The association between galectin-3 and occurrence of reinfarction early after first myocardial infarction treated invasively.

CONTEXT: Galectin-3, as a biomarker of inflammation and fibrosis, has been reported to be associated with coronary artery disease. OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to assess the relationship between galectin-3 levels and the occurrence of reinfarction early after myocardial infarction (MI). METHODS: The study included 145 consecutive patients with first MI treated invasively. Serum galectin-3 was measured using VIDAS (bioMérieux, Marcy-l'Etoile, France). RESULTS: The independent predictors of reinfarction in our group were as follows: female gender, elevated hs-C-reactive protein and galectin-3 levels (measured both at discharge). CONCLUSIONS: Galectin-3 might be an additional useful biomarker in prediction for reinfarction early after first MI.

[The diagnostic value of 24-hour bile reflux monitoring in patients with functional dyspepsia]. / Wartosc diagnostyczna 24-godzinnej bilimetrii zoladka u osób z dyspepsja czynnosciowa.

UNLABELLED: The pathogenesis of functional dyspepsia is still not clear. One of the supposed mechanisms are disturbences of motility of upper part of gastrointestinal tract. There only the few informations, concerning the role of retrograde refluxes. AIM OF STUDY: Comparative analysis of grade of duodenogastric reflux intensity in healthy subjects and in patients with functional dyspepsia. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 40 subjects with functional dyspepsia (the mean age 33.4 +/- 11.8) and 20 clinically healthy subjects (the mean age 36.9 +/- 10.5). Functional dyspepsia was diagnosed according to the Rome III Criteria. In study group other diseases and H. pylori infection were excluded. 24-hour bilirubin concentration monitoring in gastric juice was performed using spectrophotometer (Bilitec 2000, Medtronic). Seven days before the investigation. the patients were told to obtain from drugs intake. On the day of investigation an equal diet was applied. RESULTS: In the group of healthy subjects the following results were obtained: the total percentage of absorbance time > 0.14 - 12.4 +/- 7.3%, the reflux index--2.6 +/- 1.6 (R/h). In group of subjects with functional dyspepsia the results were higher, respectively: 59.9 +/- 19.6% (p < 0.001) and 9.8 +/- 5.1 (p < 0.001). The total number of reflux and the number of reflux episode, lasting over 5 minutes were also higher. CONCLUSIONS: (1) In patients with functional dyspepsia the significant longer periods of bilirubin presence in stomach are observed (comparably with healthy subjects). (2) The intensive duodenogastric reflux could be be a reason of dyspeptic symptoms.

[Serum serotonin concentration and urine 5-hydroxyindole acetic acid excretion in patients with irritable bowel syndrome]. / Steizenie serotoniny w surowicy krwi i wydalanie kwasu 5-hydroksyindolooctowego z moczem u osób z zespolem jelita nadwraziliwego.

UNLABELLED: Serotonin (5-HT) is among other factors involved in gastrointestinal motility, secretion and visceral sensation. Available data suggest that secretion and metabolism of 5-HT may be disturbed in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Interpretation of these observations have been hampered by the variable methodology used and small numbers of patients involved in the previous studies. Aim of this study was to measure serum 5-TH concentration under fasting condition in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), compared with controls (K). The metabolite of serotonine--5-hydroxyindole acetic acid (5-HIAA) in urine was also assessed. METHODS: 71 subjects, aged 19-50 years were included in this study. Three groups were distinguished: group I (n=25)--healthy volunteers, group II (n=23)--patients with constipation predominant (IBS-C), group Ill (n=23)--subjects with diarrhea predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D). IBS was diagnosed according to Rome Ill Criteria. On the day of the experiment, patients received a standard meal (Nutridrink 6 x 300 kcal) and blood samples were collected during fasting. 5-HIAA concentration was determined in 24-hour urine collection. Concentration of 5-HT and 5-HIAA was measured by immunoenzyme ELISA method employing standard kits IBL nr RE59121 i RE59131 and Labsystems Multiscan detector. RESULTS: The average serotonin concentration during fasting was found in group I--156.67 +/- 49.12 ng/ml, in group II--221.73 +/- 91.56 ng/ml (p < 0.05), in group III--3.50 +/- 1.71 mg/24h. 5- HIAA concentration in urine was decreased in group Ill--3.50 +/- 1.71 mg/24 hrs (p < 0.05) and group II--4.37 +/- 2.95 mg/24 hrs compared with healthy volunteers--5.65 +/- 2.31 mg/24 hrs. CONCLUSION: (1) Serotonin concentration is increased in C-IBS and D-IBS patients. (2) Urine 5-hydroxyindole acetic acid excretion is decreased in IBS-subjects. (3) Disturbed metabolism of serotonin probably may play role in pathogenesis of functional bowel diseases.

