scholarly journals Retrospective analysis of canine monocytic ehrlichiosis in Thailand with emphasis on hematological and ultrasonographic changes

2022 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Kris Angkanaporn ◽  
Jidapha Sanguanwai ◽  
Taratip O. Baiyokvichit ◽  
Pichamon Vorrachotvarittorn ◽  
Montana Wongsompong ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Elevated Serum ◽  
Serum Levels ◽  
Buffy Coat ◽  
The Body ◽  
Normal Range ◽  
Target Organs ◽  
Canine Monocytic Ehrlichiosis ◽  
Tick Borne Disease ◽  
Veterinary Hospital

Background and Aim: Canine monocytic ehrlichiosis (CME) is a tropical endemic tick-borne disease that causes fatality or chronic infection involving many organs in dogs. This study aimed to examine the prevalence, risk factors, and hematological and ultrasonographic changes in the liver, gallbladder, kidneys, and spleen following CME infection. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study used 30,269 samples collected from dogs at the hematology section of the pathology unit of a university veterinary hospital and 35 samples collected from dogs at the diagnostic imaging unit. CME was determined using the buffy coat smear method. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and odds ratios. Results: CCl4 The data revealed that the average yearly prevalence of CME was 1.32%. Risk factors contributing to CME infection were a tick on the body during physical examination, lack of ectoparasite control, and outdoor living. All 148 dogs with CME infection had low platelet counts. The percentages of CME-infected dogs with elevated serum alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and both enzymes above the normal range were 33.6%, 65.9%, and 29.8%, respectively. The rates for elevated serum levels of blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, and both compounds were 33.1%, 19.1%, and 17.3%, respectively. The most common ultrasonographic changes were liver abnormalities (hyperechogenicity or hypoechogenicity, hepatomegaly, and hypoechoic nodules), hyperechogenicity of the kidneys, and an enlarged spleen. These ultrasonographic changes were consistent with the hematology results, which showed a greater elevation of serum liver enzyme levels than renal enzymes. Conclusion: Ultrasonographic changes during CME infection and after treatment with doxycycline can help to monitor and identify persistent pathological changes in the target organs resulting from immune response to CME.

scholarly journals Elevation of serum cystathionine levels in patients with cobalamin and folate deficiency

Blood ◽  
1993 ◽  
Vol 81 (12) ◽  
pp. 3404-3413 ◽  
Author(s):  
SP Stabler ◽  
J Lindenbaum ◽  
DG Savage ◽  
RH Allen
Keyword(s):  
Blood Donors ◽  
Pyridoxal Phosphate ◽  
Elevated Serum ◽  
Normal Subjects ◽  
Serum Levels ◽  
Folate Deficiency ◽  
Normal Range ◽  
Cystathionine Beta Synthase ◽  
Total Homocysteine ◽  
Chromatographic Mass

Homocysteine can be methylated to form methionine by the cobalamin- (Cbl) and folate-dependent enzyme, methionine synthase; serum levels of total homocysteine are elevated in greater than 95% of patients with either Cbl or folate deficiency. Homocysteine can also condense with serine to form cystathionine in a pyridoxal phosphate-dependent reaction catalyzed by cystathionine beta-synthase. Cystathionine is subsequently cleaved to cysteine and alpha-ketobutyrate by the pyridoxal phosphate-dependent enzyme gamma-cystathionase. To assess levels of cystathionine in Cbl and folate deficiency, we developed a new capillary gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric assay and measured cystathionine in the serum of normal subjects and patients with clinically confirmed deficiencies of these vitamins. The normal range for serum cystathionine was 65 to 301 nmol/L (median = 126 nmol/L) for 50 normal blood donors. In 30 patients with clinically confirmed Cbl deficiency, values for cystathionine ranged from 208 nmol/L to 2,920 nmol/L (median = 816 nmol/L) and 26 (87%) had levels above the normal range. In 20 patients with clinically confirmed folate deficiency, cystathionine concentrations ranged from 138 nmol/L to 4,150 nmol/L (median = 1,560 nmol/L) and 19 (95%) had values above the normal range. Five homozygotes for cystathionine beta-synthase deficiency had high values for serum-total homocysteine and low or low-normal values for serum cystathionine that ranged from 30 nmol/L to 114 nmol/L even though they were on treatment with pyridoxine and had partially responded. One patient with a defect in the synthesis of 5-CH3- tetrahydrofolate and five patients with defects in the synthesis of CH3- Cbl had high values for serum-total homocysteine and high values for cystathionine that ranged from 311 nmol/L to 1,500 nmol/L even though they were on treatment with folic acid and Cbl, respectively, and had partially responded. We conclude that levels of cystathionine are evaluated in the serum of most patients with Cbl and folate deficiency and that they are useful in the differential diagnosis of an elevated serum-total homocysteine level.

