bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association of Progranulin and High Sensitivity CRP Concentrations in Gingival Crevicular Fluid and Serum in Chronic Periodontitis Subjects with and without Obesity
Authors: Pradeep A. R. , Priyanka N. , Prasad M. V. R. , Kalra Nitish , Kumari Minal 
Published: June 2013

Background: Obesity is considered as a strong risk factor of inflammatory periodontal tissue destruction. The purpose of this study is to determine presence of progranulin (PGRN) and high sensitivity C reactive protein (hs CRP) levels in serum and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) in obese subjects with chronic periodontitis and to find an association, if any.Material and methods: 40 subjects (20 males and 20 females) were selected based on their clinical parameters into four groups (10 subjects in each group): group 1 (healthy non obese), group 2 (healthy obese), group 3 (non obese with chronic periodontitis) and group 4 (obese with chronic periodontitis). Serum and GCF PGRN levels were estimated by enzyme linked immunosorbant assay (ELISA) and hs CRP levels were estimated by immunoturbidimetry method.Results: The mean PGRN and hs CRP concentration both in serum and GCF were highest for group 4 followed by group 3, group 2 and least in Group 1.Conclusion: PGRN and hs CRP may be novel biomarkers of the chronic inflammatory response in obesity and chronic periodontitis.
Elevated Asymmetric Dimethylarginine in Young Adult Survivors of Childhood Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: A Preliminary Report
Authors: Sulicka Joanna , Surdacki Andrzej , Strach Magdalena , Kwater Aleksander , Gryglewska Barbara , Ćwiklińska Magdalena , Balwierz Walentyna , Grodzicki Tomasz K. 
Published: June 2013

Background:Adult survivors of childhood malignancy are predisposed to late cardiovascular (CV) complications. Our aim was to estimate plasma levels of the endogenous nitric oxide formation inhibitor asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), in long-term survivors of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) treated with only chemotherapy.Methods:ADMA and its isomer symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) were measured in 25 former ALL patients (aged 18–28 years) who had survived without recurrent disease ≥ 5 years from completing chemotherapy without cranial irradiation, and in 20 healthy controls (aged 20–31 years).Results:Characteristics of the both groups were similar, except for lower high-density lipoproteins-cholesterol (HDL-C) in ALL survivors. Compared to controls, the former ALL patients exhibited significant, albeit small, rises in levels of ADMA (0.63 ± 0.09 [SD] vs. 0.57 ± 0.07 μmol/L;p= 0.016), but not SDMA, with a consequently increased ADMA to SDMA ratio (1.08 ± 0.22 vs. 0.91 ± 0.16;p= 0.004). The effect of former ALL on ADMA was attenuated (intergroupp= 0.10 [ANCOVA]) upon adjustment for HDL-C (ADMA vs. HDL-C regression coefficient: −0.065 ± 0.030 [SEM];p= 0.03).Conclusions:ADMA is elevated in adult childhood ALL survivors, which can reflect late detrimental chemotherapy effects, partially related to minor lipid profile changes. Whether these subtle ADMA elevations might herald future CV morbidity, remains to be elucidated.
Concentrations of Connective Tissue Growth Factor in Patients with Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: Association with Liver Fibrosis
Authors: Colak Yasar , Senates Ebubekir , Coskunpinar Ender , Oltulu Yasemin Musteri , Zemheri Ebru , Ozturk Oguzhan , Doganay Levent , Mesci Banu , Yilmaz Yusuf , Enc Feruze Yilmaz , Kiziltas Safak , Ulasoglu Celal , Tuncer Ilyas 
Published: June 2013

