Plasma proprotein convertase subtilisin–kexin type 9 is predominantly related to intermediate density lipoproteins

ObjectivesProprotein convertase subtilisin–kexin type 9 (PCSK9) is a key regulator of low density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor processing, but the PCSK9 pathway may also be implicated in the metabolism of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins. Here we determined the relationship of plasma PCSK9 with very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) and LDL subfractions.Design and methodsThe relationship of plasma PCSK9 (sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) with 3 very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) and 3 low density lipoprotein (LDL) subfractions (nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy) was determined in 52 subjects (30 women).ResultsIn age- and sex-adjusted analysis plasma PCSK9 was correlated positively with total cholesterol, non-high density lipoprotein cholesterol and LDL cholesterol (r = 0.516 to 0.547, all p < 0.001), as well as with triglycerides (r = 0.286, p = 0.044). PCSK9 was correlated with the VLDL particle concentration (r = 0.336, p = 0.017) and with the LDL particle concentration (r = 0.362, p = 0.010), but only the relationship with the LDL particle concentration remained significant in multivariable linear regression analysis. In an analysis which included the 3 LDL subfractions, PCSK9 was independently related to intermediate density lipoproteins (IDL) (p < 0.001), but not to other LDL subfractions.ConclusionsThis study suggests that plasma PCSK9 predominantly relates to IDL, a triglyceride-rich LDL subfraction. The PCSK9 pathway may affect plasma triglycerides via effects on the metabolism of triglyceride-rich LDL particles.     

Proatherogenic disturbances in lipoprotein profile,associated enzymes and transfer proteins in women with iron deficiency anaemia

ObjectiveTo characterize the lipid-related atherogenic risk factors in iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) patients.Design and methodsTwenty IDA women were compared to healthy age-matched controls. Lipoprotein profile, cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP), paraoxonase (PON) 1 and lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A₂ (LpPLA₂) activities and plasma levels of oxidized-LDL were evaluated.ResultsTriglycerides were higher (median [range]) (1.0 [0.5–1.9] vs. 0.7 [0.5–1.5] mmol/L, p < 0.05) and HDL-C lower (mean ± SD) (1.3 ± 0.3 vs. 1.6 ± 0.4 mmol/L, p < 0.01) in the patients group. CETP (197 ± 29% vs. 151 ± 29% mL^? 1 h^? 1, p < 0.001), PON 1 (122 ± 17 vs. 140 ± 33 μmol mL^? 1 min^? 1, p < 0.05) and LpPLA₂ (9.6 ± 2.0 vs. 8.1 ± 1.7 μmol mL^? 1 h^? 1, p < 0.05) activities were different in IDA women. No difference was observed in oxidized-LDL. Haemoglobin correlated negatively with triglycerides (r = ? 0.35, p < 0.05), CETP (r =  ?  0.62, p < 0.001) and LpPLA₂ (r =  ?  0.34, p < 0.05), while ferritin was positively associated with HDL-C (r =  0.39, p < 0.05) and inversely with CETP (r =  ?  0.49, p < 0.005).ConclusionThe alterations in lipoprotein profile, CETP, PON 1 and LpPLA₂ activities described in the present study indicate that non-treated IDA might represent a proatherogenic state.     

Evaluation of apolipoprotein M as a biomarker of coronary artery disease

ObjectiveTo investigate the possible role of apolipoprotein M (ApoM) in the development of coronary artery disease (CAD).Design and methodsCase-controlled study, which consisted of 118 CAD patients and 255 unrelated subjects used as control group. Plasma concentration of ApoM was determined by dot blot, severity of CAD was expressed with Gensini score or the numbers of lesioned coronary arteries, and serum lipid levels were also measured.Results and discussionOur study shows the mean level of plasma ApoM is 1.3757 ± 0.1493 ODu mm^? 2 in CAD patients, while it is 1.3502 ± 0.1288 ODu mm^? 2 in control group, and there are significant differences in plasma level of ApoM between two groups (t = 0.032, P < 0.05). Concentration of plasma ApoM is positively associated with plasma total cholesterol (r = 0.38, P = 0.025), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (r = 0.29, P = 0.03), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (r = 0.16, P = 0.03) and apolipoproein A–I (r = 0.24, P = 0.03). Multiple logistic and linear regression analysis showed that plasma concentration of ApoM did not correlate either with the number of lesioned coronaries or the Gensini score after adjusted for conventional cardiovascular risk factors (P > 0.05, respectively).ConclusionThe findings suggest that ApoM could not be an independent risk factor but a biomarker of CAD.     

