Celiac-Related Autoantibodies and IL-17A in Bulgarian Patients with Dermatitis Herpetiformis: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background and objectives: Dermatitis herpetiformis (DH) is a blistering dermatosis, which shares common immunologic features with celiac disease (CD). The aim of the present study was to explore the performance of a panel of CD-related antibodies and IL-17A in Bulgarian patients with DH. Materials and Methods: Serum samples from 26 DH patients at mean age 53 ± 15 years and 20 healthy controls were assessed for anti-tissue transglutaminase (anti-tTG), anti-deamidated gliadin peptides (anti-DGP), anti-actin antibodies (AAA), and IL-17A by enzyme linked immuno-sorbent assay (ELISA), as well as anti-tTG, anti-gliadin (AGA), and anti-Saccharomyces cerevisiae antibodies (ASCA) using immunoblot. Results: The average serum levels of anti-tTG, anti-DGP, AGA, AAA, and the cytokine IL-17A were at significantly higher levels in patients with DH compared to the average levels in healthy persons which stayed below the cut-off value (p < 0.05). Anti-DGP and anti-tTG antibodies showed the highest diagnostic sensitivity and specificity, as well as acceptable positive and negative predictive value. None of the healthy individuals was found positive for the tested antibodies, as well as for ASCA within the DH group. All tests showed good to excellent correlations (r = 0.5 ÷ 0.9, p < 0.01). Conclusions: Although the diagnosis of DH relies on skin biopsy for histology and DIF, serologic testing of a panel of celiac-related antibodies could be employed with advantages in the diagnosing process of DH patients. Furthermore, DH patients who are positive for the investigated serologic parameters could have routine monitoring for gastrointestinal complications typical for the gluten-sensitive enteropathy.

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Serum levels of allopregnanolone, progesterone and testosterone in menstrually-related and postmenopausal migraine: A cross-sectional study

Cephalalgia ◽

10.1177/0333102420937742 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 40 (12) ◽

pp. 1355-1362

Author(s):

Cecilia Rustichelli ◽

Elisa Bellei ◽

Stefania Bergamini ◽

Emanuela Monari ◽

Carlo Baraldi ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Linear Regression Analysis ◽

Serum Levels ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Serum Samples ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Menstrually Related Migraine ◽

Headache Centre ◽

Post Menopause ◽

Novel Strategy ◽

Post Hoc

Background Reduced blood or cerebrospinal fluid levels of allopregnanolone are involved in menstrual cycle-linked CNS disorders, such as catamenial epilepsy. This condition, like menstrually-related migraine, is characterized by severe, treatment-resistant attacks. We explored whether there were differences in allopregnanolone, progesterone and testosterone serum levels between women with menstrually-related migraine (MM, n = 30) or postmenopausal migraine without aura who had suffered from menstrually-related migraine during their fertile age (PM, n = 30) and non-headache control women in fertile age (FAC, n = 30) or post-menopause (PC, n = 30). Methods Participants were women with migraine afferent to a headache centre; controls were female patients’ acquaintances. Serum samples obtained were analyzed by HPLC-ESI-MS/MS. Results In menstrually-related migraine and postmenopausal migraine groups, allopregnanolone levels were lower than in the respective control groups (fertile age and post-menopause) ( p < 0.001, one-way analysis of variance followed by Tukey-Kramer post-hoc comparison test) while progesterone and testosterone levels were similar. By grouping together patients with migraine, allopregnanolone levels were inversely correlated with the number of years and days of migraine/3 months ( p ≤ 0.005, linear regression analysis). Conclusion Decreased GABAergic inhibition, due to low allopregnanolone serum levels, could contribute to menstrually-related migraine and persistence of migraine after menopause. For the management of these disorders, a rise in the GABAergic transmission by increasing inhibitory neurosteroids might represent a novel strategy.