Aim:In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between the histological fibrosis stage of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and serum connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) to determine the usefulness of this relationship in clinical practice.Methods:Serum samples were collected from 51 patients with biopsy-proven NAFLD and 28 healthy controls, and serum levels of CTGF were assayed by ELISA.Results:Levels of CTGF were significantly higher in patients with NAFLD compared with controls (P= 0.001). The serum CTGF levels were significantly increased, that correlated with histological fibrosis stage, in patients with NAFLD [in patients with no fibrosis (stage 0) 308.2 ± 142.9, with mild fibrosis (stage 1–2) 519.9±375.2 and with advanced fibrosis (stage 3–4) 1353.2 ± 610 ng/l,P< 0.001]. Also serum level of CTGF was found as an independent predictor of histological fibrosis stage in patients with NAFLD (β= 0.662,t= 5.6,P< 0.001). The area under the ROC curve was estimated 0.931 to separate patients with severe fibrosis from patients with other fibrotic stages.Conclusion:Serum levels of CTGF may be a clinical utility for distinguishing NAFLD patients with and without advanced fibrosis.
Diagnostic Value of Neopterin during Neutropenic Fever and Determination of Disease Activity in Childhood Leukemias
Authors: Belen Fatma Burcu , Kocak Ulker , Albayrak Meryem , Kaya Zuhre , Gursel Turkiz 
Published: June 2013

Neopterin, a pteridine group compound that is secreted from macrophages is shown to be increased in adult leukemia; however there are few studies in childhood leukemia. This study aimed to investigate neopterin levels during childhood leukemia treatment and neutropenic fever episodes for the possibility of using as a marker for disease activity and differentiation of infections.A total of 44 children with acute leukemia, 19 children with infection (control group 1) and 21 healthy children (control group 2) were studied. Median serum neopterin level before induction chemotherapy (day 0) in 25 children (patient group 1) was significantly higher (27.7 nmol/L) than those at the beginning of 30 febrile episodes in 19 children in bone marrow remission (2.2 nmol/L) (patient group 2) and in control group 2 (0.4 nmol/L) (p< 0.05). It was (27.7 nmol/L) also significantly higher in control group 1 than in patient group 2 and control group 2 (p< 0.05). Serum neopterin levels at day 15 (2.1 mmol/L) and day 33 (0.4 mmol/L) of induction were significantly lower than day 0 of ALL subgroup at patient group 1. There were no significant difference in neopterin levels between days 0, 3 and 5 of neutropenic fever as well as between patients with microbiologically and/or clinically documented infections and those with fever of unknown origin in patient group 2 (p> 0.05). Serum neopterin did not show significant correlation with absolute neutrophil count and absolute monocyte count (p> 0.05). In conclusion, elevated neopterin at diagnosis of leukemia with decrement during induction therapy suggest that it might be an indicator of leukemic process; however larger studies for its role in identifying infections are warranted.
Serum Surfactant Protein D: Biomarker of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Authors: Ju Chun-Rong , Liu Wei , Chen Rong-Chang 
Published: June 2013

Background: Surfactant protein D (SP-D) is a lung-specific protein proposed to predict clinical outcomes in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, the changes in serum SP-D during acute exacerbation (AECOPD) episodes and the relationship of serum SP-D with the overall severity of the disease in stable COPD (SCOPD) remain unclear.Methods: Serum SP-D levels were analyzed in three groups, including AECOPD (n=40), SCOPD (n=71), and controls (n=60). In AECOPD group, serum SP-D levels were determined at 1, 5, 14, and 30 days post-exacerbation. In SCOPD group, BODE (body mass index, airflow obstruction, dyspnea, exercise capacity) index was evaluated for severity assessment.Results: Serum SP-D levels were sequentially elevated from the controls to the SCOPD, and then to the AECOPD (p< 0.001). During an AECOPD episode, the raised serum SP-D levels subsided at day 5 (p> 0.05), fell markedly at day 14 (p< 0.001), and continued to decline at day 30 (p< 0.001). Among patients with SCOPD, serum SP-D levels correlated positively with the BODE index (p< 0.01).Conclusions: The longitudinal changes in serum SP-D levels during an AECOPD episode suggest that SP-D may be a potential systemic biomarker for COPD exacerbation. The correlation of serum SP-D levels with the BODE index suggests that circulating SP-Ds can reflect the overall severity of SCOPD.
Caveolin-1 Expression in Thyroid Neoplasia Spectrum: Comparison of Two Commercial Antibodies
Authors: Janković Jelena , Paskaš Svetlana , Marečko Ilona , Božić Vesna , Cvejić Dubravka , Savin Svetlana 
Published: June 2013

