The Prognostic Value of Leucine-Rich α2 Glycoprotein 1 in Pediatric Spinal Cord Injury.

OBJECTIVE: Leucine-rich α2 glycoprotein 1 (LRG1) is a novel cytokine, which is believed to be involved in the inflammatory process of a series of diseases. However, the relationship between LRG1 and spinal cord injury (SCI) has not been reported. The purpose of our study is to determine the predictive value of LRG1 for the prognosis of pediatric SCI (PSCI). METHODS: This study recruited 64 patients with confirmed PSCI and 40 healthy controls at Foshan Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital from January 2016 to December 2020. The clinical information of all participants at the time of admission was recorded. Peripheral blood was collected, and commercial reagents were used to detect the level of serum LRG1. At the same time, the International Standards for Neurological Classification of Spinal Cord Injury (ISNCSCI) was used to assess the severity of PSCI. RESULTS: All participants were divided into PSCI group (n = 64) and NC group (n = 40). There was no significant difference in clinical information (age, gender, heart rate, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, sampling time from injury, white blood cells, and C-reactive protein) between the two groups (p > 0.05). According to the interquartile range of serum LRG1, we compared the motor and sensory scores of ISNCSCI and found that serum LRG1 levels were negatively correlated with the prognosis of PSCI patients (p < 0.001). The results of receiver operating curve (ROC) showed that the sensitivity, specificity, and AUC (Area Under the Curve) of serum LRG1 level in predicting the prognosis of PSCI were 68.4%, 69.1%, and 0.705, respectively. The cut-off value of serum LRG1 level predicting the prognosis of PSCI is 21.1 µg/ml. CONCLUSIONS: Serum LRG1 level is significantly increased in PSCI patients, and the elevated LRG1 level is negatively correlated with the prognosis of PSCI patients. Serum LRG1 may be a potentially useful biomarker for predicting PSCI.

O-glycosylated clusterin as a sensitive marker for diagnosing early stages of prostate cancer.

BACKGROUND: Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) has been the most popular diagnostic marker for prostate cancer. The frequent occurrence of low PSA values (<10 ng/ml) in patients with highly suspicious prostate cancer, however, has undermined the accuracy of clinical examinations. The aim of this study was to develop a better resolution for diagnosing prostate cancer to overcome the disadvantage of PSA. METHODS: We focused on the glycosylation status of patients' serum proteins and conducted comprehensive lectin microarray analyses to characterize N- and O-glycans using sera from prostate cancer and benign prostatic diseases. Next, we retrieved candidate serum proteins with characteristic glycan structures using lectin-immobilized beads and identified them by quantitative mass spectrometry using a technique referred to as isobaric tag for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ) labeling. Finally, we constructed a new assay to quantify a candidate glycoprotein with the newly identified glycans. RESULTS: Lectin microarray analyses revealed that sera from patients with prostate cancer had a higher affinity for Jacalin, Amaranthus caudatus (ACA) lectin, and Maclura pomifera (MPA) lectin, compared with that from patients with benign prostatic diseases and normal subjects, suggesting that O-glycosylated proteins are more abundant in sera from patients with prostate cancer. Then, serum glycoproteins preferentially adsorbed onto Jacalin-Agarose as well as biotin-ACA/and biotin-MPA/streptavidin-immobilized magnetic beads were isolated, labeled with iTRAQ, and identified using quantitative mass spectrometry. It was found that the ACA- and MPA-recognizable clusterin was more enriched in patients' sera from prostate cancer compared with those from benign prostatic diseases. Following this discovery, we constructed a Luminex-based assay to quantify O-glycosylated clusterin, in which total serum clusterin was first captured on anti-clusterin antibody-immobilized beads, and then clusterin-associated O-glycans were determined by the pair of biotin-MPA and streptavidin-phycoerythrin. When PSA values registered less than 10 ng/ml, the corresponding serum level of MPA-recognized clusterin determined by this assay was beneficial for distinguishing the patients with prostate cancer from the patients with benign prostatic disease. CONCLUSION: For PSA values that measure less than 10 ng/ml, the serum O-glycosylated clusterin level can be a complementary indicator for the malignancy of prostate cancer.

