Comparison of the excretory capacities of erythropoietin and U-74389G concerning serum creatinine levels / Comparación de las capacidades excretoras de eritropoyetina y U-74389G respecto a los niveles de creatinina sérica

Introduction This study compared the excretory effects, the erythropoietin (Epo) and antioxidant drug U-74389G exert on serum creatinine levels through kidneys. 2 preliminary studies were used for this purpose including respectively one drug used in a renal ischemia­reperfusion (IR) protocol of an animal model. The preliminary studies are part of the present work. The subjects were pretreated in preliminary studies but the results of the same subjects were simply compared in the current work. Materials and methods The serum creatinine levels were evaluated at the 60th reperfusion min (for groups A, C and E) and at the 120th reperfusion min (for groups B, D and F) after IR in the 60 rats. Groups A and B received no drugs, rats from groups C and D were administered with Epo, whereas rats from groups E and F were administered with U-74389G. Results The first preliminary study recommended a non-significant excretory effect of Epo (p-value = 0.4430 > 0.05) than placebo for serum creatinine levels. The second preliminary study proved a very significant excretory effect of U-74389G (p-value = 0.0005 < 0.05) than placebo for serum creatinine levels. These 2 studies were co-evaluated since they came from the same experimental setting. The outcome of the co-evaluation was that U-74389G has at least 5-fold significant excretory action (p-value = 0.0000 < 0.05) than Epo for serum creatinine levels. Conclusions The U-74389G presents surprising effective excretory potencies for serum creatinine levels maybe of great importance in hemodialysis patients.

Introducción Este estudio comparó los efectos excretores que la eritropoyetina (Epo) y el fármaco antioxidante U-74389G ejercen sobre los niveles de creatinina sérica a través de los riñones. Se utilizaron 2 estudios preliminares incluyendo, respectivamente, un fármaco utilizado en una rata protocolo de reperfusión de isquemia renal. Los estudios preliminares son parte del presente trabajo. Los sujetos fueron pretratados en estudios preliminares, pero los resultados de los mismos sujetos fueron comparados simplemente en el trabajo actual. Materiales y métodos Se evaluaron los niveles de creatinina sérica en la 60.ª reperfusión en minutos (para los grupos A, C y E) y en la 120.ª reperfusión en minutos (para los grupos B, D y F) después de isquemia renal en las 60 ratas. Los grupos A y B no recibieron fármacos, a las ratas de los grupos C y D se les administró Epo, mientras que las ratas de los grupos E y F se les administró U-74389G. Resultados El primer estudio preliminar recomendó un efecto excretor no significativo de la Epo (valor p = 0,4430 > 0,05) comparado con el placebo para los niveles de creatinina sérica. El segundo estudio preliminar demostró un efecto excretor muy significativo del U-74389G (valor p = 0,0005 < 0,05) comparado con el placebo para los niveles de creatinina sérica. Estos 2 estudios fueron coevaluados, ya que procedían del mismo entorno experimental. El resultado fue que el U-74389G tiene una acción excretora significativa de al menos 5 veces (p = 0,0000 < 0,05) la Epo para los niveles de creatinina sérica. Conclusiones El U-74389G presenta sorprendentes potencias excretoras efectivas para los niveles de creatinina sérica, tal vez de gran importancia en pacientes en hemodiálisis.

Comparison of the Acute Hematopoietic Capacities of Erythropoietin and U-74389G Concerning Hematocrit Levels.

AIM: This study compared the hematopoietic capacities of erythropoietin (Epo) and antioxidant drug U-74389G, based on 2 preliminary studies. The provided results on hematocrit levels augmentation were co-evaluated in a hypoxia reoxygenation protocol of an animal model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Hematocrit levels were evaluated at the 60th reoxygenation min (for groups A, C and E) and at the 120th reoxygenation min (for groups B, D and F) in 60 rats. Groups A and B received no drugs, rats from groups C and D were administered with Epo; whereas rats from groups E and F were administered with U-74389G. RESULTS: The first preliminary study of Epo non-significantly increased the hematocrit levels by 0.24%+1.38% (p-value=0.8586). The second preliminary study of U-74389G significantly raised the hematocrit levels by 3.16%+1.33% (p-value=0.0196). These 2 studies were co-evaluated since they came from the same experimental setting. The outcome of the co-evaluation was that U-74389G has approximately 12.66-fold higher hematopoietic potency than Epo (p-value=0.0000). CONCLUSION: The anti-oxidant capacities of U-74389G provide satisfactory acute hematopoietic properties; presenting approximately 12.66-fold hematocrit level rise than epo (p-value=0.0000).