We evaluated caveolin-1 expression in the human thyroid neoplasia spectrum with the aim of examining differences in expression as detected by two anti-caveolin-1 antibodies, and secondly, to investigate the association of caveolin-1 expression levels with aggressive papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). Immunohistochemical staining using sc894 or AV09019 antibodies revealed that caveolin-1 was generally overexpressed in the PTC group as a whole (classical and follicular variant) when compared to peritumoral tissue (PT), while it was not detected in about half of follicular thyroid carcinoma (FTC) and majority of follicular adenomas (FTA). Caveolin-1 expression decreased in the following order: clPTC, fvPTC, FTC, PT and FTA. The diagnostic accuracy of AV09019 was better than that of sc894 for discriminating: FTA from FTC, FTA or FTC from the follicular variant of PTC, total PTC from nonmalignant tissue, and malignant tumors from nonmalignant tissue. Spearman's analysis revealed positive correlations of caveolin-1 expression and extrathyroidal invasion (p < 0.05) in PTC for both antibodies. Additionally, AV09019 antibody correlated caveolin-1 upregulation with pathological T status.To conclude, as an immunohistochemical marker AV09019 antibody performed better than sc894 in distinguishing certain histotypes of thyroid tumors. In addition, increased expression of caveolin-1 may be considered as an indicator of papillary carcinoma progression.
SP-D Polymorphisms and the Risk of COPD
Authors: Shakoori Tania A. , Sin Don D. , Bokhari S. Nazim Hussain , Ghafoor Farkhanda , Shakoori A. R. 
Published: June 2013

Introduction: There are limited data linking serum levels of surfactant protein D, its genetic polymorphisms to the risk of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).Objectives: We sought to investigate these relationships using a case control study design.Methods: Post bronchodilator values of FEV1/FVC <0.7 were used to diagnose COPD patients (n= 115). Controls were healthy subjects with normal spirometry (n= 106) Single nucleotide polymorphisms (rs721917, rs2243639, rs3088308) were genotyped using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and restriction analysis. Serum SP-D levels were measured using a specific immunoassay.Results:Allele ‘A’ at rs3088308 (p< 0.00,B= −0.41) and ‘C’ allele at rs721917 (p= 0.03; B = −0.30) were associated with reduced serum SP-D levels. Genotype ‘T/T’ at rs721917 was significantly associated with risk of COPD (p= 0.01). Patients with repeat exacerbations had significantly higher serum SP-D even after adjusting for genetic factors.Conclusions:We report for the first time that rs3088308 is an important factor influencing systemic SP-D levels and confirm the previous association of rs721917 to the risk of COPD and serum SP-D levels.
Impact of Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System Gene Polymorphisms on Left Ventricular Dysfunction in Coronary Artery Disease Patients
Authors: Mishra Avshesh , Srivastava Anshika , Mittal T. , Garg N. , Mittal B. 
Published: June 2013

