Decreased serum fibroblast growth factor - 2 levels in pre- and post-treatment patients with major depressive disorder.

PubMed

He, Shen; Zhang, Tianhong; Hong, Bo; Peng, Daihui; Su, Hui; Lin, Zhiguang; Fang, Yiru; Jiang, Kaida; Liu, Xiaohua; Li, Huafang

2014-09-05

Increasing evidence indicates that neurotrophic factor dysfunction might be involved in the pathophysiology and treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD). Fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-2, one of the major neurotrophins, plays an important role in the central nervous system (CNS). The aim of this study was to explore whether the FGF-2 in serum was associated with MDD and to evaluate the effects of antidepressant treatment on serum FGF-2 levels. Serum FGF-2 levels were determined in 28 pre- and post-treatment MDD patients and 30 healthy controls using ELISA. The results of the current study revealed that serum FGF-2 levels in MDD patients were significantly lower than those in healthy controls (p=0.005), and the serum FGF-2 levels decreased significantly but marginally following treatment for 8 weeks (p=0.005). These findings demonstrate that the lower serum FGF-2 levels contribute to the pathophysiology of MDD and that FGF-2 may be used as a peripheral biological marker for MDD. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Serum vascular endothelial growth factor and adiponectin levels in patients with benign and malignant gynecological diseases.

PubMed

Lasalandra, Carla; Coviello, Maria; Falco, Gaetano; Divella, Rosa; Trojano, Giuseppe; Laterza, Anna Maria; Quero, Carmela; Pepe, Vito; Zito, Francesco Alfredo; Quaranta, Michele

2010-05-01

One of the most specific and critical regulators of angiogenesis is vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which regulates endothelial proliferation, permeability, and survival. Vascular endothelial growth factor is an angiogenic mediator in tumors and has been implicated in the pathogenesis and progression of cancer. Adipose tissue is a major endocrine and it secretes hormones termed adipokines. These factors are derived from adipocytes and include proteins and metabolites such as adiponectin. Recently, adiponectin was also shown to modulate angiogenesis. This study was designed to determine the serum VEGF and adiponectin levels in patients with benign and malignant gynecological diseases and if there was a correlation between serum VEGF and adiponectin. Serum samples, collected fasting before surgery or intervention, were available for total of 114 female patients recorded between October 2006 and December 2008. Diagnosis of benign and malignant gynaecological diseases was established by biopsy. Serum levels VEGF and adiponectin were using commercially available enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (R&D Systems Inc, Minneapolis, MN), respectively. Statistical analysis was performed by using the SPSS 9.0 software package (SPSS, Inc, Chicago, IL). The correlation between serum VEGF and serum Adiponectin was calculated using the Pearson correlation coefficient. P values of < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Our results were analyzed on the basis of 2 different parameters: age and benign and malignant gynecological diseases of the patient. Only for serum VEGF levels was a significant difference observed (P = 0.004) between patients with benign and malignant gynecological diseases. A significantly inverse correlation between serum VEGF and adiponectin levels among patients with benign and malignant gynecological diseases was found. Adiponectin level is not correlated with body mass index. This is one of the first report on adiponectin in benign and

High levels of serum fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-23 are associated with increased mortality in long haemodialysis patients.

PubMed

Jean, Guillaume; Terrat, Jean-Claude; Vanel, Thierry; Hurot, Jean-Marc; Lorriaux, Christie; Mayor, Brice; Chazot, Charles

2009-09-01

Fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-23, a novel bone-derived phosphaturic factor involved in mineral metabolism, is increased in chronic kidney disease (CKD); in dialysis patients, it has been linked to increased mortality rates and vascular calcification (VC). The present investigation aimed to study the factors associated with elevated serum FGF-23 levels in patients treated with long haemodialysis (LHD) sessions and to determine whether a relationship exists between serum FGF-23 levels and patient survival. All patients treated in one haemodialysis centre from September 2006 were included in the study. Standard laboratory values, medical history, cardiovascular events and risk factors, medication and FGF-23 levels [ELISA (C-Term) Immutopics] were recorded. Patients received haemodialysis three times a week, on a 5- to 8-h schedule. Patient data were analysed according to FGF-23 quartiles. The effect of FGF-23 on the 2-year survival rate was assessed using the Cox proportional hazard model, adjusted for confounding variables and according to the serum phosphate tertiles. The study included 219 patients. Serum FGF-23 levels were high: 7060 +/- 13 500 RU/mL (median, 2740 RU/mL). In logistical regressions, only calcaemia (P = 0.002), phosphataemia (P = 0.008) and warfarin use (P = 0.04) were associated with the highest FGF-23 quartile. In the subgroup of patients with an estimated VC score, the third and fourth quartiles of the FGF-23 levels were associated with more severe VC. In multivariate linear regressions, only phosphataemia remained significantly correlated with FGF-23 (P = 0.04). The 2-year mortality rate was significantly higher for haemodialysis patients with serum FGF-23 levels in the higher quartile [P = 0.007; hazard ratio, 2.5 (1.3-5)] than in the first quartile, whereas within the phosphataemia tertiles, the lowest serum FGF-23 quartile was associated with lowered mortality. This study demonstrated a high level of circulating FGF-23 in LHD patients

Serum levels of macrophage migration inhibitory factor are associated with rheumatoid arthritis course.

PubMed

Llamas-Covarrubias, Mara Anaís; Valle, Yeminia; Navarro-Hernández, Rosa Elena; Guzmán-Guzmán, Iris Paola; Ramírez-Dueñas, María Guadalupe; Rangel-Villalobos, Héctor; Estrada-Chávez, Ciro; Muñoz-Valle, José Francisco

2012-08-01

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an inflammatory autoimmune disease of unknown etiology. Many cytokines have been found to be associated with RA pathogenesis and among them is macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF). The aim of this study was to determine whether MIF serum levels are associated with RA course, clinical activity, and clinical biomarkers of the disease. MIF levels were determined in serum samples of 54 RA patients and 78 healthy subjects (HS) by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Disease activity was evaluated using the DAS28 score. Patients were subgrouped according to disease activity and years of evolution of disease. Statistical analysis was carried out by SPSS 10.0 and GraphPad Prism 5 software. RA patients presented increased levels of MIF as compared to HS. MIF levels were raised on early stages of RA and tend to decrease according to years of evolution. Moreover, MIF levels positively correlated with rheumatoid factor in RA patients and with C reactive protein in all individuals studied. Our findings suggest that MIF plays a role in early stages of RA.

High serum uric acid levels are a protective factor against unfavourable neurological functional outcome in patients with ischaemic stroke.

PubMed

Wang, Yu-Fang; Li, Jiao-Xing; Sun, Xun-Sha; Lai, Rong; Sheng, Wen-Li

2018-05-01

Objective We aimed to evaluate the association between serum uric acid levels at the onset and prognostic outcome in patients with acute ischaemic stroke. Methods We retrospectively analysed the outcomes of 1166 patients with ischaemic stroke who were hospitalized in our centre during August 2008 to November 2012. Correlations of serum uric acid levels and prognostic outcomes were analysed. Results Men had higher serum uric acid levels and better neurological functional outcomes compared with women. There was a strong negative correlation between serum uric acid levels and unfavourable neurological functional outcomes. Generalized estimated equation analysis showed that a higher serum uric acid level (>237 µmol/L) was a protective factor for neurological functional outcome in male, but not female, patients. Among five trial of ORG 10172 in acute stroke treatment classification subtypes, only patients with the large-artery atherosclerosis subtype had a significant protective effect of serum uric acid levels on neurological outcome. Conclusions Our study shows that high serum uric acid levels are a significant protective factor in men and in the large-artery atherosclerosis subtype in patients with ischaemic stroke. This is helpful for determining the prognostic value of serum uric acid levels for neurological outcome of acute ischaemic stroke.

Serum factors and clinical characteristics associated with serum E-Screen activity

PubMed Central

Wang, Jue; Trentham-Dietz, Amy; Hemming, Jocelyn D. C.; Hedman, Curtis J.; Sprague, Brian L.

2013-01-01

Background The E-Screen bioassay can measure the mitogenicity of human serum and thus may be useful as a biomarker in epidemiologic studies of breast cancer. While the assay’s MCF-7 cells are known to proliferate in response to estrogen, the specific determinants of variation in E-Screen activity in human serum samples are poorly understood. We sought to identify serum molecules and patient characteristics associated with serum E-Screen activity among postmenopausal women. Methods Postmenopausal women (N=219) aged 55–70 with no history of postmenopausal hormone use or breast cancer completed a questionnaire and provided a blood sample. Serum was analyzed for E-Screen activity and a variety of molecules including sex hormones, growth factors, and environmental chemicals. Stepwise selection procedures were used to identify correlates of E-Screen activity. Results Serum samples from all women had detectable E-Screen activity, with a median estradiol equivalents value of 0.027 ng/mL and interquartile range of 0.018–0.036 ng/mL. In the final multivariable-adjusted model, serum E-Screen activity was positively associated with serum estradiol, estrone, IGFBP-3, and testosterone levels (p<0.05), as well as body mass index (p=0.03). Serum E-Screen activity was lower among women with higher SHBG (p<0.0001) and progesterone levels (p=0.03). Conclusion Serum E-Screen activity varies according to levels of endogenous estrogens and other serum molecules. Obesity appears to confer additional serum mitogenicity beyond its impact on the measured hormones and growth factors. Impact By capturing mitogenicity due to a variety of patient and serum factors, the E-Screen may provide advantages for use as a biomarker in breast cancer studies. PMID:23588007

Decreased Serum Levels of Ghrelin and Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor in Premenopausal Women With Metabolic Syndrome.

PubMed

Jabbari, Masoumeh; Kheirouri, Sorayya; Alizadeh, Mohammad

2018-03-21

We aimed to investigate the association between serum levels of ghrelin and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) with MetS and its components in premenopausal women. 43 patients with MetS and 43 healthy controls participated in this study. Participants' body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP and DBP) were measured. Serum levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low and high density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C and HDL-C), fasting blood sugar (FBS), insulin, BDNF and ghrelin determined. Homeostasis model assessment insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR) was also calculated. Participants in MetS group had higher waist-to-hip ratios, elevated SBP and DBP, and higher serum levels of TG, FBS and insulin when compared with the control group. Serum ghrelin and BDNF levels were significantly lower in participants with MetS than in the healthier control subjects. There was a strong, positive correlation between serum ghrelin and BDNF levels. Both proteins negatively correlated with TG, FBS, HOMA-IR and positively with HDL-C. Furthermore, serum BDNF levels negatively associated with insulin levels. The findings indicate that variations occur in the circulating level of ghrelin and BDNF proteins in MetS patients. A strong correlation between serum ghrelin and BDNF suggests that production, release or practice of these 2 proteins might be related mechanically.

Serum placental growth factor, vascular endothelial growth factor, soluble vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-1 and -2 levels in periodontal disease, and adverse pregnancy outcomes.

PubMed

Sert, Tuba; Kırzıoğlu, F Yeşim; Fentoğlu, Ozlem; Aylak, Firdevs; Mungan, Tamer

2011-12-01

The aim of this study is the evaluation of levels of serum interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-10, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), placental growth factor (PIGF), and soluble VEGF receptor (sVEGFR)-1 and -2 in the association between periodontal disease and adverse pregnancy outcomes. One hundred and nine mothers, who recently gave birth, and 51 women who were not recently pregnant, aged 18 to 35 years, were included in this study. The mothers were classified as term birth, preterm birth (PTB), and preterm low birth weight (PLBW) in respect to their gestational age and baby's birth weight. The birth mothers were grouped as having gingivitis or periodontitis. The non-pregnant group also included periodontally healthy patients. Venous blood samples were collected to evaluate serum IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α, VEGF, PIGF, and sVEGFR-1 and -2 levels. Mother's weight, education, and income level were significantly associated with pregnancy outcomes. Serum levels of IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6, VEGF, and sVEGFR-1 and -2 showed an increase in significance when related to pregnancy. Whereas in the PLBW group IL-1β, VEGF, and sVEGFR-2 levels were increased, in the PTB group sVEGFR-1 levels were increased. Additionally, the patients in the PLBW group with periodontitis had higher serum levels of IL-1β, VEGF, sVEGFR-2, and IL-1β/IL-10. The serum levels of IL-1β, VEGF, and sVEGFR-1 and -2 may have a potential effect on the mechanism of the association between periodontal disease and adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Serum levels of vascular endothelial growth factor in preeclamptic and normotensive pregnancy.

PubMed

Hunter, A; Aitkenhead, M; Caldwell, C; McCracken, G; Wilson, D; McClure, N

2000-12-01

The purpose of these studies was first to determine if vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a vascular permeability agent, is increased in the serum of women with preclinical and clinical preclampsia (PE), and second to determine how these levels change after delivery. Twenty preeclamptic and 25 normotensive women at term consented to have blood taken pre- and post-delivery. Ten preeclamptic, 10 gestational hypertensive, and 28 normotensive women had blood collected respectively at 12, 20, and 30 weeks gestation and predelivery. Serum was extracted from all samples, and VEGF concentrations were determined by radioimmunoassay. Predelivery, the median serum VEGF concentration in the preeclamptic group was 51.7 ng/mL, and in the control group the concentration was 13.9 ng/mL (P<0.0001). Serum VEGF concentrations fell within 24 hours of delivery in both groups, which resulted in median values of 3.8 ng/mL and 3.2 ng/mL respectively (P<0.3). At 12 and 20 weeks, there was no significant difference between the serum VEGF concentrations in the 3 groups (P<0.3, 0.052 respectively). At 30 weeks, prior to the onset of clinical PE, the serum VEGF levels in the eventual preeclamptic group were elevated significantly compared with the gestational hypertensive and normotensive groups (P<0.001). Predelivery serum VEGF concentrations were significantly elevated in the preeclamptic group and were similar to those in the first study (P<0.0001). These findings suggest that VEGF may be important in the pathophysiology of PE and has the potential to act as a preclinical marker for the condition.

Lifestyle and Dietary Factors Associated with Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Levels in Korean Young Adults.

PubMed

Joh, Hee-Kyung; Lim, Chun Soo; Cho, BeLong

2015-08-01

Inadequate vitamin D status is highly prevalent in the Korean population, especially among young adults. Nonetheless, correlates of suboptimal vitamin D levels in young adults are not well defined. This study aimed to investigate potentially modifiable determinants of vitamin D levels in young adults in Korea. This cross-sectional study was based on health check-up data from 3,450 healthy male and female university students aged 18-29 yr in Seoul between April and May 2013. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels were determined using chemiluminescent immunoassay. Anthropometric data were measured, and lifestyle, dietary, and sociodemographic factors were obtained through self-administered questionnaires. General linear regression was used to assess correlates of serum 25(OH)D levels. The mean serum 25(OH)D level was 11.1 ng/mL, and the prevalence of 25(OH)D levels less than 10 ng/mL was 44.7% (39.5% in men, 50.2% in women). In a final multivariable model, significant positive correlates of serum 25(OH)D were older age, male sex, increased physical activity, sunlight exposure ≥ 30 min/day, eating breakfast regularly, consumption of dairy and fatty fish, and use of vitamin D-containing supplements. In contrast, significant inverse correlates were obesity (body mass index, BMI ≥ 25 kg/m(2)) or underweight (BMI < 18.5 kg/m(2)), abdominal obesity, increased sedentary time, and frequent consumption of instant noodles and sugar-sweetened beverages. In conclusion, many modifiable lifestyle and dietary factors were associated with low serum 25(OH)D levels in Korean young adults. Further studies on potential mechanisms of the correlates and optimal strategies to improve vitamin D status in this vulnerable subpopulation are warranted.

Measuring and Validating the Levels of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor in Human Serum

PubMed Central

Naegelin, Yvonne; Dingsdale, Hayley; Säuberli, Katharina; Schädelin, Sabine; Kappos, Ludwig

2018-01-01

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) secreted by neurons is a significant component of synaptic plasticity. In humans, it is also present in blood platelets where it accumulates following its biosynthesis in megakaryocytes. BDNF levels are thus readily detectable in human serum and it has been abundantly speculated that they may somehow serve as an indicator of brain function. However, there is a great deal of uncertainty with regard to the range of BDNF levels that can be considered normal, how stable these values are over time and even whether BDNF levels can be reliably measured in serum. Using monoclonal antibodies and a sandwich ELISA, this study reports on BDNF levels in the serum of 259 volunteers with a mean value of 32.69 ± 8.33 ng/ml (SD). The mean value for the same cohort after 12 months was not significantly different (N = 226, 32.97 ± 8.36 ng/ml SD, p = 0.19). Power analysis of these values indicates that relatively large cohorts are necessary to identify significant differences, requiring a group size of 60 to detect a 20% change. The levels determined by ELISA could be validated by Western blot analyses using a BDNF monoclonal antibody. While no association was observed with gender, a weak, positive correlation was found with age. The overall conclusions are that BDNF levels can be reliably measured in human serum, that these levels are quite stable over one year, and that comparisons between two populations may only be meaningful if cohorts of sufficient sizes are assembled. PMID:29662942

Factors Associated with the Serum Myostatin Level in Patients Undergoing Peritoneal Dialysis: Potential Effects of Skeletal Muscle Mass and Vitamin D Receptor Activator Use.

PubMed

Yamada, Shunsuke; Tsuruya, Kazuhiko; Yoshida, Hisako; Tokumoto, Masanori; Ueki, Kenji; Ooboshi, Hiroaki; Kitazono, Takanari

2016-07-01

Myostatin is a member of the transforming growth factor-β family, which regulates synthesis and degradation of skeletal muscle proteins and is associated with the development of sarcopenia. It is up-regulated in the skeletal muscle of chronic kidney disease patients and is considered to be involved in the development of uremic sarcopenia. However, serum myostatin levels have rarely been determined, and the relationship between serum myostatin levels with clinical and metabolic factors remains unknown. This cross-sectional study investigated the association between serum myostatin level and clinical factors in 69 outpatients undergoing peritoneal dialysis. Serum myostatin level was determined by commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Univariable and multivariable analysis were conducted to determine factors associated with serum myostatin levels. The factors included age, sex, diabetes mellitus, dialysis history, body mass index, residual kidney function, peritoneal dialysate volume, serum biochemistries, and the use of vitamin D receptor activators (VDRAs). Mean serum myostatin level was 7.59 ± 3.37 ng/mL. There was no association between serum myostatin level and residual kidney function. Serum myostatin levels were significantly and positively associated with lean body mass measured by the creatinine kinetic method and negatively associated with the use of VDRAs after adjustment for potential confounding factors. Our study indicated that serum myostatin levels are associated with skeletal muscle mass and are lower in patients treated with VDRAs. Further studies are necessary to determine the significance of measuring serum myostatin level in patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis.

Decreased levels of serum fibroblast growth factor-2 in children with autism spectrum disorder.

PubMed

Esnafoglu, Erman; Ayyıldız, Sema Nur

2017-11-01

The neurodevelopment and functioning of the central nervous system, and especially the cerebral cortex, have basic importance to understand neuropsychiatric disorders like autism. Fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) plays a very important role in the development and functioning of the cortex. FGF-2 is related to developmental processes in the central nervous system such as neurogenesis, migration, differentiation and survival. This study researched the serum FGF-2 levels in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). With this aim, 60 ASD children and 40 healthy controls were compared. We applied a sociodemographic form and the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) to each subject with their family to assess the severity of autism. Additionally, all subjects had routine laboratory tests performed. Serum samples were studied with ELISA. The results found that serum FGF-2 levels were statistically significantly low in the patient group compared to the healthy control group (p value 0.003). Additionally there was a statistically significant negative correlation identified between serum FGF-2 levels and CARS score for all subjects (r = -0.300; p = 0.02). In conclusion, FGF-2 may contribute to the etiopathogenesis of ASD. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

[Study on the dynamic variations and influencing factors of serum lipid levels during pregnancy and postpartum].

PubMed

Xu, D; Liang, C; Chen, L; Wu, X D; He, J

2018-04-25

Objective: To study the variations and influencing factors of serum triglycerides and cholesterol levels during pregnancy and postpartum. Methods: A retrospective study was performed among 5 020 healthy singleton (95.10%, 4 774/5 020) and twin (4.90%, 246/5 020) women who had delivery in Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine from January 2011 to December 2016. Serum triglycerides and cholesterol levels during pregnancy and postpartum of all the cases were collected. Both singleton and twin pregnant women were divided into advanced age and appropriate age groups, and then data of serum sample were assigned to 3 groups according to the gestation weeks, which were second trimester pregnancy (24-28 gestation weeks) , third trimester pregnancy (32-41 gestation weeks) and postpartum (within 72 hours after delivery) . The serum triglycerides and cholesterol levels in each groups were compared. Results: (1) Serum triglycerides and cholesterol levels during the second trimester pregnancy, third trimester pregnancy and postpartum were higher than levels of non-pregnancy in both singleton and twin groups (all P< 0.05) . (2) Serum triglycerides and cholesterol levels in the third trimester pregnancy group were higher than those of second trimester pregnancy group in both advanced age and appropriate aged women regardless singleton or twin pregnancy (all P< 0.05) . The 95% CI of serum lipid levels in each group during second and third trimester pregnancy were as follows: in appropriate aged singleton group, the triglycerides levels were 1.07-4.13 and 1.52-7.21 mmol/L, and the cholesterol levels were 2.77-12.11 and 4.44-9.36 mmol/L. In advanced aged singleton group, the triglycerides levels were 1.28-4.61 and 1.70-7.80 mmol/L, and the cholesterol levels were 4.35-8.40 and 4.46-9.35 mmol/L; in appropriate aged twin group, the triglycerides levels were 1.39-7.16 and 1.90-9.29 mmol/L, and the cholesterol levels were 4.99-12.16 and 4.52-10.07 mmol/L; in advanced

Relationship of Fibroblast Growth Factor 23 (FGF-23) Serum Levels With Low Bone Mass in Postmenopausal Women.

PubMed

Shen, Jun; Fu, Shiping; Song, Yuan

2017-12-01

The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between serum fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF-23) level and bone mass in postmenopausal women. A total of 60 premenopausal, 60 early postmenopausal, and 60 late postmenopausal women were investigated by the measurement of bone mineral densities (BMDs) at lumbar spine and proximal femur by DXA, together with serum concentrations of Ca, P, 25 (OH) D 3 , OC, iPTH, CTX-I, PINP, and FGF-23. The levels of FGF-23 and PINP in early postmenopausal group were significantly higher than that in the premenopausal or the late postmenopausal groups, their changing patterns were different form 25(OH)D 3, iPTH, IGF, CTX-I, and OC. According to the AUCs in the ROC analysis, we found that serum FGF-23 level was associated with the highest validity as compared to the other bone metabolism factors. Further study indicated the significant negative relationships between serum FGF-23 level and lumbar spine/proximal femur BMDs in postmenopausal women. After detection of the sensitivity and specificity of serum FGF- 23 for the low bone mass at different T-score (SD) lumbar spine/proximal femur BMDs, we found that serum FGF-23 level may be a reliable marker for low bone mass in postmenopausal women. The performance of FGF-23 in the differential diagnosis low bone mass from healthy participants indicated that FGF-23 has the capacity to differentiate the women with low bone mass from the normal ones. Our study indicated that serum FGF-23 level could be served as the utility in the early detection of women with low bone mass. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 4454-4459, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Serum levels of the angiogenic factor pleiotrophin in relation to disease stage in lung cancer patients

PubMed Central

Jäger, R; List, B; Knabbe, C; Souttou, B; Raulais, D; Zeiler, T; Wellstein, A; Aigner, A; Neubauer, A; Zugmaier, G

2002-01-01

Pleiotrophin is a heparin-binding growth factor involved in the differentiation and proliferation of neuronal tissue during embryogenesis, and also secreted by melanoma and breast carcinoma cells. Pleiotrophin exhibits mitogenic and angiogenic properties and has been shown to influence the vascular supply, expansion and metastasis of tumour cells. Our aim was to study the serum and plasma concentrations of pleiotrophin and the classical angiogenic growth factor vascular endothelial growth factor. Using a specific ELISA-test we studied patients with small cell lung cancer (n=63), and patients with non-small cell lung cancer (n=22) in comparison to healthy control subjects (n=41). In most of the lung cancer patients (81%), we found serum levels of pleiotrophin above those of control subjects (P<0.001). Of the 63 small cell lung cancer patients in the study pleiotrophin serum levels were elevated in 55 cases (87%) and in 14 cases (63%) of the 22 non-small cell lung cancer patients. Pleiotrophin mean serum concentrations were 10.8-fold higher in the tumour patient group as compared to the control group (P<0.001). Furthermore, pleiotrophin serum levels correlated positively with the stage of disease and inversely with the response to therapy. Plasma vascular endothelial growth factor concentrations were elevated in only in 28.6% of small cell lung cancer and 45.5% of non-small cell lung cancer patients by an average of 2.3-fold. Quite strikingly, there was no apparent correlation between the plasma vascular endothelial growth factor concentration and the stage of disease. Our study suggests that pleiotrophin may be an early indicator of lung cancer and might be of use in monitoring the efficacy of therapy, which needs to be confirmed by larger studies. British Journal of Cancer (2002) 86, 858–863. DOI: 10.1038/sj/bjc/6600202 www.bjcancer.com © 2002 Cancer Research UK PMID:11953815

Relation of serum molindone levels to serum prolactin levels and antipsychotic response.

PubMed

Pandurangi, A K; Narasimhachari, N; Blackard, W G; Landa, B S

1989-10-01

The antipsychotic drug molindone is considered to be atypical in its mode of action and to have mild side effects. Currently no data are available on the range of serum levels of this drug during treatment. By means of a high performance liquid chromatographic technique, serum molindone levels were measured in 14 psychotic patients receiving a wide range of doses of this drug. Molindone levels as high as 350 ng/mL were obtained and were not associated with any toxic effects. Significant relations were noted between the serum level of the drug and both serum prolactin level and treatment response. The authors suggest that molindone may have a range of serum levels consistent with therapeutic benefit. Serum molindone and prolactin levels might help assess resistance to molindone treatment.

Elevated serum fibroblast growth factor 23 levels as an indicator of lower extremity atherosclerotic disease in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

PubMed

He, Xingxing; Hu, Xiang; Ma, Xiaojing; Su, Hang; Ying, Lingwen; Peng, Jiahui; Pan, Xiaoping; Bao, Yuqian; Zhou, Jian; Jia, Weiping

2017-06-15

Recently, basic and clinical studies have provided evidence supporting the relationship between circulating levels of fibroblast growth factor (FGF) 23 and the development of atherosclerosis. Given that diabetes is an established risk factor for lower extremity atherosclerotic disease (LEAD), the goal of the present study was to explore the relationship between serum FGF23 levels and LEAD, as well as the related factors, in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). A total of 401 hospitalized T2DM patients (201 subjects with LEAD and 200 subjects without LEAD) were enrolled in this study. Serum FGF23 levels were determined by a sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Femoral intima-media thickness (F-IMT) and lower limb atherosclerotic plaque were assessed through color Doppler ultrasound. The median (interquartile range) serum FGF23 levels in the entire study population was 42.08 (35.59-49.17) pg/mL. Subjects with LEAD had significantly higher serum FGF23 levels compared with those without LEAD (44.00 [37.54-51.30] pg/mL versus 40.42 [32.61-48.23] pg/mL, P < 0.001). Logistic regression showed that serum FGF23 levels were independently and positively correlated with the presence of LEAD (odds ratio 1.039, 95% confidence interval 1.012-1.067, P = 0.004). In addition, multiple liner regression analysis revealed that serum FGF23 levels were positively associated with F-IMT (standardized β = 0.175, P < 0.001). Furthermore, this relationship remained significant after additional adjustment for gender and factors potentially affecting serum FGF23 levels (serum calcium, serum phosphorus, and glomerular filtration rate), respectively (both P < 0.01). In Chinese patients with T2DM, serum FGF23 levels were independently and positively correlated with the presence of LEAD.

Serum levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor in alcohol-dependent patients receiving high-dose baclofen.

PubMed

Geisel, Olga; Hellweg, Rainer; Müller, Christian A

2016-06-30

The neurotrophin brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has been suggested to be involved in the development and maintenance of addictive and other psychiatric disorders. Also, interactions of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-ergic compounds and BDNF have been reported. The objective of this study was to investigate serum levels of BDNF over time in alcohol-dependent patients receiving individually titrated high-dose treatment (30-270mg/d) with the GABA-B receptor agonist baclofen or placebo for up to 20 weeks. Serum levels of BDNF were measured in patients of the baclofen/placebo group at baseline (t0), 2 weeks after reaching individual high-dose of baclofen/placebo treatment (t1) and after termination of study medication (t2) in comparison to carefully matched healthy controls. No significant differences in serum levels of BDNF between the baclofen and the placebo group or healthy controls were found at t0, t1, or at t2. Based on these findings, it seems unlikely that baclofen exerts a direct effect on serum levels of BDNF in alcohol-dependent patients. Future studies are needed to further explore the mechanism of action of baclofen and its possible relationship to BDNF in alcohol use disorders. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

A positive correlation between serum levels of mature brain-derived neurotrophic factor and negative symptoms in schizophrenia.

PubMed

Niitsu, Tomihisa; Ishima, Tamaki; Yoshida, Taisuke; Hashimoto, Tasuku; Matsuzawa, Daisuke; Shirayama, Yukihiko; Nakazato, Michiko; Shimizu, Eiji; Hashimoto, Kenji; Iyo, Masaomi

2014-02-28

A meta-analysis study reported serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels as a potential biomarker for schizophrenia. However, at the time, commercially available human ELISA kits were unable to distinguish between pro-BDNF (precursor BDNF) and mature BDNF, because of limited antibody specificity. Here, we used new ELISA kits, to examine serum levels of mature BDNF and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), which converts pro-BDNF to mature BDNF in schizophrenia. Sixty-three patients with chronic schizophrenia and 52 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were enrolled. Patients were evaluated using the Brief Psychiatry Rating Scale, the Scale for the Assessment of Negative Symptoms (SANS) and neuropsychological tests. Neither serum mature BDNF nor MMP-9 levels differed between patients and controls. In male subgroups, serum MMP-9 levels of smoking patients were higher than those of non-smoking patients, but this was not observed in male controls or the female subgroup. In patients, serum mature BDNF levels were associated with SANS total scores and the Information subtest scores of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale Revised (WAIS-R), while serum MMP-9 levels were associated with smoking and category fluency scores. These findings suggest that neither mature BDNF nor MMP-9 is a suitable biomarker for schizophrenia, although further studies using large samples are needed. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Serum uric acid level is an independent risk factor for presence of calcium in coronary arteries: an observational case-controlled study.

PubMed

Atar, Aslı Inci; Yılmaz, Omer Cağlar; Akın, Kayıhan; Selçoki, Yusuf; Er, Okan; Eryonucu, Beyhan

2013-03-01

A link between uric acid levels and cardiovascular diseases has been previously reported. Coronary artery calcium score (CACS) is a marker of atherosclerotic disease and a predictor of cardiovascular events. We sought to determine if serum uric acid level is an independent risk factor for the presence of calcium in coronary arteries. Four hundred and forty-two patients who were evaluated in the cardiology outpatient clinic for suspected coronary heart disease with a low-moderate risk for coronary artery disease were included in this observational case-controlled study. Serum uric acid levels were measured with colorimetric methods. CACS were performed using a 64-slice CT scanner. Patients were divided to 3 groups according to their CACS value (Group 1: CACS=0, Group 2: CACS 1-100, Group 3: CACS>100). The demographical characteristics and laboratory findings of 3 groups were similar, except age, fasting glucose levels and serum uric acid levels. Serum uric acid levels were found to increase significantly with increasing CACS (p=0.001). Patients were grouped according to presence CAC (CACS=0 and CACS≥1) and in the multiple regression analysis, age (OR, 1.11, 95% CI, 1.07-1.16), smoking (OR, 3.83, 95% CI, 2.06-7.09), serum uric acid levels (OR, 1.26, 95% CI, 1.04-1.54) and average 10-year total risk of Framingham risk score (OR, 1.13, 95% CI, 1.04-1.09) appeared as independent factors predictive of presence of CAC (p<0.05). Serum uric acid level is an independent risk factor for presence of coronary calcium. Moreover, increasing levels of serum uric acid are associated with increasing CACS.

Serum levels of interleukin-9 correlate with negative prognostic factors in extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma.

PubMed

Zhang, Jing; Wang, Wei-da; Geng, Qi-Rong; Wang, Liang; Chen, Xiao-Qin; Liu, Cheng-Cheng; Lv, Yue

2014-01-01

Interleukin-9 (IL-9) is more functionally diverse than previously expected, especially with regards to lymphomagenesis. However, the relationship between IL-9 and the clinicopathological features of extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma is less well established. Patients with this lymphoma in Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center between January 2003 and March 2013 were systematically reviewed in an intention-to-treat analysis. Baseline serum IL-9 levels were determined using sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. A total of seventy-four patients were enrolled in this study. The mean concentration of serum IL-9 for all patients was 6.48 pg/mL (range: 1.38-51.87 pg/mL). Age, B symptoms and local lymph node involvement were found to be related to high serum IL-9 levels. Patients with low IL-9 levels tended to have higher rates of complete remission. Notably, the median progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were longer in the low IL-9 level group than in the high IL-9 level group (PFS: 68.7 months vs. 28.3 months, P<0.001; OS: 86 months vs. 42.8 months, P = 0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed independent prognostic factors for PFS. Similarly, high IL-9 levels (P = 0.003) and old age (P = 0.007) were independently predictive of shorter OS. Serum IL-9 is closely related to several clinical features, such as age, B symptoms and local lymph node involvement. It can also be a significant independent prognostic factor for extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma, which suggests a role for IL-9 in the pathogenesis of this disease and offers new insight into potential therapeutic strategies.

Effects of Single Vitamin D₃ Injection (200,000 Units) on Serum Fibroblast Growth Factor 23 and Sclerostin Levels in Subjects with Vitamin D Deficiency.

PubMed

Zhang, Dongdong; Seo, Da Hea; Choi, Han Seok; Park, Hye Sun; Chung, Yoon Sok; Lim, Sung Kil

2017-12-01

Vitamin D deficiency remains common in all age groups and affects skeletal and non-skeletal health. Fibroblast growth factor 23 is a bone-derived hormone that regulates phosphate and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D homeostasis as a counter regulatory factor. 1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D stimulates fibroblast growth factor 23 synthesis in bone, while fibroblast growth factor 23 suppresses 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D production in the kidney. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of vitamin D₃ intramuscular injection therapy on serum fibroblast growth factor 23 concentrations, and several other parameters associated with bone metabolism such as sclerostin, dickkopf-1, and parathyroid hormone. A total of 34 subjects with vitamin D deficiency (defined by serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels below 20 ng/mL) were randomly assigned to either the vitamin D injection group (200,000 units) or placebo treatment group. Serum calcium, phosphate, urine calcium/creatinine, serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D, fibroblast growth factor 23, sclerostin, parathyroid hormone, and dickkopf-1 levels were serially measured after treatment. Comparing the vitamin D injection group with the placebo group, no significant changes were observed in serum fibroblast growth factor 23, parathyroid hormone, or dickkopf-1 levels. Serum sclerostin concentrations transiently increased at week 4 in the vitamin D group. However, these elevated levels declined later and there were no statistically significant differences as compared with baseline levels. Serum fibroblast factor 23, sclerostin, parathyroid hormone, and dickkopf-1 levels were not affected significantly by single intramuscular injection of vitamin D₃. Copyright © 2017 Korean Endocrine Society

Cuprophane but not synthetic membrane induces increases in serum tumor necrosis factor-alpha levels during hemodialysis.

PubMed

Canivet, E; Lavaud, S; Wong, T; Guenounou, M; Willemin, J C; Potron, G; Chanard, J

1994-01-01

Cytokine synthesis and secretion by blood mononuclear cells is a well-documented phenomenon in hemodialyzed patients. The present study was conducted in 17 chronically hemodialyzed patients to test the relative effect of uremic toxicity, membrane biocompatibility, dialysate composition, and the risk of endotoxinemia on the serum level of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha). The only significant parameter that influenced circulating TNF-alpha was the chemical characteristics of the dialyzer membrane. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha levels significantly increased during the session with cuprophane, whereas they decreased with AN69. The TNF-alpha increase was documented whatever the dialysate buffer and the presence or absence (negative Limulus amoebocyte lysate test) of endotoxin in the dialysate. In the subgroup of patients treated with a contaminated dialysate and AN69, none had clinical symptoms and the central body temperature remained constant throughout the session. In these patients, serum TNF-alpha levels did not change after priming the dialyzer with sterile saline. In conclusion, the serum TNF-alpha level during hemodialysis appears to be modulated by biocompatibility, permeability, and binding properties of dialysis membrane rather than dialysate composition. Endotoxin in the dialysate did not result in positive TNF-alpha balance no matter what its possible priming effect on mononucleated blood cells.

Marked elevation of serum macrophage migration inhibitory factor levels in patients with pemphigus vulgaris.

PubMed

Namazi, Mohammad Reza; Fallahzadeh, Mohammad Kazem; Shaghelani, Hassan; Kamali-Sarvestani, Eskandar

2010-02-01

There is ample evidence for involvement of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) in autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. The aim of this study was to determine whether MIF levels were raised in the sera of patients with pemphigus vulgaris (PV). Serum MIF levels were measured using ELISA method in 22 patients with active PV and 21 age- and sex-matched healthy controls and the results were compared with each other. The mean serum MIF levels was significantly higher in PV patients than in control subjects (11.99 +/- 1.63 pg/m vs. 1.83 +/- 0.22 pg/ml; P-value = 0.0001). Elevated MIF levels in the sera of PV patients could participate in disease induction by activation of T cells as well as induction of autoantibody production by B cells. Given that MIF counter-regulates the effects of steroids, MIF antagonists may prove to be very effective, novel steroid-sparing agents for this life-threatening conundrum.

Serum vascular endothelial growth factor A levels reflect itch severity in mycosis fungoides and Sézary syndrome.

PubMed

Sakamoto, Minami; Miyagaki, Tomomitsu; Kamijo, Hiroaki; Oka, Tomonori; Takahashi, Naomi; Suga, Hiraku; Yoshizaki, Ayumi; Asano, Yoshihide; Sugaya, Makoto; Sato, Shinichi

2018-01-01

Angiogenesis is an important step to support progression of malignancies, including mycosis fungoides (MF) and Sézary syndrome (SS). Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A, a key player in angiogenesis, is secreted by tumor cells of MF/SS and its expression levels in lesional skin correlated with disease severity. In this study, we examined serum VEGF-A levels in MF/SS patients. Serum VEGF-A levels were elevated in patients with erythrodermic MF/SS and the levels decreased after treatment. Importantly, serum VEGF-A levels positively correlated with markers for pruritus. We also found that VEGF-A upregulated mRNA expression of thymic stromal lymphopoietin by keratinocytes. Taken together, our study suggests that VEGF-A can promote progression and pruritus in MF/SS. Inhibition of VEGF-A signaling can be a therapeutic strategy for patients with erythrodermic MF/SS. © 2017 Japanese Dermatological Association.

Serum Soluble (Pro)Renin Receptor Levels in Maintenance Hemodialysis Patients

PubMed Central

Amari, Yoshifumi; Morimoto, Satoshi; Nakajima, Fumitaka; Ando, Takashi; Ichihara, Atsuhiro

2016-01-01

The (pro)renin receptor [(P)RR] is cleaved by furin to generate soluble (P)RR [s(P)RR], which reflects the status of the tissue renin-angiotensin system. Hemodialysis patients have advanced atherosclerosis. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationships between serum s(P)RR levels and background factors, including indices of atherosclerosis, in hemodialysis patients. Serum s(P)RR levels were measured in hemodialysis patients and clearance of s(P)RR through the membrane of the dialyzer was examined. Furthermore, relationships between serum s(P)RR levels and background factors were assessed. Serum s(P)RR levels were significantly higher in hemodialysis patients (30.4 ± 6.1 ng/ml, n = 258) than those in subjects with normal renal function (21.4 ± 6.2 ng/ml, n = 39, P < 0.0001). Clearance of s(P)RR and creatinine were 56.9 ± 33.5 and 147.6 ± 9.50 ml/min, respectively. Serum s(P)RR levels were significantly higher in those with ankle-brachial index (ABI) of < 0.9, an indicator of severe atherosclerosis, than those with ABI of ≥ 0.9 (32.2 ± 5.9 and 30.1 ± 6.2 ng/ml, respectively, P < 0.05). An association between low ABI and high serum s(P)RR levels was observed even after correction for age, history of smoking, HbA1c, and LDL-C. Serum s(P)RR levels were significantly higher in hemodialysis patients when compared with subjects with normal renal function, although s(P)RR is dialyzed to some extent, but to a lesser extent than creatinine. High serum s(P)RR levels may be associated with atherosclerosis independent of other risk factors, suggesting that serum s(P)RR could be used as a marker for atherosclerotic conditions in hemodialysis patients. PMID:27367528

Serum tumour necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6 levels in Alzheimer's disease and mild cognitive impairment.

PubMed

Kim, Yo Sup; Lee, Kang Joon; Kim, Hyun

2017-07-01

Neuroinflammation has been recognized as a feature of Alzheimer's disease (AD), and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is believed to share several pathological features with AD. The aim of the present study was to compare serum cytokine levels between patients with AD, subjects with MCI, and healthy controls, and to assess the correlation between cytokine levels and cognitive performance in these subjects. Participants included 35 patients with AD, 29 subjects with MCI, and 28 healthy controls from the Department of Psychiatry of IIlsan Paik Hospital in South Korea. Demographic and neuropsychological information were obtained, and peripheral cytokine levels, specifically tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-6 levels, were measured for all subjects. After adjustment for age, a significant difference in IL-6 levels (P = 0.045), but not in TNF-α (P = 0.082) levels, was observed among the three groups. IL-6 levels were higher in patients with AD than in subjects with MCI and healthy controls. TNF-α and IL-6 levels negatively and positively correlated with Mini-Mental State Examination and Global Deterioration Scale scores, respectively. TNF-α and IL-6 levels were also positively correlated with each other. The present study suggests that serum IL-6 levels of patients with AD might be higher than those of subjects with MCI and healthy controls. Serum TNF-α and IL-6 levels might be negatively correlated with cognitive function, and we suspect that serum IL-6 levels could be biomarkers for AD. © 2017 Japanese Psychogeriatric Society.

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor is increased in serum and skin levels of patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria.

PubMed

Rössing, K; Novak, N; Mommert, S; Pfab, F; Gehring, M; Wedi, B; Kapp, A; Raap, U

2011-10-01

Chronic spontaneous urticaria is triggered by many direct and indirect aggravating factors including autoreactive/autoimmune mechanisms, infections, non-allergic and pseudoallergic intolerance reactions. However, the role of neuroimmune mechanisms in chronic spontaneous urticaria so far is unclear. Thus, we wanted to address the regulation of the neurotrophin brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in serum and inflammatory skin of patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria in comparison to subjects with healthy skin. Fifty adult patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria and 23 skin-healthy subjects were studied. Chronic spontaneous urticaria was defined as recurrent weals for more than 6 weeks. Autologous serum skin test was performed in all patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria and BDNF serum levels were analysed by enzyme immunoassay in all subjects. Furthermore, skin biopsies were taken from weals of eight patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria as well as from healthy skin of eight controls to evaluate the expression of BDNF and its receptors including tyrosine kinase (trk) B and pan-neurotrophin receptor p75(NTR) by immunohistochemistry. BDNF serum levels were detectable in all subjects studied. However, BDNF levels were significantly higher in patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria compared to non-atopic skin-healthy controls (P<0.001). Furthermore, epidermal and dermal expression of BDNF and epidermal expression of p75(NTR) was significantly higher in patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria compared with controls (P<0.05-0.001). There was no difference with regard to the expression of trkB between chronic spontaneous urticaria and controls and no difference in BDNF serum levels between autologous serum skin test-positive (n=23) and -negative (n=27) patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria. This study shows that BDNF is increased in serum and diseased skin of patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria, suggesting a role for

Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Serum Levels and Hippocampal Volume in Mild Cognitive Impairment and Dementia due to Alzheimer Disease.

PubMed

Borba, Ericksen Mielle; Duarte, Juliana Avila; Bristot, Giovana; Scotton, Ellen; Camozzato, Ana Luiza; Chaves, Márcia Lorena Fagundes

2016-01-01

Hippocampal atrophy is a recognized biomarker of Alzheimer disease (AD) pathology. Serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) reduction has been associated with neurodegeneration. We aimed to evaluate BDNF serum levels and hippocampal volume in clinical AD (dementia and mild cognitive impairment [MCI]). Participants were 10 patients with MCI and 13 with dementia due to AD as well as 10 healthy controls. BDNF serum levels were determined by ELISA and volumetric measures with NeuroQuant®. MCI and dementia patients presented lower BDNF serum levels than healthy participants; dementia patients presented a smaller hippocampal volume than MCI patients and healthy participants. The findings support that the decrease in BDNF might start before the establishment of neuronal injury expressed by the hippocampal reduction.

Low-serum GTA-446 anti-inflammatory fatty acid levels as a new risk factor for colon cancer.

PubMed

Ritchie, Shawn A; Tonita, Jon; Alvi, Riaz; Lehotay, Denis; Elshoni, Hoda; Myat, Su-; McHattie, James; Goodenowe, Dayan B

2013-01-15

Gastrointestinal tract acid-446 (GTA-446) is a long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid present in the serum. A reduction of GTA-446 levels in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients has been reported previously. Our study compared GTA-446 levels in subjects diagnosed with CRC at the time of colonoscopy to the general population. Serum samples and pathology data were collected from 4,923 representative subjects undergoing colonoscopy and from 964 subjects from the general population. Serum GTA-446 levels were determined using a triple-quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry method. A low-serum GTA-446 level was based on the bottom tenth percentile of subjects with low risk based on age (40-49 years old) in the general population. Eighty-six percent of newly diagnosed CRC subjects (87% for stages 0-II and 85% for stages III-IV) showed low-serum GTA-446 levels. A significant increase in the CRC incidence rate with age was observed in subjects with low GTA-446 levels (p = 0.019), but not in subjects with normal levels (p = 0.86). The relative risk of CRC given a low GTA-446 level was the highest for subjects under age 50 (10.1, 95% confidence interval [C.I.] = 6.4-16.4 in the reference population, and 7.7, 95% C.I. = 4.4-14.1 in the colonoscopy population, both p < 0.0001), and declined with age thereafter. The CRC incidence rate in subjects undergoing colonoscopy with low GTA-446 levels was over six times higher than for subjects with normal GTA-446 levels and twice that of subjects with gastrointestinal symptoms. The results show that a low-serum GTA-446 level is a significant risk factor for CRC, and a sensitive predictor of early-stage disease. Copyright © 2012 UICC.

Low-serum GTA-446 anti-inflammatory fatty acid levels as a new risk factor for colon cancer

PubMed Central

Ritchie, Shawn A; Tonita, Jon; Alvi, Riaz; Lehotay, Denis; Elshoni, Hoda; Myat, Su-; McHattie, James; Goodenowe, Dayan B

2013-01-01

Gastrointestinal tract acid-446 (GTA-446) is a long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid present in the serum. A reduction of GTA-446 levels in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients has been reported previously. Our study compared GTA-446 levels in subjects diagnosed with CRC at the time of colonoscopy to the general population. Serum samples and pathology data were collected from 4,923 representative subjects undergoing colonoscopy and from 964 subjects from the general population. Serum GTA-446 levels were determined using a triple-quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry method. A low-serum GTA-446 level was based on the bottom tenth percentile of subjects with low risk based on age (40–49 years old) in the general population. Eighty-six percent of newly diagnosed CRC subjects (87% for stages 0–II and 85% for stages III–IV) showed low-serum GTA-446 levels. A significant increase in the CRC incidence rate with age was observed in subjects with low GTA-446 levels (p = 0.019), but not in subjects with normal levels (p = 0.86). The relative risk of CRC given a low GTA-446 level was the highest for subjects under age 50 (10.1, 95% confidence interval [C.I.] = 6.4–16.4 in the reference population, and 7.7, 95% C.I. = 4.4–14.1 in the colonoscopy population, both p < 0.0001), and declined with age thereafter. The CRC incidence rate in subjects undergoing colonoscopy with low GTA-446 levels was over six times higher than for subjects with normal GTA-446 levels and twice that of subjects with gastrointestinal symptoms. The results show that a low-serum GTA-446 level is a significant risk factor for CRC, and a sensitive predictor of early-stage disease. PMID:22696299

Increased serum levels of interleukin-17 and transforming growth factor-β in patients with Graves’ disease

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Elvira, D.; Nasrul, E.; Sofyan, Y.; Decroli, E.; Darwin, E.

2018-03-01

Graves’ disease (GD) is an organ-specific autoimmune disease, characterized by excessive autoantibody levels due to tolerance breakdown of thyroid-specific autoantigens. To determine the role of interleukin-17 (IL-17) and transforming growth factor-ß (TGF-β) in GD, we assessed their serum levels in patients with GD and healthy controls. Thirty patients with hyperthyroidism, goiter, and positive thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor antibody diagnosed as GD, according to the clinical diagnostic criteria for autoimmune thyroid disease. Blood samples were also from 30 healthy individuals matched for age and sex as a control. Serum levels of IL-17 and TGF-ß were by using ELISA. IL-17 and TGF-ß levels (14.43 ± 2.15 pg/mL and 10.44 ± 3.19 pg/mL, respectively) were significantly higher in patients with GD than in controls (7.07 ± 1.45 pg/mL and 4.95 ± 1.35 pg/mL, respectively). However, no correlation between IL-17 and TGF-β level in patients with GD. The elevated serum level of IL-17 and TGF-β in patients with GD reflects Th-2 predominance, which causes increasing of these pro-inflammatory cytokines.

Serum vitamin D levels, diabetes and cardio-metabolic risk factors in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians.

PubMed

Maple-Brown, Louise J; Hughes, Jaquelyne T; Lu, Zhong X; Jeyaraman, Kanakamani; Lawton, Paul; Jones, Graham Rd; Ellis, Andrew; Sinha, Ashim; Cass, Alan; MacIsaac, Richard J; Jerums, George; O'Dea, Kerin

2014-01-01

Low levels of serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25(OH)D), have been associated with development of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease (CVD); however there are limited data on serum 25(OH)D in Indigenous Australians, a population at high risk for both diabetes and CVD. We aimed to assess levels of serum 25(OH)D in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians and to explore relationships between 25(OH)D and cardio-metabolic risk factors and diabetes. 592 Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Australian participants of The eGFR (estimated glomerular filtration rate) Study, a cross-sectional analysis of a cohort study performed in 2007-2011, from urban and remote centres within communities, primary care and tertiary hospitals across Northern Territory, Far North Queensland and Western Australia. Assessment of serum 25(OH)D, cardio-metabolic risk factors (central obesity, diabetes, hypertension, history of cardiovascular disease, current smoker, low HDL-cholesterol), and diabetes (by history or HbA1c ≥6.5%) was performed. Associations were explored between 25(OH)D and outcome measures of diabetes and number of cardio-metabolic risk factors. The median (IQR) serum 25(OH)D was 60 (45-77) nmol/L, 31% had 25(OH)D <50 nmol/L. For participants with 25(OH)D < 50 vs ≥50 nmol/L, cardio-metabolic risk profile differed for: diabetes (54%, 36% p < 0.001), past history of cardiovascular disease (16%, 9%, p = 0.014), waist-hip ratio (0.98, 0.92, p < 0.001), urine albumin-creatinine ratio (2.7, 1.5 mg/mmol, p < 0.001). The OR (95% CI) for diabetes was 2.02 (1.03 - 3.95) for people in the lowest vs highest tertiles of 25(OH)D (<53 vs >72 nmol/L, respectively) after adjusting for known cardio-metabolic risk factors. The percentage of 25(OH)D levels <50 nmol/L was high among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians from Northern and Central Australia. Low 25(OH)D level was associated with adverse cardio-metabolic risk profile and was

Relationship between Serum Ferritin Levels and Dyslipidemia in Korean Adolescents

PubMed Central

Kim, Young-Eun; Roh, Yong-Kyun; Ju, Sang-Yhun; Yoon, Yeo-Joon; Nam, Ga-Eun; Nam, Hyo-Yun; Choi, Jun-Seok; Lee, Jong-Eun; Sang, Jung-Eun; Han, Kyungdo

2016-01-01

Background Ferritin is associated with various cardiometabolic risk factors such as dyslipidemia, hypertension, obesity, and insulin resistance in adults. We aimed to study the association between serum ferritin levels and dyslipidemia in adolescents, because dyslipidemia is considered an important modifiable cardiovascular risk factor in the young. Methods We analyzed 1,879 subjects (1,026 boys and 853 girls) from the 2009–2010 Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey IV. Subjects were categorized into quartiles according to their lipid parameters, which were classified according to age and gender. Those in the highest quartile groups for total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and triglyceride concentrations were diagnosed as having dyslipidemia. Those in the lowest quartile for high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) values were diagnosed with abnormal levels. Results In boys, total cholesterol, LDL-C, and triglyceride concentrations were significantly correlated with serum ferritin levels. In both boys and girls, serum ferritin levels were negatively associated with HDL-C values, even after adjusting for all covariates. Furthermore, there was no significant correlation between serum ferritin levels and total cholesterol, LDL, and triglyceride concentrations in girls. Conclusion Serum ferritin levels were significantly associated with major dyslipidemia parameters, more prominently in boys than in girls, and this association represents a cardiometabolic risk factor. PMID:27070153

Glial Cell Line-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (GDNF) serum level in women with schizophrenia and depression, correlation with clinical and metabolic parameters.

