The Role of microRNA in the Regulation of Cortisol Metabolism in the Adipose Tissue in the Course of Obesity.

The similarity of the clinical picture of metabolic syndrome and hypercortisolemia supports the hypothesis that obesity may be associated with impaired expression of genes related to cortisol action and metabolism in adipose tissue. The expression of genes encoding the glucocorticoid receptor alpha (GR), cortisol metabolizing enzymes (HSD11B1, HSD11B2, H6PDH), and adipokines, as well as selected microRNAs, was measured by real-time PCR in adipose tissue from 75 patients with obesity, 19 patients following metabolic surgery, and 25 normal-weight subjects. Cortisol levels were analyzed by LC-MS/MS in 30 pairs of tissues. The mRNA levels of all genes studied were significantly (p < 0.05) decreased in the visceral adipose tissue (VAT) of patients with obesity and normalized by weight loss. In the subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT), GR and HSD11B2 were affected by this phenomenon. Negative correlations were observed between the mRNA levels of the investigated genes and selected miRNAs (hsa-miR-142-3p, hsa-miR-561, and hsa-miR-579). However, the observed changes did not translate into differences in tissue cortisol concentrations, although levels of this hormone in the SAT of patients with obesity correlated negatively with mRNA levels for adiponectin. In conclusion, although the expression of genes related to cortisol action and metabolism in adipose tissue is altered in obesity and miRNAs may be involved in this process, these changes do not affect tissue cortisol concentrations.

AGER-1 Long Non-Coding RNA Levels Correlate with the Expression of the Advanced Glycosylation End-Product Receptor, a Regulator of the Inflammatory Response in Visceral Adipose Tissue of Women with Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

The advanced glycosylation end-product receptor (AGER) is involved in the development of metabolic inflammation and related complications in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Tissue expression of the AGER gene (AGER) is regulated by epigenetic mediators, including a long non-coding RNA AGER-1 (lncAGER-1). This study aimed to investigate whether human obesity and T2DM are associated with an altered expression of AGER and lncAGER-1 in adipose tissue and, if so, whether these changes affect the local inflammatory milieu. The expression of genes encoding AGER, selected adipokines, and lncAGER-1 was assessed using real-time PCR in visceral (VAT) and subcutaneous (SAT) adipose tissue. VAT and SAT samples were obtained from 62 obese (BMI > 40 kg/m2; N = 24 diabetic) and 20 normal weight (BMI = 20-24.9 kg/m2) women, while a further 15 SAT samples were obtained from patients who were 18 to 24 months post-bariatric surgery. Tissue concentrations of adipokines were measured at the protein level using an ELISA-based method. Obesity was associated with increased AGER mRNA levels in SAT compared to normal weight status (p = 0.04) and surgical weight loss led to their significant decrease compared to pre-surgery levels (p = 0.01). Stratification by diabetic status revealed that AGER mRNA levels in VAT were higher in diabetic compared to non-diabetic women (p = 0.018). Elevated AGER mRNA levels in VAT of obese diabetic patients correlated with lncAGER-1 (p = 0.04, rs = 0.487) and with interleukin 1ß (p = 0.008, rs = 0.525) and resistin (p = 0.004, rs = 0.6) mRNA concentrations. In conclusion, obesity in women is associated with increased expression of AGER in SAT, while T2DM is associated with increased AGER mRNA levels and pro-inflammatory adipokines in VAT.

Epigenetic Regulation of Estrogen Receptor Genes' Expressions in Adipose Tissue in the Course of Obesity.