Background: Left ventricular dysfunction (LVD), followed by fall in cardiac output is one of the major complications in some coronary artery disease (CAD) patients. The decreased cardiac output over time leads to activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system which results in vasoconstriction by influencing salt-water homeostasis. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to explore the association of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in angiotensin I converting enzyme;ACE(rs4340), angiotensin II type1 receptor; AT1 (rs5186) and aldosterone synthase;CYP11B2(rs1799998) with LVD.Methods and results: The present study was carried out in two cohorts. The primary cohort included 308 consecutive patients with angiographically confirmed CAD and 234 healthy controls. Among CAD, 94 with compromised left ventricle ejection fraction (LVEF ≤ 45) were categorized as LVD. The ACE I/D, AT1 A1166C andCYP11B2T-344C polymorphisms were determined by PCR. Our results showed that ACE I/D was significantly associated with CAD but not with LVD. However, AT1 1166C variant was significantly associated with LVD (LVEF ≤ 45) (p value=0.013; OR=3.69), butCYP11B2(rs1799998) was not associated with either CAD or LVD. To validate our results, we performed a replication study in additional 200 cases with similar clinical characteristics and results again confirmed consistent findings (p value=0.020; OR=5.20).Conclusion: AT1 A1166C plays important role in conferring susceptibility of LVD.
Paraoxonase-1 Is Not Associated with Coronary Artery Calcification in Type 2 Diabetes: Results from the PREDICT Study
Authors: Mackness Bharti , Marsillach Judit , Elkeles Robert S. , Godsland Ian F. , Feher Michael D. , Rubens Michael B. , Flather Marcus D. , Humphries Steve E. , Cooper Jackie , Mackness Mike 
Published: June 2013

Objectives: To determine any association between serum paraoxonase-1 (PON1) activity, protein and coding region genetic polymorphisms and coronary artery calcification (CACS) and to determine factors which modulate serum PON1 in type 2 diabetes (T2DM).Methods and results: 589 patients (419 Caucasian, 120 South Asian, 50 other) from the PREDICT Study were investigated. All patients were asymptomatic for coronary disease and had established T2DM. CACS, lipids, lipoproteins, inflammatory markers, insulin resistance and PON1 activity, concentration and Q192R and L55M genotypes were measured. Independent associations were: 1) PON1 activity negatively with insulin resistance, triglycerides and PON1-55 genotype and positively with PON1-192 genotype; 2) PON1 concentration negatively with Caucasian ethnicity, duration of diabetes and statin use and positively with plasma creatinine and PON1-192 genotype. There was no association between CACS and any of the PON1 activity, concentration or genotype and this finding was not different in the various ethnic groups within the PREDICT study.Conclusion: PON1 is modulated by a number of factors, some of which are reported here for the first time, including ethnicity and insulin resistance in subjects with T2DM. No association between CACS and PON1 was found.
Study of TNF-α, IL-1βand LPS Levels in the Gingival Crevicular Fluid of a Rat Model of Diabetes Mellitus and Periodontitis
Authors: Jiang Zhu-Ling , Cui Yu-Qiong , Gao Rui , Li Ying , Fu Zhao-Chen , Zhang Bin , Guan Cheng-Chao 
Published: June 2013

OBJECTIVE: In this study, we sought to investigate the dynamic changes in the levels of TNF-α, IL-1βand LPS in the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) in a rat model of diabetes mellitus (DM) and periodontitis (PD). Additionally, we evaluated alveolar bone loss and the histopathological response associated with experimental diabetes mellitus and experimental periodontitis.METHODS: DM and PD were induced together in 15 rats (group 1) by streptozotocin injection and ligature induction. Periodontitis alone was produced by ligature induction in 15 rats (group 2), diabetes alone was produced by streptozotocin injection in 15 rats (group 3), and fifteen systemically and periodontally healthy rats were used as controls (group 4). The gingival TNF-α, IL-1βand LPS levels were measured by using ELISA method. Periodontal destruction was assessed by measuring the alveolar bone loss. Periodontal inflammation was quantified by histopathological grading in H&E stained samples.RESULTS: Higher levels of TNF-α, IL1-β and LPS, increased alveolar bone loss and more serve histopathology were found in group 1 compared with group 2, group 3 and group 4 (p< 0.05). The quantities of TNF-α, IL1-βand LPS, the amount of alveolar bone loss and the severity of the histopathological finding were greater in group 2 than group 3 and group 4 (p< 0.05). Group 3 demonstrated higher levels of TNF-α, IL1-βand LPS, increased alveolar bone loss and more serve histopathology than group 4 (p< 0.05). Statistically significant differences were noted between all of the groups.CONCLUSIONS: These data indicate that DM may lead to enhanced TNF-α, IL1-βand LPS production in the periodontal tissues. The resorption values of alveolar bone and the histological inflammation were more severe in rats with periodontitis and diabetes mellitus than in those with periodontitis alone, diabetes mellitus alone and control rats. Our findings are consistent with the hypothesis that hyperglycemia contributes to the heightened inflammatory response associated with periodontitis.
Effect of Non-Surgical Periodontal Therapy on Superoxide Dismutase Levels in Gingival Tissues of Chronic Periodontitis Patients: A Clinical and Spectophotometric Analysis
Authors: Sukhtankar Laxmi , Kulloli Anita , Kathariya Rahul , Shetty Sharad 
Published: June 2013