Relation between riboflavin,flavin mononucleotide and flavin adenine dinucleotide concentrations in plasma and red cells in patients with critical illness

BackgroundThere is some evidence that the relationship between plasma and red cell vitamin B2 concentrations is perturbed in the critically ill patient. The aim of the present study was to examine the longitudinal interrelationships between riboflavin, flavin mononucleotide (FMN) and flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) in plasma and red cells in patients with critical illness.MethodsRiboflavin, FMN and FAD concentrations were measured, by HPLC, in plasma and red cells in healthy subjects (n = 119) and in critically ill patients (n = 125) on admission and on follow-up.ResultsOn admission, compared with the controls, critically ill patients had significantly higher plasma riboflavin and FMN concentrations (p < 0.001) and lower median plasma FAD concentrations (p < 0.001). In the red cell, FAD concentrations were significantly lower in critically ill patients (p < 0.001). In healthy subjects, plasma riboflavin was directly associated with both plasma FMN (r_s = 0.55, p < 0.001) and plasma FAD (r_s = 0.49, p < 0.001). Red cell riboflavin was directly associated with red cell FMN (r_s = 0.52, p < 0.001) but not red cell FAD. In the critically ill patients, plasma riboflavin was not significantly associated with either plasma FMN or FAD. Red cell riboflavin was directly associated with red cell FMN (r_s = 0.79, p < 0.001) and red cell FAD (r_s = 0.72, p < 0.001). Longitudinal measurements (n = 60) were similar.ConclusionsThe relationship between plasma riboflavin, FMN and FAD was significantly perturbed in critical illness. This effect was less pronounced in red cells. Therefore, red cell FAD concentrations are more likely to be a reliable measure of status in the critically ill patient.     

Correlation of endothelin 1 plasma levels with plasma antioxidant capacity in elderly patients treated for hypertension

Experimental studies confirmed that reactive oxygen species increase endothelin-1 (ET-1) synthesis, and modulate ET-1 signaling pathway resulting in vasoconstriction and vascular remodeling.The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between plasma ET-1 concentration and antioxidant status in patients with essential hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus.Methods78 hypertensive patients, 53.8% diabetic, mean age 72.1 ± 7.07 were examined. The plasma concentration of glucose, creatinine, uric acid, bilirubin, cholesterol, insulin, HbA1c and ET-1 were measured. Antioxidant status was assessed by Ferric Reducing Ability of Plasma (FRAP), vitamin C concentration and erythrocyte superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity.ResultsWith diabetes ET-1 concentration was higher (1.35 ± 0.51 vs 1.12 ± 0.46 pg/mL, p = 0.04). The negative correlations between ET-1 concentration and FRAP (r = ? 0.50, p < 0.0001), vitamin C (r = ? 0.296, p = 0.01) and SOD (r = ? 0.44, p = 0.001) were found. Concentration of ET-1 correlated positively with SBP (r = 0.33, p = 0.005) but not with DBP. The relationship between DBP and ET-1 only in subjects with DBP > 110 mm Hg and FRAP < 0.40 mmol/L was found. In multiple regression analysis plasma ET-1 levels were associated independently with FRAP (beta = ? 0.583, p = 0.003) and plasma vitamin C (beta = ? 0.407, p = 0.04).ConclusionsIn hypertensive and diabetic patients higher plasma endothelin-1 level was independently associated with lower plasma antioxidant status measured by FRAP and decreased vitamin C concentration, which may be a result of increased oxidative stress in these diseases.     