PubMed

Skibinska, Maria; Kapelski, Pawel; Pawlak, Joanna; Rajewska-Rager, Aleksandra; Dmitrzak-Weglarz, Monika; Szczepankiewicz, Aleksandra; Czerski, Piotr; Twarowska-Hauser, Joanna

2017-10-01

Neurotrophic factors have been implicated in neuropsychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia and depression. Glial Cell Line-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (GDNF) promotes development, differentiation, and protection of dopaminergic, serotonergic, GABAergic and noradrenergic neurons as well as glial cells in different brain regions. This study examined serum levels of GDNF in schizophrenia and depression and its correlation with metabolic parameters during 8 weeks of treatment. Serum GDNF level, fasting serum glucose and lipid profile were measured at baseline and week 8 in 133 women: 55 with schizophrenia, 30 with a first episode depression and 48 healthy controls. The severity of the symptoms was evaluated using Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). There was statistically significant higher GDNF level in schizophrenia at baseline when compared with week 8. Correlations of GDNF with PANSS in schizophrenia and cholesterol level in depression have also been detected. To our knowledge, this is the first study which correlates GDNF levels with metabolic parameters. Our results show no differences in GDNF serum level between schizophrenia, a first depressive episode, and healthy controls. GDNF serum level did not correlate with metabolic parameters except for total cholesterol in depression. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Association of serum interleukin-10, interleukin-17A and transforming growth factor-α levels with human benign and malignant breast diseases

PubMed Central

Lv, Zhuangwei; Liu, Min; Shen, Jinghui; Xiang, Dong; Ma, Yunfeng; Ji, Yanhong

2018-01-01

Interleukin-10 (IL-10), interleukin-17A (IL-17A) and transforming growth factor α (TGF-α) have been implicated in the progression of breast cancer. However, the diagnostic and prognostic roles of these cytokines in ductal carcinoma remain unclear. The present study therefore aimed to determine the serum levels of IL-10, IL-17 and TGF-α in subjects with benign and malignant breast diseases and to evaluate the clinical significance of these cytokines in ductal carcinoma. Pre-operative serum samples were collected from 378 patients with breast disease and 70 healthy subjects. IL-10, IL-17A and TGF-α levels were measured using ELISA. Serum levels of these cytokine in patients with different breast diseases were evaluated. Furthermore, correlations between levels of these cytokines and the expression of estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR) and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) in ductal carcinoma were determined. The results demonstrated that serum levels of IL-10 and IL-17A were significantly increased in subjects with atypical hyperplasia and ductal carcinoma. Furthermore, IL-10 and IL-17A levels were increased in patients with a more serious clinical tumor stage and tumors that were ER− and PR−. Furthermore, high serum levels of TGF-α were associated with HER2+ tumors. A strong positive correlation was identified between TGF-α and IL-17A levels. Therefore, the results of the current study revealed that elevated serum IL-10, IL-17A and TGF-α levels are strongly associated with ductal carcinoma, specifically with tumor stage. High serum levels of IL-10 and IL-17A were also associated with the negative expression of ER and PR in ductal carcinoma, and high serum levels of TGF-α were associated with the positive expression of HER2 in ductal carcinoma. Thus, serum cytokine levels may be measured to identify patients with a poor prognosis who may benefit from more aggressive management and treatment. PMID:29904427

Association of serum interleukin-10, interleukin-17A and transforming growth factor-α levels with human benign and malignant breast diseases.

PubMed

Lv, Zhuangwei; Liu, Min; Shen, Jinghui; Xiang, Dong; Ma, Yunfeng; Ji, Yanhong

2018-06-01

Interleukin-10 (IL-10), interleukin-17A (IL-17A) and transforming growth factor α (TGF-α) have been implicated in the progression of breast cancer. However, the diagnostic and prognostic roles of these cytokines in ductal carcinoma remain unclear. The present study therefore aimed to determine the serum levels of IL-10, IL-17 and TGF-α in subjects with benign and malignant breast diseases and to evaluate the clinical significance of these cytokines in ductal carcinoma. Pre-operative serum samples were collected from 378 patients with breast disease and 70 healthy subjects. IL-10, IL-17A and TGF-α levels were measured using ELISA. Serum levels of these cytokine in patients with different breast diseases were evaluated. Furthermore, correlations between levels of these cytokines and the expression of estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR) and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) in ductal carcinoma were determined. The results demonstrated that serum levels of IL-10 and IL-17A were significantly increased in subjects with atypical hyperplasia and ductal carcinoma. Furthermore, IL-10 and IL-17A levels were increased in patients with a more serious clinical tumor stage and tumors that were ER - and PR - . Furthermore, high serum levels of TGF-α were associated with HER2 + tumors. A strong positive correlation was identified between TGF-α and IL-17A levels. Therefore, the results of the current study revealed that elevated serum IL-10, IL-17A and TGF-α levels are strongly associated with ductal carcinoma, specifically with tumor stage. High serum levels of IL-10 and IL-17A were also associated with the negative expression of ER and PR in ductal carcinoma, and high serum levels of TGF-α were associated with the positive expression of HER2 in ductal carcinoma. Thus, serum cytokine levels may be measured to identify patients with a poor prognosis who may benefit from more aggressive management and treatment.

Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Serum Levels and Hippocampal Volume in Mild Cognitive Impairment and Dementia due to Alzheimer Disease

PubMed Central

Borba, Ericksen Mielle; Duarte, Juliana Avila; Bristot, Giovana; Scotton, Ellen; Camozzato, Ana Luiza; Chaves, Márcia Lorena Fagundes

2016-01-01

Background/Aims Hippocampal atrophy is a recognized biomarker of Alzheimer disease (AD) pathology. Serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) reduction has been associated with neurodegeneration. We aimed to evaluate BDNF serum levels and hippocampal volume in clinical AD (dementia and mild cognitive impairment [MCI]). Methods Participants were 10 patients with MCI and 13 with dementia due to AD as well as 10 healthy controls. BDNF serum levels were determined by ELISA and volumetric measures with NeuroQuant®. Results MCI and dementia patients presented lower BDNF serum levels than healthy participants; dementia patients presented a smaller hippocampal volume than MCI patients and healthy participants. Discussion The findings support that the decrease in BDNF might start before the establishment of neuronal injury expressed by the hippocampal reduction. PMID:28101102

Serum lipocalin-2 levels are increased in patients with psoriasis.

PubMed

Kamata, M; Tada, Y; Tatsuta, A; Kawashima, T; Shibata, S; Mitsui, H; Asano, Y; Sugaya, M; Kadono, T; Kanda, N; Watanabe, S; Sato, S

2012-04-01

The protein lipocalin (LCN)-2 is known to be related to insulin resistance, obesity and atherosclerotic diseases. Psoriasis is an inflammatory skin disease related to metabolic syndrome. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between serum LCN2 levels and indicators for metabolic syndrome and inflammatory cytokine levels in patients with psoriasis. Serum LCN2 levels were measured in patients with psoriasis, atopic dermatitis (AD) or bullous pemphigoid (BP), and compared with those of healthy controls. Serum LCN2 levels were also compared with several indicators for metabolic syndrome, and with serum levels of interleukin (IL)-6 and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α, two markers of inflammation. Serum LCN2 levels in patients with psoriasis were significantly higher than those of healthy controls, but there was no significant correlation between serum LCN2 and body mass index. Serum LCN2 levels also correlated with serum IL-6 and TNF-α levels in patients with psoriasis. Serum LCN2 levels are a general indicator for increased inflammation in the patients with psoriasis. © The Author(s). CED © 2012 British Association of Dermatologists.

Effect of Mirtazapine Treatment on Serum Levels of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor and Tumor Necrosis Factor-α in Patients of Major Depressive Disorder with Severe Depression.

PubMed

Gupta, Rachna; Gupta, Keshav; Tripathi, A K; Bhatia, M S; Gupta, Lalit K

2016-01-01

This study evaluated the clinical efficacy of mirtazapine and its effect on serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels in patients of major-depressive disorder (MDD) with severe depression. Patients (aged 18-60) with MDD diagnosed by DSM-IV criteria, and Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D) score ≥25 were included (n = 30). Mirtazapine was given in the doses of 30 mg/day. All patients were followed up for 12 weeks for the evaluation of clinical efficacy, safety along with serum BDNF and TNF-α levels. HAM-D score at the start of treatment was 30.1 ± 1.92, which significantly (p < 0.05) reduced to 13.47 ± 1.77 at 12 weeks of treatment. In responders, mean serum BDNF levels at the start of treatment were 2.32 ± 0.3 ng/ml, which significantly (p < 0.05) increased to 2.79 ± 0.33 ng/ml at 12 weeks of treatment and mean serum TNF-α levels at the start were 5.18 ± 0.67 pg/ml, which significantly decreased to 4.36 ± 0.72 pg/ml (p < 0.05) at 12 weeks of treatment. Our results suggest that mirtazapine is effective and well tolerated in severely depressed patients and treatment response is associated with an increase in serum BDNF and a decrease in serum TNF-α levels. © 2016 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Factors associated with serum thyroglobulin levels in a population living in Belarus

PubMed Central

Cahoon, Elizabeth K; Rozhko, Alexander; Hatch, Maureen; Polyanskaya, Olga; Ostroumova, Evgenia; Tang, Min; Nadirov, Eldar; Yauseyenka, Vasilina; Savasteeva, Irina; McConnell, Robert J; Pfeiffer, Ruth M; Brenner, Alina V

2013-01-01

SUMMARY Objective Serum thyroglobulin (Tg) has been associated with a number of thyroid disorders and has been proposed as an indicator of iodine deficiency in a population. However, few studies have addressed the epidemiology of Tg in a population-based setting or in the context of exposure to radioactive iodine-131 (I-131). Our objective was to evaluate baseline levels of Tg in relation to socio-demographic characteristics, iodine status, and thyroid function for individuals exposed to I-131. Design A population-based cohort assembled in Belarus following the Chornobyl accident provided demographic factors, clinical data, and physiological measurements. Participants Our analytic sample included 10,344 subjects of whom 7,890 had no thyroid disease and 2,454 had evidence of structural or functional thyroid abnormality. Measurements Standardized assays were used to measure serum Tg, urinary iodine, TSH, and antibodies to Tg and thyroid peroxidase. Ultrasound was used to assess the presence of nodules and estimate thyroid volume. Results In the fully adjusted model, percent change in Tg was significantly increased among females, smokers, and subjects of older age and Tg increased with decreasing urinary iodine concentration, increasing serum TSH and increasing thyroid volume (p-values for trend < 0.0001), and presence of thyroid nodules (p < 0.05). We found a complex interaction between region of residence, rural/urban living, presence/absence of thyroid abnormalities, and serum Tg (p < 0.0001). Conclusions In residents of Belarus, serum Tg is significantly related to presence of thyroid abnormalities as well as indicators of thyroid function and iodine deficiency and, therefore, could be used to characterize the iodine status and thyroid function of individuals in the context of epidemiological study. PMID:23190420

Serum paraoxonase level and paraoxonase polymorphism in patients with acromegaly.

PubMed

Arpaci, Dilek; Karakas Celik, Sevim; Can, Murat; Ermiş, Esra; Kuzu, Fatih; Kokturk, Furuzan; Hamamcioglu, Ayse Ceylan; Dursun, Ahmet; Bayraktaroglu, Taner

2016-11-01

Acromegalic patients have increased cardiometabolic risk factors due to an elevation of growth hormone (GH) levels. Human serum paraoxonase (PON), a high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-related enzyme, is one of the major bioscavengers and decreases the oxidation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), a key regulator in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. In this study, we investigated a potential relationship between serum PON levels or PON polymorphisms and acromegaly. A total of 48 acromegalic patients and 44 healthy controls were included in this study. Serum GH levels, insulin-like growth factor-1 levels and lipid profiles were measured. Serum PON levels, as well as PON 1 L55M and Q192R gene polymorphisms, were examined. No significant differences were found in terms of age, gender, presence of diabetes, serum LDL cholesterol (LDL-C), HDL-C, or triglyceride levels between the case and control groups (P > 0.05). A statistically significant difference was found in serum PON levels between the cases and controls (P = 0.007). The median serum PON level was 101 ± 63.36 U/l in the case group and 63 ± 60.50 U/l in the control group. There was a significant correlation between serum PON levels and IGF-1 levels (P = 0.004, r = 0.319); however, no significant differences were found in PON1 L55M and PON Q192R polymorphisms between the patients and controls (P = 0.607 and P = 0.308, respectively). In addition, no significant differences were found in serum PON levels in acromegalic patients who were and were not in remission (P = 0.385), nor between those with PON1 L55M and Q192R polymorphisms (P = 0.161 and P = 0.336, respectively). Elevated serum PON levels were detected in acromegalic patients, independently of their remission status. This suggests protective effects for cardiometabolic risk parameters.

Serum levels of interleukin-22, cardiometabolic risk factors and incident type 2 diabetes: KORA F4/FF4 study.

PubMed

Herder, Christian; Kannenberg, Julia M; Carstensen-Kirberg, Maren; Huth, Cornelia; Meisinger, Christa; Koenig, Wolfgang; Peters, Annette; Rathmann, Wolfgang; Roden, Michael; Thorand, Barbara

2017-01-31

Interleukin-22 (IL-22) has beneficial effects on body weight, insulin resistance and inflammation in different mouse models, but its relevance for the development of type 2 diabetes in humans is unknown. We aimed to identify correlates of serum IL-22 levels and to test the hypothesis that higher IL-22 levels are associated with lower diabetes incidence. Cross-sectional associations between serum IL-22, cardiometabolic risk factors and glucose tolerance status were investigated in 1107 persons of the population-based KORA F4 study. The prospective association between serum IL-22 and incident type 2 diabetes was assessed in 504 initially non-diabetic study participants in both the KORA F4 study and its 7-year follow-up examination KORA FF4, 76 of whom developed diabetes. Male sex, current smoking, lower HDL cholesterol, lower estimated glomerular filtration rate and higher serum interleukin-1 receptor antagonist were associated with higher IL-22 levels after adjustment for confounders (all P < 0.05). Serum IL-22 showed no associations with glucose tolerance status, prediabetes or type 2 diabetes. Baseline serum IL-22 levels (median, 25th/75th percentiles) for incident type 2 diabetes cases and non-cases were 6.28 (1.95; 12.35) and 6.45 (1.95; 11.80) pg/ml, respectively (age and sex-adjusted P = 0.744). The age and sex-adjusted OR (95% CI) per doubling of IL-22 for incident type 2 diabetes of 1.02 (0.85; 1.23) was almost unchanged after consideration of further confounders. High serum levels of IL-22 were positively rather than inversely associated with several cardiometabolic risk factors. However, these associations did not translate into an increased risk for type 2 diabetes. Thus, our data argue against the utility of IL-22 as biomarker for prevalent or incident type 2 diabetes in humans, but identify potential determinants of IL-22 levels which merits further research in the context of cardiovascular diseases.

Serum levels of nerve growth factor (NGF) in patients with major depression disorder and suicide risk.

PubMed

Wiener, Carolina David; de Mello Ferreira, Sharon; Pedrotti Moreira, Fernanda; Bittencourt, Guilherme; de Oliveira, Jacqueline Flores; Lopez Molina, Mariane; Jansen, Karen; de Mattos Souza, Luciano Dias; Rizzato Lara, Diogo; Portela, Luiz Valmor; da Silva, Ricardo Azevedo; Oses, Jean Pierre

2015-09-15

Nerve growth factor (NGF) is an important member of the neurotrophins group and their involvement in the pathophysiology of major depression disorder (MDD) and suicide risk (SR) has been recently suggested. The aim of this study is to evaluate the changes in NGF serum levels in individuals with MDD and with or without risk of suicide, in subjects from a young population-based sample. This is a paired cross-sectional study nested in a population-based study. Individuals were rated for MDD and SR by a diagnostic interview--Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (M.I.N.I). The total population of the sample was comprised of 141 subjects distributed in three groups: 47 healthy controls, 47 subjects with current depressive episode without SR (MDD) and 47 subjects with current depressive episode and with SR (MDD + SR). NGF serum levels were significantly reduced in the MDD and MDD + SR groups when compared with controls (p ≤ 0.001). However, there were no differences in NGF levels between the MDD and MDD + SR groups (p = 1.000). These results suggest that reduced NGF serum levels can be a possible biomarker of MDD. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Serum enzymes levels and influencing factors in three indigenous Ethiopian goat breeds.

PubMed

Tibbo, M; Jibril, Y; Woldemeskel, M; Dawo, F; Aragaw, K; Rege, J E O

2008-12-01

Serum enzymes were studied in 163 apparently healthy goats from three indigenous goat breeds of Ethiopia. The effect of breed, age, sex and season on alanine aminotransferase (ALT) / glutamic pyruvic transaminase (GPT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) / glutamic oxalacetic transaminases (GOT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and acid phosphatase (AcP) levels was assessed. The mean serum enzymes levels of the indigenous Arsi-Bale, Central Highland and Long-eared Somali goat breeds ranged from 14.0-20.2 iu L(-1) for ALT/GPT, from 43.2-49.3 iu L(-1) for AST/GOT, from 83.7-98.8 iu L(-1) for ALP, and from 2.99-4.23 iu L(-1) for AcP, were within the normal range for goats elsewhere. Breed had significant influence on AST/GOT values. Sex had significant effect on ALT/GPT for Arsi-Bale goats with higher values in males than females. Age was significant on all serum enzymes studied in the Arsi-Bale goats and on ALP in the Central Highland goats. Season had significant influence on all serum enzymes except for ALT/GPT in the Arsi-Bale goats. The serum enzyme levels of these indigenous goat breeds can be used as normal reference values for Ethiopian goat breeds adapted to similar agro-ecology and production system.

Association of Tumor Growth Factor-β and Interferon-γ Serum Levels With Insulin Resistance in Normal Pregnancy.

PubMed

Sotoodeh Jahromi, Abdolreza; Sanie, Mohammad Sadegh; Yusefi, Alireza; Zabetian, Hassan; Zareian, Parvin; Hakimelahi, Hossein; Madani, Abdolhossien; Hojjat-Farsangi, Mohammad

2015-09-28

Pregnancy is related to change in glucose metabolism and insulin production. The aim of our study was to determine the association of serum IFN-γ and TGF- β levels with insulin resistance during normal pregnancy. This cross sectional study was carried out on 97 healthy pregnant (in different trimesters) and 28 healthy non-pregnant women. Serum TGF-β and IFN- γ level were measured by ELISA method. Pregnant women had high level TGF-β and low level IFN-γ as compared non-pregnant women. Maternal serum TGF-β concentration significantly increased in third trimester as compared first and second trimester of pregnancy. Maternal serum IFN-γ concentration significantly decreased in third trimester as compared first and second trimester of pregnancy. Pregnant women exhibited higher score of HOMA IR as compared non-pregnant women. There were association between gestational age with body mass index (r=0.28, P=0.005), TGF-β (r=0.45, P<0.001) and IFN-γ (r=-0.50, P<0.001). There was significant association between Insulin resistance and TGF-β (r=0.17, p=0.05). Our findings suggest that changes in maternal cytokine level in healthy pregnant women were anti-inflammatory. Furthermore, Tumor Growth Factor-β appears has a role in induction insulin resistance in healthy pregnant women. However, further studies needed to evaluate role of different cytokines on insulin resistance in normal pregnancy.

Serum IgE levels are associated with coronary artery disease severity.

PubMed

Guo, Xiaoxiao; Yuan, Su; Liu, Yongtai; Zeng, Yong; Xie, Hongzhi; Liu, Zhenyu; Zhang, Shuyang; Fang, Quan; Wang, Jing; Shen, Zhujun

2016-08-01

Immunoglobulin E (IgE), a key element of allergic reactions, was considered to be involved in the development of atherosclerosis and the pathogenesis of myocardial ischemia. This study was designed to test whether total serum IgE levels were associated with the atherosclerosis severity of coronary artery disease (CAD). Total serum IgE concentrations were measured in 708 consecutive patients who were presented to our center for coronary angiography. Atherosclerosis severity of CAD was assessed by the number of diseased vessels showing ≥50% diameter stenosis and quantified by Gensini score. Patients with CAD (N = 562) had higher serum IgE levels than those without CAD (N = 146) [55.90 (19.10-156.00) vs. 26.90 (11.80-62.10) KU/L, p = 0.003]. Furthermore, the serum IgE levels were significantly increased in patients with multivessel disease (MVD) compared to those with single-vessel disease [61.80 (23.20-159.00) vs. 32.45(14.15-94.38) KU/L, p = 0.003]. After adjustment for traditional cardiovascular risk factors, a high serum IgE level was an independent predictor for an increased risk of MVD (OR 1.003; 95% CI 1.001-1.004; p = 0.041). Receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis demonstrated that serum IgE levels improved the predictive capability of traditional risk factors for MVD (area under the curve with and without IgE: 0.734 and 0.713, respectively, p < 0.001). Meanwhile, there was a significant linear relationship between Gensini score and the serum IgE level quartiles (p for linear trend <0.001). Increased total serum IgE levels are associated with MVD and contribute to discriminating CAD severity independently of traditional cardiovascular risk factors. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Performance on the Wisconsin card-sorting test and serum levels of glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor in patients with major depressive disorder.

PubMed

Zhang, Xiaobin; Ru, Bu; Sha, Weiwei; Xin, Wang; Zhou, Honghui; Zhang, Yumei

2014-09-01

Some evidence suggests that neurotrophic growth factor systems might be involved in the etiology of major depressive disorder (MDD). Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) is a neurotrophic factor from the transforming growth factor-β family that plays a role in the development and function of the brain. This study aimed to test whether GDNF in serum was abnormal in MDD, and whether it was related to the cognitive impairment of MDD. Serum GDNF levels in MDD patients (n = 32) and normal controls (n = 32) were measured with the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. All subjects were assessed for performance on the Wisconsin card-sorting test (WCST). Performance on the WCST in MDD patients was significantly poorer than that in controls. Serum GDNF levels in MDD patients were significantly decreased compared to that of the control subjects (P < 0.001). Furthermore, the decrease in the serum GDNF levels positively correlated with performance in the WCST-% CONC and negatively with performance in the WCST-P in MDD patients. The findings suggest that MDD patients have extensive impairments of executive functioning, and lower serum GDNF might be involved in the pathogenesis of MDD, which may be associated with the cognitive dysfunction in MDD patients. © 2014 Wiley Publishing Asia Pty Ltd.

Serum levels of ghrelin, tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-6 in infants and children with congenital heart disease.

PubMed

Afify, Mohamed Farouk; Mohamed, Gamal B; El-Maboud, Mohamed Abd; Abdel-Latif, Esmat A

2009-12-01

To estimate serum levels of ghrelin, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in infants and children with congenital heart disease (CHD), compared with levels in age-matched controls, and to correlate the levels of ghrelin with TNF-alpha and IL-6. Case-control study. Suzan Moubarak Hospital of Al-Minya University, Egypt. We measured serum ghrelin, TNF-alpha and IL-6 levels using ELISA in 60 patients with CHD (40 acyanotic and 20 cyanotic) and in 20 control subjects. Our results showed that patients with CHD, regardless of the presence or absence of cyanosis, had significantly higher serum ghrelin, TNF-alpha and IL-6 than controls (p = 0.000). Serum levels of ghrelin and TNF-alpha in the acyanotic patients were significantly higher than in the cyanotic patients (p = 0.000). On the other hand, there was no significant difference in serum levels of IL-6 between the acyanotic and the cyanotic patients (p = 0.126). In acyanotic and cyanotic patients with CHD, there was a positive correlation between ghrelin and TNF-alpha (r = 0.424; p = 0.006 and r = 0.577; p = 0.008, respectively). Ghrelin levels were not correlated to IL-6 in the acyanotic and cyanotic patients with CHD (r = -0.211; p = 0.216 and r = -0.341; p = 0.08, respectively). Serum ghrelin, TNF-alpha and IL-6 levels are elevated in patients with CHD whether acyanotic or cyanotic. Increased ghrelin levels represent malnutrition and growth retardation in these patients. The relation of ghrelin with TNF-alpha may be explained by the possible effect of chronic congestive heart failure and chronic shunt hypoxemia.

Serum uric acid level as a cardio-cerebrovascular event risk factor in middle-aged and non-obese Chinese men.

PubMed

Li, Zhi-Jun; Yi, Chen-Ju; Li, Jing; Tang, Na

2017-04-11

The role of uric acid as a risk factor for cardio-cerebrovascular diseases is controversial. In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between serum uric acid level and the risk of cardio-cerebrovascular events in middle-aged and non-obese Chinese men. We included 3152 participants from the health examination center of Tongji Hospital from June 2007 to June 2010. Clinical examination and medical records were collected at the annual health examination. The hazard ratios (HRs) of uric acid for cardio-cerebrovascular events were calculated by Cox proportional hazards models. Generalized additive model and threshold effect analysis were used to explore the non-linear relationship between serum uric acid level and the incidence of cardio-cerebrovascular event. The mean follow-up time was 52 months. When the participants were classified into four groups by the serum acid quarter (Q1-Q4), the HRs (95% CI) of Q2-Q4 for cardio-cerebrovascular events were 1.26 (0.83, 1.92), 1.97 (1.33, 2.91) and 2.05 (1.40, 3.01), respectively, compared with the reference (Q1). The actual incidence and conditional incidence of cardio-cerebrovascular events in the high serum acid group were higher than those in the low serum acid group, which were stratified by the turning point (sUA = 372 μmol/L). We also showed a strong prognostic accuracy of the multiple variable-based score in 3 years and 5 years, with area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of 0.790 (0.756-0.823) and 0.777 (0.749-0.804), respectively. Serum uric acid level is a strong risk factor for cardio-cerebrovascular events.

Serum insulin-like growth factor-1 levels in females and males in different cervical vertebral maturation stages

PubMed Central

Gupta, Shreya; Deoskar, Anuradha; Gupta, Puneet; Jain, Sandhya

2015-01-01

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this cross sectional study was to assess serum insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) levels in female and male subjects at various cervical vertebral maturation (CVM) stages. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study sample consisted of 60 subjects, 30 females and 30 males, in the age range of 8-23 years. For all subjects, serum IGF-1 level was estimated from blood samples by means of chemiluminescence immunoassay (CLIA). CVM was assessed on lateral cephalograms using the method described by Baccetti. Serum IGF-1 level and cervical staging data of 30 female subjects were included and taken from records of a previous study. Data were analyzed by Kruska-Wallis and Mann Whitney test. Bonferroni correction was carried out and alpha value was set at 0.003. RESULTS: Peak value of serum IGF-1 was observed in cervical stages CS3 in females and CS4 in males. Differences between males and females were observed in mean values of IGF-1 at stages CS3, 4 and 5. The highest mean IGF-1 levels in males was observed in CS4 followed by CS5 and third highest in CS3; whereas in females the highest mean IGF-1 levelswas observed in CS3 followed by CS4 and third highest in CS5. Trends of IGF-1 in relation to the cervical stages also differed between males and females. The greatest mean serum IGF-1 value for both sexes was comparable, for females (397 ng/ml) values were slightly higher than in males (394.8 ng/ml). CONCLUSIONS: Males and females showed differences in IGF-1 trends and levels at different cervical stages. PMID:25992990

Serum insulin-like growth factor-1 levels in females and males in different cervical vertebral maturation stages.

PubMed

Gupta, Shreya; Deoskar, Anuradha; Gupta, Puneet; Jain, Sandhya

2015-01-01

The aim of this cross sectional study was to assess serum insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) levels in female and male subjects at various cervical vertebral maturation (CVM) stages. The study sample consisted of 60 subjects, 30 females and 30 males, in the age range of 8-23 years. For all subjects, serum IGF-1 level was estimated from blood samples by means of chemiluminescence immunoassay (CLIA). CVM was assessed on lateral cephalograms using the method described by Baccetti. Serum IGF-1 level and cervical staging data of 30 female subjects were included and taken from records of a previous study. Data were analyzed by Kruska-Wallis and Mann Whitney test. Bonferroni correction was carried out and alpha value was set at 0.003. Peak value of serum IGF-1 was observed in cervical stages CS3 in females and CS4 in males. Differences between males and females were observed in mean values of IGF-1 at stages CS3, 4 and 5. The highest mean IGF-1 levels in males was observed in CS4 followed by CS5 and third highest in CS3; whereas in females the highest mean IGF-1 levelswas observed in CS3 followed by CS4 and third highest in CS5. Trends of IGF-1 in relation to the cervical stages also differed between males and females. The greatest mean serum IGF-1 value for both sexes was comparable, for females (397 ng/ml) values were slightly higher than in males (394.8 ng/ml). Males and females showed differences in IGF-1 trends and levels at different cervical stages.

Serum homocysteine levels in cerebrovascular accidents.

PubMed

Zongte, Zolianthanga; Shaini, L; Debbarma, Asis; Singh, Th Bhimo; Devi, S Bilasini; Singh, W Gyaneshwar

2008-04-01

Hyperhomocysteinemia has been considered an independent risk factor in the development of stroke. The present study was undertaken to evaluate serum homocysteine levels in patients with cerebrovascular accidents among the Manipuri population and to compare with the normal cases. Ninety-three cerebrovascular accident cases admitted in the hospital were enrolled for the study and twenty-seven age and sex matched individuals free from cerebrovascular diseases were taken as control group. Serum homocysteine levels were estimated by ELISA method using Axis homocysteine EIA kit manufactured by Ranbaxy Diagnostic Ltd. India. The finding suggests that hyperhomocysteinemia is associated with cerebrovascular accident with male preponderance, which increases with advancing age. However, whether hyperhomocysteinemia is the cause or the result of cerebrovascular accidents needs further investigations.

Sucroferric oxyhydroxide decreases serum phosphorus level and fibroblast growth factor 23 and improves renal anemia in hemodialysis patients.

PubMed

Shima, Hisato; Miya, Keiko; Okada, Kazuyoshi; Minakuchi, Jun; Kawashima, Shu

2018-06-08

Sucroferric oxyhydroxide, a novel iron-based phosphate-binder, has been shown to have beneficial effects in lowering serum phosphorus levels and improving renal anemia in clinical studies. Although an effect of this agent on fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) has been reported in an animal study, there is little clinical data supporting this finding. This study aimed to evaluate the effect on chronic kidney disease-mineral and bone disorder, FGF23, renal anemia, iron-related parameters, adverse events of sucroferric oxyhydroxide in hemodialysis patients. Hemodialysis patients, receiving existing hyperphosphatemia drugs with insufficient benefit, were administered sucroferric oxyhydroxide with/without calcium carbonate for 16 weeks. Serum phosphorus level declined rapidly in Week 8 (p < 0.0001) and this decrease persisted until Week 16 (p < 0.0001). FGF23 decreased (p = 0.0412, Week 16), and hemoglobin increased (p < 0.0001, Week 16). Cumulative dose of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (p = 0.0122, Week 16), and intravenous iron (p = 0.0233, Week 12) decreased. All adverse reactions were mild, and diarrhea was the most frequently observed adverse reaction (16.7%). Therefore, hyperphosphatemia treatment with sucroferric oxyhydroxide may safely improve serum phosphorus level, renal anemia, FGF23, and other factors that affect the prognosis of hemodialysis patients.

Factors Associated with Maternal Serum Levels of Perfluoroalkyl Substances and Organochlorines: A Descriptive Study of Parous Women in Norway and Sweden

PubMed Central

Lauritzen, Hilde B.; Larose, Tricia L.; Øien, Torbjørn; Odland, Jon Ø.; van de Bor, Margot; Jacobsen, Geir W.; Sandanger, Torkjel M.

2016-01-01

Introduction Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) and organochlorines (OCs) are ubiquitous and persistent in the environment and proposed endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs). They can be transferred across the placenta during pregnancy, and studies suggest that the prenatal period may be particularly sensitive for influences on fetal growth and development. Several studies have investigated socio-demographic and pregnancy related factors associated with maternal serum PFAS and OC levels, but few studies have been conducted in time periods with increasing emissions of PFASs and recent emissions of OCs. Methods Serum from 424 pregnant women participating in the NICHD Scandinavian Successive Small-for-gestational Age (SGA) births study was collected in 1986–1988, and analyses of two PFASs and six OCs were conducted. Associations between EDCs and geographic, time dependent, socio-demographic and pregnancy related variables were evaluated by using multivariable linear regression models. Results Previous breastfeeding duration, time since last breastfeeding period, sampling date and country of residence were important factors associated with serum levels of PFOS and PFOA. Smoking status and pre-pregnancy BMI were negatively associated with PFOS, and maternal height was borderline negatively associated with PFOS and PFOA. Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was negatively associated with PFOS in a sub-sample. Maternal serum levels of OCs were positively associated with maternal age, and negatively associated with previous breastfeeding duration and sampling date. Smoking had a consistently negative association with PCB 118 in a dose-dependent manner. Education level, pre-pregnancy BMI and alcohol consumption varied in importance according to the compound under study. Conclusions Several maternal factors, including potentially modifiable factors, markers of pregnancy physiology and factors also related to perinatal outcomes were associated with EDC levels. Results from this

Associations between serum levels of polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) flame retardants and environmental and behavioral factors in pregnant women.

PubMed

Buttke, Danielle E; Wolkin, Amy; Stapleton, Heather M; Miranda, Marie Lynn

2013-03-01

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE) are flame retardants that were previously used in upholstery, fabrics, and household appliances. PBDEs have been linked to adverse health outcomes, including neurotoxicity, thyroid hormone dysregulation, endocrine disruption, and poor semen quality. Because PBDEs pass into placental circulation, maternal exposures can approximate fetal exposures. Our objectives were to determine whether diet and specific human behaviors were significantly associated with PBDE exposures in a cohort of pregnant women. Women between the 34th and 38th week of pregnancy were given a questionnaire about behavioral, environmental, and dietary factors and asked to provide blood samples. Serum PBDE levels were measured using GS-MS and lipid adjusted. An adjusted ordinary least squares regression model was run to identify potential associations between behaviors and serum PBDE levels. Serum concentrations of BDEs 47, 99, 100, and 153 were found above the limit of detection in at least 50% of study participants and used in our models. Associations with serum PBDEs were observed with self-reported hand-to-mouth behaviors, including biting nails and licking fingers. Serum BDE levels of 47, 99, 153, and total PBDEs were also significantly higher in those individuals owning a large-screen TV compared with those who did not. Serum PBDE levels were comparable to levels reported in the general population. Hand-to-mouth behaviors may influence serum PBDE concentrations in adults. Household electronics such as large-screen TVs appear to serve as a significant source of PBDEs in pregnant women. Together, hand-to-mouth behaviors and TV ownership may serve as a route of exposure to PBDEs in adults.

Associations between serum levels of Polybrominated Diphenyl Ether (PBDE) flame retardants and environmental and behavioral factors in pregnant women

PubMed Central

Buttke, Danielle E.; Wolkin, Amy; Stapleton, Heather M.; Miranda, Marie Lynn

2015-01-01

Background Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE) are flame retardants that were previously used in upholstery, fabrics, and household appliances. PBDEs have been linked to adverse health outcomes, including neurotoxicity, thyroid hormone dysregulation, endocrine disruption, and poor semen quality. Because PBDEs pass into placental circulation, maternal exposures can approximate fetal exposures. Objectives Our objectives were to determine if diet and specific human behaviors were significantly associated with PBDE exposures in a cohort of pregnant women. Methods Women between the 34th and 38th week of pregnancy were given a questionnaire about behavioral, environmental, and dietary factors and asked to provide blood samples. Serum PBDE levels were measured using GS-MS and lipid adjusted. An adjusted ordinary least squares regression model was run to identify potential associations between behaviors and serum PBDE levels. Results Serum concentrations of BDEs 47, 99, 100, and 153 were found above the limit of detection in at least 50% of study participants and used in our models. Associations with serum PBDEs were observed with self-reported hand-to-mouth behaviors, including biting nails and licking fingers. Serum BDE levels of 47, 99, 153, and total PBDEs were also significantly higher in those individuals owning a large screen TV compared to those who did not. Serum PBDE levels were comparable to levels reported in the general population. Conclusions Hand-to-mouth behaviors may influence serum PBDE concentrations in adults. Household electronics such as large-screen TV’s appear to serve as a significant source of PBDEs in pregnant women. Together, hand-to-mouth behaviors and TV ownership may serve as a route of exposure to PBDEs in adults. PMID:22760441

Serum Levels of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor and Insulin-like Growth Factor Binding Protein-3 in Obstructive Sleep Apnea Patients: Effect of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Treatment

PubMed Central

Archontogeorgis, Kostas; Nena, Evangelia; Papanas, Nikolaos; Xanthoudaki, Maria; Hatzizisi, Olga; Kyriazis, Georgios; Tsara, Venetia; Maltezos, Efstratios; Froudarakis, Marios; Steiropoulos, Paschalis

2015-01-01

Background and Aim: Hypoxia, a major feature of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), modifies Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) and Insulin-like Growth Factor Binding Protein-3 (IGFBP-3) levels, which contribute to atherogenesis and occurrence of cardiovascular (CV) events. We assessed and compared serum levels of VEGF and IGFBP-3 in newly diagnosed OSA patients and controls, to explore associations with anthropometric and sleep parameters and to study the effect of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment on these levels. Materials and Methods: Serum levels of VEGF and IGFBP-3 were measured in 65 OSA patients and 31 age- and body mass index- matched controls. In OSA patients, measurements were repeated after 6 months of CPAP therapy. All participants were non-smokers, without any comorbidities or systemic medication use. Results: At baseline, serum VEGF levels in OSA patients were higher compared with controls (p<0.001), while IGFBP-3 levels were lower (1.41±0.56 vs. 1.61±0.38 μg/ml, p=0.039). VEGF levels correlated with apnea-hypopnea index (r=0.336, p=0.001) and oxygen desaturation index (r=0.282, p=0.007). After 6 months on CPAP treatment, VEGF levels decreased in OSA patients (p<0.001), while IGFBP-3 levels increased (p<0.001). Conclusion: In newly diagnosed OSA patients, serum levels of VEGF are elevated, while IGFBP-3 levels are low. After 6 months of CPAP treatment these levels change. These results may reflect an increased CV risk in untreated OSA patients, which is ameliorated after CPAP therapy. PMID:27006717

The role of serial measurements of serum insulin-like growth factor 1 levels in the development of retinopathy of prematurity.

PubMed

Dorum, Bayram Ali; Yılmaz, Cansu Canbolat; Köksal, Nilgün; Özkan, Hilal; Yıldız, Meral; Özmen, Ahmet Tuncer

2017-03-01

To determine the role of serum insulin-like growth factor-1 levels in the development of retinopathy of prematurity, which is a major cause of childhood blindness worldwide. We prospectively studied newborn infants born at a postmenstrual age of <32 weeks and birth weights <1 500 gr, between January 1 st , 2015, and December 31 st , 2015. A total of 40 infants were enrolled in the study. The retinal examination time was determined in accordance with the American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations for retinopathy of prematurity screening and follow-up. Retinopathy of prematurity was classified according to the international classification of retinopathy of prematurity. Serum Insulin like growth factor 1 levels were measured serially in blood samples on the 1 st , 3 rd , 7 th , 21 st , and 28 th day. Among the 40 infants, 11 (27.5%) constituted the retinopathy of prematurity group and 29 comprised the non-retinopathy of prematurity group. In the retinopathy of prematurity group, the mean gestational age and birth weight was significantly lower. The demographic features of the study cohort were similar. The duration of mechanical ventilation was significantly greater in the retinopathy of prematurity group compared with the non-retinopathy of prematurity group (p=0.036). In terms of neonatal morbidities such as respiratory distress syndrome, intraventricular hemorrhage, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, patent ductus arteriosus, and necrotizing enterocolitis, no differences were detected between the groups. The mean serum insulin-like growth factor-1 levels in retinopathy of prematurity group were significantly lower than those in the non-retinopathy of prematurity group at each time point (1 st , 3 rd , 7 th , 21 st , and 28 th day of postnatal life) (p=0.001). This study demonstrated the low serum insulin-like growth factor-1 levels was associated with retinopathy of prematurity development.

Serum TSH levels are associated with cardiovascular risk factors in overweight and obese adolescents.

PubMed

Souza, Luciana Lopes de; Guedes, Erika Paniago; Teixeira, Patrícia Fátima Dos Santos; Moreira, Rodrigo Oliveira; Godoy-Matos, Amelio Fernando; Vaisman, Mario

2016-01-01

To investigate the relationship between serum thyrotropin (TSH), insulin resistance (IR), and cardiovascular risk factors (CRF) in a sample of overweight and obese Brazilian adolescents. A retrospective, longitudinal analysis of 199 overweight and obese pubescent adolescents was performed. The TSH and free T4 (fT4) levels, anthropometric measurements, and laboratory test results of these patients were analyzed. 27 individuals (13.56%) presented with TSH levels above the normal level (subclinical hypothyroidism [SCH]). Their waist circumference (WC) was significantly higher than those of euthyroid individuals. Serum TSH was positively correlated with the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) index, triglycerides (TG) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). Using TSH and BMI as independent variables, TSH levels were shown to be independently related to HOMA-IR (p=0.001) and TG (p=0.007). Among euthyroid subjects, individuals with TSH values <2.5mIU/mL exhibited statistically significant decreases in waist-to-hip ratio, HDL-C levels, and HOMA-IR scores and a tendency toward lower WC values. SCH in overweight and obese adolescents appears to be associated with excess weight, especially visceral weight. In euthyroid adolescents, there appears to be a direct relationship between TSH and some CRF. In conclusion, in the present sample of overweight and obese adolescents, TSH levels appear to be associated with IR and CRF. Copyright © 2016 Sociedade Brasileira de Pediatria. Published by Elsevier Editora Ltda. All rights reserved.

Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma prognostic determination using pre-operative serum C-reactive protein levels.

PubMed

Lin, Zi-Ying; Liang, Zhen-Xing; Zhuang, Pei-Lin; Chen, Jie-Wei; Cao, Yun; Yan, Li-Xu; Yun, Jing-Ping; Xie, Dan; Cai, Mu-Yan

2016-10-12

Serum C-reactive protein (CRP), an acute inflammatory response biomarker, has been recognized as an indicator of malignant disease progression. However, the prognostic significance of CRP levels collected before tumor removal in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma requires further investigation. We sampled the CRP levels in 140 patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma who underwent hepatectomies with regional lymphadenectomies between 2006 and 2013. A retrospective analysis of the clinicopathological data was performed. We focused on the impact of serum CRP on the patients' cancer-specific survival and recurrence-free survival rates. High levels of preoperative serum CRP were significantly associated with well-established clinicopathologic features, including gender, advanced tumor stage, and elevated carcinoembryonic antigen and carbohydrate antigen 19-9 levels (P < 0.05). Univariate analysis demonstrated a significant association between high levels of serum CRP and adverse cancer-specific survival (P = 0.001) and recurrence-free survival (P < 0.001). In patients with stage I/II intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma, the serum CRP level was a prognostic indicator for cancer-specific survival. In patients with stage I/II or stage III/IV, the serum CRP level was a prognostic indicator for recurrence-free survival (P < 0.05). Additionally, multivariate analysis identified serum CRP level in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma as an independent prognostic factor (P < 0.05). We confirmed a significant association of elevated pre-operative CRP levels with poor clinical outcomes for the tested patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. Our results indicate that the serum CRP level may represent a useful factor for patient stratification in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma management.

The Serum Levels of the Soluble Factors sCD40L and CXCL1 Are Not Indicative of Endometriosis

PubMed Central

Pateisky, Petra; Pils, Dietmar; Kuessel, Lorenz; Szabo, Ladislaus; Walch, Katharina; Obwegeser, Reinhard; Wenzl, René; Yotova, Iveta

2016-01-01

Endometriosis is a benign but troublesome gynecological condition, characterized by endometrial-like tissue outside the uterine cavity. Lately, the discovery and validation of noninvasive diagnostic biomarkers for endometriosis is one of the main priorities in the field. As the disease elicits a chronic inflammatory reaction, we focused our interest on two factors well known to be involved in inflammation and neoplastic processes, namely, soluble CD40 Ligand and CXCL1, and asked whether differences in the serum levels of sCD40L and CXCL1 in endometriosis patients versus controls can serve as noninvasive disease markers. A total of n = 60 women were included in the study, 31 endometriosis patients and 29 controls, and the serum levels of sCD40L and CXCL1 were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Overall, there were no statistically significant differences in the levels of expression of both sCD40L and CXCL1 between patients and controls. This study adds useful clinical data showing that the serum levels of the soluble factors sCD40L and CXCL1 are not associated with endometriosis and are not suitable as biomarkers for disease diagnosis. However, we found a trend toward lower levels of sCD40L in the deep infiltrating endometriosis subgroup making it a potentially interesting target worth further investigation. PMID:27190986

Serum osteoprotegerin levels and mammographic density among high-risk women.

PubMed

Moran, Olivia; Zaman, Tasnim; Eisen, Andrea; Demsky, Rochelle; Blackmore, Kristina; Knight, Julia A; Elser, Christine; Ginsburg, Ophira; Zbuk, Kevin; Yaffe, Martin; Narod, Steven A; Salmena, Leonardo; Kotsopoulos, Joanne

2018-06-01

Mammographic density is a risk factor for breast cancer but the mechanism behind this association is unclear. The receptor activator of nuclear factor κB (RANK)/RANK ligand (RANKL) pathway has been implicated in the development of breast cancer. Given the role of RANK signaling in mammary epithelial cell proliferation, we hypothesized this pathway may also be associated with mammographic density. Osteoprotegerin (OPG), a decoy receptor for RANKL, is known to inhibit RANK signaling. Thus, it is of interest to evaluate whether OPG levels modify breast cancer risk through mammographic density. We quantified serum OPG levels in 57 premenopausal and 43 postmenopausal women using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Cumulus was used to measure percent density, dense area, and non-dense area for each mammographic image. Subjects were classified into high versus low OPG levels based on the median serum OPG level in the entire cohort (115.1 pg/mL). Multivariate models were used to assess the relationship between serum OPG levels and the measures of mammographic density. Serum OPG levels were not associated with mammographic density among premenopausal women (P ≥ 0.42). Among postmenopausal women, those with low serum OPG levels had higher mean percent mammographic density (20.9% vs. 13.7%; P = 0.04) and mean dense area (23.4 cm 2 vs. 15.2 cm 2 ; P = 0.02) compared to those with high serum OPG levels after covariate adjustment. These findings suggest that low OPG levels may be associated with high mammographic density, particularly in postmenopausal women. Targeting RANK signaling may represent a plausible, non-surgical prevention option for high-risk women with high mammographic density, especially those with low circulating OPG levels.

Analysis of insulin like growth factor 1 and insulin like growth factor binding protein 3 levels in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and serum of patients with lung cancer.

PubMed

Unsal, Ebru; Köksal, Deniz; Yurdakul, Ahmet Selim; Atikcan, Sükran; Cinaz, Peyami

2005-05-01

Insulin like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) is recognized as a potent mitogen for many cancer cell lines and there is good evidence that lung cancer cells produce both IGF-1 and insulin like growth factor binding protein 3 (IGFBP-3). The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical significance of IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 levels in serum and in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid by comparing lung cancer patients with healthy controls. BAL fluid and serum samples were obtained from 24 lung cancer patients and 12 healthy controls, and were analyzed for IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 levels by a two site immunoradiometric assay. The recovered BAL fluid was standardized by albumin to remove the variable of dilution and the data was expressed in epithelial lining fluid (ELF). Serum IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 levels were lower in lung cancer patients, but the difference between the groups did not reach a statistical significance. IGF-1/IGFBP-3 ratio in ELF was significantly lower in lung cancer patients (P=0.035). Mean IGF-1 level in ELF was determined to be significantly lower in patients with distant metastasis (P=0.04). Serum IGF-1/IGFBP-3 ratio was found to be significantly lower in patients with distant (P=0.04) and nodal metastasis (P=0.03). Tumor stage was negatively correlated with IGF-1 level in ELF (P=0.05, r=-0.4) and serum IGF-1/IGFBP-3 ratio (P=0.04, r=-0.4). IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 levels both in serum and ELF might serve a clinical significance in patients with lung cancer. However, further studies comprising more cases are needed to investigate the clinical significance of IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 in lung cancer.

Interaction between different sports branches such as taekwondo, box, athletes and serum brain derived neurotrophic factor levels.

PubMed

Oztasyonar, Yunus

2017-04-01

This study aimed to compare serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels "which contributes in both neuron development/regeneration" between combat sport braches, which requires high attention and concentration and can lead micro and macro brain trauma, and athleticism, which requires durability in competition. The study design included 4 groups. Group 1 had sedentary participants, and group 2 athletes (middle and long runners) who exercised for two 2-hour daily training sessions 6 days a week. group 3 included boxers, and group 4 taekwondo fighters. We investigated changes in the blood BDNF levels of taekwondo fighters, boxers, and athletes before and after training and compared them among each other and with measurements of sedentary controls. All athletes had higher basal BDNF levels than sedentary participants. Boxers and taekwondo athletes had especially high basal BDNF levels. When we compared different sports branch each other Pre- and post- training BDNF values are ranked as follows: taekwondo > boxing > athletes > sedentary. In sport branches such as combat sports and athletes, serum BDNF levels have been demonstrated to be higher after training than before. In addition, serum BDNF levels were higher in taekwondo fighters and boxers than athletes. BDNF might have a role in the protection mechanism against brain damage or contributes in occurrence and maintenance of high attention and concentration especially among combat sports.

Serum Albumin Levels and Economic Status in Japanese Older Adults.

PubMed

Ota, Asami; Kondo, Naoki; Murayama, Nobuko; Tanabe, Naohito; Shobugawa, Yugo; Kondo, Katsunori

2016-01-01

Low serum albumin levels are associated with aging and medical conditions such as cancer, liver dysfunction, inflammation, and malnutrition and might be an independent predictor of long-term mortality in healthy older populations. We tested the hypothesis that economic status is associated with serum albumin levels and explained by nutritional and health status in Japanese older adults. We performed a cross-sectional analysis using data from the Japan Gerontological Evaluation study (JAGES). The study participants were 6528 functionally independent residents (3189 men and 3339 women) aged ≥65 years living in four municipalities in Aichi prefecture. We used household income as an indicator of economic status. Multiple linear regression was used to compare serum albumin levels in relation to household income, which was classified as low, middle, and high. Additionally, mediation by nutritional and health-related factors was analyzed in multivariable models. With the middle-income group as reference, participants with low incomes had a significantly lower serum albumin level, even after adjustment for sex, age, residential area, education, marital status, and household structure. The estimated mean difference was -0.17 g/L (95% confidence interval, -0.33 to -0.01 g/L). The relation between serum albumin level and low income became statistically insignificant when "body mass index", "consumption of meat or fish", "self-rated health", "presence of medical conditions", "hyperlipidemia", or "respiratory disease "was included in the model. Serum albumin levels were lower in Japanese older adults with low economic status. The decrease in albumin levels appears to be mediated by nutrition and health-related factors with low household incomes. Future studies are needed to reveal the existence of other pathways.

Serum 6-Bromotryptophan Levels Identified as a Risk Factor for CKD Progression.

PubMed

Tin, Adrienne; Nadkarni, Girish; Evans, Anne M; Winkler, Cheryl A; Bottinger, Erwin; Rebholz, Casey M; Sarnak, Mark J; Inker, Lesley A; Levey, Andrew S; Lipkowitz, Michael S; Appel, Lawrence J; Arking, Dan E; Coresh, Josef; Grams, Morgan E

2018-05-18

Background Metabolite levels reflect physiologic homeostasis and may serve as biomarkers of disease progression. Identifying metabolites associated with APOL1 risk alleles-genetic variants associated with CKD risk commonly present in persons of African descent-may reveal novel markers of CKD progression relevant to other populations. Methods We evaluated associations between the number of APOL1 risk alleles and 760 serum metabolites identified via untargeted profiling in participants of the African American Study of Kidney Disease and Hypertension (AASK) ( n =588; Bonferroni significance threshold P <6.5×10 -5 ) and replicated findings in 678 black participants with CKD in Bio Me , an electronic medical record-linked biobank. We tested the metabolite association with CKD progression in AASK, Bio Me , and the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) Study. Results One metabolite, 6-bromotryptophan, was significant in AASK ( P =4.7×10 -5 ) and replicated in Bio Me ( P =5.7×10 -3 ) participants, with lower levels associated with more APOL1 risk alleles. Lower levels of 6-bromotryptophan were associated with CKD progression in AASK and Bio Me participants and in white participants in the MDRD Study, independent of demographics and clinical characteristics, including baseline GFR (adjusted hazard ratio per two-fold higher 6-bromotryptophan level, AASK, 0.76; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 0.64 to 0.91; Bio Me , 0.61; 95% CI, 0.43 to 0.85; MDRD, 0.52; 95% CI, 0.34 to 0.79). The interaction between the APOL1 risk alleles and 6-bromotryptophan was not significant. The identity of 6-bromotryptophan was confirmed in experiments comparing its molecular signature with that of authentic standards of other bromotryptophan isomers. Conclusions Serum 6-bromotryptophan is a consistent and novel risk factor for CKD progression. Copyright © 2018 by the American Society of Nephrology.

Serum levels, and bone marrow immunohistochemical expression of, vascular endothelial growth factor in patients with chronic myeloproliferative diseases.

PubMed

Panteli, Katerina; Bai, Maria; Hatzimichael, Eleftheria; Zagorianakou, Nektaria; Agnantis, Niki John; Bourantas, Konstantinos

2007-12-01

Current data suggest that angiogenesis plays a significant role in the pathogenesis and progression of chronic myeloproliferative diseases (cMPDs). In the present study, we evaluated serum levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in 83 patients with cMPDs [myelofibrosis with myeloid metaplasia (MMM, n = 25), essential thrombocythaemia (ET, n = 40), polycythaemia vera (PV, n = 8) and chronic myeloid leukemia (CML, n = 10)] and in 27 healthy individuals. Serum VEGF levels were significantly increased in patients with cMPDs compared to healthy individuals (all p values were < or = 0.05) and were significantly correlated with bone marrow microvessel density (MVD) (p = 0.0013). In addition, the immunohistochemical expression of VEGF protein in bone marrow biopsy specimens were analyzed in 61 patients with cMPDs, (ET, n = 36 and MMM, n = 25) and in 27 healthy individuals. The cellular distribution of VEGF expression was similar in bone marrow specimens of patients and healthy individuals. VEGF protein was detected mainly in erythroid cells, whereas myeloid cells and megakaryocytes exhibited a variable expression of the protein. The percentage of bone marrow VEGF positive cells was positively correlated with serum levels of VEGF (p = 0.001). The results of the present study suggest that, VEGF is a major angiogenetic factor in patients with cMPDs and contributes to the pathogenesis of these diseases.

Reproductive factors, nutritional status and serum 25(OH)D levels in women with breast cancer: A case control study.

