scholarly journals Morphological Changes in Nasal Mucosa in Patients with Sarcoidosis.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pavlos Pavlidis ◽  
Evangelia Fouka ◽  
Georgios Katsilis ◽  
Haralampos Gouveris ◽  
Despoina Papakosta
Keyword(s):  
Nasal Mucosa ◽  
Healthy Subjects ◽  
Morphological Changes ◽  
Surrogate Marker ◽  
Serum Levels ◽  
Pulmonary Sarcoidosis ◽  
Microvascular Network ◽  
Sinonasal Symptoms ◽  
Little’S Area ◽  
Microvascular Pattern

Objectives: The purpose of this study was the evaluation of any alterations in the microvascular network of the nasal mucosa in patients with pulmonary sarcoidosis and the investigation of potential correlations with olfactory acuity and serum levels of angiotensin-converting enzyme (sACE). Design: Patients’ nasal mucosa was examined with contact endoscopy (CE). A novel classification scheme for the microvascular pattern at the anterior septal mucosa (Little’s area) was introduced and implemented. Olfaction was tested using sniffin’sticks. Fifteen healthy subjects served as controls. Participants: 15 patients with pulmonary sarcoidosis and sinonasal symptoms. Main outcome measures: Microvascular pattern at the anterior septal mucosa (Little’s area). Olfaction tested using sniffin’sticks. Setting: Tertiary referral medical centre. Results: The nasal microvascular network was disrupted under CE in most (14/15) patients, while in one patient no microvascular net could be detected. Moreover, hyposmia was documented in four patients and complete anosmia in one patient. In healthy subjects, a very strong correlation between vascular pattern of the mucosa and olfactory test results was found (r=0.93). Conclusions: Contact endoscopy findings show promise and should be further tested, to evaluate their validity as a surrogate marker of mucosal nasal inflammation in sarcoidosis patients with sinonasal symptoms. Vascular patterns of nasal mucosa and olfaction seem to be strong correlated.

Detection and Quantification of 7-Hydroxydehydroepiandrosterone Epimers in Three Body Fluids

2002 ◽  
Vol 67 (1) ◽  
pp. 10-18 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard Hampl ◽  
Martin Hill ◽  
Luboslav Stárka
Keyword(s):  
Healthy Subjects ◽  
Serum Levels ◽  
Body Fluids ◽  
Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry ◽  
Specific Radioimmunoassay ◽  
Order Of Magnitude ◽  
Three Body ◽  
First Time ◽  
Nanomolar Range ◽  
Detection And Quantification

3β,7α-Dihydroxyandrost-5-en-17-one (1) (7α-OH-DHEA) and its 7β-hydroxy epimer 2 (7β-OH-DHEA) - 7α- and 7β-hydroxydehydroepiandrosterone - were detected and quantified in three human body fluids: in blood serum, saliva and ejaculate. Specific radioimmunoassay and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry have been used. For the first time the data on changes of these dehydroepiandrosterone metabolites are reported for a representative group of healthy subjects of both sexes (172 females and 217 males) during the life span. The serum levels of both 7-hydroxydehydroepiandrosterone epimers in serum and also in semen were in the low nanomolar range, while concentrations by one order of magnitude lower were found in saliva, but still within the detection limit. The results will serve as a basis for comparative studies of 7-hydroxydehydroepiandrosterone levels under various pathophysiological conditions, with a particular respect to autoimmune disorders.

scholarly journals Lipocalin 2 serum levels correlate with age and bone turnover biomarkers in healthy subjects but not in postmenopausal osteoporotic women

Bone Reports ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 101059
Author(s):  
Antonio Maurizi ◽  
Marco Ponzetti ◽  
Kaare M. Gautvik ◽  
Sjur Reppe ◽  
Anna Teti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Bone Turnover ◽  
Healthy Subjects ◽  
Serum Levels ◽  
Lipocalin 2 ◽  
Bone Turnover Biomarkers

scholarly journals Role of endocannabinoid CB1 receptors in Streptozotocin-induced uninephrectomised Wistar rats in diabetic nephropathy

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jayarami Reddy Medapati ◽  
Deepthi Rapaka ◽  
Veera Raghavulu Bitra ◽  
Santhosh Kumar Ranajit ◽  
Girija Sankar Guntuku ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Diabetic Nephropathy ◽  
Transforming Growth Factor Beta ◽  
Transforming Growth Factor ◽  
Morphological Changes ◽  
Serum Levels ◽  
Cb1 Receptors ◽  
Protective Effects ◽  
Renal Hypertrophy ◽  
Necrosis Factor Alpha

