Curcumin reduces the expression of interleukin 1β and the production of interleukin 6 and tumor necrosis factor alpha by M1 macrophages from patients with Behcet's disease

Objective: Behcet's disease (BD) is an auto-inflammatory disorder. Curcumin as a bio-active agent has anti-inflammatory properties. Effects of curcumin on the pathogenesis of BD are still not clear. In this study, we investigated the effect of curcumin on the inflammatory cytokines expression and production in M1 macrophages from BD patients compared with healthy controls.

Methods: Monocytes were collected from 10 healthy controls and 20 active BD patients, differentiated to macrophages by macrophage-colony stimulating factor for 7?d. Macrophages were then treated with interferon gamma, lipopolysaccharide, and curcumin (10 or 30?µg/ml) for 24?h. Analysis of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα), interleukin 1β (IL-1β), and IL-6 mRNA expression and protein production was performed using SYBR Green qPCR and ELISA method.

Results: Treatment with 30?µg/ml curcumin significantly down-regulated mRNA expression of IL-1β (p?<?.05) and protein production of IL-6 (p?p?p?Conclusions: We demonstrated that curcumin can inhibit the expression and production of inflammatory cytokines in M1 macrophages from BD patients. Our results suggest that curcumin can modulate inflammatory signaling more specifically in macrophages from BD patients than healthy macrophages.     

Prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and its associated factors among the urban elderly population in Hyderabad metropolitan city,South India

Background: Deficiency of vitamin D has been associated with various health conditions. However, vitamin D deficiency (VDD) and factors associated with VDD are not well studied, especially among the urban elderly population of India.

Aim: To assess the prevalence of VDD and its associated factors among the urban free-living elderly population in Hyderabad.

Subjects and methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 298 urban elderly (≥60 years) by adapting a random sampling procedure. Demographic particulars were collected. Blood pressure and anthropometric measurements were recorded using standard equipment. Fasting glucose, lipid profile and 25-hydroxy vitamin D [25(OH) D] were estimated in plasma samples.

Results: The mean?±?SE plasma vitamin D and the prevalence of VDD among the urban elderly population were 19.3?±?0.54 (ng/ml) and 56.3%, respectively. The prevalence of VDD was significantly associated with education, high body mass index (BMI), hypertension (HT) and metabolic syndrome (MS). Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed HT as a significant predictor of vitamin D deficiency and the risk of VDD was double among the elderly with hypertension.

Conclusions: The prevalence of VDD was high among the urban elderly population in the south Indian city of Hyderabad. High BMI, MS, HT and education are significant associated factors of VDD.     

Vitamin D status and bone density in steroid-treated children with glomerulopathies: effect of cholecalciferol and calcium supplementation

PurposeThe aim of this study was to assess vitamin D status and bone density in steroid-treated children with glomerulopathies and to evaluate the effect of prophylactic vitamin D and calcium supplementation.Material and MethodsRetrospective analysis was performed on 55 children aged 4–18 yrs with glomerulopathies. The following data were analyzed: antropometrical parameters, bone densitometries, parathormone, 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD), urinary calcium excretion and medications received for prevention of low bone mass.ResultsA significant number of children (38%) had decreased spinal bone mineral density (BMD z-score < ?2.0) and the majority of them (89%) had hypovitaminosis D (25-OHD < 30ng/ml), 75% were vitamin D insufficient (25-OHD < 20ng/ml) and 16% were vitamin D deficient (25-OHD < 10ng/ml). The mean serum 25-OHD concentration was comparable to that of controls (19.32±12.87 vs. 15.05±8.52 ng/ml). Nearly all patients (82%) were receiving preparations of calcium and/or vitamin D to improve bone health. Patients on cholecalciferol had higher mean concentration of 25-OHD compared to those who were not receiving it (p=0.027) and to the controls (p=0.047). In 23 children on vitamin D and calcium supplementation for an average 6-month time, we observed an increase in the mean BMD values (p=0.004), however, mean BMD z-score and 25-OHD concentrations did not significantly change over time.ConclusionsVitamin D and bone density deficits are remarkably common in steroid-treated children with glomerulopathies, despite vitamin D and calcium repletion. In order to enhance the effectiveness of vitamin D supplementation for improvement of bone density, we suggest regular assessment of serum concentration of 25-OHD that can guide subsequent dose adjustment of vitamin D.     