Association of G-2548A LEP polymorphism with plasma leptin levels in Tunisian obese patients

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to examine the association of the G-2548A polymorphism of the human leptin gene (LEP) with body mass index (BMI), plasma leptin, insulin, and lipid parameters in a sample of Tunisian population.Design and methodsTwo hundred and twenty nine obese patients (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m²) were screened and compared to 251 normal weight subjects (BMI < 25 kg/m²). The human leptin gene promoter G-2548A genotype was determined by polymerase chain reaction followed by a digestion with the restriction of endonuclease CfoI.ResultsIn the entire study sample, carriers of -2548A allele had significantly lower leptin levels than homozygous for -2548G allele (14.28 ± 9.10 ng/mL vs. 18.27 ± 12 ng/mL, p < 0.001 respectively) adjusted for BMI and gender. In obese patients but not control, subjects carrying the -2548A allele exhibited lower leptin levels than those with GG genotype (16.96 ± 8.27 ng/mL vs. 21.37 ± 11.72 ng/mL, p = 0.001 respectively) adjusted for BMI and gender. In this group, carriership of the -2548A allele was identified, by multiple linear regression models, as significant independent predictor for leptin levels variability. Separate analyses by gender revealed that only in obese women, the -2548A allele was found to be associated with lower leptin levels independently of BMI (p = 0.004).ConclusionsThe present study showed that G-2548A LEP polymorphism is associated with lower leptin levels in Tunisian obese women.     

Hip fracture and anthropometric variations: Dominance among trochanteric soft tissue thickness,body height and body weight during sideways fall

BackgroundHip fracture depends on various anthropometric parameters such as trochanteric soft tissue thickness, body height and body weight. The objective was to evaluate the responses to the variations in anthropometric parameters during sideways fall, and to identify the most dominant parameter among them.MethodSeven finite element models were developed having anthropometric variations in trochanteric soft tissue thickness (5–26 mm), body height (1.70–1.88 m), and body weight (63–93.37 kg). These were simulated for sideways fall with ANSYS-LS-DYNA® code.FindingsSignificant effect of trochanteric soft tissue thickness variation was found on ‘normalized peak impact force with respect to the body weight’ (p = 0.004, r² = 0.808) and strain ratio (p = 0.083, r² = 0.829). But, variation in body height was found to be less significant on normalized peak impact force (p = 0.478, r² = 0.105) and strain ratio (p = 0.292, r² = 0.217). Same was true for the variation in body weight on normalized peak impact force (p = 0.075, r² = 0.456) and strain ratio (p = 0.857, r² = 0.007). The risk factor for fracture was also well correlated to the strain ratio for the inter-trochanteric zone (p < 0.0007, r² = 0.917) where the most fractures are clinically observed to happen.InterpretationsTrochanteric soft tissue thickness was found likely to be the most dominant parameter over body height and body weight, signifying that a slimmer elderly person, taller or shorter, with less trochanteric soft tissue thickness should be advised to take preventive measures against hip fracture under sideways fall.     

Butyrylcholinesterase activity and mortality risk in hemodialysis patients: Comparison to hsCRP and albumin

ObjectiveTo test the prediction power of butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) activity for mortality risk in hemodialysis patients during 12 months follow-up, and made comparison to hsCRP and albumin.Materials and methodsThe study enrolled 62 patients, aged 31–79 years. Serum BuChE, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and albumin were measured after 1, 3, 9 and 12 months of dialysis. The Kaplan–Meier survival curves were employed in mortality prediction.ResultsBuChE was positively associated with serum albumin (r = 0.318; p = 0.012) and inversely related to hsCRP (r = ? 0.358; p = 0.004). The highest mortality was in the lowest quartile of basal albumin (< 38.4 g/L; p = 0.027), hsCRP concentrations > 8 mg/L (p = 0.005), and BuChE activity in the lowest tercile of basal values (< 5.92 kU/L; p = 0.0041).ConclusionOur results suggest that low BuChE activity may be a nonspecific risk factor for mortality in patients who are on hemodialysis.     

