bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Emerging Role of Endothelial and Inflammatory Markers in Preeclampsia
Authors: Swellam Menha , Samy Nervana , Abdl Wahab Susan , Ibrahim Mohamed Saeed 
Published: June 2013

Objectives:Endothelial disturbance and excess inflammatory response are pathogenic mechanisms in pre-eclampsia (PE). Authors determine the clinical diagnostic role for thrombomodulin (TM), plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) as endothelial markers and C-reactive protein (CRP), and interlukin-6 (IL-6) as inflammatory markers when tested independently or in combinations.Materials and methods:We conducted a retrospective study in a cohort of 185 women grouped as 80 women with PE, 55 normotensive pregnant and 50 healthy non-pregnant. Plasma levels of TM, PAI-1, CRP and IL-6 were examined using enzyme linked immunosorbent assays.Results:Median levels and the positivity rates for the investigated markers were higher in PE as compared to the other groups (P< 0.0001). Using linear regression analysis, the investigated markers were significantly correlated regarding healthy nonpregnantvsPE or normotensive pregnantvsPE. The sensitivity of PAI-1 was the highest (98%) among the tested biomarkers. Combination between the investigated markers revealed absolute sensitivity (100%) and reliable specificity especially when PAI-1 was combined with CRP at 83% specificity.Conclusions:Investigated endothelial and inflammatory markers revealed sensitive diagnostic test for PE. However, coupled combination between PAI-1 with CRP showed superior both sensitivity and specificity which represent a promising new approach for detection of PE.
IL-1βin Irrigation Fluid and MRNA Expression in Synovial Tissue of the Knee Joint as Therapeutic Markers of Inflammation in Collagen Antibody-Induced Arthritis
Authors: Chia Wei-Tso , Yeh Li-Tzu , Chen Yuan-Wu , Lee Herng-Sheng , Chang Deh-Ming , Sytwu Huey-Kang 
Published: June 2013

Objective: We studied the relationship between the severity of inflammation and IL-1βproduction and relative expression level of IL-1βmRNA in irrigation fluid and synovial tissue obtained from the knee joint during the acute stage of a murine model of type II collagen antibody-induced arthritis (CAIA). This model is used to identify potential therapeutic markers for treating rheumatoid arthritis.Methods: Irrigation fluid and synovium tissue were harvested from the knee joint of BALB/c mice in acute stage of CAIA induction. The IL-1βprotein level was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and the relative expression level of IL-1βmRNA was analyzed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Two investigators analyzed expression levels and histopathological changes.Results: IL-1βconcentration was higher in irrigation fluid from the knee joint than in the serum in the acute stage of CAIA. The relative expression level of IL-1βmRNA was elevated in synovial tissue. Histopathological changes in the knee joint and foot indicated similar severity.Conclusions: IL-1βconcentration in irrigation fluid and relative expression level of IL-1βmRNA in the synovium have potential as therapeutic markers in studying and treating CAIA.
HLA-DR Association in Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma
Authors: Amoli Mahsa M. , Yazdani Nasrin , Amiri Parvin , Sayahzadeh Forogh , Haghpanah Vahid , Tavangar Seyed Mohammad , Amirzargar Ali , Ghaffari Hamidollah , Nikbin Behrooz , Larijani Bagher , Mostaan Leila V. , Bazzaz Javad Tavakkoly 
Published: June 2013

Objective:Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is the most frequent types of thyroid malignancies. Several genes may be involved in susceptibility of thyroid cancer including Human Leukocyte Antigens (HLA). The association of thyroid carcinoma with HLA alleles has been previously studied in other populations and certain HLA alleles were shown to be either predisposing or protective. The aim of this study was to determine the association between HLA-DR and papillary thyroid carcinoma in an Iranian population.Design:HLA-DR antigen frequencies were determined in patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma (N = 70) and non-related healthy controls (N=180) using PCR -SSP.Main Outcome:We found that HLA-DRB1*04 frequency was significantly higher in our patients compared to the controls [P= 0.02, OR; 1.9, 95% CI (1.04–3.57)].Conclusions:Our results revealed HLA-DRB1*04 as predisposing factor in papillary thyroid carcinoma in Iranian population. This confirms the previous findings for associations between HLA-DRB1 and differentiated carcinomas in other populations.
Relation between Development of Cardiovascular Disease and the C242T CYBA Polymorphism of the NADPH Oxidase in ESRD Patients
Authors: Tang Feng-Ying , Zhu Ying , Wang Gui Hua , Xie Xiong-Wei 
Published: June 2013