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Association of vitamin D metabolite levels with relapse rate and disability in multiple sclerosis

Multiple Sclerosis Journal ◽

10.1177/1352458508094399 ◽

2008 ◽

Vol 14 (9) ◽

pp. 1220-1224 ◽

Cited By ~ 213

Author(s):

J Smolders ◽

P Menheere ◽

A Kessels ◽

J Damoiseaux ◽

R Hupperts

Keyword(s):

Multiple Sclerosis ◽

Vitamin D ◽

Relapse Rate ◽

Serum Levels ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Vitamin D Supplementation ◽

Biologically Active ◽

Serum Samples ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Edss Score

Background Multiple Sclerosis is associated with low serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D). We investigated the association between serum levels of 25(OH)D and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25(OH)2D), the biologically active metabolite, and clinical MS severity as expressed by EDSS-score and relapse rate. Study-design Cross-sectional study. Patients and Methods Serum samples from 267 MS patients were collected for 25(OH)D and 1,25(OH)2D measurement. Clinical MS parameters at the date of serum sampling were determined. Results: Both metabolite levels were significantly lower in the progressive forms compared to the relapsing remitting (RR)MS phenotype. In RRMS patients (disease course ≤ 5 years), high 25(OH)D levels were associated with a high chance of remaining relapse-free. Low 25(OH)D levels were associated with high EDSS-scores. 1,25(OH)2D was not directly associated with relapse rate or EDSS-score, and was dependent of age and 25(OH)D level. Conclusion Serum levels of 25(OH)D were associated with both relapse rate and disability in MS patients. These results are suggestive for a disease modulating effect of the serum concentrations of 25(OH)D on MS. The low circulating 1,25(OH)2D levels in progressive MS are due to older age and lower 25(OH)D levels. The potential consequences for vitamin D supplementation in MS will be discussed.

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Comparison of IL-6, IL-8 Concentrations in H. pylori- and non-H. pylori-associated Gastritis

The Indonesian Biomedical Journal ◽

10.18585/inabj.v6i3.29 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 6 (3) ◽

pp. 163 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Gontar Alamsyah Siregar ◽

Sahat Salim ◽

Ricky Rivalino Sitepu

Keyword(s):

Helicobacter Pylori ◽

Serum Levels ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Bivariate Analysis ◽

Rapid Urease Test ◽

Serum Samples ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Non Invasive ◽

Urease Test ◽

H Pylori

BACKGROUND: Helicobacter pylori is a non-invasive microorganism causing intense gastric mucosal inflammatory and immune reaction. The gastric mucosal levels of the proinflammatory cytokines Interleukin 6 (IL-6) and IL-8 have been reported to be increased in H. pylori infection, but the serum levels in H. pylori infection is still controversial. The purpose of this study was to investigate the serum levels of IL-6 and IL-8 in H. pylori infection.METHODS: A cross sectional study was done on eighty consecutive gastritis patients admitted to endoscopy units at Adam Malik General Hospital and Permata Bunda Hospital, Medan, Indonesia from May-October 2014. Histopathology was performed for the diagnosis of gastritis. Rapid urease test for diagnosis of H. pylori infection. Serum samples were obtained to determine circulating IL-6 and IL-8. Univariate and bivariate analysis (independent t test) were done.RESULTS: There were 41.25% patients infected with H. pylori. Circulatory IL-6 levels were significantly higher in H. pylori-infected patients compared to H. pylori negative, but there were no differences between serum levels of IL-8 in H. pylori positive and negative patients.CONCLUSION: The immune response to H. pylori promotes systemic inflammation, which was reflected in an increased level of serum IL-6. Serum levels of IL-8 were not significantly different between H. pylori positive and negative.KEYWORDS: Helicobacter pylori, gastritis, IL-6, IL-8, cytokine

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Sexual desire in female-to-male transsexual persons: exploration of the role of testosterone administration

Acta Endocrinologica ◽

10.1530/eje-11-0250 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 165 (2) ◽

pp. 331-337 ◽

Cited By ~ 39

Author(s):

Katrien Wierckx ◽

Els Elaut ◽

Eva Van Caenegem ◽

Fleur Van De Peer ◽

David Dedecker ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Sexual Desire ◽

