Signal peptide-CUB-EGF Domain-containing Protein 1 Levels Research Articles

Can signal peptide-CUB-EGF domain-containing protein 1 (SCUBE-1) be used as an indicator of endothelial dysfunction in acromegaly patients?

Acromegaly is closely related to increased oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction (ED). This study aimed to evaluate, for the first time in the literature, signal peptide-CUB-EGF domain-containing protein 1 (SCUBE-1) and endothelial nitric oxide synthase e(NOS) levels in the setting of acromegaly. A total of 56 acromegaly patients and a control group composed of 30 healthy volunteers were included in this study. In the postoperative follow-up, patients were grouped as active or in-remission according to their GH and IGF-1 levels in oral glucose stimulation test (OGST). After detailed physical examination of acromegaly patients and the control subjects, 8-hour fasting blood samples were collected to evaluate biochemical parameters including lipid profile, anterior pituitary hormones, and SCUBE-1 and e(NOS) levels. Inactive and active acromegaly was noted in 78.6% and 21.4% of patients, respectively. The median (min-max) SCUBE-1 levels were significantly higher in the inactive acromegaly and active acromegaly groups than in the control group (1.6(0.4-2.4) and 1.8(1.1-2.5) vs. 0.4(0.2-1.0) ng/mL, respectively, p < 0.001 for each). The median (min-max) e(NOS) levels were significantly higher in the inactive acromegaly and active acromegaly groups than in the control group (132.7 (26.8-602.9) and 137.3 (69.7-488.7) vs. 83.9 (16.4-218.7) pg/mL, p = 0.018 and p = 0.048, respectively). We have also detected positive correlations of e(NOS) with leukocyte (r = 0.307, p = 0.021) and neutrophil counts (r = 0.309, p = 0.021). Our study revealed for the first time in literature that SCUBE-1 levels, being a novel marker for ED, were significantly higher in acromegaly patients than in control subjects. When supported with clinical studies, SCUBE-1can be used as an early indicator of endothelial damage in acromegaly patients.

Are VEGF and SCUBE1 gene expressions increased in diabetic retinopathy?

Abstract Objectives In the current study, we synergistically evaluated vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) gene expression levels and signal peptide-CUB-EGF domain-containing protein 1 (SCUBE1) gene expression levels in diabetic patients without retinopathy, non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR), and proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR). Methods 94 blood samples from 26 healthy controls, 29 non-DR, 22 NPDR, and 17 PDR patients were collected in sterile EDTA tubes. Total RNA was obtained from these samples without waiting and then converted to cDNA. The expression levels of the VEGF and SCUBE1 genes were determined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Results SCUBE1 gene expression levels were 2.15 (p=0.015), 1.75 (p=0.799), 2.37 (p=0.037) times higher, and VEGF gene expression levels were 1.71 (p=0.023), 1.75 (p=0.012), 1.85 (p=0.031) times higher in the non-DR, NPDR, and PDR groups compared to the control group, respectively. VEGF gene expression levels were significantly higher in participants with HbA1c levels ≥5.7% compared to those with &lt;5.7. SCUBE1 and VEGF gene expression levels were significantly higher in participants with fasting plasma glucose (FPG) levels ≥126 mg/dL than those with &lt;126 mg/dL. Conclusions As a result, SCUBE1 gene expression levels are higher than VEGF gene expression levels, especially in the PDR group. Therefore, SCUBE1 may contribute to the pathology of DR just like VEGF by generating angiogenesis. However, we believe there is a need for experimental animal model studies with DR examining SCUBE1 gene expression levels in tissue samples.