Abstract Background The endocannabinoid CB1 receptor is known to have protective effects in kidney disease. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the potential agonistic and antagonistic actions and to determine the renoprotective potential of CB1 receptors in diabetic nephropathy. The present work investigates the possible role of CB1 receptors in the pathogenesis of diabetes-induced nephropathy. Streptozotocin (STZ) (55 mg/kg, i.p., once) is administered to uninephrectomised rats for induction of experimental diabetes mellitus. The CB1 agonist (oleamide) and CB1 antagonist (AM6545) treatment were initiated in diabetic rats after 1 week of STZ administration and were given for 24 weeks. Results The progress in diabetic nephropathy is estimated biochemically by measuring serum creatinine (1.28±0.03) (p < 0.005), blood urea nitrogen (67.6± 2.10) (p < 0.001), urinary microprotein (74.62± 3.47) (p < 0.005) and urinary albuminuria (28.31±1.17) (p < 0.0001). Renal inflammation was assessed by estimating serum levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha (75.69±1.51) (p < 0.001) and transforming growth factor beta (8.73±0.31) (p < 0.001). Renal morphological changes were assessed by estimating renal hypertrophy (7.38± 0.26) (p < 0.005) and renal collagen content (10.42± 0.48) (p < 0.001). Conclusions From the above findings, it can be said that diabetes-induced nephropathy may be associated with overexpression of CB1 receptors and blockade of CB1 receptors might be beneficial in ameliorating the diabetes-induced nephropathy. Graphical abstract

scholarly journals The Effect of Bilateral Nephrectomy on Renalase and Catecholamines in Hemodialysis Patients

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (12) ◽  
pp. 6282
Author(s):  
Magda Wiśniewska ◽  
Natalia Serwin ◽  
Violetta Dziedziejko ◽  
Małgorzata Marchelek-Myśliwiec ◽  
Barbara Dołęgowska ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Healthy Subjects ◽  
Plasma Concentrations ◽  
Serum Levels ◽  
Hemodialysis Patients ◽  
Pressure Regulation ◽  
Serum Concentrations ◽  
Monoamine Oxidase Activity ◽  
Normal Kidney ◽  
Bilateral Nephrectomy ◽  
Arterial Blood

Background/Aims: Renalase is an enzyme with monoamine oxidase activity that metabolizes catecholamines; therefore, it has a significant influence on arterial blood pressure regulation and the development of cardiovascular diseases. Renalase is mainly produced in the kidneys. Nephrectomy and hemodialysis (HD) may alter the production and metabolism of renalase. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of bilateral nephrectomy on renalase levels in the serum and erythrocytes of hemodialysis patients. Methods: This study included 27 hemodialysis patients post-bilateral nephrectomy, 46 hemodialysis patients without nephrectomy but with chronic kidney disease and anuria and 30 healthy subjects with normal kidney function. Renalase levels in the serum and erythrocytes were measured using an ELISA kit. Results: Serum concentrations of renalase were significantly higher in post-bilateral nephrectomy patients when compared with those of control subjects (101.1 ± 65.5 vs. 19.6 ± 5.0; p < 0.01). Additionally, renalase concentrations, calculated per gram of hemoglobin, were significantly higher in patients after bilateral nephrectomy in comparison with those of healthy subjects (994.9 ± 345.5 vs. 697.6 ± 273.4, p = 0.015). There were no statistically significant differences in plasma concentrations of noradrenaline or adrenaline. In contrast, the concentration of dopamine was significantly lower in post-nephrectomy patients when compared with those of healthy subjects (116.8 ± 147.7 vs. 440.9 ± 343.2, p < 0.01). Conclusions: Increased serum levels of renalase in post-bilateral nephrectomy hemodialysis patients are likely related to production in extra-renal organs as a result of changes in the cardiovascular system and hypertension.

Retinal vascular geometry detection as a biomarker in diabetes mellitus

2021 ◽  
pp. 112067212110334
Author(s):  
Meng Li ◽  
Gengyuan Wang ◽  
Honghui Xia ◽  
Ziqing Feng ◽  
Peng Xiao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Diabetes Mellitus ◽  
Regression Analysis ◽  
Healthy Subjects ◽  
Morphological Changes ◽  
Vessel Diameter ◽  
Parameter Analysis ◽  
Generative Adversarial Network ◽  
Vascular Geometry ◽  
Fundus Photographs ◽  
Retinal Vascular Geometry