Effects of venom immunotherapy on serum level of CCL5/RANTES in patients with Hymenoptera venom allergy

Abstract

Hymenoptera venoms are known to cause life-threatening IgE-mediated anaphylactic reactions in allergic individuals. Venom immunotherapy is a recommended treatment of insect allergy with still the mechanism not being completely understood. We decided to assess the serum CCL5/RANTES level in patients who experienced severe anaphylactic reaction to Hymenoptera venom and to find out changes in the course of immunotherapy. Twenty patients (9 men, 11 women, mean age: 31.91?±?7.63 years) with history of anaphylactic reaction after insect sting were included into the study. Diagnosis was made according to sIgE and skin tests. All of them were enrolled into rush venom immunotherapy with bee or wasp venom extracts (Pharmalgen, ALK-Abello, Horsholm, Denmark). Serum levels of CCL5/RANTES were measured using a commercially available ELISA kit (R&D Systems, Minneapolis, MN). CCL5/RANTES serum concentration are higher in insect venom allergic patients than in healthy controls (887.5?±?322.77 versus 387.27?±?85.11?pg/ml). Serum concentration of CCL5/RANTES in insect venom allergic patient was significantly reduced in the course of allergen immunotherapy already after 6 days of vaccination (887.5?±?322.77 versus 567.32?±?92.16?pg/ml). CCL5/RANTES serum doesn’t correlate with specific IgE. Chemokine CCL5/RANTES participates in allergic inflammation induced by Hymenoptera venom allergens. Specific immunotherapy reduces chemokine CCL5/RANTES serum level already after initial days of venom immunotherapy.     

Bone mass preservation with high-dose cholecalciferol and dietary calcium in HIV patients following antiretroviral therapy. Is it possible?

Objective: To evaluate whether treatment with 100,000?IU/month (equivalent to 3200?IU/day) of cholecalciferol and 1?g/day of dietary calcium supplementation in HIV patients following different cART regimens yields normal levels of vitamin D3 and PTH as well as whether changes in bone mineral density are clinically significant.

Methods: Consecutive HIV patients following different cART regimens received 100,000?IU/month (equivalent to 3200?IU/day) of cholecalciferol and 1?g/day of dietary calcium supplementation. The participants underwent BMD assessment via dual energy X-ray absorptiometry of the spine and hip at baseline (T0) and after 24 months (T1). Levels of 25(OH) vitamin D3 and parathyroid hormone (PTH) were assessed at T0 and T1. Quantitative variables were assessed with a paired t-test, independent t-test or analysis of variance, as appropriate. A chi-squared analysis was used to assess the association between qualitative variables. A p-value <0.05 was considered significant. Patients were divided into three groups depending on the cART regimen.

Results: A total of 79 patients were included (40 males, 51% and 39 females, 49%), with a mean age of 46.6 (SD ±11.2) years, a baseline CD4 count of 649 cells/µl and a mean 25 hydroxycholecalciferol (25(OH) D3) value of 25?+?10?ng/ml. After 24 months, the 25(OH) D3 increased to 40?+?11?ng/ml. The initial BMDs at T0 were estimated as 0.919 (±0.27) and 0.867 (±0.14) g/cm² at the spine and hip, respectively. After 24 months, the BMD was 0.933 (±0.15) g/cm² at the spine and 0.857 (±0.14) g/cm² at the hip. Based on a BMD change exceeding 3%, a worsening was observed in 23% of patients at the spine and 27% at the hip, whereas stability or improvement was demonstrated in 77% of patients at the spine and 73% at the hip.