An evaluation of the change in serum SCUBE-1 levels with CPAP treatment in patients with severe obstructive sleep apnea

ABSTRACT Objective Signal peptide CUB-EGF domain-containing protein 1 (SCUBE-1) is a cell surface protein, wherein inflammation causes an increase in serum. The aim of this study was to compare serum SCUBE-1 levels in OSA patients and to investigate the serum SCUBE-1 change with CPAP treatment. Methods Blood samples were obtained from 61 severe OSA patients and from 25 control subjects evaluated as simple snorers. The 61 patients with severe OSA were treated with CPAP therapy and were recalled for follow up after 1 year. Evaluation was made after 1 year of CPAP therapy. Results Serum SCUBE-1 values were significantly higher in patients with severe OSA. The SCUBE-1 values significantly decreased after treatment with CPAP. Conclusion Serum SCUBE-1 values in OSA patients showed a significant reduction in SCUBE-1 levels following 1 year of CPAP treatment.

SCUBE1 is associated with thrombotic complications, disease severity, and in-hospital mortality in COVID-19 patients

IntroductionCOVID-19 disease, which has recently become an important cause of mortality and morbidity all over the world, is remarkably associated with thrombotic complications. Although many factors are responsible for these increased thrombotic complications in COVID-19 disease, its relationship with a marker that increases the risk of thrombosis such as Signal peptide-CUB-EGF domain-containing protein 1 (SCUBE1) has not yet been clarified. This is the first study to examine the potential diagnostic and prognostic value of SCUBE1 levels in patients with COVID-19. In this study, we aimed to clarify the relationship between the increased risk of thrombosis and SCUBE1 in the course of COVID-19 disease. Materials and methods553 patients with COVID-19 and 553 healthy controls were compared in terms of SCUBE1 levels. Additionally, patients with COVID-19 were divided into two groups according to their SCUBE1 levels and compared in terms of severity of disease, thrombotic complications and ın-hospital mortality. ResultsSCUBE1 levels were significantly higher in patients with COVID-19 compared to the control group (p < 0.001). Plasma SCUBE1 levels were significantly higher in patients with severe disease and thrombotic complications, those with mild to moderate disease, and those without thrombotic complications (p < 0.001, for both). In addition, SCUBE1 was found to be an independent predictor of in-hospital mortality (p < 0.001). ConclusionsSCUBE1 may be one of the major determinants of thrombotic complications, which is an increased cause of mortality and morbidity in COVID-19 patients so inhibition of this peptide may be among the therapeutic targets in patients with COVID-19.

Association between serum SCUBE1 levels and thrombus burden in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction

Introduction The signal peptide-CUB-EGF domain-containing protein-1 (SCUBE1) is a recently available biomarker which is expressed by activated and adhered platelets. In present study, we aimed to investigate the association between SCUBE1 levels and thrombus burden in patients with ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) who underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI). Methods A total of 88 patients who were diagnosed with STEMI and underwent PPCI were prospectively included between July 2019 and August 2019. Blood samples were collected for routine biochemistry and serum SCUBE1 levels before PPCI and antiplatelet therapy. Angiographic coronary thrombus burden was classified based on thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) thrombus grades. We formed two groups based on the thrombus grade: 37 (42%) patients had high thrombus burden whereas 51 (58%) patients had low thrombus burden. Results The mean age of study population was 58.2 ± 11.8 years (34% female). The mean peak troponin I level, SCUBE1 level, SYNTAX score, and pain-to-balloon time were significantly higher in the high thrombus burden group compared to the low thrombus burden group (p < .05, for all). In ROC analysis, SCUBE1 level >65.63 ng/dL had a sensitivity of 91.9% and a specificity of 76.6% to predict high thrombus burden (AUC: 0.9256; p < .001). In multivariate analysis, SCUBE1 level (HR: 1.133, p = .004) and troponin (HR: 1.002; 95% CI 1.001–1.004, p = .003) were independent predictors of high thrombus burden. Conclusion In the present study, we showed that SCUBE1, a novel platelet-endothelial adhesion molecule and a marker of platelet activation, is an independent predictor of high thrombus burden in patients with STEMI.