Thyroid function and autoimmunity are associated with the risk of vertebral fractures in postmenopausal women.

Overt or subclinical thyroid dysfunction may affect the risk of fragility fractures. The aim of the present study was to assess the association of thyroid function and autoimmunity with vertebral fractures (VF) in a large sample of Greek postmenopausal women. This cross-sectional study recruited 335 euthyroid postmenopausal women, aged 35-79 years. Euthyroidism was verified by serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) within the laboratory reference range (0.4-4.5 µIU/mL). VFs were diagnosed by lumbar spine lateral radiographs, according to quantitative procedures. Serum free triiodothyronine (FT3), free thyroxine (FT4), TSH, as well as levels of anti-thyroglobulin (anti-TG) and thyroid peroxidase antibodies (anti-TPO) were compared according to the presence of VFs. Multivariate logistic regression showed that the presence of VFs was predicted independently by ln-TSH levels (OR = 0.290, p = 0.037) and positive anti-TG antibodies (OR = 3.308, p = 0.026) in models adjusted for age, menopausal age, and ln-HOMA-IR. Stepwise logistic regression analysis showed that the presence of VFs was predicted by menopausal age (OR = 1.120, p = 0.001), ln-TSH (OR = 0.312, p = 0.052), and thyroid autoimmunity (anti-TG and anti-TPO positive: OR = 6.637, p = 0.007) in a model that also included age and ln-HOMA-IR. Women with lower circulating TSH had higher risk of having a VF, independently of age, menopausal age, and insulin resistance. The presence of positive anti-TG/anti-TPO antibodies also indicated an elevated risk of fracture. Levels of thyroid hormones had no apparent effect on the risk of fracture. Further studies are necessary to establish the significance of our findings.

Stress urinary incontinence and endogenous sex steroids in postmenopausal women.

AIMS: Urinary incontinence in general is a major cause of quality of life impairment, morbidity and hospitalization. Its onset is strongly linked to the menopause. Our study aimed to elucidate the possible relationship between endogenous circulating estrogens and the onset and development of stress urinary incontinence (SUI). METHODS: One hundred and thirty eight peri- and postmenopausal women with SUI were matched 1:1 with continent women based on age and BMI. Morning fasting blood samples were drawn from all subjects for assessment of estradiol (E2), FSH, LH, Testosterone, Δ4-Androstendione (Δ4Α), DHEAS, prolactin, SBHG as well as a biochemical profile (glucose, insulin, triglycerides, cholesterol, HDL, LDL, ApoA1, ApoB). Hormone and biochemical parameters were compared between continent and incontinent women. RESULTS: Incontinent women had significantly lower serum estradiol levels compared to those in the control group (17.30 ± 8.16 vs. 24.22 ± 8.99, P < 0.001). Furthermore, the same association was observed for serum Δ4Α (146.07 ± 52.63 vs. 159.99 ± 42.62, P = 0.017). These associations remained significant after controlling for age, menopausal age, BMI, and number of deliveries. CONCLUSIONS: These results may indicate that within the postmenopausal range, endogenous sex hormones may be associated with the presence of SUI in women not on menopausal hormone therapy. Neurourol. Urodynam. 36:121-125, 2017. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

The Effect of the Antioxidant Drug "U-74389G" on Creatinine Levels during Ischemia Reperfusion Injury in Rats.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this experimental study was to examine the effect of the antioxidant drug "U-74389G" on a rat model using an ischemia reperfusion protocol. The effect of U-74389G was studied biochemically by measuring mean blood creatinine levels. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty rats were used in the study. Creatinine levels were measured at 60 min of reperfusion (groups A and C) or at 120 min of reperfusion (groups B and D), where groups A and B were controls and groups C and D received U-74389G administration. RESULTS: U-74389G administration significantly decreased the predicted creatinine levels by 21.02 ± 5.06% (p = 0.0001). Reperfusion time non-significantly increased the predicted creatinine levels by 4.20 ± 6.12% (p = 0.4103). However, U-74389G administration and reperfusion time together produced a significant combined effect in decreasing the predicted creatinine levels by 11.69 ± 3.16% (p = 0.0005). CONCLUSION: Independent of reperfusion time, U-74389G administration significantly decreased the creatinine levels in an ischemic rat model. This study demonstrates that short-term U-74389G administration improves renal function by increasing creatinine excretion.