Subgrouping patients based on antiretroviral therapy indicated that, at T1, there was a statistically significant increase in vitamin D3 concentration in all patients, while PTH concentration was not significantly reduced in patients taking tenofovir or efavirenz. BMD stability or improvement was demonstrated in 77% of patients at the spine and 73% at the hip after 24 months.

The multivariate analysis confirms a decrease in vitamin D3 and an increase in PTH levels in smokers, as well higher vitamin D3 concentrations in males and lower spine BMDs in menopausal females.

Conclusion: The proposed protocol of cholecalciferol and dietary calcium supplementation is safe and valid for correcting vitamin D abnormalities in almost all patients as well as reducing PTH levels in a high percentage of patients; however, it is not sufficient for normalization, particularly in patients exposed to tenofovir or efavirenz. At the spine, no significant BMD change was found in any of the therapy groups. At the hip, our data confirm a modest negative effect on bone mass caused by tenofovir and efavirenz.     

Serum Levels of Calreticulin in Correlation with Disease Activity in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Objective

The aim of our study was to investigate the contribution of serum calreticulin (CRT) in the assessment of disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods

Serum CRT levels were measured by ELISA in 70 patients with established RA, 30 systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), 25 other autoimmune diseases, 20 osteoarthritis (OA), and 35 of healthy controls (HC). Correlations of CRT serum levels with disease activity [Disease Activity Score for 28 joints (DAS28)], erythrocyte sedimentation rate(ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) were assessed. Serum CRT levels were also detected in RA patients whose RF, anti-CCP and anti- MCV antibodies were positive and negative.

Results

Serum CRT levels in RA patients (4.817?±?2.425 ng/ml) was significantly higher (P <0.05) compared with those in the serum of OA (3.574?±?0.942 ng/ml), SLE (4.013?±?1.536 ng/ml), other autoimmune diseases (3.882?±?0.837 ng/ml) and HC (3.726?±?0.627 ng/ml). Significant positive correlation of CRT with DAS28, ESR and CRP was found in RA patients. Furthermore, RA patients whose anti-CCP and anti-MCV antibodies were positive had higher levels of CRT (P?<?0.01).

Conclusion

Serum CRT levels were increased in patients with RA compared with those controls. Moreover, a significant correlation was observed between serum CRT levels and disease activity in RA. It might be used as a potential biomarker for clinical diagnosis and provide additional information regarding disease activity along with the traditional indices such as ESR and CRP.     

Sulfur mustard triggers oxidative stress through glutathione depletion and altered expression of glutathione-related enzymes in human airways

Context: Sulfur mustard (SM) is a lipophilic and reactive chemical compound that targets human airway system.

Objective: Glutathione (GSH) depletion, oxidative stress (OS) status, and changes in expression of GSH-dependent antioxidant enzymes were considered in human mustard lungs.

Materials and methods: Lung biopsies and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) were collected from non-exposed (n?=?10) individuals and SM-exposed patients (n?=?12). Alterations in expression of GSH-dependent enzymes were studied using RT² Profiler? PCR array. OS was evaluated by determining BAL fluid levels of total antioxidant capacity (TAC), malondialdehyde (MDA), and GSH.

Results: Mean TAC (0.142?±?0.027?µmol/l) and GSH (4.98?±?1.02?nmol/l) in BAL fluids of control group was significantly higher (p?p?=?.001) higher than that in controls (0.49?±?0.048?nmol/l). Glutathione peroxidases (GPXs), glutathione-s-transferases (GSTs), and glutathione synthetase (GSS) enzymes were overexpressed in mustard lung biopsies, while glutathione reductase (GSR) was significantly downregulated (14.95-fold).

Conclusions: GSH depletion induced by GSR downregulation may be a major mechanism of SM toxicity on human lung. Despite overexpression of GSTs and GPXs genes, GSH depletion may decline the productivity of these enzymes and total antioxidants capacity, which is associated with OS.     

