Decreased toll-like receptor 4 and CD11b/CD18 expression on peripheral monocytes of hypertensive patients correlates with a lesser extent of endothelial damage: a preliminary study.

BACKGROUND: Low-grade chronic inflammation is recognized to contribute to the physiopathology of arterial hypertension. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the pro-inflammatory phenotype of peripheral monocytes of hypertensive patients by analyzing Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and CD11b/CD18 surface expression. In the second part, the influence of phenotypic alterations of monocytes on the endothelial status reflected by circulating endothelial cells (CECs) was evaluated. PATIENTS: The study included 60 patients with arterial hypertension, who were divided into two subgroups based on the disease severity according to the applicable criteria. The mild hypertension and resistant hypertension groups included 30 patients each. The control group consisted of 33 normotensive volunteers matched for age and sex. RESULTS: Both in the entire group of patients and individual subgroups, reduced surface expression of TLR4 and CD11b/CD18 was found compared to normotensive volunteers. A reduced percentage of monocytes with the CD14 + TLR4 + immunophenotype was correlated with a lower MFI level of CD18 and CD11b in the entire group of patients and after division only in the mild hypertension group. Reduced surface expression of TLR4 in hypertensive patients correlated with a lower number of CECs. This relationship was not observed in the resistant hypertension group; instead, an independent effect of reduced CD11b/CD18 expression on the reduction of CEC number was demonstrated. CONCLUSION: Our preliminary study showed for the first time that hypertension of varying severity is accompanied by phenotypic changes in monocytes, manifested by reduced surface expression of both TLR4 and CD11b/CD18. These phenotypic changes were associated with a reduced degree of endothelial injury. Our study opens a new, unexplored area of research on the protective features of peripheral monocytes in hypertension.

Beneficial Effects of Oral Nutritional Supplements on Body Composition and Biochemical Parameters in Women with Breast Cancer Undergoing Postoperative Chemotherapy: A Propensity Score Matching Analysis.

Aim: Recently, more attention has been paid to the role of nutritional intervention in preventing the side effects of chemotherapy in oncology patients. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to analyze the effects of oral nutritional supplements on the body composition and biochemical parameters in women with breast cancer receiving postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy. Patients and Methods: The study involved women diagnosed with breast cancer who underwent surgical treatment and were qualified for chemotherapy (doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide). Women were divided into two groups, depending on whether oral nutritional supplements were used during chemotherapy. Anthropometric and biochemical parameters were analyzed twice in all patients: before and after six weeks of chemotherapy. Propensity score (PS) matching was performed to select patients balanced in terms of age, BMI, and clinicopathological features of the tumor. Statistical comparisons were conducted in a propensity-matched cohort of patients. Results: The value of BMI was maintained constant in the supplemented women older than 56 years after six weeks of chemotherapy. Regardless of age in the supplemented women, a significant increase in muscle mass, fat free mass (FFM), and fat free mass index (FFMI) was demonstrated. An increase in fat mass (FM) including visceral fat was observed only in the non-supplemented control. Regardless of age or initial FM, supplemented women exhibited a constant level of albumin. Moreover, in the supplemented women with normal initial FM, the stable values of triglycerides and HDL cholesterol were maintained after six weeks of chemotherapy. Conclusion: The present study demonstrated that oral nutritional supplements could improve body composition and prevent hypoalbuminemia and lipid abnormalities in women with breast cancer undergoing chemotherapy.

Association between clinicopathological features of breast cancer with adipocytokine levels and oxidative stress markers before and after chemotherapy.

