scholarly journals Neurofilament Light Chain Is a Promising Biomarker in Alcohol Dependence

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yanfei Li ◽  
Ranran Duan ◽  
Zhe Gong ◽  
Lijun Jing ◽  
Tian Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
White Matter ◽  
Alcohol Dependence ◽  
Clinical Manifestations ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Psychological State ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Neurofilament Light ◽  
Neuropsychological Dysfunction ◽  
Fazekas Scale ◽  
Potential Biomarkers

Background: Alcohol dependence, a global public health problem, leads to structural and functional damage in the brain. Alcohol dependence patients present complex and varied clinical manifestations and live with general complaints existing in contemporary society, making most people with alcohol dependence hard to identify. Therefore, it is important to find potential biomarkers for the diagnosis and evaluation of alcohol dependence. In the study, we explored potential biomarkers for the diagnosis and monitoring of diseases and evaluated brain structural changes in alcohol dependence patients.Methods: Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELSA) was employed to detect the expression of serum nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain containing 3 (NLRP3) and single-molecule array (Simoa) assay was used to detect the expression of serum neurofilament light (NfL) in 50 alcohol dependence patients and 50 controls with no drinking history. Alcohol consumption was measured by standard drinks. Neuropsychological assessments, including the Montreal cognitive assessment (MoCA), Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD-7), and patient health questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), were conducted to evaluate cognitive function and psychological state. The degree of white matter lesions (WMLs) was rated using the Fazekas scale based on magnetic resonance imaging analysis. White matter structure was quantified using the voxel-based morphometry method. The correlations between NLRP3 levels, NfL levels, neuropsychological dysfunction, the degree of WMLs, and white matter volume (WMV) were analyzed in alcohol dependence patients.Results: Serum NLRP3 and NfL levels were higher in the alcohol dependence group. NLRP3 levels were irrelevant to monthly alcohol assumption as well as to the MoCA, PSQI, GAD-7, PHQ-9, and Fazekas scale scores and WMV. NfL levels were positively correlated with the PSQI and PHQ-9 scores as well as the degree of WMLs and negatively correlated with the MoCA scores and WMV. No associations were evident between NfL and monthly alcohol assumption and GAD-7 scores in the alcohol dependence group.Conclusion: This study supports the potential value of serum NfL as a non-invasive biomarker in alcohol dependence. The association with neuropsychological dysfunction and degree of WMLs has implications to use NfL as a promising biomarker to assess the severity of brain damage as well as the progression and prognosis of alcohol dependence.

Possible role of Unani Pharmacology in COVID-19 – a narrative review

2020 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Md Anzar Alam ◽  
Mohd Abdul Gani ◽  
G. Shama ◽  
Ghulamuddin Sofi ◽  
Mohd Aleemuddin Quamri
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Manifestations ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
World Health ◽  
Santalum Album ◽  
Boswellia Serrata ◽  
Unani Medicine ◽  
Significant Public Health Problem ◽  
Significant Public Health ◽  
Novel Coronavirus ◽  
Health Organization

AbstractAccording to the World Health Organization (WHO), viral diseases continue to rise, and pose a significant public health problem. Novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by SARS-CoV-2. The pathogenesis and clinical manifestations of COVID-19 is close to Amraz-e-Wabai (epidemic diseases) which was described by Hippocrates, Galen, Aristotle, Razes, Haly Abbas, Avicenna, Jurjani etc. Presently, there is no specific or challenging treatment available for COVID-19. Renowned Unani Scholars recommended during epidemic situation to stay at home, and fumigate the shelters with aromatics herbs like Ood kham (Aquilaria agallocha Roxb.), Kundur (Boswellia serrata Roxb), Kafoor (Cinnamomum camphora L.), Sandal (Santalum album L), Hing (Ferula foetida L.) etc. Use of specific Unani formulations are claimed effective for the management of such epidemic or pandemic situation like antidotes (Tiryaqe Wabai, Tiryaqe Arba, Tiryaqe Azam, Gile Armani), Herbal Decoction (Joshandah), along with Sharbate Khaksi, Habbe Bukhar, Sharbate Zanjabeel, Khamira Marwareed, Jawarish Jalinus, and Sirka (vinegar). Such drugs are claimed for use as antioxidant, immunomodulatory, cardiotonic, and general tonic actions. The study enumerates the literature regarding management of epidemics in Unani medicine and attempts to look the same in the perspective of COVID-19 prevention and management.