[24-hour urinary 6-hydroxymelatonin sulfate excretion in patients with ulcerative colitis]. / Dobowe wydalanie siarczanu 6-hydroksymelatoniny z moczem u osbb z wrzodziejacym zapaleniem jelita grubego.

UNLABELLED: The cause and factors determining the chronic course of ulcerative colitis (UC) remain unknown. Melatonin is synthetised in the gastrointestinal tract and plays a crucial role in the protection of gastrointestinal mucosa and modulation of the immune system. Melatonin is metabolised to 6-hydroxymelatonin sulfate (6HMS) and excreted into urine. Urine 6HMS concentration corresponds well with the total level of melatonin in the body. The aim of the study was to evaluate 24-hour urine excretion of 6HMS in UC and its correlation with severity of the disease. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The studied group comprised 24 patients with UC (aged 17-58 years, mean age 33 years) admitted on the reason of UC relapse. The control group comprised 25 healthy volunteers (aged 18-49 years, mean age 35 years). The patients with UC were clinically scored and underwent colonoscopy. The subjects collected the total volume of urine excreted during a 24-hour period. 6HMS in urine was calculated using ELISA method. RESULTS. The average 24-hour urine excretion of 6HMS was 26.06 +/- 15.15 microg in UC patients and 15.09 +/- 6.37 microg in healthy subjects (p < 0.001). The urine level of 6HMS tended to be increased in mild related to severe course of the disease. CONCLUSIONS: The average 24-hour urine excretion of 6HMS in UC patients is higher than in healthy persons and negatively associated with severity of UC. Melatonin seems to be a part of anti-inflammatory response and its high level may appease the course of UC.

The association between galectin-3 and clinical parameters in patients with first acute myocardial infarction treated with primary percutaneous coronary angioplasty.

BACKGROUND: Galectin-3, a biomarker associated with fibrosis and inflammation, has been implicated in development and progression of heart failure (HF) and predicts increased mortality and morbidity in this condition. HF frequently develops after myocardial infarction (MI), contributing to worse outcome. The aim of this study is to assess the association between galectin-3 levels and various clinical parameters in acute phase of first MI treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI) in patients without prior HF. METHODS: We included 145 consecutive patients with first acute MI treated with pPCI with stent implantation. Exclusion criteria were: prior HF, severe valvular diseases, coexisting cancers, connective tissue diseases and cirrhosis. Serum galectin-3 concentration was measured within 3-5 days after onset of acute MI. RESULTS: Thirty-six patients with the highest galectin-3 levels (4th quartile, > 16 ng/mL) were compared to 109 subjects with a biomarker concentration ≤ 16 ng/mL. Elevated galectin-3 levels were more often observed in females, the elderly, subjects with coexisting diabetes, renaldysfunction and permanent atrial fi brillation (AF). Galectin-3 correlated with N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (r = 0.27, p < 0.001) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (r = 0.20, p < 0.05). Multivariate analysis revealed that only new-onset AF and diuretics treatment during hospitalization were independently associated with galectin-3 levels > 16 ng/mL. CONCLUSIONS: Elevated galectin-3 levels were associated with a higher rate of new-onset AF and diuretics treatment during hospitalization in patients with first MI treated with pPCI without prior HF.