Background: The development of cardiovascular disease in ESRD patients is considered to be associated with oxidative stress. NAD(P)H oxidase has attracted attention as mechanisms of generating oxidative stress. We investigated the relation between the genotype of the C242T CYBA polymorphism of the NADPH oxidase and the development of cardiovascular disease in ESRD patients.Methods: A total of 289 ESRD patients were recruited and allocated to one of the two groups: patients without cardiovascular disease (group N; n=192) and patients developing cardiovascular disease (group D; n=97). The C242T CYBA polymorphism was determined by RFLP-PCR methods.Results: The frequency of the C242T CT+TT genotype was significantly lower in group D than in group N (9.1 vs. 20.2%). In multiple Logistic regression analysis, systolic blood pressure, smoking history and this gene polymorphism were shown to be independent variables for the development of cardiovascular disease in ESRD patients.Conclusions: These results suggest that assessment of the C242T CYBA polymorphism of the NADPH oxidase may be useful in identifying the risk for developing cardiovascular disease in ESRD patients.
Coincidence of Moderately Elevated N-Terminal Pro–B-Type Natriuretic Peptide, Endothelial Progenitor Cells Deficiency and Propensity to Exercise-Induced Myocardial Ischemia in Stable Angina
Authors: Surdacki Andrzej , Marewicz Ewa , Rakowski Tomasz , Szumańska Monika , Szastak Grzegorz , Pryjma Juliusz , Dubiel Jacek S. 
Published: June 2013

Aim:To assess endothelial progenitor cells (EPC) counts, a novel prognostic marker, in relation to classical adverse outcome predictors–N-terminal pro–B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), impaired left ventricular (LV) relaxation and exercise-induced ischemia–in stable coronary artery disease (CAD) with preserved LV systolic function.Methods:We studied 30 non-diabetic men with one-vessel CAD, LV ejection fraction ≥ 60% and normal LV diastolic function (n= 16) or impaired LV relaxation (by ultrasound including tissue Doppler) (n= 14), and 14 non-CAD controls matched for risk profile and medication. CD34+/kinase-insert domain receptor (KDR)+ cells (CD34+/KDR+ cells), a leukocytes subpopulation enriched for EPC, were enumerated by flow cytometry.Results:CAD patients with abnormal LV relaxation exhibited significantly elevated NT-proBNP and decreased CD34+/KDR+ cells vs. CAD with regular diastolic function and non-CAD controls. An inverse NT-proBNP–CD34+/KDR+ cells relationship was precipitated by the clustering of high resting NT-proBNP and low CD34+/KDR+ cells in the subjects with a lower Duke treadmill score.Conclusions:Propensity to symptomatic exertional ischemia may underlie the coincidence of moderately elevated NT-proBNP and EPC deficiency in stable angina. Additionally, chronic subclinical ischemia can also be involved in these associations. These might result from BNP overexpression in the ischemic myocardium and a hypothetical exhaustion of the bone marrow capacity to mobilize EPC at multiple ischemic episodes, thus contributing to NT-proBNP prognostic effect irrespective of hemodynamic factors.
Blood Absolute T Cell Counts may Predict 2-Month Treatment Response in Patients with Pulmonary Tuberculosis
Authors: Chen Yung-Che , Chang Huang-Chih , Chen Chung-Jen , Liu Shih-Feng , Chin Chien-Hung , Wu Chao-Chien , Chao Tung-Ying , Lie Chien-Hao , Wang Chin-Chou , Lin Meng-Chih 
Published: June 2013

Background and objective:Little is known about the usefulness of lymphocyte subsets as early predictors of anti-tuberculosis (TB) treatment response in immuno-competent patients.Methods:Among a total of 64 patients with culture positive pulmonary TB, 29 remained sputum smear/culture positive or had delayed resolution on CXR (slow responders (SR)), and 35 had sputum culture conversion to negative and rapid resolution on CXR (fast responders (FR)) after two months of anti-tuberculosis treatment. Clinical parameters and lymphocyte subsets were investigated.Results:A larger proportion of patients in the SR group had cavities on CXR, bilateral lung involvement, positive acid-fast bacilli stains, and complaint of cough at diagnosis than those in the FR group. Absolute counts of CD3+T cells (p= 0.016) and CD8+T cells (p= 0.012) at diagnosis were both significantly higher in the SR group. This trend was present throughout the 6-month treatment course. Absolute T cell counts (odds ratio (OR) 1.002, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.0–1.004), positive sputum acid fast bacilli stain (OR 6.69, 95% CI 1.37–32.77) and bilateral lung involvemment on CXR (OR 13.114, 95% CI 1.87–92.14) at diagnosis were independent predictors for a slow response. Combining these three predictors, a prediction score (PS) could be calculated to display an optimal discrimination for slow response (area under the curve (AUC) = 0.855,p< 0.001) whereas absolute T cell counts yielded the highest discriminative value on an individual level (AUC = 0.676,p= 0.015).Conclusions:A higher T cell count at diagnosis in patients with TB may predict a slow response to two months of treatment. The calculation of a PS further increased predictive accuracy and performance.
Genetic Polymorphism of Glutathione S Transferases M1 and T1 in Indian Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Asim Mohammad , Khan Luqman A. , Husain S. A. , Husain Sajid , Sarma Manash P. , Ahmad Istaq , Sharma J. K. , Sharma Anita , Sharma Shashi , Thayumanavan L. , Kar P. 
Published: June 2013

