scholarly journals Effect of dietary synbiotic supplementation on serum indoxyl sulfate in prevalent hemodialysis patients

2022 ◽  
Vol 34 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohamed Saeed Hassan ◽  
Yasser Soliman Ahmed ◽  
Eman Ibrahim Sarhaan ◽  
Nayra Shaker Mehanna ◽  
Norhan Nagdy Madbouli ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Indoxyl sulfate (IS) is produced by action of the intestinal flora on tryptophan in protein diet, and it is normally excreted by the kidney. IS is a protein-bound uremic toxin, and it is difficult to be removed by conventional hemodialysis (HD) methods; so, it accumulates in HD patients and may contribute to major cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Aim To study the effect of dietary synbiotic (prebiotic and probiotic) supplementation on IS level in prevalent HD patients. Patients and methods This single-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted on 80 prevalent HD patients (between January 2017 and March 2017) in Ain Shams University Hospital. Patients were divided into 2 groups: group 1 was given synbiotic (SYN) and group 2 was given placebo for 6 weeks. Blood levels of IS, CRP, creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), sodium, potassium, calcium, and phosphorus were measured at baseline and after 6 weeks. Results There was a significant reduction in serum IS level in groups 1 and 2 in comparison to their baselines (P value = 0.000 and 0.019 respectively); however, the change in IS level in group 1 after SYN supplementation (64% with IR 72.38–33.33) was more than that shown in group 2 (did not receive SYN) (18.47% with IR 26.75–26.75) with a highly significant P value, 0.000. Also, there were significant reductions in the levels of creatinine, BUN, phosphorus (P values < 0.001), and CRP (P values 0.002) in group 1 respectively with no similar changes noticed in group 2. Conclusion SYN supplementation in HD patients can reduce serum levels of IS and other uremic toxins like BUN and creatinine. Also, it may help to reduce serum phosphorus and CRP levels.

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.


2019 ◽  
Vol 34 (2) ◽  
pp. 220-228 ◽  
Author(s):  
Engin Tastaban ◽  
Aykut Soyder ◽  
Elif Aydin ◽  
Omer Faruk Sendur ◽  
Yasemin Turan ◽  
...  

Objective: To evaluate the role of intermittent pneumatic compression in the treatment of breast cancer–related lymphoedema. Design: Randomized controlled trial. Setting: Physical medicine and rehabilitation clinic at a university hospital. Subjects: Seventy-six patients with lymphoedema. Interventions: Patients were allocated into Group 1 (complex decongestive treatment, n = 38) and Group 2 (complex decongestive treatment + intermittent pneumatic compression, n = 38). The complex decongestive treatment involved skin care, manual lymphatic drainage, compression bandaging, and exercise for 20 sessions. Group 2 additionally received intermittent pneumatic compression. Main measures: Quantitative outcomes consisted of volumetric measures prior to and after the treatment. Clinical assessments included severity of pain, heaviness and tightness, disability, grip strength, and depression. Results: Lymphoedema was similar at baseline, but treatments significantly reduced the excess volume (from 373 mL to 203 mL in Group 1 and 379.5 mL to 189.5 mL in Group 2). Percentage excess volumes (PEVs) decreased in both groups. The percentage reduction of excess volume was better in Group 2 than Group 1, but the intergroup difference was not significant. The clinical scores reflected improvements, but the heaviness and tightness read significantly lower in Group 2 than Group 1. Conclusion: Intermittent pneumatic compression seems to add no benefit when combined with complex decongestive treatment of lymphoedema, but, may be functional in reducing the sensations of heaviness and tightness for the patients with pitting oedema.


2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 19-24
Author(s):  
Masoomeh Yosefi-Fard ◽  
◽  
Gholamhassan Vaezi ◽  
Ali Akbar Maleki-Rad ◽  
Fardin Faraji ◽  
...  

Background: Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease due to the demyelination of axons in the central nervous system. Melatonin, as a hormone with potential anti-inflammatory effects, can reduce the MS symptoms by altering the levels of inflammatory mediators. Methods: In this study, 50 MS patients referred to the MS Society in Markazi Province were randomly selected. Each patient completed and signed a consent form and was referred to the MS Center at Vali-Asr Hospital in Arak, Iran. All patients who were routinely receiving interferon, were divided into two groups of 25 each. Group 1 (control) received placebo, and Group 2 (treatment) received one dose of melatonin (3mg) per day for 24 weeks. Patients’ recorded anthropometric data included height, weight, and age. Fasting blood samples were collected and the serum levels of INF-1β and VitB12 determined. The blood samples were immediately centrifuged to separate sera, which were kept in a freezer at -80° C. The serum levels of INF-1β and Vitamin B12 were determined, using ELISA kits. Results: The data showed that there were significant differences in the serum levels of INF-1β and Vitamin B12 between the control and treatment groups. The levels were significantly increased in the treatment group compared to those in the controls, suggesting that melatonin might have induced the changes. Conclusion: Based on the results, the application of melatonin might be a valuable strategy in the treatment of patients with MS.


