show inverse and sex specific associations between specific phthalate metabolites measured in children at age 3 and thyroid function in preschool children. These results may provide evidence for the hypothesis that reductions in thyroid hormones mediate associations between early life phthalate exposure and child cognitive outcomes.

IL-33 and sST2 levels in Serum of Children with Henoch-Schnlein Purpura and Their Clinical Significance

To investigate the serum IL-33 and sST2 levels in children with Henoch-Schonlein purpura (HSP), and explore their clinical significance. Total 27 HSP patients and 22 healthy controls were enrolled in present study. The expressions of IL-33 and sST2 were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), the mRNA expression of IL-33 and sST2 were detected in all subjects. The level of the IL-33 in the serum of HSP group and control group was 365.5±160.6 pg/ml and 175.9±92.8 pg/ml(P< 0.05). The level of the sST2 was increased in the serum of HSP group (1788.6±523.8 pg/ml) as compared with that in control group (1083.6±489.6 pg/ml)(P>0.05), but the ratio of sST2/IL-33 in HSP patients was much lower than that in the controls(P<0.05), IL-33 and sST2 mRNA levels were up-regulated in HSP patients by 5.47±1.97-fold(P<0.05) and 3.13±2.01-fold(P<0.05) compared with controls, but sST2/IL-33 significantly decreased in HSP patients(P<0.05). The levels of IL-33 and sST2 increase in the serum of HSP patients, but the ratio of sST2/IL-33 is much lower than that in control.

The Prevalence of Celiac Disease in Children with Unexplained Failure to Thrive in South West of Iran

Background Celiac disease (CD), considered as a common chronic and genetic diseases that caused by hypersensitivity to gluten. Failure to thrive (FTT), is one of three major clinical features of CD during childhood. The current study aimed to determine the prevalence of celiac disease in children with unexplained FTT in South West of Iran. Materials and Methods This cross‑sectional study was conducted on 433 children 9-month to 6 years old that diagnosed as unexplained FTT referred to Abuzar Children's Hospital, Ahvaz, South West of Iran, in 2014. In this study, we examined the serum levels of anti-transglutaminase antibody (anti-tTG) in children with unexplained FTT. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 16.0 software. Results The results showed that the prevalence of CD in children with unexplained FTT in was 8.8%. The mean scores of children's anti-tTG serum levels in both gender and age groups, showed no significant difference (P> 0.05). Conclusion At current study, the prevalence of CD in children with FTT was 8.8%. Since the CD is an important cause of unexplained FTT in children, the early screening and diagnosis and dietary management can be decrease the risk for long-term complications in these children.

A Comparative Biochemical Study of Proteins Profile in Iraqi Children and Adolescent with ?-Thalassemia

The aim of the present research is to study different protein fractions in sera of children and adolescent with β –thalassemia major and minor and to compare the results with that of healthy control.One hundred fifty children and adolescents were enrolled in this study,including 50 patients with β- thalassemia major , 50 patients with β- thalassemia minor as pathological control group and another apparently 50 healthy individuals as a control group. The age of all studied groups ranged from (4-18)years.Total protein, albumin and immunoglobulins were estimated in sera of all subjects. A Significant decrease was found in the total protein and albumin levels in sera of both major and minor thalassemic patients compared to normal groups. A Significant increase in immunoglobulin levels (IgG, IgM and IgA) was found in the sera of major and minor β-thalassemia patients compared to control.Different protein parts in sera of all subjects were detected using cellulose acetate electrophoresis.The results revealed significant reduction in β- globulin fractions in β- thalassemia major patients compared to the normal and pathological control groups. Significant elevations in γ- globulins fractions were observed in both major β- thalassemia and minor β- thalassemia as compared to normal control group. As a Conclusion the alteration in some protein parts occurred which is more obvious in major thalassemia patients compared to the normal and pathological control groups.&#x0D; Key words: Protein Parts , Elecrtrophoresis , β-Thalassemia

Concentration of UHCL1 in the Serum of Children with Acute Appendicitis, Before and After Surgery, and Its Correlation with CRP and Prealbumin

ABSTRACTUbiquitin-mediated protein degradation plays a crucial role in various cellular processes, including signal transduction, cell differentiation, and stress response. Ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase 1 (UCHL1) is a unique deubiquitinating enzyme that has both hydrolase and ligase activities. The aim of this study was the determination of UCHL1 concentration in serum of children with appendicitis, before and after the surgery. Material and methods: 42 children with acute appendicitis, who were managed at the Pediatric Surgery Department, between 2013 and 2014, were randomly included into the study (age 9 months up to 14 years, mean age 2.5 + 1 years). There were 15 girls and 27 boys. 18 healthy, age-matched subjects, admitted for planned surgeries served as controls. Exclusion criteria were: severe preexisting infections, immunological or cardiovascular diseases that required long-term medication, and complicated cases of appendicitis with perforation of appendix and/or peritonitis. Results: The UCHL1 concentrations in the blood plasma of patients with acute appendicitis, were highest before the surgery, and were above the range of concentrations measured in controls, the difference was statistically significant. The UCHL1 concentration measured 24 and 72 h after the operation, slowly decreased over time, and still did not reach the normal range, when compared with the concentration measured in controls (p < 0.05). Conclusions: UCHL1 concentration may reflect the metabolic response to acute state inflammation, and the process of gradual ebbing of the inflammation. The method of operation—classic open appendectomy, or laparoscopic appendectomy, does not influence the general trend in UCHL1 concentration in children with appendicitis. There is strong negative correlation between prealbumin and UCHL1 concentrations.

Profiling of circulating microRNAs in children with recent onset of type 1 diabetes.

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune disease that is clinically silent until the majority of β cells are destroyed. There is an unmet need for reliable and cost-effective biomarkers to predict and diagnose diabetes at an early stage. A number of stable microRNAs (miRNAs) have been reported in serum and plasma and are now being investigated as biomarkers of different diseases. We measured the levels of 745 miRNAs in sera of children with recent-onset T1D and age-matched controls using locked nucleic acid-enhanced (LNA-enhanced) quantitative PCR profiling. Thirty-five miRNAs were significantly different between the groups, and 27 miRNAs were elevated in T1D. Good discriminating power was obtained for 6 miRNAs (miR-454-3p, miR-222-3p, miR-144-5p, miR-345-5p, miR-24-3p, and miR-140-5p), which were not elevated at later stages of diabetes. In silico pathway analysis, based on inferred miRNA target genes, associated glycosaminoglycan biosynthesis as well as PI3K/Akt, MAPK, and Wnt signaling pathways with early stages of T1D. Among the 27 upregulated miRNAs in T1D, 2 miRNAs significantly correlated with hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), as did 5 of 8 downregulated miRNAs. A total of 134 miRNAs significantly correlated with HbA1c when stratifying hyperglycemia-induced miRNAs from T1D-specific miRNAs. In conclusion, we have identified a serum miRNA pattern of recent-onset T1D and signaling pathways that may be involved in its pathogenesis.