Estrogen affects adipose tissue function. Therefore, this study aimed at assessing changes in the transcriptional activity of estrogen receptor (ER) α and ß genes (ESR1 and ESR2, respectively) in the adipose tissues of obese individuals before and after weight loss and verifying whether epigenetic mechanisms were involved in this phenomenon. ESR1 and ESR2 mRNA and miRNA levels were evaluated using real-time PCR in visceral (VAT) and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) of 78 obese (BMI > 40 kg/m2) and 31 normal-weight (BMI = 20−24.9 kg/m2) individuals and in 19 SAT samples from post-bariatric patients. ESR1 and ESR2 methylation status was studied using the methylation-sensitive digestion/real-time PCR method. Obesity was associated with a decrease in mRNA levels of both ERs in SAT (p < 0.0001) and ESR2 in VAT (p = 0.0001), while weight loss increased ESR transcription (p < 0.0001). Methylation levels of ESR1 and ESR2 promoters were unaffected. However, ESR1 mRNA in the AT of obese subjects correlated negatively with the expression of hsa-miR-18a-5p (rs = −0.444), hsa-miR-18b-5p (rs = −0.329), hsa-miR-22-3p (rs = −0.413), hsa-miR-100-5p (rs = −0.371), and hsa-miR-143-5p (rs = −0.289), while the expression of ESR2 in VAT correlated negatively with hsa-miR-576-5p (rs = −0.353) and in SAT with hsa-miR-495-3p (rs = −0.308). In conclusion, obesity-associated downregulation of ER mRNA levels in adipose tissue may result from miRNA interference.

Replacing centrifugation with mixing in urine analysis enriches protein pool in the urine samples.

Urine is the basic diagnostic material, easy to collect, not requiring invasive approach. During standard procedure the urine samples are centrifuged and the supernatant analysed physically, biochemically, and microscopically. The centrifugation step removes proteins including those forming aggregates especially in the state of illness and after transplantation. Here, we analysed the effect of urine centrifuging on specific protein content in urine samples obtained from cardiovascular patients (CVD) and after kidney or liver transplantation. We tested homogeneous whole urine samples, standardly centrifuge one, and the pellet after centrifuging. Protein content was examined using Western blot analysis and mass spectrometry (MS) of samples from CVD patients or the one after transplantation. The average of 21% proteins from non-centrifuged samples were found in the pellet removed after standard centrifugation. MS analysis confirmed that diagnostically important proteins were located there in. In 90% of cases whole urine samples contained more proteins than standard supernatant, among them e.g. proteins involved in immunological response like immunoglobulins and complement compounds secreted by leucocytes. Replacing centrifuging with intensive mixing of urine samples provides a method of enriching the samples with proteins removed during standard procedure, thus increasing possibility of finding new biomarkers for diseases undiagnosable with classic urine analysis.

Pregnancy after liver transplant: maternal and perinatal outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Liver transplantation is a life-saving and successful therapeutic procedure which is more and more frequent worldwide, also among women of reproductive age. Consequently, there is an increasing number of reports of pregnancy following liver transplantation, but doubts still exist regarding preconception counseling and the optimal method of managing pregnancy. The aim of this study was to report and evaluate pregnancy outcomes in women who had undergone liver transplantation. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed female patients after orthotopic liver transplantation who reported pregnancy and were under medical care of a single transplant center. RESULTS: We identified 14 pregnancies in 10 women who had undergone liver transplantation (12 childbirths, one induced abortion due to fetal death in the first trimester, one pregnancy is still ongoing). Causes of transplantation include congenital or acquired disorders and the most common indication was autoimmune hepatitis (50%). The mean age at the point of transplantation was 28.5 (range 21-36), mean maternal age at pregnancy was 32 (range 26-43), and transplant-to-pregnancy interval was 4.07 years (range 1.5-7). The mean gestational week was 36.67 (range 31-40). Immunosuppression was maintained with combinations of prednisone (n = 11), tacrolimus (n = 13), and azathioprine (n = 8) prior to and during pregnancy. Two pregnancies were unintended, so women took mycophenolate mofetil in the first weeks of gestation. Another two women stopped taking azathioprine due to increasing anemia. Maternal complications included increase of aspartate transaminase and alanine transaminase (n = 2), anemia (n = 4) and hyperthyroidism (n = 2). Among the 12 childbirths, five (41.67%) were preterm. Only five women entered labor spontaneously, while seven (58,33%) had cesarean delivery. CONCLUSIONS: Pregnancy after liver transplantation can achieve relatively favorable outcomes. Liver transplantation does not influence women's fertility and, during pregnancy, we report low rates of minor graft complications. A multidisciplinary team should be involved in contraceptive, fertility and consequently pregnancy counseling of female transplant recipients.

Imaging after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy - literature review with practical recommendations.