PubMed

Sofi, Nighat Y; Jain, Monika; Kapil, Umesh; Seenu, Vuthaluru; R, Lakshmy; Yadav, Chander P; Pandey, Ravindra M; Sareen, Neha

2018-01-01

The study was conducted with an objective to investigate the association between reproductive factors, nutritional status and serum 25(OH)D levels among women diagnosed with breast cancer (BC). A total of 200 women with BC attending a tertiary healthcare institute of Delhi, India matched with 200 healthy women for age (±2years) and socio economic status were included in the study. Data was collected on socio-demographic profile, reproductive factors, physical activity and dietary intake (24h dietary recall and food frequency questionnaire) using interviewer administered structured questionnaires and standard tools. Non fasting blood samples (5ml) were collected for the biochemical estimation of serum 25(OH)D and calcium levels by chemiluminescent immunoassay and colorimetric assay technique. Data was analyzed by univariable conditional logistic regression and significant variables with (p<0.05), were analyzed in final model by conditional multivariable logistic regression analysis. The mean age of patients at diagnosis of BC was 45±10years. Results of multivariable conditional logistic regression analysis revealed significantly higher odds of BC for reproductive factors like age at marriage (more than 23 years), number of abortions, history or current use of oral contraceptive pills (OCP), with [OR (95% CI)] of [2.4 (1.2-4.9)], [4.0 (1.6-12.6)], [2.4 (1.2-5.0)]. Women with physically light activities and occasional consumption of eggs were found to have higher odds of BC [4.6 (1.6-13.0)] and [3.2 (1.6-6.3)]. Women with serum 25(OH)D levels less than 20ng/ml and calcium levels less than 10.5mg/dl had higher odds of having BC [2.4 (1.2-5.1)] and [3.7 (1.5-8.8)]. A protective effect of urban areas as place of residence and energy intake greater than 50% of Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) per day against BC was observed (p<0.05). The findings of the present study revealed a significant association of reproductive and dietary factors in addition to sedentary

Serum Progranulin Levels in Type 2 Diabetic Patients with Metabolic Syndrome.

PubMed

Shafaei, Azam; Marjani, Abdoljalal; Khoshnia, Masoud

2016-12-01

The role of progranulin in individuals with metabolic syndrome is not exactly clear.We aimed to assess the serum level of progranulin in type 2 diabetic patients with and without metabolic syndrome and compare them with healthy controls. The study included 60 patients with type 2 diabetes and 30 healthy individuals as control groups. Biochemical parameters and progranulin levels were determined. Subjects with metabolic syndrome showed significantly higher levels of triglyceride, waist circumference, BMI, systolic and diastolic blood pressure than subjects without metabolic syndrome and the control groups, while HDL-cholesterol level was significantly lower in subjects with metabolic syndrome. Fasting blood sugar was significantly higher in type 2 diabetic patients than in the control groups. Serum level of progranulin was slightly increased in subjects with metabolic syndrome. Serum progranulin level had no significant relationship with metabolic syndrome components. Serum progranulin was also not dependent on cardiometabolic risk factors for subjects with metabolic syndrome, but it could be considered for the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Further studies are recommended to explain the effect of progranulin on the pathogenesis of metabolic risk factors.

Racial difference in serum Vitamin B/sub 12/ levels

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kwee, H.G.; Bowman, H.S.; Wells, L.W.

1985-07-01

Measurements of the serum Vitamin B/sub 12/ concentrations of 49 black and 49 white healthy adults demonstrate a significantly higher mean serum Vitamin B/sub 12/ level in blacks when compared to whites. The reason for this difference appears to be genetic, although environmental factors may also be involved. It is suggested that clinical laboratories should establish their own separate reference values of serum Vitamin B/sub 12/ for blacks and whites in order to prevent misinterpretation of test results.

Association of gene polymorphism with serum levels of inflammatory and angiogenic factors in Pakistani patients with age-related macular degeneration.

PubMed

Ambreen, Fareeha; Ismail, Muhammad; Qureshi, Irfan Zia

2015-01-01

To study the association of serum levels of inflammatory mediators and angiogenic factors with genetic polymorphism in Pakistani age-related macular degeneration (AMD) patients. This was a cross-sectional and case-control study that included 90 AMD patients diagnosed through slit-lamp examination, fundoscopy, and ocular coherence tomography. For reference and comparison purposes, 100 healthy age-matched subjects (controls) were also recruited. IL-6, IL-8, VEGF, and CRP levels were estimated in the serum samples of patients and control subjects. Using restriction fragment length polymorphism, single nucleotide polymorphisms were studied in IL-6 (rs1800795, rs1800796, rs1800797), IL-8 (rs4073, rs2227306, rs2227543), VEGF (rs3025039, rs699947), and CRP genes (rs1205, rs1130864). Since the data were obtained from a sample population, the Box-Cox transformation algorithm was applied to reduce heterogeneity of error. Multivariate analyses of variance (M-ANOVA) were applied on the transformed data to investigate the association of serum levels of IL-6, IL-8, VEGF, and CRP with AMD. Genotype and allele frequencies were compared through χ(2) tests applying Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. The serum concentrations of IL-6 and IL-8, VEGF, and CRP between homozygotes and heterozygotes were compared through one-way ANOVA. Significance level was p<0.05. Compared to control subjects, serum IL-6 (p<0.0001), IL-8 (p<0.0001), VEGF (p<0.0001), and CRP (p<0.0001) levels were significantly elevated in the AMD patients. For rs1800795, patients with the GG genotype showed significantly raised levels of IL-6 compared to those with GC and CC genotypes (p<0.0001). Serum IL-8 levels were significantly higher in patients with the GG genotype compared to the GC and CC genotypes for the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs2227543 (p<0.002). Similarly, significantly higher VEGF levels were detected for genotype TT for rs3025039 SNP (p<0.038). However, no significant alteration in serum CRP levels

Evaluation of serum levels of C3 and C4 complement factors in patients with beta thalassemia major in Khuzestan Province, Southwest Iran.

PubMed

Ghafourian, Mehri; Esmaeili, Mehrnosh; Dashti-Gerdabi, Nader; Sadeghi, Alireza; Malekei Naseri, Ali; Kazemi, Akhtar

2017-01-01

Thalassemia syndrome is the most common genetic disorder in the world and infection is the second cause of death in these patients. Measurement of serum C3 and C4 complement factors in serum was done in 60 patients with beta thalassemia major in comparison with 30 healthy subjects as control group. The serum level of C3 and C4 complement factors in 60 patients with beta thalassemia major who were randomly selected from among the patients referred to Shafa Hospital of Ahvaz was evaluated and compared with 30 samples from healthy individuals with no history of recent infectious or autoimmune diseases. It should be noted that single-radial-immunodiffusion assay was used in this study. This study has shown a significant reduction in serum levels of C3 and C4 in patients compared to controls (P value < 0.05). Decreased synthesis or increased consumption of complement factors in patients receiving multiple blood transfusions might lead to continuous contact between the immune system and various antigens, causing nonstop use of complement factors, recurrent infections, changes in parameters of the immune system due to iron overload as well as exposure to infectious factors such as HBV, HCV, HIV, and HTLV through blood transfusion.

Decreased serum BDNF levels in patients with epileptic and psychogenic nonepileptic seizures

PubMed Central

LaFrance, W.C.; Leaver, K.; Stopa, E.G.; Papandonatos, G.D.; Blum, A.S.

2010-01-01

Objective: Neurotrophins promote neurogenesis and help regulate synaptic reorganization. Their dysregulation has been implicated in a number of neurologic and psychiatric disorders. Previous studies have shown decreased levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the serum of patients with psychiatric disorders such as major depressive disorder (MDD) and conversion disorder (CD). In human patients with temporal lobe epilepsy, there is an increase in both BDNF mRNA and protein levels in surgically resected hippocampi compared to controls. One study of children with epilepsy has found normal to increased serum BDNF levels compared to controls. Serum BDNF levels have not been investigated in adult patients with epileptic seizures (ES). We hypothesized that BDNF would differentiate between ES and psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES). Methods: We assessed serum BDNF immunoreactivity in 15 patients with ES, 12 patients with PNES, and 17 healthy volunteers. Serum BDNF levels were measured using an enzyme-linked immunoassay. Results: Healthy controls showed higher BDNF levels (4,289 ± 1,810 pg/mL) compared to patients with PNES (1,033 ± 435 pg/mL) (p < 0.001). However, unexpectedly, healthy controls also showed higher levels of BDNF compared to patients with ES without comorbid MDD (977 ± 565 pg/mL) (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Unlike children, adults with epilepsy appear to have decreased levels of serum BDNF. Reduced serum BDNF levels can be used to differentiate adult patients with ES or PNES from healthy controls. Further human studies are needed to better understand the pathophysiology explaining the decreased serum BDNF levels found in epilepsy and in PNES. GLOSSARY AED = antiepileptic drug; BDI-II = Beck Depression Inventory II; BDNF = brain-derived neurotrophic factor; CD = conversion disorder; ECS = electroconvulsive seizure; ES = epileptic seizure; GTC = generalized tonic-clonic seizure; HC = healthy control; MDD = major depressive disorder; PNES

Developmental changes in the hypothalamic mRNA expression levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and serum leptin levels: Their responses to fasting in male and female rats.

PubMed

Iwasa, Takeshi; Matsuzaki, Toshiya; Yano, Kiyohito; Munkhzaya, Munkhsaikhan; Tungalagsuvd, Altankhuu; Yiliyasi, Maira; Kuwahara, Akira; Irahara, Minoru

2016-11-01

The actions and responses of hypothalamic appetite regulatory factors change markedly during the neonatal to pre-pubertal period in order to maintain appropriate metabolic and nutritional conditions. In this study, we examined the developmental changes in the hypothalamic mRNA levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which is a potent anorectic factor and the changes in the sensitivity of the hypothalamic expression of this factor to fasting during the neonatal to pre-pubertal period. Under fed conditions, hypothalamic BDNF mRNA expression decreased during development in both male and female rats. Similarly, the serum levels of leptin, which is a positive regulator of hypothalamic BDNF expression, also tended to fall during the developmental period. The serum leptin level and the hypothalamic BDNF mRNA level were found to be positively correlated in both sexes under the fed conditions. Hypothalamic BDNF mRNA expression was decreased by 24h fasting (separating the rats from their mothers) in the early neonatal period (postnatal day 10) in both males and females, but no such changes were seen at postnatal day 20. Twenty-four hours' fasting (food deprivation) did not affect hypothalamic BDNF mRNA expression in the pre-pubertal period (postnatal day 30). On the other hand, the rats' serum leptin levels were decreased by 24h fasting (separating the rats from their mothers at postnatal day 10 and 20, and food deprivation at postnatal day 30) throughout the early neonatal to pre-pubertal period. The correlation between serum leptin and hypothalamic BDNF mRNA levels was not significant under the fasted conditions. It can be speculated that leptin partially regulates hypothalamic BDNF mRNA levels, but only in fed conditions. Such changes in hypothalamic BDNF expression might play a role in maintaining appropriate metabolic and nutritional conditions and promoting normal physical development. In addition, because maternal separation induces a negative energy

Serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels in subjects with major depressive disorder with previous suicide attempt: A population-based study.

PubMed

Pedrotti Moreira, Fernanda; Borges, Cristiane Jackson; Wiener, Carolina David; da Silva, Paula Moraes; Portela, Luis Valmor; Lara, Diogo R; da Silva, Ricardo Azevedo; de Mattos Souza, Luciano Dias; Jansen, Karen; Oses, Jean Pierre

2018-04-01

Major depressive disorders (MDD) and suicide are significant public health concerns. Recent studies have been demonstrated that alterations in Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) can be associated with this psychiatric disorders, MDD and suicide. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate differences in serum levels in individuals with MDD and with or without suicide attempt (SA), from a population-based sample. This was a paired cross-sectional study nested in a population-based study. The psychopathology screen was performed with the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI). The total population of the sample consisted of 147 subjects distributed in three groups: 49 healthy controls, 49 subjects with MDD and 49 subjects with MDD and SA (MDD + SA). The BDNF serum levels were significantly reduced in subjects with MDD and MDD + SA compared to the healthy controls. However, there were no significant differences between the MDD and MDD + SA groups with respect to BDNF serum levels. These results suggest that SA did not interfere in the serum levels of BDNF, indicating that this neurotrophin may be related to the diagnosis of MDD and not to suicide attempt. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

ABSORPTION OF THE ANTIBACTERIAL SERUM FACTOR BY STAPHYLOCOCCI

PubMed Central

Yotis, William W.

1963-01-01

Yotis, William W. (Loyola University, Chicago, Ill.). Absorption of the antibacterial serum factor by staphylococci. J. Bacteriol. 85:911–917. 1963.—The absorption of antibacterial serum factor by eight bacterial species and one yeast showed good correlation with the sensitivity of the organisms to the serum factor. The serum factor was removed from aqueous solution by coagulase-positive and coagulase-negative strains of staphylococci and Bacillus subtilis, and the oxygen consumption of the bacteria was inhibited by prior exposure to the serum factor. Escherichia coli, Neisseria catarrhalis, Proteus vulgaris, Bacillus megaterium, Mycobacterium phlei, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae failed to absorb the serum factor, and their respiration was not inhibited by prior exposure to 40 mg or more of the serum factor per ml. Staphylococci treated with 0.25 mg per ml of coagulase were almost completely refractory to the antibacterial action of 2 mg of serum factor per ml, and the serum factor was not absorbed. When the staphylococci were first treated with the serum factor, subsequent treatment with coagulase had no effect. Exposure of staphylocci to heat (70 C for 1 hr), 3.6% formaldehyde, 1 n sodium hydroxide, and 1 n hydrochloric acid did not prevent absorption of the serum factor. However, pretreatment with 88% liquefied phenol partially prevented serum factor absorption. The absorption and antibacterial activity of the serum factor were dependent on the concentration, the time and temperature of exposure, and the nature and concentration of salts present. PMID:14044962

Egr-1 and serum response factor are involved in growth factors- and serum-mediated induction of E2-EPF UCP expression that regulates the VHL-HIF pathway.

PubMed

Lim, Jung Hwa; Jung, Cho-Rok; Lee, Chan-Hee; Im, Dong-Soo

2008-11-01

E2-EPF ubiquitin carrier protein (UCP) has been shown to be highly expressed in common human cancers and target von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) for proteosomal degradation in cells, thereby stabilizing hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1alpha. Here, we investigated cellular factors that regulate the expression of UCP gene. Promoter deletion assay identified binding sites for early growth response-1 (Egr-1) and serum response factor (SRF) in the UCP promoter. Hepatocyte or epidermal growth factor (EGF), or phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate induced UCP expression following early induction of Egr-1 expression in HeLa cells. Serum increased mRNA and protein levels of SRF and UCP in the cell. By electrophoretic mobility shift and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays, sequence-specific DNA-binding of Egr-1 and SRF to the UCP promoter was detected in nuclear extracts from HeLa cells treated with EGF and serum, respectively. Overexpression of Egr-1 or SRF increased UCP expression. RNA interference-mediated depletion of endogenous Egr-1 or SRF impaired EGF- or serum-mediated induction of UCP expression, which was required for cancer cell proliferation. Systemic delivery of EGF into mice also increased UCP expression following early induction of Egr-1 expression in mouse liver. The induced UCP expression by the growth factors or serum increased HIF-1alpha protein level under non-hypoxic conditions, suggesting that the Egr-1/SRF-UCP-VHL pathway is in part responsible for the increased HIF-1alpha protein level in vitro and in vivo. Thus, growth factors and serum induce expression of Egr-1 and SRF, respectively, which in turn induces UCP expression that positively regulates cancer cell growth.

[Relationship between Ghrelin polymorphism and serum lipoprotein levels in Han Chinese with or without coronary heart disease risk factors].

PubMed

Xie, Xuan; Zhang, Jing; Wang, Yu-huan; Wang, Jun-hong; Zhang, Chun-hong; Ni, Hong-yan; Yuan, Xiao-hong

2008-04-01

To investigate the relationship between polymorphism of Ghrelin gene and serum levels of lipoprotein in Han Chinese with or without coronary heart disease (CHD) risk factors. PCR restriction fragment length polymorphism assay was used to detect the distribution of genotypes of Ghrelin gene in 225 Han Chinese (40 to 69 years-old) with CHD risk factors, 78 subjects without CHD risk factors served as normal controls. Serum levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) and very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) were measured to analyze the relationship with the polymorphism of Ghrelin gene. Ghrelin genotype frequencies of AA, AG, GG (0.975, 0.025, 0.00 in control group and 0.956, 0.040, 0.004 in the high-risk group, all P > 0.05) as well as the allele frequencies of A, G (0.987, 0.013 in control group and 0.976, 0.024 in the high-risk group, all P > 0.05) were similar between the groups. HDL-C levels of the Arg/Gln carriers were significantly lower than those of Arg/Arg carriers in control group and in the high-risk group (all P < 0.05). Arg/Gln carriers were associated lower HDL-C levels in Han Chinese.

Serum B vitamin levels and risk of lung cancer.

PubMed

Johansson, Mattias; Relton, Caroline; Ueland, Per Magne; Vollset, Stein Emil; Midttun, Øivind; Nygård, Ottar; Slimani, Nadia; Boffetta, Paolo; Jenab, Mazda; Clavel-Chapelon, Françoise; Boutron-Ruault, Marie-Christine; Fagherazzi, Guy; Kaaks, Rudolf; Rohrmann, Sabine; Boeing, Heiner; Weikert, Cornelia; Bueno-de-Mesquita, H Bas; Ros, Martine M; van Gils, Carla H; Peeters, Petra H M; Agudo, Antonio; Barricarte, Aurelio; Navarro, Carmen; Rodríguez, Laudina; Sánchez, Maria-José; Larrañaga, Nerea; Khaw, Kay-Tee; Wareham, Nick; Allen, Naomi E; Crowe, Francesca; Gallo, Valentina; Norat, Teresa; Krogh, Vittorio; Masala, Giovanna; Panico, Salvatore; Sacerdote, Carlotta; Tumino, Rosario; Trichopoulou, Antonia; Lagiou, Pagona; Trichopoulos, Dimitrios; Rasmuson, Torgny; Hallmans, Göran; Riboli, Elio; Vineis, Paolo; Brennan, Paul

2010-06-16

B vitamins and factors related to 1-carbon metabolism help to maintain DNA integrity and regulate gene expression and may affect cancer risk. To investigate if 1-carbon metabolism factors are associated with onset of lung cancer. The European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) recruited 519,978 participants from 10 countries between 1992 and 2000, of whom 385,747 donated blood. By 2006, 899 lung cancer cases were identified and 1770 control participants were individually matched by country, sex, date of birth, and date of blood collection. Serum levels were measured for 6 factors of 1-carbon metabolism and cotinine. Odds ratios (ORs) of lung cancer by serum levels of 4 B vitamins (B(2), B(6), folate [B(9)], and B(12)), methionine, and homocysteine. Within the entire EPIC cohort, the age-standardized incidence rates of lung cancer (standardized to the world population, aged 35-79 years) were 6.6, 44.9, and 156.1 per 100,000 person-years among never, former, and current smokers for men, respectively. The corresponding incidence rates for women were 7.1, 23.9, and 100.9 per 100,000 person-years, respectively. After accounting for smoking, a lower risk for lung cancer was seen for elevated serum levels of B(6) (fourth vs first quartile OR, 0.44; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.33-0.60; P for trend <.000001), as well as for serum methionine (fourth vs first quartile OR, 0.52; 95% CI, 0.39-0.69; P for trend <.000001). Similar and consistent decreases in risk were observed in never, former, and current smokers, indicating that results were not due to confounding by smoking. The magnitude of risk was also constant with increasing length of follow-up, indicating that the associations were not explained by preclinical disease. A lower risk was also seen for serum folate (fourth vs first quartile OR, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.51-0.90; P for trend = .001), although this was apparent only for former and current smokers. When participants were classified by median

Association between serum alpha-fetoprotein levels and fatty liver disease: A cross-sectional study

PubMed Central

Xu, Ping; Xu, Cheng-Fu; Wan, Xing-Yong; Yu, Chao-Hui; Shen, Chao; Chen, Peng; Xu, Gen-Yun; Li, You-Ming

2014-01-01

AIM: To investigate the association between serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels and fatty liver disease (FLD) in a Chinese population. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed among subjects who presented for a health examination at the First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University in 2013. FLD was diagnosed based on an ultrasonography examination. Serum AFP levels were measured with a chemiluminescence immunoassay. RESULTS: Of the 9800 subjects enrolled, 2601 were diagnosed with FLD. Subjects with FLD had higher serum AFP levels than those without the disease. Subjects with high serum AFP levels had a higher prevalence of FLD, metabolic syndrome, and its components. Univariate logistic analysis showed that elevated serum AFP levels were associated with an increased risk of FLD (OR = 1.057, 95%CI: 1.031-1.084). However, after adjusting for covariates, AFP no longer remained significantly associated with the risk factors for FLD. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that serum AFP levels are significantly associated with FLD and that AFP acts as a cofactor, but not as an independent factor, for FLD. PMID:25206293

Transforming Growth Factor-β1 T869C Gene Polymorphism Is Associated with Acquired Sick Sinus Syndrome via Linking a Higher Serum Protein Level

PubMed Central

Chen, Jan-Yow; Liu, Jiung-Hsiun; Wu, Hong-Dar Isaac; Lin, Kuo-Hung; Chang, Kuan-Cheng; Liou, Ying-Ming

2016-01-01

Background Familial sick sinus syndrome is associated with gene mutations and dysfunction of ion channels. In contrast, degenerative fibrosis of the sinus node tissue plays an important role in the pathogenesis of acquired sick sinus syndrome. There is a close relationship between transforming growth factor-β1 mediated cardiac fibrosis and acquired arrhythmia. It is of interest to examine whether transforming growth factor-β1 is involved in the pathogenesis of acquired sick sinus syndrome. Methods Overall, 110 patients with acquired SSS and 137 age/gender-matched controls were screened for transforming growth factor-β1 and cardiac sodium channel gene polymorphisms using gene sequencing or restriction fragment length polymorphism methods. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to determine the serum level of transforming growth factor-β1. Results Two transforming growth factor-β1 gene polymorphisms (C-509T and T+869C) and one cardiac sodium channel gene polymorphism (H588R) have been identified. The C-dominant CC/CT genotype frequency of T869C was significantly higher in acquired sick sinus syndrome patients than in controls (OR 2.09, 95% CI 1.16–3.75, P = 0.01). Consistently, the level of serum transforming growth factor-β1 was also significantly greater in acquired sick sinus syndrome group than in controls (5.3±3.4 ng/ml vs. 3.7±2.4 ng/ml, P = 0.01). In addition, the CC/CT genotypes showed a higher transforming growth factor-β1 serum level than the TT genotype (4.25 ± 2.50 ng/ml vs. 2.71± 1.76 ng/ml, P = 0.028) in controls. Conclusion Transforming growth factor-β1 T869C polymorphism, correlated with high serum transforming growth factor-β1 levels, is associated with susceptibility to acquired sick sinus syndrome. PMID:27380173

Alterations in BDNF (brain derived neurotrophic factor) and GDNF (glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor) serum levels in bipolar disorder: The role of lithium.

PubMed

Tunca, Zeliha; Ozerdem, Aysegul; Ceylan, Deniz; Yalçın, Yaprak; Can, Güneş; Resmi, Halil; Akan, Pınar; Ergör, Gül; Aydemir, Omer; Cengisiz, Cengiz; Kerim, Doyuran

2014-09-01

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has been consistently reported to be decreased in mania or depression in bipolar disorders. Evidence suggests that Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) has a role in the pathogenesis of mood disorders. Whether GDNF and BDNF act in the same way across different episodes in bipolar disorders is unclear. BDNF and GDNF serum levels were measured simultaneously by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method in 96 patients diagnosed with bipolar disorder according to DSM-IV (37 euthymic, 33 manic, 26 depressed) in comparison to 61 healthy volunteers. SCID- I and SCID-non patient version were used for clinical evaluation of the patients and healthy volunteers respectively. Correlations between the two trophic factor levels, and medication dose, duration and serum levels of lithium or valproate were studied across different episodes of illness. Patients had significantly lower BDNF levels during mania and depression compared to euthymic patients and healthy controls. GDNF levels were not distinctive. However GDNF/BDNF ratio was higher in manic state compared to euthymia and healthy controls. Significant negative correlation was observed between BDNF and GDNF levels in euthymic patients. While BDNF levels correlated positively, GDNF levels correlated negatively with lithium levels. Regression analysis confirmed that lithium levels predicted only GDNF levels positively in mania, and negatively in euthymia. Small sample size in different episodes and drug-free patients was the limitation of thestudy. Current data suggests that lithium exerts its therapeutic action by an inverse effect on BDNF and GDNF levels, possibly by up-regulating BDNF and down-regulating GDNF to achieve euthymia. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Study on polychlorobiphenyl serum levels in French consumers of freshwater fish.

PubMed

Desvignes, Virginie; Volatier, Jean-Luc; de Bels, Frédéric; Zeghnoun, Abdelkrim; Favrot, Marie-Christine; Marchand, Philippe; Le Bizec, Bruno; Rivière, Gilles; Leblanc, Jean-Charles; Merlo, Mathilde

2015-02-01

Polychlorobiphenyls (PCBs) are persistent pollutants that are widespread in the environment and in foodstuffs, particularly in freshwater fish, which frequently exceed the maximum levels set by European regulations. First, we describe the consumption of freshwater fish and serum PCB levels in French anglers, a population expected to have the highest level of dietary PCB exposure. Second, we investigated whether there is a statistical relationship between serum PCB levels and the angler consumption of freshwater fish with high PCB bioaccumulation potential (PCB-BP(+) freshwater fish) in order to make recommendations with regard to safe consumption of freshwater fish. We conducted a survey of anglers from six sites with contrasting PCB contamination levels. The survey included a food consumption frequency questionnaire and blood samples were taken to assess serum PCB levels. We used a regression model to determine the main factors contributing to serum PCB levels. Consumption of PCB-BP(+) freshwater fish was relatively infrequent. Serum PCB levels of the study population and of women of childbearing age were in the same range as those observed in the French population and in neighbouring European countries, but higher than in the North American population. The two factors with the highest positive association with serum PCB levels were age (R(2)=61%) and the consumption of PCB-BP(+) freshwater fish (R(2)=2%). Using the regression model, we calculated, for several scenarios depending on the age and gender of the population, the maximum annual frequencies for PCB-BP(+) freshwater fish consumption that do not exceed the critical body burden threshold. Following the results of this study, the French agency for food, environmental and occupational health and safety (ANSES) issued an opinion and recommended some specific maximum freshwater fish consumption frequencies to protect the French general population. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Decreased serum levels of mature brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), but not its precursor proBDNF, in patients with major depressive disorder.

PubMed

Yoshida, Taisuke; Ishikawa, Masatomo; Niitsu, Tomihisa; Nakazato, Michiko; Watanabe, Hiroyuki; Shiraishi, Tetsuya; Shiina, Akihiro; Hashimoto, Tasuku; Kanahara, Nobuhisa; Hasegawa, Tadashi; Enohara, Masayo; Kimura, Atsushi; Iyo, Masaomi; Hashimoto, Kenji

2012-01-01

Meta-analyses have identified serum levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) as a potential biomarker for major depressive disorder (MDD). However, at the time, commercially available human ELISA kits are unable to distinguish between proBDNF (precursor of BDNF) and mature BDNF because of limited BDNF antibody specificity. In this study, we examined whether serum levels of proBDNF, mature BDNF, and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), which converts proBDNF to mature BDNF, are altered in patients with MDD. Sixty-nine patients with MDD and 78 age- and gender-matched healthy subjects were enrolled. Patients were evaluated using 17 items on the Structured Interview Guide for the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale. Cognitive impairment was evaluated using the CogState battery. Serum levels of proBDNF, mature BDNF, and MMP-9 were measured using ELISA kits. Serum levels of mature BDNF in patients with MDD were significantly lower than those of normal controls. In contrast, there was no difference in the serum levels of proBDNF and MMP-9 between patients and normal controls. While neither proBDNF nor mature BDNF serum levels was associated with clinical variables, there were significant correlations between MMP-9 serum levels and the severity of depression, quality of life scores, and social function scores in patients. These findings suggest that mature BDNF may serve as a biomarker for MDD, and that MMP-9 may play a role in the pathophysiology of MDD. Further studies using larger sample sizes will be needed to investigate these results.

BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) serum levels in schizophrenic patients with cognitive deficits

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Utami, N.; Effendy, E.; Amin, M. M.

2018-03-01

Schizophrenia is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder with cognitive impairment as the main part. BDNF regulates aspects of developmental plasticity in the brain and is involved in cognitive function. Cognitive functions include capabilities such as attention, executive functioning, assessing, monitoring and evaluating. The aim of the study was to know the BDNF levels in schizophrenic patients with cognitive deficits. The study was held in October 2016 - March 2017, and was the first in Indonesia, especially in North Sumatra. The study was approved by the medical ethics committee of the University of North Sumatera. The study is descriptive based on a retrospective method with cross-sectional approach. The subject is 40 male schizophrenia. Cognitive deficits were assessed by MoCA-Ina. BDNF serum levels were analyzed using the quantitative sandwich enzyme immunoassay. The average MoCA-Ina score is 21.03±5.21. This suggests that there is a cognitive function deficit in schizophrenic patients. The mean serum BDNF level was 26629±6762. MoCA-Ina scores in schizophrenic patients <26 who experienced a deficit of 77.5% and serum BDNF levels with normal values ranging from 6.186 to 42.580pg/ml.

Preoperative serum HER2 extracellular domain levels in primary invasive breast cancer.

PubMed

Lee, Sae Byul; Lee, Jong Won; Yu, Jong Han; Ko, Beom Seok; Kim, Hee Jeong; Son, Byung Ho; Gong, Gyungyub; Lee, Hee Jin; Kim, Sung-Bae; Jung, Kyung Hae; Ahn, Jin-Hee; Lee, Woochang; Sung, Joohon; Ahn, Sei-Hyun

2014-12-10

Despite the preclinical outcomes and biologic significance of the presence of the human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER2) extracellular domain (ECD), there is little evidence supporting the measurement of ECD levels in any clinical setting. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of elevated serum HER2 ECD levels, the association between these levels and tissue HER2 overexpression, and the potential clinical prognostic value of HER2 ECD in primary invasive breast cancer. Serum HER2 ECD levels were examined preoperatively in 2,862 consecutive stage I-III primary breast cancer patients between 2007 and 2009. Serum HER2 ECD levels were measured by chemiluminescence immunoassay (ADVIA Centaur), and the tissue HER2 status was assessed by immunohistochemistry and fluorescence in situ hybridization. The cutoff value for the serum level of HER2 ECD was set at 15.2 ng/ml. Among the 2,862 patients, 126 (4.4%) had elevated serum HER2 ECD levels, and HER2 was overexpressed in the tumor tissue of 692 patients (24.2%), with a concordance of 78.7%. Multivariate analysis revealed that elevated serum HER2 ECD was a significant independent prognostic factor for worse distant-metastasis-free survival [DMFS; hazard ratio (HR) = 2.50, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.5-4.3, P = 0.001] and breast-cancer-specific survival (BCSS; HR = 2.0, 95% CI = 1.1-3.8, P = 0.036), which were much stronger in patients with tissue HER2-positive tumors (DMFS: HR = 3.8, 95% CI = 2.0-7.0, P < 0.001; BCSS: HR = 2.6, 95% CI = 1.2-5.3, P = 0.012). Given the prevalence of HER2 expression, its measurement as an independent prognostic factor can be clinically useful, particularly in patients with tissue HER2-positive tumors.

Randomized Clinical Trial of Sevelamer Carbonate on Serum Klotho and Fibroblast Growth Factor 23 in CKD.

PubMed

Liabeuf, Sophie; Ryckelynck, Jean-Philippe; El Esper, Najeh; Ureña, Pablo; Combe, Christian; Dussol, Bertrand; Fouque, Denis; Vanhille, Philippe; Frimat, Luc; Thervet, Eric; Mentaverri, Romuald; Prié, Dominique; Choukroun, Gabriel

2017-12-07

Epidemiologic studies suggest that higher serum phosphaturic hormone fibroblast growth factor 23 levels are associated with increase morbidity and mortality. The aim of the FGF23 Reduction Efficacy of a New Phosphate Binder in CKD Trial was to evaluate the effect of sevelamer carbonate on serum C-terminal fibroblast growth factor 23 levels in normophosphatemic patients with CKD stage 3b/4. Patients with CKD, eGFR between 45 and 15 ml/min per 1.73 m 2 , fasting serum phosphate concentration >3.1 mg/dl, and serum C-terminal fibroblast growth factor 23 >80 relative units/ml were included in our double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized multicenter study. All patients received 100,000 IU cholecalciferol at time of randomization. Participants received either placebo or sevelamer carbonate 4.8 g daily during a 12-week period. Biologic parameters, including serum C-terminal fibroblast growth factor 23, intact fibroblast growth factor 23, and α -klotho, were evaluated at baseline and 12 weeks after inclusion. Of 96 screened patients, 78 (mean±SD age: 63±13 years old; 70% men; mean eGFR: 27±9 ml/min per 1.73 m 2 ) met the inclusion criteria. At baseline, mean eGFR was 27±9 ml/min per 1.73 m 2 , mean serum phosphate level was 3.8±0.5 mg/dl, and median (interquartile range) serum C-terminal fibroblast growth factor 23 level was 157 (120-241) relative units/ml. After 12 weeks of treatment, urinary phosphate-to-creatinine ratio fell significantly in the sevelamer group. The sevelamer and placebo groups did not differ significantly in terms of median change in serum C-terminal fibroblast growth factor 23 levels: the median (interquartile range) change was 38 (-13-114) relative units/ml in the placebo group and 37 (-1-101) relative units/ml in the sevelamer group ( P =0.77). There was no significant difference in serum intact fibroblast growth factor 23, α -klotho, or phosphate levels changes between the two groups. Serum total and LDL cholesterol levels fell

Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Serum Levels and Genotype: Association with Depression during Interferon-α Treatment

PubMed Central

Lotrich, Francis E; Albusaysi, Salwa; Ferrell, Robert E

2013-01-01

Depression has been associated with inflammation, and inflammation may both influence and interact with growth factors such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Both the functional Val66Met BDNF polymorphism (rs6265) and BDNF levels have been associated with depression. It is thus plausible that decreased BDNF could mediate and/or moderate cytokine-induced depression. We therefore prospectively employed the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II), the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and the Montgomery–Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) in 124 initially euthymic patients during treatment with interferon-alpha (IFN-α), assessing serum BDNF and rs6265. Using mixed-effect repeated measures, lower pretreatment BDNF was associated with higher depression symptoms during IFN-α treatment (F144,17.2=6.8; P<0.0001). However, although the Met allele was associated with lower BDNF levels (F1,83.0=5.0; P=0.03), it was only associated with increased MADRS scores (F4,8.9=20.3; P<0.001), and not the BDI-II or HADS. An exploratory comparison of individual BDI-II items indicated that the Met allele was associated with suicidal ideation, sadness, and worthlessness, but not neurovegetative symptoms. Conversely, the serotonin transporter promoter polymorphism (5-HTTLPR) short allele was associated with neurovegetative symptoms such as insomnia, poor appetite and fatigue, but not sadness, worthlessness, or suicidal ideation. IFN-α therapy further lowered BDNF serum levels (F4,37.7=5.0; P=0.003), but this decrease occurred regardless of depression development. The findings thus do not support the hypothesis that decreasing BDNF is the primary pathway by which IFN-α worsens depression. Nonetheless, the results support the hypothesis that BDNF levels influence resiliency against developing inflammatory cytokine-associated depression, and specifically to a subset of symptoms distinct from those influenced by 5-HTTLPR. PMID:23303061

Serum levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BNDF) in multiple sclerosis patients with Trichuris suis ova therapy.

PubMed

Rosche, Berit; Werner, Jonas; Benzel, Friderike Joëlle; Harms, Lutz; Danker-Hopfe, Heidi; Hellweg, Rainer

2013-01-01

We previously analysed clinical and immunological parameters under Trichuris suis ova (TSO) therapy in four patients with secondary progressive multiple sclerosis. The serum Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels of these four patients were assessed before, during and after therapy with TSO and showed significant decrease of BDNF during TSO therapy (p < 0.05). © B. Rosche et al., published by EDP Sciences, 2013.

Serum Levels of Follistatin Are Positively Associated With Serum-Free Thyroxine Levels in Patients With Hyperthyroidism or Euthyroidism

PubMed Central

Tseng, Fen-Yu; Chen, Yen-Ting; Chi, Yu-Chao; Chen, Pei-Lung; Yang, Wei-Shiung

2016-01-01

Abstract Follistatin is a glycoprotein with various biologic functions that plays a role in adipocyte differentiation, muscle stimulation, anti-inflammation, and energy homeostasis. Thyroid hormones influence energy expenditure, glucose, and lipid metabolism. The association between serum follistatin level and thyroid function statuses has seldom been evaluated. The objectives of this study were to compare serum follistatin concentrations in different thyroid function statuses and to evaluate the associations between serum follistatin and free thyroxine (fT4) levels. In this study, 30 patients with hyperthyroidism (HY group) and 30 euthyroid individuals (EU group) were recruited. The patients of HY group were treated with antithyroid regimens as clinically indicated, whereas no medication was given to EU group. The demographic and anthropometric characteristics, biochemical data, serum levels of follistatin, and thyroid function of both groups at baseline and at the 6th month were compared. Data of all patients were pooled for the analysis of the associations between the levels of follistatin and fT4. At baseline, the HY group had significantly higher serum follistatin levels than the EU group (median [Q1, Q3]: 1.81 [1.33, 2.78] vs 1.13 [0.39, 1.45] ng/mL, P < 0.001). When treated with antithyroid regimens, the follistatin serum levels in HY group decreased to 1.54 [1.00, 1.88] ng/mL at the 6th month. In all patients, the serum levels of follistatin were positively associated with fT4 levels at baseline (β = 0.54, P = 0.005) and at the 6th month (β = 0.59, P < 0.001). The association between follistatin and fT4 levels remained significant in the stepwise multivariate regression analysis, both initially and at the 6th month. In comparison to the EU group, patients with hyperthyroidism had higher serum follistatin levels, which decreased after receiving antithyroid treatment. In addition, the serum follistatin concentrations were positively

Genome-wide association study on serum alkaline phosphatase levels in a Chinese population

PubMed Central

2013-01-01

Background Serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) is a complex phenotype influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. Recent Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS) have identified several loci affecting ALP levels; however, such studies in Chinese populations are limited. We performed a GWAS analyzing the association between 658,288 autosomal SNPs and serum ALP in 1,461 subjects, and replicated the top SNPs in an additional 8,830 healthy Chinese Han individuals. The interactions between significant locus and environmental factors on serum ALP levels were further investigated. Results The association between ABO locus and serum ALP levels was replicated (P = 2.50 × 10-21, 1.12 × 10-56 and 2.82 × 10-27 for SNP rs8176720, rs651007 and rs7025162 on ABO locus, respectively). SNP rs651007 accounted for 2.15% of the total variance of serum ALP levels independently of the other 2 SNPs. When comparing our findings with previously published studies, ethnic differences were observed across populations. A significant interaction between ABO rs651007 and overweight and obesity was observed (FDR for interaction was 0.036); for individuals with GG genotype, those with normal weight and those who were overweight or obese have similar serum ALP concentrations; minor allele A of rs651007 remarkably reduced serum ALP levels, but this effect was attenuated in overweight and obese individuals. Conclusions Our findings indicate that ABO locus is a major determinant for serum ALP levels in Chinese Han population. Overweight and obesity modifies the effect of ABO locus on serum ALP concentrations. PMID:24094242

Increased Circulating Level of the Survival Factor GP88 (Progranulin) in the Serum of Breast Cancer Patients When Compared to Healthy Subjects

PubMed Central

Tkaczuk, Katherine Rak; Yue, Binbin; Zhan, Min; Tait, Nancy; Yarlagadda, Lavanya; Dai, Huifang; Serrero, Ginette

2011-01-01

Introduction: GP88 (PC-Cell Derived Growth Factor, progranulin) is a glycoprotein overexpressed in breast tumors and involved in their proliferation and survival. Since GP88 is secreted, an exploratory study was established to compare serum GP88 level between breast cancer patients (BC) and healthy volunteers (HV). Methods: An IRB approved prospective study enrolled 189 stage 1–4 BC patients and 18 HV. GP88 serum concentration was determined by immunoassay. Results: Serum GP88 level was 28.7 + 5.8 ng/ml in HV and increased to 40.7 + 16.0 ng/ml (P = 0.007) for stage 1–3 and 45.3 + 23.3 ng/ml (P = 0.0007) for stage 4 BC patients. There was no correlation between the GP88 level and BC characteristics such as age, race, tumor grade, ER, PR and HER-2 expression. Conclusion: These data suggest that serial testing of serum GP88 levels may have value as a circulating biomarker for detection, monitoring and follow up of BC. PMID:21792312

Relationship between serum calcium and CA 19-9 levels in colorectal cancer

PubMed Central

Fuszek, Peter; Lakatos, Peter; Tabak, Adam; Papp, Janos; Nagy, Zsolt; Takacs, Istvan; Horvath, Henrik Csaba; Lakatos, Peter Laszlo; Speer, Gabor

2004-01-01

AIM: To examine the calcium metabolism of colorectal cancer (CRC) in patients with colorectal cancer and control patients. METHODS: Seventy newly diagnosed CRC patients were included. The healthy control group was age and gender matched (n = 32). Particular attention was devoted to the relationship between serum calcium of patients, and levels of AFP, CEA, carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA 19-9) (that could be considered as prognostic factors). Furthermore, the Ca-sensing receptor (CaSR) gene A986S polymorphism was investigated in these patients, as well as the relationship between different CaSR genotypes and the data stated above. RESULTS: A lower level of ionized calcium (also corrected for albumin) was found in the serum of CRC patients with normal 25 (OH) vitamin D levels. The ionized calcium concentration was inversely correlated with the serum level of CA 19-9. There was no difference in the distribution of CaSR genotypes, between CRC patients and general population. The genotypes did not correlate with other data examined. CONCLUSION: Based on these results, lower levels of serum calcium might be a pathogenic and prognostic factor in colorectal cancer. PMID:15222030

Serum omentin-1 levels as a possible risk factor of mortality in patients with diabetes on haemodialysis.

PubMed

Kocijancic, Marija; Vujicic, Bozidar; Racki, Sanjin; Cubranic, Zlatko; Zaputovic, Luka; Dvornik, Stefica

2015-10-01

The main cause of mortality in haemodialysis (HD) patients is cardiovascular disease. Serum omentin-1 level was found to be associated with cardio-metabolic disorders. The aim of this study was to examine the role of omentin-1 as a predictor of mortality in a group of diabetes positive HD patients. A total of 120 prevalent HD patients were included in the study from December 2012 to May 2014. Patients were divided into two groups according to the presence or absence of diabetes. Venous blood samples were taken at months 0 and 18 following an overnight fast (prior to a midweek HD session). Serum omentin-1 level was assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. A total of 84 HD patients were analysed at the end of an 18-month follow-up. Omentin-1 levels of HD patients with diabetes were found to be lower than of HD patients without diabetes (9.1±5.8 ng/mL vs. 11.4±4.1 ng/mL, respectively; P=0.015) at the end of follow-up. Omentin-1 levels of survived patients with diabetes were found to be higher than of nonsurvived patients with diabetes (16.5±10.1 ng/mL vs. 12.9±5.3 ng/mL, respectively; P=0.045). During follow-up, 36 patients (30%) died, of whom 25 had diabetes (34%). Serum omentin-1 levels were significantly lower in HD patients with diabetes. A decrease in omentin-1 levels could be an independent mortality risk factor in this patient group. Further investigation in a greater number of patients is needed. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Changes in serum biochemical factors associated with opium addiction after addiction desertion.

PubMed

Afarinesh, Mohammad Reza; Haghpanah, Tahereh; Divsalar, Kouros; Dehyadegary, Elham; Shaikh-Aleslami, Azar; Mahmoodi, Majid

2014-01-01

The long time use of opium has some effects on serums biochemical factors, the determination of this variation is a new approach in understanding off addiction and relive of drug abuser health. Hence in this study, these indicators in person who were withdrawing of opium have been studied. In this cross-sectional study bloods biochemical factors such as fasting blood sugar (FBS), sodium (Na), calcium (Ca), uric acid (UA), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, cholesterol, total protein, and fibrinogen in three groups serum were studied: (1) Who had been permanent opium users more than 2 years (case). (2) Dependent person who has taken one month addiction withdrawal course (control). (3) A healthy group that had been demographically similar to the other groups. According to these study findings, FBS serum level in the case group is lower than control group. Serum level of Na, creatinine, and blood triglyceride (TG) in case study are higher than group control. Concentration of potassium, Ca, UA, BUN, cholesterol, total serum protein, fibrinogen, and thrombin time in case study and group control showed no significant difference. Also, in withdrawing case serum level of Na, Ca, UA, BUN, creatinine, and TG significantly increase and thrombin time decrease. According to this study not only the longtime use of opium but also opium with drawerin opium dependent people can change their serum biochemical factors. So recognition, treatment, and prevention of this change could be a new step in improving of health and condition of patients.

Serum total hCGβ level is an independent prognostic factor in transitional cell carcinoma of the urothelial tract.

PubMed

Douglas, J; Sharp, A; Chau, C; Head, J; Drake, T; Wheater, M; Geldart, T; Mead, G; Crabb, S J

2014-04-02

Serum total human chorionic gonadotrophin β subunit (hCGβ) level might have prognostic value in urothelial transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) but has not been investigated for independence from other prognostic variables. We utilised a clinical database of patients receiving chemotherapy between 2005 and 2011 for urothelial TCC and an independent cohort of radical cystectomy patients for validation purposes. Prognostic variables were tested by univariate Kaplan-Meier analyses and log-rank tests. Statistically significant variables were then assessed by multivariate Cox regression. Total hCGβ level was dichotomised at < vs ≥2 IU l(-1). A total of 235 chemotherapy patients were eligible. For neoadjuvant chemotherapy, established prognostic factors including low ECOG performance status, normal haemoglobin, lower T stage and suitability for cisplatin-based chemotherapy were associated with favourable survival in univariate analyses. In addition, low hCGβ level was favourable when assessed either before (median survival not reached vs 1.86 years, P=0.001) or on completion of chemotherapy (4.27 vs 0.42 years, P=0.000002). This was confirmed in multivariate analyses and in patients receiving first- and second-line palliative chemotherapy, and in a radical cystectomy validation set. Serum total hCGβ level is an independent prognostic factor in patients receiving chemotherapy for urothelial TCC in both curative and palliative settings.

Serum levels of the extracellular domain of the epidermal growth factor receptor in individuals exposed to arsenic in drinking water in Bangladesh.

PubMed

Li, Y; Chen, Y; Slavkovic, V; Ahsan, H; Parvez, F; Graziano, J H; Brandt-Rauf, P W

2007-01-01

Epidermal growth factor receptor-dependent mechanisms have been implicated in growth signal transduction pathways that contribute to cancer development, including dermal carcinogenesis. Detection of the extracellular domain of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR ECD) in serum has been suggested as a potential biomarker for monitoring this effect in vivo. Arsenic is a known human carcinogen, producing skin and other malignancies in populations exposed through their drinking water. One such exposed population, which we have been studying for a number of years, is in Bangladesh. The purpose of this study was to examine the EGFR ECD as a potential biomarker of arsenic exposure and/or effect in this population. Levels of the EGFR ECD were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in the serum samples from 574 individuals with a range of arsenic exposures from drinking water in the Araihazar area of Bangladesh. In multiple regression analysis, serum EGFR ECD was found to be positively associated with three different measures of arsenic exposure (well water arsenic, urinary arsenic and a cumulative arsenic index) at statistically significant levels (pserum EGFR ECD levels, the risk of skin lesions increased progressively for each increase in all three arsenic measures (also stratified in tertiles) and this increasing risk became more pronounced among subjects within the highest tertile of EGFR ECD levels. These results suggest that serum EGFR ECD levels may be a potential biomarker of effect of arsenic exposure and may indicate those exposed individuals at greatest risk for the development of arsenic-induced skin lesions.

Evidence of associations between brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) serum levels and gene polymorphisms with tinnitus.

PubMed

Coskunoglu, Aysun; Orenay-Boyacioglu, Seda; Deveci, Artuner; Bayam, Mustafa; Onur, Ece; Onan, Arzu; Cam, Fethi S

2017-01-01

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene polymorphisms are associated with abnormalities in regulation of BDNF secretion. Studies also linked BDNF polymorphisms with changes in brainstem auditory-evoked response test results. Furthermore, BDNF levels are reduced in tinnitus, psychiatric disorders, depression, dysthymic disorder that may be associated with stress, conversion disorder, and suicide attempts due to crises of life. For this purpose, we investigated whether there is any role of BDNF changes in the pathophysiology of tinnitus. In this study, we examined the possible effects of BDNF variants in individuals diagnosed with tinnitus for more than 3 months. Fifty-two tinnitus subjects between the ages of 18 and 55, and 42 years healthy control subjects in the same age group, who were free of any otorhinolaryngology and systemic disease, were selected for examination. The intensity of tinnitus and depression was measured using the tinnitus handicap inventory, and the differential diagnosis of psychiatric diagnoses made using the Structured Clinical Interview for Fourth Edition of Mental Disorders. BDNF gene polymorphism was analyzed in the genomic deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) samples extracted from the venous blood, and the serum levels of BDNF were measured. One-way analysis of variance and Chi-squared tests were applied. Serum BDNF level was found lower in the tinnitus patients than controls, and it appeared that there is no correlation between BDNF gene polymorphism and tinnitus. This study suggests neurotrophic factors such as BDNF may have a role in tinnitus etiology. Future studies with larger sample size may be required to further confirm our results.

Evidence of associations between brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) serum levels and gene polymorphisms with tinnitus

PubMed Central

Coskunoglu, Aysun; Orenay-Boyacioglu, Seda; Deveci, Artuner; Bayam, Mustafa; Onur, Ece; Onan, Arzu; Cam, Fethi S.

2017-01-01

Background: Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene polymorphisms are associated with abnormalities in regulation of BDNF secretion. Studies also linked BDNF polymorphisms with changes in brainstem auditory-evoked response test results. Furthermore, BDNF levels are reduced in tinnitus, psychiatric disorders, depression, dysthymic disorder that may be associated with stress, conversion disorder, and suicide attempts due to crises of life. For this purpose, we investigated whether there is any role of BDNF changes in the pathophysiology of tinnitus. Materials and Methods: In this study, we examined the possible effects of BDNF variants in individuals diagnosed with tinnitus for more than 3 months. Fifty-two tinnitus subjects between the ages of 18 and 55, and 42 years healthy control subjects in the same age group, who were free of any otorhinolaryngology and systemic disease, were selected for examination. The intensity of tinnitus and depression was measured using the tinnitus handicap inventory, and the differential diagnosis of psychiatric diagnoses made using the Structured Clinical Interview for Fourth Edition of Mental Disorders. BDNF gene polymorphism was analyzed in the genomic deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) samples extracted from the venous blood, and the serum levels of BDNF were measured. One-way analysis of variance and Chi-squared tests were applied. Results: Serum BDNF level was found lower in the tinnitus patients than controls, and it appeared that there is no correlation between BDNF gene polymorphism and tinnitus. Conclusions: This study suggests neurotrophic factors such as BDNF may have a role in tinnitus etiology. Future studies with larger sample size may be required to further confirm our results. PMID:28615544

Effect of celecoxib plus standard chemotherapy on serum levels of vascular endothelial growth factor and cyclooxygenase-2 in patients with gastric cancer.

PubMed

Han, Xiaopeng; Li, Hongtao; Su, Lin; Zhu, Wankun; Xu, Wei; Li, Kun; Zhao, Qingchuan; Yang, Hua; Liu, Hongbin

2014-03-01

Elevated serum levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) are associated with poor prognosis in patients with gastric cancer. Little is known regarding the clinical benefits of combining celecoxib, a selective inhibitor of COX-2, with standard chemotherapy regimens for the treatment of gastric cancer patients. In this study, we investigated the effect of the combinatorial use of celecoxib with standard chemotherapy on the serum levels of VEGF and COX-2 in patients with gastric cancer. In our study, 80 patients with gastric cancer who underwent laparoscopic radical surgery were randomized into two groups, the combination [celecoxib plus standard oxaliplatin, leucovorin and 5-fluorouracil (FOLFOX4) chemotherapy, n=40] and the FOLFOX4 alone (n=40) groups. In the combination group, celecoxib was orally administered to the patients (400 mg, twice daily). The serum levels of VEGF and COX-2 were measured by ELISA prior to and following surgery. We detected no significant difference in the serum levels of VEGF and COX-2 between the combination and FOLFOX4 alone groups prior to chemotherapy (P>0.05). However, after 6 cycles of chemotherapy, there was a greater decrease in the serum levels of VEGF and COX-2 in the combination group compared to those in the FOLFOX4 group (P<0.01). In addition, the serum levels of VEGF and COX-2 were closely correlated in patients with gastric adenocarcinoma prior to treatment. Our data indicated that, when combined with standard chemotherapy, celecoxib may reduce the serum levels of VEGF and COX-2, suggesting that COX-2 inhibitors may be of therapeutic value through the inhibition of tumor angiogenesis and the prevention of recurrence or metastasis. Thus, celecoxib may be a useful adjuvant agent to standard chemotherapy in patients with advanced gastric cancer.

Assessment of the relation between prealbumin serum level and healing of skin-grafted burn wounds.

PubMed

Moghazy, A M; Adly, O A; Abbas, A H; Moati, T A; Ali, O S; Mohamed, B A

2010-06-01

Nutritional status is an important factor in graft healing. Prealbumin (transthyretin) is a better nutritional marker than the widely used albumin serum level. Prealbumin serum levels were estimated in an endeavour to correlate them to graft healing and to serve as a predictor of graft healing in burn wounds. Fifty burned patients undergoing graft in the Suez Canal University Hospital Burn Unit were subjected to this cross-sectional study. Prealbumin levels were assessed on preoperative day and on the fourth postoperative day. Graft healing was considered complete when the take was 90% or more of the grafted area. The most significantly correlated factor to graft healing was serum prealbumin. Serum albumin levels were not in significant correlation with graft healing or prealbumin levels. In addition, serum prealbumin levels were significantly higher in the younger age group and significantly lower in patients with chronic diseases. Serum prealbumin level is a sensitive tool in predicting graft take in burned patients when all local conditions are favourable and optimised. Nevertheless, it seems less sensitive in the prediction of graft healing in small raw areas less than 5% of total body surface area (TBSA). (c) 2009 Elsevier Ltd and ISBI. All rights reserved.

Association of testosterone and BDNF serum levels with craving during alcohol withdrawal.

