Plasma concentrations of growth arrest specific protein 6 and the soluble form of its tyrosine kinase receptor Axl as markers of large abdominal aortic aneurysms

ObjectiveThe tyrosine kinase receptor Axl is expressed in the vasculature and Gas6 is the ligand. The extracellular part of Axl (sAxl) can be found in circulation. The aim of this study was to determine plasma concentrations of Gas6 and sAxl in patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) and to evaluate if Gas6 and sAxl can be used as biomarkers.Design and methodsImmunoassays for sAxl and Gas6 were used to investigate plasma from AAA patients. Patients with large (n = 123) or small AAA (n = 122) were compared with healthy controls (n = 141).ResultsGas6 correlated positively and sAxl correlated negatively with AAA size. As a consequence, the calculated Gas6/sAxl ratios correlated even better to AAA size.Forty percent of all patients with a large AAA had higher Gas6/sAxl ratio than any in the control group.DiscussionThe Gas6/Axl system might be involved in AAA pathogenesis, and the Gas6/sAxl ratio may be useful as a biomarker.     

Association of serum carotenoids with high molecular weight adiponectin and inflammation markers among Japanese subjects

BackgroundSeveral studies have reported that serum concentrations of carotenoids and adiponectin are inversely associated with the risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, no studies have investigated the association between serum concentrations of adiponectin and carotenoids in the general population.MethodsWe investigated cross-sectionally whether serum carotenoids are associated with serum high molecular weight (HMW) adiponectin and some inflammatory markers in 437 Japanese subjects (116 men and 321 women) who attended a health examination.ResultsIn multiple linear regression analysis adjusted for confounding factors, serum β-carotene concentrations were significantly associated with serum HMW adiponectin concentrations in both sexes (standardized β coefficient = 0.197, p = 0.036 for men; standardized β coefficient = 0.146, p = 0.012 for women). Serum α-carotene and β-carotene concentrations were significantly associated with serum C-reactive protein (CRP) concentrations in men. In women, there were significant negative associations between serum carotenoids concentrations and serum interleukin-6 (IL-6) concentrations. Additional adjustment for serum concentrations of IL-6 or CRP did not significantly affect the association between carotenoids and HMW adiponectin in non-smoking men as well as in women.ConclusionSerum β-carotene concentrations were positively associated with serum HMW adiponectin concentrations even after adjustment for possible confounding factors including inflammatory markers.     

Effects of curcumin on serum cytokine concentrations in subjects with metabolic syndrome: A post-hoc analysis of a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundCytokines are involved in the development of metabolic abnormalities that may result in metabolic syndrome (MetS). Since curcumin has shown anti-inflammatory properties, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of curcumin supplementation on serum cytokines concentrations in subjects with MetS.MethodsThis study was a post-hoc analysis of a randomized controlled trial in which males and females with diagnosis of MetS, according to the criteria defined by the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III guidelines, were studied. Subjects who met the inclusion criteria were randomly assigned to either curcumin (daily dose of 1 g/day) or a matched placebo for a period of 8 weeks.ResultsOne hundred and seventeen subjects were assigned to either curcumin (n = 59) or placebo (n = 58) groups. Within-group analysis revealed significant reductions in serum concentrations of TNF-α, IL-6, TGF-β and MCP-1 following curcumin supplementation (p < 0.001). In the placebo group, serum levels of TGF-β were decreased (p = 0.003) but those of IL-6 (p = 0.735), TNF-α (p = 0.138) and MCP-1 (p = 0.832) remained unaltered by the end of study. Between-group comparison suggested significantly greater reductions in serum concentrations of TNF-α, IL-6, TGF-β and MCP-1 in the curcumin versus placebo group (p < 0.001). Apart from IL-6, changes in other parameters remained statistically significant after adjustment for potential confounders including changes in serum lipids and glucose levels, and baseline serum concentration of the cytokines.ConclusionResults of the present study suggest that curcumin supplementation significantly decreases serum concentrations of pro-inflammatory cytokines in subjects with MetS.     

