Rapid determination of vitamin B2 (riboflavin) in plasma by HPLC

BackgroundRiboflavin (vitamin B₂), as the exclusive source for the coenzymes flavin mononucleotide (FMN) and flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) in humans, is a water-soluble vitamin critical for metabolism and energy production. In its coenzyme forms, riboflavin is involved in essential oxidation–reduction reactions. Deficiency leads to skin and mucosal disorders. Measurement of plasma riboflavin can be used to assess vitamin B₂ status in at-risk individuals.MethodsProteins are removed from plasma by acid precipitation. An aliquot of the resulting supernatant is analyzed by reversed-phase HPLC. Impurities are separated from riboflavin isocratically and the target material is detected fluorometrically (excitation 450 nm; emission 520 nm).ResultsThe method was validated for linearity, limit of quantification, accuracy, precision, and interference. The method was accurate and correlated well (R² = 0.993) to expected concentrations of spiked pooled plasma samples. Imprecision was < 10%. Riboflavin concentrations were determined in samples obtained from self-reported healthy adults who were not taking vitamin supplements. The reference interval established by nonparametric analysis was 6.7–50.1 nmol/l.ConclusionsThis HPLC method allows separation and measurement of riboflavin in plasma in 7 min. Results from the assay may be used for clinical diagnosis of deficiency and to monitor therapeutic vitamin supplementation regimes.     

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.     

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 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.     

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.     

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 osteopontin concentration correlates with the severity of hepatic fibrosis and inflammation in HCV-infected subjects

BackgroundThe association between OPN level and the histological severity of hepatic fibrosis and inflammation in hepatitis C virus (HCV) induced liver fibrosis remains unknown.Methods120 chronic HCV-infected subjects and 75 controls were enrolled in this study. Assessment of liver histology was performed based on liver biopsy. Plasma OPN levels were determined.ResultsSignificant differences were noted in the mean plasma OPN levels between subjects with extensive fibrosis and those with mild fibrosis (4.29 ± 1.01 ng/ml vs. 2.15 ± 0.63 ng/ml, respectively; p < 0.001). Similarly, the subjects with higher histological activity index (HAI) score had elevated OPN levels than those with mild HAI score (4.41 ± 1.11 ng/ml vs. 2.25 ± 0.94 ng/ml, respectively; p < 0.001). The correlation between the plasma OPN levels and the severity of liver fibrosis degree and HAI score were noted (r = 0.945, and r = 0.788, respectively both p < 0.001). Logistic regression analysis showed that serum OPN was an independent risk factor contributing to extensive liver fibrosis and inflammation (p = 0.0018 and p < 0.001, respectively) in patients with HCV subjects.ConclusionThe plasma OPN level is correlated with the severity of liver fibrosis and inflammation, suggesting OPN could be used as a biomarker to evaluate the severity of liver damages in HCV subjects.     

Relationship of proprotein convertase subtilisin-kexin type 9 levels with resistin in lean and obese subjects

ObjectivesProprotein convertase subtilisin-kexin type 9 (PCSK9), a key regulator of low density lipoprotein receptor expression, has recently been reported to be upregulated by resistin in HepG2 cells and human primary hepatocytes. Whether this translates into a positive relationship of plasma PCSK9 with resistin levels in humans with varying degrees of obesity is unknown.Design and methodsWe assessed the extent to which plasma PCSK9 levels are determined by resistin in individuals with varying degrees of obesity.ResultsIn 80 subjects (35 women; no diabetes mellitus) with body mass index ranging from 19.4 to 40.4 kg/m², plasma PCSK9 levels were not positively related to resistin (r = ? 0.161, p = 0.154). Despite positive correlations of non-high density lipoprotein cholesterol (r = 0.378, p < 0.001), low density lipoprotein (r = 0.292, p < 0.01) and apolipoprotein B (apoB) (r = 0.266, p < 0.05) with PCSK9, none of these apolipoprotein (apo) B-containing lipoprotein measures was positively related to resistin (p > 0.10 for all). In subjects with BMI < 25.0 kg/m² (n = 38), PCSK9 was even inversely related to resistin (r = ? 0.322, p = 0.049), and this relationship remained present after controlling for either leptin (p = 0.027) or insulin resistance (P = 0.031). In subjects with BMI ≥ 25.0 kg/m² (n = 42), PCSK9 was unrelated to resistin (r = ? 0.064, p = 0.69).ConclusionsThis study demonstrates that there is no positive association of plasma PCSK9 with resistin in lean and moderately obese individuals. Our data question whether circulating resistin is a physiologically important determinant of higher PCSK9 levels.     