PubMed

Heberlein, Annemarie; Lenz, Bernd; Opfermann, Birgitt; Gröschl, Michael; Janke, Eva; Stange, Katrin; Groh, Adrian; Kornhuber, Johannes; Frieling, Helge; Bleich, Stefan; Hillemacher, Thomas

2016-08-01

Preclinical and clinical studies show associations between testosterone and brain-derived neurotrophic growth factor (BDNF) serum levels. BDNF and testosterone have been independently reported to influence alcohol consumption. Therefore, we aimed to investigate a possible interplay of testosterone and BDNF contributing to alcohol dependence. Regarding possible interplay of testosterone and BDNF and the activity of the hypothalamic pituitary axis (HPA), we included cortisol serum levels in our research. We investigated testosterone and BDNF serum levels in a sample of 99 male alcohol-dependent patients during alcohol withdrawal (day 1, 7, and 14) and compared them to a healthy male control group (n = 17). The testosterone serum levels were significantly (p < 0.001) higher in the patients' group than in the control group and decreased significantly during alcohol withdrawal (p < 0.001). The decrease of testosterone serum levels during alcohol withdrawal (days 1-7) was significantly associated with the BDNF serum levels (day 1: p = 0.008). In a subgroup of patients showing high cortisol serum levels (putatively mirroring high HPA activity), we found a significant association of BDNF and testosterone as well as with alcohol craving measured by the Obsessive and Compulsive Drinking Scale (OCDS). Our data suggest a possible association of BDNF and testosterone serum levels, which may be relevant for the symptomatology of alcohol dependence. Further studies are needed to clarify our results. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Serum Vitamin A Levels in Patients with Chalazion.

PubMed

Malekahmadi, Mohammad; Farrahi, Fereydoun; Tajdini, Afshin

2017-01-01

Chalazion is a chronic, localized lipogranulomatous inflammation of the sebaceous glands of the lids. Chalazion occurs often secondary to blockage of the sebaceous gland ducts. Some studies have reported vitamin A deficiency as a risk factor for chalazion. In this study, we determined the serum levels of vitamin A in patients with chalazion. The study involved a total of 107 subjects (52 patients with chalazion and 55 control healthy subjects). The study was conducted at the Ophthalmology Clinics of Imam Khomeini Hospital, Ahwaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahwaz, Iran between September 2014 and February 2015. The subjects were divided into three groups according to age: 7-12 years old, 13-19 years old, and more than 19 years old. Patients were further divided into four subgroups based on the type of chalazion: single, multiple, primary, and recurrent. Blood samples were collected and the serum was tested for levels of vitamin A using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The average serum vitamin A levels in patients with chalazion in the age groups of 7-12 and 13-19 years were significantly lower than in their control counterparts. Serum vitamin A levels in patients with recurrent, multiple chalazia were significantly lower than in patients with primary, multiple chalazia (P = 0.026) and patients with a recurrent, single chalazion (P = 0.029). In conclusion, chalazion could be one of the ocular presentations of vitamin A deficiency.

Serum Vitamin A Levels in Patients with Chalazion

PubMed Central

MALEKAHMADI, Mohammad; FARRAHI, Fereydoun; TAJDINI, Afshin

2017-01-01

Chalazion is a chronic, localized lipogranulomatous inflammation of the sebaceous glands of the lids. Chalazion occurs often secondary to blockage of the sebaceous gland ducts. Some studies have reported vitamin A deficiency as a risk factor for chalazion. In this study, we determined the serum levels of vitamin A in patients with chalazion. The study involved a total of 107 subjects (52 patients with chalazion and 55 control healthy subjects). The study was conducted at the Ophthalmology Clinics of Imam Khomeini Hospital, Ahwaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahwaz, Iran between September 2014 and February 2015. The subjects were divided into three groups according to age: 7–12 years old, 13–19 years old, and more than 19 years old. Patients were further divided into four subgroups based on the type of chalazion: single, multiple, primary, and recurrent. Blood samples were collected and the serum was tested for levels of vitamin A using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The average serum vitamin A levels in patients with chalazion in the age groups of 7–12 and 13–19 years were significantly lower than in their control counterparts. Serum vitamin A levels in patients with recurrent, multiple chalazia were significantly lower than in patients with primary, multiple chalazia (P = 0.026) and patients with a recurrent, single chalazion (P = 0.029). In conclusion, chalazion could be one of the ocular presentations of vitamin A deficiency. PMID:29392144

A community-based epidemiological study of elevated serum alanine aminotransferase levels in Kinmen, Taiwan

PubMed Central

Liu, Chi-Ming; Tung, Tao-Hsin; Liu, Jorn-Hon; Chen, Victor Tze-Kai; Lin, Ching-Heng; Hsu, Chung-Te; Chou, Pesus

2005-01-01

AIM: To explore any gender-related differences in prevalence of and condition-associated factors related to an elevated serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level amongst residents of Kinmen, Taiwan. METHODS: A total of 11 898 of a potential 20 112 regional residents aged 30 years or more completed a related questionnaire that was carried out by the Yang-Ming Crusade between 1991 and 1994 inclusively, with blood samples being collected by public nurses. The overall questionnaire response rate was 59.3% (52.4% for males and 66.0% for females). RESULTS: The prevalence of an elevated serum ALT level for this sub-population was found to be 7.2%, the prevalence revealing a statistically significant decrease with increasing population age (P<0.0001). Males exhibited a greater prevalence of elevated serum ALT level than did females (9.4% vs 5.3%, P<0.0001). Using multiple logistic regression analysis, in addition to male gender, a younger age, greater waist circumference, presence of type-2 diabetes and hyperuricemia were the significant factors associated with an elevated serum ALT level for both males and females. Gender-related differences as regards associated factors were also revealed. For males, obesity was significantly related to an elevated serum ALT level (OR = 1.28, 95%CI: 1.00-1.66) but this was not so for females (OR = 1.09, 95%CI: 0.84-1.42). Hypertriglyceridemia (OR = 1.80, 95%CI: 1.36-2.39) and hyperuricemia (OR = 1.61, 95%CI: 1.03-2.52) were significantly related to elevated serum ALT levels only for females. CONCLUSION: Several gender-related differences were noted pertaining to the prevalence of and relationship between obesity, hypertriglyceridemia and hyperuricemia and elevated serum ALT level in the present study. PMID:15786537

Relationships among the serum omega fatty acid levels, serum C-reactive protein levels and arterial stiffness/wave reflection in Japanese men.

PubMed

Tomiyama, Hirofumi; Matsumoto, Chisa; Odaira, Mari; Yamada, Jiko; Yoshida, Masanobu; Shiina, Kazuki; Nagata, Mikio; Yamashina, Akira

2011-08-01

We examined the relationship among the serum omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acid (O3FA and O6FA) levels, serum C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, and arterial stiffness/wave reflection (AS/WR) in healthy Japanese men. In 2206 Japanese healthy men, parameters related to the AS/WR (i.e., brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity and radial arterial pulse wave analysis) were measured. No significant inverse relationships were observed between the serum O3FA levels and the AS/WR-related parameters. Adjusted values of the AS/WR-related parameters and serum CRP levels were higher in the subjects with serum O6FA levels in the highest tertile than in those with serum O6FA levels in the lowest tertile. In healthy Japanese men with known high dietary intakes of O3FAs, the serum O3FA levels may not reflect the pathophysiological abnormalities related to AS/WR. Increased serum O6FA levels appeared to be independently associated with the unfavorable conditions related to AS/WR and inflammation. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Elevated serum BAFF levels in patients with localized scleroderma in contrast to other organ-specific autoimmune diseases.

PubMed

Matsushita, Takashi; Hasegawa, Minoru; Matsushita, Yukiyo; Echigo, Takeshi; Wayaku, Takamasa; Horikawa, Mayuka; Ogawa, Fumihide; Takehara, Kazuhiko; Sato, Shinichi

2007-02-01

Serum levels of B-cell activating factor belonging to the tumor necrosis factor family (BAFF), a potent B-cell survival factor, are elevated in patients with systemic autoimmune diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis and systemic sclerosis (SSc). The objective of this study was to determine serum BAFF levels and relate the results to the clinical features in patients with organ-specific autoimmune diseases of the skin, such as localized scleroderma and autoimmune bullous diseases. Serum BAFF levels were examined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in 44 patients with localized scleroderma, 20 with pemphigus vulgaris/pemphigus foliaceus, 20 with bullous pemphigoid and 30 healthy controls. Twenty patients with SSc and 20 with SLE were also examined as disease controls. Serum BAFF levels were elevated in localized scleroderma patients compared with healthy controls. Concerning localized scleroderma subgroups, patients with generalized morphea, the severest form of localized scleroderma, had higher serum BAFF levels than linear scleroderma or morphea patients. The BAFF levels of generalized morphea were comparable with those of SSc or SLE. Furthermore, serum BAFF levels correlated positively with antihistone antibody levels and the severity of skin lesion as well as the number of skin lesions. By contrast, serum BAFF levels were not significantly elevated in patients with pemphigus or pemphigoid. These results suggest that BAFF may be contributing to autoimmunity and disease development in localized scleroderma.

Changes in Serum Biochemical Factors Associated with Opium Addiction after Addiction Desertion

PubMed Central

Afarinesh, Mohammad Reza; Haghpanah, Tahereh; Divsalar, Kouros; Dehyadegary, Elham; Shaikh-Aleslami, Azar; Mahmoodi, Majid

2014-01-01

Background The long time use of opium has some effects on serums biochemical factors, the determination of this variation is a new approach in understanding off addiction and relive of drug abuser health. Hence in this study, these indicators in person who were withdrawing of opium have been studied. Methods In this cross-sectional study bloods biochemical factors such as fasting blood sugar (FBS), sodium (Na), calcium (Ca), uric acid (UA), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, cholesterol, total protein, and fibrinogen in three groups serum were studied: (1) Who had been permanent opium users more than 2 years (case). (2) Dependent person who has taken one month addiction withdrawal course (control). (3) A healthy group that had been demographically similar to the other groups. Findings According to these study findings, FBS serum level in the case group is lower than control group. Serum level of Na, creatinine, and blood triglyceride (TG) in case study are higher than group control. Concentration of potassium, Ca, UA, BUN, cholesterol, total serum protein, fibrinogen, and thrombin time in case study and group control showed no significant difference. Also, in withdrawing case serum level of Na, Ca, UA, BUN, creatinine, and TG significantly increase and thrombin time decrease. Conclusion According to this study not only the longtime use of opium but also opium with drawerin opium dependent people can change their serum biochemical factors. So recognition, treatment, and prevention of this change could be a new step in improving of health and condition of patients. PMID:25984281

Elevated Serum Pesticide Levels and Risk for Alzheimer Disease

PubMed Central

Richardson, Jason R.; Roy, Ananya; Shalat, Stuart L.; von Stein, Richard T.; Hossain, Muhammad M.; Buckley, Brian; Gearing, Marla; Levey, Allan I.; German, Dwight C.

2014-01-01

IMPORTANCE The causes of late-onset Alzheimer disease (AD) are not yet understood but likely include a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Limited epidemiological studies suggest that occupational pesticide exposures are associated with AD. Previously, we reported that serum levels of dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (DDE), the metabolite of the pesticide dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), were elevated in a small number of patients with AD (n=20). OBJECTIVE To evaluate the association between serum levels of DDE and AD and whether the apolipoprotein E (APOE) genotype modifies the association. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS A case-control study consisting of existing samples from patients with AD and control participants from the Emory University Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center and the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School’s Alzheimer’s Disease Center. Serum levels of DDE were measured in 79 control and 86 AD cases. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Serum DDE levels, AD diagnosis, severity of AD measured by the Mini-Mental State Examination score, and interaction with APOE4 status. RESULTS Levels of DDE were 3.8-fold higher in the serum of those with AD (mean [SEM], 2.64 [0.35] ng/mg cholesterol) when compared with control participants (mean [SEM], 0.69 [0.1] ng/mg cholesterol; P < .001). The highest tertile of DDE levels was associated with an odds ratio of 4.18 for increased risk for AD (95% CI, 2.54–5.82; P < .001) and lower Mini-Mental State Examination scores (−1.605; range, −3.095 to −0.114; P < .0001). The Mini-Mental State Examination scores in the highest tertile of DDE were −1.753 points lower in the subpopulation carrying an APOE ε4 allele compared with those carrying an APOE ε3 allele (P interaction = .04). Serum levels of DDE were highly correlated with brain levels of DDE (ρ = 0.95). Exposure of human neuroblastoma cells to DDT or DDE increased levels of amyloid precursor protein. CONCLUSIONS

Elevated serum pesticide levels and risk for Alzheimer disease.

PubMed

Richardson, Jason R; Roy, Ananya; Shalat, Stuart L; von Stein, Richard T; Hossain, Muhammad M; Buckley, Brian; Gearing, Marla; Levey, Allan I; German, Dwight C

2014-03-01

The causes of late-onset Alzheimer disease (AD) are not yet understood but likely include a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Limited epidemiological studies suggest that occupational pesticide exposures are associated with AD. Previously, we reported that serum levels of dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (DDE), the metabolite of the pesticide dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), were elevated in a small number of patients with AD (n=20). To evaluate the association between serum levels of DDE and AD and whether the apolipoprotein E (APOE) genotype modifies the association. A case-control study consisting of existing samples from patients with AD and control participants from the Emory University Alzheimer's Disease Research Center and the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School's Alzheimer's Disease Center. Serum levels of DDE were measured in 79 control and 86 AD cases. Serum DDE levels, AD diagnosis, severity of AD measured by the Mini-Mental State Examination score, and interaction with APOE4 status. Levels of DDE were 3.8-fold higher in the serum of those with AD (mean [SEM], 2.64 [0.35] ng/mg cholesterol) when compared with control participants (mean [SEM], 0.69 [0.1] ng/mg cholesterol; P < .001). The highest tertile of DDE levels was associated with an odds ratio of 4.18 for increased risk for AD (95% CI, 2.54-5.82; P < .001) and lower Mini-Mental State Examination scores (-1.605; range, -3.095 to -0.114; P < .0001). The Mini-Mental State Examination scores in the highest tertile of DDE were -1.753 points lower in the subpopulation carrying an APOE ε4 allele compared with those carrying an APOE ε3 allele (P interaction = .04). Serum levels of DDE were highly correlated with brain levels of DDE (ρ = 0.95). Exposure of human neuroblastoma cells to DDT or DDE increased levels of amyloid precursor protein. Elevated serum DDE levels are associated with an increased risk for AD and carriers of an APOE4 ε4 allele may

Herbal formula menoprogen alters insulin-like growth factor-1 and insulin-like growth factor binding protein-1 levels in the serum and ovaries of an aged female rat model of menopause.

PubMed

Wei, Min; Zheng, Sheng Z; Lu, Ye; Liu, Daniel; Ma, Hong; Mahady, Gail B

2015-10-01

Menoprogen (MPG), a traditional Chinese medicine formula for menopause, improves menopausal symptoms; however, its mechanism remains unknown. Previous studies have shown that MPG is not directly estrogenic; thus, the goal of this study was to investigate the effects of MPG on insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and insulin-like growth factor binding protein-1 (IGFBP-1) levels in an aged female rat model of menopause. In a six-arm study, 14-month-old female Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 8 per arm) were randomly divided into the following groups: untreated aged, 17β-estradiol-treated aged (estradiol [E2]), and three arms with increasing doses of MPG (162, 324, or 648 mg/kg/d). The sixth arm contained 4-month-old female Sprague-Dawley rats as a normal comparison group. Four weeks after MPG or E2 administration, animals were killed after blood draws, and ovarian tissues were excised. Levels of E2 and progesterone (P4) were determined by radioimmunoassay. Serum and ovarian tissue levels of IGF-1, IGFBP-1, and IGF-1 receptor were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Compared with the normal group, aged rats had significantly reduced serum levels of E2, P4, and IGF-1, and increased serum and ovarian tissue levels of IGFBP-1. MPG restored serum IGF-1 and IGFBP-1 levels and down-regulated ovarian levels of IGFBP-1, which were closely related to increases in E2 and P4 levels in aged rats. No significant differences in either IGF-1 or IGFBP-1 were observed between the three doses of MPG. MPG exerts a direct in vivo effect on aged female rats by positively regulating serum and ovarian IGF-1 and IGFBP-1 levels.

Diagnostic serum vitamin D level is not a reliable prognostic factor for resectable breast cancer.

PubMed

Mizrak Kaya, Dilsa; Ozturk, Bengi; Kubilay, Pinar; Onur, Handan; Utkan, Gungor; Cay Senler, Filiz; Alkan, Ali; Yerlikaya, Halis; Koksoy, Elif B; Karci, Ebru; Demirkazik, Ahmet; Akbulut, Hakan; Icli, Fikri

2018-05-09

There are inconsistent results about the effects of vitamin D level on breast cancer prognosis. We aimed to investigate the effect of vitamin D levels on the prognosis of resectable breast cancer in a patient group with highly different clothing styles. A total of 186 breast cancer patients were enrolled in the study. Vitamin D level was sufficient, insufficient and deficient in 17.2, 52.2 and 30.6% of patients, respectively. There was a significant relationship between clothing style and serum 25 (OH) D levels. We could not establish any relation between vitamin D level and tumor characteristics or survival. Vitamin D supplementation can be more important than diagnostic serum vitamin D level on prognosis of breast cancer.

Serum vaspin levels are associated with physical activity or physical fitness in Japanese: a pilot study.

PubMed

Miyatake, Nobuyuki; Wada, Jun; Nakatsuka, Atsuko; Sakano, Noriko; Teshigawara, Sanae; Miyachi, Motohiko; Tabata, Izumi; Numata, Takeyuki

2014-05-01

To investigate the link between serum vaspin levels and physical activity and/or physical fitness in Japanese. A total of 156 subjects (81 men and 75 women) was enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Serum vaspin levels, physical activity by uniaxial accelerometers, peak oxygen uptake, and metabolic risk parameters were evaluated. We also assessed anthropometric and body composition parameters. Serum vaspin levels were over the level of 10 ng/mL in 15 subjects (9.6 %: Vaspin High group). In Vaspin Low group (<5 ng/mL: 74 men and 67 women), serum vaspin levels were 0.12 ± 0.18 ng/mL in men and 0.39 ± 0.70 ng/mL in women. Peak oxygen uptake was significantly and positively correlated with serum vaspin levels even after adjusting for age, physical activity evaluated by Σ[metabolic equivalents × h per week (METs[Symbol: see text]h/w)], BMI, and other confounding factors in men. In turn, physical activity was significantly and positively correlated with serum vaspin levels even after adjusting for confounding factors in women. Serum vaspin levels were closely associated with physical fitness in men and physical activity in women independent of body composition in this Japanese cohort.

Agomelatine Increases BDNF Serum Levels in Depressed Patients in Correlation with the Improvement of Depressive Symptoms

PubMed Central

Pettorruso, Mauro; De Berardis, Domenico; Varasano, Paola Annunziata; Lucidi Pressanti, Gabriella; De Remigis, Valeria; Valchera, Alessandro; Ricci, Valerio; Di Nicola, Marco; Janiri, Luigi; Biggio, Giovanni; Di Giannantonio, Massimo

2016-01-01

Background: Agomelatine modulates brain-derived neurotrophic factor expression via its interaction with melatonergic and serotonergic receptors and has shown promising results in terms of brain-derived neurotrophic factor increase in animal models. Methods: Twenty-seven patients were started on agomelatine (25mg/d). Venous blood was collected and brain-derived neurotrophic factor serum levels were measured at baseline and after 2 and 8 weeks along with a clinical assessment, including Hamilton Depression Rating Scale and Snaith-Hamilton Pleasure Scale. Results: Brain-derived neurotrophic factor serum concentration increased after agomelatine treatment. Responders showed a significant increase in brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels after 2 weeks of agomelatine treatment; no difference was observed in nonresponders. Linear regression analysis showed that more prominent brain-derived neurotrophic factor level variation was associated with lower baseline BDNF levels and greater anhedonic features at baseline. Conclusions: Patients affected by depressive disorders showed an increase of brain-derived neurotrophic factor serum concentration after a 2-week treatment with agomelatine. The increase of brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels was found to be greater in patients with lower brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels and marked anhedonia at baseline. PMID:26775293

Serum levels of environmental pollutants is a risk factor for breast cancer in Inuit: a case control study.

PubMed

Wielsøe, Maria; Kern, Peder; Bonefeld-Jørgensen, Eva Cecilie

2017-06-13

serum levels of ∑PFAA, ∑PFCA, ∑PFSA, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA), PFHxS, and PFOS were associated with breast cancer risk. Significant, positive associations between breast cancer risk and PCBs and PFAAs were observed. The associations indicate that environmental exposure to POPs can be a factor increasing the risk for breast cancer in Inuit women.

Correlation between serum vitamin B12 level and peripheral neuropathy in atrophic gastritis.

PubMed

Yang, Guo-Tao; Zhao, Hong-Ying; Kong, Yu; Sun, Ning-Ning; Dong, Ai-Qin

2018-03-28

To explore the correlation between serum vitamin B12 level and peripheral neuropathy in patients with chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG). A total of 593 patients diagnosed with chronic gastritis by gastroscopy and pathological examination from September 2013 to September 2016 were selected for this study. The age of these patients ranged within 18- to 75-years-old. Blood pressure, height and weight were measured in each patient, and the body mass index value was calculated. Furthermore, gastric acid, serum gastrin, serum vitamin and serum creatinine tests were performed, and peripheral nerve conduction velocity and Helicobacter pylori ( H. pylori ) were detected. In addition, the type of gastritis was determined by gastroscopy. The above factors were used as independent variables to analyze chronic gastritis with peripheral neuropathy and vitamin B12 deficiency risk factors, and to analyze the relationship between vitamin B12 levels and peripheral nerve conduction velocity. In addition, in the treatment of CAG on the basis of vitamin B12, patients with peripheral neuropathy were observed. Age, H. pylori infection, CAG, vitamin B9 and vitamin B12 were risk factors for the occurrence of peripheral nerve degeneration. Furthermore, CAG and H. pylori infection were risk factors for chronic gastritis associated with vitamin B12 deficiency. Serum vitamin B12 level was positively correlated with sensory nerve conduction velocity in the tibial nerve ( R = 0.463). After vitamin B12 supplementation, patients with peripheral neuropathy improved. Serum vitamin B12 levels in patients with chronic gastritis significantly decreased, and the occurrence of peripheral neuropathy had a certain correlation. CAG and H. pylori infection are risk factors for vitamin B12 deficiency and peripheral neuropathy. When treating CAG, vitamin B12 supplementation can significantly reduce peripheral nervous system lesions. Therefore, the occurrence of peripheral neuropathy associated with vitamin B12

Correlation between serum vitamin B12 level and peripheral neuropathy in atrophic gastritis

PubMed Central

Yang, Guo-Tao; Zhao, Hong-Ying; Kong, Yu; Sun, Ning-Ning; Dong, Ai-Qin

2018-01-01

AIM To explore the correlation between serum vitamin B12 level and peripheral neuropathy in patients with chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG). METHODS A total of 593 patients diagnosed with chronic gastritis by gastroscopy and pathological examination from September 2013 to September 2016 were selected for this study. The age of these patients ranged within 18- to 75-years-old. Blood pressure, height and weight were measured in each patient, and the body mass index value was calculated. Furthermore, gastric acid, serum gastrin, serum vitamin and serum creatinine tests were performed, and peripheral nerve conduction velocity and Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) were detected. In addition, the type of gastritis was determined by gastroscopy. The above factors were used as independent variables to analyze chronic gastritis with peripheral neuropathy and vitamin B12 deficiency risk factors, and to analyze the relationship between vitamin B12 levels and peripheral nerve conduction velocity. In addition, in the treatment of CAG on the basis of vitamin B12, patients with peripheral neuropathy were observed. RESULTS Age, H. pylori infection, CAG, vitamin B9 and vitamin B12 were risk factors for the occurrence of peripheral nerve degeneration. Furthermore, CAG and H. pylori infection were risk factors for chronic gastritis associated with vitamin B12 deficiency. Serum vitamin B12 level was positively correlated with sensory nerve conduction velocity in the tibial nerve (R = 0.463). After vitamin B12 supplementation, patients with peripheral neuropathy improved. CONCLUSION Serum vitamin B12 levels in patients with chronic gastritis significantly decreased, and the occurrence of peripheral neuropathy had a certain correlation. CAG and H. pylori infection are risk factors for vitamin B12 deficiency and peripheral neuropathy. When treating CAG, vitamin B12 supplementation can significantly reduce peripheral nervous system lesions. Therefore, the occurrence of peripheral neuropathy

Serum Interleukin-34 Levels Are Elevated in Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.

PubMed

Wang, Hongxu; Cao, Ju; Lai, Xiaofei

2016-12-28

Interleukin-34 (IL-34) was initially identified as an alternative ligand for the colony-stimulating factor-1 receptor (CSF-1R) to mediate the biology of mononuclear phagocytic cells. Recently, IL-34 was found to be associated with chronic inflammation, such as in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Both RA and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are multifactorial autoimmune diseases and are characterized by excessive immune and inflammatory responses. Thus, we investigated whether IL-34 is involved in the pathogenesis of SLE. In all, 78 SLE patients and 53 healthy controls were enrolled in the research. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was employed to measure the concentrations of serological IL-34. Then serum IL-34 levels between the SLE group and healthy controls were analyzed by the Mann-Whitney U test. Meanwhile, the correlations between the serum IL-34 levels and disease activity indexes and other established serum markers were assessed. Furthermore, the serum IL-34 levels of 20 active SLE patients were reevaluated when diseases were in the remission stage from corticosteroids or immunosuppressive drugs. Serum IL-34 levels were significantly higher in SLE patients compared to healthy controls. Their levels were remarkably associated with accumulation of the clinical features of SLE. Additionally, IL-34 titers were positively correlated with the SLE disease activity indexes, anti-double-stranded DNA antibody (anti-dsDNA) titers and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, and inversely with complement3 (C3) levels. Moreover, serum IL-34 levels were significantly decreased after successful treatment of SLE. Serum IL-34 could be a candidate biomarker for SLE as there are elevated serum levels in treatment-naive SLE patients and we saw a significant decrease after effective treatment.

[Serum PTH levels as a predictive factor of hypocalcaemia after total thyroidectomy].

PubMed

Díez Alonso, Manuel; Sánchez López, José Daniel; Sánchez-Seco Peña, María Isabel; Ratia Jiménez, Tomás; Arribas Gómez, Ignacio; Rodríguez Pascual, Angel; Martín-Duce, Antonio; Guadalix Hidalgo, Gregorio; Hernández Domínguez, Sara; Granell Vicent, Javier

2009-02-01

Postoperative parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels as a predictor of hypocalcaemia in patients subjected to total thyroidectomy is analyzed. Prospective study involving 67 patients who underwent total thyroidectomy due to a benign disease. Serum PTH and ionised calcium were measured 20 h after surgery. Sensitivity, specificity and predictive values of PTH and ionised calcium levels were calculated to predict clinical and analytical hypocalcaemia. A total of 42 (62.7%) patients developed hypocalcaemia (ionised calcium<0.95 mmol/l), but only 20 (29.9%) presented with symptoms. PTH concentration the day after surgery was significantly lower in the group that developed symptomatic hypocalcaemia (5.57+/-6.4 pg/ml) than in the asymptomatic (21.5+/-15.3 pg/ml) or normocalcaemic (26.8+/-24.9 pg/ml) groups (p=0.001). Taking the value of 13 pg/ml as a cut-off point of PTH levels, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value were 54%, 72%, 76% and 48%, respectively. On the other hand, sensitivity for predicting symptomatic hypocalcaemia was 95% and specificity was 76%. The test showed a high incidence of false positives (11/30, 36%). Negative predictive value was 97% and positive predictive value was 65%. In multivariate analysis, PTH and ionised calcium were the only perioperative factors that showed an independent predictive value as risk indicators of symptomatic hypocalcaemia. Normal PTH levels 20 h after surgery practically rule out the subsequent appearance of hypocalcaemia symptoms. On the other hand, low PTH levels are not necessarily associated to symptomatic hypocalcaemia due to the high number of false positives.

Study of Serum Levels of Leptin, C-Reactive Protein and Nutritional Status in Hemodialysis Patients.

PubMed

Montazerifar, Farzaneh; Karajibani, Mansour; Hassanpour, Zahra; Pourmofatteh, Mahla

2015-08-01

Leptin is secreted by adipose tissue and decreases appetite. However, the role of leptin in the pathogenesis of hemodialysis (HD)-related malnutrition has not been fully evaluated. The aim of study was to investigate the association between the serum leptin levels, serum C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, and nutritional status in hemodialysis patients. This analytical descriptive study included 45 hemodialysis patients and 40 healthy subjects. Biochemical parameters and serum leptin levels were measured. The nutritional status was evaluated using a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) and the calculation of the body mass index (BMI). Serum leptin (P < 0.05) and albumin (P < 0.0001) levels and BMI (P < 0.001) of HD patients were significantly lower, while CRP levels were significantly higher than those of controls (P < 0.0001). HD patients consumed the lower daily servings of the food groups compared to the control subjects (P < 0.0001). A significant positive correlation between serum levels of leptin and albumin and BMI was demonstrated. No significant correlations were identified between leptin level, CRP level, and other variables. The findings suggest that low levels of leptin may be a contributory factor for malnutrition in HD patients. Further studies are required to ascertain the significance of leptin levels in relation to nutritional factors in hemodialysis patients.

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor and interleukin-6 levels in the serum and cerebrospinal fluid of children with viral infection-induced encephalopathy.

PubMed

Morichi, Shinichiro; Yamanaka, Gaku; Ishida, Yu; Oana, Shingo; Kashiwagi, Yasuyo; Kawashima, Hisashi

2014-11-01

We investigated changes in the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and interleukin (IL)-6 levels in pediatric patients with central nervous system (CNS) infections, particularly viral infection-induced encephalopathy. Over a 5-year study period, 24 children hospitalized with encephalopathy were grouped based on their acute encephalopathy type (the excitotoxicity, cytokine storm, and metabolic error types). Children without CNS infections served as controls. In serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples, BDNF and IL-6 levels were increased in all encephalopathy groups, and significant increases were noted in the influenza-associated and cytokine storm encephalopathy groups. Children with sequelae showed higher BDNF and IL-6 levels than those without sequelae. In pediatric patients, changes in serum and CSF BDNF and IL-6 levels may serve as a prognostic index of CNS infections, particularly for the diagnosis of encephalopathy and differentiation of encephalopathy types.

Persistent tumor-induced osteomalacia confirmed by elevated postoperative levels of serum fibroblast growth factor-23 and 5-year follow-up of bone density changes.

PubMed

Zimering, Mark B; Caldarella, Felice A; White, Kenneth E; Econs, Michael J

2005-01-01

To describe a case of persistent tumor-induced osteomalacia, determine whether serum fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF-23) levels postoperatively indicate incomplete tumor resection, and report lumbar spine and forearm bone mineral density (BMD) changes during 5 years of follow-up. We present clinical, radiologic, histologic, and bone densitometry data as well as serum FGF-23 levels (determined with use of a novel C-terminal enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) from the study patient and discuss these findings in the context of previous literature. A 52-year-old man, who presented with muscle weakness and multiple fractures, was found to have low values for serum phosphorus, serum 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D, and maximal tubular reabsorption of phosphate per glomerular filtration rate, a high level of serum alkaline phosphatase, and a normal serum concentration of parathyroid hormone, characteristic of tumor-induced osteomalacia. Magnetic resonance imaging to evaluate an abnormality of the left foot revealed a soft tissue mass, biopsy of which confirmed the presence of a benign, phosphaturic, mesenchymal tumor. The baseline serum FGF-23 level (2,050 RU/mL) was more than 17 times the upper limit of normal for adults (23 to 118 RU/mL) and decreased substantially within 1 day after partial resection of the tumor but remained above normal postoperatively. BMD changes indicated rapid substantial recovery of vertebral BMD but ongoing loss of forearm bone density. The serum FGF-23 level is high in a substantial proportion of patients with tumor-induced osteomalacia. The postoperative above normal levels of serum FGF-23 correlated with known persistence of tumor in our study patient. In a patient with normal renal function, such as our study patient, levels of serum FGF-23 studied with use of the C-terminal enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay reached their nadir within 24 hours postoperatively. This result suggests that this assay can provide clinicians with rapid prognostic

Postmenopausal vegetarians' low serum ferritin level may reduce the risk for metabolic syndrome.

PubMed

Kim, Mi-Hyun; Bae, Yun Jung

2012-10-01

The present study was conducted to compare the serum ferritin status between the postmenopausal vegetarians and non-vegetarians and to identify the relation of serum ferritin with metabolic syndrome (MetS) risk factors in postmenopausal women. The two study groups consisted of postmenopausal vegetarians (n=59) who maintained a vegetarian diet for over 20 years and age-matched non-vegetarian controls (n=48). Anthropometric measurements, dietary intakes, serum metabolic syndrome-related parameters, and serum ferritin level between the two groups were compared. The vegetarians exhibited significantly lower weight (p<0.01), body mass index (BMI) (p<0.001), percentage of body fat (p<0.001), waist circumference (p<0.01), SBP (p<0.001), DBP (p<0.001), and fasting glucose (p<0.05). According to the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP)-Adult Treatment Panel III criteria for MetS applying Korean guidelines for waist circumference, the prevalence of MetS was lower in vegetarians (33.9 %) than in non-vegetarians (47.9 %). Vegetarians had significantly lower serum level of ferritin (p<0.01) than non-vegetarians. In the correlation analysis, serum ferritin was positively related to fasting glucose (r=0.264, p<0.01), triglycerides (r=0.232, p<0.05), and the NCEP score (r=0.214, p<0.05) and negatively related to high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (r=-0.225, p<0.05) after adjusting for BMI, lifestyle, and dietary factors (animal protein, animal fat, and dietary fiber intake). In conclusion, postmenopausal vegetarians had lower MetS presence and a lower serum ferritin level compared to non-vegetarians. Furthermore, vegetarians' low serum ferritin level may reduce the risk of MetS in postmenopausal women.

Serum matrix metalloproteinase-9 levels and prognosis of acute ischemic stroke.

PubMed

Zhong, Chongke; Yang, Jingyuan; Xu, Tan; Xu, Tian; Peng, Yanbo; Wang, Aili; Wang, Jinchao; Peng, Hao; Li, Qunwei; Ju, Zhong; Geng, Deqin; Zhang, Yonghong; He, Jiang

2017-08-22

To examine the association between serum matrix metalloproteinases-9 (MMP-9) levels and prognosis of acute ischemic stroke. We measured serum MMP-9 levels in 3,186 participants (2,008 men and 1,178 women) from the China Antihypertensive Trial in Acute Ischemic Stroke (CATIS). Study outcome data on death, major disability (modified Rankin Scale score ≥3), and vascular disease were collected at 3 months after stroke onset. During 3 months of follow-up, 767 participants (24.6%) experienced major disability or died. Serum MMP-9 was significantly associated with an increased risk of death and major disability after adjustment for age, sex, time from onset to randomization, current smoking, alcohol drinking, admission NIH Stroke Scale score, diastolic blood pressure, plasma glucose, white blood cell counts, use of antihypertensive medications, and history of hypertension, coronary heart disease, and diabetes mellitus. For example, 1-SD (0.32 ng/mL) higher log-MMP-9 was associated with an odds ratio (95% confidence interval) of 1.16 (1.06-1.28) for the combined outcome of death and major disability, 1.12 (1.01-1.23) for major disability, and 1.29 (1.01-1.66) for death. The addition of serum MMP-9 to conventional risk factors improved risk prediction of the combined outcome of death or major disability (net reclassification index 9.1%, p = 0.033; integrated discrimination improvement 0.4%, p = 0.004). Higher serum MMP-9 levels in the acute phase of ischemic stroke were associated with increased risk of mortality and major disability, suggesting that serum MMP-9 could be an important prognostic factor for ischemic stroke. © 2017 American Academy of Neurology.

Serum levels of epidermal growth factor and HER-2 neu in non small-cell lung cancer: prognostic correlation.

PubMed

Abdel Salam, I; Gaballa, H E; Abdel Wahab, N

2009-01-01

Lung cancer is still a leading cause of cancer related mortality all over the world with the majority of cases are discovered at a late stage. Various panels of molecular prognostic markers are being studied to map the association of these markers with response and survival. The aim of this study is to study levels of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), HER-2 neu in both serum and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) in patients with non small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), correlate their levels with clinical, pathological characters as well as prognosis. A total of 30 patients with pathologically proven NSCLC were enrolled in this study in addition to ten normal controls subjects and ten cases with benign pulmonary diseases as broncheicatsis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Results revealed significantly increased levels of EGFR and HER-2 neu in both serum and bronco-alveolar lavage compared with controls. The levels were significantly higher in those with stages III, IV compared with I, II, and in those with higher grades of the tumor. There was no statistically significant correlation with performance status or survival. In conclusion, serum measurement of these markers is a promising noninvasive technique which needs correlation with other methods of determination, measurement at different chronological points during disease evolution to explore its full potential. Standardization of techniques for determination of EGFR and HER-2 neu over-expression must become a priority in future studies that should also include larger number of patients, conducted in a prospective manner together with comparisons of various methods and correlation of protein expression with gene copy numbers.

Effects of tumor necrosis factor inhibitor on serum level of HLA-B27 and PDCD-1 in patients with ankylosing spondylitis.

PubMed

Chen, Xiaogang; Zhou, Xiaoqing; Li, Xia; Tang, Jinshan; Hu, Xiaowu; Wang, Junsheng; Xu, Cheng

2014-11-01

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) inhibitor-infliximab on ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients and detect the serum level of HLA-B27 and PDCD-1 before and after TNF inhibitor treatment. 138 patients at active stage of AS were treated with infliximab; serum was collected before and after TNF-α inhibitor treatment for analysis. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), flow cytometry, and enzyme-linked immuno sorbent assay were applied to detect the levels of HLA-B27 and PDCD-1 at different time points, which were used for statistical analysis with clinical data including two AS indicators (erythrocyte sedimentation rate--ESR and C-reactive protein--CRP). After the treatment for 6 weeks, RT-PCR showed that the gene expressions of HLA-B27 and PDCD-1 were significantly downregulated compared with baseline before infliximab treatment (P < 0.05); flow cytometry showed that the HLA-B27 and PDCD-1 double-labeled cells were significantly downregulated (P < 0.05). After 2, 6, or 10 weeks of infliximab treatment, the levels of ESR, CRP, serum HLA-B27, and PDCD-1 of the AS patients were all significantly lower than the baseline levels (P < 0.05), and the serum HLA-B27 and PDCD-1 levels were all significantly correlated with ESR (P < 0.05). Infliximab, an anti-TNF-α inhibitor, decreases significantly not only ESR and CRP, but also the serum levels of HLA-B27 and PDCD-1 in patients with AS. HLA-B27 and PDCD-1 are involved in the pathogenesis, and disease activities of AS. HLA-B27 and PDCD-1 are potentially the useful markers of AS activity and useful parameters to evaluate the effectiveness of anti-TNF-α inhibitor in treating AS.

Effects of electromagnetic pulse on serum element levels in rat.

PubMed

Li, Kangchu; Ma, Shirong; Ren, Dongqing; Li, Yurong; Ding, Guirong; Liu, Junye; Guo, Yao; Guo, Guozhen

2014-04-01

Electromagnetic pulse (EMP) was a potentially harmful factor to the human body, and a biological dosimetry to evaluate effects of EMP is necessary. Little is known about effects of EMP on concentration of macro and trace elements in serum so far. In this study, Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 50-kV/m EMP-exposed group (n = 10), 100-kV/m EMP-exposed group (n = 10), 200-kV/m EMP-exposed group (n = 40), and the sham-exposed group (n = 20). The macro and trace element concentrations in serum were examined at 6, 12, 24, and 48 h after EMP exposure at different electric field intensities. Compared with the sham-exposed groups, the concentration of sodium (Na), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), selenium (Se), and manganese (Mn) in rat serum was not changed significantly within 48 h after 200 pulses of EMP exposure at electric field intensity of 50, 100, and 200 kV/m although the K level was decreased and the Ca level was increased with the electric field intensity of EMP increasing. In addition, there was a tendency that the Zn level was decreased with the time going on within 48 h after EMP exposure. Under our experimental conditions, EMP exposure cannot affect the concentration of macro and trace elements in rat serum. There was no time-effect or dose-effect relationship between EMP exposure and serum element levels. The macro and trace elements in serum are not suitable endpoints of biological dosimetry of EMP.

Comparison of serum selenium levels among hypertensive and normotensive pregnant women.

PubMed

da Silva, Alíssia Cardoso; Martins-Costa, Sérgio Hofmeister; Valério, Edimárlei Gonsales; Lopes Ramos, José Geraldo

2017-02-01

To correlate serum selenium levels with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) in a selected population and evaluate this mineral as a possible protective factor. This case-control study included 32 normotensive, 20 hypertensive (chronic and gestational hypertension), and 38 preeclamptic pregnant women. All patients were recruited from antenatal or obstetric admissions of a tertiary hospital in Brazil. Serum selenium was measured at the time of inclusion. Patients were followed up until hospital discharge after delivery. Groups did not differ with regard to maternal age, ethnicity, educational attainment, parity, or smoking prevalence. Normotensive patients had lower body mass index and were included in the study earlier. These patients also had a higher prevalence of comorbidities other than hypertension. Continuous use of medication and a history of HDP in previous pregnancies were more common in preeclamptic patients. Serum selenium levels were not significantly different between groups, with an average of 56.4 ± 15.3 μg/L in the control group, 53.2 ± 15.2 μg/L in the hypertension group, and 53.3 ± 16.8 μg/L in the preeclampsia group (p = 0.67). Among patients with preeclampsia, 52.6% had the severe form. Serum selenium levels in these patients also did not differ significantly from those of controls (p = 0.77). Preeclampsia was associated with earlier termination of pregnancy and lower birth weight (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences across groups in other outcomes of interest. Serum selenium levels did not differ significantly between groups. Thus, we could not establish whether selenium is a protective factor against these conditions.

Alteration of serum adropin level in preeclampsia.

PubMed

Wang, Huihua; Gao, Bo; Wu, Zaigui; Wang, Hanzhi; Dong, Minyue

2017-04-01

To clarify the alterations in serum adropin and preptin concentrations in preeclampsia, we determined serum adropin and preptin levels in 29 women with normal pregnancy and 32 women with preeclampsia. We found that maternal age, body mass index and fetal gender were not significantly different between two groups; however, blood pressure, gestational age and neonatal birth weight were significantly different. Serum adropin levels were significantly increased in women with preeclampsia compared with those with normal pregnancy but there were no significant differences in preptin levels. An increase in maternal serum adropin level was found in preeclampsia, and this may be a compensation for pregnancy complicated with preeclampsia. Copyright © 2017 International Society for the Study of Hypertension in Pregnancy. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Changes in serum growth factors in stroke rehabilitation patients and their relation to hemiparesis improvement.

PubMed

Okazaki, Hideto; Beppu, Hidehiko; Mizutani, Kenmei; Okamoto, Sayaka; Sonoda, Shigeru

2014-07-01

Predicting recovery from hemiparesis after stroke is important for rehabilitation. A few recent studies reported that the levels of some growth factors shortly after stroke were positively correlated with the clinical outcomes during the chronic phase. The aim of this study was to examine the relationships between the serum levels of growth factors (vascular endothelial growth factor [VEGF], insulin-like growth factor-I [IGF-I], and hepatocyte growth factor [HGF]) and improvement in hemiparesis in stroke patients who received rehabilitation in a postacute rehabilitation hospital. Subjects were 32 stroke patients (cerebral infarction: 21 and intracerebral hemorrhage [ICH]: 11). We measured serum levels of VEGF, IGF-I, and HGF and 5 items of the Stroke Impairment Assessment Set (SIAS) for hemiparesis on admission and at discharge. Age-matched healthy subjects (n=15) served as controls. Serum levels of VEGF and HGF in cerebral infarct patients on admission were higher than those in control subjects, and the serum levels of IGF-I in stroke patients were lower than those in controls. The level of HGF in ICH patients on admission was negatively correlated with gains in SIAS, and higher outliers in HGF concentration were correlated with lower gains in SIAS. Focusing on the extremely high levels of these factors may be a predictor of the low recovery from hemiparesis after stroke. Copyright © 2014 National Stroke Association. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Cancer risk in relation to serum copper levels.

PubMed

Coates, R J; Weiss, N S; Daling, J R; Rettmer, R L; Warnick, G R

1989-08-01

A nested, matched case-control study was conducted to assess the relationship between serum levels of copper and the subsequent risk of cancer. One hundred thirty-three cases of cancer were identified during 1974-1984 among 5000 members of a northwest Washington State employee cohort from whom serum specimens had been previously obtained and stored. Two hundred forty-one controls were selected at random from the cohort and were matched to the cases on the basis of age, sex, race, and date of blood draw. Serum copper levels were measured by atomic absorption spectrometry. Risk of a subsequent diagnosis of cancer was positively associated with serum copper levels, but only among those cases diagnosed within 4 years of the time the serum specimens were collected. Among cases diagnosed more than 4 years after specimen collection, there was no consistent association between serum copper levels and risk. Adjustment for age, sex, race, occupational status, cigarette smoking, family history of cancer, alcohol consumption, and, among females, use of exogenous hormones had no appreciable effect on these relationships. The findings suggest that the presence of cancer may increase serum copper levels several years prior to its diagnosis. They are less supportive of the hypothesis that serum copper levels affect cancer risk.

High Serum Adiponectin Level Is a Risk Factor for Anemia in Japanese Men: A Prospective Observational Study of 1,029 Japanese Subjects

PubMed Central

Kohno, Kei; Narimatsu, Hiroto; Shiono, Yosuke; Suzuki, Ikuko; Kato, Yuichi; Sho, Ri; Otani, Katsumi; Ishizawa, Kenichi; Yamashita, Hidetoshi; Kubota, Isao; Ueno, Yoshiyuki; Kato, Takeo; Fukao, Akira; Kayama, Takamasa

2016-01-01

Erythroid abnormalities including anemia and polycythemia are often observed in the general clinical setting. Because recent studies reported that adiponectin negatively affects hematopoiesis, we performed a prospective observational study to assess the relationship between anemia and adiponectin, as well as other parameters, in 1029 Japanese subjects (477 men and 552 women) 40 years of age and older. Body measurements, blood tests, and nutrition intake studies were performed at baseline, and 5 to 7 years later (follow-up). Hemoglobin (Hb) and hematocrit (Hct) levels in men with high serum adiponectin levels were lower at follow-up than at baseline. Multiple regression analysis showed that age, body mass index, adiponectin, and glutamic-pyruvic transaminase were significantly associated with erythroid-related variables (red blood cells, Hb, and Hct) in both men and women (P <0.05). In a logistic regression analysis, adiponectin, fasting blood glucose, and β-natriuretic peptide were significant risk factors for anemia in men, and blood urea nitrogen and amylase were significant risk factors in women. Physical features and nutrient intake were not risk factors for anemia. Our study demonstrates, both clinically and epidemiologically, that a high serum adiponectin level decreases the amounts of erythroid-related variables and is a risk factor for anemia in Japanese men. PMID:27918575

[Relations between serum homocysteine and folic acid levels with congenital heart disease].

PubMed

Zhu, Wen-li; Dao, Jing-jing; Cheng, Jun; Li, Shu-qin

2005-11-01

To investigate the relations between serum homocysteine (Hcy) and folic acid with congenital heart disease (CHD) in CHD nuclear families. In Liaoning Province 151 CHD patients and their biological parents were selected as the case group, with another 98 normal subjects and their parents as control. For some filial individuals and their mothers the serum total Hcy (tHcy) levels were detected by fluorescence polarization immunoassay. And for all members the serum levels of folic acid and vitamin B12 (VB12) were determined by radio-immunoassay. There were not significantly differences in the serum tHcy and folic acid levels and theirs abnormality prevalence between CHD patients and the control, neither were their parents in the study. Compared with the control group the serum VB12 levels of CHD patients were apparently higher (315.36 pmol/L and 185.34 pmol/L, P < 0.05), and the VB12 deficiency prevalence of patients and their fathers were lower. Analysis of different CHD types showed that in ventricular septal defect patients the serum tHcy levels were lower than the control with VB12 levels higher, and in parents of patent ductus arteriosus patients the serum folic acid levels were increased (P < 0.05). The study also indicated that the folic acid and VB12 of parents were significantly positively associated with that of filial generation. In the case group the tHcy levels of mothers were positively correlated with filial generation, and in CHD patients the tHcy was negatively associated with folic acid. In filial individuals of the control group the tHcy was negatively related with VB12 (P < 0.05). Folic acid and VB12 were important influencing factors of serum Hcy and they were negatively correlated. In this study, the folic acid and Hcy were not significantly related with CHD, and it needs further investigations to confirm it. There were not significant differences in the serum tHcy and folic acid levels and theirs abnormality prevalence between CHD patients and

Predictors of serum chromium levels after stainless steel posterior spinal instrumentation for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.

PubMed

Rackham, Matthew D; Cundy, Thomas P; Antoniou, Georgia; Freeman, Brian J C; Sutherland, Leanne M; Cundy, Peter J

2010-04-20

Prospective cohort study. To determine the predictors of serum chromium levels after stainless steel posterior spinal instrumentation for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. Abnormally elevated serum chromium levels have been detected in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis after stainless steel instrumentation. To date, the relationship among serum chromium levels, time of implantation, and implant characteristics (including surface area, rod length, numbers of hooks, screws, and cross connectors) has not been studied. Thirty patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis undergoing posterior instrumented spinal arthrodesis using stainless steel implants between 1998 and 2002 were prospectively studied. Serum chromium levels were measured between October 2006 and June 2007. Postoperative radiographs were used to measure rod lengths, number of hooks, screws, cross-connectors, and cables. The surface area of each component and the total surface area for each patient were calculated. Possible associations between serum chromium levels, time of implantation, and implant characteristics were investigated. Implant exposure, whether expressed in the form of total metal implant surface area, rod length, or number of metal interfaces, was found to be positively associated with serum chromium levels. Specifically, chromium levels increased by a multiplicative factor of 1.0060 for every additional square centimeter of total metal implant surface area (P = 0.02). In addition, the chromium level was found to decrease by a multiplicative factor of 0.7766 for every additional year since surgery (P = 0.02). After adjusting for the number of years since surgery, metal implant exposure is positively associated with elevated serum chromium levels in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients with stainless steel posterior spinal implants. This is the first study to identify statistically significant positive associations between specific spinal implant characteristics (other than

Serum level of vascular endothelial growth factor is influenced by erythropoietin treatment in peritoneal dialysis patients. (Grupo de Estudios Peritoneales de Madrid).

PubMed

del Peso, G; Selgas, R; Bajo, M A; Fernández de Castro, M; Aguilera, A; Cirugeda, A; Jiménez, C

2000-01-01

Some patients on long-term peritoneal dialysis (PD) develop a hyperpermeability state, owing to peritoneal neoangiogenesis. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a potent mitogen for endothelial cells, has been implicated in most diseases characterized by microvascular neoformation. Erythropoietin (EPO) is able to induce endothelial proliferation in vitro. Our aim was to elucidate whether VEGF serum levels are influenced by EPO treatment, and whether VEGF serum level maintains a relationship with peritoneal transport data. We analyzed serum levels of VEGF in 35 PD patients (18 males, 17 females). Mean age was 58 years, with a mean time on PD of 98 +/- 75 months. Of the 35 patients, 19 were on automated peritoneal dialysis, and 16 were on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis. Seven patients had diabetes. Peritoneal transport parameters were: urea mass transfer coefficient (MTC), 19.5 +/- 6.6 mL/min; creatinine MTC, 9.9 +/- 4.7 mL/min; net ultrafiltration, 491 +/- 166 mL per 4-hour dwell. Twenty seven patients were under therapy with recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO). Mean serum VEGF levels were 347 +/- 203 pg/mL (range 66-857 pg/mL), with most patients in the normal range (60-700 pg/mL). VEGF levels did not correlate with age, sex, primary renal disease, diabetes, type of PD, time on PD, peritonitis, and cumulative glucose load. We found no correlation with urea MTC, creatinine MTC, ultrafiltration rate, or protein effluent levels. However, a significant negative correlation with residual renal function was seen (r = -0.39, p < 0.05). Patients treated with rHuEPO showed significantly higher serum levels of VEGF than non treated patients (375 +/- 220 pg/mL vs 251 +/- 75 pg/mL, p < 0.05), although they had similar residual renal function. We conclude that increased serum VEGF levels are associated with EPO treatment. Consequently, VEGF might have a role in the EPO effects found in PD patients. Whether both agents are related to peritoneal

Is further evaluation for growth hormone (GH) deficiency necessary in fibromyalgia patients with low serum insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I levels?

PubMed

Yuen, Kevin C J; Bennett, Robert M; Hryciw, Cheryl A; Cook, Marie B; Rhoads, Sharon A; Cook, David M

2007-02-01

Fibromyalgia (FM) is characterized by diffuse pain, fatigue, and sleep disturbances; symptoms that resemble the adult growth hormone (GH) deficiency syndrome. Many FM patients have low serum GH levels, with a hypothesized aetiology of dysregulated GH/insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I axis. The aim of this study was to assess the GH reserve in FM patients with low serum IGF-I levels using the GH-releasing hormone (GHRH)-arginine test. We retrospectively reviewed the GHRH-arginine data of 77 FM patients with low serum IGF-I levels referred to our tertiary unit over a 4-year period. Of the 77 FM patients, 13 patients (17%) failed the GHRH-arginine test. Further evaluation with pituitary imaging revealed normal pituitary glands (n=7), coincident microadenomas (n=4), empty sella (n=1) and pituitary cyst (n=1), and relevant medical histories such as previous head injury (n=4), Sheehan's syndrome (n=1), and whiplash injury (n=1). In contrast, the remaining 64 patients (83%) that responded to the GHRH-arginine test demonstrated higher peak GH levels compared to age and BMI-matched controls (n=24). Our data shows that a subpopulation of FM patients with low serum IGF-I levels will fail the GHRH-arginine test. We, thus, recommend that the GH reserve of these patients should be evaluated further, as GH replacement may potentially improve the symptomatology of those with true GH deficiency. Additionally, the increased GH response rates to GHRH-arginine stimulation in the majority of FM patients with low serum IGF-I levels further supports the hypothesis of a dysregulated GH/IGF-I axis in the pathophysiology of FM.

Association of the GALNT2 gene polymorphisms and several environmental factors with serum lipid levels in the Mulao and Han populations.