Adipocytokines and markers of oxidative stress have been shown to exhibit potential for detection of advanced stage, HER2/neu status and lymph node metastases in patients with breast cancer, as well as in determining the efficiency of anti-cancer treatments. In the present study, blood concentrations of apelin (APLN), retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4), 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-oxo-dG) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in women with breast cancer with different clinicopathological features were measured prior to and following adjuvant chemotherapy. The study included 60 women with breast cancer stratified according to tumor grade and size, HER-2/neu expression, and lymph node and hormone receptor status. Blood samples were taken before and after two cycles of adjuvant chemotherapy. None of the clinicopathological features were associated with the baseline concentrations of RBP4, 8-oxo-dG or TAC. An increased baseline concentration of APLN was observed in HER-2/neu positive patients. Moreover, through multivariate logistical regression analysis, APLN was shown to be independently associated with a positive HER/neu status. Chemotherapy treatment did not affect the levels of RBP4 or APLN, or TAC values when assessing all the patients, and when assessing the stratified groups of patients. Only 8-oxo-dG was found to be significantly decreased following drug administration (P=0.0009). This preliminary study demonstrated that APLN is a significant and independent predictor of HER-2/neu positive breast cancer. A significant reduction in 8-oxo-dG levels following chemotherapy may indicate its potential clinical utility in monitoring the effects of chemotherapy in breast cancer patients.

Selected Atherosclerosis-Related Diseases May Differentially Affect the Relationship between Plasma Advanced Glycation End Products, Receptor sRAGE, and Uric Acid.

Our study aimed to identify the relationship between advanced glycation end products (AGEs), soluble receptor for advanced glycation end products (sRAGE), the AGEs/sRAGE, and uric acid (UA) levels in selected atherosclerosis diseases, i.e., abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA), aortoiliac occlusive disease (AIOD), and chronic kidney disease (CKD), resulting from apparent differences in oxidative stress intensity. Furthermore, we suggest that increased AGEs levels may stimulate an antioxidant defense system reflected by the UA level. The studied group size consisted of 70 AAA patients, 20 AIOD patients, 50 patients in the pre-dialyzed group (PRE), and 35 patients in the hemodialyzed group (HD). The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to measure AGEs and sRAGE levels. We found a significantly higher concentration of AGEs in CKD patients as compared to AAA and AIOD patients. Furthermore, the sRAGE level was higher in the CKD patients in comparison to AIOD and AAA patients. UA level was significantly higher in the PRE group compared to AAA patients. In conclusion, the diseases included in this study differ in the anti- and prooxidant defense system, which is reflected in the relations between the AGEs, the sRAGE, the AGEs/sRAGE ratio, as well as the UA levels.

The Potential Role of Circulating Endothelial Cells and Endothelial Progenitor Cells in the Prediction of Left Ventricular Hypertrophy in Hypertensive Patients.

BACKGROUND: The main aim of present study is to evaluate the potential role of circulating endothelial cells (CECs) and endothelial progenitor cells (CEPCs) - representing specific markers of endothelial damage, in the prediction of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) in hypertensive patients categorized into two groups; mild (MH) and resistant hypertension (RH). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty patients with MH and 28 subjects with RH were involved in the study. In both groups, patients were divided into an LVH and non-LVH group. The control group included 33 age and sex-matched normotensive volunteers. Physical examination, laboratory tests and echocardiography were conducted. RESULTS: In both the MH and RH group, patients with as well as without LVH demonstrated a higher number of CECs and a lower ratio of CEPCs/CECs as compared to the healthy control. Multiple linear regression analysis showed a positive association of CEPCs with left ventricular mass (LVM) and left ventricular mass index (LVMI), independently of other confounders. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that endothelial injury observed as an elevated CECs number and its impaired regeneration, reflected by a lowered CEPCs/CECs ratio, precede LVH occurrence and may play a significant role in LVH development regardless of the clinical severity of hypertension. Moreover, independent correlation of CEPCs with echocardiographic (ECG) incidences of LVH suggests their potential use as a screening biomarker to stratify the risk of LVH development.