Oxidative stress and myeloperoxidase activity during bacterial meningitis: Effects of febrile episodes and the BBB permeability

ObjectiveTo investigate participation of extracellular myeloperoxidase (MPO) in oxidative stress during different courses of the bacterial meningitis (BM).Materials and methodsWe sequentially assessed WBC count, blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability, serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) lipid peroxidation (LPO), MPO and antioxidative activity (AOA) in proven pediatric BM.ResultsBM patients exhibited increased systemic and local LPO and MPO, and reduced AOA, which was exaggerated in the febrile episodes. Serum MPO and LPO products were related to the BBB permeability at the baseline. CSF hydroperoxide level was influenced by the BBB permeability, CSF albumin concentration, and serum hydroperoxide (r = 0.502; p < 0.001, and r = 0.611; p < 0.001, and r = 0.358; p < 0.001, respectively). CSF hydroperoxide and MPO correlated in complicated cases during the study.ConclusionsThese results suggest that CSF LPO and MPO were closely related in BM, had different courses if febrile episodes had occurred, but were partly influenced by the BBB permeability.     

Plasma and synovial fluid sclerostin are inversely associated with radiographic severity of knee osteoarthritis

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to analyze sclerostin in plasma and synovial fluid of knee osteoarthritis (OA) patients and to investigate the association between sclerostin levels and radiographic severity.Design and methodsA total of 190 subjects (95 knee OA patients and 95 healthy controls) were recruited in the present study. Sclerostin levels in plasma and synovial fluid were assessed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. OA grading was performed using the Kellgren–Lawrence classification.ResultsPlasma sclerostin levels were significantly lower in OA patients than in healthy controls (P = 0.004). Additionally, sclerostin levels in plasma were significantly higher with respect to paired synovial fluid (P < 0.001). Moreover, sclerostin levels in plasma and synovial fluid demonstrated a significant inverse correlation with the radiographic severity of knee OA (r = − 0.464, P < 0.001 and r = − 0.592, P < 0.001, respectively). Subsequent analysis revealed that there was a positive correlation between plasma and synovial sclerostin levels (r = 0.657, P < 0.001).ConclusionsSclerostin was significantly lower in OA plasma samples when compared with healthy controls. Plasma and synovial fluid sclerostin levels were inversely associated with the radiographic severity of knee OA. Therefore, sclerostin may be utilized as a biochemical marker for reflecting disease severity in primary knee OA.     

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 difference in lactate dehydrogenase activity between pre- and post-mobilization periods is a good indicator of successful stem cell mobilization

Predicting poor stem cell mobilization may prevent the costs and complications associated with remobilization. We retrospectively reviewed the relationship between serum lactate dehydrogenase (sLDH) activity and peripheral blood CD34 (PBCD34) cell counts in 46 granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) induced mobilization cycles with or without chemotherapy. A significant correlation between post-mobilization (pre-apheresis) sLDH activity and PBCD34 count was found (r_s = 0.43, p = 0.007). A strong correlation was shown between the pre- and post-mobilization sLDH activity difference and PBCD34 count (r_s = 0.55, p = 0.001). With respect to sLDH activity differences; (a) all patients with a difference of >300 U/L, (b) 71% of patients with a difference of 100–300 U/L, and (c) 44% of patients with a difference of <100 U/L were considered to have good mobilizations. The sLDH activity difference between pre- and post-mobilization is a good indicator of successful mobilization. According to our results, the success of mobilization can be predicted based on sLDH activity differences; (i) good mobilization if the difference is >300 U/L, (ii) intermediate risk if the difference is 100–300 U/L, and (iii) high risk if the difference is <100 U/L.     