Plasma high sensitivity C-reactive protein and its relationship with cytokine levels in children with newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes and ketoacidosis

BackgroundHigh-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and pro-inflammatory cytokines have been suggested as sensitive markers of endothelial dysfunction. Our aim was to monitor plasma hs-CRP levels at different time-points and in different degrees of ketoacidosis severity, its association with cytokine levels and its role as a marker of severe ketoacidosis complications.Patients and methodsWe studied in 38 newly diagnosed children with type 1 diabetes and ketoacidosis, aged 7.7 ± 3.1 years, hs-CRP, white blood cell count (WBC), and plasma levels of cytokines IL-1β (interleukin-1β), IL-2, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, TNF-α (tumor necrosis factor-α) prior to and during DKA management.ResultsOn admission, the levels of WBC, PMN, IL-6 and IL-10 were elevated, but were all reduced within 120 h after ketoacidosis management. In the group with moderate/severe ketoacidosis, but not in mild ketoacidosis, hs-CRP levels were significantly reduced at 24 h (p = 0.021), WBC and IL-6 at 120 h (p = 0.003), while IL-10 was prematurely reduced at 6–8 h (p = 0.008). Moreover hs-CRP was significantly associated with WBC (p = 0.023) and IL-6 (p = 0.028) on admission, with IL-6 (p = 0.002) and IL-8 (p = 0.014) at 24 h and with IL-10 (p = 0.027) at 120 h. The above were not observed in the group with mild ketoacidosis.ConclusionsIn the children with moderate/severe diabetic ketoacidosis of our study, increased levels of hs-CRP and IL-6 were observed, together with leukocytosis and neutrophilia, without the presence of infection. As hs-CRP was found to be strongly associated with the inflammatory IL-6, the prolonged elevation of hs-CRP levels in children with severe ketoacidosis could serve as a marker for the development of its severe complications.     

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.     

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.     

Mutation -538 T/C in bone morphogenetic protein 4 do not increase the risk in sickle-cell disease with orthopedic complications but strongly associated with increased LDH and uric acid level in Indian patients from Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand states

BackgroundBone morphogenetic protein (BMP) are involved in the various orthopedic complications such as avascular necrosis, osteonecrosis and bone turnover, therefore genes coding for proteins, like BMP4, can be potential candidate for studying orthopedic disorders.MethodsA case–control study was conducted to examine the association between SNP T538C of BMP4 and orthopedic complications in sickling patients by employing PCR-RFLP.ResultsA total of 200 cases and 172 control groups were studied from Indian population. T538C SNP has not been implicated in disease and doesn't increase the risk (OR = 0.89, OR = 0.68). We observed no significant association between the T538C polymorphism and case group in the studied population. However, we observed significantly increased uric acid and LDH level in homowild (TT), heteromutant (TC) and homomutant (CC) in case group compared to control group ( all p = 0.0001) and (p = 0.0001, p = 0.0001, p = 0.015 and p = 0.0001, p = 0.0001, p = 0.0001 respectively) in the studied population.ConclusionsThe T/C polymorphism in BMP4 is not associated with case group and in view of present observation, we suggest that evaluation of LDH and uric acid level and its association with polymorphisms in the BMP4 may be considered to be reliable molecular and biochemical markers, and possess promising rational for diagnostic potential in clinical cases.     

Prognostic implication of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in patients with cardiogenic shock and acute myocardial infarction

ObjectivesTo compare outcome in patients with acute myocardial infarction (MI) and cardiogenic shock (CS) presenting with and without out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA).BackgroundDespite general improvement in outcome after acute MI, CS remains a leading cause of death in acute MI patients with a high 30-day mortality rate. OHCA on top of cardiogenic shock may further increase mortality in these patients resulting in premature withdrawal of supportive therapy, but this is not known.Methods and resultsIn a retrospective study from 2008 to 2013, 248 consecutive patients admitted alive to a tertiary centre with the diagnosis of CS and acute MI were enrolled, 118 (48%) presented with OHCA and 130 (52%) without (non-OHCA patients). Mean lactate level at admission was significantly higher in OHCA patients compared with non-OCHA patients (9 mmol/l (SD 6) vs. 6 mmol/l (SD 4) p < 0.0001). Co-morbidities were more prevalent in the non-OHCA group. By univariate analysis age (Hazard ratio (HR) = 1.02 [CI 1.00–1.03], p = 0.01) and lactate at admission (HR = 1.06 [CI 1.03–1.09], p < 0.001), but not OHCA (HR = 1.1 [CI 0.8–1.4], p = NS) was associated with mortality. In multivariate analysis, only age (HR = 1.02 [CI 1.01–1.04], p = 0.003) and lactate level at admission (HR = 1.06 [1.03–1.09], p < 0.001) were independent predictors of mortality. One-week mortality was 63% in the OHCA group and 56% in the non-OHCA group, p = NS.ConclusionOHCA is not an independent predictor of mortality in patients with acute MI complicated by cardiogenic shock. This should encourage active intensive treatment of CS patients regardless of OHCA.     