In the XXI century obesity has become one of the most demanding epidemiological threats worldwide. At the same time, bariatric surgery has established itself as an effective treatment for morbidly obese patients, with laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) emerging as the most popular bariatric procedure. This paper reviews the role of imaging studies of patients after LSG. Computed tomography is widely considered as the method of choice in detection of complications in early postoperative period. The dynamic character of upper gastrointestinal examination allows for the assessment of passage through the gastric remnant. The paper also discusses evaluation of the shape and volume of the gastric remnant assessed by imaging studies.

A Retrospective Study of 6-Month Reduction in Risk of Developing Cardiovascular Diseases and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Severely Obese Patients Over 60 Years of Age Following Bariatric Surgery.

BACKGROUND Controversy exists with regard to the effectiveness and reasons for bariatric procedures in patients older than 60 years. The goal of our study was to determine the reduction in risk of developing cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus after undergoing bariatric surgery in obese patients over age 60 at our institution. MATERIAL AND METHODS Patients with severe obesity (BMI >40 kg/m²) were retrospectively included in the study. Risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes at baseline and their reduction during the follow-up period were evaluated with the following selected, currently preferred risk algorithms: (1) the Systemic Coronary Risk Evaluation (SCORE) scale; (2) the Framingham Risk Score (of myocardial infarction or coronary death) for patients with no prior history of diabetes, coronary heart disease, or intermittent claudication; and (3) the Framingham Offspring Diabetes Risk Score, which estimates the 8-year risk of developing type 2 diabetes. RESULTS All 33 elderly patients (32 women and 1 man, mean age 62.3±2.7 (BMI 44.3±6.2 kg/m²) significantly reduced their risk levels. We observed a decrease in the 10-year risk of a first fatal cardiovascular event (3.5±0.5 vs. 2.4±0.5, absolute risk reduction [ARR] 1.0); reduced 10-year risk of myocardial infarction or death (5.0±1.6 vs. 3.25±1.6, ARR 1.7); and reduced predicted 8-year risk of developing type 2 diabetes (7.4±7.2 vs. 3.1±0.3, ARR 4.3). No intra- or postoperative complications were observed. CONCLUSIONS Our study showed a significant reduction in risk of developing cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes, as measured by available risk scores, in elderly patients undergoing bariatric procedures.

Vitamin D Receptor Gene Expression in Adipose Tissue of Obese Individuals is Regulated by miRNA and Correlates with the Pro-Inflammatory Cytokine Level.

Background: Given the role that vitamin D (VD) plays in the regulation of the inflammatory activity of adipocytes, we aimed to assess whether obesity changes the expression of VD-related genes in adipose tissue and, if so, to investigate whether this phenomenon depends on microRNA interference and how it may influence the local inflammatory milieu. Methods: The expression of genes encoding VD 1α-hydroxylase (CYP27B1), 24-hydroxylase (CYP24A1) and receptor (VDR), selected interleukins and microRNAs was evaluated by real-time PCR in visceral (VAT) and in subcutaneous (SAT) adipose tissues of 55 obese (BMI > 40 kg/m2) and 31 normal-weight (BMI 20-24.9 kg/m2) individuals. Results: VDR mRNA levels were higher, while CYP27B1 levels were lower in adipose tissues of obese patients than in those of normal-weight controls (VAT: P = 0.04, SAT: P < 0.0001 and VAT: P = 0.004, SAT: P = 0.016, respectively). The expression of VDR in VAT of obese subjects correlated negatively with levels of miR-125a-5p (P = 0.0006, rs = -0.525), miR-125b-5p (P = 0.001, rs = -0.495), and miR-214-3p (P = 0.009, rs = -0.379). Additionally, VDR mRNA concentrations in visceral adipose tissues of obese subjects correlated positively with mRNA levels of interleukins: 1ß, 6 and 8. Conclusions: We observed obesity-associated up-regulation of VDR and down-regulation of CYP27B mRNA levels in adipose tissue. VDR expression correlates with the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and may be regulated by miRNAs.

Demographic features of female urethra length.