2020 ◽  
Vol 27 (11) ◽  
pp. 2478-2482
Author(s):  
Nisa Mohsin

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Isra University Hospital Sindh Pakistan. Objectives: To compare the efficacy of clomiphene citrate versus letrozole in attaining optimum follicular growth among infertile women of reproductive age group in Isra University Hospital Hyderabad. Study Design: Randomized Controlled trial. Setting: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Isra University Hospital Sindh, Pakistan. Period: May 2016 to November 2016. Material & Methods: A total of 128 women with anovulation due to known endocrine disorders were included in this study. These were randomly allocated in group 1 and 2. Group 1 consisted of 64 women received 50mg of clomiphene citrate and 64 in group 2, treated with letrozole. Proformas were filled and results regarding the drug achieving follicular diameter of >18mm by Trans abdominal Ultrasound in maximum number of women in any of the group was supervised by consultant gynecologist practicing for more than 10 years. Stastical analysis was done using SPSS version 19.The average age of women was 27.21+3.21. Number of patients with primary infertility were 60 (93.8%) and 57 (89.1%) in group 1 and 2 respectively while secondary infertility was observed in 4 (6.3%) and 7(10.9%) in group 1 and 2 respectively. Regarding endocrine disorders, 34 (26.6%) were polycystic ovaries and 35(27.3%) hypothalamic. Results: The average age of women was 27.21±3.21 years. Efficacy was significantly high in clomiphene citrate (group 1) as compared to letrozole (group 2) [92.19% vs 79.69%; p=0.042]. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that clomiphene citrate is superior to letrozole as an inducer of ovulatory cycles. However there is need for larger well designed randomized trials to generate robust data in order to establish the true potential of clomiphene.


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.


Author(s):  
Eleonora Porcu ◽  
Maria Lucrezia Tranquillo ◽  
Leonardo Notarangelo ◽  
Patrizia Maria Ciotti ◽  
Nilla Calza ◽  
...  

Abstract Purpose The main purpose and research question of the study are to compare the efficacy of high-security closed versus open devices for human oocytes’ vitrification. Methods A prospective randomized study was conducted. A total of 737 patients attending the Infertility and IVF Unit at S.Orsola University Hospital (Italy) between October 2015 and April 2020 were randomly assigned to two groups. A total of 368 patients were assigned to group 1 (High-Security Vitrification™ - HSV) and 369 to group 2 (Cryotop® open system). Oocyte survival, fertilization, cleavage, pregnancy, implantation, and miscarriage rate were compared between the two groups. Results No statistically significant differences were observed on survival rate (70.3% vs. 73.3%), fertilization rate (70.8% vs. 74.9%), cleavage rate (90.6% vs. 90.3%), pregnancy/transfer ratio (32.0% vs. 31.8%), implantation rate (19.7% vs. 19.9%), nor miscarriage rates (22.1% vs. 21.5%) between the two groups. Women’s mean age in group 1 (36.18 ± 3.92) and group 2 (35.88 ± 3.88) was not significantly different (P = .297). A total of 4029 oocytes were vitrified (1980 and 2049 in groups 1 and 2 respectively). A total of 2564 were warmed (1469 and 1095 in groups 1 and 2 respectively). A total of 1386 morphologically eligible oocytes were inseminated by intracytoplasmic sperm injection (792 and 594 respectively, P = .304). Conclusions The present study shows that the replacement of the open vitrification system by a closed one has no impact on in vitro and in vivo survival, development, pregnancy and implantation rate. Furthermore, to ensure safety, especially during the current COVID-19 pandemic, the use of the closed device eliminates the potential samples’ contamination during vitrification and storage.


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


PEDIATRICS ◽  
1986 ◽  
Vol 77 (4) ◽  
pp. 539-547
Author(s):  
H. L. Greene ◽  
M. E. Courtney Moore ◽  
B. Phillips ◽  
L. Franck ◽  
R. J. Shulman ◽  
...  