High density lipoprotein-anionic peptide factor effect on reverse cholesterol transport in type 2 diabetic patients with and without coronary artery disease

ObjectivesTo verify if HDL3 Anionic Peptide Factor (HDL3-APF) is as an apolipoprotein that promotes the reverse cholesterol transport.Design and methodsWe investigated a possible association between plasma HDL3-APF concentration, cholesterol efflux from Fu5AH cells and cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) activity in type 2 diabetic patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) (n = 36), those without CAD (n = 20), and 37 healthy subjects.ResultsPlasma APF concentrations were decreased in diabetics with CAD compared to controls (p < 0.01). Cellular cholesterol efflux was decreased in diabetics without and with CAD, (p < 0.01 and p < 0.001 respectively). CETP activity was significantly elevated in all patient groups. Multiple linear regression analysis shows that cholesterol efflux was independently and positively related only to APF concentrations in controls.ConclusionsAPF is likely to be a key independent factor for promoting cellular cholesterol efflux in healthy subjects. However this association is altered in type 2 diabetes.     

VEGF-A gene promoter polymorphisms and microvascular complications in patients with essential hypertension

ObjectivesWe investigated the possible involvement of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF-A) gene promoter polymorphisms in essential hypertension (EH).Design and methods1225 bp of the VEGF-A gene promoter were screened for polymorphisms using PCR amplification and direct DNA sequence analysis in 62 EH and 62 normotensive (HS) individuals. Circulating VEGF-A levels were determined by immunoassay.Results?152G/A (p = 0.009) and ?116G/A (p = 0.016) polymorphisms were correlated to hypertension (p < 0.05). Median platelet VEGF-A load in EH was 2.10 fg/plt. Patients with microvascular complications (MC) had higher platelet VEGF-A load than those without (p = 0.005). Multivariate analyses showed that ?116 A allele was an independent predictor of microalbuminuria (p = 0.014) and increased platelet VEGF-A load (p = 0.009) in EH. Platelet VEGF-A load independently predicted MC (p = 0.049) in addition to ?116G/A polymorphism (p = 0.035).ConclusionsAbnormal regulation of VEGF-A due to polymorphism at position ?116 might represent a genetic factor for increased VEGF-A production and MC in EH.     

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.     

Circulating osteoprotegerin is increased in the metabolic syndrome and associates with subclinical atherosclerosis and coronary arterial calcification

ContextThe relationship between osteoprotegerin (OPG) a glycoprotein related to bone metabolism and the metabolic syndrome (MS) has not been established.ObjectiveThe aim of this study is to evaluate OPG concentration in patients with MS and its association with subclinical atherosclerosis and coronary arterial calcification (CAC).Materials/methodsThe study included 238 asymptomatic patients. MS was diagnosed according to the NCEP/ATPIII guidelines. OPG was measured by ELISA. All subjects underwent ultrasonography of the common carotid arteries to measure intima-media thickness (IMT) and evaluate the presence of atheroma plaques. In a subgroup (n = 39) CAC was quantified by ECG-triggered cardiac computed tomography. Adipose tissue was excised from 25 patients and OPG expression by RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry was studied.ResultsPatients with the MS (n = 60) had higher OPG than patients without (n = 178) (p < 0.05). OPG correlated with IMT (r = 0.2, p = 0.005) and patients with atheroma plaques had higher OPG (p = 0.008) and also those with coronary artery calcification (p < 0.05).OPG expression was confirmed in adipose tissue (n = 12) and the expression was significantly higher in patients with MS than in those without (p = 0.003).ConclusionsThis study shows that OPG may potentially be a biomarker for cardiovascular risk/damage in the MS and identifies adipose tissue as a potential source of OPG.     

Paraoxonase activity in athletes with depleted iron stores and iron-deficient erythropoiesis

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate how conditions that precede anaemia (iron store depletion and iron-deficient erythropoiesis) affect human serum paraoxonase PON1 activity.Design and methodsBased on haemoglobin, transferrin saturation and serum ferritin values 119 athletes were divided into three groups: with iron depletion, with deficient erythropoiesis and controls. The following parameters were measured: paraoxonase activity towards paraoxon (POase) and diazoxon (DZOase), lipid hydroperoxides (LOOH), the pro-oxidant-antioxidant balance (PAB), red blood cells (RBC) and lipid status.ResultsSignificant differences were found between athletes with different stages of iron deficiency and controls with respect to PON 1 activity and oxidative stress status parameters (Wilks' Lambda = 0.712, F = 5.241, p < 0.001, η² = 0.156). There was no significant difference between the PON1 192 Q and R polymorphism distribution in the two groups of athletes with different stages of iron deficiency and controls (χ² = 1.086; p = 0.896). PON1 activity was positively correlated with RBCs, haemoglobin, transferrin saturation (p < 0.001) and ferritin (p = 0.037) and negatively correlated with LOOH (p = 0.044) in all three study groups.ConclusionsDeficient erythropoiesis in athletes contributes to impaired PON1 activity. In contrast, iron depletion, regardless of increased oxidative stress, does not affect PON1 activity.     

