Serum Relaxin Levels Research Articles

Primary Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury: Extrinsic and Intrinsic Risk Factors.

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries continue to increase in incidence despite extensive research into prevention strategies. Many extrinsic and intrinsic risk factors for sustaining ACL injuries have been identified and continue to be investigated. Extrinsic risk factors for ACL injury relate to the athlete's environment, such as the shoe-surface interaction, weather conditions, and sport played. Intrinsic risk factors relate to the athlete's sex, hormones, knee anatomy, landing and pivoting biomechanics, and neuromuscular control. Recent research has highlighted the role of the bony morphology of the proximal tibia and distal femur on primary ACL injury risk, as well as the risk for ACL graft failure. Sex differences in bony and ligamentous morphology of the knee, neuromuscular control, and hormonal factors, such as serum relaxin levels and variations within the menstrual cycle, have been correlated with a higher risk of noncontact primary ACL injuries in female athletes compared with male athletes.

220 Litter performance, serum collagen, and hormone concentrations in prolapsed and non-prolapsed sows

Abstract Pelvic organ prolapse is one of the top leading causes of sow mortality today and widely considered a multifactorial issue. Previous reports observed prolapsed sows having decreased serum concentrations of various trace minerals and increased tumor necrosis factor-alpha compared with non-prolapsed sows. Additionally, collagen, hormones, and previous litter performance are other factors proposed to be associated with POP. A study was completed to determine differences in serum collagen type 1 (COL1), matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP-1), tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP-1), as well as relaxin and estradiol differences in the serum concentration between prolapsed and non-prolapsed sows. Furthermore, previous litter performance, lactation days, pigs born, stillborns, mummified, and pigs weaned on prolapse rate were evaluated. The study utilized 44 prolapsed sows and 44 non-prolapsed sows of similar parity, location, management, and stage of production. Blood was collected from the prolapsed and non-prolapsed sows upon discovery. Serum samples were analyzed using radioimmunoassay for estradiol content. Additionally, COL1, MMP-1, TIMP-1, and relaxin concentrations were determined from the serum using ELISA testing. Data were analyzed using the PROC GLIMMIX procedure in SAS. Prolapsed sows had decreased (P < 0.05) COL1 and TIMP-1 concentrations in the serum compared with the non-prolapsed sows. Prolapsed sows had marginally greater (P < 0.10) MMP-1 concentration compared with non-prolapsed sows. There were no differences (P > 0.10) between prolapsed and non-prolapsed serum concentraions of sows for estradiol and relaxin. Prolapsed sows had longer lactation days (P < 0.05) in the litter before prolapsing compared with non-prolapsed sows. Additionally, stillborns in the previous litter were marginally greater (P = 0.06) in prolapsed sows when compared with the non-prolapsed sows. There were no differences (P > 0.10) in pigs born, mummified, or pigs weaned between prolapsed and non-prolapsed sows. This study suggests that there is a reduced concentration of serum COL1 and TIMP-1 found in prolapsed sows compared with non-prolapsed sows and a marginally increased MMP-1 concentration in prolapsed sows. This could influence the structural integrity of the connective tissue that supports the pelvic organs. We found no differences in serum estradiol or relaxin levels. Additionally, lactation days and stillborn pigs in the litter prior to prolapsing could be contributing factors to prolapse. This work further supports the idea that prolapse is a multifactorial issue.

Knee Laxities Changes with Sex-steroids throughout the Menstrual Cycle Phases in Athlete and Non-athlete Females.