This study represents the first attempt to evaluate the American Medical Association Nutrition Advisory Group (NAG) recommendations for intravenous vitamin A, D, and E dosages for infants and children. Patients studied included 18 preterm infants (group 1) and 26 term infants and children (group 2A) receiving total parenteral nutrition for 2 to 4 weeks and eight infants and children receiving total parenteral nutrition for 3 to 6 months (group 2B). Term gestation infants and children up to 11 years of age all received the same dosages (those that were recommended by the NAG for children weighing more than 10 kg). Preterm infants received 65% of these doses. In group 1, cord blood α-tocopherol levels were &lt;0.22 mg/dL in seven preterm infants (reference value = 0.29 ± 0.04), but mean levels increased to 1.65 ± 0.17 mg/dL after four days of treatment. Eight infants consistently received additional vitamin E orally (80 to 150 mg daily), and their levels increased to 2.18 ± 0.26 mg/dL by four days of study and to 3.49 ± 0.57 mg/dL after 3 weeks. Oral supplementation in the preterm infants appeared to be unnecessary because intravenous vitamins alone maintained levels above 1.1 mg/dL. In group 2, α-tocopherol levels were maintained within the reference range. Patients receiving lipid emulsions containing substantial quantities of α-tocopherol had significantly higher blood levels than patients receiving lipid emulsions containing little α-tocopherol (P &lt; .01). Mean 25-OH vitamin D levels were mintained above or within the reference range in groups 2A and 2B. Although only seven patients in group 1 had measurements performed after beginning total parenteral nutrition, their 25-OH vitamin D levels increased during total parenteral nutrition and were maintained within the reference range. Mean vitamin A levels in group 2 were maintained within the reference range of 23.5 ± 1.8 µg/dL, although three of eight patients in group 2A who had levels 2 SD less than the reference mean levels initially did not increase their levels during the 2-week period of treatment. Patients on home total parenteral nutrition (group 2B) showed a mean increase in retinol, from 29.2 ± 3.0 µg/dL to 37.4 ± 7.1 µg/dL. There was also good correlation between retinol-binding protein and retinol in all patients in group 2. Premature infant (group 1) levels were 13.9 ± 1.3 µg/dL initially (reference value = 15.7 µg/dL) and did not change after 28 days of treatment (13.5 ± 2.5 µg/dL). In addition, there was poor correlation with retinol-binding protein. The failure of retinol to increase with treatment may be secondary to losses of retinol in the delivery system. Further studies are needed to better define vitamin A and D needs during parenteral feeding of premature infants, although the dosage levels in term infants appear to maintain mean blood levels of all of the vitamins within the reference range.


2022 ◽  
Vol 15 (6) ◽  
pp. 695-704
Author(s):  
E. A. Orudzhova

Aim: to study the role of antiphospholipid antibodies (AРA) and genetic thrombophilia as a potential cause of the development or a component in the pathogenesis of early and late fetal growth retardation (FGR).Materials and Methods. There was conducted a prospective randomized controlled trial with 118 women enrolled. The main group consisted of 83 patients, whose pregnancy was complicated by FGR degrees II and III, stratified into two groups: group 1 – 36 pregnant women with early FGR, group 2 – 47 pregnant women with late FGR. Women were subdivided into subgroups according to the FGR severity. The control group consisted of 35 pregnant women with a physiological course of pregnancy. АРА were determined according to the Sydney antiphospholipid syndrome criteria by enzyme immunoassay (ELISA): against cardiolipin, β2 -glycoprotein 1, annexin V, prothrombin, etc. (IgG/IgM isotypes); lupus anticoagulant – by the three-stage method with Russell's viper venom; antithrombin III and protein C levels – by chromogenic method; prothrombin gene polymorphisms G20210A and factor V Leiden – by polymerase chain reaction; homocysteine level – by ELISA.Results. AРA circulation (medium and high titers), genetic thrombophilic defects and/or hyperhomocysteinemia were detected in 40 (48.2 %) patients with FGR, which was significantly higher than that in the control group (p < 0.05): in group 1 (41.7 % of women) AРA (30.6 %) and AРA with genetic thrombophilia or hyperhomocysteinemia (11.1 %) were revealed; in group 2 (51.1 % of women) AРA (21.3 %), AРA with hyperhomocysteinemia (4.3 %), genetic thrombophilia (25.5 %), and due to hyperhomocysteinemia (2.1 %) were found. No differences in prevalence of thrombophilia rate in patients were observed related to FGR severity, but a correlation between the FGR severity and AРA titers was found.Conclusion. Testing for the presence of AРA, genetic thrombophilia and hyperhomocysteinemia should be recommended for patients with FGR (including those with FGR in medical history), especially in the case of its early onset. It is recommended to determine the full AРA spectrum.


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.


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