Abstract 15826: SCUBE1 Controls BMPR2-relevant Pulmonary Endothelial Function: Implications for Diagnostic Marker Development in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

Introduction: Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a morbid vascular disease where mutations of bone morphogenetic protein receptor 2 (BMPR2) control pulmonary endothelial pathophenotypes. Transcriptomic screening from endothelial cells (ECs) derived from hereditary BMPR2-driven disease offers an opportunity to identify novel effectors in PAH pathogenesis. Methods: Public RNA-sequencing data were analyzed from inducible pluripotent stem (iPS) cell-derived endothelial cells with and without BMPR2 mutations. Candidate genes were assessed in cultured pulmonary arterial ECs (PAECs) and in rodent and human PAH. Correlations were assessed of human plasma expression with clinical disease indices. Results: Signal Peptide CUB-EGF-Domain Containing Protein 1 (SCUBE1), a putative binding partner to BMPR2, was differentially expressed in ECs carrying BMPR2 mutations. SCUBE1 was enriched in PAECs, dependent on hypoxia inducible factor-1α, and downregulated by PAH triggers, including BMPR2 knockdown, hypoxia, and IL-1β exposure. In vitro analyses defined SCUBE1 as a pathogenic effector activating BMPR2-associated SMAD1/5/9, thus regulating endothelial angiogenic potential, proliferation, and apoptosis. SCUBE1 was decreased specifically in plasma and lungs in rodents and patients with PAH but not in those with pulmonary hypertension due to left heart disease, or in the patients of other acute and chronic cardiopulmonary pathologies, including pneumonia, acute lung injury, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, ischemic heart disease, and cardiomyopathy. An optimal plasma SCUBE1 cut point of 5.02 ng/mL was defined to diagnose PAH from control cohort with a sensitivity of 0.65 and a specificity of 0.82. In PAH patients, plasma SCUBE1 levels negatively correlated with pulmonary arterial pressure, pulmonary vascular resistance, and right ventricular dysfunction. Conclusions: Guided by iPSC-EC sequencing, SCUBE1 was identified as a downregulated secreted factor in PAH, controlling endothelial pathophenotypes and correlated with disease indices. Clinically, SCUBE1 is a sensitive and specific PAH diagnostic marker. It may also serve as a therapeutic target given its inherent links to controlling PAH predisposition and severity.

An investigation of the use of SCUBE1 protein as an early prognostic marker in predicting prognosis after cardiopulmonary resuscitation in cardiac arrest patients

Aim: To evaluate the usefulness of Signal Peptide-CUB-EGF Domain-Containing Protein-1 (SCUBE1) protein as an early prognostic marker in predicting survival, resuscitation success, and good neurological outcome following cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in cardiac arrest patients.Material and Methods: Non-traumatic cardiac arrest patients presenting to the emergency department over a six-month period were included in the study. Blood specimens were collected for SCUBE1 measurement at the start of CPR. SCUBE1 levels investigated at the start of CPR were compared, and their usefulness in predicting patients with long-term survival and exhibiting good neurological prognosis was evaluated.Results: The study group consisted of 65 non-traumatic cardiac arrest patients. Sustained return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) was achieved in 26 (40%) of these 65 patients, and five (7.7%) cases concluded with good neurological prognosis after three months. Comparison of the patient groups with and without sustained ROSC in terms of SCUBE1 levels investigated at the start of CPR revealed no statistically significant difference between them (p=0.462). However, comparison of the patient groups with good and poor neurological prognosis in terms of SCUBE1 levels at the start of CPR revealed that SCUBE1 levels were twice as high in the poor neurological prognosis group as in the good neurological prognosis group, although the difference was not statistically significant.Conclusion: SCUBE1 levels measured at the start of CPR are not sufficient for predicting post-CPR survival and good neurological outcome.