BACKGROUND: Superoxide dismutase (SOD), an antioxidant acting against superoxide (oxygen radical, O2.-), it is released in inflammatory pathways and causes connective tissue breakdown. Increased SOD activity in inflamed gingiva may indicate increased O2.-radical generation by neutrophils and other inflammatory cells at the diseased site. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of non-surgical periodontal therapy (NSPT) on SOD levels in gingival tissues of chronic periodontitis patients.METHODS: Forty subjects: 20 periodontally healthy (Control) and 20 chronic periodontitis (Test); age range 24–55 years were recruited. Gingival tissue samples were collected by excising the inner lining of the periodontal pocket at baseline (prior to non-surgical periodontal therapy) and 2 months post therapy. In controls, tissue samples were obtained immediately after tooth extraction scheduled for orthodontic reasons. Clinical parameters included probing depth, clinical attachment level, gingival index, bleeding index, plaque index. SOD activities were assessed spectrophotometrically at baseline and 2 months post NSPT, results were analysed statistically.RESULTS: At baseline, patients with chronic periodontitis had higher mean SOD activity (2.73 ± 1.36) than the control subjects (1.12 ± 1.13) withp= 0.00003 (p< 0.05). At 2 months post NSPT median SOD level (1.00) had come close to median SOD value of control group (0.85);p= 0.99 (p> 0.05). The resolution of inflammation with successful NSPT resulted in decreased SOD levels as in control group. Clinical parameters in patients with chronic periodontitis showed a significant improvement 2 months post NSPT (p< 0.05).CONCLUSION: Non-surgical periodontal therapy significantly improves the clinical parameters and restores previously increased SOD levels to normal in chronic periodontitis patients.
The Value of Combined Use of Survivin mRNA and Matrix Metalloproteinase 2 and 9 for Bladder Cancer Detection in Voided Urine
Authors: Eissa Sanaa , Badr Soheir , Abd Elhamid Shadia , Helmy Azza Salah , Nour Mohamed , Esmat Mohamed 
Published: June 2013

Objective: In a trial to improve the diagnostic efficacy of conventional urine cytology we determine survivin RNA and matrix metalloproteinase 2 and 9 in urine of bladder cancer cases.Method: Voided urine specimens were collected from patients with histologically confirmed bladder urothelial carcinoma (Group 1;n= 46), urological patients without urothelial carcinoma (Group 2;n= 20), and healthy volunteers (Group 3;n= 20). Urine cytology, survivin RNA was estimated by qualitative nested RT-PCR and MMP-2, MMP-9 activity were detected by gelatin zymography. The expression of survivin RNA and matrix metalloproteinase 2 and 9 in bladder cancer was compared with benign and normal cases.Results: Positivity rates of survivin RNA and MMPs zymography were significantly different among the 3 groups. Urine survivin detection by qualitative nested RT-PCR showed 76.1% sensitivity and 95% specificity. The overall sensitivity, specificity of urinary MMP zymography was 67.3%, 90% respectively. The combined use of urine cytology with urine survivin or MMPs zymography increased sensitivity of urine cytology from 50% to 84.7%. The highest sensitivity (95.6%) was obtained on combining the three markers.Conclusion: Survivin RNA and MMPS zymography can be considered as promising noninvasive markers for bladder cancer early detection. Combined use of the three markers improved the sensitivity for detecting bladder cancer.
Urinary Biomarkers for The Prediction of Reversibility in Acute-on-Chronic Renal Failure
Authors: Luk Cathy Choi-Wan , Chow Kai-Ming , Kwok Jeffrey Sung-Shing , Kwan Bonnie Ching-Ha , Chan Michael Ho-Ming , Lai Ka-Bik , Lai Fernand Mac-Moune , Wang Gang , Li Philip Kam-Tao , Szeto Cheuk-Chun 
Published: June 2013