AIMS: To determine cohort urethral length, identify epidemiological factors influencing the parameter and to establish the percentage of cases with clinically relevant outsized urethras. METHODS: Prospective cohort study conducted in two tertiary clinical centers between 2013 and 2017. Nine hundred and twenty seven consecutive adult, Caucasian females attending outpatients' clinics were included. The urethral length has been measured in pelvic floor ultrasound examination. The exclusion criteria were inadequate bladder filling (<200 mL; >400 mL), previous history of pelvic floor surgery, and no consent. RESULTS: Urethral length varied from 19 to 45 mm. The distribution of the examined parameter was normal. Obese patients had significantly longer urethras as compared to non-obese subjects. Number of vaginal deliveries was connected with shorter urethral length. The limitations of the study are: analysis only of Caucasian patients and subjects without previous pelvic floor surgeries. CONCLUSIONS: Differences in urethral length in the female population were demonstrated. Thirty percent of patients have atypical urethras that may be a risk factor for sling surgery failure. We therefore postulate introduction of urethral measurement before the procedure.

Questionable validity of left ventricular hypertrophy cutoff values in morbidly and super-morbidly obese patients.

BACKGROUND: Current diagnostic ECG criteria of left ventricular hypertrophy in obese patients are still lacking. OBJECTIVE: To assess the current ECG diagnostic criteria of LVH, and to validate our previously proposed criteria in a group of patients with morbid obesity. METHODS: A group of consecutive 429 obese patients (MOP) with BMI of at least 35 kg/m2 (mean age 38.6 ± 8.9 years, BMI 48.7 ± 9.0 kg/m2 ; 323 females, 106 males) were included. RESULTS: The diagnosis of LVH in MOPs was confirmed only by RaVL of 7.5 mm, Cornell index of 12.5 mm; Cornell index × QRS duration of 1,125 mm × ms and Romhilt-Estes score of 1. None of the criteria proposed to date is appropriate in super-morbidly obese patients. CONCLUSION: Our study confirmed that none of the currently used voltage-based ECG criteria is appropriate for diagnosing LVH in morbidly obese patients. Further studies are required.

NGS Reveals Molecular Pathways Affected by Obesity and Weight Loss-Related Changes in miRNA Levels in Adipose Tissue.

Both obesity and weight loss may cause molecular changes in adipose tissue. This study aimed to characterize changes in adipose tissue miRNome in order to identify molecular pathways affected by obesity and weight changes. Next generation sequencing (NGS) was applied to identify microRNAs (miRNAs) differentially expressed in 47 samples of visceral (VAT) and subcutaneous (SAT) adipose tissues from normal-weight (N), obese (O) and obese after surgery-induced weight loss (PO) individuals. Subsequently miRNA expression was validated by real-time PCR in 197 adipose tissues and bioinformatics analysis performed to identify molecular pathways affected by obesity-related changes in miRNA expression. NGS identified 344 miRNAs expressed in adipose tissues with ≥5 reads per million. Using >2 and <-2 fold change as cut-offs we showed that the expression of 54 miRNAs differed significantly between VAT-O and SAT-O. Equally, between SAT-O and SAT-N, the expression of 20 miRNAs differed significantly, between SAT-PO and SAT-N the expression of 79 miRNAs differed significantly, and between SAT-PO and SAT-O, the expression of 61 miRNAs differed significantly. Ontological analyses disclosed several molecular pathways regulated by these miRNAs in adipose tissue. NGS-based miRNome analysis characterized changes of the miRNA profile of adipose tissue, which are associated with changes of weight possibly responsible for a differential regulation of molecular pathways in adipose tissue when the individual is obese and after the individual has lost weight.

Obesity and Pelvic Floor Disorders: A Review of the Literature.

Overweight and obesity are becoming a worldwide health problem associated with numerous co-morbidities. National costs of obesity and pelvic flor disorders have been rising since the 1950s across the world. Obesity is thought to have a very strong effect on pelvic floor disorders, and, considering the high prevalence of both problems worldwide, it is of utmost importance to evaluate the association between these pathologies as well as the impact of obesity on treatment efficacy. This review is based on a selection of reports in the literature (PubMed search), including guidelines and Cochrane reviews. Obesity seems to be a well-documented risk factor for lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and is a predictor of exacerbation of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and overactive bladder (OAB). Weight loss is also associated with improvement or resolution of SUI and OAB. In the case of pelvic organ prolapse (POP), weight loss is associated with improvement in quality of life. Although obesity is associated with POP in general, the exact role of obesity in symptomatic POP remains uncertain. While outcomes of anti-incontinence surgery among obese women are similar to those in non-obese women, postoperative urge incontinence is more likely to occur. It seems that obesity is not a risk factor for postoperative complications or short-term efficacy of POP surgical treatment. Long-term effects are still uncertain. Obesity is a strong risk factor for LUTS, but in most cases it does not affect efficacy of operative treatment. It may be associated with some post-operative complications. Weight loss in many cases allows avoiding surgical intervention.