Serum Levels ◽

Hormone Treatment ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Sex Hormone Binding Globulin ◽

Independent Effect ◽

Sex Reassignment Surgery ◽

Serum Samples ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Post Hoc

ObjectiveTo describe sexual desire in female-to-male transsexual persons post sex reassignment surgery (SRS). The associations between serum androgen levels and sexual desire are examined.DesignSingle center cross-sectional study.MethodsForty-five female-to-male transsexual persons post SRS completed a standardized questionnaire assessing sexual desire (Sexual Desire Inventory). In addition, participants were asked questions on sexual desire before starting hormone treatment and having SRS. Serum levels of testosterone, LH and sex hormone-binding globulin were measured on fasting morning serum samples.ResultsIn retrospect, 73.9% of the participants reported an increase in sexual desire after hormone treatment and SRS. Solitary sexual desire scores were significantly correlated with frequency of masturbation (r=0.835;P<0.001), whereas frequency of sexual intercourse with a partner was not. No direct associations were found between testosterone and solitary or dyadic sexual desire. However, ANOVA showed an independent effect of LH on solitary sexual desire (P<0.001).Post hocanalysis revealed that female-to-male transsexual persons with elevated levels of LH, indicating suboptimal testosterone therapy, reported significantly lower solitary sexual desire levels (than those with low LH levels;P=0.007). Suppressed LH levels were also associated with having a higher need for sexual activities (P=0.009) and a higher frequency of excessive sexual desire (P=0.007).ConclusionMost female-to-male transsexual persons report on a marked increase in sexual desire after testosterone treatment and SRS. No direct associations between levels of testosterone and solitary or dyadic sexual desire were found. However, measures of sexual desire were inversely associated with LH levels.

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Short stature as a significant marker in celiac disease

International Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics ◽

10.18203/2349-3291.ijcp20193153 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 6 (5) ◽

pp. 1855

Author(s):

Jasraj Bohra ◽

Virendra K. Gupta ◽

Ashok Gupta

Keyword(s):

Celiac Disease ◽

Short Stature ◽

Tissue Transglutaminase ◽

Gastrointestinal Symptoms ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Anthropometric Measurement ◽

Clinical Feature ◽

Serum Samples ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

The Difference

Background: Celiac disease (CD) is a genetically determined gluten-sensitive enteropathy resulting in nutrient malabsorption, can have extra gastrointestinal tract (GIT) presentations, short stature may be the only presenting clinical feature, even in the absence of gastrointestinal symptoms. The aim and objective of this study was toMethods: This cross-sectional study was performed on 1000 children between ages 5 to 10 year of different schools, in Jaipur, district of Rajasthan. An anthropometric measurement (height, weight) was done for all children. Serum samples were analyze for IgA antibodies to human tissue transglutaminase (tTG) with lower detection limit of 1.0 U/ml and 15 U/ml. Positive samples for tTG antibodies were reanalyzed human endomysial autoantigens (EmA).Results: Out 1000 children screened, six were seropositive, of those four were females and two were males. The serological proportion of CD in this population was 1:166. These Six seropositive group tends to have lower height, weight than the seronegative group, but the difference was only significant for height (P=<0.01).Conclusions: Although gastrointestinal manifestations are important presentation of celiac disease, nevertheless short stature alone or in combination with other symptoms of celiac disease has been present.

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Association of the Serum Levels of the Nucleocapsid Antigen of SARS-CoV-2 With the Diagnosis, Disease Severity, and Antibody Titers in Patients With COVID-19: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study

Frontiers in Microbiology ◽

10.3389/fmicb.2021.791489 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 ◽

Author(s):

Rin Yokoyama ◽

Makoto Kurano ◽

Yuki Nakano ◽

Yoshifumi Morita ◽

Hiroko Ohmiya ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Clinical Significance ◽

Serum Levels ◽

Significant Negative Correlation ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Characteristic Analysis ◽