Comparative Serum Proteomic Analysis of the Effects of Sodium Selenate on a Mouse Model of Alzheimer's Disease.

Selenium (Se), as a nutritionally essential trace element, has been shown to decrease with age and is closely related to Alzheimer's disease (AD). To probe the effects of Se on AD pathology, two-dimensional fluorescence difference gel electrophoresis was applied to the serum samples collected from the wild-type (WT) mice and the triple transgenic (PS1M146V/AßPPSwe/TauP301L) AD mice (3xTg-AD), treated with or without sodium selenate in drinking water for 4 months beginning at 2 months of age. Proteomics results revealed 17 differentially expressed proteins between WT and 3xTg-AD mice. It was found that the administration of selenate reversed the alterations of the differentially expressed serum proteins by up-regulating 13 proteins and down-regulating 2 proteins which were reported to be involved in the key pathogenesis of AD, including regulation of Aß production, lipid metabolism regulation, and anti-inflammation. These results suggested that a dietary supplement with selenate is effective for prevention and treatment of AD, and the mechanism was maybe related to its role in Aß regulation, lipid metabolism, and anti-inflammation. Moreover, we also presented that α-2 macroglobulin, transthyretin, haptoglobin, alpha-2-HS-glycoprotein, and alpha-1-antitrypsin in the serum can be used to evaluate the effect of selenate on AD pathology.

Betanin exhibits significant potential as an antihyperglycemic and attenuating the glycoprotein components in streptozotocin-nicotinamide-induced experimental rats.

This study hypothesized to evaluate the effect of betanin, a chromoalkaloid on plasma and altered tissues glycoprotein components in streptozotocin-nicotinamide-induced diabetic rats. Diabetes was induced by a single intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of streptozotocin (45 mg/kg b.w.) dissolved in 0.1 M citrate buffer (pH 4.5) 15 min after the i.p. administration of nicotinamide (110 mg/kg b.w.). Experimental rats were administered betanin at the dose of 20 mg/kg b.w. and glibenclamide (600 µg/kg b.w.) once a day for 30 days. Diabetic rats revealed significant (p < 0.05) increase in the levels of glucose, HbA1C, hexose, hexosamine, sialic acid and fucose in the plasma; decrease in the levels of plasma insulin, Hb and sialic acid in the liver and kidney; significant (p < 0.05) increase in hexose, hexosamine and fucose in the liver and kidney. Moreover, periodic acid-Schiff staining of tissues revealed positive-stain accumulation in diabetic rats. On co-supplementation of betanin and glibenclamide to diabetic rats for the period of 30 days brought back the levels of plasma and tissues glycoprotein components. Based on the present study, we propose that betanin possesses significant protective effect on glycoprotein components in plasma and tissue of diabetic rats.

Skeletal effects of a gastrin receptor antagonist in H+/K+ATPase beta subunit KO mice.

Epidemiological studies suggest an increased fracture risk in patients taking proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) for long term. The underlying mechanism, however, has been disputed. By binding to the gastric proton pump, PPIs inhibit gastric acid secretion. We have previously shown that proton pump (H(+)/K(+)ATPase beta subunit) KO mice exhibit reduced bone mineral density (BMD) and inferior bone strength compared with WT mice. Patients using PPIs as well as these KO mice exhibit gastric hypoacidity, and subsequently increased serum concentrations of the hormone gastrin. In this study, we wanted to examine whether inhibition of the gastrin/CCK2 receptor influences bone quality in these mice. KO and WT mice were given either the gastrin/CCK2 receptor antagonist netazepide dissolved in polyethylene glycol (PEG) or only PEG for 1year. We found significantly lower bone mineral content and BMD, as well as inferior bone microarchitecture in KO mice compared with WT. Biomechanical properties by three-point bending test also proved inferior in KO mice. KO mice receiving netazepide exhibited significantly higher cortical thickness, cortical area fraction, trabecular thickness and trabecular BMD by micro-CT compared with the control group. Three-point bending test also showed higher Young's modulus of elasticity in the netazepide KO group compared with control mice. In conclusion, we observed that the gastrin receptor antagonist netazepide slightly improved bone quality in this mouse model, suggesting that hypergastrinemia may contribute to deteriorated bone quality during acid inhibition.