Sperm head defects and disturbances in spermatozoal chromatin and DNA integrities in idiopathic infertile subjects: Association with cigarette smoking

ObjectivesTo evaluate sperm chromatin and DNA integrities in idiopathic infertile men and determine the possible association(s) of cigarette smoking on oxidative stress markers, antioxidant capacity and semen quality.Subjects and methodsSemen samples from men referring to the andrology laboratory were categorized into 3 groups: fertile non-smokers (n = 16), infertile non-smokers (n = 36), and infertile smokers (n = 34). Semen analysis was performed according to WHO criteria. The percentage of sperm DNA fragmentation index (%DFI) and the percentage of sperm with abnormally high DNA stainability (HDS%; immature spermatozoa) were determined by SCSA using the metachromatic properties of acridine orange. Lipid peroxidation, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and reduced glutathione (GSH) levels in seminal plasma and spermatozoa were measured by spectrophotometric assays.ResultsThe classical semen parameters were negatively correlated with lipid peroxidation in spermatozoa; motility and morphology were negatively correlated with %DFI (p < 0.05). HDS% was also negatively correlated with above markers except for morphology (r = ? 0.352, p = 0.081). DFI% and HDS% were significantly higher in the infertile smokers group than in infertile non-smokers (p = 0.032; p = 0.001 respectively). Cigarette smoking was significantly associated with DFI%, HDS%, TBARS and the fraction of “round-headed” sperm (r = 0.796, p = 0.0001; r = 0.371, p = 0.033; r = 0.606, r = 0.591, p = 0.001 respectively), and decreased SOD levels (r = ? 0.545).ConclusionDFI%, HDS% and round-head sperms are increased in idiopathic infertile men; this increase is associated with cigarette smoking. These defects may be attributed to increased oxidative stress and insufficient scavenging antioxidant enzymes in the seminal fluid of infertile patients.     

Sexuality after stroke: Exploring knowledge,attitudes, comfort and behaviours of rehabilitation professionals

BackgroundSexual dysfunction after stroke is common and is associated with poor health and quality of life outcomes. Clinical guidelines for stroke typically recommend that all stroke survivors have access to support relating to sexuality during rehabilitation. However, the extent to which rehabilitation professionals are prepared to address sexuality after stroke is unclear.ObjectiveTo investigate the knowledge, comfort, approach, attitudes, and practices of rehabilitation professionals toward supporting stroke survivors with their sexuality concerns.MethodsCross-sectional analytic survey design. Data were collected by using an electronic questionnaire that contained the Knowledge, Comfort, Approaches, and Attitudes towards Sexuality Scale (KCAASS) and sexuality-related practice questions. Participants were recruited from Australia, New Zealand, the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Ireland, Singapore, and South Africa. Multiple regression was used to explore KCAASS scores and sexuality-related practices.ResultsA total of 958 multi-disciplinary, stroke rehabilitation professionals participated in the study. Only 23% (n = 216) of health professionals’ reported directly initiating sexuality discussions with stroke survivors. On regression analysis, professionals’ practices, perception of their role in sexuality rehabilitation, sexuality training, education, age and sex predicted their knowledge of sexuality after stroke (r² = 0.44; p < 0.001). Sexuality training, religious affiliation and provision of sexuality-rehabilitation services predicted comfort (r² = 0.21; p < 0.001). Professionals’ age and provision of sexuality-rehabilitation services predicted approach-related comfort (r² = 0.2; p < 0.001). Professionals’ perception of health professionals’ role in sexuality rehabilitation, religious affiliation and geographical location predicted professionals’ attitudes toward sexuality (r² = 0.11; p < 0.001). Open-ended responses indicated that participants perceived a need to improve their competency in providing sexuality rehabilitation. The timing of training predicted knowledge (t = 3.99; p < 0.001), comfort (t = 3.47; p < 0.001) and the provision of sexuality-rehabilitation services (t = 3.68; p < 0.001).ConclusionFindings confirm that sexuality is neglected in stroke rehabilitation and point to the need for a considered approach to the timing and nature of education.     

The circulating concentration and ratio of total and high molecular weight adiponectin in post-menopausal women with and without osteoporosis and its association with body mass index and biochemical markers of bone metabolism

