An ancestral genomic sequence that serves as a nucleation site for de novo gene birth

A short non-coding sequence present between the gamma-glutamyltransferase 1 (GGT1) and gamma-glutamyltransferase 5 (GGT5) genes, termed a spacer sequence has been detected in the genomes of Mus musculus, the house mouse and in Philippine tarsier, a primitive ancestral primate. It is highly conserved during primate evolution with certain sequences being totally invariant from mouse to humans. Evidence is presented to show this intergenic sequence serves as a nucleation site for the initiation of diverse genes. We also outline the birth of the human lincRNA gene BCRP3 (BCR activator of RhoGEF and GTPase 3 pseudogene) during primate evolution. The gene developmental process involves sequence initiation, addition of a complex of tandem transposable elements and addition of a segment of another gene. The sequence, initially formed in the Old World Monkeys such as the Rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatta) and the baboon (Papio anubis), develops into different primate genes before evolving into the human BCRP3 gene; it appears to also include trial and error during sequence/gene formation. The protein gene, GGT5 may have also formed by spacer sequence initiation in an ancient ancestor such as zebrafish, but spacer and GGT5 gene sequence drift during evolution produced a divergence that precludes further assessment.

The Prognostic Value of the Albumin to Gamma-Glutamyltransferase Ratio in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma Undergoing Radiofrequency Ablation

Albumin to gamma-glutamyltransferase ratio (AGR) is a newly developed biomarker for the prediction of patients’ prognosis in solid tumors. The purpose of the study was to establish a novel AGR-based nomogram to predict tumor prognosis in patients with early-stage HCC undergoing radiofrequency ablation (RFA). 394 hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients who had received RFA as initial treatment were classified into the training cohort and validation cohort. Independent prognostic factors were identified by univariate and multivariate analyses. The value of AGR was evaluated by the concordance index ( C -index), receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, and likelihood ratio tests (LAT). Logistic regression and nomogram were performed to establish the pretreatment scoring model based on the clinical variables. As a result, AGR = 0.63 was identified as the best cutoff value to predict overall survival (OS) in the training cohort. According to the results of multivariate analysis, AGR was an independent indicator for OS and recurrence-free survival (RFS). In both training cohort and validation cohort, the high-AGR group showed better RFS and OS than the low-AGR group. What is more, the C -index, area under the ROC curves, and LAT χ 2 values suggested that AGR outperformed the Child-Pugh (CP) grade and albumin-bilirubin (ALBI) grade in terms of predicting OS. The AGR, AKP, and tumor size were used to establish the OS nomogram. Besides, the results of Hosmer-Lemeshow test and calibration curve analysis displayed that both nomograms in the training and validation cohorts performed well in terms of calibration. Therefore, the AGR-based nomogram can predict the postoperative prognosis of early HCC patients undergoing RFA.

Marked Increase of Gamma-Glutamyltransferase as an Indicator of Drug-Induced Liver Injury in Patients without Conventional Diagnostic Criteria of Acute Liver Injury

<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> Clinically significant drug-induced liver injury (DILI) is defined by elevations of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) ≥5 times the upper limit of normal (ULN), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) ≥2 × ULN, or ALT ≥3 × ULN and total bilirubin TBIL &#x3e;2 × ULN. However, DILI might also occur in patients who do not reach those thresholds and still may benefit from discontinuation of medication. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Fifteen patients recruited for our prospective study on potentially hepatotoxic drugs were included. DILI diagnosis was based on RUCAM (Roussel Uclaf Causality Assessment Method) score and expert opinion and was supported by an in vitro test using monocyte-derived hepatocyte-like (MH) cells. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Median RUCAM score was 6 (range 4–8), indicating that DILI was possible or probable in all cases. The predominant types of liver injury were mixed (60%) and cholestatic (40%). While no elevation above 2 × ULN of ALP and TBIL was observed, gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) above 2 × ULN was identified in 8 of the patients. Six of the 15 patients did not achieve full remission and showed persistent elevation of GGT, which was significantly associated with peak GGT elevation above 2 × ULN (<i>p</i> = 0.005). <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> Here we present a case series of patients with liver enzyme elevation below the conventional thresholds who developed DILI with a predominant GGT elevation leading to drug withdrawal and/or chronic elevation of liver parameters, in particular of GGT. Thus, we propose that DILI should be considered in particular in cases with marked increase of GGT even if conventional DILI threshold levels are not reached, resulting in discontinuation of the causative drug and/or close monitoring of the patients.

Biochemical status of blood of dogs with atopic dermatitis in the conditions of private veterinary clinic “Alfa vet” m. Konotop

Metabolic changes in the body of dogs with atopic dermatitis and the causes of its occurrence still remain poorly understood. This study confirms the need for biochemical blood tests for the differential diagnosis of skin diseases in animals. The aim of the research. To identify metabolic changes in dogs with atopic dermatitis. Methods. Serum samples from five ill animals and five intact animals were tested. The diagnosis of the nosological form of skin lesions was established based on the results of anamnesis and clinical manifestations of the disease. Additionally, biochemical studies of the serum of sick animals were performed. Blood of dogs (n=5) was taken from the anterior subcutaneous vein of the forearm or the lateral subcutaneous vein of the tibia into blood tubes. Results. In the study of mineral metabolism, it was found that the concentration of inorganic phosphorus in the serum of sick animals is reduced by only 0.01 mmol/l, but the concentration of total calcium by 10.0 %. The concentration of cholesterol increases 1.3 times and exceeds the reference values by 0.16 mmol/l. In the blood of sick animals, the activity of alanine aminotransferase is significantly reduced by 21.0 % and aspartate aminotransferase – by 20.0 % compared to intact animals. The enzyme gamma-glutamyltransferase probably increases by 1.51 times (P<0.05) in sick dogs, but does not exceed the reference values. Conclusions. It was found that in atopic dermatitis in the serum of dogs decreases the activity of alanine aminotransferase by 21.0 % and aspartate aminotransferase – by 20.0 %, while the activity of gamma-glutamyltransferase increases 1.51 times. The results show the toxic effect of an allergic agent on animals, especially on the liver, which confirms the previous diagnosis – atopic dermatitis.

