bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association among Microalbuminuria and Oxidative Stress Biomarkers in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Vicentini Juliana , Valentini Juliana , Grotto Denise , Paniz Clóvis , Roehrs Miguel , Brucker Natália , Charão Mariele F. , Moro Angela M. , Tonello Raquel , Moreira Ana Paula L. , Buffon Andréia , Beck Maristela , Garcia Solange Cristina 
Published: May 2016

Aim Hyperglycemia in diabetes mellitus (DM) may be one of the most important factors responsible for the development of oxidative stress, which promotes the main complications in DM patients. Therefore, this study evaluated if the hyperglycemia could be related to oxidative stress biomarkers, lipid profile, and renal function in type 2 diabetes patients without clinic complications. Methods Plasmatic malondialdehyde (MDA), serum protein carbonyl (PCO), serum creatinine levels, microalbuminuria, glycated hemoglobin, and lipid profile were analyzed in 37 type 2 diabetic patients and 25 subjects with no diabetes. Results Serum creatinine levels were within the reference values, but microalbuminuria presented increased levels in all the patients compared with controls ( P < 0.05) and above of the reference values. The MDA, PCO, low-density lipoprotein, and triglyceride levels showed positive correlation with microalbuminuria levels. Moreover, glycated hemoglobin presented positive correlation with MDA, PCO, and microalbuminuria levels. Conclusions The hyperglycemia could be responsible for the increase of the microalbuminuria levels and for the oxidation process in lipids and proteins in DM patients. Therefore, we suggested that the microvascular lesion is a direct consequence from hyperglycemia and an indirect one from the increased oxidative stress. Malondialdehyde and protein carbonyl levels could be suggested as additional biochemical evaluation to verify tissue damage in type 2 DM patients.
Renoprotection with Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase-Activating Polypeptide in Cyclosporine A-Induced Nephrotoxicity
Authors: Khan Altaf-M , Li Min , Brant Elizabeth , Maderdrut Jerome L. , Majid Dewan S.A. , Simon Eric E. , Batuman Vecihi 
Published: May 2016

Background Acute and long-term nephrotoxicity is the major dose-limiting factor for cyclosporine A (CsA). We evaluated the protective effects of pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP)38 on CsA-induced nephrotoxicity in human renal proximal tubule epithelial (human kidney-2) cells and in intact mice. Methods Confluent (human kidney-2 cells were exposed to CsA (25-50 μmol/L) in the presence or absence of PACAP38 or vasoactive intestinal peptide (10−10 to 10−6 M). For studies in vivo, male BALB/c mice (n = 5 in each group) were given a single intraperitoneal injection of CsA (5 mg/kg body weight). Treatment group received 20 μg of PACAP38 2 hours before exposure to CsA and additional doses daily for 10 days. Results Cyclosporine A caused oxidative injury, marked morphological alterations, apoptosis, and increased expression of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 in cell cultures. Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide 38 at 10−8 mol/L restored cell confluency, reduced TGF-β1 secretion, and preserved cell integrity. In mice, CsA caused tubular injury characterized by loss of tubular epithelial cell brush border membranes, tubular collapse, cellular necrosis, interstitial fibrosis, increased production of TGF-β1, and elevated serum creatinine (3.39 ± 0.21 vs 0.13 ± 0.02 mg/dL in controls, P < 0.01). Treatment with PACAP38 reduced TGF-β1 and tumor necrosis factor-α production in kidney, prevented epithelial-mesenchymal transition of the renal cells, and reduced serum creatinine levels to 1.01 ± 0.18 mg/dL, P < 0.01 versus CsA group. Conclusions Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide 38 ameliorated renal tubular injury, reduced oxidative injury, and inhibited the expression of TGF-β1 in CsA-exposed murine kidneys. Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide could be a novel renoprotective and antifibrotic agent for CsA nephrotoxicity.
Simvastatin Effects on Androgens, Inflammatory Mediators, and Endogenous Pituitary Gonadotropins among Patients with PCOS Undergoing IVF: Results from a Prospective, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Rashidi Batool , Abediasl Jhila , Tehraninejad Ensiyeh , Rahmanpour Haleh , Sills Eric Scott 
Published: May 2016