Validity of Signal Peptide-CUB-EGF Domain-containing Protein-1 (SCUBE-1) in the Diagnosis of Aortic Dissection

Introduction: Diagnosing aortic dissection (AD) in emergency services still represents a challenging issue as it may manifest not only well-known clinical findings such as sudden onset and severe chest pain but also atypical findings similar to ST elevation myocardial infarction or renal colic. Contrast-enhanced imaging investigations, which are expensive and risky due to possible complications, are necessary for diagnosis. Ultrasonography is not always reliable, which necessitates noninvasive diagnostic tests to support a clinical suspicion. Signal peptide-CUB (complement C1r/C1s, Uegf, and Bmp1)-EGF (epidermal growth factor) domain-containing protein 1 (SCUBE-1) is a cell surface protein produced during embryogenesis. This study was conducted to compare the levels of this novel biomarker between patients with AD and healthy volunteers. Methods: This prospective study was conducted on 20 patients diagnosed with AD using contrast-enhanced thoracoabdominal computed tomography angiography. Average age-matched 20 healthy subjects as a control group were included as a reference for biochemical parameters. Results: The mean SCUBE-1 levels were significantly higher in patients with AD [24.51 ( ± 3.01) ng/dL] than in the control group [12.11 ( ± 5.31) ng/dL] (p &lt; 0.001). Receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve was plotted to analyze the specificity and sensitivity of AD diagnosis (with 95% confidence intervals), which revealed 95% sensitivity and 76% specificity when the SCUBE-1 level was &gt;19.75 ng/dL.A significant correlation was also observed between dissection types and mortality, as well as extravasation state. Conclusions: This preliminary study demonstrated that plasma SCUBE-1 level is a better and specific biomarker for AD and may be used for diagnosing AD in emergency services. Wider case series and further clinical studies are required to confirm these findings.

THE DIAGNOSTIC VALUE OF SCUBE1 IN PATIENTS PRESENTING TO THE EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT DUE TO ANGINA PECTORIS

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the value of signal peptide-CUB-EGF domain-containing protein 1 (SCUBE1) in the diagnosis of angina pectoris in patients presenting to the emergency department.Material and Methods: This prospective research was planned as a cross-sectional, single-center clinical study. Patients presenting to the emergency department with angina pectoris symptoms over a period of five months from receipt of ethical committee approval were included. Patients presenting with ischemic chest pain were divided on the basis of etiology into stable angina pectoris (SAP), unstable angina pectoris (UAP), non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI), and ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) groups. Clinical, laboratory and demographic characteristics were recorded. SCUBE1 levels from each group were compared with a healthy control group.Results: 118 individuals were enrolled in the study, 78 patients meeting the inclusion criteria and 40 healthy controls. Patients’ mean age was 54.36 ± 14.03 years, and 88.5% (n=69) were male. Hypertension (59%) and smoking (62%) predomination over other risk factors. NSTEMI was the most common factor (46.1%) in patients enrolled due to ischemic chest pain. No statistically significant difference was determined between patients’ serum SCUBE1 levels at time of presentation and at 6 h and 12 h and the control group (p&amp;gt;0.05).Conclusion: On the basis of our study findings, SCUBE1 is of no value in the diagnosis of ischemic chest pain etiologies.

The role of SCUBE1 in the development of late stent thrombosis presenting with ST-elevation myocardial infarction