Growth promotion in pigs by oxytetracycline coincides with down regulation of serum inflammatory parameters and of hibernation-associated protein HP-27.

The growth promoting effect of supplementing animal feed with antibiotics like tetracycline has traditionally been attributed to their antibiotic character. However, more evidence has been accumulated on their direct anti-inflammatory effect during the last two decades. Here we used a pig model to explore the systemic molecular effect of feed supplementation with sub therapeutic levels of oxytetracycline (OTC) by analysis of serum proteome changes. Results showed that OTC promoted growth, coinciding with a significant down regulation of different serum proteins related to inflammation, oxidation and lipid metabolism, confirming the anti-inflammatory mechanism of OTC. Interestingly, apart from the classic acute phase reactants also down regulation was seen of a hibernation associated plasma protein (HP-27), which is to our knowledge the first description in pigs. Although the exact function in non-hibernators is unclear, down regulation of HP-27 could be consistent with increased appetite, which is possibly linked to the anti-inflammatory action of OTC. Given that pigs are good models for human medicine due to their genetic and physiologic resemblance, the present results might also be used for rational intervention in human diseases in which inflammation plays an important role such as obesity, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.

A novel formula from mulberry leaf ameliorates diabetic nephropathy in rats via inhibiting the TGF-ß1 pathway.

INTRODUCTION: Based on the hypoglycemia and hypolipidemia of mulberry leaf and its extracts, we investigated the effect of a novel formula, Sang Tong Jian (STJ), from mulberry leaf on rats with diabetic nephropathy (DN). METHODS: The DN rats were induced by a long-term high-fat diet and a single streptozotocin injection. STJ was introduced for 12 weeks from the presence of hyperglycemia. The fasting blood glucose of DN rats was determined at weeks 5, 7, 9, and 11 respectively. The serum GSP, GHb and lipid profiles were analyzed by using a colorimetric method and ELISA kits. The kidney function of DN rats was demonstrated through the analysis of urine creatinine, urine albumin, serum urea nitrogen, serum creatinine and the creatinine clearance rate. The H-E (haematoxylin and eosin) and PAS (Periodic Acid-Schiff) staining were adopted to exhibit the morphology of the kidney. The TGF-ß1 and p-smad2/3, smad2/3, collagen IV, connexin 43 and E-cadherin were assayed via immunohistochemistry and western blot. RESULTS: STJ significantly decreased the fasting blood glucose (p < 0.01) and the glycation end product (p < 0.05), and regulated dyslipidemia. Inhibition of the thickening of the glomerular basement membrane and amelioration of the kidney function were shown in STJ-treated DN rats. Moreover, STJ decreased the levels of TGF-ß1, collagen IV, connexin 43 and activation of smad2/3 (p < 0.01), and enhanced E-cadherin (p < 0.01) in the kidney of DN rats. CONCLUSION: 12 week administration of STJ improved the metabolic parameters associated with blood glucose and lipid and inhibited the TGF-ß1 signaling pathway, which positively contributed to the amelioration of chronic diabetic kidney disease.

Significance of Rumex vesicarius as anticancer remedy against hepatocellular carcinoma: a proposal-based on experimental animal studies.