Renal resistivity index as an aid in the diagnosis of acute kidney injury in bitches with pyometra

This study aimed to evaluate the renal function of six bitches of various breeds and ages, with open pyometra, attended in the Small Animal Medical Clinic sector of the Veterinary Hospital from Federal University of Campina Grande, through the measurement of laboratory tests: urea and creatinine serum, dosage of the urinary Protein-Creatinine Ratio (PCR), urinary gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) and determination of the renal resistivity index (RI). The levels of urea and creatinine were elevated in 16.6% (1/6) of the female dogs; the urinary protein-creatinine ratio was increased in 66.6% (4/6), while the urinary gamma-glutamyltransferase value was elevated in 50% (3/6). The renal resistivity index was increased in the right and left kidneys by 66.6% (4/6) of bitches, with no statistical difference between them. It was concluded that the renal resistivity index was a practical and effective method to assist in the diagnosis of acute kidney injury, along with other early markers, such as PCR and urinary GGT.

Establishment of Reference Values of Gamma-Glutamyl-Transferase and Plasma Aminotransferases in Young Congolese

Objectives: Our goal was to contribute to the production of reference values ​​of plasma or serum biochemical markers by determining the reference values ​​of gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT), aspartate aminotransferase (ASAT) and alanine aminotransferase (ALAT) in young Congolese presumed to be healthy. Methods: 250 young Congolese presumed to be healthy (125 boys and 125 girls) aged 15 to 25 participated in the study. They were selected according to anamnestic and clinico-biological criteria. Samples were taken on a tube containing EDTA and the resulting plasma was stored at -20 ° C. The KENZA MAX spectrophotometer was used to analyze GGT, ASAT and ALAT. The median and the 2.5-97.5 percentiles were used to set the reference limits for each enzyme. The benchmarks determined were compared with those reported by other Africans, Europeans, Indians and Americans. Results: The established reference values ​​were: GGT 12.15-61.85 IU/L for boys and 7-51.95 IU / l for girls (p˂0.0001); ASAT 21.60-94.85 IU/L for boys and 17-84.85 IU/L for girls (p = 0.0003); ALAT 8.30-74.40 IU/L for boys and 8-53.85 IU/L for girls (p˂0.0001). In addition, the comparison between our values ​​and those of other populations showed significant differences. Conclusion: Our results underline the importance of establishing reference values ​​for plasma enzymes specific to the Congolese population. The use of the values ​​established in the ’other populations could induce errors of judgment by excess or by default. Key words: Gamma-glutamyltransferase, Aspartate aminotransferase, Alanine aminotransferase, Reference values, Congo.

Assessment of the Effects of SARS-Cov-2 Infection on Multiple Organs Using Laboratory Indices

Background: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-Cov-2) is still a severe threaft for human health currently, and the researches about it is a focus topic worldwide. Aim of the study: In this study, we will collect some laboratory results of the patients with coronavirus disease (COVID-19) to assess the function of liver, heart, kidney and even pancreas. Subjects and Methods: Laboratory results of the patients with COVID-19 are collected. The biochemical indices are classified and used to assess the according function of liver, heart, kidney; meantime, and blood glucose is also observed and taken as an index to roughly evaluate pancreas. Results: There were some indices exhibited abnormal. For patient 1, the ratio of albumin and globulin slightly was lower than the down-limit of reference range. For patient 2, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT), creatine kinase (CK), creatinine kinase-MB isoenzyme (CK-MB), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), alpha-hydroxybutyric dehydrogenase (HBDH), and beta-2 microglobulin (β2-MG) were respectively higher than the according upper limit of the reference range, while prealbumin (PA) was lower than the down limit. For patient 3, GGT, CK, PA were high than normal range. For patient 4, CK, LDH, HBDH were higher than the upper range. Conclusion: Infection of SARS-Cov-2 could cause liver and heart injury, and it is suggested that clinicians and researchers should pay more attention on the prevention, treatment and causative mechanism of such an injury.

Influence of first colostrum pasteurization on serum immunoglobulin G, iron, and activity of gamma-glutamyltransferase in newborn dairy calves

Background and Aim: Colostrum pasteurization is an established procedure in dairy farms in developed countries. This practice can improve the health status of the offspring by reducing several pathogens. This study aimed to focus on the pasteurization of bovine first colostrum and its influence on certain important bioactive components. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted in Holstein-Friesian bull calves, which were randomly divided into two groups and fed with 6 L of untreated (UT, n=10) or 6 L of heat-treated (HT, 63.5°C for 30 min, n=10) colostrum from their own dam within the first 12 h after birth. Blood samples were taken before, 24 h, and 48 h after first colostrum intake to determine the concentrations of immunoglobulin G (IgG) and iron and the activity of gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) in the serum. Results: The level of IgG was not affected by pasteurization (p=0.19). However, a slower increase in GGT activity (p<0.05) and a lower serum iron concentration (p=0.04) were observed in the HT group. Conclusion: It can be concluded that pasteurization influences the absorption of colostrum components and therefore, the passive transfer of immunity, although the level of IgG was not affected by pasteurization in this study.