Objective: Our study investigated changes of knee laxities in athletes and non-athletes females and relationship between knee laxity and sex-steroid at menstrual cycle phases. Methods: Forty six healthy females, twenty four athletes and twenty two non-athletes not on hormone contraceptive pills, had no previous knee injuries and with regular menstrual cycles for 3 consecutive months, participated in the study. Medial and lateral knee laxities were determined by varus-valgus tests at follicular, ovulatory and luteal phases. Serum level of relaxin, estrogen, progesterone and testosterone were determined by ELISA and radioimmunoassay. Results: Knee laxities in athletes and non-athletes at 0° and 20° flexion were the highest in luteal phase with non-athletes possess greater laxity than athletes. Positive correlation between progesterone and relaxin levels with knee laxities were observed. Meanwhile, the levels of both hormones were highest in the luteal phase. Conclusion: Increased medial and lateral knee laxities in athletes and non-athletes associated with high serum progesterone and relaxin levels in luteal phase may contribute toward increased risk of non-contact knee injury. However, lower knee laxity in athletes than non-athletes suggest that exercise could be a protective factor.

Relaxin contributes to the elevation of monocytic myeloid-derived suppressor cells in peripheral blood of pregnant canines

Tolerance towards fetal alloantigens in the maternal immune system is essential for maintaining pregnancy. Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are immature myeloid cells characterized by their ability to suppress immune activity and maintain maternal–fetal immune tolerance. However, the mechanisms underlying MDSC induction have not been elucidated. Herein, we investigated the myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) in the peripheral blood of pregnant canines and its induction mechanism. By analyzing the concentration of MDSCs in the peripheral blood of pregnant canines, elevation of MDSCs has been observed during pregnancy. In addition, MDSCs from pregnant canines inhibit T cell activation. These results suggest that the elevated MDSCs in canine pregnancy may contribute to reduces maternal immune activity. To clarify the cause of MDSCs elevation in canine pregnancy, we analyzed the relationship between pregnancy-related hormones (estradiol, progesterone, and relaxin) and MDSCs. Serum relaxin levels, but not estradiol and progesterone, were correlated with the ratio of monocyte MDSCs. Additionally, relaxin induced monocytic MDSCs as well as inhibited T cell activation in vitro. Therefore, relaxin contributes to the elevation of monocytic MDSCs in the peripheral blood of pregnant canines. Our findings highlight the novel role of relaxin in pregnancy and contribute to a better understanding of maternal–fetal immune tolerance.

Can maternal hormones play a significant role in delivery mode?

The aim of this study was primarily to evaluate the levels of progesterone, oestradiol and relaxin during different delivery modes and secondarily to assess specific traits and changes in maternal pelvic dimensions during pregnancy and childbirth, in correlation with foetal size and maternal hormonal profile. Nulliparous women (n = 448) were evaluated at three different stages, during first trimester, at the time of admission for childbirth and finally just before childbirth. Each examination included clinical internal pelvimetry, blood sample collection for defining the hormones levels in peripheral maternal circulation and ultrasonographic measurements of specific variables of the pubic symphysis and the foetus. We included 304 nulliparous women divided in three groups. According to our results, there was statistically significant difference at the mean progesterone, oestradiol and relaxin range during different modes of childbirth (p-value < .01). We also found significant correlation between the newborn’s weight and the changes in pubic symphysis dimensions. However, no significant association was noted between maternal hormones studied and the changes in pelvic dimensions. IMPACT STATEMENT What is already known on this subject? Mode of childbirth can be affected by various aspects, like maternal pelvic anatomy, foetal size and hormonal status at the time of labour. Hormonal fluctuations along with mechanical forces caused by the foetus are believed to lead to morphological alterations to promote natural vaginal childbirth. What do the results of this study add? Our results clearly showed that successful vaginal delivery is characterised by the prevalence of a hyperoestrogenic environment with higher values of intrapartum oestradiol range and significant increase in maternal serum relaxin levels. We also proved that progesterone levels do not decrease during vaginal childbirth, and we concluded that foetal size seems to be the most crucial factor causing alterations in maternal pelvis during parturition. What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and further research? Our findings could form part of a set of key factors included in future algorithms or computerised biomechanical models for predicting potential childbirth mode. Larger multicenter studies should confirm our results and evaluate their clinical significance in the decision making to ensure safe childbirth and optimal maternal and perinatal outcomes.