Obesity is associated with a decrease in expression but not with the hypermethylation of thermogenesis-related genes in adipose tissues.

BACKGROUND: Impaired thermogenesis can promote obesity. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate whether the expression of thermogenesis-related genes is altered in adipose tissues of obese individuals and whether excessive methylation of their promoters is involved in this phenomenon. METHODS: The expression of genes encoding ß adrenergic receptors (ADRBs), thyroid hormone receptors (THRs), 5'-iodothyronine deiodinases (DIOs), and uncoupling proteins (UCPs) was measured by real-time PCR in visceral and in subcutaneous adipose tissues of 58 obese (BMI >40 kg/m(2)) and 50 slim (BMI 20-24.9 kg/m(2)) individuals. The methylation status of these genes was studied by the methylation-sensitive digestion/real-time PCR method. RESULTS: The expression of ADRB2, ADRB3, THRA, THRB, DIO2, UCP2 was significantly lower in the adipose tissues of obese patients than in tissues of normal-weight individuals (P < 0.00001). In the obese, the expression of ADRB2, ADRB3, DIO2 was lower in visceral adipose tissue than in subcutaneous adipose tissue (P = 0.008, P = 0.002, P = 0.001, respectively). However, the mean methylation of CpG islands of these genes was similar in tissues with their high and low expression, and there was no correlation between the level of expression and the level of methylation. CONCLUSIONS: Decreased expression of thermogenesis-related genes in adipose tissues of obese patients might result in the reduced reactivity to both hormonal and adrenergic stimuli and therefore in a lower potential to activate thermogenesis.

Interleukins 6 and 15 Levels Are Higher in Subcutaneous Adipose Tissue, but Obesity Is Associated with Their Increased Content in Visceral Fat Depots.

Excess adiposity is associated with chronic inflammation, which takes part in the development of obesity-related complications. The aim of this study was to establish whether subcutaneous (SAT) or visceral (VAT) adipose tissue plays a major role in synthesis of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Concentrations of interleukins (IL): 1ß, 6, 8 and 15 were measured at the protein level by an ELISA-based method and on the mRNA level by real-time PCR in VAT and SAT samples obtained from 49 obese (BMI > 40 kg/m²) and 16 normal-weight (BMI 20-24.9 kg/m²) controls. IL-6 and IL-15 protein concentrations were higher in SAT than in VAT for both obese (p = 0.003 and p < 0.0001, respectively) and control individuals (p = 0.004 and p = 0.001, respectively), while for IL-1ß this was observed only in obese subjects (p = 0.047). What characterized obese individuals was the higher expression of IL-6 and IL-15 at the protein level in VAT compared to normal-weight controls (p = 0.047 and p = 0.016, respectively). Additionally, obese individuals with metabolic syndrome had higher IL-1ß levels in VAT than did obese individuals without this syndrome (p = 0.003). In conclusion, concentrations of some pro-inflammatory cytokines were higher in SAT than in VAT, but it was the increased pro-inflammatory activity of VAT that was associated with obesity and metabolic syndrome.

Temperament as a risk factor for obesity and affective disorders in obese patients in a Polish sample.

AIMS: The main purpose of the study was to investigate temperament traits postulated in the Regulative Theory of Temperament that may contribute as risk factors to obesity and, potentially, to affective disorders in obese patients. METHOD: A cross-sectional design was applied in this study. The study was conducted on a group of 163 obese patients (BMI > 35) that included 59 men and 104 women compared with a control group that included 89 men and 113 women who were non-obese. Temperament was assessed using the formal characteristics of behaviour-temperament inventory (FCB-TI). RESULTS: Obese patients compared with a control group scored lower in briskness, endurance and activity, and higher in perseveration. When compared with obese men, obese women had higher levels of perseveration and emotional reactivity, and showed lower levels of activity. CONCLUSIONS: Temperament traits, including low levels of briskness, endurance and activity, may serve as risk factors for the development of obesity. Low levels of these traits with accompanying high levels of perseveration may potentially contribute as risk factors for affective disorders in obese patients. The findings suggest that obese women are at somewhat greater risk than obese men for the development of affective disorders.