Rumex vesicarius is an edible herb distributed in Egypt and Saudi Arabia. The whole plant has significant value in folk medicine and it has been used to alleviate several diseases. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the major primary malignant tumor of the liver, is one of the most life-threatening human cancers. The goal of the current study was to explore the potent role of Rumex vesicarius extract against HCC induced in rats. Thirty adult male albino rats were divided into 3 groups: (I): Healthy animals received orally 0.9% normal saline and served as negative control group, (II): HCC group in which rats were orally administered N-nitrosodiethylamine NDEA, (III): HCC group treated orally with R. vesicarius extract in a dose of 400 mg/kg b.wt daily for two months. ALT and AST, ALP and γ-GT activities were estimated. CEA, AFP, AFU, GPC-3, Gp-73 and VEGF levels were quantified. Histopathological examination of liver tissue sections was also carried out. The results of the current study showed that the treatment of the HCC group with R. vesicarius extract reversed the significant increase in liver enzymes activity, CEA, AFP, AFU, glypican 3, golgi 73 and VEGF levels in serum as compared to HCC-untreated counterparts. In addition, the favorable impact of R. vesicarius treatment was evidenced by the marked improvement in the histopathological features of the liver of the treated group. In conclusion, the present experimental setting provided evidence for the significance of R. vesicarius as anticancer candidate with a promising anticancer potential against HCC. The powerful hepatoprotective properties, the potent antiangiogenic activity and the effective antiproliferative capacity are responsible for the anticancer effect of this plant.

(D)-Ribose supplementation in the equine: lack of effect on glycated plasma proteins suggesting safety in humans.

BACKGROUND: d-Ribose is a popular dietary supplement for humans and the equine because of its crucial role in cellular bioenergetics. However, as a reducing sugar, it has been suggested that ingestion of d-ribose might promote the formation of glycated proteins in vivo with potential adverse consequences. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to examine if d-Ribose would promote the formation of glycated proteins in vivo following exercise in training thoroughbred racehorses. METHODS: Two groups of horses received the supplement (30 and 50 g d-Ribose daily) for 17 weeks, during which period the horses were subjected to low-intensity exercises followed by high-intensity exercises. Blood samples were analyzed for glycated plasma proteins at baseline and following the 2 exercise regimens. RESULTS: This study shows that long-term ingestion of d-Ribose at 30-50 g a day does not promote the formation of glycated plasma proteins in thoroughbred racehorses. Ribose supplementation also protected the horses from cramping while enhancing muscle recovery at the same time. No adverse effects were reported. CONCLUSION: Ribose supplementation is safe and does not cause glycation in vivo. This investigation also establishes safety of d-Ribose in thoroughbred racehorses, suggesting similar implications in humans as well.

Hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects of neohesperidin derived from Citrus aurantium L. in diabetic KK-A(y) mice.

The present study is to investigate the possible hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects of neohesperidin (NHP) derived from Citrus aurantium L. in vivo. KK-A(y) mice were used as the diabetic experimental model, whereas C57BL/6 mice were used as normal control for a 6-week study. Treatment of NHP significantly decreased fasting glucose, serum glucose, and glycosylated serum protein (GSP) in KK-A(y) mice. It significantly elevated oral glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity and decreased insulin resistance in the diabetic mice. In addition, NHP significantly decreased serum triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TCH), leptin level, and liver index in the KK-A(y) mice. NHP also inhibited lipid accumulation in the liver and decreased the size of epididymal adipocyte in the KK-A(y) mice. Gene expression of stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 (SCD-1) and fatty acid synthase (FAS) were significantly inhibited, whereas the expression of acyl-CoA oxidase (ACOX) was significantly induced by NHP treatment in the liver of KK-A(y) mice. In addition, elevated level of phosphorylation of hepatic AMPK was observed in NHP-treated mice. Therefore, the activation of the AMPK pathway and regulation of its target genes, including SCD-1, FAS, and ACOX, may play important roles in the hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects of NHP in vivo, and NHP may have great potential in the prevention of diabetes and its complications.

Metabolomic investigation of Arthus reaction in a rat model using proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) spectroscopy and rapid resolution liquid chromatography (RRLC).