Serum relaxin in preeclamptic and normotensive pregnant women at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital

Background: Preeclampsia is a pregnancy-specific multi-systemic progressive disorder that is unique to human pregnancy occurring in the second half of pregnancy. Reliable biochemical markers for prediction, diagnosis and management of preeclampsia would have a great impact on maternal health and several of these markers have been suggested. Relaxin is a peptide that has shown promising effect in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases and it is believed to increase vascular endothelial growth factor and placenta growth factor both of which promote angiogenesis and placentation in pregnancy. Thus, relaxin may play an important regulatory role in maternal vascular adaptations during pregnancy. Aim: This study therefore aimed to find out the difference, if any, in serum relaxin levels in preeclamptic and normotensive pregnant women at Lagos University Teaching Hospital. Methods: This was an analytical comparative cross-sectional study involving pregnant women with preeclampsia (study group- 48 had mild preeclampsia while 42 had severe preeclampsia) and age-, parity- and gestational age-matched women without preeclampsia (comparative group). Venous samples were collected from eligible participants after counselling and obtaining informed consent. Serum relaxin was determined using the Quantikine Human Relaxin-2 Immunoassay according to manufacturer’s instructions. A structured questionnaire was also administered to collect relevant sociodemographic and clinical information. Data were entered and analyzed using the IBM Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS Statistics) Version 23. Armonk, NY: IBM Corp. Categorical variables were summarized and presented as frequency and percentages. The test of normality of continuous variables was performed using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. The continuous variables such as age that were normally distributed were presented as mean (± standard deviation). All tests were two- tailed and statistical significances was set at p &lt; 0.05. Results: The mean level of serum relaxin in women with preeclampsia was significantly lower than that of the normotensive women (0.24+0.03ng/ml vs. 0.42±0.05ng/ml; p &lt; 0.001). However, there was no significant difference in the mean serum relaxin levels in participants with mild preeclampsia when compared to those with severe preeclampsia (0.24 + 0.02ng/ml vs. 0.23ng/ml + 0.01; p = 0.271). Conclusion: Women with pre-eclampsia have significantly lower levels of serum relaxin than normotensive pregnant women. However, there is no significant difference in mean serum relaxin levels in women with mild when compared to those with severe preeclampsia. Therefore, development of pre-eclampsia is associated with lower serum levels of relaxin, though the relaxin levels may not indicate the severity of disease.

Secretory products of the corpus luteum and preeclampsia.

Despite significant advances in our understanding of the pathophysiology of preeclampsia (PE), there are still many unknowns and controversies in the field. Women undergoing frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) to a hormonally prepared endometrium have been found to have an unexpected increased risk of PE compared to women who receive embryos in a natural FET cycle. The differences in risk have been hypothesized to be related to the absence or presence of a functioning corpus luteum (CL). To evaluate the literature on secretory products of the CL that could be essential for a healthy pregnancy and could reduce the risk of PE in the setting of FET. For this review, pertinent studies were searched in PubMed/Medline (updated June 2020) using common keywords applied in the field of assisted reproductive technologies, CL physiology and preeclampsia. We also screened the complete list of references in recent publications in English (both animal and human studies) on the topics investigated. Given the design of this work as a narrative review, no formal criteria for study selection or appraisal were utilized. The CL is a major source of multiple factors regulating reproduction. Progesterone, estradiol, relaxin and vasoactive and angiogenic substances produced by the CL have important roles in regulating its functional lifespan and are also secreted into the circulation to act remotely during early stages of pregnancy. Beyond the known actions of progesterone and estradiol on the uterus in early pregnancy, their metabolites have angiogenic properties that may optimize implantation and placentation. Serum levels of relaxin are almost undetectable in pregnant women without a CL, which precludes some maternal cardiovascular and renal adaptations to early pregnancy. We suggest that an imbalance in steroid hormones and their metabolites and polypeptides influencing early physiologic processes such as decidualization, implantation, angiogenesis and maternal haemodynamics could contribute to the increased PE risk among women undergoing programmed FET cycles. A better understanding of the critical roles of the secretory products of the CL during early pregnancy holds the promise of improving the efficacy and safety of ART based on programmed FET cycles.