scholarly journals Multifocal vascular affection in a patient with angina pectoris - rationale and design of a clinical study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria-Magdalena Pintova ◽  
Iana Simova ◽  
Nikolay Dimitrov ◽  
Jordan Krasnaliev ◽  
Vladimir Kornovski ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Vascular Remodeling ◽  
Coronary Circulation ◽  
Vascular Wall ◽  
The Body ◽  
Vessel Lumen ◽  
Target Organs ◽  
Atherosclerotic Process ◽  
Ischemic Attack ◽  
Accumulation Of Lipids

Atherosclerosis is a disease of the large and middle arteries and is characterized mainly by endothelial dysfunction, inflammation of the vascular wall and the accumulation of lipids, cholesterol, calcium and cell debris in the intima of the vascular wall. This accumulation leads to plaque formation, vascular remodeling, acute and chronic obstruction of the vessel lumen, blood flow abnormalities, and reduced oxygen supply to target organs. As a result, blood vessels become harder and their lumen shrinks, which increases the risk of obstruction and thrombosis. Depending on the affected area, the corresponding symptoms appear - angina or myocardial infarction when affecting the coronary circulation; transient ischemic attack (TIA) or stroke affecting cerebral circulation; claudication or gangrene when affecting the limbs; aneurysm or dissection affecting the aorta. Various risk factors are known to affect the onset of the disease. They are divided into adjustable (dyslipoproteinemia, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, smoking, obesity, inactivity, emotional stress, etc.) and unadjustable (gender, age, family predisposition). The risk of developing atherosclerosis increases significantly in the presence of several risk factors. For example, the presence of 2 risk factors increases the risk of developing atherosclerosis 4 times. The atherosclerotic process is multifocal - it develops everywhere in the body - affecting the cardiac, cerebral and peripheral arteries almost simultaneously or sequentially. Its isolated manifestations in only one area are an exception.

scholarly journals Neuroprotection of reduced thyroid hormone with increased estrogen and progestogen in postpartum depression

2019 ◽  
Vol 39 (9) ◽  
Author(s):  
Dan Li ◽  
Yangyao Li ◽  
Yun Chen ◽  
Haiyan Li ◽  
Yuqi She ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Thyroid Hormone ◽  
Postpartum Depression ◽  
Cell Structure ◽  
Elevated Serum ◽  
Serum Levels ◽  
Thyroid Stimulating Hormone ◽  
The Body ◽  
Free Triiodothyronine ◽  
Promising Therapeutic Approach

Abstract Background: Postpartum depression (PPD) is a common serious mental health problem. Recent studies have demonstrated that hormone therapy serves as a promising therapeutic approach in managing PPD. The present study aims at exploring the role of thyroid hormone (TH), estrogen and progestogen in patients with PPD. Methods: Initially, PPD patients were enrolled and a PPD mouse model was established. The serum levels of estradiol (E2), progesterone (P), triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), free triiodothyronine (FT3), free thyroxine (FT4), and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) were subsequently measured. Next, in order to identify the effects of TH, estrogen and progestogen on PPD progression, mice were administrated with E2, P, contraceptives (CA), Euthyrox and methimazole (MMI). Besides, the body weight, activities, basolateral amygdala (BLA) neuron cell structure and the related gene expression of mice were analyzed. Results: The PPD patients and the mice showed elevated serum levels of T3, T4, FT3 and FT4 along with diminished E2, P and TSH levels. In the mice administered with a combination of E2, P, and MMI, decreased TH and increased estrogen and progestogen were detected, which resulted in increased body weight, normal activities, and BLA neuron cell structure. Moreover, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and cAMP-responsive element-binding protein (CREB) were both up-regulated in PPD mice administrated with a combination of E2, P, and MMI, which was accompanied by decreased TH and elevated estrogen and progestogen. Conclusion: Taken together, reduced TH combined with enhanced estrogen and progestogen confers neuroprotection in PPD, highlighting a potential target in prevention and treatment of PPD.