Association between Advanced Glycation End Products, Soluble RAGE Receptor, and Endothelium Dysfunction, Evaluated by Circulating Endothelial Cells and Endothelial Progenitor Cells in Patients with Mild and Resistant Hypertension.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and soluble form of receptor RAGE (sRAGE) concentrations as well as the AGEs/sRAGE ratio in mild (MH) and resistant (RH) hypertensive patients in comparison with normotensive individuals. We also evaluated the association between AGEs, sRAGE as well as AGEs/sRAGE ratio and circulating endothelial cells (CECs) and circulating endothelial progenitor cells (CEPCs). The MH group consisted of 30 patients, whereas 30 patients were classified for the RH group. The control group (C) included 25 normotensive volunteers. AGEs and sRAGE were measured using enzyme-linked-immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The multicolor flow cytometry was used for analysis of CECs and CEPCs. Significantly higher levels of AGEs in RH cohort were observed as compared to C cohort. Furthermore, significantly lower sRAGE levels as well as a higher AGEs/sRAGE ratio were observed between MH and RH cohorts. Significant correlations were found in the MH cohort for sRAGE and CECs, and CEPCs. The elevation of AGEs levels suggests that oxidative modification of proteins occurs in hypertension pathogenesis. The decrease in sRAGE levels and elevation of the AGEs/sRAGE ratio in MH and RH groups may suggest that hypertensive patients are less protected against the side effects of AGEs as a consequence of an insufficient competitive role of sRAGE against the AGEs-RAGE axis. Finally, it may be concluded that the level of AGEs may be an independent predictor of the condition and function of the endothelium. Furthermore, sRAGE may be classified as a potential biomarker of inflammation and endothelium dysfunction.

Advanced Oxidation Protein Products and Carbonylated Proteins Levels in Endovascular and Open Repair of an Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm: The Effect of Pre-, Intra-, and Postoperative Treatment.

BACKGROUND: In recent years, a rapid increase in studies focusing on the role of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) has been observed. Oxidative modifications of proteins are infrequently evaluated in reference to AAA. OBJECTIVES: The intensity of oxidative protein modifications, presented as advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP) and carbonylated proteins (C=O), in AAA patients qualified for surgery was estimated. The effect of surgical techniques and intraoperative and postoperative treatment on AOPP and C=O levels was evaluated. PATIENTS: The EVAR group, consisting of 30 patients, was classified for endovascular aneurysm repair, whereas 28 patients were classified for conventional open repair (OR). METHODS: AOPP and C=O were measured using a colorimetric assay kit. RESULTS: A significantly lower AOPP level obtained 2-4 days after EVAR surgery in comparison with the value found before surgery was noted. In the case of OR postoperative treatment, a tendency of AOPP level to increase was observed. The tendency of C=O to decrease after surgery in the EVAR group was indicated. However, the C=O level tended to increase after OR surgery and reached a significantly higher value 5-7 days after surgery compared with the value obtained before surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Based on our results, it may be concluded that AAA as well as surgical technique contribute to the formation of AOPP and C=O. The analysis of changes in AOPP and C=O values obtained after surgery revealed a significant effect of a patient's condition before surgery as well as the choice of surgery technique on the values of the studied parameters revealed during postoperative treatment.

The endothelial status reflected by circulating endothelial cells, circulating endothelial progenitor cells and soluble thrombomodulin in patients with mild and resistant hypertension.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to evaluate endothelial status by measuring the concentration of novel markers of endothelial dysfunction (ED): a number of circulating endothelial cells (CECs), circulating endothelial progenitor cells (CEPCs) and their ratio (CEPCs/CECs) as well as a traditional parameter - soluble thrombomodulin (sTM) in patients with resistant (RH) and mild hypertension (MH). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty patients with MH and thirty subjects with RH were involved in the study. The control group included thirty-three age and sex-matched normotensive volunteers. We used multicolor flow cytometry for CECs and CEPCs analysis and the commercial human sTM ELISA kit to measure plasma sTM concentration. RESULTS: An elevated CECs number and a decreased CEPCs/CECs ratio was found in MH as well as in RH patients in comparison with normotensive volunteers. CECs correlated positively with an increased triglycerides in MH patients and an elevated LDL-cholesterol and hsCRP in RH group. Positive correlation between CEPCs and LDL-cholesterol level was observed in both types of hypertension. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the present study suggest that an endothelial alteration accompanies hypertension. The number of CECs reflecting the extent of endothelial damage does not appear to be related to the severity of disease. The drastically decreased ratio between CEPCs and CECs observed in both groups of patients suggests an inadequate process of endothelial regeneration. Among analyzed factors inflammation and lipid abnormalities may have significant contribution in endothelial pathology in hypertension.