BACKGROUND: There is no reliable clinical test to predict the reversibility of acute-on-chronic renal failure. We study whether urinary biomarkers could be used as a noninvasive prognostic marker in patients with acute-on-chronic renal failure.METHODS: We studied 39 adult patients with pre-existing chronic renal impairment presenting to us with acute-on-chronic renal failure. Urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) level was measured. The mRNA of kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1), interleukin-18 (IL-18), alpha-1-microglobulin (α1M), sodium/hydrogen exchanger-3 (NHE3), beta-2 microglobulin (β2M), and N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase (NAG) in urinary sediment were quantified.RESULTS: Urinary NGAL level significantly correlated with the serum creatinine at presentation (r= 0.762,p< 0.0001) but not baseline serum creatinine. Urinary sedimentβ2M expression significantly correlated with baseline glomerular filtration rate (GFR) (r= –0.400,p= 0.012). Urinaryα1M and NHE3 expressions were significantly higher in ischemic acute tubular necrosis than other causes of acute kidney injury (p< 0.0001 andp= 0.006, respectively). Urinaryα1M expression significantly correlated with the degree of improvement in renal function (r= 0.387,p= 0.026), as well as the estimated GFR 6 months later (r= 0.386,p= 0.027).CONCLUSION: In patients with acute-on-chronic renal failure, urinary NGAL level correlates with the severity of renal failure, while urinaryα1M expression correlates with the degree of renal function recovery. Quantification of urinaryα1M mRNA may be developed as an non-invasive tool for risk stratification of this group of patients.
Expression of Matrix Metalloproteinases in Human Breast Cancer Tissues
Authors: Benson Chellakkan Selvanesan , Babu Somasundaram Dinesh , Radhakrishna Selvi , Selvamurugan Nagarajan , Sankar Bhaskaran Ravi 
Published: June 2013

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer is the most common cancer affecting women in the world today. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a family of endopeptidases that can degrade extracellular matrix proteins and promote cell invasion and metastasis. MMPs are differentially expressed and their expressions are often associated with a poor prognosis for patients.OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to investigate and compare the expression of MMPs in different grades of human breast cancer tissues with normal breast tissues.PATIENTS AND METHODS: We collected 39 breast cancer samples (24 grade II and 15 grade III) along with 16 normal breast tissues from outside the tumor margin during cancer removal surgery. The samples were analysed for the expression of all known MMPs using real-time quantitative PCR.RESULTS: The results indicate that mRNA expressions of MMP-1, -9,-11,-15,-24 and -25 were upregulated in breast cancer tissues when compared to normal breast tissues. But, the mRNA expressions of MMP-10 and MMP-19 were downregulated in cancer tissue. In membrane associated MMPs like MMP-15 and MMP-24 we found a grade dependent increase of their mRNA expression.CONCLUSION: Our studies demonstrate that MMPs are differentially regulated in breast cancer tissues and they might play various roles in tumor invasion, metastasis and angiogenesis. Thus, MMPs are of immense value to be studied as diagnostic markers and drug target.