Arthus reaction (AR), a type of unconventional immune complex-mediated inflammation, is likely accompanied by alterations in circulating metabolites. Here, a proton nuclear magnetic resonance ((1)H NMR) spectroscopy method coupled with a rapid resolution liquid chromatography (RRLC) method was developed to evaluate the systemic metabolic consequences of AR and characterize metabolic aberrations. Serum and urine samples from AR rats and normal controls were compared to determine whether there were significant alterations associated with AR. The partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) models of metabolomic results demonstrated good intergroup separations between AR rats and normal controls. Multivariate statistical analysis revealed significant alterations in the levels of 34 metabolites, which were termed as the disease-associated biomarkers. Differential metabolites identified from the metabolomic analysis suggested that AR caused dysfunctions of kidney and liver accompanied with changes in widespread metabolic pathways including the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, gut microbiota metabolism, lipids and cell membranes metabolism, glucose metabolism, fatty acid ß-oxidation, amino acids metabolism and ketogenesis. This study assessed and provided important metabolomic variations in serum and urine associated with AR and, therefore, demonstrated metabolomics as a powerful approach for the complete elucidation of the underlying pathophysiologic mechanisms of AR.

[Immunobiological blood parameters in rabbits after addition to the diet suspensions of chlorella, sodium sulfate, citrate and chromium chloride].

We studied the content of glycoproteins and their individual carbohydrate components, the phagocyte activity of neutrophils, phagocyte index, phagocyte number lizotsym and bactericidal activity of the serum concentration of circulating immune complexes and middle mass molecules in the blood of rabbits following administration into the diet chlorella suspension, sodium sulfate, chromium citrate and chromium chloride. The studies were conducted on rabbits weighing 3.7-3.9 kg with altered diet from the first day of life to 118 days old. Rabbits were divided into five groups: the control one and four experimental groups. We found that in the blood of rabbits of experimental groups recieved sodium sulphate, chromium chloride and chromium citrate, the content of glycoprotein's and their carbohydrate components was significantly higher during the 118 days of the study compared with the control group. Feeding rabbits with mineral supplements likely reflected the differences compared with the control parameters of nonspecific resistance in the blood for the study period, which was more pronounced in the first two months of life.

Amaranthus viridis Linn., a common spinach, modulates C-reactive protein, protein profile, ceruloplasmin and glycoprotein in experimental induced myocardial infarcted rats.

BACKGROUND: Glycoprotein is one of the components of the cardiac extracellular matrix and plays an important role in cardiac remodelling during various cardiac diseases, including myocardial infarction (MI). This study was aimed at evaluating the preventive role of Amaranthus viridis Linn. on C-reactive protein (CRP), total protein, albumin, globulin, ceruloplasmin and glycoproteins in the serum and heart of experimental induced myocardial infarcted (MI) rats. RESULTS: MI was induced in male Wistar rats by subcutaneous injection of 20 mg kg(-1) isoproterenol (ISO) kg(-1) body weight (BW) twice at an interval of 24 h. ISO-induced MI rats showed a significant increase in the levels of serum CRP and ceruloplasmin and a significant decrease in the levels of serum total protein, albumin and globulin. Glycoprotein levels in the serum and heart were increased in ISO-induced MI rats. Oral administration of 300 mg A. viridis kg(-1) BW day(-1) for a period of 45 days altered the metabolic derangement in ISO-induced MI rats. CONCLUSION: This study exemplifies the protective effect of A. viridis on ISO-induced cardiotoxicity in male Wistar rats. The data further reinforce the cardioprotective effect of A. viridis by altering CRP and glycoprotein levels.

The effect of cherry sticks extract on the levels of glycoproteins in alloxan-induced experimental diabetic mice.

This study was designed to evaluate the effect of ethanolic cherry sticks extract on the levels of glycoproteins in alloxan-induced diabetic mice. Forty-five adult male albino mice were divided equally into three groups: Group 1: control, Group 2: diabetic mice, Group 3: diabetic mice treated with cherry sticks extract as well as to eighteen mice treated with cherry sticks extract only for toxicity test. All treatments were administered via an intragastric tube. Diabetes was induced in the mice of Group 3 by an intraperitoneal injection with 100 mg/kg body weight of alloxan. Oral administration of cherry sticks extract at a concentration of 250 mg/kg body weight for 15 days significantly reduced the levels of blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin, urea, and creatinine as well as those of hexose, hexosamine, fucose, and sialic acid in the diabetic mice treated with the cherry sticks extract as compared to untreated diabetic mice, with no adverse effects in mice treated only with cherry sticks extract. In conclusion, cherry sticks extract proved to have a beneficial effect on the diabetic mice in this study. In light of these advantageous results, it is advisable to broaden the scale of use of cherry sticks extract in a trial to alleviate the adverse effects of diabetes.