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.     

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.     

Translation of the short version of the Smartphone Addiction Scale into Brazilian Portuguese: cross-cultural adaptation and testing of measurement properties

BackgroundSmartphone use has been constantly increasing. Smartphone addiction can lead to changes in the emotional state and musculoskeletal system of users. To identify smartphone addicts, the Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Version was developed; however, this scale has not been translated into Brazilian Portuguese and tested for its measurement properties.ObjectiveTo translate and cross-culturally adapt the Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Version into Brazilian Portuguese; to assess the internal consistency, reliability and construct validity of the scale among university students.MethodsThe cross-cultural adaptation was performed following the guidelines for cross-cultural adaptation of self-report measures, and data were collected via online surveys administered to 59 university students over 18 years of age for test–retest. To test the measurement properties of the final version of the Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Version, a convenience sample including 130 university students was used.ResultsThe Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Version showed good reliability for test–retest scores (ICC_3,1 = 0.82; 95% CI = 0.70–0.89) and good internal consistency considering all 10 items (Cronbach's alpha = 0.95). The construct validity was calculated comparing the Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Version score to data from a questionnaire prepared by the authors of this study, including frequency per day (r = 0.35; p < 0.001), leisure time on the smartphone (r = 0.33; p < 0.001), and time working on the smartphone (r = 0.18; p = 0.04) that were significantly positively associated with higher Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Version scores. The results show a high prevalence of smartphone addiction among university students (33.1%).ConclusionIt can be concluded that the Brazilian Portuguese version of the Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Version is a reliable and valid tool for screening smartphone addiction in university students.     

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.     

A cross-sectional study of the relationships between illness insight,internalized stigma,and suicide risk in individuals with schizophrenia

BackgroundSuicide is the major cause of premature death among individuals with schizophrenia. Ironically, one factor that heightens suicide risk is insight into mental illness. Little is known, however, about how insight contributes to suicidality. Recent evidence suggests that negative outcomes related to insight might depend on whether or not the individual accepts the stigmatizing beliefs about the mental illness.ObjectiveThe present study examined the interactive effects of insight and internalized stigma on suicide risk in individuals with schizophrenia. We hypothesized that insight into mental illness and internalized stigma would increase suicide risk and that internalized stigma would moderate the effect of insight on suicide risk.Design and participantsA cross-sectional design was used in this study. A convenience sample of 200 individuals with schizophrenia was recruited from an outpatient clinic in the Eastern catchment area in Alexandria, Egypt.MethodsEligible study participants were individuals with an illness duration not exceeding ten years, currently in outpatient treatment and follow-up, and post-acute or in a stable phase of their disorder. Individuals provided signed consent to participate and were interviewed to assess suicide risk, insight, internalized stigma of mental illness and depression.ResultsSlightly more than 38% of the study participants were classified as having a severe suicide risk. As predicted, suicide risk was positively associated with insight (r = .55, p < .001), internalized stigma (r = .79, p < .001), and depression (r = .78, p < .001). However, the influence of insight was not significant after controlling for covariates in the regression model (β = ?.02, ns). Internalized stigma and depression independently predicted suicide risk, explaining 74% of variance in suicide risk, F_change (6, 191) = 11.54, p < .001. Greater insight was significantly linked to increased levels of internalized stigma (r = .59, p < .001) and depression (r = .61, p < .001). Internalized stigma did not moderate the influence of insight on suicide risk.ConclusionThe present study draws attention to the robust influence of internalized stigma in increasing suicide risk and suggests clinical approaches for managing internalized stigma and suicide risk among individuals with schizophrenia.     