Role of relaxin in diastasis of the pubic symphysis peripartum

BACKGROUNDSeparation of the pubic symphysis can occur during the peripartum period. Relaxin (RLX) is a hormone primarily secreted by the corpus luteum that can mediate hemodynamic changes during pregnancy as well as loosen the pelvic ligaments. However, it is unknown whether RLX is associated with peripartum pubic symphysis separation and if the association is affected by other factors.AIMTo study the association between RLX and peripartum pubic symphysis separation and evaluate other factors that might affect this association.METHODSWe performed a cross-sectional study of pregnant women between April 2019 and January 2020. Baseline demographic characteristics, including gestational age, weight, neonatal weight, delivery mode and duration of the first and second stages of labor, were recorded. The clinical symptoms were used as a screening index during pregnancy, and the patients with pubic symphysis and inguinal pain were examined by color Doppler ultrasonography to determine whether there was pubic symphysis separation. Serum RLX concentrations were evaluated 1 d after delivery using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and pubic symphysis separation was diagnosed based on postpartum X-ray examination. We used an independent-sample t test to analyze the association between serum RLX levels and peripartum pubic symphysis separation. Multivariate regression analysis was used to evaluate whether the association between RLX and peripartum pubic symphysis separation was confounded by other factors, and the association between RLX and the severity of pubic symphysis separation was also assessed. We used Pearson correlation analysis to determine the factors related to RLX levels as well as the correlation between the degree of pubic symphysis separation and activities of daily living (ADL) and pain.RESULTSA total of 54 women were enrolled in the study, with 15 exhibiting (observational group) and 39 not exhibiting (control group) peripartum pubic symphysis separation. There were no statistically significant differences in terms of maternal age, gestational age, pre-pregnancy weight, weight gain during pregnancy, delivery modes, or duration of the first or second stages of labor between the 2 groups. We did, however, note a statistically significant difference in serum RLX concentrations and neonatal weight between the observational and control groups (122.3 ± 0.7 µg/mL vs 170.4 ± 42.3 µg/mL, P < 0.05; 3676.000 ± 521.725 g vs 3379.487 ± 402.420 g, P < 0.05, respectively). Multivariate regression analyses showed that serum RLX level [odds ratio (OR): 1.022) and neonatal weight (OR: 1.002) were associated with pubic symphysis separation peripartum. The degree of separation of the pubic symphysis was negatively correlated with ADL and positively correlated with pain. There was no statistically significant association between serum RLX levels and the severity of pubic symphysis separation after adjusting for confounding factors.CONCLUSIONSerum RLX levels and neonatal weight were associated with the occurrence, but not the severity, of peripartum pubic symphysis separation.

Prolonged and strenuous exercise does not influence serum relaxin levels in healthy male athletes.

Prolonged and strenuous exercise does not influence serum relaxin levels in healthy male athletes.

Efficacy of relaxin for cisplatin-induced testicular dysfunction and epididymal spermatotoxicity