Objective:Our aim was to evaluate whether the association of GSTM1/T1 gene polymorphisms modifies the risk of Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and what is its correlation with other predisposing risk factors like alcohol intake, cigarette smoking and hepatitis B and C infections.Study design/setting:It was a case-control study, included 254 HCC cases compared with 525 hospital-based age and sex matched cases of chronic liver disease without HCC as controls from Indian population. The GSTM1 and GSTT1 genotypes were detected using conventional multiplex PCR method.Results:In this case-control study, we observed a positive correlation between age, HBV and HCV infection, smoking habit of > 20 packs/year, alcohol consumption of > 100 g/day and risk of liver cancer. We found significantly increased risk associated with GSTM1 null genotype (OR = 3.49; 95% CI = 2.52–4.84) as well as GSTT1 null genotype (OR = 3.12; 95% CI = 2.19–4.45), respectively. However, an increased risk of HCC was observed among heavy drinkers with GSTM1 (OR = 2.01; 95% CI = 1.11–3.66). Further, cigarette smoking showed a non-significant association with GSTT1 (OR = 1.49; CI = 0.69–3.25).Conclusion:Our results suggest that the variants in low penetrance gene such as GSTM1 and GSTT1 are associated with an increased liver cancer risk. Further, an influence of GSTM1/T1 null genotypes may contribute in the etiology of HCC in patients with higher cigarette and alcohol consumption.
The Antioxidant EnzymeGPX1Gene Polymorphisms Are Associated with Low BMD and Increased Bone Turnover Markers
Authors: Mlakar Simona Jurkovic , Osredkar Josko , Prezelj Janez , Marc Janja 
Published: June 2013

Recently, oxidative stress has been suggested as participating in the development of osteoporosis. Glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPX1) is one of antioxidant enzymes responsible for the defence of cells against oxidative damage and thus for protection against age related diseases such as osteoporosis.The aim of present study was to associate genetic variances of GPX1 enzyme with bone mineral density (BMD) and biochemical bone turnover markers and to show the influence of antioxidative defence system in genetics of osteoporosis.We evaluated 682 Slovenian subjects: 571 elderly women and 111 elderly men. All subjects were genotyped for the presence ofGPX1gene polymorphisms Pro198Leu and polyAla region. BMD and biochemical markers were also measured. General linear model analysis, adjusted to height, and (one-way) analysis of variance were used to assess differences between the genotype.and haplotype subgroups, respectively.The significant or borderline significant associations were found between the polyAla or the Pro198Leu polymorphisms and total hip BMD (0.018; 0.023, respectively), femoral neck BMD (0.117; 0.026, respectively) and lumbar spine BMD (0.032; 0.086, respectively), and with biochemical bone turnover markers such as plasma osteocalcin (0.027; 0.025, respectively) and serum C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen concentrations (0.114; 0.012, respectively) in whole group. Haplotype analysis revealed that the 6-T haplotype is associated significantly with low BMD values (p> 0.025) at all measured locations of the skeleton, and with high plasma osteocalcin concentrations (p= 0.008).This study shows for the first time that the polymorphisms polyAla and Pro198Leu of theGPX1gene, individually and in combination, are associated with BMD and therefore may be useful as genetic markers for bone disease. Moreover, it implies the important contribution of the oxidative stress to pathogenesis of osteoporosis.
BRCA1andBRCA2Germline Mutations Screening in Algerian Breast/Ovarian Cancer Families
Authors: Cherbal Farid , Bakour Rabah , Adane Saida , Boualga Kada , Benais-Pont Gaelle , Maillet Philippe 
Published: June 2013