Introduction and AimThere is an important link between platelets and inflammation, thrombosis, and vascular and tissue repair mechanisms. SCUBE1 (signal peptide-CUB-EGF domain-containing protein 1) may function as a novel platelet-endothelial adhesion molecule and play pathological roles in cardiovascular biology. Stent thrombosis (ST) following percutaneous coronary intervention is an uncommon and potentially catastrophic event that can manifest as myocardial infarction and sudden death. High platelet reactivity is a risk factor for thrombotic events, including late ST. For this reason, in the current study, we researched the role of SCUBE1 in the development of late coronary ST. MethodsWe included 40 patients admitted to our hospital with a diagnosis of ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and signs of late ST on a coronary angiogram. For the control group, we recruited 50 healthy gender- and age-matched individuals who were seen for health check-ups. We also randomly included 100 patients with a diagnosis of STEMI without ST. ResultsThere were no significant differences between the groups in terms of baseline and demographic characteristics. The mean SCUBE1 level in patients with STEMI with late ST at admission and the STEMI without ST group was significantly higher than in the control group (p<0.01). The mean SCUBE1 level in the STEMI with late ST group was significantly higher than in the STEMI without ST group (p=0.03). In multivariate regression analysis, serum SCUBE1 (odds ratio [OR]: 1.022; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.011-1.033, p<0.001) remained an independent predictor for the presence of late ST. In addition, receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to determine the optimal SCUBE1 cut-off value for predicting late ST. The area under the curve was 0.972 (95% CI 0.95-0.98). The SCUBE1 cut-off value was 59.2 ng/ml, with a sensitivity of 95.4% and specificity of 82.9%. ConclusionThe present work is the first clinical study to demonstrate that serum SCUBE1 levels are significantly higher in patients with late ST and serum SCUBE1 was an independent predictor for the presence of late ST in our study population.

Investigation of the relationship between oxidative stress and SCUBE1 levels in high fat diet-induced obese rats

Background/aim: This study aimed to investigate signal peptide-Cub-EGF domain-containing protein 1 (SCUBE1) levels and oxidative stress (OS) in a high fat diet (HFD)-induced obese rat model. Materials and methods: Fourteen rats were randomly divided into two groups. Group 1, the control group, was given a standard diet (10% calories of fat) and Group 2, the obese group, was given a HFD (60% calories of fat), both for 70 days. Rats were then sacrificed and serum samples were collected. Serum glucose and triglyceride concentrations were determined using an autoanalyzer. Serum SCUBE1, adiponectin, and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 levels were determined using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Serum malondialdehyde levels and superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase enzyme activities were determined using colorimetric methods. Results: Final body weight was higher in the obese group (P = 0.007). Serum malondialdehyde concentrations were also higher in the obese group (P = 0.021). Serum glutathione peroxidase activities were higher in the control group (P = 0.028). Serum SCUBE1 levels were also higher in the control group (P = 0.038). Conclusion: There may be no connection between the measured OS parameters and SCUBE1. Differences in SCUBE1 levels may therefore be evaluated independently from OS in obesity.

SCUBE1: a promising biomarker in renal cell cancer.

ABSTRACTPurpose To investigate the efficacy of signal peptide-CUB-EGF domain-containing protein 1 (SCUBE-1) as a novel biomarker of renal tumors.Materials and Methods 48 individuals were included in the study. The patient group (Group-1) consisted of 23 subjects diagnosed with renal tumor, and the control group (Group-2) of 25 healthy individuals. Patients diagnosed with renal tumor received surgical treatment consisting of radical or partial nephrectomy. Blood specimens were collected following overnight fasting. Signal peptide-CUB-EGF domain-containing protein 1 (SCUBE-1), soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) and carbonic anhydrase IX (CA IX) levels were measured from plasma samples. Patients in groups 1 and 2 were compared in terms of these biochemical parameters.Results The 23-member renal tumor group was made up of 17 (73.91%) male and 6 (26.08%) female patients with a mean age of 58.5±15.7 years (range 25 to 80). The 24-member healthy control group was made up of 16 (64%) male and 9 (36%) female subjects with a mean age of 52.4±9.12 years (range 40 to 67). Analysis revealed significant elevation in SCUBE-1 levels in the renal tumor group (p=0.005). No significant differences were detected between the groups with regard to CA IX or suPAR measurements (p=0.062 vs. p=0.176).Conclusions SCUBE-1 appears to represent a promising biomarker in the diagnosis and follow-up of patients with renal tumor.