BackgroundCisplatin (CP) is an extremely effective anticancer agent widely used to treat various cancer types, however, the potential side effects include testicular dysfunction. This study was to investigate, using a rat model of CP-induced testicular dysfunction, the protective effects of relaxin (RLN) against oxidative stress, testicular function, histological damage, spermatogenesis, germ-cell apoptosis, and sperm output, and to explore the usefulness of RLN as a potential protective drug for use with CP in chemotherapeutic treatments.MethodsSprague-Dawley male rats were used, which were divided into three groups: sham control, CP, and CP + RLN. Porcine RLN (500 ng/h) or saline was infused for 5 days using an implanted osmotic mini-pump following intraperitoneal injection of CP (6 mg/kg). RLN dose was chosen based on previous studies showing that it resulted in serum relaxin levels comparable to those in rats at the middle of pregnancy. At 5 days after CP administration, samples were collected and assessment of testicular histopathology, germ-cell apoptosis, oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation, and sperm quality was performed as main measures.ResultsThe testicular CP model showed reduced testis weight and significantly decreased spermatogenesis scores. Additionally, CP administration induced a 4.6-fold increase in the apoptotic index associated with a significant increase in oxidative stress and upregulation of pro-apoptotic Casp3 and downregulation of anti-apoptotic Bcl2 levels, resulting in a marked reduction in sperm concentration. However, RLN administration caused a significant reduction in CP-mediated damage by attenuating oxidative stress and cell apoptosis. RLN administration efficiently scavenged ROS via the activation of SOD, CAT, and GPx and upregulation of GSH to prevent lipid peroxidation and decreased apoptosis by altering Bcl2 and Casp3 expression, thereby reducing histopathological damage and restoring spermatogenesis. Furthermore, RLN ameliorated attenuated sperm motility in the cauda epididymis resulting from CP treatment.ConclusionsThis study clearly indicates that RLN exerts a protective effect against CP-induced testicular damage through attenuation of oxidative stress and suppression of apoptosis. Our findings suggest RLN as a potentially efficacious drug for use with cisplatin chemotherapy in order to ameliorate CP-induced side effects and testicular injury adversely affecting spermatogenesis, sperm quality, and oxidative-stress parameters.

Serum relaxin level predicts recurrence of atrial fibrillation after radiofrequency catheter ablation.

Relaxin, an emerging biomarker in heart failure, is involved in fibrosis and inflammation. The value of relaxin in predicting recurrence of atrial fibrillation (AF) after radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) is unknown and the subject of this study. We prospectively enrolled 248 consecutive patients with AF (paroxysmal in 127 and persistent in 121) who underwent RFCA at our center after measurement of circulating levels of relaxin by ELISA. Kaplan-Meier analysis with log-rank test and multivariate analysis were used to assess the association between pre-RFCA relaxin levels and post-RFCA AF recurrence at 18months follow-up. At mean 16.3 ± 3.8months post-RFCA, 195 (78.6%) patients maintained sinus rhythm, and their pre-RFCA relaxin level was lower than that in patients with AF recurrence (P < 0.001). From lowest to highest pre-RFCA relaxin level tertiles (T1; 82.10-< 234.36; T2; 234.36-< 342.26; and T3; 342.26-740.63ng/L), AF recurrence rate increased significantly (8.5%, 20.5% and 34.9%, respectively; Kaplan-Meier analysis with log-rank test, χ2 = 18.44, P < 0.001). Using a cutoff of 285.4ng/L, pre-RFCA relaxin level predicted AF recurrence during follow-up with sensitivity of 77.4% and specificity of 55.9% (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve = 0.71). On multivariate Cox proportional hazard model, relaxin level by tertile (T2, hazard ratio 2.678; 95% confidence interval 1.110-6.460; P = 0.028, and T3, hazard ratio 4.745; 95% confidence interval 2.075-10.854; P < 0.001, respectively compared with the T1) was the independent factor predicting recurrence. Elevated pre-RFCA relaxin level is associated with post-RFCA AF recurrence. A simple measurement of relaxin level therefore might help identify patients at high risk of AF recurrence after RFCA.Clinical Trial Registration chictr.org.cn identifier: ChiCTR-OOC-15006130.

Serum relaxin and cervical length for prediction of spontaneous preterm birth in second-trimester symptomatic women.