Acute effect of the antioxidant drug U-74389G on hematocrit levels during hypoxia and reoxygenation injury in rats / Efeito agudo do fármaco antioxidante U-74389G sobre os níveis de hematócrito durante a lesão induzida por hipóxia e reoxigenação em ratos

Aims: This experimental study evaluated the effect of the antioxidant drug U-74389G on hematocrit levels using a rat model of hypoxia and reoxygenation following an established protocol. Methods: Forty rats with a mean weight of 231.875 g were employed in the study. Hematocrit levels were determined at 60 min (groups A and C) and at 120 min (groups B and D) after starting reoxygenation. Groups A and B received no drugs, whereas U-74389G was administered to rats for groups C and D. Results: U-74389G administration significantly increased hematocrit levels by 4.73%±2.25% (p=0.0435). Reoxygenation time increased hematocrit levels non significantly by 3.96%±2.29% (p=0.1025). U-74389G administration combined with reoxygenation time significantly increased hematocrit levels by 3.16%±1.33% (p=0.0196). Conclusions: U-74389G administration, whether it interacted or not with reoxygenation time, significantly increased hematocrit levels in the short term in a rat model of hypoxia and reoxygenation.

Objetivos: Este estudo experimental avaliou o efeito da droga antioxidante U-74389G nos níveis de hematócrito, utilizando um modelo murino de hipóxia e reoxigenação, de acordo com um protocolo estabelecido. Métodos: Quarenta ratos com um peso médio de 231,875 g foram utilizados no estudo. Os níveis de hematócrito foram determinados aos 60 min (grupos A e C) e aos 120 minutos (grupos B e D) após o início da reoxigenação. Os grupos A e B não receberam nenhuma droga, enquanto que a U-74389G foi administrada aos ratos dos Grupos C e D. Resultados: A administração de U-74389G aumentou significativamente os níveis de hematócrito em 4,73%±2,25% (p=0,0435). O tempo de reoxigenação aumentou não significativamente os níveis de hematócrito em 3,96%±2,29% (p=0,1025). Aadministração de U-74389G combinada com o tempo de reoxigenação aumentou significativamente os níveis de hematócrito em 3,16%±1,33 (p=0,0196). Conclusões: A administração de U-74389G, quer interagindo ou não com o tempo de reoxigenação, aumentou significativamente, no curto prazo, os níveis de hematócrito em um modelo murino de hipóxia e reoxigenação.

Effect of gonadal steroid receptors alterations on the pathophysiology of pelvic organ prolapse and urinary incontinence.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate the contribution of the gonadal steroid receptors expression to the pathophysiological pathways of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and urodynamic stress urinary incontinence (USUI) after menopause. METHODS: This was a prospective closely-matched controlled clinicopathological study. Immunohistochemistry for estrogen receptor isoform α (ER-α) and ß (ER-ß), as well as for progesterone receptor (PR), was performed on formaline-fixed and paraffin-embedded sections of specimens coming from the pubocervical fascia of postmenopausal women who were allocated into three groups: patients with synchronous POP and USUI (Group A), patients diagnosed with only POP (Group B), and patients without POP or USUI who underwent gynecological surgery for another benign indication (control group, Group C). RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference among the three groups for age, parity, body mass index, or smoking. The expression of ER-α receptors was found significantly reduced among samples of Group B when compared with control group. Statistically significant reduction not only for ER-α, but for ER-ß, as well, was noticed among samples of Group A, compared to the other two groups. No remarkable differences concerning the density of PR receptors were observed among the three groups. CONCLUSIONS: Alterations of ER-α in the pubocervical fascia and around the urethra in postmenopausal women may play an important role in the pathophysiology of POP. In addition, the risk for developing USUI among POP patients seems to be strongly associated with the reduction of both estrogen receptors (ER-α and ER-ß) expression.

Association of sex hormones and glucose metabolism with the severity of multiple sclerosis.