Signal peptide-CUB-EGF domain-containing protein 1 (SCUBE1) levels in patients with overt and subclinical hyperthyroidism: effects of treatment.

Signal peptide-CUB-EGF domain-containing protein 1 (SCUBE1) has been shown to increase in parallel with platelet activation in acute ischaemic and thrombotic diseases. There has been no study evaluating SCUBE1 levels in patients with overt hyperthyroidism (OHyper) and subclinical hyperthyroidism (SHyper), conditions which are known to show impairment of both endothelial and platelet function. This study sought to evaluate SCUBE1 concentrations in patients with SHyper and OHyper, and assessed the effects of antithyroid drug (ATD) therapy on circulating SCUBE1 levels. Forty-five untreated patients with OHyper, 20 untreated patients with SHyper and 30 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were prospectively included in the study. Biochemical and hormonal parameters were evaluated in all patients before and after treatment. Compared with the control subjects, SCUBE1 levels were significantly increased in patients with SHyper and OHyper (P < 0·0001 and P = 0·002, respectively). SCUBE1 levels were not significantly different in patients with OHyper compared with patients with SHyper. There was no significant correlation between serum thyroid hormones and SCUBE1 levels. Plasma SCUBE1 levels decreased significantly in both OHyper and SHyper after ATD treatment (P < 0·05). Increased SCUBE1 levels in both SHyper and OHyper patients may reflect increased platelet activation and possible endothelial dysfunction, which might augment the risk for atherosclerotic and atherothrombotic complications. SCUBE1 may be used as a reliable marker of endothelial damage in hyperthyroidism, especially in the subclinical period.

The value of signal peptide-CUB-EGF domain-containing protein-1 (SCUBE1) in the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism: a preliminary study.

The diagnosis of pulmonary embolism (PE) in the emergency department still poses difficulties because symptoms and signs are nonspecific. There is a need for more reliable noninvasive diagnostic tests to support clinical suspicion before the costly invasive procedures with complication risks still used in the diagnosis of PE. Signal peptide-CUB (complement C1r/C1s, Uegf, and Bmp1)-EGF (epidermal growth factor) domain-containing protein 1 (SCUBE1) is a novel, secreted cell surface protein expressed during early embryogenesis. The goal of this study was to compare the SCUBE1 levels between PE patients and healthy subjects and also investigate the value of SCUBE1 in the diagnosis of PE. Eleven patients diagnosed with PE using spiral computerized tomographic pulmonary angiography were included in the study. A control group of 23 age-matched, healthy volunteers served as a reference for biochemical parameters. Mean (±SD) SCUBE1 levels were 72.0 (±32.6) ng/mL in the patients with PE and 31.4 (±13.8) ng/mL in the control group. SCUBE1 levels were significantly higher in the patients with PE (p = 0.001). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to determine cutoff thresholds in discriminating between PE and control group plasma SCUBE1 levels. Area under the ROC for that purpose was 0.862 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.70 to 1). A SCUBE1 cutoff point in patients with PE > 46 ng/mL had specificity and sensitivity of 91% (95% CI = 0.70% to 0.98%) and 82% (95% CI = 0.48% to 0.97%), respectively. This preliminary study suggests that plasma SCUBE1 values have a good level of specificity for PE and may be of use in the diagnosis of PE. Further studies involving larger case series and also clinical studies are needed to corroborate these findings.