Objective To evaluate effects of simvastatin on selected biochemical parameters and reproductive outcome among patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) who undergo in vitro fertilization (IVF). Methods Patients with PCOS were randomized to receive either oral simvastatin, 20 mg/d (n = 32), or placebo (n = 32) in a prospective, double-blind, randomized clinical trial (NCT 005-75601) in parallel with controlled ovarian hyperstimulation for IVF. All patients were determined to be at average risk for cardiovascular disease, based on high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) measurement at entry. After an 8-week treatment interval concluding at periovulatory human chorionic gonadotropin administration, selected clinical and laboratory parameters were measured. Results Mean serum total testosterone level decreased by 25% in the simvastatin group, compared to a 10% reduction in the placebo group ( P < 0.001). A trend of lower serum luteinizing hormone levels was noted in experimental and control groups (29% vs 22%, respectively), although this difference was not significant ( P > 0.05). Neither fasting insulin nor quantitative insulin sensitivity check index were significantly impacted by simvastatin ( P > 0.05). As expected, total cholesterol was not modified among placebo patients but was significantly reduced after simvastatin ( P = 0.001). In addition, hsCRP and vascular cell adhesion protein-1 were both significantly lower after simvastatin therapy compared to controls ( P ≤ 0.005 for both). At study completion, no important change in body mass index was observed in either group ( P ≥ 0.60). Although oocyte maturation, fertilization, and clinical pregnancy rates were all higher after simvastatin, none of these improvements were statistically significant. Conclusions This report presents data from the first prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical investigation of simvastatin in the setting of PCOS and IVF. Simvastatin seems to be compatible with gonadotropin therapy for IVF and can offer beneficial endocrine and cardiovascular effects for patients with PCOS who undergo embryo transfer. Although the observed improvements in reproductive function were mild, the reductions in hsCRP and vascular cell adhesion protein-1 after simvastatin treatment were significant, suggesting the need for further clinical trials to clarify simvastatin's impact on reproductive physiology.
Utility of Routine Hematological and Inflammation Parameters for the Diagnosis of Cancer in Involuntary Weight Loss
Authors: Baicus Cristian , Caraiola Simona , Rimbas Mihai , Patrascu Ruxandra , Baicus Anda ,   Grupul de Studiu al Scaderii Ponderale Involuntare, Baicus C. , Badea C. , Balanescu E. , Balea M. , Caraiola S. , Constantin G. , Constantinescu I. , Dimitriu L. , Georgescu D. , Ghizdavu O. , Haidar A. , Ghita M. , Iacob M. , Ionescu R.A. , Leru P. , Marian A. , Mateescu R.B. , Nanu A. , Nicolau A. , Nicolescu I. , Nitescu D. , Patrascu R. , Pompilian V. , Rimbas M. , Tanaseanu S. , Ticu G. , Ursica D. , Voiosu Th. , Voiosu R. , Baicus A. 
Published: May 2016

Introduction A quarter of patients with involuntary weight loss (IWL) have cancer. Inflammation and anemia are associated with cancer, and recent studies showed that red blood cell distribution width (RDW) is a predictor of mortality, including cancer-related death. The aim of this study was to assess the ability of routine hematological and inflammation parameters to diagnose cancer in patients with IWL. Materials and Methods A total of 253 consecutive patients with IWL admitted in a secondary care university hospital were included. Routine hematological and inflammatory parameters (hemoglobin level, mean corpuscular volume, RDW, serum iron level, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein level, and ferritin level) were recorded for all patients. The investigative workup was not standardized, but the patients were followed up for 6 months to avoid misclassification concerning the final diagnosis. Results All parameters, excepting mean cellular volume, were statistically associated with cancer. The areas under the curve were 0.708 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.627-0.790) for C-reactive protein level, 0.690 (95% CI: 0.620-0.760) for erythrocyte sedimentation rate, 0.651 (95% CI, 0.566-0.735) for serum iron level, 0.607 (95% CI, 0.526-0.687) for hemoglobin level, 0.598 (95% CI, 0.518-0.679) for ferritin level, 0.594 (95% CI, 0.517-0.671) for RDW, and 0.561 (95% CI, 0.474-0.649) for mean cellular volume. In the multivariable analysis, only erythrocyte sedimentation rate remained associated with cancer. Conclusions In patients with IWL, the hematological and inflammation parameters were statistically different in patients with cancer and in those without cancer. However, in clinical practice, they were modest diagnostic tests for cancer.
Effect of Infliximab Treatment on QT Intervals in Patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis
Authors: Senel Soner , Cobankara Veli , Taskoylu Ozgur , Guclu Aydin , Evrengul Harun , Kaya Mehmet Gungor 
Published: May 2016