ObjectivesThere is increasing evidence suggesting that adiponectin plays a role in the regulation of bone metabolism.Design and methodsThis was a cross-sectional study of 34 post-menopausal women with and 37 without osteoporosis. All subjects had body mass index (BMI), bone mineral density (BMD), total-, high molecular weight (HMW)-adiponectin and their ratio, osteoprotegerin (OPG), a marker of bone resorption (βCTX) and formation (P1NP) measured.ResultsWe observed a positive correlation between BMI and BMD (r = 0.44, p < 0.001). When normalised for BMI, total-, HMW-adiponectin concentrations and HMW/total-adiponectin ratio were significantly lower in obese compared to lean subjects but there was no difference between those with or without osteoporosis. There were significant negative correlations between HMW/total-adiponectin ratio and BMI (r = ? 0.27, p = 0.030) and with OPG (r = ? 0.44, p < 0.001).ConclusionsOur data suggests that there is no significant difference in the circulating concentration of fasting early morning total- or HMW-adiponectin in post-menopausal women with or without osteoporosis. The correlation between HMW/total-adiponectin ratio and OPG may indicate that adiponectin could influence bone metabolism by altering osteoblast production of OPG thereby affecting osteoclasts mediated bone resorption.     

The plasma levels of relaxin-2 and relaxin-3 in patients with diabetes

ObjectivesRelaxin-2 has been found to alleviate fibrosis in experimental diabetic cardiomyopathy. In addition, the levels of serum relaxin-3 were increased and correlated with all the component traits of metabolic syndrome. We investigated the levels of plasma relaxin-2 or relaxin-3 and their relationship to component traits in patients with diabetes.Design and methodsWe studied 33 newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes patients and 38 age-matched healthy subjects. Blood samples were taken at study entry, and relaxin-3, relaxin-2, fasting blood glucose, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), triglycerides, serum insulin and hemoglobin A_1c (HbA_1c) levels were measured.ResultsRelaxin-2 levels were significantly lower in patients with diabetes than in controls: the median plasma relaxin-2 concentration was 34.68 pg/mL (range, < 29.00–50.81 pg/mL) in patients with diabetes and 45.80 pg/mL (range, < 37.42–54.46 pg/mL) in controls (p = 0.0150). However, no differences in relaxin-3 levels were observed between the diabetes group and controls (p = 0.6550). The plasma levels of relaxin-2 or relaxin-3 were not correlated with systolic blood pressure (BP), diastolic BP, total cholesterol, LDL-C, HDL-C, triglyceride, fasting blood glucose, fasting insulin and HbA_1c in patients with diabetes. Additionally, there was no correlation between the plasma concentrations of relaxin-2 and relaxin-3 in patients with diabetes (r_s = 0.225; p = 0.208).ConclusionsWe conclude that the plasma levels of relaxin-2 in diabetes patients were lower than in controls, however, there are no difference in plasma relaxin-3 concentrations between controls and patients with diabetes. Relaxin-2 or relaxin-3 levels are not related to component traits in patients with diabetes.     

Soluble receptor for advanced glycation end products (sRAGE) in plasma and synovial fluid is inversely associated with disease severity of knee osteoarthritis

Objectives:The aim of this study was to measure soluble receptor for advanced glycation end products (sRAGE) in plasma and synovial fluid of knee osteoarthritis (OA) patients and to determine the correlation between sRAGE levels and disease severity.Design and methods:Thirty-six OA patients and 15 healthy controls were enrolled in this study. OA grading was performed using the Kellgren–Lawrence classification. sRAGE levels in plasma and synovial fluid were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Results:Plasma sRAGE levels were significantly lower in OA patients than in healthy controls (P = 0.01). sRAGE levels in plasma were remarkably higher with regard to paired synovial fluid (P = 0.001). Additionally, sRAGE concentrations in plasma and synovial fluid showed significant inverse correlation with disease severity (r = ?0.65, P < 0.001 and r = ?0.55, P = 0.001, respectively). Further analysis showed that there was a strong positive correlation between plasma and synovial sRAGE concentration (r = 0.81, P < 0.001).Conclusions:sRAGE levels were significantly lower in OA patients compared with controls, and sRAGE levels in plasma and synovial fluid also decreased significantly as the disease severity increased. Accordingly, sRAGE levels could be used as a biochemical marker for assessing the severity and progression of knee OA.     