Diagnostic value of plasma signal peptide-Cub-Egf domain-containing protein-1 (SCUBE-1) in an experimental model of acute ischemic stroke

ObjectivesThis study was intended to examine possible diagnostic value of plasma Signal Peptide-Cub-Egf domain-containing protein-1 (SCUBE1) levels in an experimental model of acute ischemic stroke. MethodsTwenty-four female Sprague Dawley rats were divided into four groups. Blood and brain tissue specimens were collected immediately following artery ligation (control; Group 1), 1h after ligation (Group 2), 2h after ligation (Group 3) and 6h after ligation (Group 4). SCUBE1 levels were investigated in the serum specimens. The brain samples were examined histopathologically. Correlation analysis was performed between the values. ResultsMedian SCUBE1 values were 1.75ng/ml in the control group, 3.80ng/ml, 3.71ng/ml and 4.19ng/ml in the groups 2, 3 and 4, respectively (n = 6 for each, P = 0.004, for each group compared to control values). Histopathological analysis revealed median atrophic neuron percentages of 16% (in group 1), 42%, 55% and 76% in group 2, 3 and 4 respectively (n = 6 for each, P = 0.004, for each group compared to control group). A higly significant correlation was determined between SCUBE-1 levels and percentage of atrophic neurons (r = 0.744 P = 0.000). ConclusionsIn this experimental model of acute ischemic stroke plasma SCUBE1 levels rose from the 1st hour of induced stroke and remained high up to 6th hour tested. Results of this experimental study has a potential to become the basis for a clinical study to confirm whether SCUBE1 can be used as a biomarker in the early diagnosis of acute ischemic stroke patients.

The diagnostic and prognostic significance of SCUBE1 levels in Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever

The new biochemical marker, signal peptide-CUB-EGF domain-containing protein 1 (SCUBE1), is secreted and cell surface glycoprotein expressed during early embryogenesis. The protein is found in platelet and endothelial cells. Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF), which is caused by a tick-borne virus belonging to the Bunyaviridae family, may present with a mild clinical course or may exhibit a severe profile with potentially fatal hemorrhaging. The aim of this study was to determine the diagnostic and prognostic significance of SCUBE1 levels in CCHF. This study was conducted with patients with CCHF. SCUBE1 levels in patients with CCHF were determined using an ELISA. SCUBE1 titers of CCHF patients were significantly higher compared to those of the control group (p=0.0001). SCUBE1 levels of patients with hemorrhage were significantly higher than those of patients without hemorrhage (p=0.0001). SCUBE1 values of patients who died were significantly higher than those of the survivors (p=0.012). SCUBE1 levels are a new biomarker that can be used in the differential diagnosis and monitoring of patients hospitalized with suspected CCHF. These levels are also significant as potential predictors of mortality.

The Value of Signal Peptide‐CUB‐EGF Domain‐containing Protein 1 and Oxidative Stress Parameters in the Diagnosis of Acute Mesenteric Ischemia

This study investigated the diagnostic value of signal peptide-CUB-EGF domain-containing protein 1 (SCUBE-1) and other oxidative stress parameters in the early diagnosis of acute mesenteric ischemia, which has high mortality and morbidity if not identified and treated in the early period. Thirty-six female Sprague-Dawley rats were used in this randomized, controlled study. Rats were divided into six groups: three control groups (Groups I, III, and V) and three ischemia groups (Groups II, IV, and VI). In the control groups, blood and tissue specimens were sampled at 30 minutes (Group I), 2 hours (Group III), and 6 hours (Group V), following a simple laparotomy. In the ischemia groups, the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) was ligated following laparotomy, and blood and tissue samples were sampled at 30 minutes (Group II), 2 hours (Group IV), and 6 hours (Group VI). When comparing the ischemia and control groups, the differences in SCUBE-1, malondialdehyde (MDA), and total antioxidant status (TAS) levels in the 30-minute period were not significant (p > 0.05); at 2 hours, SCUBE-1 levels rose rapidly, and although the desired level of significance could not be obtained with Bonferroni correction, the level was significantly higher compared to the control group at the same time interval (for SCUBE-1, Group III vs. Group IV, p = 0.006). In these periods (30 minutes and 2 hours), only total oxidative status (TOS) and oxidative stress index (OSI) values were significantly higher in the ischemia group compared to the control group (for both, p = 0.004). A pronounced rise in SCUBE-1 levels was determined with 6-hour ischemia (for SCUBE-1, Group V vs. Group VI, p = 0.004). The changes in MDA, TAS, TOS, and OSI levels were not significant (p = 0.025, p = 0.321, p = 0.006, and p = 0.037, respectively). SCUBE-1 levels have the potential to be used as a marker of early period injury in acute mesenteric ischemia, although it is impossible to state explicitly that they can be used for early diagnosis. The same can be said for plasma MDA and TAS levels. The authors believe that TOS and OSI levels, however, can be used in early diagnosis and as an injury marker. Moreover, OSI also exhibits a medium-strong correlation with histopathologic injury.