PURPOSE/AIM OF THE STUDY: We evaluated possible associations between the severity of multiple sclerosis (MS) and levels of sex hormones as well as biochemical parameters in a sample of ambulatory patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study recruited 133 adults (52 men, 66 premenopausal and 15 postmenopausal women), with relapsing-remitting MS. Fasting venous blood samples were drawn for biochemical and hormonal evaluation. These parameters were tested for possible associations with MS severity, assessed using the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS)-scores. RESULTS: Follicle-stimulating hormone correlated with mean EDSS scores (r = -0.369, p = 0.038) in the premenopausal subgroup. However, this association became non-significant in the age-adjusted multivariate analysis (p = 0.141; power = 67%, type α error 0.10). Free androgen exhibited a borderline negative effect on EDSS-scores in the subgroup of men (r = -0.367, p = 0.093), which was lost after adjusting for age and duration of disease (p = 0.192; statistical power = 93%, type α error 0.05). Levels of estradiol tended to affect disability status of postmenopausal women (normal-mild vs. severe impairment: 23.33 ± 11.73pg/mL vs. 14.74 ± 6.30pg/mL, p = 0.095). Levels of sex hormones or indices of glycemic metabolism did not differ between patients presenting with EDSS scores higher or lower than the median value. CONCLUSION: Sex hormones and indices of glucose metabolism exhibited only a middle effect on EDSS scoring, which was not independent from the presence of confounders like age and duration of MS. The present study highlights the need for additional research, in order to elucidate the role of sex hormones and insulin resistance in the course of MS.

Determinants of Secondary Hyperparathyroidism in Bariatric Patients after Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass or Sleeve Gastrectomy: A Pilot Study.

Objective. Nutritional deficiencies are common after bariatric surgery. We aimed to assess the prevalence and possible predictors of secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) in bariatric patients. Methods. A total of 95 patients who had undergone Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) or sleeve gastrectomy (SG) were assessed after a median of 3 years after surgery. Anthropometric/demographic and weight-loss parameters were compared according to the presence of SHPT, independently for men/premenopausal women and postmenopausal women. Results. SHPT was highly prevalent (men/premenopausal women, 52.1%; postmenopausal women, 31.9%). Among men/premenopausal women, multivariate analysis indicated that SHPT was predicted by (a) 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels (Exp(B) = 0.869, P-value = 0.037), independently of age, sex, smoking; (b) calcium (Exp(B) = 0.159, P-value = 0.033) and smoking, independently of age and sex; (c) magnesium (Exp(B) = 0.026, P-value = 0.046) and smoking, independently of age and sex. Among postmenopausal women, SHPT was predicted by menopausal age independently of age, smoking, and levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D or calcium. The development of SHPT was not associated with the type of surgery. Conclusions. RYGB and SG exhibited similar effects regarding the regulation of the hypothalamus-pituitary-parathyroid axis after surgery. Vitamin D status and menopausal age appear to determine SHPT on the long term. SHPT should be sought and vigorously treated with calcium and vitamin D supplementation.

Vertebral fracture prevalence among Greek healthy middle-aged postmenopausal women: association with demographics, anthropometric parameters, and bone mineral density.

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: The prevalence of skeletal fractures shows a marked geographic variability; however, data regarding the Greek population remain limited. PURPOSE: To evaluate the frequency of asymptomatic vertebral fractures (VFs), and potential risk factors, in a large sample of Greek postmenopausal women. STUDY DESIGN: A cross-sectional study at the University Menopause Clinic. PATIENT SAMPLE: Four hundred fifty-four postmenopausal women aged 35 to 80 years, with an average menopausal age of 9.2±7.1 years. OUTCOME MEASURES: They included medical history, anthropometric and biochemical parameters, bone mineral density (BMD) at lumbar spine (LS) and femoral neck (FN), and LS lateral radiographs. METHODS: Lumbar spine lateral radiographs were evaluated according to quantitative procedures, aiming to identify VFs. Anthropometric and biochemical parameters and values of BMD were compared according to the presence of VFs. RESULTS: A total of 37 (8.15%) women had at least one VF. Lumbar spine and FN-osteoporosis was identified in up to 23.1% and 40.9% subjects with prevalent VFs, respectively. The prevalence of VFs was largely associated with age, with women aged 60 years or more presenting an up to fourfold risk compared with younger women. Moreover, the presence of VFs was associated with higher menopausal age, advanced age at menarche, a history of early menopause, and prolonged lactation. Lower LS-BMD and, especially, FN-BMD were negatively associated with VF prevalence (prevalent VF vs. no VF: LS-BMD, 0.89±0.16 g/cm(2) vs. 0.98±0.16 g/cm(2), p=.010; FN-BMD, 0.72±0.10 g/cm(2) vs. 0.81±0.12 g/cm(2), p=.008). CONCLUSIONS: Asymptomatic VFs are common among Greek healthy middle-aged postmenopausal women. More than 50% subjects with prevalent VFs present with normal BMD or osteopenia. Age and bone density classification at the FN presented the strongest association with the prevalence of VFs.