Effect of caregiver gender,age, and feedback prompts on chest compression rate and depth

BackgroundQuality of chest compressions (CC) is an important determinant of resuscitation outcome for cardiac arrest patients.PurposeTo characterize the quality of CC performed by hospital personnel, evaluate for predictors of CC performance, and determine the effects of audiovisual feedback on CC performance.MethodsSeven hundred and fifty four individuals participated in a CPR quality improvement challenge at 30 US hospitals. Participants performed 2 min of CC on a manikin with an accelerometer-based system for measuring both rate (CC/min) and depth (in.) of CC (AED Plus:ZOLL Medical). Real-time audiovisual feedback was disabled. A subset of participants performed a second trial of CC with the audiovisual feedback prompts activated.ResultsMean depth of CC was below AHA minimum guidelines (<1.5 in.) for 34% (1.30 ± 0.14 in.) and above maximum guidelines (>2.0 in.) for 12% of participants (2.20 ± 0.22 in.). Depth of CC was greater for male vs. female (p < 0.001) and younger vs. older (p = 0.009) but did not differ between ACLS, BCLS, and non-certified participants (p = 0.6). Predictors of CC depth included CC rate (r_part = ?0.34, p < 0.0001), gender (r_part = 0.13, p = 0.001), and age (r_part = ?0.09, p = 0.02).Mean depth of CC increased, mean rate decreased, and variance in CC depth and rate declined when feedback was used (p ≤ 0.0001 vs. without feedback). The percentage of CC performed within AHA guidelines (1.5–2 in.) improved from 15 to 78% with feedback.ConclusionsThe quality of CC performed by personnel at US hospitals as judged by their performance on a manikin is often suboptimal. Quality of CC can be improved with use of CPR feedback technologies.     

Plasma resistin levels are associated with homocysteine,endothelial activation,and nitrosative stress in obese youths

ObjectiveTo evaluate whether serum resistin levels are related to cardiovascular risk in obese children.Design and methodsCross-sectional study of 110 children (40 normal weight and 70 severely obese). Clinical and biochemical parameters, including lipid profile, fasting glucose and insulin, and homocysteine, were determined. The levels of adipokines (adiponectin, leptin, and resistin), markers of inflammation (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP)), endothelial activation (serum concentrations of soluble intercellular and vascular cellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1, sVCAM-1)), and oxidative/nitrosative stress (malondialdehyde and urinary nitrate/nitrite) were measured.ResultsA partial correlation adjusted by gender, Tanner stage, and body mass index in obese children showed that resistin was significantly related to central obesity (p < 0.002), insulin resistance (p < 0.005), and homocysteine (p < 0.001). No association was found with other metabolic risk factors or hs-CRP levels. Malondialdehyde (p < 0.043) and sVCAM-1 (p < 0.002) were positively correlated whereas urinary nitrate/nitrite was negatively correlated (p < 0.007). In multiple regression analysis homocysteine, sVCAM-1, and urinary nitrate/nitrite remained independent determinants of resistin levels (R² adjusted = 0.347, p = 0.000).ConclusionsResistin could be considered as a promising marker for future cardiovascular disease in obese children.     

Plasma ceruloplasmin as a biomarker for obesity: a proteomic approach

ObjectivesThis study aimed to investigate new biomarkers of obesity particularly in relation with inflammation-associated proteins using protein differential display techniques.Design and methodsComparison of protein expression in plasma between non-obese (n = 109, body mass index, BMI < 25 kg/m²) and obese (n = 32, BMI ≥ 25 kg/m²) groups was carried out using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE) analysis. ELISA was also performed for validation.ResultsAmong six differentially expressed protein spots, ceruloplasmin (Cp) and fibrinogen were over-expressed in obese group. Plasma Cp levels were significantly higher in obese group than non-obese group (34.0 ± 8.6 vs. 41.3 ± 12.7 mg/dL, p < 0.001) and positively correlated with age (r = 0.253, p < 0.005), BMI (r = 0.265, p < 0.001) and hsCRP (r = 0.385, p < 0.001). In stepwise multiple linear regression analysis, plasma Cp along with hsCRP were found predictors for obesity (adjusted β-coefficient = 0.266, p < 0.01).ConclusionElevated plasma Cp levels were significantly associated with obesity, which may be suggested to be a marker of obesity.     