New Marker of Platelet Activation, SCUBE1, Is Elevated in Hypertensive Patients

Hypertension is associated with an increase in platelet activation and endothelial dysfunction and leads to a tendency to cardiovascular events (CVEs). Signal peptide-CUB-EGF domain-containing protein 1 (SCUBE1) is a novel platelet activation marker. There are currently no studies showing the level of SCUBE1 in hypertensive patients. The purpose of this study was to determine the level of SCUBE1 in this patient group and to investigate the parameters affecting that level. Forty-five newly diagnosed, untreated, stage 1 hypertensive patients and 21 healthy individuals were included. Blood specimens were collected to determine SCUBE1, soluble CD40 ligand, prothrombin time, partial thromboplastin time, fibrinogen, D dimer, hemogram, lipid parameters, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, and uric acid levels. The relation between SCUBE1 level and demographic data and biochemical parameters was then investigated. SCUBE1 and sCD40L levels obtained from plasma specimens from the hypertensive group were significantly higher than those of the control group (P < 0.001; P < 0.05, respectively). Hypertensive group blood pressure (BP) values and uric acid, low-density lipoprotein, total cholesterol, and triglyceride levels were also statistically higher than those of the control group. Parameters affecting SCUBE1 levels were systolic and diastolic BP, sCD40L, lipid parameters, and uric acid levels. We show elevated levels of SCUBE1, a novel platelet activation marker, in primary hypertensive patients. We think that, when supported by further clinical studies, this newly described marker may be useful in the monitoring of CVEs in this patient group, in which platelet activation is known to be associated with such events.

Signal peptide-CUB-EGF domain-containing protein 1 (SCUBE1) level in hemodialysis patients and parameters affecting that level

BackgroundSignal peptide-CUB (complement C1r/C1s, Uegf, and Bmp1)-EGF (epidermal growth factor)-domain-containing protein 1 (SCUBE1) is a cell surface protein belonging to the SCUBE gene family. SCUBE1 has been shown to rise in parallel with platelet activation in acute ischemic events. However, there are no studies showing levels in the hemodialysis patient group, in which there is known to be an increase in platelet function impairment and activation. The purpose of this study was to investigate SCUBE1 levels in a hemodialysis patient group and the factors affecting those levels. Materials and methodsOne hundred three hemodialysis patients and 21 age-matched healthy controls were included. SCUBE1 and sCD40L levels were investigated from blood specimens collected on pre- and post-hemodialysis sessions. We investigated the correlation between SCUBE1 levels and sCD40L, patients' demographic data, parameters with hemodialysis treatment and routine biochemical tests. ResultSCUBE1 levels were significantly higher in the hemodialysis patient group compared with the controls (p=0.000). There was a significant rise in SCUBE1 levels in the post-hemodialysis session (p=0.000). We determined a positive correlation between SCUBE1 and sCD40L (p=0.016, r=0.215). Gender, blood pressure, BUN, creatinine, hematocrit and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) levels, hemodialysis membrane surface area, amount of ultrafiltration, blood flow rate, dialysis flow rate and carnitine use significantly affected SCUBE1 levels. ConclusionWe have shown, for the first time in the literature, that SCUBE1 level, a potential acute ischemia marker, is elevated in hemodialysis patients with no clinical ischemic event, and that various factors affect this elevation.