Successful Anesthetic Management for Obese Patients with Interstitial Lung Disease Undergoing Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy: A Bridge to Improved Lung Transplant Eligibility.

BACKGROUND Patients with obesity with interstitial lung diseases (ILD) are encouraged to lose weight, as it improves lung function and lung transplant eligibility. As exercise tolerance in these patients is low and weight gain is a common adverse effect of corticosteroids, bariatric surgery can be an effective method for the management of obesity in this patient group. However, perioperative complications in such high-risk patients remain a concern. Therefore, we aimed to demonstrate successful anesthetic management for obese patients with ILD, which may be practically utilized to reduce perioperative pulmonary complications and improve outcomes. CASE REPORT Our case report presents a 42-year-old man with ILD who underwent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG). Preoperative studies revealed severe restrictive disease, right ventricular overload with assessed intermediate risk of pulmonary hypertension, and heart failure, with preserved left ventricle fraction but with poor exercise tolerance. Patient had opioid-free anesthesia (OFA) and postoperative multimodal analgesia. Following a 24-h stay in the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit, the patient was transferred to the ward and ultimately discharged home 2 days thereafter. At the 1-year follow-up, the patient reduced his weight by 40 kg and reported a significant improvement in physical capacity. CONCLUSIONS Our record demonstrates that OFA can be successfully used in high-risk patients with ILD undergoing LSG. In a period of a year, the patient improved so much that he no longer required lung transplantation, which may encourage clinicians to provide bariatric surgery using the OFA technique in the population of patients with obesity and severe respiratory illness.

Combined Liver-Pancreas Transplantation as Novel Treatment for Patient With Cystic Fibrosis: A Case Report.

BACKGROUND: A 21-year-old woman diagnosed with cystic fibrosis developed cirrhosis, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, and insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. The patient qualified for double organ liver-pancreas transplantation beyond typical indications. The respiratory symptoms of cystic fibrosis were moderate and well-treated. The patient was endangered mainly by liver insufficiency and recurrent hypoglycemia, which was due to the treatment of diabetes with high doses of insulin. Computed tomography showed mild bronchiectasis, cirrhotic liver, splenomegaly, and atrophy of the pancreas. Pseudomonas aeruginosa colonized the upper respiratory tract. Gastrointestinal complications were sufficient for the patient to be qualified for combined liver-pancreas transplantation. METHODS: First, a standard hepatectomy was performed. The liver was transplanted orthotopically. Subsequently, the team performed pancreas transplantation through a separate incision. The donor's duodenum was anastomosed to the recipient's jejunum, close to the ligament of Treitz. RESULTS: No serious complications were noted during the postoperative period. Transplanted organs started functioning without delay. The patient was discharged after 6 weeks in general good condition. Twenty months later, the patient felt well, and the grafts kept functioning properly. CONCLUSION: Combined liver-pancreas transplantation in patients with CF restores exocrine and endocrine pancreatic function and minimizes the risk of life-threatening complications associated with liver insufficiency. Improvement of life quality coincides with the possibility of discontinuing insulin and pancreatic enzyme supplementation. The combination of liver and pancreas transplantation may prevent advanced pulmonary complications, extend the prognosis of survival, and improve the long-term life quality.

Comparison between multimodal and intraoperative opioid free anesthesia for laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy: a prospective, randomized study.