Type-III interferons and rheumatoid arthritis: Correlation between interferon lambda 1 (interleukin 29) and antimutated citrullinated vimentin antibody levels

Aim: To assess serum type III or lambda (λ) interferons (IFN) levels and its clinical and laboratory associations in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods: A cross-sectional study including 43 patients with RA (86% females; age 45.3?±?10.3 years) and 43 healthy individuals was performed. Clinical data including disease activity, acute-phase reactants, rheumatoid factor and anticyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) antibodies were collected. Serum IFNλ1, IFNλ2, IFNλ3, CXCL8 and anti-mutated citrullinated vimentin (anti-MCV) antibody levels were measured. Results: Patients with RA had higher IFNλ1 (113.5?±?118.6?pg/mL versus 55.9?±?122.3?pg/mL; p?<?0.0001) and IFNλ2 (245.4?±?327.7?pg/mL versus 5.1?±?11.0?pg/mL; p?=?0.009) levels than controls, but not IFNλ3 levels. Notably, IFNλ1 levels were found to be higher in both patients with active disease (124.9?±?135.9?pg/mL; p?<?0.001) and quiescent disease (99.0?±?93.7?pg/mL; p?<?0.01), while IFNλ2 levels were higher only in patients with active disease (264.0?±?356.1?pg/mL; p?=?0.02). A noteworthy association between serum IFNλ1 levels and anti-MCV antibody titers (Spearman's rho coefficient 0.36, 95% CI 0.36 to 0.61; p?=?0.02) was observed. Conclusion: Serum IFNλ1 and IFNλ2 levels are abnormally elevated in patients with RA and the former are linearly associated with circulating anti-MCV antibody levels. These results may place type-III IFN as an attractive new therapeutic target in RA.     

Changes of vitamin D levels and bone turnover markers after CPAP therapy: a randomized sham‐controlled trial

The aim was to investigate whether continuous positive airway pressure treatment could modulate serum vitamin D (25‐hydroxyvitamin D) and bone turnover markers (collagen‐type 1 cross‐linked C‐telopeptide, osteocalcin and N‐terminal propeptide of type 1 collagen) in secondary analysis from a randomized controlled trial. Sixty‐five continuous positive airway pressure‐naïve male patients with obstructive sleep apnea (age = 49 ± 12 years, apnea–hypopnea index = 39.9 ± 17.7 events h^?1, body mass index = 31.3 ± 5.2 kg m^?2) were randomized to receive either real (n  = 34) or sham (n  = 31) continuous positive airway pressure for 12 weeks. At 12 weeks, all participants received real continuous positive airway pressure for an additional 12 weeks. After 12 weeks of continuous positive airway pressure (real versus sham), there were no between‐group differences for any of the main outcomes [Δ25‐hydroxyvitamin D: ?0.80 ± 5.28 ng mL ^?1 (mean ± SE ) versus 3.08 ± 3.66 ng mL ^?1, P  = 0.42; Δcollagen‐type 1 cross‐linked C‐telopeptide: 0.011 ± 0.014 ng mL ^?1 versus ?0.004 ± 0.009 ng mL ^?1, P  = 0.48; Δosteocalcin: 1.13 ± 1.12 ng mL ^?1 versus 0.46 ± 0.75 ng mL ^?1, P  = 0.80; ΔN‐terminal propeptide of type 1 collagen: 2.07 ± 3.05 μ g L^?1 versus ?1.05 ± 2.13 μ g L^?1, P  = 0.48]. There were no further differences in subgroup analyses (continuous positive airway pressure‐compliant patients, patients with severe obstructive sleep apnea or sleepy patients). However, after 24 weeks irrespective of initial randomization, vitamin D increased in patients with severe obstructive sleep apnea (9.56 ± 5.51 ng mL ^?1, P  = 0.045) and in sleepy patients (14.0 ± 4.69 ng mL ^?1, P  = 0.007). Also, there was a significant increase in osteocalcin at 24 weeks (3.27 ± 1.06 ng mL ^?1, P  = 0.01) in compliant patients. We conclude that 12 weeks of continuous positive airway pressure did not modulate vitamin D or modulate any of the bone turnover markers compared with sham. However, it is plausible that continuous positive airway pressure may have late beneficial effects on vitamin D levels and bone turnover markers in selected groups of patients with obstructive sleep apnea.     