To investigate whether serum relaxin level is associated with preterm birth in symptomatic women, either as a standalone test or in the context of a combined model of serum relaxin and cervical length (CL). This was a case-control study of women with a singleton pregnancy who presented between 24 + 0 and 26 + 6 weeks' gestation with threatened preterm labor and intact membranes. CL, full blood count, C-reactive protein level and maternal demographics were recorded at presentation, and blood samples were taken for relaxin measurement. Parameters were compared between women who delivered preterm (before 37 weeks) (n= 46) and those delivering at term (n= 66). Logistic regression with receiver-operating characteristics (ROC) curve analysis was used to assess significant predictors for birth before 37 and before 34 weeks. Women delivering before 37 weeks had higher mean serum relaxin levels and lower mean CL than those delivering at term (P< 0.0001). Relaxin alone had 63% (95% CI, 49-75%) sensitivity for birth before 37 weeks and 61% (95% CI, 47-74%) for birth before 34 weeks, at a 10% false-positive rate (FPR). Serum relaxin levels did not correlate with CL; a combined model of the two predictors had an area under the ROC curve of 0.895 (95%CI, 0.835-0.954) for the prediction of birth before 37 weeks and 0.869 (95% CI, 0.802-0.937) for birth before 34 weeks (n= 44). Serum relaxin > 1010 pg/mL had 58% sensitivity for prediction of preterm birth in women with a CL > 15 mm, at a 10% FPR. High serum relaxin level is associated with an increased risk of preterm birth in second-trimester symptomatic women with intact membranes. A combination of serum relaxin and CL increases predictive accuracy for preterm birth. Copyright © 2017 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Serum relaxin as a diagnostic and prognostic marker in patients with epithelial ovarian cancer.

Relaxin is a short circulating peptide hormone. The aim of this study was to understand the role of relaxin in progression of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) and to assess its diagnostic and prognostic significance. A total of 124 patients with EOC, 46 patients with benign ovarian diseases, and 50 healthy controls were recruited. Serum levels of relaxin were determined by ELISA method. The relationship between serum relaxin level and each of the clinicopathological parameters was analyzed using the χ2 test. Survival curves were plotted using the Kaplan-Meier method. The statistical difference in survival between the different groups was compared using the log-rank test. Survival correlation with the prognostic factors was further investigated by multivariate analysis using the Cox proportional hazards model with backward stepwise likelihood ratio. The results showed that serum relaxin level was significantly higher in patients with EOC than those with benign ovarian diseases and healthy controls (p< 0.01). Serum relaxin level was associated with FIGO stage, lymph node metastasis, tumor resectability, survival of the patients, chemotherapy and tumor recurrence (p< 0.05). Analysis using the Kaplan-meier method indicated that patients with high serum relaxin had significantly shorter overall survival time than those with low relaxin (p< 0.01). In a multivariate analysis along with clinical prognostic parameters, serum relaxin was identified as an independent adverse prognostic variable for survival. These results indicated that serum relaxin may be a clinically useful indicator for diagnostic and prognostic evaluation in EOC patients.

Relaxin Level in Patients With Atrial Fibrillation and Association with Heart Failure Occurrence: A STROBE Compliant Article.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia requiring medical treatment and has been associated with enhanced atrial fibrosis and heart failure (HF). Relaxin (RLX), an antifibrosis and antiinflammatory peptide hormone, may be used to evaluate atrial fibrosis and is associated with HF occurrence in AF. We aimed to clarify the clinical significance of RLX level in patients with AF.We measured circulating levels of RLX and other fibrosis-related factors in 311 patients with sinus rhythm (SR; n = 116) or AF (n = 195). All discharged AF patients were followed up for the occurrence of HF for a mean of 6 months.Circulating levels of RLX were significantly different in patients with AF as compared with SR (P < 0.001), and in the subgroup analysis of AF. RLX level was correlated with left atrial diameter (LAD; R = 0.358, P < 0.001). Among followed up AF patients, on Kaplan–Meier curve analysis, patients with the third RLX tertile (T3) had a significantly higher HF rate than those with the 1st tertile (T1) (P = 0.002) and the cut-off value was 294.8 ng/L (area under the ROC curve [AUC] = 0.723). On multivariable analysis, HF occurrence with AF was associated with increased tertile of serum RLX level (odds ratio [OR] 2.659; confidence interval [95% CI] 1.434–4.930; P = 0.002).RLX is associated with fibrosis-related biomarkers and significantly elevated in AF. RLX was related to the HF occurrence in patients with AF.

A single adenovirus-mediated relaxin delivery attenuates established liver fibrosis in rats.