Serum Samples ◽

Igg Antibody ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Mild Disease ◽

Antibody Titers

Background: Several types of laboratory tests for COVID-19 have been established to date; however, the clinical significance of the serum SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid (N) antigen levels remains to be fully elucidated. In the present study, we attempted to elucidate the usefulness and clinical significance of the serum N antigen levels.Methods: We measured the serum N antigen levels in 391 serum samples collected from symptomatic patients with a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 and 96 serum samples collected from patients with non-COVID-19, using a fully automated chemiluminescence immunoassay analyzer.Results: Receiver operating characteristic analysis identified the optimal cutoff value of the serum N antigen level (cutoff index, based on Youden’s index) as 0.255, which yielded a sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of COVID-19 of 91.0 and 81.3%, respectively. The serum N antigen levels were significantly higher in the patient groups with moderate and severe COVID-19 than with mild disease. Moreover, a significant negative correlation was observed between the serum N antigen levels and the SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody titers, especially in patients with severe COVID-19.Conclusion: Serum N antigen testing might be useful both for the diagnosis of COVID-19 and for obtaining a better understanding of the clinical features of the disease.

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Serum VEGF Levels in Helicobacter pylori Infection and Correlation with Helicobacter pylori cagA and vacA Genes

Open Access Macedonian Journal of Medical Sciences ◽

10.3889/oamjms.2017.031 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 5 (2) ◽

pp. 137-141

Author(s):

Gontar Siregar ◽

Dina Sari ◽

Taufik Sungkar

Keyword(s):

Helicobacter Pylori ◽

Serum Levels ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Rapid Urease Test ◽

Serum Samples ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Urease Test ◽

H Pylori ◽

Endothelial Growth Factor ◽

Vegf Level

BACKGROUND: Helicobacter pylori vacA and cagA genes are associated with higher virulence. Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) is one important marker for neo-angiogenesis.AIM: The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between VEGF serum levels with cagA and vacA genes in H. pylori infection.METHODS: A cross-sectional study was done on eighty patients that consecutive admitted to endoscopy unit. The diagnosis of H. pylori infection was based on rapid urease test. Serum samples were obtained to determine circulating VEGF level. Polymerase chain reaction was done to examine H. pylori vacA and cagA genes. Data analysis were carried-out using SPSS version 22. RESULTS: A total of 80 patients were examined. There were 45 (56.3%) patients infected with Helicobacter pylori. There were 33 (73.3%) patients with H. pylori cagA positive. Serum VEGF levels in patients with the H. pylori positive were significantly higher compared to the patients that have no H. pylori. Serum levels of VEGF were significantly higher in cagA positive than negative.CONCLUSION: Serum VEGF level is correlated with H. pylori infection and its virulence status. The more virulence of H. pylori, cagA gene, the higher serum VEGF levels were found.

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Serum IL-10, MMP-7, MMP-9 Levels in Helicobacter pylori Infection and Correlation with Degree of Gastritis

Open Access Macedonian Journal of Medical Sciences ◽

10.3889/oamjms.2016.099 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 4 (3) ◽

pp. 359-363 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Gontar Siregar ◽

Sahat Halim ◽

Ricky Sitepu

Keyword(s):

Helicobacter Pylori ◽

Serum Levels ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Mucosal Inflammation ◽

Bivariate Analysis ◽

Rapid Urease Test ◽

Serum Samples ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Urease Test ◽

H Pylori

AIM: Helicobacter pylori causes gastric mucosal inflammation and immune reaction. However, the increase of IL-10, MMP-7, and MMP-7 levels in the serum is still controversial. The objective of this study was to investigate the serum levels of IL-10, MMP-7 & MMP-9 in gastritis patients with H. pylori infection.MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was done on seventy gastritis patients that consecutive admitted to endoscopy units. The diagnosis of gastritis was made based on histopathology and diagnosis of H. pylori infection was based on rapid urease test. Serum samples were obtained to determine to circulate IL-10, MMP-7, and MMP-9 level. Univariate and bivariate analysis were done by SPSS version 22.RESULTS: Forthy percentages of the patients were infected with H. pylori. The IL-10 level was significantly higher in H. pylori-infected patients compared to non-infected patients. However, there were no differences between serum levels of MMP-7 and MMP-9 in infected and non-infected H. pylori patients.CONCLUSIONS: The immune response to H. pylori promotes systemic inflammation, which was reflected by the increased levels of serum IL-10. However, there were no significant differences in MMP-7 and MMP-9 serum levels between positive and negative infected H. pylori patients.

