Adipokines, hormonal parameters, and cardiovascular risk factors: similarities and differences between patients with erectile dysfunction of arteriogenic and nonarteriogenic origin.

INTRODUCTION: Erectile dysfunction (ED) is often associated with metabolic disorders. Leptin and adiponectin are adipose tissue-derived hormones involved in the regulation of metabolic homeostasis and considered important players in the relationship among obesity and cardiovascular diseases. AIM: Leptin, adiponectin, leptin to adiponectin ratio (L/A), and their correlation with hormonal and metabolic parameters were examined in male with arteriogenic- (A-ED) and nonarteriogenic-ED (NA-ED). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Biochemical, metabolic, and hormonal parameters of men with A-ED were compared with those of male with NA-ED. METHODS: Diagnosis of ED was based on the International Index of Erectile Function Score. Its etiology was classified with penile echo-color Doppler at baseline and after intracavernous injection of prostaglandin E1. Leptin and adiponectin were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: In A-ED subjects, increased levels of insulin, glycated hemoglobin, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) index, body mass index (BMI), leptin, and L/A and decreased levels of total, free, and bioavailable testosterone were observed compared with NA-ED subjects. A trend toward lower estradiol level was also present in A-ED patients, even if not statistically significant. Reduced levels of adiponectin have been observed in both groups compared with patients without ED. Leptin and L/A correlated similarly with several parameters (negatively with testosterone/estradiol ratio and positively with BMI, insulin, HOMA-IR, and 17-beta estradiol). L/A resulted further correlated negatively with high-density lipoprotein and positively with triglycerides. CONCLUSIONS: Not all ED cases are similar. In fact, A-ED patients display a more complicated metabolic status characterized by overweight and obesity and associated to sexual hormone alteration. Whether changes in body composition and modulation of adipokine levels can improve local endothelial function need further investigation.

Serum amyloid a and C-reactive protein independently predict the recurrences of atrial fibrillation after cardioversion in patients with preserved left ventricular function.

BACKGROUND: Subclinical inflammation and atrial stretch have been recognized as important contributors to atrial fibrillation (AF) onset and perpetuation. The aim of the study was to compare the predictive role of serum inflammatory markers (serum amyloid A [SAA], and C-reactive protein [CRP]) and N-terminal pro brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) an indice of atrial strain in relation to subacute arrhythmic recurrence rate in patients with persistent AF and normal left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). METHODS: We studied 57 patients with a mean LVEF of 58.7 ± 6%. NT-proBNP, SAA and CRP levels were determined few hours before electrical cardioversion and 3 weeks after cardioversion. RESULTS: Subacute AF recurrences were documented in 19 (33 %) patients. Whereas NT-proBNP levels did not predict arrhythmic outcome, higher SAA (> 6.16-6.19 mg/L) and CRP levels (> 2.99-3.10 mg/L) were significantly associated with AF recurrences (odds ratio [OR], 5.39; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.59-18.26; P = 0.007 and OR, 14.93; 95% CI, 3.90-57.19; P < 0.001). Both SAA (OR, 18.29; 95% CI, 2.07-161.46; P = 0.009) and high sensitivity CRP (OR, 42.03; 95% CI, 4.83-365.45; P = 0.001) through the multivariate logistic regression analysis show an independent role in predicting the AF recurrence with a sensitivity of 100% (38/38) and a specificity of 52.6% (10/19). CONCLUSIONS: The present study demonstrates that in patients with persistent AF and preserved LVEF, SAA and CRP levels are independent predictors of AF subacute recurrence rate, whereas NT-proBNP, not associated with arrhythmic outcome, reflects the hemodynamic alterations secondary to arrhythmia presence. The simultaneous determination of SAA and high sensitivity CRP has a very high sensitivity (100%) in predicting the AF recurrence.

Natural zeolites chabazite/phillipsite/analcime increase blood levels of antioxidant enzymes.

Imbalance between reactive oxygen species generation and antioxidant capacity induces a condition known as oxidative stress which is implicated in numerous pathological processes. In this study we evaluated whether natural zeolites chabazite/phillipsite/analcime may affect the levels of different antioxidant enzymes (gluthatione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, gluthatione reductase), total antioxidant status and oxidative stress in 25 clinically healthy men, both non-smokers and smokers. Measurements were performed on whole blood or on plasma samples before (T0) and after 4-weeks zeolites intake (T1). At T1, gluthatione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase and gluthatione reductase increased compared to T0 levels, both considering all subjects as joint and after subdivision in non-smokers and smokers. Differently, a reduction in total antioxidant status was observed at T1. Anyway, total antioxidant status resulted higher than the reference values in both groups at each time point. A decrease in lipid peroxidation, a major indicator of oxidative stress assessed by monitoring thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, was also observed in all subjects at T1. Our results suggested that chabazite/phillipsite/analcime may help to counteract oxidative stress in apparently healthy subjects exposed to different oxidative stress risk factors, such as smoking, thus representing a particular kind of food with potential antioxidant properties.

Adipokine actions on cartilage homeostasis.