The Effect of Whole-Body Cryotherapy at Different Temperatures on Proinflammatory Cytokines, Oxidative Stress Parameters, and Disease Activity in Patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis.

PURPOSE: Patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) have increased production of proinflammatory cytokines, increased oxidants, and decreased antioxidant capacity. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of whole-body cryotherapy (WBC) at -110°C and -60°C, on disease activity, selected proinflammatory cytokines, and oxidative stress in patients with AS. METHODS: Sixty-five patients with AS were recruited to one of three study procedures: WBC at -110°C, -60°C, or exercise therapy (non-WBC). The Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI), Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score (ASDAS-CRP), concentration of C-reactive protein (CRP), and the concentrations of interleukin 8 and 17 (IL-8, IL-17) were measured at the beginning of the study and at the end of the intervention. The concentration of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), as a lipid peroxidation result, and total antioxidant status, an antioxidant organism potential, were measured. RESULTS: All the studied groups showed significantly decreased posttherapy disease activity expressed as a function of the BASDAI, ASDAS-CRP, and the IL-8 concentration. We found that the TBARS concentration after therapy was significantly increased in the WBC at -110°C group. A comparison of the therapeutic effects between the treatment groups showed a significantly lower BASDAI after therapy in the WBC at -110°C group compared to the non-WBC group. CONCLUSION: WBC at -110°C had a positive effect on lowering AS clinical activity as measured by the BASDAI.

Unplanned emergency department consultations and readmissions within 30 and 90 days of bariatric surgery. / Consultas a Urgencias y reingresos a 30 y 90 días tras cirugía bariátrica.

INTRODUCTION: Hospital readmission is used as a measure of quality healthcare. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence, causes, and risk factors related to emergency consultations and readmissions within 30 and 90 days in patients undergoing laparoscopic gastric bypass and laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. METHODS: Retrospective study of 429 patients operated on from January 2004 to July 2015 from a prospectively maintained database and electronic medical records. Demographic data, type of intervention, postoperative complications, length of hospital stay and records of emergency visits and readmissions were analyzed. RESULTS: Within the first 90 days postoperative, a total of 117 (27%) patients consulted the Emergency Department and 24 (6%) were readmitted. The most common reasons for emergency consultation were noninfectious problems related to the surgical wound (n=40, 34%) and abdominal pain (n=28, 24%), which was also the first cause of readmission (n=9, 37%). Postoperative complications, reintervention, associated surgery in the same operation and depression were risk factors for emergency consultation within the first 90 days of the postoperative period. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the high number of patients who visit the Emergency Department in the first 90 days of the postoperative period, few require readmission and none surgical reoperation. It is important to know the reasons for emergency consultation to establish preventive measures and improve the quality of care.