New genetically engineered DFS70 knock-out HEp-2 cells enable rapid and specific recognition of anti-DFS70 antibodies

Background: The correct identification of anti-dense fine speckled-70 (DFS70) antibodies represents an important issue in the detection of anti-nuclear antibodies (ANAs) as performed by the indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) test on HEp-2 substrates. In this study, we have evaluated a new method for anti-DFS70 antibody detection employing HEp-2 cells knocked-out for the DFS70 antigen.

Methods: We studied 148 sera with a DFS70-like pattern (91 positive and 57 negative when tested for anti-DFS70 antibodies by a specific chemoluminescence [CLIA] method); 116 sera with infectious disease; 100 healthy donors (HDs), 139 samples from patients with a defined diagnosis of autoimmune rheumatic disease (ARD), and 242 consecutive unselected samples screened for ANA during the routine work-up.

Results: The HEp2 DFS70-Ko substrate recognized anti-DFS70 antibodies in 86/91 (94.5%) of the DFS70 CLIA-positive sera and in 9/57 (15.8%) of the DFS70 CLIA-negative samples. None of the 116 infectious diseases were positive for DFS70 using the engineered IIF substrate. Two samples (2%) were positive among HDs and were then confirmed by CLIA. The 139 ANA-positive sera from patients with ARD displaying a defined antibody specificity showed their expected patterns also on DFS70-Ko HEp-2 substrate. Five of the 242 (2.1%) consecutive samples tested in the routine ANA-screening were identified as DFS70-positive using the HEp2 Ko-substrate and were then confirmed by CLIA.

Conclusions: The use of DFS70 HEp-2 Ko cells may offer the unique possibility of simultaneously identifying and confirming the presence of anti-DFS70 antibodies during the standard ANA evaluation, while keeping the expression of other autoantibody markers intact.     

Functional TSH receptor antibodies in children with autoimmune thyroid diseases

Introduction: The diagnostic value of the level of TSH receptor antibodies (TSHR-Ab) in the population of children with autoimmune thyroid diseases (AITDs) is still unknown. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to investigate the prevalence of TSHR-Ab in a paediatric cohort with AITD and healthy controls.

Materials and methods: A total of 240 serum samples were obtained from 205 patients with AITD, type 1 diabetes (T1D), juvenile arthritis (JA), and healthy controls (C). TSHR stimulating (TSI) and -blocking (TBI) immunoglobulins were measured in cell-based bioassays using CHO cells expressing a chimeric TSHR and a c-AMP response-element-dependent luciferase. TSI was reported as percentage of specimen-to-reference ratio (cutoff 140SRR%). Blocking activity was defined as percent inhibition of luciferase expression relative to induction with bovine TSH alone (40% inhibition).

Results: C as well as children with JA and T1D were both TSI and TBI negative. In contrast, children with Graves’ disease (GD) were positive for TSI in 47/53 samples (88.7%) while those with thyroidal and orbital GD showed TSI positivity in 95.8% (23/24 samples). Serum TSI levels were SRR% 320?±?157 and 417?±?135 in GD and GD?+?orbitopathy, respectively (p?=?.02). Children with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT) were TSI positive in 4/83 (4.8%) samples, including two with orbital involvement. TSI levels were increased in HT children with vs. those without eye disease (SRR% 177 vs. 51, p?Conclusions: In conclusion, TSI is prevalent in children with GD while the highest serum TSI levels were noted in children with AITD and orbitopathy.     