Objective: To compare the vessel geometry characteristics of color fundus photographs in normal control and diabetes mellitus (DM) patients and to find potential biomarkers for early diabetic retinopathy (DR) based on a neural network vessel segmentation system and automated vascular geometry parameter analysis software. Methods: A total of 102 consecutive patients with type 2 DM (T2DM) and 132 healthy controls were recruited. All participants underwent general ophthalmic examinations, and retinal fundus photographs were taken with a digital fundus camera without mydriasis. Color fundus photographs were input into a dense-block generative adversarial network (D-GAN)-assisted retinal vascular segmentation system ( http://www.gdcerc.cn:8081/#/login ) to obtain binary images. These images were then analyzed by customized software (ocular microvascular analysis system V2.9.1) for automatic processing of vessel geometry parameters, including the monofractal dimension ( Dbox), multifractal dimension ( D0), vessel area ratio ( R), max vessel diameter ( dmax), average vessel diameter ( dave), arc–chord ratio (A/C), and tortuosity (τn). Geometric differences between the healthy subjects and DM patients were analyzed. Then, regression analysis and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis were performed to evaluate the diagnostic efficiency of the vascular geometry parameters. Results: No significant differences were observed between the baseline characteristics of each group. DM patients had lower Dbox and D0 values (1.330 ± 0.041; 1.347 ± 0.038) than healthy subjects (1.343 ± 0.048, p < 0.05; 1.362 ± 0.042, p < 0.05) and showed increasing values of dmax, dave, A/C, and τn compared with normal controls, although only the differences in dave and τn between the groups were statistically significant. In the regression analysis, dave and τn showed a good correlation with diabetes ( dave, OR 1.765, 95% CI 1.319–2.362, p < 0.001; τn, OR 9.323, 95% CI 1.492–58.262, p < 0.05). Conclusions: We demonstrated the relationship between retinal vascular geometry and the process in DM patients, showing that Dbox, D0, dave, and τn may be indicators of morphological changes in retinal vessels in DM patients and can be early biomarkers of DR.

scholarly journals The holding temperature of blood during a delay to processing can affect serum and plasma protein measurements

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Milton Ashworth ◽  
Benjamin Small ◽  
Lucy Oldfield ◽  
Anthony Evans ◽  
William Greenhalf ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Healthy Subjects ◽  
Room Temperature ◽  
Serum Levels ◽  
Data Interpretation ◽  
Blood Samples ◽  
Specific Manner ◽  
Associated Proteins ◽  
Holding Temperature ◽  
Pai 1 ◽  
Meaningful Data

AbstractAccurate blood-borne biomarkers are sought for diagnosis, prognosis and treatment stratification. Consistent handling of blood is essential for meaningful data interpretation, however, delays during processing are occasionally unavoidable. We investigated the effects of immediately placing blood samples on ice versus room temperature for 1 h (reference protocol), and holding samples on ice versus room temperature during a 3 h delay to processing. Using Luminex multi-plex assays to assess cytokines (n = 29) and diabetes-associated proteins (n = 15) in healthy subjects, we observed that placing blood samples immediately on ice decreased the serum levels of several cytokines, including PAI-1, MIP1-β, IL-9, RANTES and IL-8. During a delay to processing, some analytes, e.g. leptin and insulin, showed little change in serum or plasma values. However, for approximately half of the analytes studied, a delay, regardless of the holding temperature, altered the measured levels compared to the reference protocol. Effects differed between serum and plasma and for some analytes the direction of change in level varied across individuals. The optimal holding temperature for samples during a delay was analyte-specific. In conclusion, deviations from protocol can lead to significant changes in blood analyte levels. Where possible, protocols for blood handling should be pre-determined in an analyte-specific manner.

scholarly journals Trace elements in patients with aortic valve sclerosis

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 ◽  
pp. 175394472098598
Author(s):  
Hataw Al-Taesh ◽  
Abuzer Çelekli ◽  
Murat Sucu ◽  
Seyithan Taysi
Keyword(s):  
Trace Elements ◽  
Aortic Valve ◽  
Inductively Coupled Plasma ◽  
Healthy Subjects ◽  
Serum Zinc ◽  
Serum Levels ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Aortic Valve Sclerosis ◽  
Inductively Coupled ◽  
Significant Difference

Background: Aortic valve sclerosis (AVSc) is defined as the thickening and calcification of aortic valve cusps, in the absence of obstruction of ventricular outflow. AVSc is linked with a clear imbalance in some trace elements. Aims: The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between AVSc and serum levels of iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), selenium (Se), and copper (Cu). Additionally, this research aimed to explore the clinical significance of human serum zinc, selenium, copper, and iron concentrations as a potential new biomarker for AVSc patients and to clarify the pathophysiological role in individuals at risk of developing AVSc. Patients and methods: The study included 40 subjects with AVSc (25% male and 75% female) who were compared with a healthy control group with the same gender ratio. AVSc was based on comprehensive echocardiographic assessments. Blood samples were taken and Zn and Cu concentrations were determined through the use of atomic absorption spectroscopy. Se was measured using an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry device and Fe was measured using a Beckman Coulter instrument. Results: There was a significant difference in the prevalence of diabetes, blood pressure levels, and body mass index between the patients and the healthy subjects ( p < 0.05). The differences between the serum Fe, Se, and Cu levels of the AVSc patients and the healthy subjects ( p > 0.05) were recorded. The serum Zn of AVSc patients when compared was significantly lower compared with that of the control group ( p < 0.01). Conclusion: Patients with AVSc had an imbalance in some of the trace elements in their blood. The patient group’s valves had higher serum Cu levels and lower serum Se, Zn, and Fe concentrations compared with the healthy group’s valves. In the valve patients as compared, AVSc had a high prevalence of obesity, hypertension, and diabetes.