Plasma concentration of selected biochemical markers of endothelial dysfunction in women with various severity of chronic venous insufficiency (CVI)-A pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Although the endothelial dysfunction is considered to be implicated in the pathogenesis of chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) the endothelial status in patients with venous disorders is still not fully evaluated. Therefore the aim of the study was to measure the concentration of selected markers of endothelial dysfunction: von Willebrand factor (vWf), soluble P-selectin (sP-selectin), soluble thrombomodulin (sTM) and soluble VE-cadherin (sVE-cadherin) in CVI women who constitute the most numerous group of patients suffering from venous disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty four women with CVI were involved in the study and divided into subgroups based on CEAP classification. Concentration of vWf, sP-selectin, sTM and sVE-cadherin were measured and compared with those obtained in 25 healthy age and sex-matched women. RESULTS: It was found that the concentration of sTM increased and sVEcadherin decreased along with disease severity in CVI women. A significant rise of sTM was observed especially in CVI women, with the highest inflammation status reflected by hsCRP or elastase concentration, and in CVI women with a high oxidative stress manifested by an increased plasma MDA. A significant fall of circulating sVE-cadherin was reported in CVI women with moderate to highest intensity of inflammation and oxidative stress. There was no change in vWF and sP-selectin concentration at any stage of CVI severity. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the present study demonstrate the presence of endothelial dysfunction in women suffering from CVI which seems to progress with the disease severity and may be associated with inflammation and enhanced oxidative stress.

Advanced Oxidation Protein Products and Carbonylated Proteins as Biomarkers of Oxidative Stress in Selected Atherosclerosis-Mediated Diseases.

OBJECTIVES: The main question of this study was to evaluate the intensity of oxidative protein modification shown as advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP) and carbonylated proteins, expressed as protein carbonyl content (C=O) in abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA), aortoiliac occlusive disease (AIOD), and chronic kidney disease (CKD). DESIGN AND METHODS: The study was carried out in a group of 35 AAA patients and 13 AIOD patients. However, CKD patients were divided into two groups: predialysis (PRE) included 50 patients or hemodialysis (HD) consisted of 34 patients. AOPP and C=O were measured using colorimetric assay kit, while C-reactive protein concentration was measured by high-sensitivity assay (hsCRP). RESULTS: The concentration of AOPP in both AAA and AIOD groups was higher than in PRE and HD groups according to descending order: AAA~AIOD > HD > PRE. The content of C=O was higher in the PRE group in comparison to AIOD and AAA according to the descending order: PRE~HD > AAA~AIOD. CONCLUSIONS: AAA, AIOD, and CKD-related atherosclerosis (PRE and HD) contribute to the changes in the formation of AOPP and C=O. They may promote modification of proteins in a different way, probably due to the various factors that influence oxidative stress here.

The Association of Serum Thrombomodulin with Endothelial Injuring Factors in Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm.

Background. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the concentration of serum thrombomodulin (sTM) in the AAA patients and to examine its correlation with various factors which may potentially participate in the endothelial injury. Materials and Methods. Forty-one patients with AAA were involved and divided into subgroups based on different criteria. Concentration of sTM was measured using enzyme-linked-immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The results were compared with those obtained in 30 healthy age- and sex-matched volunteers. Results. The higher concentration of sTM was observed in AAA patients compared with those in controls volunteers [2.37 (1.97-2.82) ng/mL versus 3.93 (2.43-9.20) ng/mL, P < 0.001]. An elevated sTM associated significantly with increased triglycerides (TAG) [P = 0.022], cholesterol [P = 0.029], hsCRP [P = 0.031], and advanced glycation end products (AGEs) [P = 0.033]. Conclusions. The elevation of serum sTM level suggests that endothelial damage occurs in AAA pathogenesis. The correlations observed indicate that lipids abnormalities, inflammation, and oxidative stress may be involved in this destructive process.