Cholecalciferol Supplementation in HIV-Infected Youth with Vitamin D Insufficiency: Effects on Vitamin D Status and T-Cell Phenotype: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Objectives: In addition to its known effects on bone metabolism, vitamin D may regulate immune function. Design: We performed a randomized controlled trial (RCT) to test whether cholecalciferol supplementation can improve vitamin D status and affect the T-cell phenotype in HIV-infected youth with vitamin D insufficiency. Methods: Fifty-two HIV-infected patients aged 8 to 26 years and with serum 25(OH) D <30 ng/mL were randomized to receive orally vitamin D3 100,000 IU or placebo every 3 months for 4 doses. Serum 25(OH)D, 1,25(OH)₂D, PTH, and CD4+ T cells were assessed 3 months before baseline and at 0, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months, while Th1-, Th2-, Th17-, and Treg-subsets and T-lymphocyte vitamin D receptor were assessed at 0, 3, and 12 months. Results: Forty-eight subjects (25 receiving vitamin D and 23 receiving placebo) completed the RCT. Cholecalciferol supplementation produced an early (3 months) decrease in PTH, a concomitant increase in 25(OH)D, and a later (6 months) increase in 1,25(OH)₂D levels, all persisting at 12 months. The frequency of vitamin D insufficiency at 12 months was 20% versus 60% in the intervention versus placebo group (P = .007). Cholecalciferol supplementation had no effect on CD4+ T-cell counts but was associated with a decreased Th17:Treg ratio at 3 months. Conclusions: In our cohort of HIV-infected youth, a 12-month cholecalciferol supplementation increased 25(OH)D and 1-25(OH)₂D and decreased PTH levels but had no effect on CD4+ T-cells. However, it was associated with changes in CD4+ T-cell phenotype, warranting further investigation.     

The absence of physiological neonatal weight loss on the 1st–5th day is associated with decreased later physical indices

Abstract

Aim: To investigate associations between physiological neonatal weight loss on the 1st–5th day and physical indices from birth up to the age of 17 years.

Methods: Data were derived from the personal health records of healthy, full-term and breastfed children born in Vilnius in 1990 and 1996. Five hundred and thirty children (289 boys and 241 girls) who left a maternity unit on the 1st–5th day after birth were included in the analysis.

Results: Infants left the maternity unit on day 4.62?±?2.33. On the day of leaving a maternity unit, infants lost 105.06?±?130.48 g (2.85?±?3.65%) of birth weight. Girls who did not lose or gained weight after birth had already weighed less at birth (3163?±?547 and 3490?±?403 g, respectively, p?<?0.01) and remained lighter up to the age of 17 years (54.3?±?8.7 and 60.8?±?10.1?kg at the age of 17 years respectively, p?<?0.001). Girls who did not lose or gained weight after birth were also shorter than those who lost weight (164.3?±?5.7 and 168.6?±?5.4?cm at the age of 17 years, respectively, p?<?0.001).

Conclusion: Girls who did not lose or gained weight immediately after birth tended to remain shorter and lighter during childhood and adolescence. Only a few statistically significant differences were obtained in boys.     

Blood lead levels,pulmonary function and agility in Polish schoolchildren

Background: Reduced vital capacity (VC) and forced vital capacity (FVC) are associated with lead (Pb) exposure.

Aim: The objective of this study is to analyse the effects of Pb on FVC and the shuttle run performance.

Subjects and methods: Data were available for 184 male and 189 female Polish schoolchildren aged 10–15?years. Regression analysis was performed of shuttle run performance (dependent) on Pb and FVC.

Results: Shuttle run time increased by 1.75 (±?0.77) and 1.97 (±?0.77) seconds for each 10?µg/dL increase in Pb blood among males and females, respectively. Higher shuttle run times indicate poorer performance. Average unadjusted blood Pb level in the sample was 5.27?μg/dL (±?0.19 SE) and 3.82?μg/dL (±?0.10 SE), respectively. Path analysis was used to assess the association of Pb level with shuttle run time. Blood Pb had a significant negative effect on VC (B=??13.60?±?3.28 [SE], p?B?=??13.08?±?3.27, p?B?=??0.04?±?0.007, p?B?=?1.59?±?0.75, p?B?=?1.49?±?0.73, p?Conclusions: Thus, Pb had direct and indirect effects that increased shuttle run time, i.e. negatively affected performance.     

Exercise training reduces oxidative stress in people living with HIV/AIDS: a pilot study

Background: Exercise training has been shown to be an effective strategy to balance oxidative stress status; however, this is underexplored in people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA).