PubMed

Li, Qing; Yin, Rui-Xing; Yan, Ting-Ting; Miao, Lin; Cao, Xiao-Li; Hu, Xi-Jiang; Aung, Lynn Htet Htet; Wu, Dong-Feng; Wu, Jin-Zhen; Lin, Wei-Xiong

2011-09-20

The association of UDP-N-acetyl-alpha-D-galactosamine: polypeptide N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferase 2 gene (GALNT2) single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and serum lipid profiles in the general population is not well known. The present study was undertaken to detect the association of GALNT2 polymorphisms and several environmental factors with serum lipid levels in the Guangxi Mulao and Han populations. A total of 775 subjects of Mulao nationality and 699 participants of Han nationality were randomly selected from our stratified randomized cluster samples. Genotyping of the GALNT2 rs2144300 and rs4846914 SNPs was performed by polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism combined with gel electrophoresis, and then confirmed by direct sequencing. There were no significant differences in the genotypic and allelic frequencies of both SNPs between the two ethnic groups, or between the males and females. The subjects with TT genotype of rs2144300 in Mulao had lower serum triglyceride (TG) levels than the subjects with CC genotype in females (P < 0.01). The participants with CT/TT genotype of rs2144300 in Han had lower TG and apolipoprotein (Apo) B levels, and higher high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), ApoA1 levels and the ratio of ApoA1 to ApoB in males; and higher low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and ApoB levels in females than the participants with CC genotype (P < 0.05-0.001). The individuals with GA/AA genotype of rs4846914 in Mulao had higher total cholesterol (TC) and LDL-C levels than the individuals with GG genotype in males (P < 0.05 for each). The subjects with AA genotype of rs4846914 in Han had higher LDL-C and ApoB levels, and lower HDL-C levels and the ratio of ApoA1 to ApoB than the subjects with GG genotype (P < 0.05 for each). The levels of TC in Mulao were correlated with the genotypes of rs4846914 in males (P < 0.05). The levels of ApoA1 in Han were correlated with the genotypes of both SNPs, and the

Association of the GALNT2 gene polymorphisms and several environmental factors with serum lipid levels in the Mulao and Han populations

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

Background The association of UDP-N-acetyl-alpha-D-galactosamine: polypeptide N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferase 2 gene (GALNT2) single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and serum lipid profiles in the general population is not well known. The present study was undertaken to detect the association of GALNT2 polymorphisms and several environmental factors with serum lipid levels in the Guangxi Mulao and Han populations. Method A total of 775 subjects of Mulao nationality and 699 participants of Han nationality were randomly selected from our stratified randomized cluster samples. Genotyping of the GALNT2 rs2144300 and rs4846914 SNPs was performed by polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism combined with gel electrophoresis, and then confirmed by direct sequencing. Results There were no significant differences in the genotypic and allelic frequencies of both SNPs between the two ethnic groups, or between the males and females. The subjects with TT genotype of rs2144300 in Mulao had lower serum triglyceride (TG) levels than the subjects with CC genotype in females (P < 0.01). The participants with CT/TT genotype of rs2144300 in Han had lower TG and apolipoprotein (Apo) B levels, and higher high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), ApoA1 levels and the ratio of ApoA1 to ApoB in males; and higher low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and ApoB levels in females than the participants with CC genotype (P < 0.05-0.001). The individuals with GA/AA genotype of rs4846914 in Mulao had higher total cholesterol (TC) and LDL-C levels than the individuals with GG genotype in males (P < 0.05 for each). The subjects with AA genotype of rs4846914 in Han had higher LDL-C and ApoB levels, and lower HDL-C levels and the ratio of ApoA1 to ApoB than the subjects with GG genotype (P < 0.05 for each). The levels of TC in Mulao were correlated with the genotypes of rs4846914 in males (P < 0.05). The levels of ApoA1 in Han were correlated with the genotypes

Association of polymorphisms in the vascular endothelial growth factor gene and its serum levels with diabetic retinopathy in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes: a cross-sectional study.

PubMed

Fan, Xiaohong; Wu, Qunhong; Li, Yuan; Hao, Yanhua; Ning, Ning; Kang, Zheng; Cui, Yu; Liu, Ruohong; Han, Liyuan

2014-01-01

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a major mediator of angiogenesis, and plays a key role in the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy (DR). This study was designed to identify the possible role of VEGF gene polymorphisms in the development of DR in type 2 diabetic patients in Chinese and clarify the relationship between VEGF serum levels and the risk of DR. This cross-sectional study included 1 040 Chinese subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus. There were 372 patients diagnosed with DR in the case group and 668 patients without DR in the control group. DNA from each patient was analyzed for VEGF polymorphisms of -2578A/C (rs699947), -1154G/A (rs1570360), -460C/T (rs833061), +405C/G (rs2010963), and +936C/T (rs3025039) using MassARRAY compact analyzer. The VEGF serum levels were quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). No evidence of association was observed between -2578 A/C (rs699947), +405C/G (rs2010963), +936C/T (rs3025039), and DR risk under stringent Bonferroni's correction. However, VEGF serum levels were significantly higher in DR patients than those of control group. The genetic variation of VEGF polymorphisms influenced VEGF serum levels; subjects carrying the VEGF -2578 C/C (rs699947) genotype had greater VEGF serum levels than those carrying the C/A genotype and VEGF serum levels were significantly higher in CC genotype of the +405C/G (rs2010963) compared with those of the other genotypes. The data did not suggest significant association between the VEGF polymorphisms and DR risk under stringent Bonferroni's correction. However, our study indicated that DR patients have higher VEGF levels than diabetic patients without retinopathy, and -2578A/C (rs699947) and +405C/G (rs2010963) may be important factors in determining serum VEGF levels.

Serum PTHrP level as a biomarker in assessing skeletal maturation during circumpubertal development.

PubMed

Hussain, Mohammed Zahid; Talapaneni, Ashok Kumar; Prasad, Mandava; Krishnan, Ramalingam

2013-04-01

Many investigators have studied the cellular organization and the local and systemic factors regulating endochondral bone growth in the growth plate and condylar cartilage. Parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP) and Indian hedgehog protein have been reported to regulate multiple steps during such skeletal morphogenesis. The aims of this study were to quantify serum PTHrP levels at 6 cervical vertebral stages and to correlate serum PTHrP levels to the 6 skeletal maturation stages for use as a biologic indicator of skeletal maturation. Mean serum PTHrP levels were measured in 90 subjects categorized into 6 cervical vertebral stages. Mean serum PTHrP levels were significantly higher in the late pubertal stages than in the early pubertal stages. Pearson correlation showed that serum PTHrP levels had a positive correlation with cervical vertebral maturation stages from the prepubertal to the late pubertal stages, and a negative correlation from the late pubertal to the postpubertal stages. Peak serum PTHrP levels do not correlate with early pubertal stages characterized by maximum growth increments. Hence, the validity of using serum PTHrP levels to predict peak growth velocity is questionable. Copyright © 2013 American Association of Orthodontists. Published by Mosby, Inc. All rights reserved.

The prognostic significance of preoperative serum cancer antigen 15-3 levels in endometrial carcinomas

PubMed Central

Tas, Emre E.; Yavuz, Ayse F.

2017-01-01

Objectives: To determine the associations between serum cancer antigen 15-3 levels and prognostic factors in patients with endometrial carcinomas. Additionally, we investigated the clinical utility of serum cancer antigen 15-3 levels in the selection of low-risk patients with endometrioid type, tumor size <2 cm, myometrial invasion ≤50%, and histological grade 1-2. Methods: Ninety-six patients, who were surgically staged at Ankara Yildirim Beyazit University, Ankara, Turkey, between 2007 and 2016, were retrospectively analyzed. Demographic, clinical, and surgical characteristics were retrieved from the patients’ hospital records. A p<0.05 was considered significant. Results: Fifteen patients had advanced (≥Stage II) disease, 14 patients had Type 2 histology, 20 patients had Grade 3 tumors, 23 patients had lymphovascular space invasion, and 10 patients had positive lymph node involvement. Serum cancer antigen 15-3 levels were significantly higher in patients with advanced (≥Stage II) disease, Type 2 histology, Grade 3 tumors, lymp°hovascular space invasion, and positive lymph node involvement (p<0.05). Serum cancer antigen 15-3 levels were also significantly correlated with tumor size (p=0.006). Serum cancer antigen 15-3 levels were significantly lower (95% confidence interval: 0.57−0.79; p=0.03) in low-risk patients compared to other endometrial carcinoma patients. A cutoff of 25.0 IU/mL was used to identify high-risk patients with a specificity of 100%. Conclusion: Serum cancer antigen 15-3 levels significantly correlated with prognostic factors and were a useful diagnostic tool for endometrial carcinomas. PMID:29114696

[Effects of occupational stress on serum tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukins].

PubMed

Zhou, Wen-Hui; Yu, Shan-Fa; Jiang, Kai-You

2010-12-01

To explore the effect of occupational stress on serum tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-2 and IL-4. A cross-sectional epidemiological study was conducted in 200 workers from the refrigerator assembly line in Henan province in China. Psychosocial work conditions were measured by using the job demand-control model, the effort-reward imbalance model questionnaires and occupational stress measurement scale. Serum TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-2, and IL-4 concentrations were measured by radioimmunoassay or immunoradiometric assay method respectively. Serum TNF-α concentration was statistically significantly different between workers with higher affective balance level and control groups [(1.947 ± 0.173) and (2.029 ± 0.240) fmol/ml] (P < 0.05). Serum IL-1β concentration was statistically significantly different between workers with higher effort level and control groups [(0.133 ± 0.034) and (0.118 ± 0.031) ng/ml] (P < 0.05). Serum IL-2 concentration was statistically significantly different between workers with higher role ambiguity level [(1.658 ± 0.376) and (1.491 ± 0.033) ng/ml] and control groups (P < 0.05), as well as between workers with higher role conflict level and control groups [(1.774 ± 0.311) and (1.589 ± 0.380) ng/ml] (P < 0.05), between workers with higher daily life stress level and control groups [(1.759 ± 0.361) and (1.606 ± 0.381) ng/ml] (P < 0.05). Serum IL-4 concentration was statistically significantly different between workers with higher reward level and control groups [(1.449 ± 0.025) and (1.466 ± 0.041) pg/ml] (P < 0.05). Stepwise regression analysis indicated that affective balance was the predictor of serum TNF-α (R(2) = 0.029). Effort and mental health were the predictors of serum IL-1β (R(2) was 0.029 and 0.055, respectively). Role conflict, daily life stress and role ambiguity were the predictors of serum IL-2 (R(2) was 0.040, 0.078 and 0.104, respectively). Reward was the predictor of serum IL-4 (R(2) = 0

Serum levels of insulin-like growth factor binding protein-1 and ovulatory responses to clomiphene citrate in women with polycystic ovarian disease.

PubMed

Tiitinen, A E; Laatikainen, T J; Seppälä, M T

1993-07-01

To study the serum levels of insulin, insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I), and insulin-like growth factor binding protein-1 (IGFBP-1) in relation to clomiphene citrate (CC) responsiveness in women with polycystic ovarian disease (PCOD). Prospective. PATIENTS, SETTING: Twenty-three women with PCOD admitted consecutively to the University Infertility Clinic, a tertiary referral center. Blood samples were taken at fasting state and during oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) for the determination of insulin, IGF-I, and IGFBP-1. A dose of 50 to 200 mg/d CC was given for ovulation induction. With CC treatment, ovulation was achieved in 13 of 23 PCOD patients. The IGFBP-1 concentration was lower in CC nonresponders than in CC responders (20.5 +/- 4.0 ng/mL versus 41.0 +/- 8.5 ng/mL) (P < 0.05). This difference was accentuated in 13 lean PCOD patients. Lean CC nonresponders (n = 7) had almost threefold lower serum IGFBP-1 levels than lean CC responders (n = 6) (24.0 +/- 3.1 ng/mL versus 61.8 +/- 8.6 ng/mL) (P < 0.01). By contrast, among 10 obese PCOD patients, the IGFBP-1 levels were low irrespective of CC responsiveness (14.8 +/- 8.0 ng/mL versus 16.7 +/- 7.2 ng/mL). The differences remained during OGTT. The concentrations of IGF-I, insulin, sex hormone-binding globulin, LH, FSH, and androgens showed no significant differences between CC responders and nonresponders. There was an inverse correlation between serum insulin and IGFBP-1 levels in obese PCOD patients, whereas this was not seen in lean patients. In lean PCOD patients, low serum IGFBP-1 concentration is related to CC unresponsiveness by a mechanism unrelated to insulin.

Serum leptin levels, hormone levels, and hot flashes in midlife women.

PubMed

Alexander, Carolyn; Cochran, Chrissy J; Gallicchio, Lisa; Miller, Susan R; Flaws, Jodi A; Zacur, Howard

2010-08-01

To examine the associations between serum leptin levels, sex steroid hormone levels, and hot flashes in normal weight and obese midlife women. Cross-sectional study. University clinic. 201 Caucasian, nonsmoking women aged 45 to 54 years with a body mass index of <25 kg/m2 or >or=30 kg/m2. Questionnaire, fasting blood samples. Serum leptin and sex steroid hormone levels. Correlation and regression models were performed to examine associations between leptin levels, hormone levels, and hot flashes. Leptin levels were associated with BMI, with "ever experiencing hot flashes" (questionnaire), with hot flashes within the last 30 days, and with duration of hot flashes (>1 year, P=.03). Leptin was positively correlated with testosterone, free testosterone index, and free estrogen index and inversely associated with levels of sex hormone-binding globulin. In women with a body mass index>or=30 kg/m2, leptin levels no longer correlated with testosterone levels. Serum leptin levels are associated with the occurrence and duration of hot flashes in midlife women; however, no correlation was found between leptin and serum estradiol. Copyright (c) 2010 American Society for Reproductive Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Serum and synovial fluid levels of tumor necrosis factor-like ligand 1A and decoy receptor 3 in rheumatoid arthritis.

PubMed

Xiu, Zijuan; Shen, Hui; Tian, Ye; Xia, Liping; Lu, Jing

2015-04-01

To measure the levels of Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-like ligand 1A (TL1A) and decoy receptor 3 (DcR3) in serum and synovial fluid (SF) of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). To evaluate the effect of recombinant human (rh) TL1A on interleukin (IL)-17 production and IL-17mRNA expression. The serum and SF levels of TL1A and DcR3, and the production of IL-17 by rhTL1A-treated PBMC were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The expression of IL-17 mRNA by rhTL1A-treated PBMC was measured by real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). We also tested the change of TL1A and DcR3 level following TNF-α blockade therapy. Serum TL1A and DcR3 levels were higher in RA patients. This increase was more significant in RF and anti-CCP positive patients. TL1A and DcR3 levels were higher in SF samples than in paired sera. TL1A and DcR3 decreased after anti-TNF treatment. rhTL1A increased the production of IL-17 protein and the expression of IL-17mRNA. TL1A and DcR3 may be of pathogenic and potentially of therapeutic importance in RA patients. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Serum sTWEAK and FGF-23 Levels in Hemodialysis and Renal Transplant Patients.

PubMed

Eskandari Naji, H; Ghorbanihaghjo, A; Argani, H; Raeisi, S; Safa, J; Alirezaei, A H; Rashtchizadeh, N

2017-01-01

Kidney transplantation is the treatment of choice for patients with end-stage renal disease. To evaluate the changes in serum soluble TNF-like weak inducer of apoptosis (sTWEAK) and fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF-23) in hemodialysis (HD) patients and renal transplant recipients (RTR). Serum samples were obtained from 30 patients on chronic HD, 30 RTRs, and 30 normal controls. Biochemical factors, sTWEAK, FGF-23, and interlukin-6 (IL-6) were measured by standard methods. Serum levels of sTWEAK in RTRs were significantly higher than those in the HD patients (p=0.025); RTR and HD patients had significantly lower sTWEAK levels than the controls (p=0.001 and p= 0.038, respectively). Serum levels of FGF-23 in HD patients were significantly (p=0.001) higher than those in the RTR; the level was higher in both studied groups compared to that in the controls (p=0.001 for both groups). The mean serum level of IL-6 in HD was significantly higher than that in RTR patients (p=0.013). IL-6 levels in both groups were significantly higher than those in controls (p=0.001 and p= 0.012, respectively). In HD group a negative correlation was found between FGF-23 and sTWEAK (r= 0.375, p=0.041); there were also a significant correlation between FGF-23 and IL-6 (r= 0.480, p= 0.007) and between IL-6 and sTWEAK (r= 0.409, p=0.025). We found that serum sTWEAK is decreased and FGF-23 is increased in HD and RTR groups comparing with the control group. However, further studies are needed to shed light over their direct role on atherosclerosis and cardiovascular outcomes.

Relationship between serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D levels and retinopathy of prematurity.

PubMed

Kabataş, Emrah Utku; Dinlen, Nurdan Fettah; Zenciroğlu, Ayşegül; Dilli, Dilek; Beken, Serdar; Okumuş, Nurullah

2017-11-01

Aim To evaluate the relationship between serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D, 25 (OH) D, levels and retinopathy of prematurity. Methods and Results Serum 25 (OH) D levels were measured in 97 very low birth weight infants, prior to vitamin D supplementation. The development of retinopathy of prematurity and its treatment requirement were evaluated. At follow-up, retinopathy of prematurity developed in 71 (73.2%) infants. Serum 25 (OH) D levels were significantly lower in infants with retinopathy of prematurity than ones without retinopathy of prematurity ( P < 0.001). The infants who required treatment had lower 25 (OH) D levels compared with the infants who did not required treatment (7.1 ± 5.2 ng/ml vs. 11.9 ± 6.5 ng/ml; P = 0.003). Multivariate analysis showed that lower serum 25 (OH) D levels may be a risk factor for retinopathy of prematurity development [OR: 1.14, 95% CI (1.02-1.27), P = 0.02]. Conclusion Lower 25 (OH) D levels in the first days of life may be related to retinopathy of prematurity development and treatment requirement in premature infants.

Elevated serum milk fat globule-epidermal growth factor 8 levels in type 2 diabetic patients are suppressed by overweight or obese status.

PubMed

Li, Yuanyuan; Ran, Wenzhuo; Zhang, Jiaqiang; Chen, Shi; Li, Yihang; Luo, Deng; Wang, Chen; Jia, Weiping

2017-02-01

Inflammation is the most important link between obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2D). Although milk fat globule-epidermal growth factor 8 (MFG-E8) is a key mediator in anti-inflammatory responses, its role in obesity and diabetes is not yet completely understood. We aimed to measure MFG-E8 serum levels and to explore the role of MFG-E8 in obesity and T2D. Fasting serum MFG-E8 levels were quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for 168 individuals, whose oral glucose tolerance test was conducted, and levels of inflammatory factors, including tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and C-reactive protein, were measured. The participants were subdivided into 66 newly diagnosed T2D individuals, 44 impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) subjects and 58 healthy controls. Their characteristics were further classified as lean or nonlean for investigation. MFG-E8 levels were significantly higher in T2D subjects than in healthy controls (P = 0.028). Decreased levels of MFG-E8 were found in overweight or obese individuals, compared to those in lean subjects, in both the T2D and IGT groups (P < 0.001). Interestingly, MFG-E8 levels showed a negative correlation with body mass index (BMI) and TNF-α levels in the total population and the T2D subgroup. Further, BMI and TNF-α concentrations were found to be independent predictors of MFG-E8 levels in all subjects. MFG-E8 levels are elevated in T2D but suppressed by increased adipose tissues, thereby allowing inflammatory factors to rise to high levels. MFG-E8 may serve as a potential biomarker for obesity and T2D in the clinical setting. © 2017 IUBMB Life, 69(2):63-71, 2017. © 2017 International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.

Inactivation of klotho function induces hyperphosphatemia even in presence of high serum fibroblast growth factor 23 levels in a genetically engineered hypophosphatemic (Hyp) mouse model

PubMed Central

Nakatani, Teruyo; Ohnishi, Mutsuko; Razzaque, M. Shawkat

2009-01-01

Hyp mice possess a mutation that inactivates the phosphate-regulating gene, which is homologous to the endopeptidases of the X-chromosome (PHEX). The mutation is associated with severe hypophosphatemia due to excessive urinary phosphate wasting. Such urinary phosphate wasting in Hyp mice is associated with an increased serum accumulation of fibroblast growth factor (FGF) 23. We wanted to determine the biological significance of increased serum FGF23 levels and concomitant hypophosphatemia in Hyp mice and to evaluate whether FGF23 activity could be modified by manipulating klotho (a cofactor of FGF23 signaling). We generated Hyp and klotho double-mutant mice (Hyp/klotho−/−). Severe hypophosphatemia of Hyp mice was reversed to hyperphosphatemia in Hyp/klotho−/− double mutants, despite the fact that the double mutants showed significantly increased serum levels of FGF23. Hyperphosphatemia in Hyp/klotho−/− mice was associated with increased renal expression of sodium/phosphate cotransporter 2a (NaPi2a) protein. Exogenous injection of bioactive parathyroid hormone 1-34 down-regulated renal expression of NaPi2a and consequently reduced serum levels of phosphate in Hyp/klotho−/− mice. Moreover, in contrast to the Hyp mice, the Hyp/klotho−/− mice showed significantly higher serum levels of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D and developed extensive calcification in soft tissues and vascular walls. Furthermore, compared with the Hyp mice, Hyp/klotho−/− mice were smaller in size, showed features of generalized tissue atrophy, and generally died by 15–20 wk of age. Our in vivo studies provide genetic evidence for a pathological role of increased FGF23 activities in regulating abnormal phosphate homeostasis in Hyp mice. Moreover, these results suggest that even when serum levels of FGF23 are significantly high, in the absence of klotho, FGF23 is unable to regulate systemic phosphate homeostasis. Our in vivo observations have significant clinical implications in

Serum insulin-like factor 3 levels during puberty in healthy boys and boys with Klinefelter syndrome.

PubMed

Wikström, Anne M; Bay, Katrine; Hero, Matti; Andersson, Anna-Maria; Dunkel, Leo

2006-11-01

Levels of the Leydig cell-specific hormone insulin-like factor 3 (INSL3) are incompletely characterized in boys during pubertal development. The objective of the study was to characterize changes in INSL3 levels during spontaneous puberty in healthy boys, boys with aromatase inhibitor-induced hypergonadotropic hyperandrogenism, and boys with Leydig cell dysfunction. This was a prospective clinical study. The study was conducted at a university hospital pediatric endocrinology outpatient clinic. Patients included 30 healthy boys with idiopathic short stature (ISS) aged 9.0-14.5 yr and 14 boys with Klinefelter syndrome (KS) aged 10-13.9 yr. In ISS boys, intervention included aromatase inhibitor letrozole or placebo for 24 months. Serum INSL3 levels in relation to bone age, Tanner pubertal stages, and LH and testosterone levels were measured. Onset of puberty was associated with a significant increase in INSL3 levels from 0.06 +/- 0.01 ng/ml at Tanner G1 to 0.32 +/- 0.16 ng/ml at G2 (P < 0.0001). Adult INSL3 levels (> or = 0.55 ng/ml) were attained at bone age 13-14 yr. ISS boys with letrozole-induced hypergonadotropic hyperandrogenism had, after 12 months of therapy, higher INSL3 levels than did placebo treated (0.85 +/- 0.54 vs. 0.26 +/- 0.17 ng/ml, P < 0.01). In KS boys during spontaneous puberty, after an initial increase similar to that in healthy boys, INSL3 concentrations leveled off despite hyperstimulation by LH. Positive correlations occurred between serum INSL3 and LH and between INSL3 and testosterone levels in all three groups (P < 0.0001). In boys, the Leydig cell-specific hormone INSL3 may serve as a new marker for onset and progression of puberty. Pubertal increase in INSL3 levels seems to depend on LH. In KS subjects, INSL3 concentrations indicate Leydig cell dysfunction from midpuberty onward.

Evaluation of serum and pleural levels of endostatin and vascular epithelial growth factor in lung cancer patients with pleural effusion.

PubMed

Zhang, Yu; Yu, Li-Ke; Xia, Ning

2012-03-01

To evaluate the diagnostic value of endostatin (ES), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) in both serum and pleural effusion of lung cancer patients. Levels of ES, VEGF and CEA in 52 malignant pleural effusion due to lung cancer and 50 patients with non-malignant disease were measured by using sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and microparticle enzyme immunoassay. The ES, VEGF and CEA levels in pleural effusion and serum, and their ratio (F/S) were higher in lung cancer group than that in benign group, and the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05). The diagnostic efficiency of ES+VEGF for lung cancer was superior to either single detection. The diagnostic efficiency of ES+VEGF+CEA was superior to either ES+VEGF or ES+CEA. The results suggest that ES, VEGF and CEA might be useful in the differentiation between benign and malignant pleural effusion due to lung cancer. In comparison with either single determination of concentration in serum or pleural fluid, the combined detection of two or three markers is of important clinical significance in the diagnosis of lung cancer. Copyright © 2012 Hainan Medical College. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Rifampicin Serum Level in Egyptian Tuberculous Patients

DTIC Science & Technology

1973-01-01

F-- 00 TECHNICAL/ SCIENTIFIC REPORT ~i2 17-75 IR FAM4PICIN SERUM LEVEL IN EGYPTIAN TUBERCULOUS PATIENTS By H.H. Youssef, J. SIppel, K. Sorensen...Best Avai~lable copy •vo Reprinted from Ain Shams Medical Journal Vol. 25, No. 1, January 1974 Rifampicin Serum Level in Egyptian Tuberculous Patients... Tuberculous Patients: Hassan Hosny Youssef,* J. Sippel,** K. Sorensen,** Isis A. Mikhail,** M. E. Mahmoud,+ A. El Maraghi,+ and Adly Robert ± of RMP serum

Serum folic acid levels are associated with the presence and severity of liver steatosis in Chinese adults.

PubMed

Xia, Ming-Feng; Bian, Hua; Zhu, Xiao-Peng; Yan, Hong-Mei; Chang, Xin-Xia; Zhang, Lin-Shan; Lin, Huan-Dong; Hu, Xi-Qi; Gao, Xin

2017-06-28

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common and strong risk factor for cardiovascular disease and hepatocellular carcinoma. The rapid acceleration of the increase in NAFLD prevalence has exceeded the trends observed for obesity, and has been driven by multiple factors. The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between the serum levels of folic acid, the endogenous source of methyl groups for DNA methylation, and NAFLD in Chinese adults. The correlations between the serum folic acid levels and NAFLD were investigated in two independent cohorts of 70 subjects who underwent a liver biopsy and 130 subjects with varying liver fat contents, as measured using proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy ( 1 H-MRS). Independent correlations between serum folic acid levels and liver steatosis grades were detected using a multivariate ordinal regression analysis. The diagnostic performances of serum folic acid levels alone and in combination with existing NAFLD prediction scores were compared with those of traditional NAFLD prediction parameters using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses. Serum folic acid concentrations were inversely correlated with liver histological steatosis grades (ρ = -0.371, P < 0.001) and the 1 H-MRS-measured liver fat content (r = -0.199, P = 0.038). According to the multivariate ordinal regression analysis, serum folic acid levels were inversely correlated with liver steatosis grades (OR 0.739 [0.594-0.918], P = 0.006) independent of age, gender, BMI, components of metabolic syndrome and the serum TC, LDL-c and HOMA-IR levels. The AUROC of serum folic acid for the diagnosis of NAFLD was 0.75 (0.65-0.83), and the addition of serum folic acid to NAFLD prediction scores significantly improved the diagnostic prediction of NAFLD (AUROC = 0.88 [0.81-0.94]). Low serum folic acid levels were identified as an independent risk factor for NAFLD in the Chinese population. The addition of the serum folic acid

Prognostic impact of serum bilirubin level on long-term renal survival in IgA nephropathy.

PubMed

Tanaka, Shigeru; Ninomiya, Toshiharu; Masutani, Kosuke; Nagata, Masaharu; Tsuchimoto, Akihiro; Tsuruya, Kazuhiko; Kitazono, Takanari

2015-12-01

Serum bilirubin has been recognized as a novel endogenous antioxidant. The aim of our study was to evaluate the impact of serum bilirubin on kidney prognosis in IgA nephropathy (IgAN). We followed retrospectively 694 patients with IgAN diagnosed by renal biopsy between 1982 and 2010. The risk factors for developing end-stage renal disease (ESRD) were estimated using a Cox proportional hazard model. Predictive performance between models with or without serum bilirubin was evaluated by calculating the net reclassification improvement (NRI) and integrated discrimination improvement (IDI). Seventy-seven patients developed ESRD during the median 4.9 years of follow-up. Estimated glomerular filtration rate, proteinuria and histological severity were inversely related to bilirubin levels. In multivariate analysis, serum bilirubin was an independent risk factor for ESRD (hazard ratio for every 0.1 mg/dL decrease in serum bilirubin, 1.18; 95 % CI, 1.04-1.33). The incidence rate of ESRD decreased linearly with the increases in bilirubin levels (P for trend <0.01). When bilirubin was incorporated into a model with conventional ESRD risk factors, the NRI and IDI were 0.281 (P = 0.02) and 0.019 (P = 0.01), respectively. We demonstrated that lower bilirubin levels were significantly associated with higher risk of ESRD in IgAN. In addition, bilirubin provided incremental predictive value in the risk assessment for progression of IgAN beyond that provided by standard risk factors.

Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels, obesity and the metabolic syndrome among Korean children.

PubMed

Lee, S H; Kim, S M; Park, H S; Choi, K M; Cho, G J; Ko, B J; Kim, J H

2013-08-01

Evidence of the relationship between serum vitamin D levels and cardiovascular risk factors in children is limited. We investigated the associations between serum vitamin D levels (25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D]) and obesity and metabolic syndrome and its components in Korean children. We recruited 1660, nine-year-old, Korean children (904 boys and 756 girls) who voluntarily participated in this study while being examined during school-based health examinations. We measured anthropometric variables (height and weight), metabolic parameters (blood pressure, fasting plasma glucose, triglyceride, and HDL cholesterol levels) and serum vitamin D levels. We analyzed the data using multivariate logistic regression models. Mean 25(OH)D levels were lower in children defined as obese or abdominally obese (P <0.001). When serum levels of 25(OH)D were divided into quartiles, BMI, waist circumference, and triglyceride levels were lower, and HDL cholesterol levels were higher, as vitamin D levels increased. Using children from the highest quartile of 25(OH)D levels as a referent, the adjusted ORs (95% CI) for obesity in those in the third, second, and lowest quartiles of 25(OH)D levels were 1.55 (1.01-2.40), 1.87 (1.22-2.85), and 2.59 (1.71-3.90), respectively (P for trend <0.001). For abdominal obesity the ORs (CI) were 2.08 (1.20-3.60), 2.32 (1.36-3.95), and 2.96 (1.75-5.00) (P for trend<0.001), and for metabolic syndrome they were 2.60 (1.08-6.30), 4.00 (1.73-9.26), and 4.25 (1.84-9.85), respectively (P for trend <0.05). We found low vitamin D levels in Korean children to be associated with obesity and metabolic syndrome. Insufficient serum vitamin D levels in children may be a risk factor of obesity and metabolic syndrome. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Interpretation of serum gonadotropin levels in hyperprolactinemia.

PubMed

Abbara, Ali; Clarke, Sophie A; Nesbitt, Alexander; Ali, Sabreen; Comninos, Alexander N; Hatfield, Emma; Martin, Niamh; Sam, Amir; Meeran, Karim; Dhillo, Waljit S

2018-04-16

Background/Aims: Hyperprolactinemia is a common cause of amenorrhea due to hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. Prolactin is hypothesized to impede the reproductive axis through an inhibitory action at the hypothalamus. However, limited data exists to aid the interpretation of serum gonadotropins in the context of hyperprolactinemia. Serum gonadotropin values were reviewed in 243 patients with elevated serum monomeric prolactin due to discrete etiologies at a tertiary reproductive endocrine centre between 2012 and 2015. The cause of hyperprolactinemia was categorized by an experienced endocrinologist / pituitary multidisciplinary team, unless superseded by histology. The most frequently encountered diagnoses were Microprolactinoma (n=88), Macroprolactinoma (n=46), Non-Functioning Pituitary Adenoma (NFPA) (n=72), Drug-Induced Hyperprolactinemia (DIH) (n=22) and Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) (n=15). In patients with prolactinoma and modestly raised serum prolactin levels (<4000 mU/L), increasingly FSH-predominant gonadotropin values were observed with rising prolactin level, consistent with a progressive reduction in hypothalamic GnRH pulsatility. Patients with prolactinoma and higher prolactin values (>4000 mU/L) were more likely to have a reduction in serum levels of both FSH and LH, consistent with direct pituitary gonadotrope dysfunction. Patients with macroadenoma and extremes of serum gonadotropin values (either serum FSH or LH >8 IU/L) were more likely to have NFPA than prolactinoma. Patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and hyperprolactinemia had LH-predominant secretion in keeping with increased GnRH pulsatility despite a raised prolactin level. The pattern of gonadotropin secretion in patients may reflect the etiology of hyperprolactinemia.
. ©2018S. Karger AG, Basel.

Fibroblast growth factor-21 and omentin-1 hepatic mRNA expression and serum levels in morbidly obese women with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

PubMed

Waluga, M; Kukla, M; Zorniak, M; Kajor, M; Liszka, L; Dyaczynski, M; Kowalski, G; Zadlo, D; Waluga, E; Olczyk, P; Buldak, R J; Berdowska, A; Hartleb, M

2017-06-01

Fibroblast growth factor-21 (FGF21) and omentin-1 have been recognized as potent antidiabetic agents with potential hepatoprotective activity. The aim of this study was to evaluate hepatic FGF21 and omentin-1 mRNA expression as well as their serum levels as predictive markers of liver injury and insulin resistance in morbidly obese women with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). This study included 56 severely obese women who underwent intraoperative wedge liver biopsy during the bariatric surgery. Hepatic FGF21 and omentin-1 mRNA were assessed by quantitative real-time PCR, while their serum concentrations were measured with commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. The FGF21 serum level was significantly higher in patients with a greater extent of steatosis (grade 2 and 3) compared to those without or with mild steatosis (grade 0 and 1) (P = 0.049). Receiver Operating Characteristic analysis, however, showed poor discriminant power for the FGF21 serum levels in differentiating between more and less extensive steatosis with an AUC = 0.666. There was a tendency towards higher levels of hepatic FGF21 mRNA in patients with lobular inflammation and fibrosis and towards lower levels in the case of hepatocyte ballooning and steatosis. There was a positive mutual correlation between hepatic FGF21 and omentin-1 mRNA levels (r = 0.78; P < 0.001). Fibrosis stage was associated with serum glucose and homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (P = 0.03 and P = 0.02, respectively). Serum omentin-1 was not associated with histopathological features. The hepatic omentin-1 mRNA levels showed a tendency to be lower in patients with advanced steatosis and hepatocyte ballooning. In conclusion, our study, which focused on hepatic FGF21 and omentin-1 mRNA expression, confirmed marked expression of both molecules in the liver of morbidly obese patients with NAFLD. More extensive steatosis was associated with evident changes in the serum FGF21

Serum osteopontin and vitronectin levels in systemic sclerosis.

PubMed

Gundogdu, Baris; Yolbas, Servet; Yilmaz, Musa; Aydin, Suleyman; Koca, Sulayman Serdar

2017-11-01

Osteopontin a matricellular protein has pro-fibrotic effects and binds integrin such as αvβ1 and αvβ3. Vitronectin is one of the integrin αvβ3 ligands and is a multifunctional glycoprotein. The aim of the present study was to evaluate serum osteopontin and vitronectin levels in a cohort of patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). Eighty-six patients with SSc, 46 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and 38 healthy controls (HC) were enrolled in the study. Serum osteopontin, vitronectin, IL-6, and TGF-β levels were analyzed. Serum osteopontin levels were higher in the SSc and SLE groups compared to the HC group (p < 0.01 and p < 0.001, respectively). However, it was not correlated with disease activity and severity scores in the SSc group. On the other hand, serum vitronectin levels were lower in the SSc group than in the SLE and HC groups (p < 0.001 for both). These results may suggest that osteopontin levels may be increased due to the inflammatory process and osteopontin has not a specific role on fibrosis in SSc. On the other hand, serum vitronectin levels decrease in SSc in contrast to SLE. It may be concluded that the one cause of decreased serum vitronectin levels in SSc may be its accumulation in fibrotic area.

PFOA and PFOS serum levels and miscarriage risk.

PubMed

Darrow, Lyndsey A; Howards, Penelope P; Winquist, Andrea; Steenland, Kyle

2014-07-01

Serum concentrations of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) were assessed in relation to miscarriage in a population of mid-Ohio River Valley residents highly exposed to PFOA through contaminated drinking water. Serum PFOA and PFOS concentrations were measured in 1129 women in 2005-2006 who reported pregnancy outcomes in follow-up interviews between 2008 and 2011. In the analysis, we included 1438 reported live births, stillbirths, and miscarriages with estimated conception dates after the serum measurements. Preconception serum levels of PFOA and PFOS were analyzed in relation to miscarriage using logistic regression and generalized estimating equations. There was little evidence of association between PFOA and miscarriage. For PFOS, when including all reported prospective pregnancies, the odds ratio of miscarriage per log ng/ml increase was 1.21 (95% confidence interval = 0.94-1.55); in subanalyses restricted to each woman's first pregnancy conceived after the serum measurement, the odds ratio was 1.34 (1.02-1.76). Categorical analyses showed elevated odds ratios for the top 4 quintiles relative to the first quintile, without a monotonic trend. Positive associations between PFOS and miscarriage were strongest among nulligravid pregnancies. In this prospective study of miscarriage in a population exposed to high levels of PFOA and background levels of PFOS, we found little evidence of association with serum levels of PFOA and limited evidence of association with serum levels of PFOS.

Clinical Significance of Serum IL-6 and TNF-α Levels in Patients with Metabolic Syndrome.

PubMed

Mohammadi, Mojgan; Gozashti, Mohammad Hossein; Aghadavood, Majid; Mehdizadeh, Mohammad Reza; Hayatbakhsh, Mohammad Mahdi

2017-10-01

Several components of metabolic syndrome (MetS) facilitate its diagnosis, including abdominal obesity, hyperlipidemia, high blood pressure, and insulin resistance. The production of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) seem to be associated with MetS components. The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation between IL-6 and TNF-α serum levels with MetS and its components. This case-control study investigated 250 subjects, comprising 125 healthy controls from the Kerman Blood Transfusion Organization and 125 MetS patients. Serum IL-6 and TNF-α levels were measured using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Serum IL-6 and TNF-α levels were greater in MetS patients than in controls. However, no correlation was observed between MetS components and IL-6 or TNF-α serum levels. Patients with MetS had significantly greater serum IL-6 and TNF-α levels than the controls, supporting the evidence that inflammation plays an important role in the immunopathogenesis of the disease. Additionally, IL-6 and TNF-α serum levels may predict MetS. The lack of association between IL-6 and TNF-α serum levels and MetS components remains to be investigated by further research.

Association between Serum Selenium Concentrations and Levels of Proinflammatory and Profibrotic Cytokines-Interleukin-6 and Growth Differentiation Factor-15, in Patients with Alcoholic Liver Cirrhosis.

PubMed

Prystupa, Andrzej; Kiciński, Paweł; Luchowska-Kocot, Dorota; Błażewicz, Anna; Niedziałek, Jarosław; Mizerski, Grzegorz; Jojczuk, Mariusz; Ochal, Andrzej; Sak, Jarosław J; Załuska, Wojciech

2017-04-21

According to some authors, serum selenium levels are strongly associated with the severity of liver diseases, including liver cirrhosis. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between the concentration of selenium and pro-inflammatory and profibrotic cytokines-interleukin-6 (IL-6) and growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15) in patients with alcoholic liver cirrhosis. The parameters studied were determined in the serum of 99 patients with alcoholic liver cirrhosis divided based on the severity of disease according to the Child-Turcotte-Pugh criteria. In patients with liver cirrhosis, the serum selenium concentration was statistically lower, whereas serum IL-6 and GDF-15 concentrations were higher than those in the control group. Moreover, the concentration of selenium negatively correlated with the levels of GDF-15 and IL-6. The above results may indicate a role of selenium deficiency in the pathogenesis and progression of alcoholic liver disease.

Correlation of mammographic density and serum calcium levels in patients with primary breast cancer.

PubMed

Hack, Carolin C; Stoll, Martin J; Jud, Sebastian M; Heusinger, Katharina; Adler, Werner; Haeberle, Lothar; Ganslandt, Thomas; Heindl, Felix; Schulz-Wendtland, Rüdiger; Cavallaro, Alexander; Uder, Michael; Beckmann, Matthias W; Fasching, Peter A; Bayer, Christian M

2017-06-01

Percentage mammographic breast density (PMD) is one of the most important risk factors for breast cancer (BC). Calcium, vitamin D, bisphosphonates, and denosumab have been considered and partly confirmed as factors potentially influencing the risk of BC. This retrospective observational study investigated the association between serum calcium level and PMD. A total of 982 BC patients identified in the research database at the University Breast Center for Franconia with unilateral BC, calcium and albumin values, and mammogram at the time of first diagnosis were included. PMD was assessed, using a semiautomated method by two readers. Linear regression analyses were conducted to investigate the impact on PMD of the parameters of serum calcium level adjusted for albumin level, and well-known clinical predictors such as age, body mass index (BMI), menopausal status and confounder for serum calcium like season in which the BC was diagnosed. Increased calcium levels were associated with reduced PMD (P = 0.024). Furthermore, PMD was inversely associated with BMI (P < 0.001) and age (P < 0.001). There was also an association between PMD and menopausal status (P < 0.001). The goodness-of-fit of the regression model was moderate. This is the first study assessing the association between serum calcium level and PMD. An inverse association with adjusted serum calcium levels was observed. These findings add to previously published data relating to vitamin D, bisphosphonates, denosumab, and the RANK/RANKL signaling pathway in breast cancer risk and prevention. © 2017 The Authors. Cancer Medicine published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Occupational exposure levels of bioaerosol components are associated with serum levels of the acute phase protein Serum Amyloid A in greenhouse workers.

PubMed

Madsen, Anne Mette; Thilsing, Trine; Bælum, Jesper; Garde, Anne Helene; Vogel, Ulla

2016-01-20

Occupational exposure to particles may be associated with increased inflammation of the airways. Animal experiments suggest that inhaled particles also induce a pulmonary acute phase response, leading to systemic circulation of acute phase proteins. Greenhouse workers are exposed to elevated levels of bioaerosols. The objective of this study is to assess whether greenhouse workers personal exposure to bioaerosol components was associated with serum levels of the acute phase proteins Serum Amyloid A (SAA) and C-reactive protein (CRP). SAA and CRP levels were determined in serum sampled repeatedly from 33 greenhouse workers. Blood was drawn repeatedly on Mondays and Thursdays during work weeks. Acute phase protein levels were compared to levels in a comparison group of 42 people and related to individual exposure levels to endotoxin, dust, bacteria, fungi and β-glucan. Serum levels of SAA and CRP were not significantly different in greenhouse workers and a reference group, or on the two work days. In a mixed model, SAA levels were positively associated with endotoxin exposure levels (p = 0.0007). Results for fungi were not clear. CRP levels were positively associated with endotoxin exposures (p = 0.022). Furthermore, when workers were categorized into three groups based on SAA and CRP serum levels endotoxin exposure was highest in the group with the highest SAA levels and in the group with middle and highest CRP levels. SAA and CRP levels were elevated in workers with asthma. Greenhouse workers did not have elevated serum levels of SAA and CRP compared to a reference group. However, occupational exposure to endotoxin was positively associated with serum levels of the acute phase proteins SAA and CRP. Preventive measures to reduce endotoxin exposure may be beneficial.

The measurement of serum TNF-α levels in patients with lichen planus.

PubMed

Akpinar Kara, Yesim

2017-12-01

Lichen planus is a common mucocutaneous inflammatory skin disease with a multifactorial etiology. Cytokines play a key role in lichen planus pathogenesis. This study investigates the relationship between disease severity and levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), which is considered a primary cytokine that initiates cytotoxicity. Serum TNF-α levels were compared between a patient group (n = 34) and a control group (n = 20). TNF-α serum levels were measured using human TNF-α Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) test kits, and the two groups were statistically compared to each other. Mean serum TNF-α levels were found to be significantly higher in the patient group than in the control group (p < 0.005). However, no significant association was observed between TNF-α levels and oral mucosal involvement (p > 0.005). No relationship was detected between TNF-α levels and patients' sex. It is thought that TNF-α, a proinflammatory cytokine, may play an important role in the pathogenesis of lichen planus. TNF-α may be a simple and effective predictor to illustrate the inflammatory status in patients with lichen planus.

Serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor level in dysthymia: a comparative study with major depressive disorder.

PubMed

Aydemir, Omer; Deveci, Artuner; Taskin, Oryal E; Taneli, Fatma; Esen-Danaci, Aysen

2007-06-30

In this present work, it is aimed to demonstrate BDNF serum concentrations in patients with dysthymia and to compare them with BDNF serum concentrations in patients with major depressive disorder and healthy subjects. The study was carried out in Celal Bayar University Hospital, Manisa, Turkey. Seventeen patients with dysthymia, 24 patients with major depressive disorder and 26 subjects without any psychiatric diagnosis and any psychiatric treatment were included in the study. The severity of depression was assessed with 17-item HAM-D. All subjects were asked to give their written consent. Blood samples were collected at baseline. Serum BDNF was kept at -70 degrees C before testing, and assayed with an ELISA Kit (Promega; Madison, WI, USA), after dilution with the Block and Sample solution provided with the kit. The data were subjected to the analysis of variance. The BDNF serum concentrations of the dysthymia group (mean=28.9+/-9.2 ng/ml) were significantly higher than that of the major depressive disorder group (21.2+/-11.3 ng/ml) (p=0.002), and it was not different from the level of the control group (31.4+/-8.8 ng/ml). BDNF serum concentrations and HAM-D score did not have any significant correlation in the dysthymia and major depression groups (r=-0.276, p=0.086). The low level of BDNF in patients with dysthymic disorder seems to point out that BDNF changes in mood disorders are state-dependent and vary according to the severity of depressive episodes.

Serum apolipoprotein E concentration and polymorphism influence serum lipid levels in Chinese Shandong Han population.

PubMed

Han, ShuYi; Xu, YiHui; Gao, MeiHua; Wang, YunShan; Wang, Jun; Liu, YanYan; Wang, Min; Zhang, XiaoQian

2016-12-01

Apolipoprotein E (ApoE), which has been shown to influence serum lipid parameters, can bind to multiple types of lipids and plays an important role in the metabolism and homeostasis of lipids and lipoproteins. A previous study showed that ApoE concentration significantly affects serum lipid levels independently of ApoE polymorphism. The serum lipid levels were also closely correlated with dietary habits, and Shandong cuisine is famous for its high salt and oil contents, which widely differ among the different areas in China. Therefore, studying the effect of ApoE polymorphism on ApoE concentration and serum lipid levels in Shandong province is very important.A total of 815 subjects including 285 men and 530 women were randomly selected and studied from Jinan, Shandong province. In order to evaluate the association of ApoE polymorphism and serum level on lipid profiles, the ApoE genotypes, as well as levels of fasting serum ApoE and other lipid parameters, were detected in all subjects.The frequency of the ApoE E3 allele was highest (83.1%), while those of E2 and E4 were 9.4% and 7.5%, respectively, which are similar to those in other Asian populations. ApoE2 allele carriers showed significantly increased ApoE levels but lower levels of serum total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and Apolipoprotein B (ApoB).We found that ApoE level is influenced by ApoE polymorphism in a gene-dependent manner. The ApoE polymorphism showed different influences on serum lipid parameters with increasing age and body mass index (BMI) in our Shandong Han population.

Serum apolipoprotein E concentration and polymorphism influence serum lipid levels in Chinese Shandong Han population

PubMed Central

Han, ShuYi; Xu, YiHui; Gao, MeiHua; Wang, YunShan; Wang, Jun; Liu, YanYan; Wang, Min; Zhang, XiaoQian

2016-01-01

Abstract Apolipoprotein E (ApoE), which has been shown to influence serum lipid parameters, can bind to multiple types of lipids and plays an important role in the metabolism and homeostasis of lipids and lipoproteins. A previous study showed that ApoE concentration significantly affects serum lipid levels independently of ApoE polymorphism. The serum lipid levels were also closely correlated with dietary habits, and Shandong cuisine is famous for its high salt and oil contents, which widely differ among the different areas in China. Therefore, studying the effect of ApoE polymorphism on ApoE concentration and serum lipid levels in Shandong province is very important. A total of 815 subjects including 285 men and 530 women were randomly selected and studied from Jinan, Shandong province. In order to evaluate the association of ApoE polymorphism and serum level on lipid profiles, the ApoE genotypes, as well as levels of fasting serum ApoE and other lipid parameters, were detected in all subjects. The frequency of the ApoE E3 allele was highest (83.1%), while those of E2 and E4 were 9.4% and 7.5%, respectively, which are similar to those in other Asian populations. ApoE2 allele carriers showed significantly increased ApoE levels but lower levels of serum total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and Apolipoprotein B (ApoB). We found that ApoE level is influenced by ApoE polymorphism in a gene-dependent manner. The ApoE polymorphism showed different influences on serum lipid parameters with increasing age and body mass index (BMI) in our Shandong Han population. PMID:27977609

Assessment of serum apelin and lipocalin-2 levels in patients with subclinical hypothyroidism.

PubMed

Zorlu, Mehmet; Kiskac, Muharrem; Karatoprak, Cumali; Kesgin, Sidika; Cakirca, Mustafa; Yildiz, Kemal; Ardic, Cuneyt; Cikrikcioglu, Mehmet Ali; Erkoc, Reha

2014-02-01

Subclinical hypothyroidism is the precursor to hypothyroidism because it has a tendency to transform into hypothyroidism. Subclinical hypothyroidism is considered one of the risk factors causing metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome can be characterized by plasma levels of apelin and lipocalin-2, both released from adipocytes. In the present study, we aimed to measure serum apelin and lipocalin-2 levels of patients with subclinical hypothyroidism and compare them with serum apelin and lipocalin-2 levels from healthy individuals. This was a cross-sectional study. A total of 80 subjects were enrolled in the study and divided into two groups: Group A included 39 patients (females, n=34) diagnosed with subclinical hypothyroidism, and Group B (the control group) comprised 41 healthy volunteers (females, n=38). Serum samples were obtained from each participant for the measurement of apelin and lipocalin-2. These were then stored at minus 80°C until the time of analysis, when serum apelin and lipocalin-2 levels of the two groups were compared. Patients with subclinical hypothyroidism (Group A and Group B subjects [healthy controls]) were comparable with respect to gender, age, and body mass index (BMI) (P=0.412, P=0.863, and P=0.269, respectively), nor was there a statistically significant difference between groups in terms of apelin and lipocalin-2 levels (P=0.87, and P=0.67, respectively). Apelin levels showed a positive and significant correlation with BMI (P=0.034). Serum lipocalin-2 levels showed significant positive correlations with BMI and creatinine levels (P=0.002, and P=0.025, respectively). In the present study, no significant difference of serum apelin and lipocalin-2 levels was observed between patients with subclinical hypothyroidism and healthy control subjects. Positive correlations were found, however, between serum apelin level and BMI as well as between serum lipocalin-2 and BMI and creatinine levels. Copyright © 2014. Published by Elsevier Masson

Serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor and glucocorticoid receptor levels in lymphocytes as markers of antidepressant response in major depressive patients: a pilot study.

PubMed

Rojas, Paulina Soledad; Fritsch, Rosemarie; Rojas, Romina Andrea; Jara, Pablo; Fiedler, Jenny Lucy

2011-09-30

Depressive patients often have altered cortisol secretion, an effect that likely derives from impaired activity of the glucocorticoid receptor (GR), the main regulator of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Glucocorticoids reduce the levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a downstream target of antidepressants. Antidepressants promote the transcriptional activity of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) response element binding protein (CREB), a regulator of BDNF expression. To identify potential biomarkers for the onset of antidepressant action in depressive patients, GR and phospho-CREB (pCREB) levels in lymphocytes and serum BDNF levels were repeatedly measured during the course of antidepressant treatment. Thirty-four depressed outpatients (10 male and 24 female) were treated with venlafaxine (75mg/day), and individuals exhibiting a 50% reduction in their baseline 17-Item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale score by the 6th week of treatment were considered responders. Responders showed an early improvement in parallel with a rise in BDNF levels during the first two weeks of treatment. Non-responders showed increased GR levels by the third week and reduced serum BDNF by the sixth week of treatment. In contrast, venlafaxine did not affect levels of pCREB. We conclude that levels of BDNF in serum and GR levels in lymphocytes may represent biomarkers that could be used to predict responses to venlafaxine treatment. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Self-reported smoking habits and serum cotinine levels in women with placental abruption.

PubMed

Tikkanen, Minna; Surcel, Heljä-Marja; Bloigu, Aini; Nuutila, Mika; Ylikorkala, Olavi; Hiilesmaa, Vilho; Paavonen, Jorma

2010-12-01

smoking is an important risk factor for placental abruption with strong dose-dependency. Pregnant smokers often underreport tobacco use which can be objectively assessed by measuring serum cotinine levels. We examined the accuracy between self-reported smoking habits and early pregnancy serum cotinine levels in women with or without placental abruption. retrospective case-control study. university Hospital. a total of 175 women with placental abruption and 370 control women. serum samples collected during the first trimester were analyzed for serum cotinine levels. Cotinine concentration over 15 ng/ml was considered as the cutoff indicating active smoking. Smoking habits of the women and their partners were recorded at the same visit. placental abruption. of the cases of women with placental abruption, 27.4% reported smoking compared with 14.3% of the controls (p < 0.001). Based on serum cotinine levels, 30.3% of the case women and 17.6% of the control women were considered smokers (p = 0.003). Serum cotinine levels among smokers were higher in the abruption group than in the control group (median 229.5 ng/ml (interquartile range 169.8-418.1) vs. 153.5 ng/ml (56.6-241.4), p = 0.002). Self-reported number of cigarettes smoked daily correlated well with the cotinine levels (r = 0.68, p < 0.001). Of the women reporting as nonsmokers, approximately 7% were considered smokers based on cotinine testing. pregnant women with subsequent placental abruption are heavier smokers than pregnant control women. Self-reported smoking habits correlate well with serum cotinine levels in Finland. Therefore, self-reported smoking can be considered as a risk marker for placental abruption.

Serum levels of C-reactive protein in adolescents with periodontitis.

PubMed

López, Rodrigo; Baelum, Vibeke; Hedegaard, Chris Juul; Bendtzen, Klaus

2011-04-01

The results of several cross-sectional studies suggested a relationship between periodontitis and higher serum levels of C-reactive protein (CRP). Most of these studies were restricted to adult study groups with severe periodontal inflammation, and the potential effects of confounding factors were frequently overlooked. A case-referent study comprised of 87 adolescent cases who presented with clinical attachment loss ≥3 mm recorded in ≥2 of 16 teeth and 73 controls who did not fulfill these criteria was nested in a fully enumerated adolescent population. Venous blood samples were obtained, and CRP levels were quantified, using a high-sensitive bead-based flow cytometric assay. The Mann-Whitney U test was used to assess overall differences between groups. The median serum CRP values for cases and controls were 64 ng/ml (interquartile range: 27 to 234 ng/ml) and 55 ng/ml (31 to 183 ng/ml), respectively (P = 0.8). Serum levels of CRP were not significantly higher among subjects with periodontitis than among controls. However, a statistically significant positive association between percentages of sites with bleeding on probing and log-transformed CRP values was observed.