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Role of human epididymis protein 4 for detection of ovarian carcinoma in adnexal masses: A pilot study

10.1055/s-0039-1685305 ◽

2016 ◽

Author(s):

Nidhi Bansal ◽

A. Suneja ◽

K. Guleria ◽

N. B. Vaid ◽

K. Mishra ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Diagnostic Accuracy ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Ca 125 ◽

Serum Samples ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Adnexal Masses ◽

Good Discriminator ◽

Risk Of Malignancy ◽

Risk Of Malignancy Index ◽

Benign Tumours

Introduction: HE4 is a novel tumour biomarker used for early diagnosis of ovarian cancer. This study evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of HE4 alone and in combination with CA125, risk of malignancy index (RMI), risk of malignancy algorithm (ROMA). Methods: It was a cross sectional study conducted recruiting 88 women with adnexal masses who were planned for surgery. After baseline work up and ultrasound examination, serum samples were collected for estimation of CA 125 and HE4 levels. Serum HE4 levels were estimated using ELISA kit. RMI and ROMA score were calculated and diagnostic accuracy of HE4, CA 125, RMI, ROMA and their combination were compared. Cut off for HE4 and ROMA score were calculated using ROC curve. Results: Of 88 subjects, 66 were analyzed with 19 malignant (including 5 LMP) and 47 benign cases. The median value of HE4 among malignant cases was found to be significantly higher than among the benign cases. PPV and NPV of HE4 at a cut off 130.8 pMol/ml was 85.7% and 77.9% respectively. Highest PPV (88.9%) with acceptable NPV (80.7%) was found with ROMA followed by HE4 (PPV 85.7%; NPV 77.97%), RMI (PPV 76.92%; NPV 83%) and CA125 (PPV 52%; NPV 80.85%). Conclusion: HE4 levels were lower in Indian population both in malignant and benign tumours as compared to other studies. HE4 is a good discriminator and gives best accuracy when it is combined with CA125 in a logistic algorithm, ROMA.

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Dogs as Sentinels for Flavivirus Exposure in Urban, Peri-Urban and Rural Hanoi, Vietnam

Viruses ◽

10.3390/v13030507 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (3) ◽

pp. 507

Author(s):

Long Pham-Thanh ◽

Thang Nguyen-Tien ◽

Ulf Magnusson ◽

Vuong Bui-Nghia ◽

Anh Bui-Ngoc ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Mosquito Control ◽

Risk Mitigation ◽

Significant Risk ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Cross Reactivity ◽

Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽

Serum Samples ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Major Health ◽

Household Level

Diseases caused by flaviviruses, including dengue fever and Japanese encephalitis, are major health problems in Vietnam. This cross-sectional study explored the feasibility of domestic dogs as sentinels to better understand risks of mosquito-borne diseases in Hanoi city. A total of 475 dogs serum samples from 221 households in six districts of Hanoi were analyzed by a competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (cELISA) for antibodies to the pr-E protein of West Nile virus and other flaviviruses due to cross-reactivity. The overall flavivirus seroprevalence in the dog population was 70.7% (95% CI = 66.4–74.8%). At the animal level, significant associations between seropositive dogs and district location, age, breed and keeping practice were determined. At the household level, the major risk factors were rural and peri-urban locations, presence of pigs, coil burning and households without mosquito-borne disease experience (p < 0.05). Mosquito control by using larvicides or electric traps could lower seropositivity, but other measures did not contribute to significant risk mitigation of flavivirus exposure in dogs. These results will support better control of mosquito-borne diseases in Hanoi, and they indicate that dogs can be used as sentinels for flavivirus exposure.

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