Objective: To evaluate the effects of exercise training on oxidative stress in PLWHA receiving antiretroviral therapy.

Methods: Patients performed 24 sessions (3 times per week, 8 weeks) of either aerobic (AT), resistance (RT), or concurrent training (CT). Glutathione disulphide to glutathione ratio (GSSG/GSH) in circulating erythrocytes and thiobarbituric acid–reactive substances (TBARS) in plasma samples were assessed as oxidative stress markers. Eight PLWAH completed the training protocol (AT =3, RT =3, CT =2). The GSSG/GSH and TBARS values were logarithmically transformed to approximate a normal distribution. A paired t-test was used to determine the differences between baseline and post-training values.

Results: Data-pooled analysis showed a decrease in GSSG/GSH and TBARS after the training period: log GSSG/GSH= –1.26?±?0.57 versus –1.54?±?0.65, p?=?.01 and log TBARS =0.73?±?0.35 versus 0.43?±?0.21, p?=?.01. This was paralleled by a rise in peak oxygen uptake (VO_2peak?=?29.14?±?5.34 versus 32.48?±?5.75?ml kg^?1 min^?1, p?=?.04). All the subjects who performed resistance exercises showed an average gain of 37?±?8% in muscle strength with no difference between performing single or multiple sets in terms of muscle strength gain. The results reinforce the clinical importance of exercise as a rehabilitation intervention for PLWHA and emphasizes the safety of exercise at the physiological level with the potential to mediate health outcomes.     

A study on the antioxidant defense system of psoriasis patients in the ethnic population of Kashmir-India

The study was designed to evaluate the role of antioxidant defense system in the etiology of psoriasis, a chronic skin disorder of complex etiology and pathology. Hospital-based case–control study was carried out in major referral hospital in Kashmir, North India. Cases (N?=?40) were composed of patients with psoriasis vulgaris, and controls (N?=?20) were healthy volunteers. Study included estimation in plasma of both patients and controls of glutathione (GSH) levels, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and total antioxidant potential (AOP) as indices of antioxidant defense system and malondialdehyde (MDA) as a measure of lipid peroxidation (LP), an indicator of oxidative stress. The GSH levels, SOD activity, AOP, and malondialdehyde levels in plasma of psoriasis patients were 2.58?±?0.22 μM/l, 5.24?±?0.69 U/ml, 0.020?±?.011?nmol^?1/ml?h, and 0.88?±?0.20 nmol/ml and were 4.76?±?0.52 μM/l, 4.14?±?0.56U/ml, 0.042?±?0.018 nmol^?1/ml?h, and 0.53?±?0.16 nmol/ml in healthy voluntary controls, respectively. A significant decrease in GSH levels (p?<?0.005) and AOP (p?<?0.005) and significant increase in SOD activity (p?<?0.01) MDA levels (p?<?0.005) as an indicator of LP was observed.     

Effect of single bout downhill running on the serum irisin concentrations in rats

Abstract

This study aimed to characterize the effect of different running modes on serum irisin concentrations in rats. A total of 18, 10-week-old rats were divided into three groups; control group, 16° uphill running group (concentric exercise; CON) and, ?16° downhill running group (eccentric exercise; ECC). The running group’s rats ran on the inclined treadmill at 16?m/min, for a total of 90?min. Blood was drawn from the rats, 48?h after running, after which the rats were anesthetized. The serum concentrations of irisin were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Vastus intermedius was collected for immunohistochemical analysis. After multiple comparisons, the ECC showed a significantly high serum irisin concentration (ECC: 28.42?±?6.31?ng/ml, CON: 21.27?±?3.03?ng/ml) and a larger irisin antibody reactive cross-sectional area in vastus intermedius compared to the CON (p?<?0.05). This is the first study to reveal that single bout downhill running increases serum irisin concentrations in rats.     