scholarly journals Elevation of serum cystathionine levels in patients with cobalamin and folate deficiency

Blood ◽  
1993 ◽  
Vol 81 (12) ◽  
pp. 3404-3413 ◽  
Author(s):  
SP Stabler ◽  
J Lindenbaum ◽  
DG Savage ◽  
RH Allen
Keyword(s):  
Blood Donors ◽  
Pyridoxal Phosphate ◽  
Elevated Serum ◽  
Normal Subjects ◽  
Serum Levels ◽  
Folate Deficiency ◽  
Normal Range ◽  
Cystathionine Beta Synthase ◽  
Total Homocysteine ◽  
Chromatographic Mass

Abstract Homocysteine can be methylated to form methionine by the cobalamin- (Cbl) and folate-dependent enzyme, methionine synthase; serum levels of total homocysteine are elevated in greater than 95% of patients with either Cbl or folate deficiency. Homocysteine can also condense with serine to form cystathionine in a pyridoxal phosphate-dependent reaction catalyzed by cystathionine beta-synthase. Cystathionine is subsequently cleaved to cysteine and alpha-ketobutyrate by the pyridoxal phosphate-dependent enzyme gamma-cystathionase. To assess levels of cystathionine in Cbl and folate deficiency, we developed a new capillary gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric assay and measured cystathionine in the serum of normal subjects and patients with clinically confirmed deficiencies of these vitamins. The normal range for serum cystathionine was 65 to 301 nmol/L (median = 126 nmol/L) for 50 normal blood donors. In 30 patients with clinically confirmed Cbl deficiency, values for cystathionine ranged from 208 nmol/L to 2,920 nmol/L (median = 816 nmol/L) and 26 (87%) had levels above the normal range. In 20 patients with clinically confirmed folate deficiency, cystathionine concentrations ranged from 138 nmol/L to 4,150 nmol/L (median = 1,560 nmol/L) and 19 (95%) had values above the normal range. Five homozygotes for cystathionine beta-synthase deficiency had high values for serum-total homocysteine and low or low-normal values for serum cystathionine that ranged from 30 nmol/L to 114 nmol/L even though they were on treatment with pyridoxine and had partially responded. One patient with a defect in the synthesis of 5-CH3- tetrahydrofolate and five patients with defects in the synthesis of CH3- Cbl had high values for serum-total homocysteine and high values for cystathionine that ranged from 311 nmol/L to 1,500 nmol/L even though they were on treatment with folic acid and Cbl, respectively, and had partially responded. We conclude that levels of cystathionine are evaluated in the serum of most patients with Cbl and folate deficiency and that they are useful in the differential diagnosis of an elevated serum-total homocysteine level.

scholarly journals Prognostic Value of Serum Ammonia in Critical Patients with Non-Hepatic Disease : A Prospective, Observational, Multicenter Study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yue Li ◽  
Zhipeng Yao ◽  
Yunlong Li ◽  
Zhenyu Yang ◽  
Ming Li ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Lactic Acid ◽  
Multicenter Study ◽  
Poor Prognosis ◽  
Roc Analysis ◽  
Elevated Serum ◽  
Serum Levels ◽  
Apache Ii ◽  
Apache Ii Score ◽  
Icu Patients