Measurement of free radicals using electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy during open aorto-iliac arterial reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: Aortic cross-clamping during abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) open repair leads to development of ischemia-reperfusion injury. Electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy (EPR) spin-trapping is a valuable method of direct measurement of free radicals. The objective of the study was to evaluate the results of EPR as a direct method of free radical measurement and degree of inflammatory response in open operative treatment of patients with AAA and aorto-iliac occlusive disease (AIOD). MATERIAL/METHODS: The study was performed on a group of 32 patients with AAA and 25 patients with AIOD scheduled for open repair. Peripheral venous blood for EPR spectroscopy and for SOD, GPx, ox-LDL, Il-6, TNF-alfa, CRP, and HO-1 were harvested. Selected parameters were established accordingly to specified EPR and immunohistochemical methods and analyzed between groups by Mann-Whitney U test and Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed-ranks test with Bonferroni correction. RESULTS: Free radicals level was correlated with the time of the aortic cross-clamping after the reperfusion of he first and second leg in AAA (r=0.7; r=0.47). ox-LDL in AAA decreased 5 min after reperfusion of the first leg (32.99 U/L, range: 14.09-77.12) and 5 min after reperfusion of the second leg (26.75 U/L, range: 11.56-82.12) and 24 h after the operation (25.85 U/L, range: 14.29-49.70). HO-1 concentration increased to above the level before intervention 24 h after surgery. The activities of GPx and SOD decreased 5 min after the first-leg reperfusion in AAA. Twenty-four hours after surgery, inflammatory markers increased in AAA to CRP was 14.76 ml/l (0.23-38.55), IL-6 was 141.22 pg/ml (84.3-591.03), TNF-alfa was 6.82 pg/ml (1.76-80.01) and AIOD: CRP was 18.44 mg/l (2.56-33.14), IL-6: 184.1 pg/ml (128.46-448.03), TNF-alfa was 7.74 pg/ml (1.74-74.74). CONCLUSIONS: EPR spin-trapping demonstrates temporarily elevated level of free radicals in early phase of reperfusion, leading to decrease antioxidants in AAA. Elevated free radical levels decreased 24 h after surgery due to various endogenous antioxidants and therapies.

PON1 status evaluation in patients with chronic arterial occlusion of lower limbs due to atherosclerosis obliterans.

INTRODUCTION: Human paraoxonase (PON1) is a calcium-dependent enzyme physically associated with HDL, and it is believed to contribute to the atheroprotective effect of HDL. The aim of the study was to evaluate PON1 status in patients with atherosclerosis obliterans as an effect of ischemia regarding its activity and phenotype distribution. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study group consisted of patients with chronic arterial occlusion of the lower limbs due to atherosclerosis obliterans (AO). The patients were divided into two groups according to the degree of ischemia: moderate (MI), and critical (CI). The ratio of the hydrolysis of salt-stimulated PON1 activity to the hydrolysis of phenylacetate was used to assign individuals to one of three possible phenotypes (low activity - A, medium activity - AB, high activity - B). It was observed that PON1 arylesterase activity was affected by ischemia of the lower limbs depending on its degree. RESULTS: The odds ratio and the relative risk analysis showed that the patients with moderate ischemia are much more often characterized by phenotype A than by phenotype B. The low activity phenotype A occurs over twice as often in patients with chronic ischemia of the lower limbs as in individuals from the control group (OR = 2.125; 1.96 to 3.776, p = 0.0143). CONCLUSIONS: This study presents the low activity phenotype A in relation to the risk of ischemia of the lower limbs due to atherosclerosis and shows the potentially important role of PON1 in conclusion of the process leading to intensification of ischemia degree.

Serum iron concentration and plasma oxidant-antioxidant balance in patients with chronic venous insufficency.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate serum iron concentration and influence of this element on biomarkers of oxidative stress in patients affected by chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). MATERIAL/METHODS: Serum iron (SI) concentration and plasma parameters of oxidant-antioxidant balance (i.e., malonyldialdehyde [MDA], uric acid [UA] concentration, and total antioxidant capacity [TAC]) were compared between 35 patients divided into appropriate groups and 23 healthy individuals. RESULTS: The subgroups analysis showed that SI concentration was significantly higher only in patients with shorter duration of CVI in comparison with the control group (P = 0.013). Significant, negative correlation was found between SI concentration and duration of the disease (r = -0.422, P = 0.014), age of the patients (r = -0.542, P = 0.001) and BMI (r = -0.408, P = 0.018). Mean value of MDA concentration and TAC capacity were higher in patients with CVI in comparison with healthy individuals (P < 0.05). UA concentration was decreased, especially in CVI patients with mild clinical stage of disease and shorter CVI duration (P = 0.047; P = 0.034). There was no significant correlation found between SI concentration and the parameters of oxidant-antioxidant balance. CONCLUSIONS: High concentration of MDA and low UA level in blood of CVI patients suggests that oxidative stress plays an important role in the pathogenesis of the disease. The increase in SI concentration observed in the early stage of CVI can enhance free radicals formation; however, direct evidence has not been provided by the present study.