Pretreatment with morin, a flavonoid, ameliorates adenosine triphosphatases and glycoproteins in isoproterenol-induced myocardial infarction in rats.

The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the preventive role of morin, a flavonoid, on cardiac marker enzymes such as aspartate transaminase, lactate dehydrogenase, creatine kinase and creatine kinase-MB, membrane-bound enzymes such as sodium potassium-dependent adenosine triphosphatase, calcium-dependent adenosine triphosphatase and magnesium-dependent adenosine triphosphatase, and glycoproteins such as hexose, hexosamine, fucose and sialic acid in isoproterenol (ISO)-induced myocardial infarction (MI) in rats. Male albino Wistar rats were pretreated with morin (20, 40 and 80 mg/kg) daily for a period of 30 days. After the treatment period, ISO (85 mg/kg) was subcutaneously injected into the rats at an interval of 24 h for 2 days. ISO-induced rats showed significantly (P < 0.05) increased activities of cardiac marker enzymes in serum and decreased activities in the heart, and increased activities of calcium-dependent adenosine triphosphatase and magnesium-dependent adenosine triphosphatase in the heart, and the activity of sodium potassium-dependent adenosine triphosphatase decreased in the heart. ISO induction also showed a significant increase in the levels of glycoproteins in serum and the heart. Pretreatment with morin (40 mg/kg) daily for a period of 30 days exhibited significant (P < 0.05) effects and altered these biochemical parameters positively compared to the other two doses. Thus, our study shows that morin has a protective role in ISO-induced MI in rats. The observed effects might be due to the free radical-scavenging, antioxidant and membrane-stabilising properties of morin.

Functional rather than immunoreactive levels of IgG4 correlate closely with clinical response to grass pollen immunotherapy.

BACKGROUND: Induction of allergen-specific IgG(4) antibodies is the most consistent immunological finding in immunotherapy trials. However, quantitative assessments of IgG(4) antibodies have not proven beneficial in evaluating clinical changes during or after immunotherapy. In the current study, we investigated the relationship between clinical outcome and allergen-specific IgG(4) titres or functional antibody responses following immunotherapy. We hypothesized that functional assays of serum IgG-associated inhibitory activity such as inhibition of IgE-allergen interactions (IgE-blocking factor) and inhibition of CD23-dependent IgE-facilitated allergen binding (IgE-FAB) correlate more closely with clinical outcome and may be biomarkers of clinical response. METHODS: In an 8-month dose-response randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study, 221 polysensitized subjects with severe seasonal rhinitis received Alutard SQ, Phleum pratense 100,000 SQ-U, 10,000 SQ-U or placebo injections. Serum specimens were collected before treatment, after up-dosing, during the peak season and at the end of the study. Allergen-specific IgG(4) titres and IgG-associated inhibitory activity were evaluated. RESULTS: A time- and dose-dependent increase in serum inhibitory activity for both the IgE-blocking factor and IgE-FAB was observed, which paralleled increases in grass pollen-specific IgG(4) antibodies. A modest but significant inverse relationship was demonstrated between postimmunotherapy serum inhibitory activity and combined symptom-rescue medication scores (IgE-FAB: r = -0.25, P = 0.0002; IgE-blocking factor: r = -0.28, P < 0.0001), whereas this was not observed for immunoreactive IgG(4) levels (r = -0.11, P = 0.12). CONCLUSIONS: Functional assays of inhibitory IgG(4) and IgE-blocking factor may be more useful surrogates of clinical response than IgG(4). Whether these antibody effects may serve as predictive biomarkers of clinical efficacy in individual patients requires further investigation.

Antihyperglycemic effect of iridoid glucoside, isolated from the leaves of Vitex negundo in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats with special reference to glycoprotein components.

