scholarly journals The potential association between a new angiogenic marker fractalkine and a placental vascularization in preeclampsia

Author(s):  
Grzegorz Szewczyk ◽  
Michał Pyzlak ◽  
Katarzyna Pankiewicz ◽  
Ewa Szczerba ◽  
Aleksandra Stangret ◽  
...  

Abstract Purpose Impaired angiogenesis is one of the most common findings in preeclamptic placentas. A new angiogenetic role of fractalkine (CX3CL1) is recently recognized apart from inflammatory activity. In this study, a link between CX3CL1 and the development of placental vasculature in preeclampsia was examined. Methods The study comprised 52 women allocated to Group 1 (normotensive, n = 23) and Group 2 (preeclampsia, n = 29). In each group Doppler parameters, serum levels of CX3CL1, soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1), and placental growth factor (PlGF) were assessed between 30 and 32 week of pregnancy. After the delivery, placental samples were taken and the vascularization and expression of CX3CR1 receptor were assessed after immunostaining. Results CX3CL1 and sFlt-1 serum levels were significantly higher levels in Group 2 vs Group 1, while PlGF serum levels was significantly lower in Group 2. Lower cerebroplacental ratio (CPR) was observed in Group 2. The vascular/extravascular tissue index (V/EVTI) was significantly lower in Group 2, while compared to Group 1, with the lowest value in the fetus growth restriction (FGR) subgroup (0.18 ± 0.02; 0.24 ± 0.03; 0.16 ± 0.02, respectively). The expression of examined CX3CR1 was higher in Group 2, while compared to Group 1, reaching the highest values in FGR subgroup. There was a moderate negative correlation between birth weight, V/EVTI and CX3CL1 serum level and CX3CR1 placental expression in the group of pregnancies complicated with preeclampsia. Conclusion The significant underdevelopment of placental vascular network in preeclampsia is associated with the change in the CX3CL1/CX3CR1 system, especially in FGR complicated pregnancies.

2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fatemeh Moslemi ◽  
Mehdi Nematbakhsh ◽  
Fatemeh Eshraghi-Jazi ◽  
Ardeshir Talebi ◽  
Hamid Nasri ◽  
...  

Objective. Nitric oxide (NO) has numerous important functions in the kidney. The role of NO in cisplatin (CP)-induced nephrotoxicity is not completely understood. This study was designed to determine the role of NO synthase inhibitor (L-NAME) on the severity of CP-induced nephrotoxicity in rats. Methods. Sixty four male (M) and female (F) Wistar rats were randomly divided into eight groups. The sham groups (group 1, male, n=6 and group 2, female, n=6) received saline. Groups 3 (male, n=8) and 4 (female, n=8) were treated with L-NAME (4 mg/kg, i.p.), and groups 5 (male, n=8) and 6 (female, n=8) received CP (3 mg/kg) for 7 days. Groups 7 (male, n=8) and 8 (female, n=8) were treated with L-NAME and CP for 7 days. Results. The CP-alone treated rats showed weight loss and increase in serum levels of blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine (Cr). Coadministration of L-NAME and CP did not improve weight loss, and it increased the levels of BUN and Cr in male but not in female rats (P<0.05). CP alone increased kidney damage significantly (P<0.05 ), however, the damage induced by combination of CP and L-NAME was gender-related. Conclusion. NOS inhibition by L-NAME increased CP-induced nephrotoxicity, which was gender-related.


2019 ◽  
Vol 91 (1) ◽  
pp. 32-37 ◽  
Author(s):  
E V Grakova ◽  
K V Kopeva ◽  
A T Teplyakov ◽  
O N Ogurkova ◽  
A A Garganeeva ◽  
...  