Liver fibrosis is characterized by an excess accumulation and repressed degradation of extracellular matrix. Although methods of alleviating already established liver fibrosis have scarcely been reported, continuous relaxin (RLX) infusion has demonstrated some promising results. In the present study, we investigated whether a single adenoviral delivery of RLX would attenuate established liver fibrosis in rats. Rats were given thioacetamide (TAA) for 8 weeks and infected once with either RLX-expressing adenovirus (TAA + RLX) or control virus (TAA + Vector) via the tail vein. They were sacrificed either 3 days or 3 weeks after adenovirus infection. Morphometric analysis of picrosirius red stained area demonstrated that the TAA + RLX group had significantly decreased fibrosis at week 3 when liver fibrosis of the TAA + Vector group remained unchanged. Although the liver and serum RLX levels were elevated on day 3 and reversed by week 3, expression of RLX receptor (Rxfp1; relaxin-like family peptide receptor-1) in TAA + RLX rats was sustained and elevated. The production of tissue cyclic adenosine monophosphate, which is a second messenger of activated Rxfp1, was still enhanced in the TAA + RLX group by week 3. Expression of lysyl oxidase homolog 2, which contributes to collagen cross-linking and is up-regulated by TAA treatment, was significantly decreased by week 3 in the TAA + RLX group. Expression of tissue inhibitor of metalloprotiase-2 was alleviated in the TAA + RLX group at week 3, whereas that of TAA + Vector rats was still elevated. A single adenoviral delivery of RLX in the liver attenuated established hepatic fibrosis by suppressing collagen cross-linking and enhancing collagen degradation.

Serum relaxin levels in subjects with multiple sclerosis.

Multiple Sclerosis is an inflammatory, auto-immune, neurodegenerative disease of the central nervous system. The disease has a prevalence of approx 1:700 with at least 2.5 million cases worldwide. It is the leading, non-trauma cause of physical disability among young and mid- dle-aged adults. Recently developed therapies do reduce disease activity but only modestly, with all of the available agents producing significant side effects that reduce compliance, and/ or serious risk for adverse events. Relaxin has been long-recognized to play a critical role in pregnancy. Recent investigations have revealed that relaxin may be an important regulator of inflammation and immune processes. This is due to the ability of relaxin to promote the pro- duction of glucocorticoid receptors, increase serum levels of the adrenocorticotropic hormone and inhibiting cell-mediated pro-inflammatory activity by stimulation of the peroxisome prolif- erator-activated receptor gamma. This study found serum relaxin levels to be elevated in sub- jects with multiple sclerosis. Production of relaxin is down regulated by a negative feedback loop through its own receptor binding. Decreased receptor binding may contribute to the high- er level of relaxin seen in these patients and may lead to dysregulation of the inflammatory and immune pathways.

Serum relaxin in cervical incompetence patients

To analyze the serum relaxin and clinical character of cervical incompetence patients and normal pregnant women. A total of 33 cervical incompetence patients (research group) and 33 normal pregnancy women with the same gestational age (control group) were recruited into the study. The serum relaxin level was detected with enzyme labeled immunosorbent assay (ELSIA) in the two groups, and the cervical length of early pregnancy period (cm), body mass index (BMI, kg/m2), frequency of polycystic ovary syndrome (%), gestational diabetes mellitus/diabetes mellitus (%) and outcomes in the two groups were analyzed with independent samples t test and chi-square test. All the cervical incompetence patients were recruited between Feb. 2008 and Sept. 2012, with the average termination gestational age of 30±6 weeks. Among them, 15 (45.45%) was abortion, 12 (36.36%) was preterm birth, 6 (16.18%) was term birth. The average BMI before pregnancy was 27±4 kg/m2, and the average serum relaxin was 2,748±82 mg/L; for the 33 patients in the control group, the average termination gestational age was 38±3 weeks, and 1 (3.03%) of them was abortion, 4 (12.12%) was preterm birth, 28 (84.85%) was term birth. The average BMI before pregnancy was 23±3 kg/m2, the average serum relaxin was 2,602±126 mg/L. Compared with the control group, the research group had more patients who complicated with polycystic ovary syndrome and gestational diabetes mellitus/diabetes mellitus (P<0.01, <0.05) and worse pregnancy outcomes (P<0.01); the average BMI before pregnancy and the average serum relaxin level of the research group were significantly higher than control group (P<0.01, P<0.01). Analysis through the unconditional logistic regression showed that BMI and serum relaxin were both independent risk factors of cervical incompetence. The high level of serum relaxin is an independent risk factor of cervical incompetence; women with polycystic ovary syndrome may more likely to have cervical incompetence and serum relaxin may have the predictive value for cervical incompetence.