The Acute Effect of the Antioxidant Drug U-74389G on Red Blood Cell Distribution Width Levels During Hypoxia Reoxygenation Injury in Rats.

UNLABELLED: The AIM of this experimental study was to evaluate the effect of the antioxidant drug "U-74389G" in a rat model of hypoxia reoxygenation (HR) using the previously established protocol. Effects of treatment were evaluated by mean red blood cell distribution width (RDW) levels. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 40 rats of a mean weight of 231.875 g were employed in the study. RDW levels were determined at 60 min (groups A and C) and at 120 min (groups B and D) after starting the reoxygenation. Groups A and B received no drugs, whereas rats from groups C and D were administered with U-74389G. RESULTS: demonstrated that U-74389G administration significantly decreased the RDW levels by 4.96% + 2.27% (p = 0.0175). Reoxygenation time non-significantly decreased the RDW levels by 0.27% + 2.41% (p = 0.8889). Together, U-74389G administration and reoxygenation time non-significantly decreased the RDW levels by 2.54% + 1.39% (p = 0.0679). CONCLUSIONS: U-74389G administration particulary in concert without reperfusion declines the RDW levels even within the short - time context of 1.5 hours reperfusion.

Antioxidant 21-aminosteroid "U-74389G" ameliorates the short-time effect of hypoxia-reoxygenation on the platelet count in rats.

AIM: The aim of this experimental study was to examine the effect of the antioxidant drug "U-74389G", on rat model and particularly in a hypoxia-reoxygenation protocol. The beneficial effect or non-effectiveness of that molecule were studied hematologically using blood mean platelet count. Results were that U-74389G administration interacted or not with reoxygenation time decreased the platelet count by 6.12% ± 3.58% (p = 0.0857) and 12.83% ± 5.79% (p = 0.0303) respectively. CONCLUSIONS: U-74389G administration interacted or not with reoxygenation time decreases the platelet count within short-term time of 2 hours by different significance levels.

The effect of erythropoietin on creatine phosphokinase levels during ischemia reperfusion injury in rats / Efecto de la eritropoyetina en niveles de creatine fosfoquinasa durante daño por isquemia reperfusión en ratas

Objective: to examine the effect of erythropoietin testing on rat model and particularly the ischemia reperfusion protocol. Methods: experimental study of 40 rats weighing 247.7 g as average. The beneficial effect or non-effectiveness of the erythroproietin molecule on the blood creatine phosphokinase levels was biochemically studied. It was measured 60 min (groups A and C) and 120 min (groups B and D) after reperfusion with no administration of erythropoietin in groups C and D. Results: Erythropoietin administration significantly increased the creatine phosphokinase levels to 3586.05 IU/L (1873.115 IU/L-5298.985 IU/L;p= 0.0001). This finding was in accordance with the result of paired t-test (p= 0.0001). Reperfusion time significantly increased the CPK levels to 557.35 IU/L (-1513.284 IU/L-2627.984 IU/L; p= 0.5890), also in accordance with paired t-test (p= 0.4661). The interaction of erythropoietin administration and reperfusion time significantly increased the creatine phosphokinase levels to 1988.282 IU/L (918.2646 IU/L-3058.299 IU/L; p= 0.0006). Conclusions: Erythropoietin administration, reperfusion time and their interaction generally increase short-term effects on blood creatine phosphokinase after ischemia reperfusion injury.