Aim. To study the role of soluble ST2 (sST2) in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) and chronic heart failure (CHF) associated with carbohydrate metabolism disorders (impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) in risk stratification of adverse cardiovascular events (ACE) for 12 months of follow-up. Materials and methods. We enrolled 118 patients with CAD and CHF I-III FC (NYHA) with the ejection fraction of left ventricular of 60 [46; 64] % aged 62.5 [57; 68] years. Serum sST2 levels were measured by enzyme immunoassay. Results. Depending on the presence of carbohydrate metabolism disorders (CMD), the patients were divided into 3 groups: group 1 (n=65) included patients without CDM, group 2 (n=30) included with IGT, and group 3 (n=23) included with type 2 DM. Serum levels of sST2 in patients with CMD were significantly (p=0.011) higher than in patients without CMD, but in subgroups of patients with IGT and type 2 DM, the concentrations of sST2 did not differ. In group 1 sST2 levels were 30.51 [26.38; 37.06] ng/ml, and in group 2 and 3 - 37.97 [33.18; 47.48] and 41.45 [35.27; 50.37] ng/ml, respectively. There were statistically significant differences in the rate of adverse ACE in relation to sST2 levels: in spite of CMD, in subgroups with biomarker overexpression adverse CCC occurred more often (p


2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Michele Kaplan ◽  
Zana Kalajzic ◽  
Thomas Choi ◽  
Imad Maleeh ◽  
Christopher L. Ricupero ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Orthodontic tooth movement (OTM) has been shown to induce osteocyte apoptosis in alveolar bone shortly after force application. However, how osteocyte apoptosis affects orthodontic tooth movement is unknown. The goal of this study was to assess the effect of inhibition of osteocyte apoptosis on osteoclastogenesis, changes in the alveolar bone density, and the magnitude of OTM using a bisphosphonate analog (IG9402), a drug that affects osteocyte and osteoblast apoptosis but does not affect osteoclasts. Material and methods Two sets of experiments were performed. Experiment 1 was used to specifically evaluate the effect of IG9402 on osteocyte apoptosis in the alveolar bone during 24 h of OTM. For this experiment, twelve mice were divided into two groups: group 1, saline administration + OTM24-h (n=6), and group 2, IG9402 administration + OTM24-h (n=6). The contralateral unloaded sides served as the control. The goal of experiment 2 was to evaluate the role of osteocyte apoptosis on OTM magnitude and osteoclastogenesis 10 days after OTM. Twenty mice were divided into 4 groups: group 1, saline administration without OTM (n=5); group 2, IG9402 administration without OTM (n=5); group 3, saline + OTM10-day (n=6); and group 4, IG9402 + OTM10-day (n=4). For both experiments, tooth movement was achieved using Ultra Light (25g) Sentalloy Closed Coil Springs attached between the first maxillary molar and the central incisor. Linear measurements of tooth movement and alveolar bone density (BVF) were assessed by MicroCT analysis. Cell death (or apoptosis) was assessed by terminal dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assay, while osteoclast and macrophage formation were assessed by tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining and F4/80+ immunostaining. Results We found that IG9402 significantly blocked osteocyte apoptosis in alveolar bone (AB) at 24 h of OTM. At 10 days, IG9402 prevented OTM-induced loss of alveolar bone density and changed the morphology and quality of osteoclasts and macrophages, but did not significantly affect the amount of tooth movement. Conclusion Our study demonstrates that osteocyte apoptosis may play a significant role in osteoclast and macrophage formation during OTM, but does not seem to play a role in the magnitude of orthodontic tooth movement.


Pteridines ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 31 (1) ◽  
pp. 185-192
Author(s):  
Deniz Öğütmen Koç ◽  
Hande Sipahi ◽  
Cemile Dilşah Sürmeli ◽  
Mustafa Çalık ◽  
Nilgün Bireroğlu ◽  
...  

AbstractIn Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), it is important to evaluate disease activity and investigate possible biomarkers. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the relationship between disease activity and serum levels of possible immune activation marker neopterin in patients with COVID-19. The study enrolled 45 patients (23 females, 51.1%) treated for COVID-19. The patients were divided into two groups according to their clinical presentation: those who recovered quickly (Group 1) and those who worsened progressively (Group 2). The neopterin and C-reactive protein levels were high in all patients on admission. In Group 1, neopterin concentrations and serum neopterin/creatinine ratios were significantly higher on admission compared to Day 14 of the disease, whereas in Group 2, levels were significantly higher at Day 14 of the disease than on admission. Neopterin levels at admission were significantly higher in Group 1. The serum neopterin concentrations at admission were markedly higher in patients with a derived neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio (dNLR) > 2.8 compared to those with a dNLR ≤ 2.8 (p < 0.05). Serum neopterin levels can be used as a prognostic biomarker in predicting disease activity in COVID-19.