Serum vascular endothelial growth factor in dogs with soft tissue sarcomas.

PubMed

de Queiroz, G Fernandes; Dagli, M Lúcia Zaidan; Meira, S Aparecida; Matera, J Maria

2013-09-01

This work aimed to evaluate serum vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in 25 dogs with soft tissue sarcoma, and in 30 healthy dogs. Blood was collected once time from the control animals and three times, in the same way, from animals with sarcoma. Blood count was performed in the blood collected, and serum VEGF was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay quantitative method. Serum VEGF in control animals was similar to patients with soft tissue sarcoma. There was a reduction in serum VEGF after the sarcoma resection. There was positive correlation between serum VEGF and neutrophil counts, and negative between VEGF and hemoglobin content in animals with sarcoma. Animals with hemangiopericytoma showed higher serum VEGF levels compared to the patients with malignant peripheral nerve sheath. Circulating blood cells can contribute to elevate VEGF serum concentrations in dogs with soft tissue sarcomas and a possible role of VEGF in the angiogenesis of these tumors. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Non-survivor septic patients have persistently higher serum sCD40L levels than survivors.

PubMed

Lorente, Leonardo; Martín, María M; Pérez-Cejas, Antonia; Ferreres, José; Solé-Violán, Jordi; Labarta, Lorenzo; Díaz, César; Jiménez, Alejandro

2017-10-01

Soluble CD40 ligand (sCD40L) is a protein with proinflammatory and prothrombotic effects. Previously we found higher circulating sCD40L levels in non-survivor than in survivor patients at sepsis diagnosis. Now some questions arise such as how are serum sCD40L levels during the first week of severe sepsis?, is there an association between serum sCD40L levels during the first week and mortality?, and serum sCD40L levels during the first week could be used as sepsis mortality biomarker?. This study was developed to answer these asks. Study from 6 Spanish Intensive Care Units with 291 severe septic patients. There were determined serum levels of sCD40L and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha during the first week. The end-point study was 30-day mortality. We found that serum sCD40L at days 1, 4, and 8 could predict mortality at 30days, and are associated with mortality. The novel findings of our study were that there were higher serum sCD40L levels persistently during the first week in non-survivor than in survivor patients, that there is an association between serum sCD40L levels during the first week and sepsis mortality, and that serum sCD40L levels during the first week could be used as sepsis mortality biomarker. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Ampicillin levels in sputum, serum, and saliva

PubMed Central

Stewart, Sheila M.; Fisher, Mary; Young, Joy E.; Lutz, W.

1970-01-01

The ampicillin levels in sputum, serum, and saliva from 40 patients receiving a dose of 250 mg., 26 patients receiving a dose of 500 mg., and 11 patients receiving a dose of 1 g. were estimated. The ampicillin was given orally four times daily. The 1-2 hour and 2-3 hour sputum levels were similar in individual patients. There was no difference in the range or mean sputum or saliva levels between specimens from patients receiving 250 mg. and 500 mg., but the levels were significantly higher after the 1 g. dose. The mean serum level showed a small increase after 500 mg. ampicillin as compared with the 250 mg. dose and a big increase after the 1 g. dose: only the latter difference was significant. The sputum levels were approximately 30 to 40 times lower than the corresponding serum levels. There was considerable scatter in the sputum level for any level of ampicillin in the serum: in only two of the 1-2 hour sputum specimens was there no detectable ampicillin. There was no correlation between the sputum levels and either the body weight or the dose in milligrams per kilogram. There was no evidence that corticosteroids or diuretics affected the sputum level. It was not possible to demonstrate any relationship between the purulence of the sputum and the level of ampicillin after doses of 250 mg. or 500 mg., but higher levels were found in the more purulent specimens after 1 g. doses. PMID:4318047

An elevated serum beta-2-microglobulin level is an adverse prognostic factor for overall survival in patients with early-stage Hodgkin disease.

PubMed

Chronowski, Gregory M; Wilder, Richard B; Tucker, Susan L; Ha, Chul S; Sarris, Andreas H; Hagemeister, Fredrick B; Barista, Ibrahim; Hess, Mark A; Cabanillas, Fernando; Cox, James D

2002-12-15

The relative importance of prognostic factors in patients with early-stage Hodgkin disease remains controversial. The purpose of this study was to evaluate prognostic factors among patients who received chemotherapy before radiotherapy. From 1987 to 1995, 217 consecutive patients ranging in age from 16 to 88 years (median, 28 years) with Ann Arbor Stage I (n = 55) or II (n = 162) Hodgkin disease underwent chemotherapy before radiotherapy at a single center. Most were treated on prospective studies. Patients received a median of three cycles of induction chemotherapy. Mitoxantrone, vincristine, vinblastine, and prednisone (NOVP), doxorubicin, bleomycin, vinblastine, and dacarbazine (ABVD), mechlorethamine, vincristine, procarbazine, and prednisone (MOPP), cyclophosphamide, vinblastine, procarbazine, prednisone, doxorubicin, bleomycin, dacarbazine, and CCNU (CVPP/ABDIC), or other chemotherapeutic regimens were given to 160, 18, 15, 10, and 14 patients, respectively. The median radiotherapy dose was 40 Gy. Serum beta-2-microglobulin (beta-2M) levels ranged from 1.0 to 4.1 mg/L (median, 1.7 mg/L; upper limit of normal, 2.0 mg/L). We studied univariate and multivariate associations between survival and the following clinical features: serum beta-2M level above 1.25 times the upper limit of normal (n = 12), male gender (n = 113), hypoalbuminemia (n = 11), and bulky mediastinal disease (n = 94). Follow-up of surviving patients ranged from 0.9 to 13.4 years (median, 6.6 years) and 92% were observed for 3.0 or more years. Nineteen patients have died. Only elevation of the serum beta-2M level was an independent adverse prognostic factor for overall survival (P = 0.0009). The prognostic significance of a simple, widely available, and inexpensive blood test, beta-2M, has not been studied routinely in patients with Hodgkin disease and should be tested prospectively in large, cooperative group trials. Copyright 2002 American Cancer Society.DOI 10.1002/cncr.10998

Differential Serum Cytokine Levels and Risk of Lung Cancer between African and European Americans

PubMed Central

Pine, Sharon R.; Mechanic, Leah E.; Enewold, Lindsey; Bowman, Elise D.; Ryan, Bríd M.; Cote, Michele L.; Wenzlaff, Angela S.; Loffredo, Christopher A.; Olivo-Marston, Susan; Chaturvedi, Anil; Caporaso, Neil E.; Schwartz, Ann G.; Harris, Curtis C.

2015-01-01

Background African Americans have a higher risk of developing lung cancer than European Americans. Previous studies suggested that certain circulating cytokines were associated with lung cancer. We hypothesized that variations in serum cytokine levels exist between African Americans and European Americans, and increased circulating cytokine levels contribute to lung cancer differently in the two races. Methods Differences in ten serum cytokine levels, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12, granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GMCSF), interferon (IFN)-γ and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α between 170 African-American and 296 European-American controls from the National Cancer Institute-Maryland (NCI-MD) case-control study were assessed. Associations of the serum cytokine levels with lung cancer were analyzed. Statistically significant results were replicated in the prospective Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and Ovarian (PLCO) Cancer Screening Trial and the Wayne State University (WSU) Karmanos Cancer Institute case-control study. Results Six cytokines: IL-4, IL-5, IL-8, IL-10, IFNγ, and TNFα, were significantly higher among European-American as compared to African-American controls. Elevated IL-6 and IL-8 levels were associated with lung cancer among both races in all three studies. Elevated IL-1β, IL-10 and TNFα levels were associated with lung cancer only among African Americans. The association between elevated TNFα levels and lung cancer among European Americans was significant after adjustment for additional factors. Conclusions Serum cytokine levels vary by race and might contribute to lung cancer differently between African Americans and European Americans. Impact Future work examining risk prediction models of lung cancer can measure circulating cytokines to accurately characterize risk within racial groups. PMID:26711330

Optimal Fasting Time before Measurement of Serum Triglyceride Levels in Healthy Volunteers.

PubMed

Pongsuthana, Surapun; Tivatunsakul, Naris

2016-02-01

Coronary heart disease is a major public health problem. Elevated triglyceride levels are a risk factor for atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease. Food intake interferes with the measurement of serum triglyceride levels, and in previous studies, fasting for 12 hours was recommended before blood sampling. In real-world practice, long fasting times cause patient discomfort and poor compliance, and the present study was, therefore, designed to determine the appropriate fasting time prior to measuring serum triglyceride levels. To determine the appropriate fasting time before measuring serum triglyceride levels. This was a pilot study performed using healthy volunteers aged between 20 and 30 years old from November 2013 to December 2013 at Rajavithi Hospital. The first blood sample was measured in the morning after fasting over 12 hours. The subjects then took their regular breakfast, after which they fasted for 8 hours. Blood samples were taken 6 and 8 hours later and sent to the laboratory for measurement of serum triglyceride levels. 40 volunteers, of whom 25 were female, were enrolled. Their mean age was 25.9 ± 2.81 years old, and their mean weight, height, and body mass index were 61.5 ± 12.5 kg, 167.2 ± 8.3 cm and 21.84 ± 3.1 kg/m2, respectively. Mean fasting serum triglyceride level at 12 hours was 80.23 ± 36.33 mg/dl, at 6 hours it was 110.65 ± 73.45 mg/dl, and at 8 hours it was 75.62 ± 46.81 mg/dl. The group fasting for 12 hours had significantly lower serum triglyceride levels than the group fasting for 6 hours (p-value = 0.003), but no significant difference was found between the group fasting for 12 hours and the one fasting for 8 hours (p-value = 0.493). The present study showed no significant difference in triglyceride levels in patients who had fasted or 8 hours and those who had done so for 12 hours. Fasting for only 8 hours before measurement of serum triglyceride may be sufficient.

Association between serum ferritin and hemoglobin levels and bone health in Korean adolescents

PubMed Central

Jung, Dong-Wook; Park, Joo-Hyun; Kim, Do-Hoon; Choi, Moonyoung; Kim, Shinhye; Kim, Hyonchong; Seul, Da-eun; Park, Soo Gyeong; Jung, Jin-Hyung; Han, Kyungdo; Park, Young-Gyu

2017-01-01

Abstract It is important to identify risk factors for low bone mass at a young age. An influence of iron store on bone health in the general population has been reported but has not been studied in adolescents. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between hemoglobin and serum ferritin levels and bone mineral content (BMC) in South Korean adolescents. This study was based on data collected during the 2009to 2010 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. We included 1321 participants aged 10 to 18 years. BMC was measured at the femur and lumbar spine using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, and hemoglobin and serum ferritin levels were examined. In boys, hemoglobin and serum ferritin levels were positively associated with BMC of the total femur and lumbar spine after adjusting for confounders, and hemoglobin levels significantly increased as BMC increased at all sites (P for trend = .001 for total femur, .01 for femur neck, and <.001 for lumbar spine). Likewise, serum ferritin levels showed increasing trends according to increasing BMC of the total femur and lumbar spine in boys (P for trend = .04 for total femur; and <.001 for lumbar spine). However, these associations were not observed in girls. This study suggests a positive relationship between serum ferritin and hemoglobin levels and BMC in South Korean adolescent boys. PMID:29390554

Serum C-X-C motif chemokine 13 is elevated in early and established rheumatoid arthritis and correlates with rheumatoid factor levels

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Introduction We hypothesized that serum levels of C-X-C motif chemokine 13 (CXCL13), a B-cell chemokine, would delineate a subset of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients characterized by increased humoral immunity. Methods Serum from patients with established RA (the Dartmouth RA Cohort) was analyzed for CXCL13, rheumatoid factor (RF) levels, anticitrullinated peptide/protein antibody (ACPA) and total immunoglobulin G (IgG); other parameters were obtained by chart review. A confirmatory analysis was performed using samples from the Sherbrooke Early Undifferentiated PolyArthritis (EUPA) Cohort. The Wilcoxon rank-sum test, a t-test and Spearman’s correlation analysis were utilized to determine relationships between variables. Results In both the Dartmouth and Sherbrooke cohorts, CXCL13 levels were selectively increased in seropositive relative to seronegative RA patients (P = 0.0002 and P < 0.0001 for the respective cohorts), with a strong correlation to both immunoglobulin M (IgM) and IgA RF levels (P < 0.0001). There was a weaker relationship to ACPA titers (P = 0.03 and P = 0.006, respectively) and total IgG (P = 0.02 and P = 0.14, respectively). No relationship was seen with regard to age, sex, shared epitope status or inclusion high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) in either cohort or regarding the presence of baseline erosions in the Sherbrooke Cohort, whereas a modest relationship with Disease Activity Score in 28 joints CRP (DAS28-CRP) was seen in the Dartmouth cohort but not the Sherbrooke cohort. Conclusion Using both established and early RA cohorts, marked elevations of serum CXCL13 levels resided nearly completely within the seropositive population. CXCL13 levels exhibited a strong relationship with RF, whereas the association with clinical parameters (age, sex, DAS28-CRP and erosions) or other serologic markers (ACPA and IgG) was either much weaker or absent. Elevated serum CXCL13 levels may identify a subset of seropositive RA patients whose

Prognostic value of serum thioredoxin levels in ischemic stroke.

PubMed

Yu, Tieer; Zhang, Wanli; Lin, Yuanshao; Li, Qian; Xue, Jie; Cai, Zhengyi; Cheng, Yifan; Shao, Bei

2017-11-01

Thioredoxin (Trx) is one of significant antioxidative molecules to diminish oxidative stress. Current evidence suggests that Trx is a potent antioxidant with cytoprotective functions. The aim of our study was to investigate specifically the association between serum Trx levels and acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients. 198 AIS patients and 75 controls were enrolled to the study. Serum Trx levels were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Stroke severity was assessed with the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score on admission. Clinical endpoint was functional outcome measured by Barthel Index (BI) 3 months after admission. Multivariate binary logistic regression analyses were performed to identify predictors. We found that serum Trx levels were significantly increased in patients as compared to controls. Serum Trx was an independent biomarker to predict ischemic stroke (OR, 1.264; 95% CI, 1.04-1.537; P = 0.019). In addition, there was a negative correlation between NIHSS score at admission and serum Trx levels in cardioembolic stroke patients (r = -0.422; P = 0.013). Furthermore, higher serum Trx levels in AIS patients were associated with favorable functional outcome. Serum Trx was an independent predictor for the functional outcome (OR, 0.862; 95% CI, 0.75-0.991; P = 0.037). Serum Trx might be as a biomarker of cardioembolic stroke severity. Increased serum Trx levels could be a useful tool to predict good prognosis in patients with AIS.

Time-Dependent Serum Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Decline During Methamphetamine Withdrawal.

PubMed

Ren, Wenwei; Tao, Jingyan; Wei, Youdan; Su, Hang; Zhang, Jie; Xie, Ying; Guo, Jun; Zhang, Xiangyang; Zhang, Hailing; He, Jincai

2016-02-01

Methamphetamine (METH) is a widely abused illegal psychostimulant, which is confirmed to be neurotoxic and of great damage to human. Studies on the role of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in human METH addicts are limited and inconsistent. The purposes of this study are to compare the serum BDNF levels between METH addicts and healthy controls during early withdrawal, and explore the changes of serum BDNF levels during the first month after METH withdrawal.179 METH addicts and 90 age- and gender-matched healthy controls were recruited in this study. We measured serum BDNF levels at baseline (both METH addicts and healthy controls) and at 1 month after abstinence of METH (METH addicts only).Serum BDNF levels of METH addicts at baseline were significantly higher than controls (1460.28  ±  490.69 vs 1241.27  ±  335.52  pg/mL; F = 14.51, P < 0.001). The serum BDNF levels of 40 METH addicts were re-examined after 1 month of METH abstinence, which were significantly lower than that at baseline (1363.70  ±  580.59 vs 1621.41  ±  591.07  pg/mL; t = 2.26, P = .03), but showed no differences to the controls (1363.70  ±  580.59 vs 1241.27  ±  335.52  pg/mL; F = 2.29, P = 0.13).Our study demonstrated that serum BDNF levels were higher in METH addicts than controls during early withdrawal, and were time dependent decreased during the first month of abstinence. These findings may provide further evidence that increased serum BDNF levels may be associated with the pathophysiology of METH addiction and withdrawal and may be a protective response against the subsequent METH-induced neurotoxicity. Besides, these findings may also promote the development of medicine in the treatment of METH addiction and withdrawal.

Lower Serum Irisin Levels Are Associated with Increased Vascular Calcification in Hemodialysis Patients.

PubMed

He, Lian; He, Wan-Yu; A, La-Ta; Yang, Wen-Ling; Zhang, Ai-Hua

2018-01-01

Vascular calcification, which involves an active cellular transformation of vascular smooth muscle cells into bone forming cells, is prevalent and predicts mortality in dialysis patients. Its mechanisms are complex and unclear. We presume that irisin, a newly identified myokine also may play roles in vascular calcification in hemodialysis patients. This study aims to evaluate serum irisin levels and establish their relation to vascular calcification and other parameters in hemodialysis patients. A total of 150 patients on maintenance hemodialysis treatment and 38 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Serum irisin concentrations were measured by ELISA. Vascular calcification was evaluated by abdominal aortic calcification scores. Serum irisin concentrations were significantly lower in hemodialysis patients than in controls [52.8 (22.0, 100.0) vs. 460.8 (434.8, 483.4) ng/ml, P<0.01]. In addition, irisin was negatively correlated with the parathyroid hormone level (P=0.01). The HD patients with vascular calcification showed significantly lower serum irisin concentrations [39.0 (21.7, 86.2) vs.79.0 (39.5, 130.2) ng/mL, P<0.01]. Compared with the group without vascular calcification multivariate logistic regression analyses revealed that serum irisin, HD vintage and age were significant independent determinant factors for vascular calcification in HD patients. Our results are the first to provide a clinical evidence of the association between serum irisin and vascular calcification in HD patients. Lower irisin levels, long-term hemodialysis and old ages are independent risk factors in HD patients. © 2018 The Author(s). Published by S. Karger AG, Basel.

Salivary and serum cortisol levels in newborn infants.

PubMed

Forclaz, María V; Moratto, Eduardo; Pennisi, Alicia; Falco, Silvina; Olsen, Graciela; Rodríguez, Patricia; Papazian, Regina; Bergadá, Ignacio

2017-06-01

Given that serum cortisol level interpretation in newborn infants (NBIs) is hard, the objective of this study was to correlate baseline salivary and serum cortisol levels and to describe salivary cortisol levels in the first month of life. Descriptive, prospective, longitudinal, and correlational study. Term NBIs were selected from the Division of Neonatology of Hospital Nacional Profesor Alejandro Posadas in 2014. Cortisol was measured in saliva specimens while cortisol, cortisol-binding globulin, and albumin were measured in blood specimens. A linear correlation was performed to relate serum and salivary cortisol levels; Friedman test was conducted to compare cortisol levels during the first month of life, and the difference was used to analyze the performance of values equal to or lower than the first quartile. Fifty-five NBIs were studied. Serum cortisol: 7.65 (1.0-18.1 gg/dL); salivary cortisol: 35.88 (5.52-107.64 mmol/L); cortisol-binding globulin: 22.07 (16.5-33.0 gg/mL), expressed as median and range. The correlation coefficient between serum and salivary cortisol was 0.54, P = 0.001. Cortisol performance during the first month of life showed no statistically significant differences, and the difference between the second and the first specimen of values equal to or lower than the first quartile increased in 10 out of 12 patients. The measurement of cortisol in saliva reflects serum cortisol levels in normal NBIs. Some patients had low levels of cortisol at 36 hours of life and showed a trend towards a spontaneous increase during the first month of life.

Serum levels of nickel and chromium after instrumented posterior spinal arthrodesis.

PubMed

Kim, Young-Jo; Kassab, Farid; Berven, Sigurd H; Zurakowski, David; Hresko, M Timothy; Emans, John B; Kasser, James R

2005-04-15

Cross-sectional study of 37 patients to measure serum levels of nickel and chromium after posterior spinal arthrodesis using stainless steel implants. To investigate the relationship between factors such as age, gender, pain, time from surgery, length of arthrodesis, and level of arthrodesis to serum metal ion levels after instrumented spinal arthrodesis. Measurable levels of metal ions in the serum can be detected after the use of stainless steel implants. There is some evidence to suggest that long-term exposure can potentially be toxic. Posterior spinal arthrodesis with stainless steel implants is a common procedure to treat spinal deformity in the adolescent population; however, the extent of metal ion exposure after posterior spinal arthrodesis is unknown. Patients that underwent posterior instrumented spinal arthrodesis with more than 6 months follow-up were recruited for this study. Patients with altered neurologic function were excluded. Serum levels of nickel and chromium were measured using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Pain was assessed using the Oswestry questionnaire. Spine radiographs were used to look for evidence of pseudarthrosis. Forty-five patients were approached, and 37 agreed to the questionnaire and blood test. Ten patients were men and 27 were women. Mean age at surgery was 14 years with mean follow-up of 6 years. Statistical correlations between serum metal ion levels and age at surgery, time from surgery, gender, number of segments fused, spinal instrument interfaces, pain, and instrumentation type were assessed. Abnormally high levels of nickel and chromium above normal levels (0.3 ng/mL for nickel, 0.15 ng/mL for chromium) could be detected in serum after posterior spinal arthrodesis using stainless steel implants. There was a significant inverse correlation between serum nickel (r = -0.61, P < 0.001) and chromium (r = -0.64, P < 0.001) levels and time from surgery. When patients were grouped based on lengths of time from

Osteocalcin and serum insulin-like growth factor-1 as biochemical skeletal maturity indicators.

PubMed

Tripathi, Tulika; Gupta, Prateek; Rai, Priyank; Sharma, Jitender; Gupta, Vinod Kumar; Singh, Navneet

2017-10-02

With change in concepts of growth determination methods, there is a surge in the measurement of biomarkers for appraisal of growth status. Osteocalcin is a bone-specific protein and was observed to parallel the normal growth curve. Hence, the present study was intended to assess the levels of serum osteocalcin and serum insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and compare them with cervical vertebral maturation index (CVMI) stages. The cross-sectional study was performed on 150 subjects (75 males and 75 females) in the age group of 8-20 years and segregated into six CVMI stages. Serum osteocalcin and IGF-1 were estimated by ELISA. Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare the mean ranks of serum osteocalcin and serum IGF-1 with different CVMI stages. Spearman correlation was performed to find association between serum osteocalcin and serum IGF-1 across six CVMI stages. Peak serum IGF-1 levels were obtained at CVMI stages 4 and 3 for males and females, respectively, with insignificant difference between stages 3 and 4 in females. Peak serum osteocalcin levels were found at stage 5 and 3 for males and females with insignificant difference from other stages except stages 5 and 6 in males. A statistically significant correlation was seen between serum IGF-1 and serum osteocalcin across six CVMI stages (P < 0.01). Osteocalcin followed IGF-1 across all CVMI stages but showed insignificant interstage differences.

Serum uric acid levels among Nigerians with essential hypertension.

PubMed

Emokpae, Abiodun M; Abdu, Aliyu

2013-06-30

There is an ongoing debate on the role of serum uric acid as an independent risk factor for hypertension and renal disease. This study determined the serum uric acid levels of Nigerians with essential hypertension and also evaluated the association between serum uric acid levels and blood pressure of these patients. A retrospective case-control study of three hundred and fifty one patients with essential hypertension seen at the hypertension clinic of Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano between January 2004 and December 2008. The control group comprised of one hundred apparently healthy non hypertensive subjects. The clinical characteristics including blood pressure measurement, serum uric acid, urea, creatinine, lipid profile and glucose were evaluated.The mean systolic and diastolic blood pressures of the male patients were 156mmHg and 101mmHg respectively, while those of the male controls were 120 ± 6.0 and 80 ± 5 respectively. The mean serum uric acid, fasting blood glucose, urea and creatinine were 483umol/L, 5.7mmol/L,6.61mmol/L, 93umol/l respectively compared to those of the male controls which were 326 ±10μmol/l, 5.0± 0.5mmol/l, 4.2± 0.12mmol/l, 5.16mmol/l ± 0.12 and 69±2.71μmol/l respectively. The mean systolic and diastolic blood pressures of the female patients were 158mmHg and 101mmHg, while those of the female controls were 101±2 and 62±9 respectively. The mean serum uric acid, fasting blood glucose, urea and creatinine of the female patients were 434umol/L, 5.3mmol/L 6.20mmol/L, and 88umol/L respectively while those for the female controls were 290±9μmol/l, 4.8±0.5mmol/l, 5.02±0.28 mmol/l, 62±0.36μmol/l respectively. Hyperuricaemia was observed in 59.3% of the male study patients and 62% of the female study patients. Serum uric acid correlated positively with both systolic blood pressure (r=0.192, p<0.001) and diastolic blood pressure (r=0.216; p<0.001). Hyperuricaemia is common among Nigerian patients with essential hypertension

[Effects of comprehensive therapy on serum SPARC levels in ankylosing spondylitis patients accompanied with osteoporosis].

PubMed

Xu, Jing-ren; Lin, Yan; Zhang, Chun-Yan; Li, Wei-Min; Guo, Chen-Jun; Ye, Lei

2013-04-01

To observe the effects of comprehensive therapy on serum secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC) levels in ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients accompanied with osteoporosis (OP), and to explore the possible mechanisms for SPARC in AS patients accompanied with osteoporosis. Totally 48 AS patients accompanied with OP (Group A) were treated with massage, intravenous infusion of Cervus and Cucumis Polypeptide Injection, and Bushen Quhan Zhiwang Decoction (BQZD) for 3 months. At the same time, 45 normal healthy subjects were recruited as the normal control group (Group B). Serum SPARC levels were measured by ELISA in Group A before and after comprehensive therapy and in those of Group B. The levels of bone mineral density of femoral neck (FN BMD), bone mineral density of 2 -4 lumbar spine (L2-4 BMD), bone specific alkaline phosphatase (BSAP), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), and transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGF-beta1) were detected. Meanwhile, Bath AS disease activity index (BASDAI) and Bath AS functional index (BASFI) were detected in Group A before and after treatment. The correlations between the aforesaid indices and serum SPARC levels were analyzed. Serum SPARC levels were significantly lower in those of Group A than in those of Group B (175. 30 +/- 72.04 micro/L vs 190. 52 +/- 86. 13 microg/ L, P <0. 01). Serum SPARC levels in those of Group A were negatively correlated with TNF-alpha (r = -0.261, P <0.01), positively with L2-4 BMD, TGF-beta1, and BSAP (r =0.437,0.256, 0.385, P <0.05, P <0.01). L2-4BMD and BSAP were independently predictors of serum SPARC in patients of Group A. After comprehensive therapy, the levels of TNF-alpha, BASDAI, and BASFI obviously decreased, TGF-beta1, BSAP, L2-4 BMD, and FN BMD obviously increased (P <0. 05, P <0. 01). The serum SPARC levels also significantly increased (188.32 +/- 87.50 microg/L, P <0. 05). Comprehensive therapy could effectively improve the bone metabolism, clinical symptoms and the

Sclerostin serum levels in patients with systemic autoimmune diseases.

PubMed

Fernández-Roldán, Concepción; Genre, Fernanda; López-Mejías, Raquel; Ubilla, Begoña; Mijares, Verónica; Cano, Daniel Sánchez; Robles, Concepción López; Callejas-Rubio, José Luis; Fernández, Raquel Ríos; Ruiz, Manuela Expósito; González-Gay, Miguel Á; Ortego Centeno, Norberto

2016-01-01

Systemic autoimmune diseases (SADs) are associated with lower bone mass and an increased risk of fractures. Sclerostin has a pivotal role in bone metabolism. Available data on circulating sclerostin levels in healthy subjects are limited, whereas those in SAD patients are absent. Our objective was to determine circulating sclerostin concentrations in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), systemic sclerosis (SSc) and Crohn's disease (CD) patients, and to analyze the factors associated with sclerostin concentrations. In this cross-sectional case-control study, serum sclerostin levels were measured in 38 SLE patients, 20 CD patients, 8 SSc patients and 20 healthy controls using a sclerostin ELISA. The mean values of the sclerostin (95% confidence interval) were 35.36 pmol l(-1) (12-101) in patients and 33.92 pmol l(-1) (2.31-100) in control subjects. The mean sclerostin value was 36.4 pmol l(-1) (22.1-48.5) in SLE patients, 26.7 pmol l(-1) (17.3-36.3) in CD patients and 51.8 pmol l(-1) (26.5-77.1) in SSc patients (P=0.001). Serum sclerostin levels were positively correlated with age (P<0.001), body mass index (BMI) (P=0.01) and lumbar spine Z-score (P=0.001) and negatively with creatinine clearance (P=0.001). Glucocorticoid treatment did not affect sclerostin levels. Sclerostin levels seem to have a heterogeneous pattern in different autoimmune diseases. SLE and SSc patients did not differ from healthy controls regarding sclerostin levels. The CD group had significantly lower values compared with SSc patients. Factors associated with sclerostin levels in autoimmune diseases seem to be the same than in the general population.

Serum HDL-C levels, log (TG/HDL-C) values and serum total cholesterol/HDL-C ratios significantly correlate with radiological extent of disease in patients with community-acquired pneumonia.

PubMed

Deniz, Omer; Tozkoparan, Ergun; Yaman, Halil; Cakir, Erdinc; Gumus, Seyfettin; Ozcan, Omer; Bozlar, Ugur; Bilgi, Cumhur; Bilgic, Hayati; Ekiz, Kudret

2006-03-01

In several studies, it was shown that there was a marked decrease in serum levels of HDL-C during infection and inflammation in general. In particular, a decrease in the level of serum HDL-C was also shown in pneumonia. Correlations between inflammatory markers such as acute phase proteins, cytokines and serum HDL-C levels were shown. However, there are no studies indicating a correlation between serum HDL-C levels and the radiological extent of the disease (RED) in community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). We hypothesized that there could be a relationship between serum HDL-C levels and RED in CAP. A case-controlled study, including 97 patients with CAP and 45 healthy subjects, was performed. Chest X-rays of CAP patients were scored for RED, and correlations were investigated between RED scores, serum lipid parameters, the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and serum albumin levels. The mean serum HDL-C level was lower in CAP patients than in controls. A significant and negative correlation between RED scores (REDS) and serum HDL-C levels was detected (r = -0.64, P = 0.0001). There were also significant correlations between REDS and other lipid parameters. Significant correlations between ESR and serum HDL-C levels and between ESR and other serum lipid parameters were also found. It appears that serum HDL-C levels are generally lower in CAP cases than in healthy controls. Serum HDL-C levels and serum albumin levels might decrease and serum total cholesterol/HDL-C ratios and log (TG/HDL-C) values might increase proportionally with RED in CAP patients. These results might have some significance for individuals having long-standing and/or recurrent pneumonia and other cardiovascular risk factors.

[Gigantism with low serum level of growth hormone: a case report].

PubMed

Ran, X; Zhang, L; Xiong, P; Zhao, T; Tong, N; Li, X

2001-12-01

Gigantism with low or normal basal concentrations of growth hormone (GH) is a rare condition, possibly due to abnormal GH secretory patterns, enhanced tissue sensitivity to GH, or the existence of an unidentified growth promoting factor. Here we report an 11 year-old female case of gigantism with a normal pituitary gland. Her height was 181 cm, body weight 77 kg, and bone age 11.1 years. Her basal serum GH levels were lower than 1 ng/ml. The levels of T3, T4, FT3, FT4, TSH, E2, LH, FSH, PRL, PTC and ACTH were normal. Serum GH response to insulin-induced hypoglycemia or arginine stimulation tests was blunted. In this case, non-pulsatile GH secretion and enhanced tissue sensitivity to GH may induce hypersecretion of IGF-1 and the existence of an unidentified growth promoting factor or biologically active anti-GH receptor antibodies may cause clinical gigantism.

Serum adipokine levels in chronic liver diseases: association of resistin levels with fibrosis severity.

PubMed

Tsochatzis, Emmanuel; Papatheodoridis, George V; Hadziyannis, Emilia; Georgiou, Anastasia; Kafiri, Georgia; Tiniakos, Dina G; Manesis, Emanuel K; Archimandritis, Athanasios J

2008-01-01

Leptin and adiponectin have been implicated in the pathogenesis and progression of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and chronic hepatitis C (CHC), but little is known about the role of resistin in chronic liver diseases. The objective of this study was to investigate serum levels of the above three adipokines in relation to the etiology of liver disease and to determine their associations with histological severity. We prospectively evaluated 146 patients (HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B (CHB): 52, CHC: 70, NASH: 24) who consecutively underwent liver biopsy. Detailed epidemiological, anthropometric and laboratory data were recorded. Histological lesions were evaluated blindly according to the Ishak and the Brunt classifications for CHB/CHC and NASH, respectively. Serum adipokine levels were similar between CHB and CHC patients, while CHB/CHC patients had significantly lower leptin levels compared with NASH patients (8.3+/-7.3 versus 17.6+/-16.6 ng/ml, p=0.012) and higher adiponectin (10.2+/-5.1 versus 7.5+/-4 microg/ml, p=0.018) and resistin levels (7.1+/-2.5 versus 5.7+/-2.8 ng/ml, p=0.016). In CHB/CHC, there was no significant association between steatosis or necroinflammation and levels of adipokines, while the presence of moderate/severe fibrosis (stages 4-6) was associated with higher leptin and adiponectin levels in male but not in female patients and with lower resistin levels irrespective of gender or other factors (adjusted odds ratio=0.788, p=0.035). Serum adipokine levels depend on the etiology of liver disease differing between chronic viral hepatitis and NASH, but not between CHB and CHC. In CHB/CHC, resistin levels are independently associated with fibrosis severity, whereas in the association of leptin and adiponectin levels with fibrosis, it seems to be a gender effect.

Reduced insulin-like growth factor-I serum levels in formerly obese women subjected to laparoscopic-adjustable gastric banding or diet-induced long-term caloric restriction.

PubMed

Mitterberger, Maria C; Mattesich, Monika; Klaver, Elise; Piza-Katzer, Hildegunde; Zwerschke, Werner

2011-11-01

Life-span extension in laboratory rodents induced by long-term caloric restriction correlates with decreased serum insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) levels. Reduced activity of the growth hormone/IGF-I signaling system slows aging and increases longevity in mutant mouse models. In the present study, we show that long-term caloric restriction achieved by two different interventions for 4 years, either laparoscopic-adjustable gastric banding or reducing diet, leads to reduced IGF-I serum levels in formerly obese women relative to normal-weight women eating ad libitum. Moreover, we present evidence that the long-term caloric restriction interventions reduce fasting growth hormone serum levels. The present study indicates that the activity of the growth hormone/IGF-I axis is reduced in long-term calorically restricted formerly obese humans. Furthermore, our findings suggest that the duration and severity of the caloric restriction intervention are important for the outcome on the growth hormone/IGF-I axis in humans.

Serum concentrations of brain-derived neurotrophic factor in patients with gender identity disorder.

PubMed

Fontanari, Anna-Martha V; Andreazza, Tahiana; Costa, Ângelo B; Salvador, Jaqueline; Koff, Walter J; Aguiar, Bianca; Ferrari, Pamela; Massuda, Raffael; Pedrini, Mariana; Silveira, Esalba; Belmonte-de-Abreu, Paulo S; Gama, Clarissa S; Kauer-Sant'Anna, Marcia; Kapczinski, Flavio; Lobato, Maria Ines R

2013-10-01

Gender Identity Disorder (GID) is characterized by a strong and persistent cross-gender identification that affects different aspects of behavior. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) plays a critical role in neurodevelopment and neuroplasticity. Altered BDNF-signaling is thought to contribute to the pathogenesis of psychiatric disordersand is related to traumatic life events. To examine serum BDNF levels, we compared one group of DSM-IV GID patients (n = 45) and one healthy control group (n = 66). Serum BDNF levels were significantly decreased in GID patients (p = 0.013). This data support the hypothesis that the reduction found in serum BDNF levels in GID patients may be related to the psychological abuse that transsexuals are exposed during their life. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Serum titanium, niobium and aluminium levels two years following instrumented spinal fusion in children: does implant surface area predict serum metal ion levels?

PubMed

Cundy, Thomas P; Cundy, William J; Antoniou, Georgia; Sutherland, Leanne M; Freeman, Brian J C; Cundy, Peter J

2014-11-01

Measurement of serum metal ion levels is used to determine systemic exposure to implant-derived metal debris that may be generated by processes of wear and corrosion. The aim of this study is to investigate predictors of serum metal ion levels in children undergoing instrumented spinal arthrodesis using a titanium alloy, focusing on implant characteristics and instrumentation construct design variables. This prospective longitudinal cohort study involved 33 children. Serum samples were obtained preoperatively:and at five defined interval periods over the first:two post-operative years. Samples were analysed using high resolution:inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry to measure titanium, niobium and aluminium concentrations. Instrumentation characteristics were catalogued and construct surface area (SA) measurements calculated using an implant-specific software algorithm tool. Significantly elevated levels of serum titanium and niobium were observed (p< 0.0001), with >95 % of post-operative levels abnormally elevated. Significant predictors of serum titanium and niobium levels included time since surgery, surgical procedure (posterior or anterior fusion), number of levels fused, number of pedicle screws inserted, total rod length, total metal SA, total exposed metal SA and total metal-on-metal SA. All significant instrumentation variables were highly correlated. There is a strong relationship between implant SA and both serum titanium and niobium levels. The direct clinical implications of these findings for patients are uncertain, but remain of concern. Surgeons should be aware of the strong correlation between implant surface area of the chosen construct and the subsequent serum metal ion levels.

Epidermal Dysfunction Leads to an Age-Associated Increase in Levels of Serum Inflammatory Cytokines.

PubMed

Hu, Lizhi; Mauro, Theodora M; Dang, Erle; Man, George; Zhang, Jing; Lee, Dale; Wang, Gang; Feingold, Kenneth R; Elias, Peter M; Man, Mao-Qiang

2017-06-01

Even though elderly populations lack visible or other clinical signs of inflammation, their serum cytokine and C-reactive protein levels typically are elevated. However, the origin of age-associated systemic inflammation is unknown. Our previous studies showed that abnormalities in epidermal function provoke cutaneous inflammation, and because intrinsically aged skin displays compromised permeability barrier homeostasis and reduced stratum corneum hydration, we hypothesized here that epidermal dysfunction could contribute to the elevations in serum cytokines in the elderly. Our results show first that acute disruption of the epidermal permeability barrier in young mice leads not only to a rapid increase in cutaneous cytokine mRNA expression but also an increase in serum cytokine levels. Second, cytokine levels in both the skin and serum increase in otherwise normal, aged mice (>12 months). Third, expression of tumor necrosis factor-α and amyloid A mRNA levels increased in the epidermis, but not in the liver, in parallel with a significant elevation in serum levels of cytokines. Fourth, disruption of the permeability barrier induced similar elevations in epidermal and serum cytokine levels in normal and athymic mice, suggesting that T cells play a negligible role in the elevations in cutaneous and serum inflammatory cytokines induced by epidermal dysfunction. Fifth, correction of epidermal function significantly reduced cytokine levels not only in the skin but also in the serum of aged mice. Together, these results indicate that the sustained abnormalities in epidermal function in chronologically aged skin contribute to the elevated serum levels of inflammatory cytokines, potentially predisposing the elderly to the subsequent development or exacerbation of chronic inflammatory disorders. Copyright © 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Serum Iron Level Is Associated with Time to Antibiotics in Cystic Fibrosis.

PubMed

Gifford, Alex H; Dorman, Dana B; Moulton, Lisa A; Helm, Jennifer E; Griffin, Mary M; MacKenzie, Todd A

2015-12-01

Serum levels of hepcidin-25, a peptide hormone that reduces blood iron content, are elevated when patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) develop pulmonary exacerbation (PEx). Because hepcidin-25 is unavailable as a clinical laboratory test, we questioned whether a one-time serum iron level was associated with the subsequent number of days until PEx, as defined by the need to receive systemic antibiotics (ABX) for health deterioration. Clinical, biochemical, and microbiological parameters were simultaneously checked in 54 adults with CF. Charts were reviewed to determine when they first experienced a PEx after these parameters were assessed. Time to ABX was compared in subgroups with and without specific attributes. Multivariate linear regression was used to identify parameters that significantly explained variation in time to ABX. In univariate analyses, time to ABX was significantly shorter in subjects with Aspergillus-positive sputum cultures and CF-related diabetes. Multivariate linear regression models demonstrated that shorter time to ABX was associated with younger age, lower serum iron level, and Aspergillus sputum culture positivity. Serum iron, age, and Aspergillus sputum culture positivity are factors associated with shorter time to subsequent PEx in CF adults. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Featured Article: Serum [Met5]-enkephalin levels are reduced in multiple sclerosis and restored by low-dose naltrexone.

PubMed

Ludwig, Michael D; Zagon, Ian S; McLaughlin, Patricia J

2017-09-01

Low-dose naltrexone is a widely used off-label therapeutic prescribed for a variety of immune-related disorders. The mechanism underlying low-dose naltrexone's efficacy for fatigue, Crohn's disease, fibromyalgia, and multiple sclerosis is, in part, intermittent blockade of opioid receptors followed by upregulation of endogenous opioids. Short, intermittent blockade by naltrexone specifically blocks the opioid growth factor receptor resulting in biofeedback events that increase production of the endogenous opioid growth factor (OGF) (chemically termed [Met 5 ]-enkephalin) facilitating interactions between opioid growth factor and opioid growth factor receptor that ultimately, result in inhibited cell proliferation. Preclinical studies have reported that enkephalin levels are deficient in animal models of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, a mouse model of multiple sclerosis. Our hypothesis is that serum enkephalin levels are diminished in humans with multiple sclerosis and experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis mice, and that change in serum opioid growth factor levels may serve as a reasonable candidate biomarker for the onset of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis and response to therapy. To address this, we designed a two-part study to measure endogenous opioids in multiple sclerosis patients, and to investigate the temporal pattern of decline in serum enkephalin concentrations in mice with chronic progressive experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis and treated with low-dose naltrexone. For comparison, we investigated whether low-dose naltrexone exposure in normal mice also resulted in altered enkephalin levels. In both animal models, we monitored tactile and heat sensitivity, as well as differential white blood cell counts as indicators of inflammation. Serum [Met 5 ]-enkephalin levels were lower in humans with multiple sclerosis relative to non-multiple sclerosis patients, and low-dose naltrexone restored their levels. In experimental

α-Lipoic acid ameliorated oxidative stress induced by perilla oil, but the combination of these dietary factors was ineffective to cause marked deceases in serum lipid levels in rats.

PubMed

Ide, Takashi; Tanaka, Ai

2017-12-01

Dietary perilla oil rich in α-linolenic acid and α-lipoic acid lowers the serum lipid level through changes in hepatic fatty acid metabolism. We therefore hypothesized that the combination of these dietary factors may ameliorate lipid metabolism more than the factors individually. Moreover, α-lipoic acid exerts strong anti-oxidative activity. Hence, we also hypothesized that α-lipoic acid may attenuate perilla oil-mediated oxidative stress. We therefore studied the combined effects of perilla oil and α-lipoic acid on lipid metabolism and parameters of oxidative stress. Male rats were fed diets supplemented with 0 or 2.0 g/kg R-α-lipoic acid and containing 120 g/kg of palm (saturated fat), corn (linoleic acid), or perilla oil (α-linolenic acid) for 23 days. Perilla oil compared with other fats decreased serum lipid concentrations in rats fed α-lipoic acid-free diets; however, the combination of perilla oil with α-lipoic acid was ineffective for observing more marked decreases in serum lipid levels. Alterations in hepatic fatty acid synthesis and oxidation may account for the observed changes. Perilla oil, compared with palm and corn oils, strongly increased the malondialdehyde level in the serum and liver. α-Lipoic acid counteracted the increases in these parameters even though the effects were attenuated in the liver. α-Lipoic acid increased the parameters of the anti-oxidant system. The results suggested that α-lipoic acid can ameliorate oxidative stress induced by perilla oil, but the combination of these dietary factors was ineffective for additionally reducing serum lipid levels. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Serum IGF-1, IGFBP-3 levels and circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in early breast cancer patients.

PubMed

Papadakis, Georgios Z; Mavroudis, Dimitrios; Georgoulias, Vasilios; Souglakos, John; Alegakis, Athanasios K; Samonis, George; Bagci, Ulas; Makrigiannakis, Antonis; Zoras, Odysseas

2017-04-01

Insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-axis is involved in human oncogenesis and metastasis development for various solid tumors including breast cancer. Aim of this study was to assess the association between IGF-1, IGF-binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) serum levels and the presence of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in the peripheral blood of women diagnosed with early breast cancer (EBC), before and after adjuvant chemotherapy. 171 patients with early-stage breast adenocarcinomas were retrospectively evaluated. Immunoradiometric (IRMA) assays were employed for the in-vitro determination of IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 serum levels in blood samples collected after surgical treatment and before initiation of adjuvant chemotherapy. CTCs' presence was assessed through detection of cytokeratin-19 (CK-19) mRNA transcripts using quantitative real time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). IGF-1, IGFBP-3 serum levels were correlated with CTCs' presence before and after adjuvant chemotherapy as well as with tumor characteristics including tumor size, axillary lymph node status, oestrogen (ER)/progestorene (PR) and human epidermural growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) receptor status. Log-rank test was applied to investigate possible association between IGF-1, IGFBP-3 serum levels and disease-free interval (DFI) and overall survival (OS). Before initiation of adjuvant therapy IGF-1, IGFBP-3 serum levels were moderately associated (Spearman's rho=0.361, p<0.001) with each other, while presenting significant differences across age groups (all p values<0.05). IGF-1 serum levels did not correlate with the presence of CTCs before initiation (p=0.558) or after completion (p=0.474) of adjuvant chemotherapy. Similarly, IGFBP-3 serum levels did not show significant association with detectable CTCs either before (p=0.487) or after (p=0.134) completion of adjuvant chemotherapy. There was no statistically significant association between the clinical outcome of patients in terms of DFI, OS

Association of the rs7395662 SNP in the MADD-FOLH1 and Several Environmental Factors with Serum Lipid Levels in the Mulao and Han Populations

PubMed Central

Huang, Ke-Ke; Yin, Rui-Xing; Zeng, Xiao-Na; Huang, Ping; Lin, Quan-Zhen; Wu, Jian; Guo, Tao; Wang, Wei; Yang, De-Zhai; Lin, Wei-Xiong

2013-01-01

Background: The rs7395662 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the MADD-FOLH1 has been associated with serum lipid traits, but the results are inconsistent in different populations. The present study was undertaken to investigate the association of rs7395662 SNP and several environmental factors with serum lipid levels in the Guangxi Mulao and Han populations. Method: A total of 721 subjects of Mulao and 727 subjects of Han Chinese were randomly selected from our previous stratified randomized samples. Genotyping of the SNP was performed by polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism combined with gel electrophoresis, and confirmed by direct sequencing. Results: Serum apolipoprotein (Apo) B levels were higher in Mulao than in Han (P < 0.01). The allelic and genotypic frequencies in Han were different between males and females (P < 0.05 for each), but there was no difference between Mulao and Han or between Mulao males and females. The levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and ApoB in Mulao females were different among the genotypes (P < 0.05), the G allele carriers had higher LDL-C and ApoB levels than the G allele non-carriers. The levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), LDL-C and ApoB in Han males and TC, TG and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) in Han females were different among the genotypes (P < 0.05-0.01), the subjects with GG genotype in Han males had higher TC, TG, and ApoB and lower LDL-C levels than the subjects with AA or AG genotype, and the G allele carriers in Han females had lower TC and HDL-C levels than the G allele non-carriers. The levels of LDL-C and ApoB in Mulao females were correlated with the genotypes (P < 0.05 for each). The levels of HDL-C and ApoAI in Han males and HDL-C in Han females were correlated with genotypes (P < 0.05-0.001). Serum lipid parameters were also correlated with several environmental factors in both ethnic groups (P < 0.05-0.01). Conclusion: The

Serum Sodium and Potassium Levels in Cerebro-vascular Accident Patients.

PubMed

Farahmand, Farahmand; Choobi Anzali, Babak; Heshmat, Ramin; Ghafouri, Hamed-Basir; Hamedanchi, Sepehr

2013-05-01

We aim to assess serum sodium and potassium levels in patients with different types of cerebro-vascular accidents (CVA) in comparison to control group. A comparative cross-sectional study conducted on patients admitted to the emergency department from January to August 2012. Control group consisted of patients admitted to emergency department due to common cold, urinary tract infection, low back pain, cluster, and tension headache or migraine. Serum sodium and potassium levels were measured via standard laboratory methods. There were 77 patients in control group and 78 in CVA group. Forty nine patients from the CVA group had ischemic CVA, 11 had hemorrhagic CVA and 18 suffered a transient ischemic attack (TIA). Serum sodium level in control group was significantly lower than in patients with TIA, ischemic CVA, and hemorrhagic CVA (P < 0.001). Serum potassium level in control group was higher than patients with TIA, ischemic CVA, and hemorrhagic CVA (P < 0.001). Patients with hemorrhagic CVA showed significantly lower serum potassium level than patients with TIA and ischemic CVA (P < 0.001). Correspondingly, it was observed that serum sodium to potassium ratio was higher in patients with TIA, ischemic CVA, and hemorrhagic CVA (P < 0.001). In patients with hemorrhagic CVA serum sodium to potassium ratio was higher when compared to patients with TIA and ischemic CVA (P < 0.001). This study shows that higher serum sodium and lower serum potassium level may be associated with higher incidence of CVA. Further studies are paramount to elucidate the role of serum electrolyte levels in vascular events.

Serum and plasma brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in abstinent alcoholics and social drinkers

PubMed Central

D’Sa, Carrol; Dileone, Ralph J.; Anderson, George M.; Sinha, Rajita

2013-01-01

Although the effects of alcohol on brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) have been extensively studied in rodents, BDNF levels have rarely been measured in abstinent, alcohol-dependent (AD) individuals. Interpretation of reported group comparisons of serum BDNF levels is difficult due to limited information regarding analytical variance, biological variability, and the relative contribution of platelet and plasma pools to serum BDNF. Analytical variance (intra- and inter-assay coefficients of variation) of the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was characterized. Within- and between-subject variability, and group differences in serum and plasma BDNF, was assessed on three separate days in 16, 4-week abstinent AD individuals (7M/9F) and 16 social drinkers (SDs; 8M/8F). Significantly higher mean (±sd) serum BDNF levels were observed for the AD group compared to the SD (p = 0.003). No significant difference in mean baseline plasma BDNF levels was observed between AD and SD groups. The low analytical variance, high day-to-day within-individual stability and the high degree of individuality demonstrates the potential clinical utility of measuring serum BDNF levels. The low correlations that we observed between plasma and serum levels are congruent with their representing separate pools of BDNF. The observation of higher basal serum BDNF in the AD group without a concomitant elevation in plasma BDNF levels indicates that the elevated serum BDNF in AD patients is not due to greater BDNF exposure. Further research is warranted to fully elucidate mechanisms underlying this alteration and determine the utility of serum BDNF as a predictor or surrogate marker of chronic alcohol abuse. PMID:22364688

Serum cholesterol levels of Seventh-day Adventists.

PubMed

Taylor, C B; Allen, E S; Mikkelson, B; Kang-Jey, H

1976-10-01

Serum cholesterol levels and dietary habits were surveyed in 27 male and 34 female Seventh-day Adventist. All subjects studied were lacto-ovo-vegetarians and a few consumed some meat products. Their serum cholesterol levels, significantly lower than those of the United States general population, showed no sex difference but increased with age and were higher in overweight males. Their levels, however, were much higher than those of true vegetarians which was most likely attributable to their consumption, even though to a limited acount, of dairy foods.

Higher serum sTNFR1 level predicts conversion from mild cognitive impairment to Alzheimer's disease.

PubMed

Diniz, Breno Satler; Teixeira, Antonio Lucio; Ojopi, Elida Benquique; Talib, Leda Leme; Mendonça, Vanessa Amaral; Gattaz, Wagner Farid; Forlenza, Orestes Vicente

2010-01-01

The activation of inflammatory cascades has been consistently demonstrated in the pathophysiology of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Among several putative neuroinflammatory mechanisms, the tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) signaling system has a central role in this process. Recent evidence indicates that the abnormal production of inflammatory factors may accompany the progression from mild cognitive impairment (MCI) to dementia. We aimed to examine serum levels of TNF-α and its soluble receptors (sTNFR1 and sTNFR2) in patients with MCI and AD as compared to cognitively unimpaired elderly subjects. We further aimed to investigate whether abnormal levels of these cytokines predict the progression from MCI to AD upon follow-up. We utilized cross-sectional determination of serum levels of TNF-α, sTNFR1, and sTNFR2 (ELISA method) in a test group comprising 167 older adults (31 AD, 72 MCI, and 64 healthy controls), and longitudinal reassessment of clinical status after 18.9 ± 10.0 months. At baseline, there were no statistically significant differences in serum TNF-α, sTNFR1, and sTNFR2 between patients with MCI and AD as compared to controls. Nevertheless, patients with MCI who progressed to AD had significantly higher serum sTNFR1 levels as opposed to patients who retained the diagnosis of MCI upon follow-up (p = 0.03). Cox regression analysis showed that high serum sTNFR1 levels predicted the conversion from MCI to AD (p = 0.003), whereas no significant differences were found with respect to serum levels of TNF-α and sTNFR2. Abnormal activation of TNF-α signaling system, represented by increased expression of sTNFR1, is associated with a higher risk of progression from MCI to AD.

Stress and serum TNF-alpha levels may predict disease outcome in patients with pemphigus: a preliminary study.

PubMed

Ragab, Nader; Abdallah, Marwa; El-Gohary, Eman; Elewa, Rana

2011-04-01

The aim of the current preliminary case-control study was to estimate the initial serum levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) in case patients with pemphigus vulgaris (PV) and pemphigus foliaceus (PF) and correlate them with history of stress, body surface area (BSA) affected, disease severity, and disease outcome. Ten PV and 4 PF case patients as well as 7 healthy matched controls had their serum levels of TNF-alpha measured by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Case patients were treated and followed up for 2 months. A statistically significant elevation in serum levels of TNF-alpha in PV case patients compared with controls and in PV case patients compared with PF case patients was detected (P < .05), with no significant difference between PF case patients and controls (P > .05). No significant correlation was detected between the serum levels of TNF-alpha and the BSA affected (P > .05). Four PV case patients had a bad disease outcome, of which 3 had severe emotional stress a month prior to the onset of the attack. All 4 showed significantly elevated initial serum levels of TNF-alpha compared with those who had a good disease outcome (P < .05). Emotional stress is a factor affecting prognosis of the disease. Pretreatment assessment of serum TNF-alpha levels in patients with pemphigus may be a guide to the expected prognosis and selection of the proper treatment regimen.