Soluble receptor for advanced glycation end products in physiological and pathological pregnancy

ObjectiveThe receptor for advanced glycation end products, RAGE, has been implicated in pathogenesis of many diseases. Soluble RAGE, sRAGE, extracellular domain of RAGE, is new biomarker. The aim of the study was to determine sRAGE levels in physiological pregnancy and their changes in pregnancies complicated by preterm labor or preeclampsia.Design and methodsSerum levels of sRAGE were determined in 79 healthy pregnant women, 42 pregnant women in preterm labor or with preeclampsia and 24 non-pregnant controls.ResultssRAGE serum levels are decreased in physiological pregnancy compared to healthy non-pregnant controls (p < 0.001). Serum sRAGE concentrations are higher in the 2nd trimester of physiological pregnancy, compared to the 1st and 3rd trimesters of pregnancy (p < 0.001). sRAGE levels in women with preterm labor are decreased (p < 0.05) and correlate negatively with the leukocyte count (r = -0.47, p < 0.05). In women with preeclampsia, sRAGE is elevated (p < 0.05) and correlates with serum creatinine concentration (r = 0.54, p < 0.05) and with uric acid concentration (r = 0.51, p < 0.05).ConclusionOur results clearly demonstrate significant differences in serum sRAGE levels in physiological pregnancy and in pathological states in pregnancy, however, further studies are required demonstrate the usefulness and significance of sRAGE.     

Association of genetic variations in aromatase gene with serum estrogen and estrogen/testosterone ratio in Chinese elderly men

BackgroundSingle nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs2470152 of the gene CYP19A1 is associated with serum estradiol (E2) levels in Caucasian men. However, it remains to be verified if rs2470152 is the sole determinant accounting for the association. We determined whether 2 CYP19A1 SNPs tagging different haploblocks (rs2470152 and rs2899470) are associated with sex steroid levels in Chinese men.MethodSerum sex steroid level including E2, estrone (E1) and testosterone (T), of 1402 Chinese men aged ≥ 65 years were analyzed. Genotyping of the two CYP19A1 SNPs was performed using T_m-shift allele-specific PCR.ResultsSNP rs2899470 was significantly associated with serum E2, E1 levels and E2/T ratio (p < 0.001). However, SNP rs2470152 was only modestly associated with E2/T ratio (p = 0.023). Analysis of haplotype showed a significant association between C-G, T-T haplotype with serum E2/T ratio (p = 0.019 and p = 1 × 10^? 5, respectively). Similarly, E2 levels was also associated the T-T and T-G haplotypes (p = 1 × 10^? 5).ConclusionThe genetic variation of CYP19A1 was associated with circulating estrogen levels in Chinese elderly men. In addition, it revealed that haplotype of rs2899470 and rs2470152, rather than rs2899470 alone, was a better indicator for the serum E2/T ratio and E2 levels.     

Lower limb kinematics and hip extensors strengths are associated with performance of runners at high risk of injury during the modified Star Excursion Balance Test

BackgroundReduced trunk and lower limb movement and hip and trunk muscles weakness may compromise the athletes’ performance on the modified Star Excursion Balance Test (mSEBT).ObjectiveTo investigate the relationship of trunk and lower limb kinematics and strength with the performance on the mSEBT of runners at high risk of injury.MethodsThirty-nine runners performed the mSEBT with the dominant limb as the support limb. An Inertial System was used to capture the trunk, hip, knee and ankle movement during the mSEBT. A handheld dynamometer was used to measure the strength of trunk extensors and lateral flexors muscles, and hip extensors, lateral rotators and abductors of the support limb. Multiple regressions were used to investigate if trunk and lower limbs kinematics and trunk and hip muscles strength are associated with performance during the mSEBT.ResultsReduced hip flexion and greater knee flexion range of motion (ROM) were associated with anterior reach in the mSEBT (r² = 0.45; p < .001), greater hip flexion ROM was associated with posteromedial reach (r² = 0.15; p = .012) and greater knee flexion ROM was associated with posterolateral reach (r² = 0.23; p < .001). Hip extensor strength was associated with posteromedial (r² = 0.14; p = .017), posterolateral (r² = 0.10; p = .038) and composite reaches (r² = 0.16; p = .009).ConclusionHip and knee kinematics in the sagittal plane explained 15–45% of the runners’ performance on the mSEBT and hip extensor strength explained 10–16% of the mSEBT performance. These findings provide useful information on the contribution of joints kinematics and strength when evaluating dynamic postural control in runners at high risk of injury.