2020 ◽  
Vol 79 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 1328.1-1328
Author(s):  
R. Assandri ◽  
G. Martellosio ◽  
A. Montanelli

Background:Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease that involves several molecular patterns with a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations and symptoms. Inflammation and related pathway play a role in SLE pathogenesis. The pentraxin superfamily including long and short pentraxin, C Reactive Protein CRP, Serum amyloid A (SAA), Pentraxin 3 (PTX3) are key components of innate immune system and induce a variety of inflammation associated pathway. However Literature provides several evidences that CRP serum levels not correlated with clinical and immunological manifestations. This situation affected clinical practice and the patient follow up. PTX3 have been identified as a component of inflammatory status in several autoimmune conditions. SAA is an acute phase protein secreted in large quantity during inflammation.Objectives:We want to evaluated SAA, PTX3 and CRP concentrations, their correlation between SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI), that including complement fractions C3, C4.Methods:We enrolled fifty patients that fulfilled the SLE American College of Rheumatology criteria and fifty healthy subjects. The SLE disease activity was classified with the SLEDAI (0 to 12). Patients were divided into two groups according to SLEDAI score: inactive group (Group 1, 25 patients, 50%: SLEDAI < 4) and active group (Group 2, 25 patients, 50%: SLEDAI 5 to 12). PTX3 concentration was measured by a sandwich ELISA kit (Hycult) with 2.8 ng/mL cut-off point. SAA concentration was detected by nephelometry performed on a BN ProSpec System (Siemens, Germany), with assay kit based on polyclonal antibodies (Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics Products, Germany, 6.5 mg/L cut-off point). High sensitive CRP concentrations were determined using the ci8200 platform (Abbott Laboratories Chicago, Illinois).Results:Plasma PTX3 and serum SAA levels was significantly higher in SLE patients than in the healthy subjects (PTX311.5 ± 7.3 ng/mL vs 2.3 ± 1.1; p < 0.001; SAA: 87 ±77 mg/L vs 2.6±2.5; p < 0.001). These differences were not evident in CRP levels (8.5 ± 7.8 mg/L vs 6.2± 2.5). Considering two groups, there were statistical differences in PTX3 level (Group 2: 14.9 ± 12 ng/mL vs Group 1: 2.16 ±0.5 ng/mL, p<0,05) and SAA concentration (Group 2: 114 ± 89 ng/mL vs Group 1: 3.6 ±1.7 ng/mL, p<0,05) but not in CRP concentration (Group 2: 11.5 ± 8.4 mg/L vs Group 1: 9.5 ±3.5). There was a significantly negative correlation between C3, C4 fractions, PTX3 and SSA levels (respectively r = −0.74, p=<0.05, and r = −0.79, p<0.05). No statistical correlation were appeared between C3, C4 fractions and CRP serum levels (r= −0,12., p= 0.82, and r= −0.18, p= 0,21). We noted a positive significant correlation between SLEDAI, PTX3 and SAA concentration (r = 0.79, p < 0.05, 0.83, p < 0.05, respectively) an increase in PTX3 and SAA levels followed the lupus flare and symptoms. No significant correlation appeared between SLEDAI and CRP (r= 0.15, p=0.89)Conclusion:PTX3 and SAA concentration was significantly higher in SLE patients than the healthy control subjects and their levels reflected disease activity. We showed a direct correlation between PTX3 and SAA. In SLE patients PTX3 and SAA concentrations were correlated with SLEDAI. We suggest an integrate viewpoint in witch SAA and PTX3 may play a role as a biomarker of disease activity, with synergic work during SLE events. Evidences suggested that PTX3 and SAA could trigger the same molecular pathway, by TLR4, via NF-kB.References:[1]Assandri R, Monari M Montanelli A. Pentraxin 3 in Systemic Lupus Erithematosus: Questions to be Resolved, Translational Biomedicine (2015)Disclosure of Interests:None declared