Serum fibroblastic growth factor 23 in acute Sarcoidosis and normal kidney function.

PubMed

Sexton, Donal J; O'Reilly, M W; Geoghegan, P; Kinsella, S M; Moran, P J; O'Regan, A W

2016-08-01

Serum fibroblastic growth factor (FGF) 23 has recently been established as a major physiological regulator of phosphate homeostasis and may have a causal role in adverse cardiovascular and bone outcomes. However its role in states of disordered phosphate homeostasis and normal kidney function is as yet under characterised. To investigate whether this biomarker of vascular calcification and adverse bone outcomes is detectable in patients with sarcoidosis. We conducted a cross sectional study on a convenience sample of patients presenting with acute sarcoidosis to a respiratory tertiary referral unit. We set out to systematically examine the characteristics and determinants of serum FGF-23 in patients presenting with acute sarcoidosis. We studied 39 patients, 26 were male. Mean (SD) age was 33 (9.6) years. 15.4% of patients had a serum level of FGF-23 ≥ 9.9 pg/mL. The remaining 84.6% of patients had a serum FGF-23 < 9.9 pg/mL. Those with a detectable serum FGF-23 had a significantly higher serum calcium (P = 0.007), and lower serum iPTH (P<0.001). Serum phosphate and 25-hydroxyvitamin D were not statistically significantly different between groups (P=0.25 and P=0.83). The proportion of patients with stage II disease on CXR was higher in those with a detectable FGF-23 (P<0.001). Serum FGF-23 was below the level of detection in the majority of this cohort of patients presenting with acute sarcoidosis. A detectable serum FGF-23 was associated with a higher serum calcium and lower serum iPTH.

[Clinical and prognostic significance of preoperative serum CA153, CEA and TPS levels in patients with primary breast cancer].

PubMed

Chen, Yan; Zheng, Yu-hong; Lin, Ying-ying; Hu, Min-hua; Chen, Yan-song

2011-11-01

To investigate the clinical and prognostic values of preoperative serum CA153, CEA and TPS levels in patients with primary breast cancer. A total of 386 hospitalized patients with stage I ∼ IV breast cancer from Nov 1998 to Feb 2009 were followed up, and their clinicopathological data were analyzed retrospectively to determine the factors affecting their prognosis. First, preoperative serum CA153 expression level was significantly associated with the age of onset and tumor size (P < 0.05), the expression of serum CEA was correlated with tumor size (P < 0.05), and the expression of serum tissue polypeptide specific antigen (TPS) was correlated with tumor size and lymph node metastases (P < 0.05). Second, the overall survival was significantly shorter among patients with elevated serum CA153, CEA or TPS, respectively (P < 0.05 for overall). Finally, multivariate Cox regression analysis indicated that estrogen receptor status (ER) and elevated preoperative values of CA 153 are independent prognostic factors for overall survival (P < 0.05), and CA 153 is a risk factor but estrogen receptor status is a protective factor for overall survival. Higher preoperative expression of serum CA153, CEA or TPS is closely correlated with clinicopathological characteristics and overall survival. The prognosis is poorer in primary breast cancer patients with higher CA15-3 expression level, and pre-treatment CA153 expression level can be used as an independent prognostic parameter in patients with primarily breast cancer.

Serum glycerophosphate levels are increased in Japanese men with type 2 diabetes.

PubMed

Daimon, Makoto; Soga, Tomoyoshi; Hozawa, Atsushi; Oizumi, Toshihide; Kaino, Wataru; Takase, Kaoru; Karasawa, Shigeru; Jimbu, Yumi; Wada, Kiriko; Kameda, Wataru; Susa, Shinji; Kayama, Takamasa; Saito, Kaori; Tomita, Masaru; Kato, Takeo

2012-01-01

To identify metabolites showing changes in serum levels among Japanese male with diabetes. We performed metabolite profiling by coupling capillary electrophoresis with electrospray ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry using fasting serum samples from Japanese male subjects with diabetes (n=17), impaired glucose tolerance (IGT; n=5) and normal glucose tolerance (NGT; n=14). Other than the expected differences in characteristics related to abnormal glucose metabolism, the percent body fat was significantly different among subjects with diabetes, IGT and NGT (27.3±6.2, 22.2±4.5 and 19.2±6.0%, respectively, p=0.0022). Therefore, percent body fat was considered as a possible confounding factor in subsequent analyses. Of 560 metabolites detected using our platform, the levels of 74 metabolites were quantified in all of the serum samples. Significant differences between diabetes and NGT were observed for 24 metabolites. The top-ranked metabolite was glycerol-3-phophate (glycerophosphate), which was significantly higher in subjects with diabetes than in those with NGT, even after Bonferroni correction for multiple testing (11.7±3.6 vs. 6.4±1.9 µM, respectively; corrected p=0.0222). Stepwise multiple regression analyses revealed that serum glycerophosphate levels were significantly correlated with 2-h plasma glucose after a 75-g oral glucose tolerance test (r=0.553, p=0.0005), independently of other characteristics, including FPG and HbA1c. Serum glycerophosphate levels were found to be elevated in Japanese men with diabetes, and correlated with 2-h PG, independent of FPG and HbA1c. Namely, serum glycerophosphate level at fasting condition can be a marker for predicting glucose intolerance. These results warrant further studies to evaluate the relevance of glycerophosphate in the pathophysiology of diabetes.

Impact of vegetarian diet on serum immunoglobulin levels in children.

PubMed

Gorczyca, Daiva; Prescha, Anna; Szeremeta, Karolina

2013-03-01

Nutrition plays an important role in immune response. We evaluated the effect of nutrient intake on serum immunoglobulin levels in vegetarian and omnivore children. Serum immunoglobulin levels and iron status were estimated in 22 vegetarian and 18 omnivore children. Seven-day food records were used to assess the diet. There were no significant differences in serum IgA, IgM, and IgG levels between groups of children. Serum immunoglobulin levels were lower in vegetarian children with iron deficiency in comparison with those without iron deficiency. In the vegetarians, IgG level correlated positively with energy, zinc, copper, and vitamin B(6) intake. In the omnivores, these correlations were stronger with IgM level. Despite negligible differences in serum immunoglobulin levels between vegetarian and omnivore children, the impact of several nutrient intakes on IgM and IgG levels differed between groups. Low iron status in vegetarian children can lead to decreased immunoglobulin levels.

Serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels in treatment-naïve boys with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder treated with methylphenidate: an 8-week, observational pretest-posttest study.

PubMed

Akay, Aynur Pekcanlar; Resmi, Halil; Güney, Sevay Alsen; Erkuran, Handan Özek; Özyurt, Gonca; Sargin, Enis; Topuzoglu, Ahmet; Tufan, Ali Evren

2018-01-01

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is an important neurotrophin in the brain that modulates dopaminergic neurons. In this study, we aimed to investigate the changes in serum BDNF levels of children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in response to OROS methylphenidate treatment. We also aimed to determine whether there were any pre-post-differences between ADHD subtypes and comorbid psychiatric disorders in serum BDNF levels. Fifty male children with ADHD and 50 male healthy controls within the age range of 6-12 years were recruited to the study. The psychiatric diagnoses were determined by applying a structured interview with Kiddie schedule for affective disorders and schizophrenia for school-age children-present and lifetime version. The symptom severity of ADHD was measured using the Clinical Global Impression ADHD Severity Scale (CGI-S). Physicians completed Du Paul ADHD questionnaires. The levels of serum BDNF were assessed before and after 8 weeks of treatment with effective dosages of OROS methylphenidate. In the present study, the mean serum BDNF levels of boys with ADHD and of the healthy controls were 2626.33 ± 1528.05 and 2989.11 ± 1420.08 pg/mL, respectively. Although there were no statistically significant difference between the ADHD group and healthy controls at baseline (p = 0.22), the increase of serum BDNF was statistically significant from baseline to endpoint in the ADHD group (p = 0.04). The mean serum BDNF levels at baseline and endpoint of the ADHD group were 2626.33 ± 1528.05 and 3255.80 ± 1908.79 pg/mL, respectively. The serum BDNF levels of ADHD-inattentive subtype were significantly lower at baseline (p = 0.02), whereas BDNF levels post-treatment showed no significant difference. The increase of serum BDNF levels with methylphenidate treatment after 8 weeks was significantly higher in the inattentive group (p = 0.005). The increase of serum BDNF levels with methylphenidate treatment after 8

Independent association of elevated serum hepatocyte growth factor levels with development of insulin resistance in a 10-year prospective study.

PubMed

Tsukagawa, Eri; Adachi, Hisashi; Hirai, Yuji; Enomoto, Mika; Fukami, Ako; Ogata, Kinuka; Kasahara, Akiko; Yokoi, Kanako; Imaizumi, Tsutomu

2013-07-01

Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) receptors form a hybrid complex with insulin receptors in the liver of mice, which lead to robust signalling to regulate glucose metabolism. Serum HGF levels are high in subjects with metabolic syndrome and/or obesity. Accordingly, we prospectively investigated the relationship between HGF and the development of insulin resistance (IR) in a general population without IR at baseline. A total of 1492 subjects received health examinations. After excluding subjects with diabetes and/or IR (n = 402) at baseline, the remaining subjects (n = 1090) were followed-up 10 years later. Complete data sets were available from 716 subjects for prospective analysis. Logistic regression was performed to determine factors associated with the development of IR after 10 years. In subjects without diabetes at baseline, serum HGF levels were higher (0·26 ± 0·10 ng/ml, n = 259) in subjects with IR than without it (0·22 ± 0·09 ng/ml, n = 1090). After deleting subjects who developed liver disease during follow-up, 188 were found to have developed IR at 10 years after the original screening. HGF (P < 0·05), age (P < 0·001), homoeostasis model assessment index (P < 0·001), HDL-c (P < 0·05; inversely) and hypertensive medication (P < 0·05) were significantly associated with the development of IR by multivariate stepwise logistic regression analysis. A significant (P < 0·05) relative risk [1·75 (95%CI: 1·01-3·12)] for the development of IR was observed in the highest (≥0·30 ng/ml) vs the lowest categories (<0·15 ng/ml) of HGF after adjustments for confounders. Our 10-year prospective study suggests that elevated serum HGF levels were significantly associated with the development of IR. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Serum eotaxin levels in patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria.

PubMed

Tedeschi, A; Asero, R; Lorini, M; Marzano, A V; Cugno, M

2012-10-01

Eotaxin is a potent agonist for CC chemokine receptor 3 that can attract eosinophils at sites of inflammation. Given the potential role of eosinophils in chronic spontaneous urticaria (CU), we measured serum eotaxin levels together with C-reactive protein in 100 CU patients who were characterized according to autologous serum skin test (ASST) and disease severity. Serum eotaxin concentration was significantly higher in CU patients (median 140.1 pg/ml, range 33.7-718.7 pg/ml) than in 45 healthy controls (median 108.9 pg/ml, range 45.5-409.4 pg/ml) (p = 0.032) Serum eotaxin concentration was not significantly different in ASST-positive and ASST-negative patients as well as in patients with different urticaria activity scores. However, eotaxin levels tended to be higher in patients with intense symptoms. In the 7 patients observed during CU exacerbation and during remission, eotaxin serum levels tended to decrease during remission, although statistical significance was not reached (median concentration decreased from 170.0 pg/ml to 123.8 pg/ml). CRP levels were not significantly different in CU patients and healthy subjects, although there was a trend towards higher levels in the former population. Furthermore, in the 7 patients observed during CU exacerbation and during remission, CRP levels decreased significantly during remission (median concentration dropped from 4.1 microg/ml to 0.7 microg/ml, p = 0.015). No significant correlation was found between eotaxin and CRP serum levels. These findings indicate that serum eotaxin levels are increased in CU patients, although they do not reflect strictly disease activity. A role for eotaxin in eosinophil attraction and activation in CU can be envisaged.

Association between serum uric acid levels and obesity among university students (China).

PubMed

Duan, Ying; Liang, Wei; Zhu, Lijun; Zhang, Ting; Wang, Linghong; Nie, Zhognhua; Chen, Yan; He, Lianping; Jin, Yuelong; Yao, Yingshui

2015-06-01

To evaluate the association between serum uric acid and obesity among university students who participated in routine health screening in 2013. In this cross-sectional study, 3529 subjects were analyzed. Obesity categories were classified by BMI levels references in China. And serum uric acid levels were classified by serum uric acid quartiles. Two-sample T-test and Wilcoxon Rank sum test were used to compare age, biochemical and anthropometric parameters of subjects of two genders. Rank correlation used to analyze relationship between serum uric acid and obesity. There were 1285 males (mean age, 19.8 ± 1.3 years) and 2244 females (mean age, 19.9 ± 1.3 years) in this study. Association between 2nd serum uric acid quartile and normal in male are significant and coefficient was 0.519. The 3rd serum uric acid quartile and normal in female was associated significantly (r = 0.173, p = 0.010). And associations between overweight and 3rd and 4th serum uric acid quartiles in female were significant (r = 0.128, p = 0.038 in 1st quartile and r = 0.282, p = 0.004 in 4th quartile). The 4th serum uric acid quartile and Obesity in two gender groups were significantly associated (r = 0.291, p = 0.000 in male and r = 0.484, p = 0.001 in female). High serum uric acid was positively associated with obesity in overweight and obesity group. However, the association was weak between two variables because serum uric acid influenced obesity with other related factors together. Copyright AULA MEDICA EDICIONES 2014. Published by AULA MEDICA. All rights reserved.

Expression of virulence factors by Staphylococcus aureus grown in serum.

PubMed

Oogai, Yuichi; Matsuo, Miki; Hashimoto, Masahito; Kato, Fuminori; Sugai, Motoyuki; Komatsuzawa, Hitoshi

2011-11-01

Staphylococcus aureus produces many virulence factors, including toxins, immune-modulatory factors, and exoenzymes. Previous studies involving the analysis of virulence expression were mainly performed by in vitro experiments using bacterial medium. However, when S. aureus infects a host, the bacterial growth conditions are quite different from those in a medium, which may be related to the different expression of virulence factors in the host. In this study, we investigated the expression of virulence factors in S. aureus grown in calf serum. The expression of many virulence factors, including hemolysins, enterotoxins, proteases, and iron acquisition factors, was significantly increased compared with that in bacterial medium. In addition, the expression of RNA III, a global regulon for virulence expression, was significantly increased. This effect was partially restored by the addition of 300 μM FeCl₃ into serum, suggesting that iron depletion is associated with the increased expression of virulence factors in serum. In chemically defined medium without iron, a similar effect was observed. In a mutant with agr inactivated grown in serum, the expression of RNA III, psm, and sec4 was not increased, while other factors were still induced in the mutant, suggesting that another regulatory factor(s) is involved. In addition, we found that serum albumin is a major factor for the capture of free iron to prevent the supply of iron to bacteria grown in serum. These results indicate that S. aureus expresses virulence factors in adaptation to the host environment.

Effect of supplemental vitamin D and calcium on serum sclerostin levels.

PubMed

Dawson-Hughes, Bess; Harris, Susan S; Ceglia, Lisa; Palermo, Nancy J

2014-04-01

Serum sclerostin levels have been reported to be inversely associated with serum 25OHD levels, but the effect of vitamin D and calcium supplementation on serum sclerostin levels is unknown. This study was carried out to determine whether vitamin D and calcium supplementation altered serum sclerostin levels in healthy older adults. We measured serum sclerostin levels at baseline and after 2 years in 279 men and women who participated in a placebo-controlled vitamin D (700 IU/day) and calcium (500 mg/day) intervention trial carried out in men and women aged ≥65 years. Serum sclerostin levels were measured using the MesoScale Discovery chemiluminescence assay. In the men, sclerostin levels increased over 2 years by 4.11±1.81 ng/l (13.1%) in the vitamin D plus calcium-supplemented group and decreased by 3.16±1.78 ng/l (10.9%) in the placebo group (P=0.005 for difference in change). Adjustments for the season of measurement, baseline physical activity levels, baseline serum sclerostin levels, and total body bone mineral content did not substantially alter the changes. In the women, there was no significant group difference in change in serum sclerostin levels either before or after the above-mentioned adjustments. In both the sexes, vitamin D and calcium supplementation significantly increased serum ionized calcium levels and decreased parathyroid hormone levels. Men and women appear to have different serum sclerostin responses to vitamin D and calcium supplementation. The reason for this difference remains to be determined.

Correlation between ovarian chocolate cyst and serum carbohydrate antigen 125 level and the effect of ultrasound-guided interventional sclerotherapy on serum carbohydrate antigen 125 level.

PubMed

Wang, Si-Ming; Cai, Huai-Qiu; Dong, Xiao-Qiu; Fan, Qiu-Lan; Wang, Lu-Lu; Shao, Xiao-Hui; Zhang, Li-Wei

2015-01-01

This study was to investigate the correlation between ovarian chocolate cysts and serum carbohydrate antigen (CA)-125 levels and to demonstrate the effect of ultrasound-guided interventional sclerotherapy (UGIS) on serum CA-125 levels. Based on the serum CA-125 level, as determined by chemiluminescence detection prior to UGIS, 105 patients with ovarian chocolate cysts were divided into the normal group (CA-125 ≤ 35 U/mL, 45 patients) and the abnormal group (35 U/mL < CA-125 ≤ 200 U/mL, 60 patients). There were six clinical indicators including age, disease duration, dysmenorrhea history, child-bearing history, abortion history and surgical history. The ultrasonography characteristics were cyst diameter, cyst wall thickness and the side on which the cyst occurred. The correlations between serum CA-125 levels pretreatment and the clinical indicators and ultrasonography characteristics was analyzed. The serum CA-125 levels pretreatment, 3 months post-treatment and 6 months post-treatment were compared. The pretreatment serum CA-125 levels of the 105 patients positively correlated with disease duration (r = 0.3932, P = 0.0040), dysmenorrhea history (r = 0.2351, P = 0.0111), cyst diameter (r = 0.3415, P < 0.0001) and cyst wall thickness (r = 0.4263, P < 0.0001). Compared with the pretreatment level, the mean serum CA-125 level in the abnormal group at 3 months post-treatment was significantly lower (P < 0.01), and at 6 months post-treatment, the mean serum CA-125 level had decreased to a normal level (P < 0.01). UGIS significantly decreased abnormal serum CA-125 levels in patients with ovarian chocolate cysts. © 2014 The Authors. Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Research © 2014 Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Sclerostin serum levels in patients with systemic autoimmune diseases

PubMed Central

Fernández-Roldán, Concepción; Genre, Fernanda; López-Mejías, Raquel; Ubilla, Begoña; Mijares, Verónica; Cano, Daniel Sánchez; Robles, Concepción López; Callejas-Rubio, José Luis; Fernández, Raquel Ríos; Ruiz, Manuela Expósito; González-Gay, Miguel Á; Centeno, Norberto Ortego

2016-01-01

Systemic autoimmune diseases (SADs) are associated with lower bone mass and an increased risk of fractures. Sclerostin has a pivotal role in bone metabolism. Available data on circulating sclerostin levels in healthy subjects are limited, whereas those in SAD patients are absent. Our objective was to determine circulating sclerostin concentrations in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), systemic sclerosis (SSc) and Crohn's disease (CD) patients, and to analyze the factors associated with sclerostin concentrations. In this cross-sectional case–control study, serum sclerostin levels were measured in 38 SLE patients, 20 CD patients, 8 SSc patients and 20 healthy controls using a sclerostin ELISA. The mean values of the sclerostin (95% confidence interval) were 35.36 pmol l−1 (12–101) in patients and 33.92 pmol l−1 (2.31–100) in control subjects. The mean sclerostin value was 36.4 pmol l−1 (22.1–48.5) in SLE patients, 26.7 pmol l−1 (17.3–36.3) in CD patients and 51.8 pmol l−1 (26.5–77.1) in SSc patients (P=0.001). Serum sclerostin levels were positively correlated with age (P<0.001), body mass index (BMI) (P=0.01) and lumbar spine Z-score (P=0.001) and negatively with creatinine clearance (P=0.001). Glucocorticoid treatment did not affect sclerostin levels. Sclerostin levels seem to have a heterogeneous pattern in different autoimmune diseases. SLE and SSc patients did not differ from healthy controls regarding sclerostin levels. The CD group had significantly lower values compared with SSc patients. Factors associated with sclerostin levels in autoimmune diseases seem to be the same than in the general population. PMID:26909149

Increased Serum Al Levels in Hemodialysis Patients Kept Enhanced during a 2-Year Prospective Study.

PubMed

Reina de la Torre, Maria L; Lopez García de la Serrana, Herminia; Martí Del Moral, Loreto; Palomares Bayo, Magdalena; Navarro-Alarcón, Miguel

2017-07-01

The regulation of mineral homeostasis is altered in hemodialysis patients with renal insufficiency, producing increased risk for secondary diseases like cardiovascular ones. We hypothesized that risen serum aluminum (Al) concentration in hemodialysis patients kept enhanced during a 2-year longitudinal study is associated with enhanced cardiovascular risk and influenced by medical treatments. This study reports the prospective monitoring of serum Al levels in six-monthly samplings over 2 years in 116 hemodialysis patients and a control group of 50 healthy adults. The influence of other factors like sex, age, kidney transplant, disease etiology, and drug consumption was also considered. At each sampling, serum Al levels were significantly higher in the patients than in the healthy controls (P < 0.05). Levels in the patient group were statistically significantly lower at the third and fourth versus first and second samplings, which may be related to Al accumulation in tissues. Increased Al levels in patients were positively and significantly related to serum calcium (Ca) and uric acid levels. Serum Al concentrations were significantly lower in patients receiving vasodilators and diuretics. Higher serum Al levels in hemodialyzed patients administered with phosphate binders or anti-hyperkalemics are attributable to their usual Al salt content. The consumption of antianemic drugs increases Al absorption by forming more bioavailable complexes with the compounds in these drugs. In conclusion, this is the first study to indicate that cardiovascular problems associated with elevated serum Al levels in hemodialysis patients may be in part mitigated by administrating vasodilators and diuretics, which reduce these levels.

BK Virus Load Associated with Serum Levels of sCD30 in Renal Transplant Recipients

PubMed Central

Malik, Salma N.; Al-Saffer, Jinan M.; Jawad, Rana S.

2016-01-01

Background. Rejection is the main drawback facing the renal transplant operations. Complicated and overlapping factors, mainly related to the immune system, are responsible for this rejection. Elevated serum levels of sCD30 were frequently recorded as an indicator for renal allograft rejection, while BV virus is considered as one of the most serious consequences for immunosuppressive treatment of renal transplant recipients (RTRs). Aims. This study aimed to determine the association of BK virus load with serum levels of sCD30 in RTRs suffering from nephropathy. Patients and Methods. A total of 50 RTRs with nephropathy and 30 age-matched apparently healthy individuals were recruited for this study. Serum samples were obtained from each participant. Real-time PCR was used to quantify BK virus load in RTRs serum, while ELISA technique was employed to estimate serum levels of sCD30. Results. Twenty-two percent of RTRs had detectable BKV with mean viral load of 1.094E + 06 ± 2.291E + 06. RTRs showed higher mean serum level of sCD30 (20.669 ± 18.713 U/mL) than that of controls (5.517 ± 5.304 U/mL) with significant difference. BK virus load had significant positive correlation with the serum levels of sCD30 in RTRs group. Conclusion. These results suggest that serum levels of sCD30 could be used as an indicator of BK viremia, and accordingly the immunosuppressive regime should be adjusted. PMID:27051424

Zinc monotherapy increases serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels and decreases depressive symptoms in overweight or obese subjects: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial.

PubMed

Solati, Zahra; Jazayeri, Shima; Tehrani-Doost, Mehdi; Mahmoodianfard, Salma; Gohari, Mahmood Reza

2015-05-01

Previous studies have shown a positive effect of zinc as an adjunctive therapy on reducing depressive symptoms. However, to our knowledge, no study has examined the effect of zinc monotherapy on mood. The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of zinc monotherapy on depressive symptoms and serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels in overweight or obese subjects. Fifty overweight or obese subjects were randomly assigned into two groups and received either 30 mg zinc or placebo daily for 12 weeks. At baseline and post-intervention, depression severity was assessed using Beck depression inventory II (BDI II), and serum BDNF and zinc levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and atomic absorption spectrophotometry, respectively. The trial was completed with 46 subjects. After a 12-week supplementation, serum zinc and BDNF levels increased significantly in the zinc-supplemented group compared with the placebo group. BDI scores declined in both the groups at the end of the study, but reduction in the zinc-supplemented group was significantly higher than the placebo group. More analysis revealed that following supplementation, BDI scores decreased in subgroup of subjects with depressive symptoms (BDI ≥ 10) (n = 30), but did not change in the subgroup of non-depressed subjects (BDI < 10) (n = 16). Moreover, a significant inverse correlation was observed between serum BDNF levels and depression severity in all participants. Interestingly, a significant positive correlation was found between serum BDNF and zinc levels at baseline. Zinc monotherapy improves mood in overweight or obese subjects most likely through increasing BDNF levels.

Serum Fetuin-A Levels and Thyroid Function inMiddle-aged and Elderly Chinese.

PubMed

Deng, Xin Ru; Ding, Lin; Wang, Tian Ge; Xu, Min; Lu, Jie Li; Li, Mian; Zhao, Zhi Yun; Chen, Yu Hong; Bi, Yu Fang; Xu, Yi Ping; Xu, Yu

2017-06-01

Serum fetuin-A levels are reportedly elevated in hyperthyroidism. However, there are few relevant epidemiologic studies. We conducted a cross-sectional study in Songnan community, China in 2009 to investigate the association between serum fetuin-A concentrations and thyroid function. A total of 2,984 participants aged 40 years and older were analyzed. Multivariable linear regression analysis revealed that serum fetuin-A concentra- tions were positively associated with log (free triiodothyronine) and were inversely associated with log (thyroid peroxidase antibody) after adjustment (both P < 0.05). Compared with the participants in the lowest tertile of free triiodo-thyronine and free thyroxine level, those in the highest tertile had higher fetuin-A concentrations. Additionally, high serum fetuin-A concentrations were related to high thyroid function (odds ratio 1.27, 95% confidence interval 1.01-1.61), after adjustment for conventional risk factors. Copyright © 2017 The Editorial Board of Biomedical and Environmental Sciences. Published by China CDC. All rights reserved.

Elevated serum levels of soluble CD30 in patients with atopic dermatitis (AD).

PubMed

Bengtsson, A; Holm, L; Bäck, O; Fransson, J; Scheynius, A

1997-09-01

The immunopathology of AD is still unclear, but evidence for an immune response polarized towards Th2 activity has been provided. The CD30 molecule belongs to the tumour necrosis factor (TNF) receptor family and is expressed on activated T cells with a sustained expression in Th2 cells. This molecule also exists in a soluble form (sCD30). Elevated serum levels of sCD30 have been found in patients with Hodgkin's disease, chronic hepatitis B infection and HIV infection. Studies were undertaken to compare the serum levels of sCD30 in patients with AD (n=49) and healthy non-atopic controls (n=94). The presence of sCD30 was analysed with ELISA. A significantly higher concentration of sCD30 was noted in AD patients, median sCD30 level 29 U/ml (range 1-708 U/ml), compared with healthy non-atopic controls (P<0.001), where the median level was 11 U/ml with a range of 1-1042 U/ml. No correlation was found between sCD30 levels and total serum IgE, or between the AD patients' SCORAD values and concentration of sCD30. sCD30 levels were also analysed in 20 AD patients, which during ketoconazole treatment had improved their clinical scores and reduced their serum IgE and eosinophil cationic protein levels. However, no significant decrease in sCD30 levels was noted after treatment. The results show that patients with AD have elevated levels of sCD30, but without correlation to total serum IgE or disease activity.

Elevated serum uric acid levels are independent risk factors for diabetic foot ulcer in female Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes.

PubMed

Ye, Xiao; Cao, Ying; Gao, Fang; Yang, Qunying; Zhang, Qian; Fu, Xiajun; Li, Jimin; Xue, Yaoming

2014-01-01

To investigate the relationship between elevated serum uric acid levels and the presence of diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). A retrospective study was performed on 829 outpatients with T2D (478 men, 351 women) who visited the Diabetes Clinic (Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University) from January 2007 to December 2009. Information regarding their clinical history, anthropometric measurements, and laboratory data were collected. Potential confounding variables with P < 0.10 were adjusted for in multivariate logistic regression analysis. In univariate analyses, there was a significant difference in serum uric acid levels between female patients with and without DFU (370 ± 128 vs. 313 ± 107 μmol/L, respectively; P < 0.05), but not between male patients with and without DFU (317 ± 100 vs. 348 ± 111 μmol/L, respectively; P = 0.643). The prevalence of DFU among quintiles of uric acid levels (from 1-20% to 80-100%) was 5.3%, 3.9%, 7.7%, 5.5%, and 16.7%, respectively. Using uric acid level as a continuous variable, the multivariate-adjusted odds ratio for diabetic foot ulcer in female patients was 1.004 (95% confidence interval 1.001-1.008; P < 0.05). Elevated uric acid levels are a significant and independent risk factor for diabetic foot ulcer in female Chinese patients with T2D. Whether serum uric acid is involved in the pathogenesis of DFU in female patients remains to be investigated. © 2013 Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine and Wiley Publishing Asia Pty Ltd.

Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin d levels and C-reactive protein in persons with human immunodeficiency virus infection.

PubMed

Poudel-Tandukar, Kalpana; Poudel, Krishna C; Jimba, Masamine; Kobayashi, Jun; Johnson, C Anderson; Palmer, Paula H

2013-03-01

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection has frequently been associated with vitamin D deficiency as well as chronic inflammatory response. We tested the hypothesis of an independent relationship between serum concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (CRP) in a cohort of HIV-positive people. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 316 HIV-positive people (181 men and 135 women) aged 16 to 60 years residing in the Kathmandu Valley, Nepal. Serum high-sensitivity CRP concentrations and serum 25(OH)D levels were measured by the latex agglutination nephelometry method and the competitive protein-binding assay, respectively. The relationship between serum CRP concentrations and 25(OH)D serum level was assessed using multiple logistic regression analysis with adjustment of potential cardiovascular and HIV-related factors. The proportions of participants with 25(OH)D serum levels <20 ng/ml, 20-30 ng/ml, and ≥30 ng/ml were 83.2%, 15.5%, and 1.3%, respectively. The mean 25(OH)D serum levels in men and women were 15.3 ng/ml and 14.4 ng/ml, respectively. Participants with a 25(OH)D serum level of <20 ng/ml had a 3.2-fold higher odds of high CRP (>3 mg/liter) compared to those with a 25(OH)D serum level of ≥20 ng/ml (p=0.005). Men and women with a 25(OH)D serum level of <20 ng/ml had 3.2- and 2.7-fold higher odds of high CRP (>3 mg/liter), respectively, compared to those with a 25(OH)D serum level of ≥20 ng/ml. The relationships remained significant only in men (p =0.02) but not in women (p=0.28). The risk of having a high level of inflammation (CRP>3 mg/liter) may be high among HIV-positive men and women with a 25(OH)D serum level of <20 ng/ml.

Elevated serum α-linolenic acid levels are associated with decreased chance of pregnancy after in vitro fertilization.

PubMed

Jungheim, Emily S; Macones, George A; Odem, Randall R; Patterson, Bruce W; Moley, Kelle H

2011-10-01

To analyze relationships between serum free fatty acid (FFA) concentrations and pregnancy. Prospective cohort. University hospital. Ninety-one women undergoing IVF. Serum was analyzed for total and specific serum FFAs, including myristic, palmitic, stearic, oleic, linoleic, and α-linolenic acids. Univariate analyses were used to identify specific FFAs and other factors associated with pregnancy after IVF. Logistic regression was performed modeling relationships between identified factors and chance of pregnancy. In unadjusted analyses, women with elevated serum α-linolenic acid (ALA) levels (highest quartile) demonstrated a decreased chance of pregnancy compared with women with the lowest levels (odds ratio 0.24, 95% confidence interval 0.052-0.792). No associations between other FFAs and pregnancy were identified. In a multivariable regression model, associations between elevated serum ALA levels and decreased chance of pregnancy remained after adjusting for patient age, body mass index, and history of endometriosis or previous live birth (adjusted odds ratio 0.139, 95% confidence interval 0.028-0.686). Elevated serum ALA levels are associated with decreased chance of pregnancy in women undergoing IVF. Further work is needed to determine whether ALA is involved in early reproductive processes and whether the relationship between ALA and pregnancy is associated with excess ALA intake, impaired ALA metabolism, or both. Copyright © 2011 American Society for Reproductive Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Embryogenesis-promoting factors in rat serum.

PubMed

Katoh, M; Kimura, R; Shoji, R

1998-06-15

Regarding whole rat embryo cultures in vitro, rat serum as a culture medium is known to support the normal growth of rat embryos in the organogenesis phase. The purpose of the present study was to isolate the embryogenesis-promoting factors from rat serum as a first step in the development of a defined serum-free medium for a whole embryo culture system. Pooled rat serum after heat inactivation was fractionated into three major peaks (frA, containing a region of void volume, frB, and frC) by gel filtration. The 9.5-day rat embryos that were cultivated for 48 hr in essential salt medium containing frB (with a molecular size range of 100-500 kDa) revealed normal growth. Three proteins (27 kDa, 76 kDa, and 190 kDa) that had the embryogenesis-promoting effects were isolated from 3-hr delayed centrifuged rat serum by the ion exchange chromatography. The 76-kDa protein was found to be rat transferrin by immunoblotting. The 27-kDa protein was identified as apo-AI (the major apoprotein of high-density lipoprotein) by immunoblotting. High-density lipoprotein obtained from pooled rat serum by a NaBr density gradient ultracentrifugation was found to have a positive effect on embryogenesis. The 10-kDa protein was also identified as alpha 1-inhibitor 3 by immunoblotting. In addition, the embryogenesis-promoting effect of the fraction containing 27-kDa and 190-kDa proteins declined within a short period of storage at -20 degrees C. This decrease was countered by supplementing its fraction (D-2) with albumin isolated from rat serum. These results in the present study suggest that transferrin, high-density lipoprotein, and alpha 1-inhibitor 3 in rat serum may be embryogenesis-promoting factors, and that albumin appeared to play a role in the embryogenesis of rat embryos in whole embryo cultures.

Serum human chorionic gonadotropin levels and thyroid hormone levels in gestational transient thyrotoxicosis: Is the serum hCG level useful for differentiating between active Graves' disease and GTT?

PubMed

Yoshihara, Ai; Noh, Jaeduk Yoshimura; Mukasa, Koji; Suzuki, Miho; Ohye, Hidemi; Matsumoto, Masako; Kunii, Yo; Watanabe, Natsuko; Suzuki, Nami; Kameda, Toshiaki; Sugino, Kiminori; Ito, Koichi

2015-01-01

Gestational transient thyrotoxicosis (GTT) is defined as transient thyrotoxicosis caused by the stimulating effect of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) during pregnancy. We attempted to identify the serum hCG level that causes GTT, and we compared the serum hCG levels and thyroid hormone levels of GTT patients according to whether they had a background of thyroid disease. We also evaluated serum hCG as a parameter for differentiating between active Graves' disease (GD) and GTT. We reviewed the 135 cases of pregnant women who came to our hospital to be evaluated for thyrotoxicosis during their 7th to 14th week of pregnancy, and their serum hCG level was measured at that time. Among the 135 pregnant women with thyrotoxicosis; 103 of the women had GTT, and the other 32 women had active GD. There were no correlations between their serum hCG levels and free thyroid hormone levels. There were no significant differences in thyroid hormone levels or hCG levels among the GTT groups with different thyroid disease backgrounds; i.e., the GTT group without thyroid disease, GTT group with chronic thyroiditis, GTT group with non-functioning thyroid nodules, and GTT group with GD in remission. The serum hCG level of the GTT group was significantly higher than in the active GD group, but it was not a good parameter for differentiating between the two groups. The FT3/FT4 ratio of the active GD was significantly higher than in GTT group, and was a better parameter for differentiation.

The prevalence of low serum zinc and copper levels and dietary habits associated with serum zinc and copper in 12- to 36-month-old children from low-income families at risk for iron deficiency.

PubMed

Schneider, Julie M; Fujii, Mary L; Lamp, Catherine L; Lönnerdal, Bo; Zidenberg-Cherr, Sheri

2007-11-01

Iron and zinc share common food sources, and children at risk of iron deficiency may also develop zinc deficiency. We determined the prevalence of zinc and copper deficiency and examined factors associated with serum zinc and copper in young children from low-income families at risk of iron deficiency. A cross-sectional study design was used to assess serum zinc and copper, along with an interview-assisted survey to assess factors associated with serum zinc and copper in a convenience sample. Participants were 435 children aged 12 to 36 months recruited from select clinics of the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children in Contra Costa and Tulare Counties, California. Frequencies were used to report prevalence. Multiple linear regressions were conducted to examine factors associated with serum zinc and copper, controlling for age, sex, and ethnicity. The prevalence of low serum zinc level (<70 microg/dL [<10.7 micromol/L]) was 42.8%, and low serum copper level (<90 microg/dL [<14.2 micromol/L]) was <1%. Mean+/-standard deviation of serum copper was 150+/-22 microg/dL (23.6+/-3.5 micromol/L) and 140+/-24 microg/dL (22.1+/-3.8 micromol/L) for anemic and non-anemic children, respectively (t test, P=0.026). In multiple linear regression consumption of sweetened beverages was negatively associated with serum zinc level, and consumption of >15 g/day meat was positively associated with serum zinc level, whereas current consumption of breast milk and >15 g/day beans were positively associated with serum copper level. The prevalence of low serum zinc concentration in the sample was high, and warrants further investigation amongst vulnerable populations.

Serum metal levels after minimally invasive repair of pectus excavatum.

PubMed

Cundy, Thomas P; Kirby, Christopher P

2012-08-01

Metal implants may wear and corrode, resulting in systemic dissemination of metallic debris that is measurable in serum. Concern exists regarding adverse health effects related to implant-derived debris. Minimally invasive repair of pectus excavatum (MIRPE) is a popular technique in which a stainless steel substernal bar is implanted to achieve deformity correction. Serum metal levels have not previously been investigated after MIRPE. Serum chromium, molybdenum, and nickel levels were measured in this cross-sectional study of 11 children implanted with pectus bars after MIRPE. Samples were analyzed using high-resolution inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Median serum chromium and nickel values were elevated 3.3-fold (P = .0003) and 2.3-fold (P = .25), respectively, compared with age-matched controls. Serum chromium and nickel levels were abnormally elevated in 6 (55%) of 11 and 5 (45%) of 11, respectively. In patients whom postexplantation metal levels were measured, previously elevated levels were lowered. Serum chromium levels in children after MIRPE are comparable with adult cohorts with hip arthroplasty implants measured 1-year postoperatively. No acute metal toxicity was observed. Abnormally elevated levels of serum metal levels are measurable in children implanted with pectus bars. These findings warrant further investigation to assess the biocompatibility of this surgical implant in children. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Increased serum ferritin levels are independently related to incidence of prediabetes in adult populations.

PubMed

Meng, G; Yang, H; Bao, X; Zhang, Q; Liu, L; Wu, H; Du, H; Xia, Y; Shi, H; Guo, X; Liu, X; Li, C; Su, Q; Gu, Y; Fang, L; Yu, F; Sun, S; Wang, X; Zhou, M; Jia, Q; Guo, Q; Song, K; Huang, G; Wang, G; Wu, Y; Niu, K

2017-04-01

To comprehensively and exhaustively assess the relationship between serum ferritin levels and incidence of prediabetes in a prospective study. This prospective cohort study (n=7380) with a mean follow-up of 3.07 years (range: 1-7, 95% CI: 3.03-3.12) was conducted in Tianjin, China. Blood fasting glucose, oral glucose tolerance test, serum ferritin levels and other potentially confounding factors were measured at baseline and at each year of follow-up. Adjusted Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to assess the gender-specific relationship between baseline and mean serum ferritin quintiles and prediabetes. The incidence of prediabetes was 85 per 1000 person-years among men and 44 per 1000 person-years among women during follow-up (from 2007 to 2014). After adjusting for potential confounders, hazard ratios (95% CI) for prediabetes across baseline ferritin quintiles were: for men, 1.00, 1.13 (0.90-1.40), 1.20 (0.97-1.48), 1.41 (1.14-1.73) and 1.73 (1.41-2.11); and for women, 1.00, 1.01 (0.74-1.38), 0.68 (0.48-0.96), 0.84 (0.61-1.15) and 1.07 (0.80-1.45), respectively. Similar results were also observed for mean ferritin levels. Both baseline and mean serum ferritin levels were significantly and linearly related to prediabetes in men, whereas U-shaped relationships were observed between baseline and mean serum ferritin and prediabetes in women. The relationship between prediabetes risk and mean serum ferritin levels may be more stable than one with baseline serum ferritin levels. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS.

Ambient and at-the-ear occupational noise exposure and serum lipid levels.

PubMed

Arlien-Søborg, Mai C; Schmedes, Astrid S; Stokholm, Z A; Grynderup, M B; Bonde, J P; Jensen, C S; Hansen, Å M; Frederiksen, T W; Kristiansen, J; Christensen, K L; Vestergaard, J M; Lund, S P; Kolstad, H A

2016-10-01

Occupational and residential noise exposure has been related to increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Alteration of serum lipid levels has been proposed as a possible causal pathway. The objective of this study was to investigate the relation between ambient and at-the-ear occupational noise exposure and serum levels of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, and triglycerides when accounting for well-established predictors of lipid levels. This cross-sectional study included 424 industrial workers and 84 financial workers to obtain contrast in noise exposure levels. They provided a serum sample and wore portable dosimeters that every 5-s recorded ambient noise exposure levels during a 24-h period. We extracted measurements obtained during work and calculated the full-shift mean ambient noise level. For 331 workers who kept a diary on the use of a hearing protection device (HPD), we subtracted 10 dB from every noise recording obtained during HPD use and estimated the mean full-shift noise exposure level at the ear. Mean ambient noise level was 79.9 dB (A) [range 55.0-98.9] and the mean estimated level at the ear 77.8 dB (A) [range 55.0-94.2]. Ambient and at-the-ear noise levels were strongly associated with increasing levels of triglycerides, cholesterol-HDL ratio, and decreasing levels of HDL-cholesterol, but only in unadjusted analyses that did not account for HPD use and other risk factors. No associations between ambient or at-the-ear occupational noise exposure and serum lipid levels were observed. This indicates that a causal pathway between occupational and residential noise exposure and cardiovascular disease does not include alteration of lipid levels.

Relationships between coronary heart disease risk factors and serum ionized calcium in Kennedy Space Center Cohort

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Goodwin, Lisa Ann; Frey, Mary Anne Bassett; Merz, Marion P.; Alford, William R.

1987-01-01

Kennedy Space Center (KSC) employees are reported to be at high risk for coronary heart disease (CHD). Risk factors for CHD include high serum total cholesterol levels, low levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDLC), elevated triglyceride, smoking, inactivity, high blood pressure, being male, and being older. Higher dietary and/or serum calcium Ca(++) may be related to a lower risk for CHD. Fifty men and 37 women participated. Subjects were tested in the morning after fasting 12 hours. Information relative to smoking and exercise habits was obtained; seated blood pressures were measured; and blood drawn. KCS men had higher risk values than KCS women as related to HDLC, triglycerides, systolic blood pressure, and diastolic blood pressure. Smoking and nonsmoking groups did not differ for other risk factors or for serum Ca(++) levels. Exercise and sedentary groups differed in total cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Serum Ca(++) levels were related to age, increasing with age in the sedentary group and decreasing in the exercisers, equally for men and women. It is concluded that these relationships may be significant to the risk of CHD and/or the risk of bone demineralization in an aging population.

[Effect of Warm Acupuncture on the Levels of Serum Immunoglobulin E, Interleukin-1 β and Tumor Necrosis Factor-α in Rats with Allergic Rhinitis].

PubMed

Zheng, Xian-Li; Tian, Yong-Ping; Luo, Hai-Yan; Zhao, Yao-Dong; Liu, Xiang-Yi; Jiang, Ying; Ma, Cheng-Xu; Wang, Ming-Juan; Liu, Min

2018-01-25

To observe the effect of warm acupuncture on behavior and contents of serum immunoglobulin E(IgE), interleukin-1 β(IL-1 β) and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) in allergic rhinitis(AR) rats, so as to explore its mechanism underlying improving AR. Forty Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups: control group, model group, medication group and warm acupuncture group(10 rats/group). The AR model was established by intraperitoneal injection of sensitization and nasal drip. The rats in the medication group were given fluticasone propionate nasal spray, daily for 10 days. Warm acupuncture was applied to "Fengchi"(GB 20), "Yintang"(GV 29), "Yingxiang"(LI 20) for 60 seconds, once daily for 10 days. Behavioral scores were used to evaluate behavioral changes in rats. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the expression levels of serum IgE, IL-1 β and TNF-α. Behavioral scores of the model group were significantly higher than those of the control group 0, 3, 7 and 10 days after modeling ( P <0.05). After treatment, the behavioral scores of medication group and the warm acupuncture group were lower than those of the model group ( P <0.05), and the score was more lower in the warm acupuncture group than in the medication group ( P <0.05). Compared with the control group, the levels of serum IgE, IL-1 β and TNF-α in the model group were all increased ( P <0.01), while the levels of serum IgE, IL-1 β and TNF-α were decreased in the medication and warm acupuncture groups after treatment in comparison with the model group ( P <0.05, P <0.01). Compared with the medication group, the levels of serum IgE, IL-1 β and TNF-α were significantly lower in the warm acupuncture group ( P <0.05, P <0.01). The expression levels of IgE, IL-1 β and TNF-α were elevated in serum after AR attack. Warm acupuncture can improve the symptoms of AR rats, which may be associated to its effect in inhibiting the expression of serum IgE, IL-1 β and TNF-α.

Association of serum omentin-1 levels with coronary artery disease

PubMed Central

Zhong, Xia; Zhang, Hai-yang; Tan, Hui; Zhou, Yi; Liu, Fu-li; Chen, Fu-qin; Shang, De-ya

2011-01-01

Aim: Omentin-1, a novel adipokine expressed in visceral adipose tissue, is negatively correlated with insulin resistance and obesity. Decreased omentin-1 expression has been found in many chronic inflammatory diseases. However, the role of omentin-1 in coronary artery disease (CAD) has not been elucidated. The aim of the present study was to determine whether serum concentration of omentin-1 was independently associated with CAD. Methods: One hundred and fifty five patients with CAD were divided into two groups: acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and stable angina pectoris (SAP). A total of 52 healthy participants served as controls. Serum concentrations of omentin-1 and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were measured using ELISA. The association of omentin-1 with CAD and cardiovascular disease risk factors was evaluated. Results: Serum omentin-1 levels were lower in patients with ACS or SAP compared with controls (ACS, 113.08±61.43 ng/mL; SAP, 155.41±66.89 ng/mL; control, 254.00±72.9 ng/mL; P<0.01). Patients with ACS also had lower serum concentrations of omentin-1 compared with patients with SAP (P<0.01). Serum concentration of omentin-1 was negatively correlated with body mass index (r=−0.17, P<0.05) and serum IL-6 concentration (r=−0.19, P<0.05). Furthermore, multiple logistic regression analysis showed that serum omentin-1 concentrations were independently correlated with CAD. Conclusion: The findings suggest that serum concentrations of omentin-1 are related to CAD. PMID:21602837

Serum L-arginine and dimethylarginine levels in migraine patients with brain white matter lesions.

PubMed

Erdélyi-Bótor, Szilvia; Komáromy, Hedvig; Kamson, David Olayinka; Kovács, Norbert; Perlaki, Gábor; Orsi, Gergely; Molnár, Tihamér; Illes, Zsolt; Nagy, Lajos; Kéki, Sándor; Deli, Gabriella; Bosnyák, Edit; Trauninger, Anita; Pfund, Zoltán

2017-05-01

Background/Aim Migraine is a risk factor for the formation of silent brain white matter lesions (WMLs) that are possibly ischemic in nature. Although dysfunction of the L-arginine/nitric oxide (NO) pathway has been associated with oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction in migraine, its role in WML development has not been specifically investigated. Thus, this prospective study aimed to measure the serum concentrations of the NO substrate L-arginine, the NO synthase inhibitor asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), and the L-arginine transport regulator symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) in migraine patients in a headache-free period. Methods All participants underwent MR imaging to assess for the presence of WMLs on fluid-attenuated inversion recovery imaging. Altogether 109 migraine patients (43 with lesions, 66 without lesions) and 46 control individuals were studied. High-performance liquid chromatography was used to quantify L-arginine, ADMA and SDMA serum concentrations. Migraine characteristics were investigated, and participants were screened for risk factors that can lead to elevated serum ADMA levels independent of migraine. Results Migraine patients and controls did not differ in regard to vascular risk factors. Migraineurs with WMLs had a longer disease duration ( p < 0.001) and a higher number of lifetime headache attacks ( p = 0.005) than lesion-free patients. Higher L-arginine serum levels were found in both migraine subgroups compared to controls ( p < 0.001). Migraine patients with WMLs showed higher ADMA concentrations than lesion-free patients and controls ( p < 0.001, for both). In migraineurs, the presence of WMLs, aura and increasing age proved to be significant predictors of increased ADMA levels ( p = 0.008, 0.047 and 0.012, respectively). SDMA serum levels of lesional migraineurs were higher than in nonlesional patients ( p < 0.001). The presence of lesions and increasing age indicated an increased SDMA level ( p�

Serum beta-2 microglobulin level in sympathetic ophthalmitis.

PubMed

Sen, D K; Sarin, G S; Mathur, M D

1990-04-01

Serum beta-2 microglobulin (beta 2-m) levels were measured in 12 patients with sympathetic ophthalmitis, 34 with neglected traumatic uveitis following penetrating injury and 36 healthy subjects by ELISA technique. There was no significant alteration of its level in patients with traumatic uveitis. However, its levels were significantly increased in patients with sympathetic ophthalmitis. They were high even in the early stage of the disease. Serum beta 2-m levels paralleled the severity of disease. It decreased significantly at the remission stage. Four patients came back with relapse of the condition and the level of serum beta 2-m was again found to be elevated in them. It is proposed that estimation of beta 2-m can be used as a diagnostic aid when the diagnosis of sympathetic ophthalmitis remains doubtful on clinical grounds. It is also suggested that a rise in serum beta 2-m in patients with traumatic uveitis following perforating injuries may point to the onset of sympathetic ophthalmitis. The extent of rise in its level may be considered a good parameter of the degree of severity of sympathetic ophthalmitis. It may also act as a useful tool to evaluate the drug efficacy in this disease and predict relapse.

Effect of fasting during the month of Ramadan on serum levels of luteinizing hormone and testosterone in people living in the below sea level environment in the Jordan Valley.

PubMed

El-Migdadi, Fayig; Shotar, Ali; El-Akawi, Zeyad; Banihani, Ibrahim; Abudheese, Rola

2004-01-01

To study a possible effect of Ramadan fasting on luteinizing hormone and testosterone in people of the Jordan Valley. A comparative study (n=40) of serum levels of luteinizing hormone (LH) and testosterone (T) between people living in the Jordan Valley (JV), n=20, 360 meters below sea level, and those living in Ramtha City (RC), n=20, 600 meters above sea level, was conducted in December, 1998. A similar study (n=40) was also done during January 1999 in fasting people during the month of Ramadan. Serum levels of LH in non-fasting people of the JV were statistically similar to those in people of RC. There was also no difference in serum levels of T between non-fasting people of the JV and those in RC. Serum levels of LH in fasting people of the JV were statistically indifferent from those fasting in RC. Serum T levels in fasting people of the JV, on the other hand, were higher than those in fasting people of RC (76+/-18.3 ng/ml compared to 62.7+/-24.2 ng/ml). It is probably the environmental factors such as the higher barometric pressure of the JV compared to that at above sea level that play a role in higher serum levels of T in people of the JV. Other factors, such as genetic background and/or the cultural and nutritional characteristics of the people of the JV, may also contribute to this difference in serum T levels.

Effects of modified Sanhuang decoction () enema on serum tumor necrosis factor-α and colonic mucosa interleukin-1β, interleukin-6 levels in ulcerative colitis rats.

PubMed

Wang, Shuai; Zhou, Tao; Zhai, Jun-Peng; Wang, Li-Hua; Chen, Jing

2014-11-01

To investigate the effects of Modified Sanhuang Decoction (, MSD) enema on the serum tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and colonic mucosa interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels in experimental ulcerative colitis (UC) rats. Forty-five male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: normal group (n=12), model group (n=11), salazosulfapyridine (SASP) group (n=11) and MSD group (n=11). The UC model was induced by 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS)/ethanol solution. Rats in the normal group and model group were clystered with 0.9% normal saline, while in the SASP group and MSD group were clystered with SASP and MSD enema, respectively. After drug administration (10 mL/kg body weight, for 7 days), colonic gross changes and colonic mucosa histology were observed, serum TNF-α and colonic mucosa IL-1β, IL-6 levels were tested by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay and radioimmunoassay, respectively. As compared with the normal group, the experimental UC rats, the colonic mucosal damage index scores (CMDIs), histopathological scores (HS) and the serum TNF-α and colonic mucosa IL-1β, IL-6 levels significantly increased (P<0.05 or P<0.01). In the MSD and SASP groups, the ulcer area significantly reduced, and edema disappeared. The CMDIs, HS, the serum TNF-α and colonic mucosa IL-1β, IL-6 levels in the MSD and SASP groups significantly decreased (P<0.05 or P<0.01) compared with the model group. The CMDIs in the MSD group were lower than that in the SASP group (P<0.05), but there were no significant differences in HS, serum TNF-α or colonic mucosa IL-1β, IL-6 levels between the MSD and SASP groups. MSD enema can improve colonic mucosa impairment and decrease serum TNF-α and colonic mucosa IL-1β, IL-6 levels in experimental UC.

Serum dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate, psychosocial factors and musculoskeletal pain in workers.