Background Cardiovascular complications are one of the most common and the most serious extraskeletal manifestations of ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Infliximab, a monoclonal antibody against tumor necrosis factor, is widely used in the treatment of AS. QT dispersion (QTd), which relates to left ventricular function and is used as an index of cardiac dysrhythmia, may be useful as a prognostic guide. Early detection of possible cardiac involvement may not be clinically evident, whereas it may be detected by electrocardiography. Objectives The aim of this prospective study was to assess the effect of infliximab treatment on QT intervals in patients with AS. Methods Twenty-one patients (17 females and 4 males) with AS who were in the active phase of disease (Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index score >4) were enrolled in the study. Infliximab was administered intravenously at a dosage of 5 mg/kg at weeks 0, 2, and 6 and every 6 weeks thereafter. QT intervals were recorded before and after 6 months of treatment. Results QT corrected (QTc) for heart rate was significantly reduced in the patients with AS after 6 months of infliximab therapy (406 ± 5.5 vs 388 ± 6.6 milliseconds; P = 0.029). There was no difference in the QTc dispersion (34.3 ± 11.1 vs 34.1 ± 8.6; P = 0.171). Body mass index and lipid profile were slightly increased after the treatment, but the difference was statistically insignificant. Conclusion Inflammation can affect the ventricles with an unknown mechanism, and QTc may be slightly prolonged as a result in the active phase of AS. In our study, QTc was shortened under infliximab therapy by suppressing inflammation. Therefore, this effect may protect patients with AS from fatal arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death.
Statin Therapy Reduces Growth of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms
Authors: Karrowni Wassef , Dughman Saadeddine , Hajj Georges P. , Miller Francis J. 
Published: May 2016

Background The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of statins on the growth of small abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs). Methods We retrospectively examined AAA diameter in 211 patients who had undergone serial imaging surveillance. Results Patients treated with and without statins were similar regarding age, initial aneurysm size, diagnosis of diabetes and hypertension, and smoking history. Patients receiving statins had a decreased aneurysm growth rate compared with those patients not receiving statins (0.9 mm/y [interquartile range, −1.0 to +1.0] vs 3.2 mm/y [interquartile range, 2.0-4.9], P < 0.0001). This difference in the rate of growth was maintained after adjusting for potential confounding factors. Conclusions To date, this is the one of the largest retrospective studies demonstrating an association between statin use and decreased growth rate of AAA.
Evaluation of Oxidative Stress, the Activities of Paraoxonase and Arylesterase in Patients with Subclinical Hypothyroidism
Authors: Cebeci Egemen , Alibaz-Oner Fatma , Usta Murat , Yurdakul Selen , Erguney Mecdi 
Published: May 2016

Introduction In subclinical hypothyroidism (SH), serum lipid and lipoprotein concentrations are frequently changed. Compared with the healthy population, the levels of oxidized low-density lipoprotein cholesterol are higher, and the levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol are lower. In patients with SH, the mechanism of atherosclerosis may beattributed to the lipid abnormalities. There is evidence showing that oxidation plays an important role during the process of atherosclerosis. Inthis study, we evaluated the activity of paraoxonase (PON) and arylesterase (ARE) in patients with SH and investigated their relation with oxidative stress. Methods The study enrolled 25 patients with SH and 20 sex- and age-matched healthy controls. The patient group and the control group were compared in terms of the activity of PON and ARE and the oxidative stress index. Results Between 2 groups, no significant difference was found in terms of age, sex, serum levels of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, and high-density lipoprotein. In the SH group, the activity of PON was significantly lower than that observed in the control group ( P < 0.05). Arylesterase activity also was significantly lower in the group with SH, compared with the control group ( P < 0.05). Oxidative stress index was found to be significantly higher in the patient group, compared with the healthy subjects ( P < 0.01). Oxidative stress index showed a strong positive correlation with the levels of thyroid stimulating hormone in all cases ( r = 0.60, P < 0.01). Conclusions The activity of PON and ARE were significantly decreased, and oxidative stress was increased in patients with SH. Lower activities of these 2 biomarkers indicate increased oxidative damage in SH. Atherosclerosis in SH can be attributed to increased oxidative stress.
CD200 Expression in B-Cell Chronic Lymphoproliferative Disorders
Authors: El Desoukey Nermeen Ahmed , Afify Reham Abd Aleem , Amin Dalia Gamil , Mohammed Rasha Faragaly 
Published: May 2016