Serum relaxin levels in benign hypermobility syndrome.

In this study, we investigated the activity of serum relaxin in female patients with benign joint hypermobility syndrome (BJHS), locomotor system findings accompanying BJHS, and its relation to relaxin. Into the study, female patients with BJHS and healthy women as the control group were included. The patients were diagnosed by using the Brighton 1998 criteria. Examination of the locomotor system for study groups were performed. Serum relaxin levels of both patient and control group were measured. There were 48 female patients with BJHS and 40 healthy women in the study. With respect to the control group, the level of serum relaxin was higher in the patients (47.1 ± 20.3, 34.4 ± 22.1; p> 0.05). Again compared with the control group, arthralgia (p= 0.00), myalgia (p= 0.01), shoulder impingement syndrome (p= 0.05), pes planus (p= 0.01), and hyperkyphosis (p= 0.000) were higher in the patients. The level of relaxin median was significantly higher in the patients with pesplanus and hyperkyphosis than those who did not have them (p= 0.05, p= 0.01, respectively). Although serum relaxin level is not considered a causative factor for BJHS, the significant increases found in those patients with hyperkyphosis and pes planus suggest the hypothesis that relaxin has a limited and indefinite role in patients with BJHS.

Serum Relaxin and Renal Vascular Resistance in Diabetic and Non-Diabetic Patients with Different Grades of Chronic Kidney Disease

<b>Objectives: </b>To<b> </b>evaluate serum relaxin and renal vascular resistance in diabetic and non-diabetic patients with different grades of chronic kidney disease and to correlate serum relaxin to various clinical and Doppler renal hemodynamic parameters. <b>Materials and methods: </b>Sixty patients with chronic kidney disease were divided into two groups: group 1 (30 patients with creatinine clearance of less than 30 ml/minute), and group 2 (30 patients with creatinine clearance of more than 30 ml/minute). Twelve patients (40%) had diabetes mellitus type 2 in group 1 and 18 (60%) in group 2. In addition, group 3 (20 healthy controls), compatible for age and gender, was included. Resistive index and pulsatility index were measured by Doppler ultrasonography of renal arteries. Serum relaxin was measured with ELISA method, and correlated with clinical and Doppler parameters. <b>Results:</b> Serum relaxin levels of groups 1 and 2 were significantly lower than group 3 and that of group 1 were significantly lower than group 2. Resistive index and pulsatility index of groups 1 and 2 were significantly higher than group 3, but there was no significant difference between group 1 and 2. There was an inverse correlation between serum relaxin levels, and serum creatinine in groups 1 and 2. In contrast, there was a positive correlation between serum relaxin and creatinine clearance in groups 1 and 2. There was an inverse correlation between serum relaxin levels, and both resistive index and pulsatility index, in group 2 but not in group 1. Finally, serum relaxin was significantly lower in diabetic compared to non-diabetic patients. <b>Conclusions: </b>We found that serum relaxin levels are significantly lower in patients with advanced stages of chronic kidney disease, as well as, in diabetic compared to non-diabetic patients. Also, serum relaxin is negatively correlated with patients’ age, resistive index and pulsatility index in patients with chronic kidney disease.

SAT0429 The Role of Relaxin in Benign Hypermobility Syndrome

ObjectivesBenign hypermobility syndrome (BJHS) is a clinical entity that characterized with increased joint mobility rather than range of motion in a joint is alternate according to joints surface neuromuscular tonus...