scholarly journals Could KL-6 levels in COVID-19 help to predict lung disease?

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
AN Frix ◽  
L. Schoneveld ◽  
A. Ladang ◽  
M. Henket ◽  
B. Duysinx ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Lung Disease ◽  
Healthy Subjects ◽  
Lung Diseases ◽  
Therapeutic Response ◽  
Healing Process ◽  
Response Prediction ◽  
Serum Levels ◽  
Interstitial Lung Diseases ◽  
Type Ii Pneumocytes ◽  
Epithelial Lesions

Abstract Background Coronavirus disease COVID-19 has become a public health emergency of international concern. Together with the quest for an effective treatment, the question of the post-infectious evolution of affected patients in healing process remains uncertain. Krebs von den Lungen 6 (KL-6) is a high molecular weight mucin-like glycoprotein produced by type II pneumocytes and bronchial epithelial cells. Its production is raised during epithelial lesions and cellular regeneration. In COVID-19 infection, KL-6 serum levels could therefore be of interest for diagnosis, prognosis and therapeutic response evaluation. Materials and methods Our study retrospectively compared KL-6 levels between a cohort of 83 COVID-19 infected patients and two other groups: healthy subjects (n = 70) on one hand, and a heterogenous group of patients suffering from interstitial lung diseases (n = 31; composed of 16 IPF, 4 sarcoidosis, 11 others) on the other hand. Demographical, clinical and laboratory indexes were collected. Our study aims to compare KL-6 levels between a COVID-19 population and healthy subjects or patients suffering from interstitial lung diseases (ILDs). Ultimately, we ought to determine whether KL-6 could be a marker of disease severity and bad prognosis. Results Our results showed that serum KL-6 levels in COVID-19 patients were increased compared to healthy subjects, but to a lesser extent than in patients suffering from ILD. Increased levels of KL-6 in COVID-19 patients were associated with a more severe lung disease. Discussion and conclusion Our results suggest that KL-6 could be a good biomarker to assess ILD severity in COVID-19 infection. Concerning the therapeutic response prediction, more studies are necessary.

Chromogranin a Measurement in Metastatic Well-Differentiated Gastroenteropancreatic Neuroendocrine Carcinoma: Screening for False Positives and a Prospective Follow-Up Study

2011 ◽  
Vol 26 (2) ◽  
pp. 94-101 ◽  
Author(s):  
Delphine Vezzosi ◽  
Thomas Walter ◽  
Agnès Laplanche ◽  
Jean Luc Raoul ◽  
Clarisse Dromain ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
False Positive ◽  
Chromogranin A ◽  
Morphological Changes ◽  
Surrogate Marker ◽  
False Positive Result ◽  
Gastroenteropancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors ◽  
Follow Up Study ◽  
Well Differentiated ◽  
Positive Results

Background Multiple causes of false-positive chromogranin A (CgA) measurement have been reported that may affect its impact as a surrogate marker of RECIST progression in well-differentiated gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (WDGEPNET). Aims 1) To evaluate the frequency of false-positive CgA results. 2) To prospectively compare CgA variations with RECIST morphological changes in patients without known causes of false-positive CgA measurements. Methods First, the conditions responsible for potentially false-positive CgA measurements were screened in 184 consecutive patients with metastatic WDGEPNET. Secondly, a variation in CgA at a 6-month interval was compared to RECIST results at 6 months in 46 patients. Results Among 184 patients, elevated CgA was found in 130 cases (71%) including 99 patients with at least one cause of a false-positive result. Impaired kidney function as well as medication with proton pump inhibitors were found to be the 2 major causes of false-positive results. The sensitivity and specificity of CgA measurements compared with morphological tumor changes according to the RECIST criteria were 71% and 50%, respectively, at 6 months. Conclusion Routine screening for the causes of false-positive CgA measurements is mandatory in WDGEPNET patients. Our study does not validate the use of CgA as a surrogate marker of tumor progression.

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