The effectiveness of manual-guided,problem-solving-based self-learning programme for family caregivers of people with recent-onset psychosis: A randomised controlled trial with 6-month follow-up

BackgroundFamily intervention for psychotic disorders is an integral part of psychiatric treatment with positive effects on patients’ mental state and relapse rate. However, the effect of such family-based intervention on caregivers’ psychological distress and well-being, especially in non-Western countries, has received comparatively much less attention.ObjectivesTo test the effects of guided problem-solving-based manual-guided self-learning programme for family caregivers of adults with recent-onset psychosis over a 6-month period of follow-up, when compared with those in usual family support service.DesignA single-centre randomised controlled trial, which was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02391649), with a repeated-measures, two-arm (parallel-group) design.SettingsOne main psychiatric outpatient clinic in the New Territories of Hong Kong.ParticipantsA random sample of 116 family caregiverss of adult outpatients with recent-onset psychosis.MethodsFollowing pre-test measurement, caregivers were assigned randomly to one of two study groups: a 5-month self-help, problem-solving-based manual-guided self-learning (or bibliotherapy) programme (in addition to usual care), or usual family support service only. Varieties of patient and caregiver health outcomes were assessed and compared at baseline and at 1-week and 6-month post-intervention.ResultsOne hundred and eleven (96%) caregivers completed the 6-month follow-up (two post-tests); 55 of them (95%) completed ≥4 modules and attended ≥2 review sessions (i.e., 75% of the intervention). The family participants’ mean age was about 38 years and over 64% of them were female and patient's parent or spouse. Multivariate analyses of variance indicated that the manual-guided self-learning group reported significantly greater improvements than the usual care group in family burden [F(1,110) = 6.21, p = 0.006] and caregiving experience [F(1,110) = 6.88, p = 0.0004], and patients’ psychotic symptoms [F(1,110) = 6.25, p = 0.0003], functioning [F(1,110) = 7.01, p = 0.0005] and number of hospitalisations [F(1,110) = 5.71, p = 0.005] over 6-month follow-up.ConclusionsProblem-solving-based, manual-guided self-learning programme for family caregivers of adults with recent-onset psychosis can be an effective self-help programme and provide medium-term benefits to patients’ and caregivers’ mental health and duration of patients’ re-hospitalisations.     

Surface electromyography and plantar pressure changes with novel gait training device in participants with chronic ankle instability

BackgroundRehabilitation is ineffective at restoring normal gait in chronic ankle instability patients. Our purpose was to determine if a novel gait-training device could decrease plantar pressure on the lateral column of the foot in chronic ankle instability patients.MethodsTen chronic ankle instability patients completed 30 s trials of baseline and gait-training walking at a self-selected pace while in-shoe plantar pressure and surface electromyography were recorded from their anterior tibialis, peroneus longus, medial gastrocnemius, and gluteus medius. The gait-training device applied a medially-directed force to the lower leg via elastic bands during the entire gait cycle. Plantar pressure measures of the entire foot and 9 specific regions of the foot as well as surface electromyography root mean square areas were compared between the baseline and gait-training conditions using paired t-tests with a priori level of significance of p ≤ 0.05.FindingsThe gait-training device decreased pressure time integrals and peak pressures in the lateral midfoot (p = 0.003 and p = 0.003) and lateral forefoot (p = 0.023 and p = 0.005), and increased pressure time integrals and peak pressures for the total foot (p = 0.030 and p = 0.017) and hallux (p = 0.005 and p = 0.002). The center of pressure was shifted medially during the entire stance phase (p < 0.003 for all comparisons) due to increased peroneus longus activity prior to (p = 0.002) and following initial contact (p = 0.002).InterpretationThe gait-training device decreased pressure on the lateral column of the foot and increased peroneus longus muscle activity. Future research should analyze the efficacy of the gait-training device during gait retraining for chronic ankle instability.     