Diagnostic significance of serum concentrations of soluble Fas ligand (sFasL) in children with autoimmune thyroid disease

Introduction: The aim of the study was to assess serum levels of sFasL as a marker of thyroid dysfunction in children with autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD). Design: The group comprised 45 newly diagnosed children with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and Graves’ disease versus euthyroid control group: 11 with hypothyroidism (10 girls and 1 boy, aged 12.2?±?1.9 years), 19 children with hyperthyroidism (15 girls and 4 boys, aged 12.4?±?4.9 years) and 15 healthy subjects (7 girls and 8 boys, aged 10.5?±?4.8 years). Methods: Thyroid function (TSH, fT4, fT3), autoimmune (ATG, ATPO, TRAb) and anthropometric (weight, height, BMI, BMI-SDS, Cole index) parameters were evaluated. sFasL concentration was measured by ELISA. Nonparametric statistical test and ROC analysis were performed to assess the data. Results: We found no significant differences in serum concentrations of sFasL between boys and girls in the studied groups. Significantly higher sFasL levels (median 0.26?ng/ml) were identified in children with hypothyroidism compared with the control group (median 0.06?ng/ml, p?p?p?p=?0,003; sensitivity: 94,7%, specificity: 72.7%). Conclusions: Our work shows that sFasL may be useful marker in the assessment of thyroid dysfunction in children with autoimmune thyroid disease.     

Serum 25-Hydroxy Vitamin D Levels and Association of Vitamin D Receptor Gene Polymorphisms in Vitiligo

BackgroundThe role of vitamin D deficiency and vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene polymorphisms has been established in many autoimmune diseases, including vitiligo, but the result is still controversial.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to investigate the serum vitamin D levels in vitiligo patients and to compare the association of VDR gene polymorphisms in vitiligo patients and healthy controls.MethodsWe collected the data of age, sex, serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25[OH]D) level, thyroid autoantibodies, disease duration, types of vitiligo, family history and the affected body surface area of vitiligo from 172 patients. And we analyzed the VDR gene polymorphisms in 130 vitiligo and 453 age-sex-matched control subjects.ResultsThe mean serum level of 25(OH)D in 172 vitiligo patients was 18.75 ± 0.60 ng/mL, which had no significant difference with a mean serum value of 25(OH)D in the Korean population. However, there were significant differences according to the duration of the disease and family history. Also, there were no significant differences in the genotypic and allelic distributions of 37 examined SNPs of VDR gene between vitiligo patients and healthy controls.ConclusionSerum level of 25(OH)D in vitiligo patients was not significantly different from the mean serum value of the Korean population. Also, there were no significant differences in the genotypic distributions of VDR gene between vitiligo patients and healthy controls.     

Increased Serum GP88 (Progranulin) Concentrations in Rheumatoid Arthritis

GP88 (Progranulin; PGRN) is a secreted glycosylated protein with important functions in several processes, including immune response and cancer growth. Recent reports have shown that PGRN is a therapeutic target for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) because of its capability to bind with tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNFR). However, the serum PGRN level in RA patients has not been investigated. We used enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to quantify the serum levels of PGRN in 417 healthy subjects, 56 patients with RA and 31 patients with osteoarthritis (OA). In RA patients, we also measured the serum TNF-α and sTNFR concentration. Immunohistochemical staining of PGRN was performed using synovectomy tissue of RA patients. The serum PGRN normal range was established as 40.1?±?8.7 ng/ml. PGRN levels were not influenced by sex or age. A significant increase in serum PGRN levels was observed in RA (50.2?±?11.1 ng/ml) and OA (45.4?±?6.6 ng/ml) groups compared to those in age-matched healthy controls (40.4?±?9.9 ng/ml) (p?TNF-α and sTNFR 2 concentration. Furthermore, PGRN/TNF-α ratio was correlated the stage of the disease in RA patients. The concentrations of serum PGRN in RA were found to be significantly higher than those in age-matched healthy controls, although it remains to be clarified how blood PGRN is related to the pathogenesis of RA. Our results showed that the serum PGRN may be a useful approach to monitor the disease activity in RA patients.