CSF chitinase 3-like 1 is associated with iron rims in patients with a first demyelinating event

2021 ◽  
pp. 135245852110100
Author(s):  
Manuel Comabella ◽  
Margareta A Clarke ◽  
Sabine Schaedelin ◽  
Mar Tintoré ◽  
Deborah Pareto ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Single Molecule ◽  
Multivariable Analysis ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Lesion Volume ◽  
Univariable Analysis ◽  
Neurofilament Light Chain ◽  
Neurofilament Light ◽  
Multivariable Analyses ◽  
Prognostic Implications ◽  
The Relationship

Background: Chronic active lesions with iron rims have prognostic implications in patients with multiple sclerosis. Objective: To assess the relationship between iron rims and levels of chitinase 3-like 1 (CHI3L1), neurofilament light chain (NfL) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) in patients with a first demyelinating event. Methods: Iron rims were identified using 3T susceptibility-weighted imaging. Serum NfL and GFAP levels were measured by single-molecule array assays. CSF (cerebrospinal fluid) CHI3L1 levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: Sixty-one patients were included in the study. The presence of iron rims was associated with higher T2 lesion volume and higher number of gadolinium-enhancing lesions. In univariable analysis, having ⩾2 iron rims (vs 0) was associated with increased CSF CHI3L1 levels (β = 1.41; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.10–1.79; p < 0.01) and serum NfL levels (β = 2.30; 95% CI = 1.47–3.60; p < 0.01). In multivariable analysis, however, only CSF CHI3L1 levels remained significantly associated with the presence of iron rim lesions (β = 1.45; 95% CI = 1.11–1.90; p < 0.01). The presence of ⩾2 iron rims was not associated with increased serum GFAP levels in univariable or multivariable analyses. Conclusion: These findings support an important contribution of activated microglia/macrophages to the pathophysiology of chronic active lesions with iron rims in patients with a first demyelinating event.

Plasma checkpoint protein 1 (Chk1) as a potential diagnostic biomarker for opisthorchiasis and cholangiocarcinoma

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-13
Author(s):  
Teva Phanaksri ◽  
Yodying Yingchutrakul ◽  
Sittiruk Roytrakul ◽  
Sattrachai Prasopdee ◽  
Anthicha Kunjantarachot ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Diagnostic Methods ◽  
Protein Network ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Plasma Samples ◽  
Diagnostic Biomarker ◽  
Checkpoint Protein ◽  
Venn Diagrams ◽  
Network Prediction ◽  
Candidate Protein ◽  
Potential Biomarkers

BACKGROUND: Patients infected with a parasite often develop opisthorchiasis viverrini, which often progresses into cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) due to the asymptomatic nature of the infection. Currently, there are no effective diagnostic methods for opisthorchiasis or cholangiocarcinoma. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to identify the host-responsive protein that can be developed as a diagnostic biomarker of opisthorchiasis and cholangiocarcinoma. METHODS: Plasma samples were collected from non-OVCCA, OV, and CCA subjects, and the proteomes were investigated by LC-MS/MS. Venn diagrams and protein network prediction by STITCH were used to identify the potential biomarkers. The level of candidate protein, the plasma checkpoint protein 1 (Chk1), was measured by indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS: Chk1 was present in the center of the protein network analysis in both the OV and CCA groups. In addition, the plasma Chk1 levels were significantly increased in both groups (P< 0.05). The sensitivity of the opisthorchiasis viverrini and cholangiocarcinoma was 59.38% and 65.62%, respectively, while the specificity of both was 85.71%. CONCLUSION: Chk1 was identified by differential plasma proteomes and was increased in O. viverrini-infected and cholangiocarcinoma-derived plasma samples. Higher levels of plasma Chk1 levels may serve as a potential diagnostic biomarker for opisthorchiasis and cholangiocarcinoma.

Prefrontal Cortex Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation Treatment in Alcohol Dependence Syndrome (PreCoTTA): Study Protocol for a Double-Blind Randomized Sham-Controlled Trial

2021 ◽  
Vol 16 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anagha S. Deshmukh ◽  
Samir Kumar Praharaj ◽  
Shweta Rai ◽  
Asha Kamath ◽  
Dinesh Upadhya
Keyword(s):  
Prefrontal Cortex ◽  
Alcohol Dependence ◽  
Direct Current ◽  
Brain Stimulation ◽  
Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Comprehensive Treatment ◽  
Direct Current Stimulation ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Alcohol Dependence Syndrome