Anesthesia for laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy and perioperative management remains a challenge. Several clinical studies indicate that opioid-free anesthesia (OFA) may be beneficial, but there is no consensus on the most optimal anesthesia technique in clinical practice. The aim of our study was to assess the potential benefits and risks of intraoperative OFA compared to multimodal analgesia (MMA) with remifentanil infusion. In a prospective, randomized study, we analyzed 59 patients' data. Primary outcome measures were oxycodone consumption and reported pain scores (numerical rating scale, NRS) at 1, 6, 12, and 24th hours after surgery. Postoperative sedation on the Ramsay scale, nausea and vomiting on the PONV impact scale, desaturation episodes, pruritus, hemodynamic parameters, and hospital stay duration were also documented and compared. There were no significant differences in NRS scores or total 24-h oxycodone requirements. In the first postoperative hour, OFA group patients needed an average of 4.6 mg of oxycodone while the MMA group 7.72 mg (p = 0.008, p < 0.05 statistically significant). The PONV impact scale was significantly lower in the OFA group only in the first hour after the operation (p = 0.006). Patients in the OFA group required higher doses of ephedrine 23.67 versus 15.69 mg (p = 0.039) and more intravenous fluids 1160 versus 925.86 ml (p = 0.007). The mode of anesthesia did not affect the pain scores or the total dose of oxycodone in the first 24 postoperative hours. Only in the first postoperative hour were an opioid-sparing effect and reduction of PONV incidence seen in the OFA group when compared with remifentanil-based anesthesia. However, patients in the OFA group showed significantly greater hemodynamic lability necessitating higher vasopressor doses and more fluid volume.

Impact of Blood Pressure on Risk of Graft Failure or Death Among Patients After Kidney Transplantation in a 10-Year Observational Period: A Single-Center Retrospective Analysis.

BACKGROUND Hypertension is a risk factor for graft failure and mortality among kidney transplant recipients (KTRs). The aim of the study was to examine blood pressure (BP) as a factor that contributes to graft failure or death during a 10-year observation period. MATERIAL AND METHODS The study group comprised 70 KTRs who were treated according to their clinical state. Data were collected at 1 month and 1 year after transplantation and included office and ambulatory BP monitoring (ABPM) BP values, eGFR, proteinuria, and BMI. During the observation period, 6 patients died, and 10 lost the graft, but not during the first year. RESULTS Office and ABPM BP values were within normal ranges and did not differ from each other. eGRF and BMI were higher at 1 year compared to 1 month after transplantation, and proteinuria decreased. Among those who died, DBP was lower compared to those of survivors with graft failure. Proteinuria and donor age were positively correlated with BP. CONCLUSIONS Monitoring of BP and adequate treatment of hypertension resulting in BP values within normal values among KTRs contribute to longer survival of the graft and recipient. Older donor age and proteinuria could predict post-transplant hypertension. Low diastolic BP of the recipient could increase the risk of death among KTRs. Despite the fact that ABPM is the blood pressure measurement method of choice, appropriate standard office measurement could also be used for BP monitoring.

Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring as a Useful Tool in the Cardiological Assessment of Pancreas Transplant Recipients with Type 1 Diabetes.

Having the appropriate tools to identify pancreas recipients most susceptible to coronary artery disease (CAD) is crucial for pretransplant cardiological assessment. The aim of this study is to evaluate the association between blood pressure (BP) indices provided by ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) and the prevalence of CAD in pancreas transplant candidates with type 1 diabetes (T1D). This prospective cross-sectional study included adult T1D patients referred for pretransplant cardiological assessment in our center. The study population included 86 participants with a median age of 40 (35-46) years. In multivariate logistic regression analyses, after adjusting for potential confounding factors, higher 24 h BP (systolic BP/diastolic BP/pulse pressure) (OR = 1.063, 95% CI 1.023-1.105, p = 0.002/OR = 1.075, 95% CI 1.003-1.153, p = 0.042/OR = 1.091, 95 CI 1.037-1.147, p = 0.001, respectively) and higher daytime BP (systolic BP/diastolic BP/pulse pressure) (OR = 1.069, 95% CI 1.027-1.113, p = 0.001/OR = 1.077, 95% CI 1.002-1.157, p = 0.043/OR = 1.11, 95% CI 1.051-1.172, p = 0.0002, respectively) were independently and significantly associated with the prevalence of CAD. Daytime pulse pressure was the strongest indicator of the prevalence of CAD among all analyzed ABPM parameters. ABPM can be used as a valuable tool to identify pancreas recipients who are most susceptible to CAD. We suggest the inclusion of ABPM in pretransplant cardiac screening in type 1 diabetes patients eligible for pancreas transplantation.