Abstract Background: Non-hepatic hyperammonemia can damage the central nervous system (CNS) and possible prognostic factors are lacking. This study aimed to investigate the prognostic and risk factors for patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU).Methods: This prospective, observational, multicenter study was conducted between November and December 2019 at 11 ICUs in the Chinese Heilongjiang province. Changes in blood ammonia level during and after ICU admission were continuously monitored, expressed as the high-level (H-), mean-level (M-), and initial-level (I-) of ammonia. The risk factors of poor prognosis were investigated by conducting univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis was conducted to compare predictive ability of APACHE-II score, lactic acid, TBil, M-ammonia.Results: A total of 1060 patients were included in this study, of which 707 (67%) had a favorable prognosis and 353 (33%) had a poor prognosis. As shown by univariate models, a poor prognosis was associated with elevated serum levels of lactic acid, TBil, and ammonia (P<0.05), and pathologic scores from three assessments: APACHE-II, GCS, and SOFA. Multivariate analysis revealed that circulating mean ammonia levels in ICU patients were independently associated with a poor prognosis (OR=1.73, 95% CI: 1.07-2.80, P=0.02). However, the APACHE-II score (AUC: 0.714, sensitivity: 0.86, specificity: 0.68, P <0.001) remained the most predictive factor for patient prognosis by ROC analysis.Conclusions: Elevated serum levels of ammonia in the blood were independently prognostic for ICU patients without liver disease.Trial registration: ChiCTR1900026632. Registered 16 October 2014.

scholarly journals Tinospora crispaAmeliorates Insulin Resistance Induced by High Fat Diet in Wistar Rats

2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohd Nazri Abu ◽  
Suhana Samat ◽  
Norathirah Kamarapani ◽  
Fuzina Nor Hussein ◽  
Wan Iryani Wan Ismail ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Insulin Resistance ◽  
High Fat Diet ◽  
Wistar Rats ◽  
Serum Levels ◽  
The Body ◽  
High Fat ◽  
Normal Range ◽  
C Peptide ◽  
Male Wistar Rats ◽  
Histological Results

The antidiabetic properties ofTinospora crispa, a local herb that has been used in traditional Malay medicine and rich in antioxidant, were explored based on obesity-linked insulin resistance condition. Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups, namely, the normal control (NC) which received standard rodent diet, the high fat diet (HFD) which received high fat diet only, the high fat diet treated withT. crispa(HFDTC), and the high fat diet treated with orlistat (HFDO). After sixteen weeks of treatment, blood and organs were harvested for analyses. Results showed thatT. crispasignificantly (p< 0.05) reduced the body weight (41.14 ± 1.40%), adiposity index serum levels (4.910 ± 0.80%), aspartate aminotransferase (AST: 161 ± 4.71 U/L), alanine aminotransferase (ALT: 100.95 ± 3.10 U/L), total cholesterol (TC: 18.55 ± 0.26 mmol/L), triglycerides (TG: 3.70 ± 0.11 mmol/L), blood glucose (8.50 ± 0.30 mmo/L), resistin (0.74 ± 0.20 ng/mL), and leptin (17.428 ± 1.50 ng/mL) hormones in HFDTC group. The insulin (1.65 ± 0.07 pg/mL) and C-peptide (136.48 pmol/L) hormones were slightly decreased but within normal range. The histological results showed unharmed and intact liver tissues in HFDTC group. As a conclusion,T. crispaameliorates insulin resistance-associated with obesity in Wistar rats fed with high fat diet.

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

Cephalalgia ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 37 (6) ◽  
pp. 571-580 ◽  
Author(s):  
Szilvia Erdélyi-Bótor ◽  
Hedvig Komáromy ◽  
David Olayinka Kamson ◽  
Norbert Kovács ◽  
Gábor Perlaki ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
White Matter ◽  
High Performance ◽  
Elevated Serum ◽  
White Matter Lesions ◽  
Serum Levels ◽  
Binary Logistic Regression Analysis ◽  
Serum Concentrations ◽  
Inversion Recovery Imaging ◽  
Brain White Matter

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 = 0.017 and 0.001, respectively). Binary logistic regression analysis showed that ADMA level ( p = 0.006), increasing age ( p = 0.017) and the total number of lifetime migraine attacks ( p = 0.026) were associated with an increased likelihood of exhibiting WMLs. There was no significant effect of age on ADMA and SDMA concentrations in controls. Conclusions Elevated ADMA levels may impact the pathogenesis of migraine-related WMLs by influencing cerebrovascular autoregulation and vasomotor reactivity. Higher SDMA concentrations may indirectly influence NO synthesis by reducing substrate availability. Elevated L-arginine serum levels might reflect an increased demand for NO synthesis.