Background: Alcohol dependence is a significant public health problem, contributing to the global health burden. Due to its immense socio-economic burden, various psychosocial, psychological, and pharmacological approaches have attempted to alter the behaviour of the patient misusing or abusing alcohol, but their efficacy is modest at best. Therefore, there is a search for newer treatment approaches, including noninvasive brain stimulation in the management of alcohol dependence. We plan to study the efficacy of Prefrontal Cortex Transcranial direct current stimulation Treatment in Alcohol dependence syndrome (PreCoTTA). Methods: Two hundred twenty-five male patients with alcohol dependence syndrome will be randomized into the three study arms (2 active, left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and left orbitofrontal cortex, and 1 sham) to receive a total of 14 tDCS sessions (10 continuous and 4 booster sessions). Data will be collected from them at five different time points on clinical, neuropsychological and biochemical parameters. In addition, 225 healthy age and education matched controls will be administered the neuropsychological test battery at baseline for comparison with the patient group. Discussion: The proposed study aims to explore the use of non-invasive brain stimulation; tDCS as a treatment alternative. We also aim to overcome the methodological gaps of limited sample sizes, fewer tDCS intervention sessions, lack of long term follow ups to measure the sustainability of gains and lack comprehensive measures to track changes in functioning and abstinence after tDCS intervention. The main outcomes include clinical (reduction in cue-induced craving, time to first drink and QFI); neuropsychological (risk-taking, impulsivity, and other neuropsychological domains) and biochemical markers (BDNF, leptin and adiponectin). The findings of the study will have translational value as it may help to improve the clinician’s ability to effectively manage craving in patients with alcohol dependence syndrome. Furthermore, we will have a better understanding of the neuropsychological and biochemical effects of non-invasive brain stimulation techniques which are of interest in the comprehensive treatment of addiction disorders. Trial registration: The study has been registered with the Clinical Trials Registry-India (CTRI/2020/09/027582) on September 03rd 2020.

scholarly journals Pulmonary alterations in cocaine users

2004 ◽  
Vol 122 (1) ◽  
pp. 26-31 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mário Terra Filho ◽  
Chen Chin Yen ◽  
Ubiratan de Paula Santos ◽  
Daniel Romero Muñoz
Keyword(s):  
Interstitial Fibrosis ◽  
Young Patients ◽  
Clinical Manifestations ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Lung Abscess ◽  
Pulmonary Complications ◽  
Major Public Health Problem ◽  
Pulmonary Infarction ◽  
Cocaine Use ◽  
Cocaine Users

CONTEXT: Brazilian researchers have recently recognized a marked increase in the number of people using abusable drugs and the consequences of this habit. It has become a major public health problem in a potentially productive segment of the general population. In the last few years, several medical articles have given special emphasis to pulmonary complications related to cocaine use. This review is based on this information and experience acquired with groups of cocaine users. OBJECTIVE: To present to physicians the pulmonary aspects of cocaine use and warn about the various effects this drug has on the respiratory system, stressing those related to long-term use. DESIGN: Narrative review. METHOD: Pulmonary complications are described. These may include infections (Staphylococcus aureus, pulmonary tuberculosis, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome/aids, etc.), aspiration pneumonia, lung abscess, empyema, septic embolism, non-cardiogenic pulmonary edema, barotrauma, pulmonary granulomatosis, bronchiolitis obliterans and organizing pneumonia, pneumonitis and interstitial fibrosis, pneumonitis hypersensitivity, lung infiltrates and eosinophilia in individuals with bronchial hyperreactivity, diffuse alveolar hemorrhage, vasculitis, pulmonary infarction, pulmonary hypertension and alterations in gas exchange. It is concluded that physicians should give special attention to the various pulmonary and clinical manifestations related to cocaine use, particularly in young patients.

scholarly journals ABD-Derived Protein Blockers of Human IL-17 Receptor A as Non-IgG Alternatives for Modulation of IL-17-Dependent Pro-Inflammatory Axis

2018 ◽  
Vol 19 (10) ◽  
pp. 3089 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marie Hlavničková ◽  
Milan Kuchař ◽  
Radim Osička ◽  
Lucie Vaňková ◽  
Hana Petroková ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Surface ◽  
Clinical Manifestations ◽  
Cell Surface Receptor ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Interleukin 17 ◽  
Normal Human Skin ◽  
High Affinity ◽  
Th 17 ◽  
Surface Receptor