Epidemiological studies have shown an intriguing correlation between obesity and articular cartilage disease. An increase in mechanical forces across weight-bearing joints has long been considered the primary factor leading to joint degeneration. However, emerging data suggest that additional soluble factors such as the adipocyte-derived molecules "adipokines" may also play an important role in the onset and progression of weight-associated cartilage degradative process. Adipokines are pleiotropic secretory molecules mainly produced by white adipose tissue. Adipokines exert their actions through endocrine, paracrine, autocrine, or juxtacrine cross talk in a wide variety of physiological or pathophysiological processes. In particular, they are mainly involved in the regulation of food intake and energy metabolism, in both health and disease states, and in the inflammatory response. Recent observations have shown that, among adipokines, leptin, adiponectin, resistin, visfatin, and apelin may also participate to the complex mechanisms that regulate skeleton biology, both at bone and cartilage level. Herein, we review the present knowledge about the role of these adipokines in cartilage function as well as in inflammatory and degenerative joint diseases. Moreover, we describe some methodological approaches which can be utilized in the measurement of these adipokines in different biological matrices, like plasma and synovial fluid (SF), and may be helpful to better clarify the involvement of these molecules in cartilage disease.

Epicardial fat: from the biomolecular aspects to the clinical practice.

Epicardial fat is the visceral fat depot of heart. It is a metabolically active organ with anatomical and functional contiguity to the myocardium. A dichotomous role has been attributed to the epicardial fat. Under physiological conditions, epicardial fat displays biochemical and thermogenic cardio-protective properties. Under pathological circumstances epicardial fat can locally affect the heart and coronary arteries through vasocrine or paracrine secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Epicardial fat can be measured with imaging techniques. Epicardial fat thickness reflects intra-abdominal and myocardial fat and correlates with metabolic syndrome and coronary artery disease. Epicardial fat measurement may play a role in the stratification of the cardio-metabolic risk and serve as therapeutic target. Weight loss and anti-inflammatory drugs targeting the fat may modulate epicardial fat. Because epicardial and myocardial tissues share the same coronary arterial supply it is reasonable to hypothesize that improved local vascularisation may resume epicardial fat to its physiological role.

Italian air force acrobatic pilots are protected against flight-induced oxidative stress.

BACKGROUND/AIM: The purpose of this study was to assess the oxidative stress of aircraft pilots by evaluating different markers of oxidative stress and any imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants in plasma. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A group of 13 supersonic aircraft pilots, following regular exercise and personalized diet, were compared with a group of 40 healthy controls. Oxidative stress indicators, such as reactive oxidative metabolites, carbonyl proteins, 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine and total antioxidant status, were evaluated after three months of intense flight. RESULTS: Reactive oxygen metabolites, carbonyl protein and 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine plasma levels did not differ in supersonic aircraft pilots and healthy controls. The two groups also had similar total antioxidant status levels. CONCLUSION: We suggest that supersonic aircraft pilots working at high altitude, even if exposed to physiological stresses, can, with proper diet, regular exercise and periodical medical examinations, maintain a healthy balance between oxidant and antioxidant status.

Carbon dioxide-enriched water inhalation in patients with allergic rhinitis and its relationship with nasal fluid cytokine/chemokine release.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Allergic rhinitis is characterized by eosinophil infiltration and accumulation in the nasal mucosa mainly due to IL-3, IL-5, and eotaxin activities. We undertook this study to investigate a possible in vivo effect of carbon dioxide-enriched water inhalation in patients with allergic rhinitis. METHODS: Twenty five consecutive patients inhaled carbon dioxide-enriched water at Fonti di Rabbi Spa Centre (Trento, Italy). Symptom scores for nasal obstruction, itching and sneezing were obtained before and after treatment. Nasal lavage was collected, and IL-3, IL-5, and eotaxin levels were assessed using the quantitative sandwich enzyme immunoassay technique. Cytometric analysis was performed on samples to measure total cell count, CD45+ cells, and percentages of polymorphonucleates and lymphocytes. RESULTS: There were statistically significant differences in chemokine levels and in cell populations between patients and healthy controls before treatment. After carbon dioxide-enriched water inhalation, we observed statistically significant improvements in symptom scores, chemokine levels, and percentages of cell populations. CONCLUSIONS: Our results seem to confirm the role of IL-3, IL-5, and eotaxin in the pathophysiology of allergy and the beneficial effect of carbon dioxide-enriched water inhalation in patients affected by allergic rhinitis.

Reduced plasma levels of P-selectin and L-selectin in a pilot study from Alzheimer disease: relationship with neuro-degeneration.

Neurodegenerative processes associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD) are accompanied by reactive astrogliosis and microglia activation and a role for chronic inflammation in the brain degeneration of these patients has been suggested. Moreover impaired immune functions in AD brains might also influence the disease's progression. Therefore, it is of interest to further characterized inflammatory molecules in the peripheral blood of patients with AD and its relationship with cognitive decline. A complex picture emerged in this pilot study and IL-8, IFN-gamma, MCP-1 and VEGF levels were increased in AD. Levels of P-selectin and L-selectin were decreased in AD and lowest in AD patients with highest cognitive decline. Our findings suggest that these molecules may induce alterations of endothelial regulation and influence neurodegenerative processes of AD.