Background:Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in women in Algeria. The contribution ofBRCA1andBRCA2mutations to hereditary breast/ovarian cancer in Algerian population is largely unknown. Here, we describe analysis ofBRCA1andBRCA2genes in 86 individuals from 70 families from an Algerian cohort with a personal and family history suggestive of genetic predisposition to breast cancer.Methods:The approach used is based onBRCA1andBRCA2mutations screening by High-Resolution Melting (HRM) curve analysis followed by direct sequencing. All samples for which no pathogenic mutation was found were analyzed by MLPA for large deletions or duplications.Results:Three distinct pathogenic mutations c.83_84delTG, c.181T>G, c.798_799delTT and two large rearrangements involving deletion of exon 2 and exon 8 respectively, were detected inBRCA1gene. Moreover 17 unclassified variants and polymorphisms were detected inBRCA1gene (6 described for the first time). Two pathogenic mutations, c.1310_1313delAAGA and c.5722_5723delCT and 40 unclassified variants and polymorphisms (14 never described before) were identified inBRCA2gene.Conclusions:For the first time, we used HRM and MLPA to identifyBRCA1andBRCA2mutations in Algerian patients with a personal and family history suggestive of genetic predisposition to breast cancer. The implications of these new findings in regard to genetic testing and counseling are substantial for the Algerian population.
SOD2 V16A SNP in the Mitochondrial Targeting Sequence is Associated with Noise Induced Hearing Loss in Chinese Workers
Authors: Liu Yi-Min , Li Xu-Dong , Guo Xiao , Liu Bin , Lin Ai-Hua , Ding Yuan-Lin , Rao Shao-Qi 
Published: June 2013

Objective:To investigate whether single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the Mn-superoxide dismutase gene (SOD2) underlie the susceptibility to noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL).Methods:Audiometric data from 2400 Chinese Han workers who exposed to occupational noise were analyzed. DNA samples were collected from the 10% most susceptible and the 10% most resistant individuals, and five SNPs (SOD2 rs2842980, rs5746136, rs2758331, rs4880 and rs5746092) were genotyped by Taqman SNP Genotyping Kits. The SNP main effects and interactions between noise exposure and SNP were analyzed using logistic regression. Haplotypes were analyzed by using Haploview software.Results:The CT genotype of rs4880 (SOD2 V16A SNP) was associated with a higher risk of NIHL (covariates-adjusted OR, 2.18; 95% CI, 1.34–3.54,P= 0.002). Haplotype analysis revealed that the frequency of AGCCG at the five SNP loci was significantly higher in the susceptible group (P= 0.020). With AGCTG as the reference, the OR (95% CI) was 2.63 (1.14, 6.06). The rs4880 polymorphisms imposed larger effects when the carriers were exposed to higher levels of noise, indicating the interaction between SNP and noise exposure.Conclusions:Our results suggest that SOD2 V16A SNP in the mitochondrial targeting sequence is associated with noise induced hearing loss in Chinese workers, and this effect was enhanced by higher levels of noise exposure.
Human GST Loci as Markers of Evolutionary Forces: GSTO1*E155del and GSTO1*E208K Polymorphisms May Be Under Natural Selection Induced by Environmental Arsenic
Authors: Polimanti Renato , Piacentini Sara , De Angelis Flavio , De Stefano Gian Franco , Fuciarelli Maria 
Published: June 2013

Over the last two decades, significant data has been accumulated linking Glutatione S-Transferases (GSTs) with the development of several diseases. Contemporary studies have demonstrated the impact of ethnicity on GST allele frequencies. The aim is to verify if the variability of GST genes reflects population demographic history or rather selective pressures.GST genes (GSTM1, GSTO1 GSTO2, GSTT1) were analysed in three Ecuadorian populations (Cayapas,n= 114; Colorados,n= 104; African-Ecuadorian,n= 77) and compared with HapMap data. GST SNPs were determined using the PCR-RFLP method while GST null phenotype was determined using a Multiplex PCR.The population relationship achieved using GSTM1 positive/null, GSTO1*A140D, GSTO2*N142D and GSTT1 positive/null are in agreement with the data obtained using neutral polymorphisms: Amerindians are close to Asian populations and African-Ecuadorians to African populations. To what concerns GSTO1*del155 and GSTO1*K208 variants, allele frequencies never exceeded 10%, showing no significant differences in the Ecuadorian groups and in worldwide populations.The features of GSTO1*del155 and GSTO1*K208 variants and their association with arsenic biotransformation deficiency suggest the presence of a selection mechanism towards these loci. In particular, this hypothesis is strengthened by a possible linkage between these alleles and the susceptibility of arsenic-induced male infertility.
Serum Progranulin as an Independent Marker of Liver Fibrosis in Patients with Biopsy-Proven Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Yilmaz Yusuf , Eren Fatih , Yonal Oya , Polat Zulfikar , Bacha Mohammad , Kurt Ramazan , Ozturk Oguzhan , Avsar Erol 
Published: June 2013