Objetivo: examinar el efecto del test de eritropoyetina en un modelo de rata, particularmente el protocolo de isquemia reperfusión. Métodos: estudio experimental en el que se usaron 40 ratas con un peso medio de 247,7 g. Se estudió bioquímicamente el beneficio o el no efecto de la molécula de eritropoyetina en la creatín fosfokinasa sanguínea. Esta se midió en dos momentos: 60 min después de la reperfusión (grupos A y C) y 120 min después de esta (grupos B y D). No se administraron eritropoyetina en los grupos A y B, contrario a los grupos C y D. Resultados: la administración de eritropoyetina aumentó significativamente la creatín fosfokinasa sanguínea a 3586,05 UI/L (1873,115 IU/L-5298,985 UI/L; p= 0,0001), de acuerdo también con el test pareado t-test (p= 0,0001). El tiempo de reperfusión incrementó significativamente la creatín fosfokinasa sanguínea a 557,35 UI/L (-1513,284 UI/L-2627,984 UI/L; p= 0,5890), de acuerdo con el test aplicado t-test (p= 0,4661). La interacción de la administración de eritropoyetina y el tiempo de reperfusión elevó significativamente los niveles de creatín fosfokinasa sanguínea a 1988,282 UI/L (918,2646 IU/L-3058,299 IU/L; p= 0,0006). Conclusión: la administración de eritropoyetina, el tiempo de reperfusión y su interacción, generalmente incrementa los efectos a corto plazo en la creatín fosfokinase sanguínea después del daño por isquemia reperfusión.

The effect of the antioxidant drug "U-74389G" on oophoritis during ischemia reperfusion injury in rats.

UNLABELLED: The aim of this experiment was to study the effects of the antioxidant drug "U-74389G" on rat model, particularly in ischemia reperfusion protocol. The beneficial or other effects of that molecule were studied estimating the mean oophoritis (OI) lesions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 40 rats were used of mean weight 231.875 g. OI was evaluated 60 min after reperfusion for groups A and C and 120 min after reperfusion for groups B and D. Groups A and B were without the drug but C and D with U-74389G administration. Results were that U-74389G administration kept non-significantly increased the OI scores by 0.05±0.051 without lesions (p=0.3204). Reperfusion time kept non-significantly increased the OI scores by 0.05±0.051 also without lesions (p=0.3204). Nevertheless, U-74389G administration and reperfusion time together kept non-significantly increased the OI scores by 0.045±0.030 (p=0.1334). CONCLUSIONS: Results of this study indicate that U-74389G administration, reperfusion time and their interaction declined the increased OI scores from significant to non-significant level.

The effect of erythropoietin on serum uric acid levels during renal ischemia reperfusion injury in rats.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this experimental study was to assess the effect of erythropoietin on a rat model, particularly under a renal ischemia reperfusion protocol. The beneficial or lack of effects of that molecule on the excreted renal product of serum uric acid were studied biochemically. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty rats were used with a mean weight of 247.7 gr. Serum uric acid levels were measured measured at 60 min after reperfusion (Groups A and C) and at 120 min after reperfusion (groups B and D). RESULTS: 1) Erythropoietin administration non-significantly decreased the serum uric acid levels non-significantly by 0.02 mg/dL [-0.2415423 mg/dL-0.2015423 mg/dL] (p=0.8560), in accordance with the paired t-test (p=0.8438). Reperfusion time non-significantly increased the serum uric acid levels non-significantly by 0.17 mg/dL [-0.0444933 mg/dL-0.3844933 mg/dL] (p=0.1169), in accordance with the paired t-test (p=0.1648). 3) The interaction of erythropoietin administration and reperfusion time non-significantly increased the serum uric acid levels non-significantly by 0.1 mg/dL [-0.0295564 mg/dL-0.2295564 mg/dL] (p=0.1264). CONCLUSION: Erythropoietin administration, reperfusion time and their interaction have no significant short-term alterations on serum uric acid levels. Conclusions cannot be extracted by non-significant p-values within 2 hours. Obviously, longer study times may permit safer results.

Vitamin D receptor Bsm1 polymorphism, calcium metabolism and bone mineral density in patients with multiple sclerosis: a pilot study.

Vitamin D receptor's (VDR) genotypes have been associated both with the development of bone disease and the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS). We aimed to evaluate the association between the presence of Bsm1 restriction fragment length polymorphism of VDR and bone loss in ambulatory patients with MS. This cross-sectional study included 82 adult patients with relapsing-remitting MS. Fasting blood samples were obtained for biochemical-hormonal assessment and genotyping. Bone mineral density (BMD) was assessed at the lumbar spine (LS) and the femoral neck (FN), using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. Possible associations between VDR's genotypes and BMD levels as well as biochemical and hormonal indices were evaluated. Among premenopausal women and men, carriers of the B allele exhibited higher BMD and Z score at the FN and a trend toward higher BMD at the LS, compared to patients with the bb genotype, after adjusting for age, BMI, sex, EDSS scoring, interferon administration, duration of MS and total steroids intake. Among postmenopausal women, the presence of the B allele was not associated with BMD or T score at any site, whereas carriers of the B allele exhibited higher levels of calcium (p value 0.008, univariate). No other significant differences were exhibited between levels of electrolytes, parathormone, 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 and the genotype of VDR, in any of the groups. VDR's Bsm1 polymorphism is associated with a mild effect on BMD in younger patients with MS. Larger studies are necessary to corroborate these findings.