Analysis of the measurement properties of the Brazilian-Portuguese version of the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia-11 in patients with fibromyalgia

ObjectiveTo analyze the measurement properties of the Brazilian-Portuguese version of the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia-11 in patients with fibromyalgia.MethodsAssessment was made at three time points: baseline (n = 130) and 15 days (n = 54) and eight weeks after baseline (n = 51). Data collected at baseline were used to assess internal consistency, criterion and construct validity, and ceiling and floor effects. Data collected at baseline and 15 days after baseline were used to assess reliability and measurement error, and data collected before and after an eight-week exercise-based physical therapy intervention were used to assess interpretability of change scores.ResultsThe Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia-11 showed adequate internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.77; alpha if item deleted: 0.74–0.77), substantial reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient_2,1 = 0.85; 95% confidence interval: 0.75, 0.90), good measurement error (standard error of measurement: 2.65 points), and a minimal detectable change (90% confidence) of 6.16 points. For validity, the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia-11 showed a positive and good correlation with the original Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia (r = 0.84, p < 0.01), positive and moderate correlation with the Pain Catastrophizing Scale (r = 0.55, p < 0.01), positive and weak correlation with the Numerical Pain Rating Scale (r = 0.25, p < 0.01), positive and moderate correlation with the Beck Depression Inventory (r = 0.39, p < 0.01), and no correlation with the Patient-Specific Functional Scale (r = 0.11, p = 0.23). Kinesiophobia, pain, function, catastrophizing, and depression statistically improved after the eight-week intervention (p < 0.01).ConclusionThe Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia-11 is consistent, reliable, and appropriate to assess fear of movement in patients with fibromyalgia in the clinical context. Responsiveness of the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia-11 should be tested in future studies.     

Effects of V279F in the Lp-PLA2 gene on markers of oxidative stress and inflammation in Koreans

BackgroundA single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), V279F, in the lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A₂ (Lp-PLA₂) gene is known to influence enzyme activity. It is unclear whether Lp-PLA₂ exerts pro- or antiatherogenic effects in humans. We investigated the interplay between V279F, Lp-PLA₂ activity, oxidative stress and inflammation.MethodsWe genotyped 2914 healthy Koreans (43–79 years) for the Lp-PLA₂ V279F and measured anthropometric parameters, lipid profile, fatty acid composition, lipid peroxides, inflammatory markers and Lp-PLA₂ levels.ResultsLp-PLA₂ activity was 24% lower in V/F subjects (n = 641) than in those with the V/V genotype (n = 2227). Enzyme activity was undetectable in F/F subjects. Lp-PLA₂ activity was positively correlated with LDL-cholesterol (r = 0.134, P < 0.001), ox-LDL (r = 0.064, P < 0.01), 8-epi-PGF_2α (r = 0.198, P < 0.001), free fatty acid (r = 0.082, P < 0.001), and fibrinogen (r = 0.112, P < 0.01) levels. Additionally, ox-LDL, 8-epi-PGF_2α, free fatty acid, and fibrinogen levels were positively correlated with hs-CRP. V279F was associated with LDL-cholesterol and arachidonic acid (AA) in serum phospholipid. F/F subjects had lower LDL-cholesterol than V/V subjects (V/V: 120.9 ± 0.69, V/F: 119.4 ± 1.26, F/F: 109.2 ± 4.84 mg/dl, P = 0.025). A significant association between the F/F genotype and increasing AA in serum phospholipids was found in subjects with high LDL-cholesterol (≥ 130 mg/dl) (P = 0.003) but not in those with low LDL-cholesterol (< 130 mg/dl). F/F subjects in the high LDL-cholesterol group had CRP concentrations about three times higher than those with V/V or V/F genotypes (V/V: 1.25 ± 0.09, V/F: 0.97 ± 0.12, F/F: 3.20 ± 0.88 mg/dl, P < 0.001).ConclusionsThe recessive effects of Lp-PLA₂ V279F on LDL-cholesterol and significant correlations between Lp-PLA₂ activity and LDL-cholesterol, 8-epi-PGF_2α and fibrinogen support a pro-oxidative or pro-atherogenic role for this enzyme. Paradoxically, the combination of the complete deficiency of Lp-PLA₂ activity and high LDL-cholesterol enhanced lipid peroxidation and inflammation.