PubMed

Marinelli, A; Prodi, A; Pesel, G; Ronchese, F; Bovenzi, M; Negro, C; Larese Filon, F

2017-12-30

The serum level of dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEA-S) has been suggested as a biological marker of stress. To assess the association between serum DHEA-S, psychosocial factors and musculoskeletal (MS) pain in university workers. The study population included voluntary workers at the scientific departments of the University of Trieste (Italy) who underwent periodical health surveillance from January 2011 to June 2012. DHEA-S level was analysed in serum. The assessment tools included the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ) and a modified Nordic musculoskeletal symptoms questionnaire. The relation between DHEA-S, individual characteristics, pain perception and psychological factors was assessed by means of multivariable linear regression analysis. There were 189 study participants. The study population was characterized by high reward and low effort. Pain perception in the neck, shoulder, upper limbs, upper back and lower back was reported by 42, 32, 19, 29 and 43% of people, respectively. In multivariable regression analysis, gender, age and pain perception in the shoulder and upper limbs were significantly related to serum DHEA-S. Effort and overcommitment were related to shoulder and neck pain but not to DHEA-S. The GHQ score was associated with pain perception in different body sites and inversely to DHEA-S but significance was lost in multivariable regression analysis. DHEA-S was associated with age, gender and perception of MS pain, while effort-reward imbalance dimensions and GHQ score failed to reach the statistical significance in multivariable regression analysis. © The Author(s) 2017. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Society of Occupational Medicine. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com

Elevated serum RANTES chemokine levels in autoimmune Addison disease.

PubMed

Fichna, Marta; Żurawek, Magdalena; Budny, Bartłomiej; Komarowska, Hanna; Niechciał, Elżbieta; Fichna, Piotr; Ruchała, Marek

2018-04-30

INTRODUCTION    Regulated on activation, normal T‑cell expressed and secreted chemokine (RANTES), the product of the CCL5 gene, is involved in trafficking immune cells into the inflammation site. It acts as coactivator of T cells and promotes polarization of the immune response towards the Th1 profile. In autoimmune Addison disease (AAD), the adrenal cortex is gradually destroyed by adrenal‑specific immune cell infiltration. RANTES might be implicated in autoimmune adrenal failure through recruitment and activation of the immune cells. Furthermore, the promoter CCL5 variant, rs2107538, seems to be associated with autoimmune endocrine conditions: diabetes and thyroid disease. OBJECTIVES    Our analysis was designed to evaluate the prevalence of rs2107538 and serum RANTES levels in AAD. PATIENTS AND METHODS    rs2107538 was genotyped using TaqMan technology in 239 individuals with AAD and 542 controls, while serum RANTES levels were evaluated by an enzyme‑linked immunosorbent assay in 114 patients with AAD and 111 healthy age- and sex‑matched individuals. RESULTS    No differences were found in rs2107538 genotype or allele frequencies between patients and controls (P = 0.53 and P = 0.39, respectively), and no association was detected with age at AAD onset (P = 0.14). Serum RANTES levels were elevated in patients with AAD compared with controls (mean [SD], 59.2 [30.3] ng/ml vs 45.5 [20.4] ng/ml, P = 0.001). Healthy carriers of various rs2107538 genotypes demonstrated differences in serum RANTES levels (P = 0.02), whereas AAD patients did not (P = 0.26). No correlation was found between circulating RANTES levels and age, AAD duration, serum autoantibodies, hydrocortisone dose, and body mass (P >0.05). CONCLUSIONS    This study demonstrates for the first time elevated serum RANTES levels in AAD and confirms that rs2107538 may affect serum chemokine levels.

Influence of Dietary Copper on Serum Growth-Related Hormone Levels and Growth Performance of Weanling Pigs.

PubMed

Wang, Jianguo; Zhu, Xiaoyan; Guo, Yazhou; Wang, Zhe; Zhao, Baoyu; Yin, Yunhou; Liu, Guowen

2016-07-01

To investigate the effect of dietary copper on serum growth-related hormones levels and growth performance, a total of 60 weanling pigs were randomly assigned to six groups each containing 10 pigs, fed on basal diets supplemented with 0 (control), 100, 150, 200, 250, and 300 mg/kg copper sulfate for 80 days, respectively. The average daily gain (ADG), feed to gain ratio (F/G), feed intake and serum growth hormone (GH), insulin (INS), insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), and insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 3 (IGFBP-3) levels were detected at interval of 20 days. The results revealed that ADG, and serum GH, INS, IGF-1, and IGFBP-3 concentrations were increased significantly in the pigs fed on diets added with 100, 150, 200, 250, and 300 mg/kg copper sulfate. Meanwhile, in the pigs supplemented with 250 mg/kg copper sulfate, ADG was increased significantly from the 40th to the 60th day of the experiment (P < 0.01), and the levels of GH, INS, IGF-1, and IGFBP-3 in serum were elevated significantly from the 20th to the 40th day of the experiment (P < 0.01). It is concluded that effects of copper supplemented in the diet on the growth of pigs were related to the increasing levels of GH, INS, IGF-1, and IGFBP-3 in serum which were induced by copper. High dietary copper increase the concentrations of growth-related hormones in serum, resulting in improving the growth performance of weanling pigs.

Prognostic value of serum resistin levels in patients with acute myocardial infarction.

PubMed

Erer, Hatice Betul; Sayar, Nurten; Guvenc, Tolga Sinan; Aksaray, Sebahat; Yilmaz, Hale; Altay, Servet; Turer, Ayca; Oz, Tugba Kemaloglu; Karadeniz, Fatma Ozpamuk; Oz, Dilaver; Ekmekci, Ahmet; Zencirci, Aycan Esen; Eren, Mehmet

2014-01-01

Resistin is a novel adipokine that is suggested to be involved in inflammatory conditions and atherosclerosis. To investigate the prognostic importance of resistin in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients. Resistin levels were measured in a population of 132 patients with AMI, of whom 72 (54%) had a diagnosis of ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), and 60 (46%) had non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). Thirty-three consecutive subjects who were referred to elective coronary angiography due to chest pain evaluation with normal coronary angiograms served as controls. All patients were followed-up for the occurrence of major adverse cardiac events (MACE). There was a significant increase in serum resistin levels in patients with AMI compared to controls (3.71 ± 4.20 vs. 2.00 ± 1.05, p = 0.001, respectively). However, serum resistin levels were similar in patients with STEMI and NSTEMI. (4.26 ± 5.11 vs. 3.06 ± 2.64, p = 0.49, respectively). The patients with MACE had significantly higher levels of serum resistin levels compared to either the AMI or the control group (6.35 ± 5.47, p = 0.005, respectively). Logistic regression analysis revealed that resistin, left ventricular ejection fraction, and coronary artery bypass graft were independent predictors of MACE in AMI patients (OR = 1.11, 95% CI 1.01-1.22, p = 0.03 and OR = 3.84, 95% CI 1.26-11.71, p = 0.018, respectively). Serum resistin level was increased in patients with AMI and constituted a risk factor for MACE in this group.

Increased serum enzyme levels associated with kupffer cell reduction with no signs of hepatic or skeletal muscle injury.

PubMed

Radi, Zaher A; Koza-Taylor, Petra H; Bell, Rosonald R; Obert, Leslie A; Runnels, Herbert A; Beebe, Jean S; Lawton, Michael P; Sadis, Seth

2011-07-01

Macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) is a hematopoietic growth factor that is responsible for the survival and proliferation of monocytes and the differentiation of monocytes into macrophages, including Kupffer cells (KCs) in the liver. KCs play an important role in the clearance of several serum enzymes, including aspartate aminotransferase and creatine kinase, that are typically elevated as a result of liver or skeletal muscle injury. We used three distinct animal models to investigate the hypothesis that increases in the levels of serum enzymes can be the result of decreases in KCs in the apparent absence of hepatic or skeletal muscle injury. Specifically, neutralizing M-CSF activity via a novel human monoclonal antibody reduced the CD14(+)CD16(+) monocyte population, depleted KCs, and increased aspartate aminotransferase and creatine kinase serum enzyme levels in cynomolgus macaques. In addition, the treatment of rats with clodronate liposomes depleted KCs and led to increased serum enzyme levels, again without evidence of tissue injury. Finally, in the osteopetrotic (Csf1(op)/Csf1(op)) mice lacking functional M-CSF and having reduced levels of KCs, the levels of serum enzymes are higher than in wild-type littermates. Together, these findings support a mechanism for increases in serum enzyme levels through M-CSF regulation of tissue macrophage homeostasis without concomitant histopathological changes in either the hepatic or skeletal system. Copyright © 2011 American Society for Investigative Pathology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Brazilian female crack users show elevated serum aluminum levels.

PubMed

Pechansky, Flavio; Kessler, Felix Henrique Paim; Diemen, Lisia von; Bumaguin, Daniela Benzano; Surratt, Hilary L; Inciardi, James A

2007-03-01

There is no information in the literature on the impact of crack smoking using crushed aluminum cans as makeshift pipes, a common form of crack use in Brazil. Since aluminum intake is associated with neurological damage, we measured serum aluminum levels in crack smokers. The objective of this study was to ascertain the levels of aluminum in crack users who smoke on makeshift aluminum pipes. 71 female crack smokers, their mean age being 28.0 (+/- 7.7), provided information about their drug use, and had blood samples tested for serum aluminum level. 56 (79%) subjects smoked crack from crushed can pipes, while 15 (21%) smoked from other containers. Fifty-two (73.2%) out of the 71 subjects presented a serum aluminum level of 2 microg/l and 13 (18.3%) had a serum aluminum level of 6 microg/l cut-off point, which is above the reference value. When compared to non-drug users matched by their mean age and gender, they had similar median values and interquartile ranges for serum aluminum level [3 (2-4.6) for crack smokers; 2.9 (1.6-4.1) for controls], but with different means and standard deviations (4.7 +/- 4.9 and 2.9 +/- 1.7, respectively). Crack smokers have high serum aluminum level, but we are unsure of its complete association with aluminum cans. Further studies are needed. If such association is proven true in future research, further issues will be raised in dealing with this important disorder, including proper planning and evaluation of public health policies in this area.

Factors affecting allergen-specific IgE serum levels in cats

PubMed Central

Belova, S.; Wilhelm, S.; Linek, M.; Beco, L.; Fontaine, J.; Bergvall, K.; Favrot, C.

2012-01-01

Pruritic skin diseases are common in cats and demand rigorous diagnostic workup for finding an underlying etiology. Measurement of a serum allergen-specific IgE in a pruritic cat is often used to make or confirm the diagnosis of a skin hypersensitivity disease, although current evidence suggests that elevated allergen-specific IgE do not always correlate with a clinical disease and vice versa. The aim of the study was to to assess the possible influence of age, deworming status, lifestyle, flea treatment, and gender on allergen-specific IgE levels and to evaluate the reliability of IgE testing in predicting the final diagnosis of a pruritic cat. For this purpose sera of 179 cats with pruritus of different causes and 20 healthy cats were evaluated for allergen-specific IgE against environmental, food and flea allergens using the Fc-epsilon receptor based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test. The results of the study showed positive correlation between age, outdoor life style, absence of deworming, absence of flea control measures and levels of allergen-specific IgE. Gender and living area (urban versus rural) did not seem to affect the formation of allergen-specific IgE. According to these findings, evaluating allergen-specific IgE levels, is not a reliable test to diagnose hypersensitivity to food or environmental allergens in cats. On the contrary, this test can be successfully used for diagnosing feline flea bite hypersensitivity. PMID:22754094

Serum Uric Acid Levels and Risk of Incident Hypertriglyceridemia: A Longitudinal Population-based Epidemiological Study.

PubMed

Zheng, Rongjiong; Ren, Ping; Chen, Qingmei; Yang, Tianmeng; Chen, Changxi; Mao, Yushan

2017-09-01

Hypertriglyceridemia is one of lipid metabolism abnormalities; however, it is still debatable whether serum uric acid is a cause or a consequence of hypertriglyceridemia. We performed the study to investigate the longitudinal association between serum uric acid levels and hypertriglyceridemia. The study included 4190 subjects without hypertriglyceridemia. The subjects had annual health examinations for 8 years to assess incident hyperglyceridemia, and the subjects were divided into groups based on the serum uric acid quartile. Cox regression models were used to analyze the risk factors of development hypertriglyceridemia. During follow-up, 1461 (34.9%) subjects developed hypertriglyceridemia over 8 years of follow-up. The cumulative incidence of hypertriglyceridemia was 28.2%, 29.1%, 36.9%, and 45.6% in quartile 1,2,3 and 4, respectively ( P for trend <0.001). Cox regression analyses indicated that serum uric acid levels were independently and positively associated with the risk of incident hypertriglyceridemia. Hypertriglyceridemia has become a serious public health problem. This longitudinal study demonstrates that high serum uric acid levels increase the risk of hypertriglyceridemia. © 2017 by the Association of Clinical Scientists, Inc.

Visceral fat obesity increases serum DPP-4 levels in men with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

PubMed

Tanaka, Sayuri; Kanazawa, Ippei; Notsu, Masakazu; Sugimoto, Toshitsugu

2016-06-01

The relationship between serum DPP-4 level and visceral fat mass is still unclear in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This study thus aimed to examine the association of visceral fat accumulation and metabolic syndrome with serum DPP-4 levels in T2DM. Visceral and subcutaneous fat areas were evaluated by performing computed tomography scan in 135 men with T2DM, who had never taken DPP-4 inhibitors or GLP-1 receptor agonists. We investigated the association between serum DPP-4 levels and visceral fat area as well as the presence of metabolic syndrome. Multiple regression analysis adjusted for age, duration of T2DM, body mass index, serum creatinine, and HbA1c showed that serum DPP-4 levels were positively associated with visceral fat area (β=0.25, p=0.04), but not subcutaneous fat area (β=-0.18, p=0.13). In logistic regression analyses adjusted for the confounding factors described above, serum DPP-4 levels were positively associated with visceral fat obesity and metabolic syndrome [odds ratio (OR)=1.63, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.00-2.66 per standard deviation (SD) increase, p=0.04; OR=1.77, 95%CI=1.09-2.88 per SD increase, p=0.02, respectively]. The present study showed that serum DPP-4 level was positively and specifically associated with accumulation of visceral fat and the presence of metabolic syndrome in men with T2DM. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

[Association between serum zinc level and hypercholesterolemia and insulin resistance in Brazilian children].

PubMed

Albuquerque, Fernanda Martins de; Filgueiras, Mariana De Santis; Rocha, Naruna Pereira; Castro, Ana Paula Pereira; Milagres, Luana Cupertino; Pessoa, Milene Cristine; Fransceschini, Sylvia do Carmo Castro; Novaes, Juliana Farias de

2018-02-05

The objective of the study was to assess the association between serum zinc level and cardiometabolic factors in prepubertal Brazilian children. This was a cross-sectional study in a representative sample of schoolchildren 8 to 9 years of age in public and private urban schools in Viçosa, Minas Gerais State, Brazil. Body composition was assessed with dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry. The study measured serum glucose, insulin, total cholesterol, high and low density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, apolipoproteins A (Apo A) and B, uric acid, leptin, homocysteine, ultrasenstive C-reactive protein, and serum zinc. Arterial pressure was measured with automatic inflation equipment. Zinc deficiency was observed in 1.3% of the children. Girls showed the worst cardiometabolic profile, with higher prevalence of increased android fat, triglycerides, insulin resistance, leptin, zinc, and Apo A. In the first tertile of serum zinc concentration, prevalence of insulin resistance was 96% higher (PR = 1.96; 95%CI: 1.04-3.66) and hypercholesterolemia was 23% lower (PR = 0.77; 95%CI: 0.61-0.96) than in the reference category (grouped 2nd and 3rd tertiles of serum zinc concentration). Despite the low prevalence of zinc deficiency, insulin resistance was more prevalent in children in the lowest third of serum zinc concentration. It is important to prevent cardiometabolic alterations in childhood, especially insulin resistance, with an emphasis on serum zinc level.

The relationship between serum and urinary Fetuin-A levels and kidney stone formation among kidney stone patients.

PubMed

Mehrsai, Abdolrasoul; Guitynavard, Fateme; Nikoobakht, Mohammad Reza; Gooran, Shahram; Ahmadi, Ayat

2017-01-01

Mineralization inhibitors are required to prevent the precipitation of minerals and inhibit the formation of kidney stones and other ectopic calcifications. In laboratory studies, Fetuin-A as a glycoprotein has inhibited hydroxyapatite precipitation in calcium and phosphate supersaturated solutions; however, information about patients with kidney stones is limited. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of serum and urinary Fetuin-A levels with calcium oxalate kidney stones. In this case-control study, 30 patients with kidney stones and 30 healthy individuals without any history of urolithiasis who were referred to the urology ward of Sina Hospital of Tehran, Iran, in 2015 were entered into the study. All patients underwent computerized tomography scans. After collecting demographic information, serum and urine levels of Fetuin-A and some other calcification inhibitors and promoters, were measured and compared using T-test, Mann-Whitney and logistic regression between the two study groups. Patients with kidney stones, on average, had lower levels of Serum Fetuin-A (1522.27 ±755.39 vs. 1914.64 ±733.76 μg/ml; P = 0.046) as well as lower levels of Urine Fetuin-A (944.62 ±188.5 vs. 1409.68 ±295.26 μg/ml; P <0.001). Multivariate logistic analysis showed that urinary calcium and serum creatinine are the risk factors and Fetuin-A is a urinary protective factor for kidney stones. PFC Our study showed that patients with kidney stones had lower serum and urinary levels of Fetuin-A. In the logistic regression model, urinary Fetuin-A was reported as a protective factor for kidney stones.

Serum fetuin-A levels are associated with serum triglycerides before and 6 months after bariatric surgery.

PubMed

Verras, Christos G; Christou, Georgios A; Simos, Yannis V; Ayiomamitis, George D; Melidonis, Andreas J; Kiortsis, Dimitrios N

2017-07-01

The elucidation of the changes of fetuin-A in the context of bariatric surgery. Twenty obese patients (8 males, 12 females; body mass index = 42.5±3.4 kg/m2) were studied at baseline and 6 months after bariatric surgery. Serum fetuin-A levels did not differ with regard to the presence of each individual component of the Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) at baseline, except for hypertriglyceridaemia [increased serum fetuin-A levels (p=0.011)]. Circulating fetuin-A was positively correlated with serum triglycerides (TG) (r=0.461, p=0.047) and negatively correlated with serum globulins (r=-0.477, p=0.033) and C-reactive protein (CRP) (r=-0.604, p=0.010), while it independently predicted TG at baseline. Circulating fetuin-A did not change during the 6 months either in the whole population or in the subgroups of patients who were positive for each individual component of MetS at baseline and negative for this component at 6 months of follow-up, except for hypertriglyceridaemia [reduction of serum fetuin-A levels (p=0.046)]. The subgroup of patients with a decrease in circulating fetuin-A during the 6 months was characterized by a smaller reduction of serum globulins (p=0.003) and CRP (p=0.049). The change in serum fetuin-A levels over the 6 months was positively correlated with the change in TG (r=0.592, p=0.006) and negatively correlated with the change in serum globulins (r=-0.523, p=0.018) and CRP (r=-.494, p=0.037). Circulating fetuin-A predicted serum triglycerides before as well as 6 months after bariatric surgery.

[Effects of berberine on serum inflammatory factors and carotid atherosclerotic plaques in patients with acute cerebral ischemic stroke].

PubMed

Li, Ying; Wang, Pei; Chai, Mei-Jing; Yang, Fan; Li, Hong-Shan; Zhao, Jing; Wang, Huan; Lu, Dan-Dan

2016-11-01

This study aims to analyze the effect of berberine on serum inflammatory factors and carotid atherosclerotic plaques in ppatients with acute cerebral ischemic stroke(AIS). In the study, 120 patients with AIS were randomly divided into berberine group(n=60) and general group (n=60). The 60 cases in the general group were provided with general therapy according to the latest guidelines of diagnosis and treatment of AIS. The berberine group received berberine 300 mg(tid) in addition to the therapy of the general group. The levels of serum inflammatory factors, the nerve function defect grades and the indexes of carotid atherosclerosis plaques [including the total plaque area(TPA), intima-media thickness(IMT) and the number of unstable carotid atherosclerotic plaques] were measured and compared. The results indicated that the levels of serum inflammatory factors, the NIHSS(national institute of health stroke scales) cores and the indexes of carotid atherosclerosis plaques were not significantly different between the berberine groups of general group, with positive correlation between serum inflammatory factors and NIHSS scores(P<0.05). The levels of serum inflammatory factors and NIHSS scores of the berberine groups on 14 d were significantly lower than those on 1 d(P<0.05). The levels of serum inflammatory factors and NIHSS scores of the berberine group on 14 d were significantly lower than those of the general group(P<0.05). The TPA and the number of unstable carotid atherosclerotic plaques of the berberine groups on 90 d were significantly lower than those of general group, with significant differences(P<0.05). The IMT showed a downward trend, but with significant difference.The mRS(modified rankin scale) scores of the berberine group on 90 d were significantly lower, with a higher rate of short-term favorable prognosis (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups. This study showed that berberine in

Serum total bilirubin levels are negatively correlated with metabolic syndrome in aged Chinese women: a community-based study.

PubMed

Zhong, P; Sun, D M; Wu, D H; Li, T M; Liu, X Y; Liu, H Y

2017-01-26

We evaluated serum total bilirubin levels as a predictor for metabolic syndrome (MetS) and investigated the relationship between serum total bilirubin levels and MetS prevalence. This cross-sectional study included 1728 participants over 65 years of age from Eastern China. Anthropometric data, lifestyle information, and previous medical history were collected. We then measured serum levels of fasting blood-glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and total bilirubin, as well as alanine aminotransferase activity. The prevalence of MetS and each of its individual component were calculated per quartile of total bilirubin level. Logistic regression was used to assess the correlation between serum total bilirubin levels and MetS. Total bilirubin level in the women who did not have MetS was significantly higher than in those who had MetS (P<0.001). Serum total bilirubin quartiles were linearly and negatively correlated with MetS prevalence and hypertriglyceridemia (HTG) in females (P<0.005). Logistic regression showed that serum total bilirubin was an independent predictor of MetS for females (OR: 0.910, 95%CI: 0.863-0.960; P=0.001). The present study suggests that physiological levels of serum total bilirubin might be an independent risk factor for aged Chinese women, and the prevalence of MetS and HTG are negatively correlated to serum total bilirubin levels.

[Association between urinary polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon metabolites and elevated serum uric acid levels in coke oven workers].

PubMed

Deng, Siyun; Deng, Qifei; Hu, Die; Li, Jun; Zhu, Xiaoyan; Guo, Huan; Wu, Tangchun

2014-06-01

To analyze the relationship between metabolites of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and serum uric acid levels in coke oven workers and to provide new clues to the pathogenic mechanism of PAHs. A total of 1302 coke oven workers were divided into four groups, namely control group and low-, intermediate-, and high-dose exposure groups. The concentrations of ambient PAHs at each workplace were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography. The detailed information on the occupational history and health of workers was collected by questionnaire survey and physical examination, and so were their blood and urine samples. Serum uric acid and creatinine levels were measured using a Hitachi 7020 automatic biochemical analyzer. Ten urinary PAH metabolites were detected by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Serum uric acid levels were the highest in the high-dose exposure group, followed by the intermediate- and low-dose exposure groups, and were the lowest in the control group. There were significant correlations between serum uric acid levels and the quartiles of 1-hydroxynaphthalene and 1-hydroxyphenanthrene (P < 0.05). After adjustment for PAH metabolite-related relationship, only urinary 1-hydroxyphenanthrene was significantly correlated with serum uric acid levels (P = 0.001). After adjustment for confounding factors and using the 1st quartile of 1-hydroxyphenanthrene as a reference, the odds ratio for hyperuricemia in subjects with the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th quartiles of 1-hydroxyphenanthrene were 1.55, 1.57, and 2.35, respectively. Urinary 1-hydroxyphenanthrene is associated with a dose-response increase in serum uric acid levels in coke oven workers, and exposure to phenanthrene in PAHs may be a risk factor for hyperuricemia.

Longitudinal trends in serum ferritin levels and associated factors in a national incident hemodialysis cohort.

PubMed

Kim, Taehee; Rhee, Connie M; Streja, Elani; Obi, Yoshitsugu; Brunelli, Steven M; Kovesdy, Csaba P; Kalantar-Zadeh, Kamyar

2017-02-01

The rise in serum ferritin levels among US maintenance hemodialysis patients has been attributed to higher intravenous iron administration and other changes in practice. We examined ferritin trends over time in hemodialysis patients and whether iron utilization patterns and other factors [erythropoietin-stimulating agent (ESA) prescribing patterns, inflammatory markers] were associated with ferritin trajectory. In a 5-year (January 2007–December 2011) cohort of 81 864 incident US hemodialysis patients, we examined changes in ferritin averaged over 3-month intervals using linear mixed effects models adjusted for intravenous iron dose, malnutrition and inflammatory markers. We then examined ferritin trends across strata of baseline ferritin level, dialysis initiation year, cumulative iron and ESA use in the first dialysis year and baseline hemoglobin level. In models adjusted for iron dose, malnutrition and inflammation, mean ferritin levels increased over time in the overall cohort and across the three lower baseline ferritin strata. Among patients initiating dialysis in 2007, mean ferritin levels increased sharply in the first versus second year of dialysis and again abruptly increased in the fifth year independent of iron dose, malnutrition and inflammatory markers; similar trends were observed among patients who initiated dialysis in 2008 and 2009. In analyses stratified by cumulative iron use, mean ferritin increased among groups receiving iron, but decreased in the no iron group. In analyses stratified by cumulative ESA dose and baseline hemoglobin, mean ferritin increased over time. While ferritin trends correlated with patterns of iron use, increases in ferritin over time persisted independent of intravenous iron and ESA exposure, malnutrition and inflammation.

Serum levels of matrix metalloproteinases: implications in clinical neurology.

PubMed

Romi, Fredrik; Helgeland, Geir; Gilhus, Nils Erik

2012-01-01

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are zinc-dependent enzymes involved in remodeling extracellular matrix and cell-matrix interactions. A pathogenic role of MMPs in neurological disorders is likely. This paper focuses on serological clinical aspects only. In multiple sclerosis, higher serum MMP-3 is seen during relapses. Lower serum MMP-8 and -9 levels correlate with fewer contrast-enhanced T(2)-weighted MRI lesions, and serum MMP-9 can be used in monitoring treatment. In myasthenia gravis, serum MMP-2, -3, and -9 levels are elevated in both generalized and ocular diseases. A proportion of the patients have markedly increased serum MMP-3. In acute stroke, higher serum MMP-9 correlates with larger infarct volume, stroke severity, and worse functional outcome, and serum MMP-3 is significantly lower than in several other neurological disorders and healthy controls. In amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, serum MMP-2 correlates with disease progression, and both serum MMP-1 and -2 are elevated. In Alzheimer's disease, serum MMP-3, -9, and -10 are elevated. In migraine, serum MMP-2 is elevated, and also MMP-9 in those patients with migraine without aura. MMP-9 is implicated in the pathogenesis of experimental epilepsy. A pathogenic role of MMPs in these conditions could be related to their ability to degrade extracellular matrix. MMPs may also facilitate autoimmunity. Copyright © 2012 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Inactivation of klotho function induces hyperphosphatemia even in presence of high serum fibroblast growth factor 23 levels in a genetically engineered hypophosphatemic (Hyp) mouse model.

PubMed

Nakatani, Teruyo; Ohnishi, Mutsuko; Razzaque, M Shawkat

2009-11-01

Hyp mice possess a mutation that inactivates the phosphate-regulating gene, which is homologous to the endopeptidases of the X-chromosome (PHEX). The mutation is associated with severe hypophosphatemia due to excessive urinary phosphate wasting. Such urinary phosphate wasting in Hyp mice is associated with an increased serum accumulation of fibroblast growth factor (FGF) 23. We wanted to determine the biological significance of increased serum FGF23 levels and concomitant hypophosphatemia in Hyp mice and to evaluate whether FGF23 activity could be modified by manipulating klotho (a cofactor of FGF23 signaling). We generated Hyp and klotho double-mutant mice (Hyp/klotho(-/-)). Severe hypophosphatemia of Hyp mice was reversed to hyperphosphatemia in Hyp/klotho(-/-) double mutants, despite the fact that the double mutants showed significantly increased serum levels of FGF23. Hyperphosphatemia in Hyp/klotho(-/-) mice was associated with increased renal expression of sodium/phosphate cotransporter 2a (NaPi2a) protein. Exogenous injection of bioactive parathyroid hormone 1-34 down-regulated renal expression of NaPi2a and consequently reduced serum levels of phosphate in Hyp/klotho(-/-) mice. Moreover, in contrast to the Hyp mice, the Hyp/klotho(-/-) mice showed significantly higher serum levels of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D and developed extensive calcification in soft tissues and vascular walls. Furthermore, compared with the Hyp mice, Hyp/klotho(-/-) mice were smaller in size, showed features of generalized tissue atrophy, and generally died by 15-20 wk of age. Our in vivo studies provide genetic evidence for a pathological role of increased FGF23 activities in regulating abnormal phosphate homeostasis in Hyp mice. Moreover, these results suggest that even when serum levels of FGF23 are significantly high, in the absence of klotho, FGF23 is unable to regulate systemic phosphate homeostasis. Our in vivo observations have significant clinical implications in diseases

[Association of occupational chronic psychological stress with heat shock protein 70 in serum and tumor necrosis factor-alpha expression levels].

PubMed

Qiu, F Y; Tian, R L; Qiang, Y; He, K P; Liu, H R; Zhang, W; Song, H

2016-05-01

To investigate the relationship between occupational chronic psychological stress with heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). Using case-control study design, we selected 622 cases in 20 to 60 years old and unrelated patients with metabolic syndrome as the case group between October 2011 and October 2012 at two hospitals of Ningxia hui autonomous region. At the same time, we selected 600 healthy people from health check-up crowd in the above two hospitals as control group. The the research objects were sex, age, nation, height, weight, smoking, drinking, exercise, and so on. After informed consent, all the research objects were collected fasting venous blood samples 10 ml in order to proceed laboratory testing of biochemical indicators. The expression of HSP70 and TNF-α in serum was determined by ELISA. Using the revised occupational stress inventory (OSI) to survey the occupational chronic psychological stress factors and stress level of research object. The correlation of occupational chronic psychological stress scores with HSP70 and TNF-α was investigated by partial correlation analysis. We built a multivariate linear regression equation With HSP70 and TNF alpha as the independent variable and occupational chronic psychological stress scores as the dependent variable, using equation of the determination coefficient R(2) to judge the degree of fitting equation. The total points of chronic stress factors in all respondents was (136.65±16.19). Among them, the mild stress level group was 313, moderate was 588, severe was 321, chronic heart stress factors scores were (119.96±13.30), (135.33±3.23), (155.33±13.55) points, respectively. In the case group subjects, the expression of HSP70 in mild, moderate and severe occupational chronic psychological stress levels were (29.88±30.08), (36.38±30.08), (27.16±23.77) ng/ml (F=6.85, P=0.001). The control group were (27.64±9.89), (39.78±29.77), (3.94±3.09) ng/ml (F=125.71, P<0

Tributyltin exposure alters cytokine levels in mouse serum.

PubMed

Lawrence, Shanieek; Pellom, Samuel T; Shanker, Anil; Whalen, Margaret M

2016-11-01

Tributyltin (TBT), a toxic environmental contaminant, has been widely utilized for various industrial, agricultural and household purposes. Its usage has led to a global contamination and its bioaccumulation in aquatic organisms and terrestrial mammals. Previous studies suggest that TBT has debilitating effects on the overall immune function of animals, rendering them more vulnerable to diseases. TBT (at concentrations that have been detected in human blood) alters secretion of inflammatory cytokines from human lymphocytes ex vivo. Thus, it is important to determine if specified levels of TBT can alter levels of cytokines in an in vivo system. Mice were exposed to biologically relevant concentrations of TBT (200, 100 or 25 nM final concentrations). The quantitative determination of interferon (IFN)-γ, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL2, IL5, IL7, IL12βp40, IL13, IL15, keratinocyte chemoattractant (KC), macrophage inflammatory protein 1β (MIP), MIP2 and regulated on activation normal T-cell-expressed and secreted (RANTES) was performed in mouse sera by MAGPIX analysis and Western blot. Results indicated alterations (both decreases and increases) in several cytokines. The pro-inflammatory cytokines IFNγ, TNFα, IL-1β, IL-2, IL5, IL12βp40 and IL-15 were altered as were the chemokines MIP-1 and RANTES and the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-13. Increases in IFNγ and TNFα were seen in the serum of mice exposed to TBT for less than 24 h. Levels of IL1β, IL-12 βp40, IL-5 and IL-15 were also modulated in mouse serum, depending on the specific experiment and exposure level. IL-2 was consistently decreased in mouse serum when animals were exposed to TBT. There were also TBT-induced increases in MIP-1β, RANTES and IL-13. These results from human and murine samples clearly suggest that TBT exposures modulate the secretion inflammatory cytokines.

Iron and ADHD: Time to Move beyond Serum Ferritin Levels

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Donfrancesco, Renato; Parisi, Pasquale; Vanacore, Nicola; Martines, Francesca; Sargentini, Vittorio; Cortese, Samuele

2013-01-01

Objective: (a) To compare serum ferritin levels in a sample of stimulant-naive children with ADHD and matched controls and (b) to assess the association of serum ferritin to ADHD symptoms severity, ADHD subtypes, and IQ. Method: The ADHD and the control groups included 101 and 93 children, respectively. Serum ferritin levels were determined with…

Changes in serum levels of lipopolysaccharides and CD26 in patients with Crohn's disease

PubMed Central

Kotze, Paulo Gustavo; Martinez, Carlos Augusto Real; Camargo, Michel Gardere; Guadagnini, Dioze; Calixto, Antonio Ramos; Vasques, Ana Carolina Junqueira; Ayrizono, Maria de Lourdes Setsuko; Geloneze, Bruno; Pareja, José Carlos; Saad, Mario José; Coy, Claudio Saddy Rodrigues

2017-01-01

Background/Aims Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is a molecule formed by lipids and polysaccharides and is the major cell wall component of gram-negative bacteria. High LPS levels are known to block CD26 expression by activating Toll-like receptor 4. The aim of this study was to correlate the serum levels of LPS and CD26 in Crohn's disease (CD) patients with serum levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukins, CD activity index, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). Methods Serum samples were collected from 27 individuals (10 with active CD, 10 with inactive CD, and 7 controls) and the levels of LPS, CD26, TNF-α, interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6, IL-17, and CRP were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The levels of LPS and CD26 were then tested for correlation with TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-17, and CRP. Results Serum levels of LPS were significantly elevated in the active CD group (P=0.003). Levels of IL-1β (P=0.002), IL-6 (P=0.003), and IL-17 (P<0.001) were lower in the CD groups. Serum TNF-α levels were increased in the active CD group. The CRP levels were elevated in the CD groups when compared to controls (P<0.001). The CD26 levels were lower in the CD groups than in the control group (P<0.001). Among the variables analyzed, there was a correlation between LPS and CRP (r=−0.53, P=0.016) in the CD groups. Conclusions Individuals with CD exhibited higher serum levels of LPS varying from a 2- to 6-fold increase depending on disease activity, when compared with healthy controls. CD26 levels were lower in the CD groups. Both LPS and CD26 correlated with disease severity and serve as potential CD biomarkers. PMID:28670232

Soluble Endoglin (CD105) Serum Level as a Potential Marker in the Management of Head and Neck Paragangliomas.

PubMed

Litwiniuk, Małgorzata; Niemczyk, Kazimierz; Niderla-Bielińska, Justyna; Łukawska-Popieluch, Izabela; Grzela, Tomasz

2017-10-01

To assess the expression of endoglin in head and neck paragangliomas and the soluble endoglin level in serum of paraganglioma patients. Seven tumor samples of patients operated for cervical paraganglioma were assessed, as well as serum samples collected preoperatively, on days 4 and 28 postoperation. Serum level of endoglin in healthy controls was also determined. Tumor samples were subjected to immunofluorescent staining and examined with confocal microscope. The level of soluble endoglin in serum samples was examined using the immunoenzymatic assay (ELISA). Endoglin was highly expressed in all tumor samples. The level of soluble endoglin was significantly higher in paraganglioma patients compared to healthy controls and correlated with the tumor size. The serum level of s-endoglin was reduced after surgical excision of the tumor and remained stable after 4 weeks in all patients with complete resection of the tumor. Endoglin is an important factor in the pathophysiology of head and neck paragangliomas and may be a potential diagnostic and prognostic marker in these types of tumors.

Serum trace metal levels in Alzheimer's disease and normal control groups.

PubMed

Park, Jun-Hyun; Lee, Dong-Woo; Park, Kyung Su; Joung, Hyojee

2014-02-01

To determine whether serum trace metals are related to abnormal cognition in Alzheimer's disease (AD). We studied serum lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), and arsenic(As) in 89 patients with AD and in 118 cognitively normal individuals. We analyzed the results of the blood tests and the food intake. Serum Pb levels correlated with word list recall (P = .039) and word list recognition (P = .037). Without age adjustment, serum Cd levels (P = .044) were significantly higher in the AD group. After stratified age adjustment, the levels of selected trace metals did not differ significantly between AD and normal individuals. Food intakes regarding selected trace metals were not significantly different between the 2 groups. In this study, serum Pb, Cd, Hg, and As levels were not directly related to abnormal cognition in AD. Serum Pb levels were significantly negatively correlated with verbal memory scores.

Serum decoy receptor 3 levels are associated with the disease activity of MPO-ANCA-associated renal vasculitis.

PubMed

Maruyama, Hiroshi; Hirayama, Kouichi; Nagai, Miho; Ebihara, Itaru; Shimohata, Homare; Kobayashi, Masaki

2016-10-01

Type 17 T-helper (Th17) cells have been suggested to be involved in the pathogenesis of antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV). Th17 cell proliferation is promoted by tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-like ligand 1A (TL1A), which binds to death receptor 3 (DR3) expressed on Th17 cells. Decoy receptor 3 (DcR3) is known to block the TL1A-DR3 pathway by binding TL1A. To evaluate the Th17-TL1A systems as disease activity markers in AAV, we investigated the serum levels of TL1A and DcR3 in AAV patients. Serum IL-17, IL-23, TL1A, and DcR3 were measured by ELISA in 24 AAV patients with microscopic polyangiitis before the initial treatment, 24 AAV patients during remission, and 20 control subjects. There were no significant differences in serum IL-17, IL-23, and TL1A levels among the active-vasculitis patients, inactive-vasculitis patients, and controls. The mean serum DcR3 level was significantly higher in the active-vasculitis patients than in the inactive-vasculitis patients and controls (P < 0.0001, respectively). There were significant positive correlations between the serum DcR3 levels and Birmingham Vasculitis Activity Score (BVAS), myeloperoxidase (MPO)-ANCA titers, white blood cell counts, serum creatinine levels, and serum C-reactive protein levels. In a multiple regression analysis, there was a significant positive correlation between the serum DcR3 level and BVAS (β = 0.650, P = 0.0462). The mean BVAS level was significantly higher in the active-vasculitis patients with high serum DcR3 levels than in those with the low serum DcR3 levels (P = 0.0202). The serum level of DcR3 may be a useful marker for disease activity in AAV.

Maternal serum ADAMTS-9 levels in gestational diabetes: a pilot study.

PubMed

Artunc-Ulkumen, Burcu; Ulucay, Safiye; Pala, Halil Gursoy; Cam, Sirri

2017-06-01

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is characterized with insulin resistance which is diagnosed during pregnancy. Although pregnancy is a diabetogenic state, not all women develop GDM. Genetic factors together with enviromental factors cause the maladaptation of maternal pancreas to this diabetogenic state and GDM develops. ADAMTS-9 is a recently recognized molecule whose genetic variants have risk of GDM. Decreased levels have already been shown in fetal membranes. Maternal serum levels of this protein have not been studied yet. We hypothesized that the alteration of ADAMTS-9 expression should cause changes in maternal serum levels which further could help to identify the disease and develop new treatment strategies. This prospective case-control study is consisted of 27 pregnancies with GDM and 30 healthy singleton pregnancies matched for matenal age, gestational week, and maternal weight. GDM diagnosis was made with 2-h 75 g oral glucose tolerance test. ADAMTS-9 levels were compared between groups. ADAMTS levels were 3.62 ± 0.33 ng/dL (range: 3.04-4.23) in GDM group and 4.65 ± 1.70 ng/dL (range: 3.07-8.21) in control group (p < 0.001). ADAMTS levels were not affected by maternal age, gestational age, and maternal weight. ADAMTS-9 levels were significantly lower in GDM pregnancies. This may help to understand the mechanism of GDM pathogenesis. In future, target treatments with ADAMTS proteins may help to improve the severity of diabetes pathogenesis.

Serum Retinol Levels in Pregnant Adolescents and Their Relationship with Habitual Food Intake, Infection and Obstetric, Nutritional and Socioeconomic Variables.

PubMed

Spíndola Garcêz, Laís; de Sousa Paz Lima, Geania; de Azevedo Paiva, Adriana; Maria Rebêlo Sampaio da Paz, Suzana; Lázaro Gomes, Erica Ivana; Nunes, Valéria Sutti; Cotta de Faria, Eliana; de Barros-Mazon, Sílvia

2016-10-25

Globally, vitamin A deficiency (VAD) affects about 19.1 million pregnant women. Its occurrence is classically associated with inadequate food intake and may also be associated with socioeconomic factors and the presence of infection. The aim of this study was to determine the factors related to serum retinol levels among pregnant teenagers. The sample consisted of 89 pregnant adolescents, from whom socioeconomic, obstetric, anthropometric, and food consumption data were collected. Serum concentrations of retinol and the supposed presence of infection were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography and C-reactive protein quantification, respectively. The serum retinol concentrations were classified according to the criteria of the World Health Organization. We adopted a 5% significance level for all statistical tests. Serum retinol levels were significantly and positively associated with sanitation ( p = 0.008) and pre-gestational nutritional status ( p = 0.002), and negatively with the trimester ( p = 0.001). The appropriate sanitation conditions and pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) were shown to have a protective effect against VAD. Conversely, serum retinol levels were reduced with trimester progression, favoring VAD occurrence.

Determinants of serum cadmium levels in a Northern Italy community: A cross-sectional study

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Filippini, Tommaso

Introduction: Cadmium (Cd) is a heavy metal and a serious environmental hazard to humans. Some uncertainties still exist about major sources of Cd exposure in non-occupationally exposed subjects in addition to cigarette smoking, such as diet and outdoor air pollution. We sought to determine the influence of these sources on a biomarker of exposure, serum Cd concentration. Methods: We recruited 51 randomly selected residents from an Italian urban community, from whom we obtained detailed information about dietary habits and smoking habits, and a blood sample for serum Cd determination. We also assessed outdoor air Cd exposure, by modeling outdoor airmore » levels of particulate matter ≤10 µm (PM{sub 10}) from motorized traffic at geocoded subjects’ residence. Results: In crude analysis, regression beta coefficients for dietary Cd, smoking and PM10 on serum Cd levels were 0.03 (95% CI -0.83 to 0.88), 6.96 (95% CI -0.02 to 13.95) and 0.62 (95% CI -0.19 to 1.43), respectively. In the adjusted analysis, regression beta coefficients were -0.34 (95% CI -1-40 to 0.71), 5.81 (95% CI -1.43 to 13.04) and 0.47 (95% CI -0.35 to 1.29), respectively. Conclusion: Cigarette smoking was the most important factor influencing serum Cd in our non-occupationally exposed population, as expected, while dietary Cd was not associated with this biomarker. Outdoor air pollution, as assessed through exposure to particulate matter generated by motorized traffic, was an additional source of Cd exposure. - Highlights: • Smoking markedly increases serum Cd levels in non-occupationally exposed individuals. • Overall dietary Cd intake shows little association with serum Cd levels. • Air pollution from motorized traffic increases serum Cd levels.« less

Serum ferritin levels are associated with arterial stiffness in healthy Korean adults.

PubMed

Ha, Ji Yoon; Kim, Min Kyung; Kang, Shinae; Nam, Ji Sun; Ahn, Chul Woo; Kim, Kyung Rae; Park, Jong Suk

2016-08-01

Although an association between serum ferritin and atherosclerosis has been suggested, limited epidemiologic data are available regarding the association between ferritin and arterial stiffness in healthy adults. A total of 2932 healthy subjects were enrolled in this study. Anthropometric and biochemical profiles including ferritin were measured. The arterial stiffness was measured using brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV). Serum ferritin levels were classified into quartiles and baPWV values gradually increased with each ferritin quartile. Multiple regression analysis showed that ferritin levels were independently correlated with baPWV. After adjusting for multiple risk factors, as compared with the lowest quartile, the odds ratios for high baPWV (>75(th) percentile) were 1.15 (0.84-1.56), 1.37 (0.97-1.73), and 1.46 (1.29-2.17) among men (p for trend < 0.05) and 1.24 (0.87-1.79), 1.53 (1.09-2.16), and 1.80 (1.25-2.82) among women (p for trend < 0.05), for the second, third, and fourth quartiles of ferritin, respectively. In conclusion, serum ferritin levels are independently associated with arterial stiffness in healthy Korean adults. © The Author(s) 2016.

Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D level is associated with myopia in the Korea national health and nutrition examination survey.

PubMed

Kwon, Jin-Woo; Choi, Jin A; La, Tae Yoon

2016-11-01

The aim of this article was to assess the associations of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] and daily sun exposure time with myopia in Korean adults.This study is based on the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) of Korean adults in 2010-2012; multiple logistic regression analyses were performed to examine the associations of serum 25(OH)D levels and daily sun exposure time with myopia, defined as spherical equivalent ≤-0.5D, after adjustment for age, sex, household income, body mass index (BMI), exercise, intraocular pressure (IOP), and education level. Also, multiple linear regression analyses were performed to examine the relationship between serum 25(OH)D levels with spherical equivalent after adjustment for daily sun exposure time in addition to the confounding factors above.Between the nonmyopic and myopic groups, spherical equivalent, age, IOP, BMI, waist circumference, education level, household income, and area of residence differed significantly (all P < 0.05). Compared with subjects with daily sun exposure time <2 hour, subjects with sun exposure time ≥2 to <5 hour, and those with sun exposure time ≥5 hour had significantly less myopia (P < 0.001). In addition, compared with subjects were categorized into quartiles of serum 25(OH)D, the higher quartiles had gradually lower prevalences of myopia after adjustment for confounding factors (P < 0.001). In multiple linear regression analyses, spherical equivalent was significantly associated with serum 25(OH)D concentration after adjustment for confounding factors (P = 0.002).Low serum 25(OH)D levels and shorter daily sun exposure time may be independently associated with a high prevalence of myopia in Korean adults. These data suggest a direct role for vitamin D in the development of myopia.

Serum irisin levels in patients with psoriasis.

PubMed

Baran, Anna; Myśliwiec, Hanna; Kiluk, Paulina; Świderska, Magdalena; Flisiak, Iwona

2017-06-01

Irisin has been proposed to regulate metabolic diseases such as obesity, diabetes or metabolic syndrome which are common comorbidities in psoriasis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the serum irisin level in psoriasis and elucidate possible associations with disease activity, inflammatory or metabolic parameters and topical treatment. Thirty-seven individuals with active plaque-type psoriasis and 15 healthy controls were enrolled. Blood samples were collected before and after two weeks of therapy. Serum irisin concentrations were examined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The results were correlated with psoriasis area and severity index (PASI), body mass index (BMI), inflammatory and biochemical markers, lipid profile and effectiveness of topical treatment. Irisin serum levels were insignificantly increased in psoriatic patients in comparison to the controls (p = 0.38). No significant correlations between investigated adipokine and several indicators of metabolic disorders, nor BMI (p = 0.37) or PASI (p = 0.5) were found. Significant positive correlations with C-reactive protein (CRP) (0.009), lipocalin-2 (p = 0.02), age (p = 0.02) and disease duration (p = 0.008) were noted. After topical treatment, serum irisin level did not significantly change (p = 0.31), despite clinical improvement. Irisin might be a marker of inflammation in psoriatic patients, but may not be a reliable indicator of metabolic conditions, severity of psoriasis nor efficacy of antipsoriatic treatment.

Hepatitis C virus co-infection and sexual risk behaviour are associated with a high homocysteine serum level in HIV-infected patients.

PubMed

Roca, Bernardino; Bennasar, Marián; Ferrero, José Antonio; del Monte, Mari Cruz; Resino, Elena

2012-01-11

A better understanding of the relationship of homocysteine with cardiovascular risk factors is needed. The objectives of this study were to assess the serum level of homocysteine in HIV-infected patients and to analyse the possible association of increased levels of the amino acid with cardiovascular risk factors, demographic and clinical characteristics of participants. Cross-sectional study carried out as a supplementary task to the usual controls necessary in HIV-infected patients in the outpatient clinic of the Hospital General of Castellon, Spain. For two consecutive visits the demographic, clinical and HIV-related characteristics and blood analyses results were obtained for each participant. Homocysteine serum level was documented and the possible association of the amino acid with all the other study variables was assessed with a multiple linear regression analysis. A total of 145 patients were included. The mean homocysteine serum level of all participants was 11.9 ± 5.9 µmol/L. A total of 54 patients (37%) presented homocysteine serum levels higher than the upper limit of normal. An association was found between higher homocysteine serum level and the following variables: family history of early coronary disease (P = 0.027), sexual HIV risk behaviour (P = 0.016), hepatitis C virus co-infection (P = 0.002), higher height (P = 0.002), higher diastolic blood pressure (P = 0.049), lower serum level of folic acid (P <0.001), and lower serum level of vitamin B12 (P = <0.001). In the HIV population, increased homocysteine serum level is associated with sexual risk behaviour and hepatitis C virus coinfection.

Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels and activities of daily living in noninstitutionalized elderly Japanese requiring care.

PubMed

Nakamura, Kazutoshi; Nishiwaki, Tomoko; Ueno, Kimiko; Yamamoto, Masaharu

2005-01-01

To date, no study has investigated the nutritional status of vitamin D in frail elderly people living at home. The purposes of this study were to assess serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) levels and associated factors in noninstitutionalized elderly people who had various levels of physical disability, and to propose an adequate vitamin D nutritional status for the elderly by interpreting the serum 25(OH)D levels in relation to serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels in this population. Health examinations were conducted in the winter and summer of 2003. The subjects were 143 elderly people in the winter, and 120 elderly people in the summer, who all used the long-term care insurance system at home. Serum 25(OH)D concentrations were determined with a chemiluminescence protein-binding assay, and serum intact PTH concentrations were determined with an immunoradiometric assay. The subjects' disease histories and lifestyle information were obtained through an interview. Activities of daily living (ADL) levels were evaluated using the Barthel index, and grip strength was measured with a digital hand dynamometer. Average serum 25(OH)D levels in the winter and summer were 54.2 nmol/l (SD 29.0) and 53.3 nmol/l (SD 32.3), respectively, and intact PTH concentrations in the winter and summer were 4.2 pmol/l (SD 1.8) and 4.3 pmol/l (SD 1.8), respectively. The proportion of people who had a low 25(OH)D (<30 nmol/l) and high intact PTH levels (>6.9 pmol/l) were 15%-20% and 8%, respectively. Significant predictors of low serum 25(OH)D concentrations were low ADL levels, female sex, and low fish consumption in both seasons. Serum 25(OH)D concentrations of less than 50 nmol/l were associated with elevated serum intact PTH concentrations. In conclusion, elderly people requiring care at home are at high risk of hypovitaminosis D, and their low serum 25(OH)D levels are mainly associated with low ADL levels. In addition, maintenance of serum 25(OH)D concentrations above 50 nmol/l may

Serum Aminotransferase Levels are Associated with Markers of Hypoxia in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea

PubMed Central

Norman, Daniel; Bardwell, Wayne A.; Arosemena, Farah; Nelesen, Richard; Mills, Paul J.; Loredo, Jose S.; Lavine, Joel E.; Dimsdale, Joel E.

2008-01-01

Study Objectives: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a disorder that often presents with elevated serum aminotransferase levels. Although it has classically been linked with the metabolic syndrome, recent studies suggest NAFLD may also be associated with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). This study evaluates the association between serum aminotransferase levels and factors connected with: either the metabolic syndrome (elevated body mass index [BMI], lipid profile, blood pressure, fasting glucose), or with OSA severity (apnea hypopnea index, lowest oxygen saturation level, oxygen desaturation index, percent of time below 90% saturation [%T<90]). Design: Retrospective case series. Patients and Setting: 109 adult patients with OSA at a university hospital general clinical research center. Measurements and Results: Markers of hypoxia (lowest oxygen saturation level and %T<90), correlated significantly with aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels (Pearson's r = −0.31 to −0.38, P <0.003), while apnea hypopnea index, body mass index, blood pressure, fasting glucose, triglyceride, and cholesterol levels did not. Hierarchical linear regression was then done to determine the best predictors of aminotransferase levels. Markers of metabolic syndrome were entered as one block and markers of sleep apnea as another. Regression analyses explained 16.3% of the variance in AST and 18.9% of the variance in ALT, with %T<90 playing the largest role. Conclusions: In patients with obstructive sleep apnea, serum aminotransferase levels are better predicted by markers of oxygen desaturation than by factors traditionally associated with the metabolic syndrome. Citation: Norman D; Bardwell WA; Arosemena F; Nelesen R; Mills PJ; Loredo JS; Lavine JE; Dimsdale JE. Serum aminotransferase levels are associated with markers of hypoxia in patients with obstructive sleep apnea. SLEEP 2008;31(1):-121-126. PMID:18220085

Elevated serum levels of endothelin-1 in patients with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy.

PubMed

Chang, Chun-Wei; Wu, Hsiu-Chuan; Lyu, Rong-Kuo; Lo, Yen-Shi; Chen, Chiung-Mei; Ro, Long-Sun; Chang, Hong-Shiu; Huang, Ching-Chang; Liao, Ming-Feng; Wu, Yih-Ru; Kuo, Hung-Chou; Chu, Chun-Che; Weng, Yi-Ching; Wei, Pei-Tsi; Lo, Ai-Lun; Chang, Kuo-Hsuan

2018-01-01

Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) is an acquired, or non-hereditary, chronic demyelinating neuropathy. Currently, there is no reliable molecular biomarker that can identify CIDP patients as well as monitor disease severity. We measured serum levels of endothelin-1 (ET-1), a factors involved in vasoconstrictive, inflammatory and nerve regenerative processes, in 20 CIDP, 21 acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (AIDP), 37 multiple sclerosis (MS), and 10 Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients, as well as 26 healthy control (HC) subjects. Patients with CIDP demonstrated higher serum levels of ET-1 (2.07±1.07pg/mL) than those with AIDP (0.75±0.62ng/mL, P<0.001), AD (0.78±0.49pg/mL, P<0.001), as well as HCs (1.16±0.63pg/mL, P=0.002), while levels of ET-1 in patients with MS (2.10±0.81pg/mL) and CIDP were similar. Furthermore, the serum ET-1 levels significantly correlated with Inflammatory Neuropathy Cause And Treatment (INCAT) disability scale in CIDP patients. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve showed good discrimination ability for ET-1 to distinguish CIDP patients from AIDP (AUC=0.883) or HCs (AUC=0.763). This study discloses the potential of serum ET-1 as a biomarker for CIDP. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.