Serum lipid levels and bone mineral density in Greek postmenopausal women.

Contradictory results have been reported regarding a relationship between serum lipid levels and bone mineral density. The purpose of this study was to further investigate a possible relationship between those parameters in Greek postmenopausal women. A total of 591 patients followed at a tertiary hospital were examined for seven different lipid factors in relation to dual-emission X-ray absorptiometry measurements at the lumbar spine. Lipoprotein-a was the only lipid measurement that univariately showed an almost significant trend of association with bone mass category (analysis of variance [ANOVA] p value 0.062 for Ln(Lipoprotein-a)). In multiple regression, it was noted that a non-significant negative trend of association of high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and Apolipoprotein AI with lumbar T-score (p value 0.058 and 0.075, respectively). In age subgroup analysis, Lipoprotein-a and Ln(Lipoprotein-a) presented a negative correlation with lumbar T-score for women with age ≥ 53 years (p value 0.043 and 0.070, respectively), while a negative correlation of HDL and Apolipoprotein AI levels with lumbar T-score remained in women with age < 53 years (p value 0.039 and 0.052, respectively). The findings do not support a strong relationship between lipid levels and bone mass measurements.

Antepartum and postpartum serum heme oxygenase-1 levels in preeclamptic and normotensive pregnant women.

AIM: To determine antepartum and postpartum serum heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) levels in pre-eclamptic (PE) and normotensive pregnant women and to investigate the relationship between HO-1 levels and severity of PE. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Ten normotensive women were compared to 9 women with mild PE and 12 women with severe PE. Serum HO-1 levels were measured at 30-34 gestational weeks and 12-14 weeks postpartum. RESULTS: The severe PE group had significantly higher serum HO-1 levels antepartum compared to the mild PE and normotensive groups (5.50 ± 1.54 vs. 3.04 ± 0.72 ng/ml, p=0.0003, and 5.50 ± 1.54 vs. 3.12 ± 1.57 ng/ml, p=0.002, respectively). Serum HO-1 levels decreased significantly postpartum in the normotensive group only (3.12 ± 1.57 vs. 2.00 ± 0.97 ng/ml, p=0.0005). In the severe PE group, HO-1 levels antepartum were positively correlated to mean blood pressure (r=+0.79, p=0.004). CONCLUSION: Severe PE is associated with elevated serum HO-1 levels both antepartum and postpartum, suggesting a key role of chronic oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of PE and the endothelial dysfunction of these patients later in their life.

Maternal serum resistin concentrations in gestational diabetes mellitus and normal pregnancies.

AIM: To investigate changes in maternal serum resistin levels during pregnancy and postpartum and clarify their relationship to insulin resistance. METHODS: Thirty normal pregnant women were compared to 30 women diagnosed with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Serum resistin levels were collected at the time of glucose challenge test (26-28 weeks), at 38 gestational weeks and at the third postpartum day and measured with enzyme immunoassay. Correlation of resistin to the homeostatic model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was performed. RESULTS: Maternal serum resistin levels at 38 weeks were significantly higher in pregnant women with GDM compared to the control group (0.28 vs 0.21 ng/mL, P = 0.02) and the same was true for the immediate puerperium (0.25 vs 0.19 ng/mL, P = 0.03). A significant increase in resistin levels was observed in GDM women from 26-28 weeks to 38 weeks (0.21 vs 0.28 ng/mL, P = 0.02), but not in controls. A decrease in serum resistin levels was noted in both the GDM and control groups, at 38 weeks and the immediate postpartum period, but this decrease did not reach statistical significance in either of the two groups. Resistin levels were positively correlated to HOMA-IR at 26-28 weeks of gestation (r = +0.253, P = 0.05). CONCLUSION: GDM is associated with increased resistin serum levels in term pregnancy as well as postpartum. Resistin is positively correlated to HOMA-IR at 26-28 weeks of gestation. A reduction in maternal resistin after delivery indicates a significant placental or fetal contribution in the production of resistin.