Arylesterase and paraoxonase activity of paraoxonase (PON1) affected by ischemia in the plasma of patients with arterial occlusion of the lower limbs.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of different degrees of chronic ischemia of the lower limbs on PON1 activity in plasma, in relation to different substrates. DESIGN AND METHODS: The studied group consisted of patients with chronic arterial occlusion of the lower limbs due to atherosclerosis. The paraoxonase and arylesterase activities of PON1 were measured according to the Karen Gan method. RESULTS: PON1 arylesterase activity was affected by ischemia of the lower limbs depending on its degree. In the group with critical ischemia decreased PON1 activity was observed in comparison with that in the moderate ischemia group and the control group (50.05+/-21.40 U/mL and 82.59+/-29.27 U/mL, 85.30+/-35.05 U/mL, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The results revealed a reverse relationship between PON1 activity and the progress of atherosclerosis to the ischemic level. The present study demonstrates, for the first time, that the arylesterase activity of PON1 is affected by critical ischemia of the lower limbs.

Increased protein carbonyl groups in the serum of men with chronic arterial occlusion and the effect of postoperative treatment.

BACKGROUND: Critical ischemia leads to the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) at concentrations exceeding the body's antioxidant capacity, causing inflammation and necrosis in ischemic tissues. The protein CO group content is presently the most general indicator and commonly used marker of protein oxidation. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the concentration of serum CO groups as an effect of protein oxidative damage, and relate it to the activity of ceruloplasmin (Cp). MATERIAL/METHODS: The study group consisted of 12 patients, males 43-73 years of age, with chronic arterial occlusion of the lower limbs (AO). Serum carbonyl groups were measured using reaction with dinitrophenylhydrazine (DNPH), leading to the formation of stable hydrazone products. The oxidase activity of ceruloplasmin in serum was measured according to the spectrophotometric method of Schosinsky by using o-dianisidine dihydrochloride as a substrate. RESULTS: The average value of concentration of CO groups in subjects with AO was found to be significantly higher than in the control group. The changes in the concentration of CO groups during postoperative treatment were negatively and significantly correlated with the value found before surgery. The average oxidase activity of Cp was found to be significantly higher than in the controls. CONCLUSIONS: Prolonged ischemia of the lower limbs of patients with chronic arterial occlusion causes increased concentration of protein CO groups in serum, as the result of the oxidative modification of protein side chains, and in the oxidase activity of Cp, due to acute phase reaction.

Modifications of magnesium and copper concentrations in serum and arterial wall of patients with vascular diseases related to ageing, atherosclerosis and aortic aneurysm.

Relationship between concentration of Mg and Cu in serum and the arterial wall was studied in patients with atherosclerosis obliterans (AO), aortic aneurysm (AA) and in the control group. The effect of ageing was also evaluated. The results showed increased serum concentration of Cu in the eldest control group (50-59 years) when compared to the younger (20-29 years). Serum concentration of Mg was decreased in AO and AA, and that in the arterial wall was lower in AA, than in controls. Concentration of Cu in serum and the arterial wall was higher in AO than in controls. Lower limb ischaemia results in decreased serum Mg and increased Cu in the critical degree as compared with the moderate degree of ischaemia. The ratio Mg/Cu was found lower both in serum and the arterial wall in AO and AA, as a result of ageing and vascular disease, and it could be better marker of ischaemia than individual element concentrations.