Interleukin 17 (IL-17) and its cognate receptor A (IL-17RA) play a crucial role in Th17 cells-mediated pro-inflammatory pathway and pathogenesis of several autoimmune disorders including psoriasis. IL-17 is mainly produced by activated Th-17 helper cells upon stimulation by IL-23 and, via binding to its receptors, mediates IL-17-driven cell signaling in keratinocytes. Hyper-proliferation of keratinocytes belongs to major clinical manifestations in psoriasis. To modulate IL-17-mediated inflammatory cascade, we generated a unique collection of IL-17RA-targeting protein binders that prevent from binding of human IL-17A cytokine to its cell-surface receptor. To this goal, we used a highly complex combinatorial library derived from scaffold of albumin-binding domain (ABD) of streptococcal protein G, and ribosome display selection, to yield a collection of ABD-derived high-affinity ligands of human IL-17RA, called ARS binders. From 67 analyzed ABD variants, 7 different sequence families were identified. Representatives of these groups competed with human IL-17A for binding to recombinant IL-17RA receptor as well as to IL-17RA-Immunoglobulin G chimera, as tested in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Five ARS variants bound to IL-17RA-expressing THP-1 cells and blocked binding of human IL-17 cytokine to the cell surface, as tested by flow cytometry. Three variants exhibited high-affinity binding with a nanomolar Kd value to human keratinocyte HaCaT cells, as measured using Ligand Tracer Green Line. Upon IL-17-stimulated activation, ARS variants inhibited secretion of Gro-α (CXCL1) by normal human skin fibroblasts in vitro. Thus, we identified a novel class of inhibitory ligands that might serve as immunosuppressive IL-17RA-targeted non-IgG protein antagonists.

scholarly journals Proteomics Investigations of Potential Protein Biomarkers in Sera of Rabbits Infected With Schistosoma japonicum

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nian-Nian Bi ◽  
Song Zhao ◽  
Jian-Feng Zhang ◽  
Ying Cheng ◽  
Chen-Yang Zuo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Early Diagnosis ◽  
Schistosoma Japonicum ◽  
Serum Proteins ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Temporal Analysis ◽  
Host Protein ◽  
Label Free ◽  
Protein Biomarkers ◽  
Depth Analysis ◽  
Potential Biomarkers

Schistosomiasis is a chronic parasitic disease that continues to be a pressing public health problem in many developing countries. The primary pathological damage from the disease is granuloma and fibrosis caused by egg aggregation, and early treatment can effectively prevent the occurrence of liver fibrosis. Therefore, it is very important to identify biomarkers that can be used for early diagnosis of Schistosoma japonicum infection. In this study, a label-free proteomics method was performed to observe the alteration of proteins before infection, 1 and 6 weeks after infection, and 5 and 7 weeks after treatment. A total of 10 proteins derived from S. japonicum and 242 host-derived proteins were identified and quantified as significantly changed. Temporal analysis was carried out to further analyze potential biomarkers with coherent changes during infection and treatment. The results revealed biological process changes in serum proteins compared to infection and treatment groups, which implicated receptor-mediated endocytosis, inflammatory response, and acute-phase response such as mannan-binding lectin serine peptidase 1, immunoglobulin, and collagen. These findings offer guidance for the in-depth analysis of potential biomarkers of schistosomiasis, host protein, and early diagnosis of S. japonicum and its pathogenesis. Data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD029635.

scholarly journals Serological monitoring of cattle mycoplasmosis

2020 ◽  
Vol 49 (6) ◽  
pp. 88-95
Author(s):  
M. A. Leonova ◽  
I. S. Onishchenko ◽  
N. Yu. Balybina ◽  
I. N. Pen’kova
Keyword(s):  
Enzyme Immunoassay ◽  
Carrier Phase ◽  
Active Form ◽  
Clinical Manifestations ◽  
Growth Dynamics ◽  
The Body ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Novosibirsk Region ◽  
Intensive Use ◽  
Chronic Course

The results of studying the immune response with persistence of the microorganism of the genus Mycoplasma in the body of cows are presented. The study (2019) was conducted in dairy farms in five districts of Novosibirsk region. Identification of individual specific antibodies of class G to microorganisms of the genus Mycoplasma was carried out in 186 samples of blood serum of cattle. The study was carried out by enzyme immunoassay with the MycoplasmaIgG antibodies ELISA VET kit. In the majority of the studied farms, a prolonged persistence of the microorganism of the genus Mycoplasma was noted. It was found that mycoplasma, having weak immunogenicity, mainly causes a chronic course of the disease. In an enzyme-linked immunoassay, this phenomenon was recorded in dubious reactions in 60.8% of animals. In some farms during the study, a period of reactivation of the disease was noted, which appeared in the transition of the disease from the carrier phase to the active form with clinical manifestations. In the enzyme immunoassay, 7.5% of the animals reacted positively. It was noted that in farms with positively reacting animals, the probability of isolation and spread of the pathogen from sick animals is high. No reaction to the presence of class G antibodies to microorganisms of the genus Mycoplasma was detected in 31.7% of the animals studied. In most farms, the growth dynamics of animals with dubious response was noted to depend on their physiological period. The connection of the duration of cow lactation with the dubious antibody response in an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was established. The possibility of connecting this phenomenon with highly intensive use of productive animals, which leads to an increase in stress levels and a decrease in homeostasis and immunity, is shown.