Background Flow cytometry immunophenotyping (FCIP) is used for rapid, specific diagnosis of B-chronic lymphoproliferative disorders (BCLPDs). However, cases may deviate from the typical immunophenotype; therefore, there is a need for adding new marker(s) for differentiating BCLPDs. Lately, few researches highlighted CD200 expression in some BCLPDs. Our aim was to evaluate CD200 expression in different BCLPDs and whether adding CD200 to BCLPD-FCIP routine panels could improve the ability of their differential diagnosis. Methods We evaluated CD200 expression in 49 BCLPD patients and 26 age- and sex-matched control subjects. Flow cytometry immunophenotyping first panel included CD5, CD19, sIg, CD23, CD22, CD79b, and FMC7; for BCLPDs other than chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and mantle cell lymphoma, CD11c, CD103, CD25, and CD10 were evaluated. Results Using tricolor FCIP, CD200 showed high bright expression on CD5/19-positive clone in all B-CLL patients (100%), with a mean of 94% (SD, 11%); in the 2 cases of hairy cell leukemia, CD200 was brightly expressed on 96% and 99% of cells. In all other BCLPDs including mantle cell lymphoma, follicular lymphoma and splenic marginal zone lymphoma, CD200 expression (on CD19/22-positive cells) was less than 20% with a mean of 10% (SD, 8%) and a dim pattern. CD200 expression was significantly higher in CLL compared with non-Hodgkin lymphoma groups ( P < 0.001). Conclusions Evaluating CD200 expression has a great impact on accurate BCLPDs diagnosis and could be added to the BCLPD routine panels. The high expression of CD200 in B-cell CLL and hairy cell leukemia could open the option for targeted immune (anti-CD200) therapy.
Synovial Fluid Omentin-1 Levels are Inversely Correlated with Radiographic Severity of Knee Osteoarthritis
Authors: Xu Lin , Zhu Guang-bin , Wang Lei , Wang Dan-feng , Jiang Xiao-rui 
Published: May 2016

Objective The purpose of this study was to demonstrate omentin-1 levels in serum and synovial fluid (SF) of patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA) and to investigate their correlation with radiographic disease severity. Methods One hundred and ninety-seven patients with OA and 65 sex- and age-matched healthy controls were enrolled in this study. The radiographic disease severity of OA was assessed by the Kellgren- Lawrence (KL) grading system. The omentin-1 levels in serum and SF were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results There were no significant differences in serum omentin-1 levels between patients with OA and healthy controls ( P > 0.05). There were also no significant differences in serum omentin-1 levels among patients with OA with different KL grades ( P > 0.05). However, SF omentin-1 levels decreased significantly as the KL grades increased (KL grade 4 < KL grade 3 < KL grade 2; all P < 0.01) in the patients with OA. Furthermore, SF omentin-1 levels were negatively correlated with KL grades ( r = −0.643; P < 0.001). Multinomial logistic regression analysis revealed that there was still a negative correlation between the SF omentin-1 levels and the KL grades after adjusting for confounding factors ( P < 0.001). Conclusions Synovial fluid omentin-1 levels showed an independent and negative correlation with radiographic severity of the disease in patients with knee OA. Omentin-1 in SF might serve as a potential biomarker for reflecting the degenerative process of primary knee OA.
Basal Glucagonlike Peptide 1 Levels and Metabolic Syndrome in Obese Patients
Authors: de Luis Daniel A. , Aller Rocio , Conde Rosa , Primo David , Izaola Olatz , Castro Maria Jose , Gonzalez Sagrado Manuel 
Published: May 2016

Objective Glucagonlike peptide 1 (GLP-1) is the most potent stimulator of glucose-induced insulin secretion. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the relationships of basal circulating GLP-1 and metabolic syndrome in obese patients without cardiovascular disease. Materials and Methods A sample of 202 obese patients was enrolled. Dietary intake, weight, bioimpedance, blood pressure, fasting glucose, insulin, C-reactive protein, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, blood triglycerides, and GLP-1 levels were measured in all patients. To estimate the prevalence of metabolic syndrome, the definitions of the Adult Treatment Panel III was considered. Results Patients were divided at the median of GLP-1 value (8.02 ng/dL): group 1 (n = 101) and group 2 (n = 101). Metabolic syndrome (MS) prevalence was higher in patients with the lowest median group of GLP-1 (52.5% vs 38.6%; P < 0.05). Correlation analysis showed a significant correlation among serum GLP-1 levels and the independent variables; waist-to-hip ratio ( r = −0.15; P < 0.05), glucose ( r = −0.15; P < 0.05), total cholesterol ( r = −0.22; P < 0.05), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol ( r = −0.27; P < 0.05). In the logistic analysis with MS presence/absence as an independent variable, only weight and GLP-1 levels remained in the model. Weight shows an odds ratio of 1.10 (95% confidence interval, 1.06–1.13) by each increase of 1 kg of weight, and GLP-1 levels shows an odds ratio of 0.89 (95% confidence interval, 0.80–0.99) by each increase of 1 ng/dL of GLP-1 levels. Conclusions Obese patients with MS had lower mean GLP-1 levels than those without MS. Glucagonlike peptide 1 levels remained as a preventive factor to develop MS.
Effect of Short-Term Infusive Dobutamine Therapy on Thyroid Hormone Profile and Hemodynamic Parameters in Patients with Acute Worsening Heart Failure and Low-Triiodothyronine Syndrome
Authors: D'Aloia Antonio , Vizzardi Enrico , Bugatti Silvia , Rovetta Riccardo , Bonadei Ivano , Del Magro Francesca , Curnis Antonio , Dei Cas Livio 
Published: May 2016