Background:Elevated progranulin levels are associated with visceral obesity, elevated plasma glucose, and dyslipidemia. Progranulin has not been previously investigated as a biomarker of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). We sought to determine whether serum progranulin levels are altered in patients with biopsy-proven NAFLD and if they are associated with their clinical, biochemical, and histological characteristics.Subjects and methods:We measured serum progranulin levels in 95 patients with biopsy-proven NAFLD and 80 age- and sex-matched controls. The potential associations between progranulin and the characteristics of NAFLD patients were examined by multiple linear regression analysis.Results:Serum progranulin levels were significantly higher in NAFLD patients (34 ± 13 ng/mL) than in controls (28 ± 7 ng/mL,P< 0.001). In NAFLD patients, serum progranulin levels were associated with lipid levels and the degree of hepatic fibrosis. After adjustment for potential confounders, serum progranulin remained an independent predictor of the degree of hepatic fibrosis in NAFLD patients (β= 0.392;t=2.226,P< 0.01).Conclusions:Compared with controls, NAFLD patients have higher serum progranulin concentrations, which are closely associated with lipid values and the extent of hepatic fibrosis.
Analysis of Sputum Markers in the Evaluation of Lung Inflammation and Functional Impairment in Symptomatic Smokers and COPD Patients
Authors: Paone Gregorino , Conti Vittoria , Vestri Annarita , Leone Alvaro , Puglisi Giovanni , Benassi Fulvio , Brunetti Giuseppe , Schmid Giovanni , Cammarella Ilio , Terzano Claudio 
Published: June 2013

The pivotal role of neutrophils and macrophages in smoking-related lung inflammation and COPD development is well-established.We aimed to assess whether sputum concentrations of Human Neutrophil Peptides (HNP), Neutrophil Elastase (NE), Interleukin-8 (IL-8), and Metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), major products of neutrophils and macrophages, could be used to trace airway inflammation and progression towards pulmonary functional impairment characteristic of COPD.Forty-two symptomatic smokers and 42 COPD patients underwent pulmonary function tests; sputum samples were collected at enrolment, and 6 months after smoking cessation.HNP, NE, IL-8, MMP-9 levels were increased in individuals with COPD (p< 0.0001). HNP and NE concentrations were higher in patients with severe airways obstruction, as compared to patients with mild-to-moderate COPD (p= 0.002). A negative correlation was observed between FEV1and HNP, NE and IL-8 levels (p< 0.01), between FVC1/FVC and HNP, NE and IL-8 levels (p< 0.01), and between NE enrolment levels and FEV1decline after 2 years (p= 0.04).ROC analysis, to discriminate symptomatic smokers and COPD patients, showed the following AUCs: for HNP 0.92; for NE 0.81; for IL-8 0.89; for MMP-9 0.81; for HNP, IL-8 and MMP-9 considered together 0.981.The data suggest that the measurement of sputum markers may have an important role in clinical practice for monitoring COPD.
Deregulated Expression of Superoxide Dismutase-2 Correlates with Different Stages of Cervical Neoplasia
Authors: Termini Lara , Filho Adhemar Longatto , Maciag Paulo Cesar , Etlinger Daniela , Alves Venâncio Avancini Ferreira , Nonogaki Suely , Soares Fernando Augusto , Villa Luisa Lina 
Published: June 2013

Objective: Superoxide dismutase-2 (SOD2) is considered one of the most important antioxidant enzymes that regulate cellular redox state in normal and tumorigenic cells. Overexpression of this enzyme may be involved in carcinogenesis, particularly in lung, gastric, colorectal and breast cancer.Methods: In the present study, we have evaluated SOD2 protein levels by immunohistochemistry (IHC) in 331 cervical histological samples including 31 low-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (LSIL), 51 high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (HSIL), 197 squamous cervical carcinomas (SCC) and 52 cervical adenocarcinomas (ADENO).Results: We observed that SOD2 staining increases with cervical disease severity. Intense SOD2 staining was found in 13% of LSIL, 25.5% of HSIL and 40% of SCC. Moreover, 65.4% of ADENO exhibited intense SOD2 staining.Conclusions: Differences in the expression of SOD2 could potentially be used as a biomarker for the characterization of different stages of cervical disease.