The aim of present study was to isolate an iridoid glucoside from the leaves of Vitex negundo and evaluates its effects on dearrangement in plasma and tissues glycoprotein components in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. The levels of blood glucose, plasma and tissues glycoproteins such as hexose, hexosamine, fucose and sialic acid were significantly increased whereas plasma insulin levels were significantly decreased in diabetic rats. On oral administration of iridoid glucoside at a concentration of 50 mg/kg b.w. once daily to diabetic rats for the period of 30 days, reversed the above-mentioned hyperglycemia-induced biochemical changes to near normal levels. The anti-hyperglycemic effect of iridoid glucoside was comparable with glibenclamide, a known hypoglycemic drug. Based on the results obtained from the present study, it may be concluded that iridoid glucoside possesses significant productive effect on glycoprotein metabolism in addition to its antidiabetic effect.

Diagnostic and prognostic value of procalcitonin and phosphorus in acute mesenteric ischemia.

BACKGROUND: In this study, using an animal model of acute mesenteric ischemia (AMI), we investigated the possible use of procalcitonin and phosphorus in the early diagnosis of AMI. METHODS: In this study, 21 New Zealand rabbits were used. Subjects were allocated into three groups as Control, Sham and Ischemia. No intervention was performed in the subjects in the Control group. In the subjects in the Sham and Ischemia groups, laparotomy was performed with midline incision. In the Ischemia group, the superior mesenteric artery was found and tied after laparotomy. Blood was drawn from the animals in all groups at 0, 1, 3 and 6 hours, and procalcitonin and phosphorus levels were studied in these samples. RESULTS: In the Ischemia group, the increase in the levels of serum phosphorus and procalcitonin was found to be statistically significant compared to the Control and Sham groups (p<0.05). The levels of phosphorus and procalcitonin were detected to increase from the 1st hour after ischemia onset, and the increase continued for the following 6 hours (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Phosphorus and procalcitonin may be important parameters for use in the early diagnosis and prognosis of AMI.

[Predictors of response to biologic therapies in rheumatoid arthritis]. / Factores predictores de respuesta a terapias biológicas en la artritis reumatoide.

The advent of biological therapies has revolutionized the management of rheumatoid arthritis, demonstrating effectiveness in controlling clinical and radiological damage. However, 20 to 40% of the patients will not respond to these therapies, which are associated to a very high cost. In addition, non-responder patients are exposed to possible adverse effects. For these reasons, we need to identify predictors of response to these treatments. These predictors are reviewed in this evidence-based paper and classified into genetic and non-genetic. Despite extensive search, nowadays there are no predictors powerful enough to be used in regular clinical practice. Serum factors, the presence of rheumatoid factor and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies, are the only factors currently being used to predict the response to specific biological therapy. In the future, probably thanks to new technologies based on genomics, transcriptomics and proteomics, it will be possible to identify genetic predictors of response to biological drugs that will allow us to select suitable patients for a specific biological therapy.

Body composition and hormonal effects following exposure to mycotoxin deoxynivalenol in the high-fat diet-induced obese mouse.

SCOPE: To characterize the effects of ingesting the common foodborne mycotoxin deoxynivalenol (DON) on body weight and composition in the high-fat (HF) diet-induced obese mice, a model of human obesity. METHODS AND RESULTS: Female B6C3F1 mice were initially fed HF diets containing 45% kcal (HF45) or 60% kcal (HF60) as fat for 94 days to induce obesity. Half of each group was either continued on unamended HF diets or fed HF diets containing 10 mg/kg DON (DON-HF45 or DON-HF60) for another 54 days. Additional control mice were fed a low-fat (LF) diet containing 10% kcal as fat for the entire 148-day period. DON induced rapid decreases in body weights and fat mass, which stabilized to those of the LF control within 11 days. These effects corresponded closely to a robust transient decrease in food consumption. While lean body mass did not decline in DON-fed groups, further increases were suppressed. DON exposure reduced plasma insulin, leptin, insulin-like growth factor 1, and insulin-like growth factor acid labile subunit as well as increased hypothalamic mRNA level of the orexigenic agouti-related protein. CONCLUSION: DON-mediated effects on body weight, fat mass, food intake, and hormonal levels in obese mice were consistent with a state of chronic energy restriction.