1994 ◽  
Vol 22 (3) ◽  
pp. 171-176 ◽  
Author(s):  
N-A Ankrah ◽  
T Rikimaru ◽  
F A Ekuban ◽  
M M Addae

Cysteine, methionine, vitamin A, β-carotene and glutathione (GSH) are known to protect body tissues against oxidative damage and inflammation but their value as protection against liver inflammation in tropical areas has received little attention. Blood levels of these nutrients were measured in Ghanaian volunteers with (Group 2) or without (Group 1) increased lipid peroxidation and signs of liver inflammation, as indicated by blood malonic dialdehyde, serum α1-antitrypsin and triglyceride levels, and the α1-acid glycoprotein: pre-albumin ratio. Serum levels of cysteine and blood glutathione were significantly lower ( P < 0.02) in group 2 than in group 1 volunteers. In contrast, serum levels of methionine, vitamin A and β-carotene were similar in both groups. Deficits in cysteine and glutathione may increase the risk of liver toxicity from oxidants in Ghanaians.


2021 ◽  
Vol 36 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
K Banerjee ◽  
B Singla

Abstract Study question To assess the role of subcutaneous granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) in thin endometrium cases. Summary answer G CSF has beneficial role to improve the endometrium thickness in thin endometrium. What is known already Endometrium is very important for embryo implantation and the endometrial thickness is the marker of receptivity of the endometrium. Study design, size, duration Study design - Retrospective analysis Size - 88 infertile females with thin endometrium (&lt; 7 mm) in the age group of 23 to 40 years Duration - one year. Participants/materials, setting, methods In the group 1 of 44 females, subcutaneous infusion of G CSF (300 mcg/ml) was added along with other supplements and if lining was not more than 7 mm in 72 hours, then second infusion was given. In the group 2 of 44 females, only estradiol valerate and sildenafil were given.The efficacy of G CSF was evaluated by assessing the endometrium thickness before embryo transfer, pregnancy rates and clinical pregnancy rates. Main results and the role of chance There was no difference between the two groups regarding demographic variables, egg reserve, sperm parameters, number of embryos transferred and embryo quality. . The pregnancy rate was 60% (24 out of 40 cases) in the group 1 that was significantly higher than in-group 2 that was 31% (9 out of 29 cases) with p value &lt; 0.0001. The clinical pregnancy rate was also significantly higher in-group 1 (55%) as compared to group 2 (24%) with p value &lt; 0.0001. Limitations, reasons for caution Further larger cohort studies are required to explore the subcutaneous role of G CSF in thin endometrium. Wider implications of the findings: Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor has beneficial role to improve the endometrium thickness in thin endometrium. In most of previous studies, the intrauterine infusion of G CSF was given to improve the uterine lining. This is one of the few studies done that showed subcutaneous role of G CSF in thin endometrium. Trial registration number Not applicable


1993 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 81-90
Author(s):  
D J Leehey ◽  
B I Braun ◽  
D A Tholl ◽  
L S Chung ◽  
C A Gross ◽  
...  

A randomized, controlled clinical trial was performed to determine whether individualized dosing by use of Bayesian pharmacokinetic modeling could decrease nephrotoxicity accosted with aminoglycoside therapy. Two hundred forty-three patients receiving aminoglycosides for suspected or proven infection were randomly assigned to one of three groups: usual physician-directed dosing (Group 1), pharmacist-assisted dosing (Group 2), or pharmacist-directed dosing (Group 3). Dosing in Groups 2 and 3 was based on a Bayesian pharmacokinetic dosing program, whereas Group 1 served as the control group. Individualized dosing resulted in higher mean postinfusion (peak) serum aminoglycoside levels, higher ratios of mean peak level to minimum inhibitory concentration (peak/MIC ratios), and a trend toward lower trough serum levels. Milligrams per dose were higher and number of doses per day was lower in the pharmacist-dosed groups. However, the incidence of nephrotoxicity (> or = 100% increase in serum creatinine) was not different among the three groups (16, 27, and 16% in Groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively). Similarly, severity of toxicity was not affected by the dosing intervention. Risk factors for toxicity included duration of therapy, shock, treatment with furosemide, older age, and liver disease. After controlling for these factors, the dosing intervention still had no effect on nephrotoxicity. It was concluded that Bayesian pharmacokinetic dosing did not decrease the risk of nephrotoxicity associated with aminoglycoside therapy.