scholarly journals Microbial pathogens in urogenital infection in pregnant women

2019 ◽  
pp. 13-20
Author(s):  
A. V. Karaulov ◽  
M. S. Afanasiev ◽  
Yu. V. Nesvizhsky ◽  
S. S. Afanasiev ◽  
E. A. Voropaeva ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Preterm Birth ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Pregnancy Termination ◽  
Clinical Manifestations ◽  
Microbial Pathogens ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Cervical Canal ◽  
Type I ◽  
Urogenital Infection ◽  
In Pregnancy

Introduction. Chronic and latent infections are often activated during pregnancy.Aim - to asses the pathogenetic role of microbial pathogens in urogenital tract infection (UTI) in pregnant women.Materials and methods. 89 pregnant women underwent general clinical examination, examination of smears from urethra, vagina, cervical canal; bacteriological analysis of vaginal contents; enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, polymerase chain reaction and determination of specific antibodies for verification of herpes simplex virus (HSV) type I and II, cytomegalovirus (CMV), Epstein-Barr (EBV) and UTI pathogens in pregnant women in blood and mucosal scrapes.Results. Prevalence of Herpesviridae was revealed (90-100% -EBV, HSV type I and II, CMV); in 41% of cases - bacterial pathogens, in 57% of cases - Mycoplasma, Ureaplasma.Discussion. In preterm birth and pregnancy termination mycoplasma and ureaplasma were more often revealed, and in pregnancy termination - association of HSV type I and II in comparison with urgent birth; in the last equally often - HSV type I and association of HSV type I and II; in urgent birth (infection) more often - HSV type I, than association of HSV type I and II; in preterm birth more often - HSV type I, than the association of HSV types I and II, and less often than combination of HSV type I and association of HSV types I and II in pregnancy termination; in the last, the association of HSV types I and II is more common than HSV type I. Increase of TLRs genes expression levels depends on HSV type I less than from association of HSV types I and II, less than from combination of HSV type I and association of HSV types I and II (it determines the clinical manifestations of genital herpes).Conclusion. Microbial pathogens determine the character of pregnancy course, and HSV types I and II- are the triggers of the infectious process, prognosing its course.

scholarly journals Using protein microarray reveals clinical correlation between self-perception of patient and the apoptosis-related proteins in rheumatoid arthritis

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jian-ting Wen ◽  
Jian Liu ◽  
Hui Jiang ◽  
Lei Wan ◽  
Ling Xin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rheumatoid Arthritis ◽  
Mononuclear Cells ◽  
Expression Profiles ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Healthy Controls ◽  
Self Perception ◽  
Roc Curve Analysis ◽  
Peripheral Blood Mononuclear ◽  
Related Proteins ◽  
Potential Biomarkers

Abstract Background: The most severe effects of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are loss of physical function, which may have a significant impact on self-perception of patient (SPP). However, the inherent relationship between SPP and the key proteins is not clear. The aim of this study was to get an insight into SPP of RA in connection with the the apoptosis-related proteins. Methods: We set out to investigate changes of the apoptosis-related proteins expression in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of RA. Additionally, we aimed to correlate the apoptosis-related proteins expression profiles with SPP and clinical indexes. To this end, we employed antibody microarrays of the the apoptosis-related proteins in PBMCs from four RA patients and seven healthy controls. We used bioinformatics to screen several the apoptosis-related proteins. To validate key protein candidates, we performed Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) on 30 RA patients and 30 healthy controls. Results: We found the expression of ten the apoptosis-related proteins (caspase3, CD40, SMAC, HSP27, HTRA, IGFBP-1, IGFBP-6, sTNF-R1, sTNF-R2, TRAILR-3) were significantly altered in PBMCs of RA patients. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis suggested that these ten the apoptosis-related proteins are potential biomarkers of RA. Spearman Correlation analysis and Logistic-regression analysis revealed that the 10 selected the apoptosis-related proteins correlated with SPP and clinical indexes. Conclusion: Therefore, we highlight some the apoptosis-related proteins may serve as potential biomarkers in prediction of SPP for RA patients, although the underlying mechanisms need to be further explored.

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