Objectives Low-triiodothyronine syndrome (LT3S) is a condition characterized by decreased total serum T3 and free T3 (fT3) with normal levels of thyroxine (fT4) and thyrotropin (TSH). Experimental studies have shown that altered thyroid hormones (THs) metabolism modifies cardiovascular homeostasis. The aim of the study was to evaluate prospectively the reversibility and pathophysiological implications of sick euthyroid syndrome in patients with moderate-to-severe chronic heart failure. This study should demonstrate the role of short-term acute dobutamine heart failure (HF) treatment in improving thyroid hormone, neuroendocrine profile, and ventricular performance in patients with worsening HF and LT3S. Methods During hospitalization for worsening heart failure, fT3, fT4, and TSH levels; brain natriuretic peptide; and echocardiographic and right hemodynamic parameters were recorded on admission, after HF treatment and after dobutamine infusion in patients with LT3S. Results We evaluated 60 patients hospitalized for severe acute decompensated HF. Fourteen patients (23%) of the population presented an LT3S. Dobutamine infusion in LT3S patient group evoked a statistically significant cardiac index increase, pulmonary capillary arterial wedge pressure, and right atrial pressure decrease with left ventricle diastolic dysfunction recovery; the hemodynamic and clinical improvement were associated with brain natriuretic peptide reduction and increased fT3 levels. Free T3 levels increased in all of them and normalized in 6 patients (42%). Free T4 and TSH values remained unchanged. Conclusions These data suggest that LT3S in patients with acute decompensated HF can be useful in assessing the status and clinical course for this disease. These preliminary results indicate that LT3S reversibility by dobutamine is associated with short-term hemodynamic and neurohormonal improvement in patients with persistent severe heart failure.
Influence of Renal Artery Variants, Number, Location, and Degree of Renal Artery Stenoses on the Atherosclerotic Burden of the Aorta
Authors: Petersen Johannes , Plaikner Michaela , Nasseri Parinaz , Rehder Peter , Koppelstätter Christian , Pauli Guido F. , Glodny Bernhard 
Published: May 2016

Objective To determine the assumed influence of the number of renal arteries, the distribution and extent of renal artery stenosis (RAS), and the kidney length on calcified aortic atherosclerotic plaque burden. Methods The computed tomographic angiographies of 1381 patients were analyzed retrospectively using a volumetric aortic calcium scoring method. The Spearman method was used to calculate the correlation between kidney length, number and diameter of renal arteries, as well as number, degree, and location of RASs on main or additional renal arteries with the extent of aortic atherosclerosis. Logistic regression analyses were conducted with the target variable “calcification present or absent.” Results Patients with multiple renal arteries (38.3%) had lower plaque volumes than patients without such variants (0.55 ± 0.97 vs 0.64 ± 1.06 mL; P < 0.05). Renal artery stenoses affected all renal vessels with equal frequency. The aortic calcium score correlated with the number of RASs ( P < 0.0001) and the maximum degree of RAS up to a threshold of 60%. Location of an RAS in the various renal arteries was irrelevant. In regression analyses, the presence of RAS (Wald = 5.523), the degree of RAS (Wald = 6.251), and age (Wald = 223.1) were positive predictors of the aortic calcium score, whereas kidney length (Wald = 9.564) proved to be a negative predictor. Conclusion The aortic calcium score correlates with both the number of RASs and the maximum degree of RAS up to a threshold of 60% but correlates inversely with the number of renal arteries. Renal artery stenosis affects all renal vessels with equal frequency, and this finding should be considered in screening procedures.