2014 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 51-56 ◽  
Author(s):  
Adriana Cavasi ◽  
Eduard Cavasi ◽  
Mircea Grigorescu ◽  
Adela Sitar-Taut

Background & Aims: ProBNP is a sensitive marker of cardiac dysfunction. We assessed the concentration of circulating NT-proBNP in patients with liver cirrhosis in various stages of the disease and its correlation with markers of cardiac and renal dysfunction and with markers of liver disease severity.Patients and methods: A number of 88 patients with liver cirrhosis were included in the study, divided into 3 groups: group 1 - 18 control patients without ascites; group 2 - 35 non-azotemic patients with ascites; group 3 - 35 patients with hepatorenal syndrome. The cardiac dysfunction was assessed by measuring the NT-proBNP serum levels and the QTc interval. The markers of renal dysfunction were the estimated glomerular filtration rates - formulas involving creatinine and serum cystatin C. The Child-Pugh score was used to assess the liver disease severity.Results: The median NT-proBNP serum levels significantly increased in patients with advanced liver cirrhosis (group 3: 960 fmol/ml and group 2:  660 fmol/ml) as compared to group 1 (435 fmol/ml) (p<0.05). A significant direct correlation was found between the NT-proBNP concentration and the QTc interval (r=0.540, p<0.001). The NT-proBNP levels also correlated with the Child-Pugh score (r=0.501, p<0.01), proving the link between the cardiac dysfunction and the liver disease severity. The cardio-renal interrelation is supported by the relationship between the NT-proBNP concentration and the estimated clearances.Conclusion: The high NT-proBNP levels in patients with advanced cirrhosis indicate the presence of cardiac dysfunction, which has a role in the pathogenesis of the hepatorenal syndrome.Abbreviations: DP: diastolic pressure; GFR: glomerular filtration rate; HRS: hepatorenal syndrome; MAP:mean arterial pressure; NT-proBNP: N-terminal fragment of the prohormone B-type natriuretic peptide; proBNP: prohormone brain natriuretic peptide; SBP: spontaneous bacterial peritonitis; SP: systolic pressure; TIPS: tranjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt.


2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 57-66
Author(s):  
V. V. Kovalchuk

COVID-19 worsens the course of cerebrovascular diseases (CVD), including chronic cerebral ischaemia (CCI). The Actovegin drug, which has long been widely used in CCI treatment, has an antioxidant and endothelium protective effect. It makes sense to study the effect of Actovegin therapy on the clinical manifestations of CCI in patients with a recent experience of COVID-19.Objective: to evaluate Actovegin efficacy in the treatment of CCI in patients with a recent experience of COVID-19.Patients and methods. The study included 440 patients (234 female; 206 male) with a recent experience of COVID-19, suffering from CCI, their average age being 67.8 years (from 54 to 85 years). All patients were broken down into two groups of 220 people (the patients in Group 1 were administrated Actovegin, the ones in Group 2 – were not). All patients were followed up for 90 days; their condition was assessed by the severity of clinical manifestations of CCI, using special scales and questionnaires.Results and discussion. After 90 days of follow-up, the frequency of complaints of cognitive impairment, sleep disorder, dizziness, fatigue, emotional disorders, and headache in Group 1 was significantly lower than in Group 2 (p<0.05). According to Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI-20), and Spiegel Sleep Questionnaire (SSQ), the average indicators improved significantly more in Group 1 than in Group 2 (p<0.05). The absence of quality of life impairment and their minimal severity were observed in Group 1 in 77.9%; in Group 2 – in 33.7% (p<0.001). Statistically significant differences between the groups of patients were also observed in relation to emotional state recovery according to the Wakefield Questionnaire and the Spielberger State Trait Anxiety inventory.Conclusion. The observational study demonstrated the efficacy of Actovegin in the treatment of main clinical manifestations of CCI in patients with recent COVID-19 experience.


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