Serum Retinol and β-carotene Levels and Risk Factors for Cardiovascular Disease in Morbid Obesity

2010 ◽  
Vol 80 (3) ◽  
pp. 159-167 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gabriela Villaça Chaves ◽  
Gisele Gonçalves de Souza ◽  
Andréa Cardoso de Matos ◽  
Dra. Wilza Abrantes Peres ◽  
Silvia Elaine Pereira ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Cardiovascular Disease ◽  
Metabolic Syndrome ◽  
Morbid Obesity ◽  
Serum Levels ◽  
World Health ◽  
Morbidly Obese ◽  
Serum Retinol ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Β Carotene

Objective: To evaluate retinol and β-carotene serum levels and their relationship with risk factors for cardiovascular disease in individuals with morbid obesity, resident in Rio de Janeiro. Methodology: Blood serum concentrations of retinol and β-carotene of 189 morbidly obese individuals were assessed. The metabolic syndrome was identified according to the criteria of the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) and World Health Organization (WHO). Lipid profile, insulin resistance, basal insulin, glycemia, blood pressure, and anthropometry and their correlation with retinol and β-carotene serum levels were evaluated. Results: Metabolic syndrome diagnosis was observed in 49.0% of the sample. Within this percentage the levels of β-carotene were significantly lower when body mass index increased. Serum retinol didn't show this behavior. Serum retinol inadequacy in patients with metabolic syndrome (61.3%), according to WHO criterion, was higher (15.8%) than when the whole sample was considered (12.7%). When metabolic syndrome was diagnosed by NCEP criterion, β-carotene inadequacy was higher (42.8%) when compared to the total sample (37.5%). There was a significant difference between average β-carotene values of patients with and without metabolic syndrome (p=0.048) according to the classification of the NCEP. Lower values were found in patients with metabolic syndrome. Conclusion: Considering the vitamin A contribution in antioxidant protection, especially when risk factors for cardiovascular disease are present, it is suggested that great attention be given to morbidly obese. This could aid in prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease, which affects a significant part of the population.

Recovery of thyroid function with a decreased titre of antimicrosomal antibody in a hypothyroid man with Hashimoto's thyroiditis

1983 ◽  
Vol 102 (4) ◽  
pp. 531-534 ◽  
Author(s):  
Makiko Yamamoto ◽  
Kazuro Kaise ◽  
Hirofumi Kitaoka ◽  
Katsumi Yoshida ◽  
Nobuko Kaise ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hashimoto’S Thyroiditis ◽  
Serum Levels ◽  
Hashimoto's Thyroiditis ◽  
Thyroid Peroxidase ◽  
Normal Range ◽  
Surgical Biopsy ◽  
Low Levels ◽  
Serum Thyroid Hormones ◽  
Antimicrosomal Antibody ◽  
Serum Tsh

Abstract. A 36 year old man with a diffuse goitre, signs of mild hypothyroidism, strikingly low levels of T4 (0.9 μg/dl) and T3 (24 ng/dl), elevated TSH (140 μU/ml) and elevated microsomal haemagglutination antibody (MCHA, 1:409 600), subsequently became non-goitrous and euthyroid with a decreased titre of antimicrosomal antibody without any medication. At the time of surgical biopsy, serum levels of T4 and T3 had risen to the normal range (4.6 μg/dl and 73 ng/dl, respectively), serum TSH had decreased to 30 μU/ml and the titre of MCHA to 1:25 600. Thyroid specimens showed Hashimoto's thyroiditis. The activity of thyroid peroxidase (TPO) was normal. The latest examination, 1 year and 3 months after initial evaluation, showed that the patient remained euthyroid with no goitre, that serum thyroid hormones were within the normal range (T4 7.7 μg/dl and T3 97 ng/dl), and that TSH was not detectable. The titre of MCHA decreased strikingly to 1:400.

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