Effect of low-impact aerobic exercise combined with music therapy on patients with fibromyalgia. A pilot study

ObjectiveFibromyalgia is a pathological entity characterized by chronic widespread musculoskeletal pain and the presence of “tender points”. It constitutes a significant health problem because of its prevalence and economic impact. The aim of the present study was to determine the therapeutic benefits of low impact aerobic exercise alone or in combination with music therapy in patients with fibromyalgia.MethodsA single-blind randomized controlled pilot trial was performed. Thirty-five individuals with fibromyalgia were divided into three groups: (G1) therapeutic aerobic exercise with music therapy (n = 13); (G2) therapeutic aerobic exercise at any rhythm (n = 13) and (CG) control (n = 9). The intervention period lasted eight weeks. Depression, quality of life, general discomfort and balance were assessed before and after intervention.ResultsAt post-intervention, group G1 improved in all variables (depression (p = 0.002), quality of life (p = 0.017), general discomfort (p = 0.001), and balance (p = 0.000)), while group G2 improved in general discomfort (p = 0.002). The change observed in balance was statistically different between groups (p = 0.01).ConclusionTherapeutic aerobic exercise is effective in improving depression and general discomfort in individuals with fibromyalgia. However, effectiveness is higher when combined with music therapy, which brings about further improvements in quality of life and balance.     

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.     

CYP1A1, CYP1A2 and CYBA gene polymorphisms associated with oxidative stress in COPD

BackgroundThe genetic susceptibility to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) depends on detoxification and antioxidant enzymes, which detoxify cigarette smoke reactive components that, otherwise, generate oxidative stress.MethodsIn a case–control study of 346 subjects with and without COPD, we examined the polymorphisms 462Ile/Val, 3801T/C of CYP1A1, ?3860G/A of CYP1A2 and ?930A/G, 242C/T of CYBA individually or in combination and their contribution to oxidative stress markers by measuring malondialdehyde (MDA), catalase (CAT), glutathione (GSH) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx).ResultsCOPD patients had significantly increased MDA concentration (p < 0.001) and decreased CAT activity, GSH concentration, GPx activity (p ≤ 0.01). The patients were over-represented by the alleles 462Val, 3801C of CYP1A1 and ?930G, 242C of CYBA (p < 0.001, p = 0.003, p = 0.030 and p = 0.031, respectively) and consequently the haplotypes of same alleles i.e. 462Val:3801C, 462Val:3801T and ?930G:242C (p = 0.048, p = 0.016 and p = 0.039, respectively). Similarly, CYP1A1 and CYP1A2 haplotypes, 462Val:3860G and 462Val:3801T:3860G were significantly over-represented (p = 0.001 and p = 0.003), respectively in patients. The same alleles-associated genotype-combinations between genes were more prevalent in patients. Of note, the genotypes, 462Ile/Val+Val/Val, 3801TC+CC of CYP1A1 and ?930AG+GG of CYBA associated with increased MDA concentration (p = 0.018, p = 0.045 and p = 0.017, respectively), decreased CAT activity (p < 0.0001, p = 0.080 and p < 0.0001, respectively) and GSH concentration (p < 0.0001, p = 0.0002 and p = 0.011, respectively) in patients.ConclusionThe identified alleles, its haplotypes and the genotype-combination along with increased oxidative stress, signify the importance in susceptibility to COPD.     

Multimodal exercise training in multiple sclerosis: A randomized controlled trial in persons with substantial mobility disability

BackgroundMobility disability is a common, debilitating feature of multiple sclerosis (MS). Exercise training has been identified as an approach to improve MS-related mobility disability. However, exercise randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on mobility in MS have generally not selectively targeted those with the onset of irreversible mobility disability.ObjectivesThe current multi-site RCT compared the efficacy of 6-months of supervised, multimodal exercise training with an active control condition for improving mobility, gait, physical fitness, and cognitive outcomes in persons with substantial MS-related mobility disability.Methods83 participants with substantial MS-related mobility disability underwent initial mobility, gait, fitness, and cognitive processing speed assessments and were randomly assigned to 6-months of supervised multimodal (progressive aerobic, resistance, and balance) exercise training (intervention condition) or stretching-and-toning activities (control condition). Participants completed the same outcome assessments halfway through and immediately following the 6-month study period.ResultsThere were statistically significant improvements in six-minute walk performance (F(2158) = 3.12, p = 0.05, η_p² = 0.04), peak power output (F(2150) = 8.16, p < 0.01, η_p² = 0.10), and Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test performance (F(2162) = 4.67, p = 0.01, η_p² = 0.05), but not gait outcomes, for those who underwent the intervention compared with those who underwent the control condition.ConclusionsThis RCT provides novel, preliminary evidence that multimodal exercise training may improve endurance walking performance and cognitive processing speed, perhaps based on improvements in cardiorespiratory capacity, in persons with MS with substantial mobility disability. This is critical for informing the development of multi-site exercise rehabilitation programs in larger samples of persons with MS-related mobility disability.