Plasma concentrations of angiogenetic factors and angiogenetic inhibitors in patients with ductal pancreatic neoplasms. A pilot study.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to evaluate the circulating concentrations of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR-2), vascular endothelial growth factor-D (VEGF-D) and endostatin in patients with intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN), and in those with ductal adenocarcinomas. METHODS: Sixty patients (32 males, 28 females, mean age 69.3±11.3 years) were enrolled: 31 (51.7%) had IPMNs and 29 (48.3%) had histologically confirmed pancreatic adenocarcinomas. Thirty blood donors were also studied as controls. In all study subjects, the concentrations of VEGF, VEGF-D, VEGFR-2, and endostatin were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. RESULTS: Serum concentrations of VEGF, VEGF-D, and VEGFR-2 were significantly higher in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma and those with IPMNs compared with healthy subjects, while endostatin was significantly higher only in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma compared with healthy subjects. Within the group of patients, VEGFR-2 was significantly higher in patients with ductal adenocarcinoma compared to those with IPMNs. The sensitivity and the specificity of VEGFR-2 in differentiating patients with ductal adenocarcinomas from those with IPMN at a cut-off range of 4003-4034 pg/mL was 86.2% and 54.8%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: IPMNs have serum VEGFR-2 concentrations different from those in patients with ductal adenocarcinomas. However, serum VEGFR-2 cannot be routinely utilized to differentiate IPMNs from pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas.

Molecular pathways in cancer-related inflammation.

Accumulating evidence shows that chronic inflammation is associated to increased risk of cancer. An inflammatory component is present also in the microenvironment of tumours epidemiologically unrelated to inflammation. Extensive investigations over the past decade have uncovered many of the important mechanistic pathways underlying cancer-related inflammation. Pathways linking inflammation and cancer have been identified: an intrinsic one (driven by genetic events that cause neoplasia) and an extrinsic one (driven by inflammatory conditions which predispose to cancer). Smouldering inflammation is a component of the tumour microenvironment and is a recognized hallmark of cancer. Key orchestrators at the intersection of the intrinsic and extrinsic pathways include transcription factors (e.g. Nuclear Factor kappa-B, NFKB) that modulate the inflammatory response through soluble mediators (cytokines, chemokines) and cellular components (e.g. tumor-associated macrophages), promoting tumorigenesis. NFKB aids in the proliferation and survival of malignant cells, promotes angiogenesis and metastasis, subverts adaptive immunity, and alters responses to hormones and chemotherapeutic agents. Emerging evidence also suggests that persistent inflammation promotes genetic instability. Thus, cancer-related inflammation represents a target for innovative diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.

Serum neutrophil gelatinase-B associated lipocalin (NGAL) levels in Down's syndrome patients.

Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) is a group of proteins with different functions.NGAL is released by different cell types such as epithelial cell, hepatocytes and renal tubular cells during inflammation and after cell injury. Expression of NGAL is induced under various pathophysiological conditions such as infection, cancer, inflammation, kidney injury, cardiovascular disease, burn injury, and intoxication, which has an important anti-apoptotic and anti-inflammatory role.Subjects with Down's syndrome (DS) are affected by many pathological age related conditions such as mental retardation, Alzheimer's disease, immune defects and increased susceptibility to infections. The aim of this study is to evaluate possible use of NGAL as a marker of inflammatory status for allow an early diagnosis of inflammatory disease such as autoimmune disease in DS patients, that are more susceptible to these pathologies, especially in elderly subjects.In this study were recruited 3 groups of DS subjects (children, adults and elderly) and compared them to healthy control group.The molecules of interest was determinated by immuno-enzymatic assay (ELISA).Our results show that NGAL plasmatic level was significantly higher in DS patients compared to healthy controls. Moreover NGAL levels increase in correlation with the age, and showed a significantly correlation between the increase with the severity of disease.DS is characterized by an enhancement of gene production such as GART, SOD-1 and CBS that encode specific protein and enzyme involved in hydrogen peroxide and superoxide production, species highly cytotoxic implicated in inflammation and ageing.NGAL may have the potential application to ameliorate the toxicity induced by oxidative stress conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, thalassemia, cardiovascular disease, burn injury, transplantation, diabetes, and aging.

The role of inflammation in patients with intraductal mucinous neoplasm of the pancreas and in those with pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

BACKGROUND: There are very few data regarding inflammation in patients with intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs) of the pancreas. AIM: To evaluate the circulating concentrations of placental growth factor (PlGF), transforming growth factor-alpha (TGF-α), transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-ß1), tumour necrosis factor receptor 1 (TNF-R1) and matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) in patients with IPMNs and in those with pancreatic adenocarcinomas. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Sixty-nine patients were enrolled: 23 (33.3%) had IPMNs and 46 (66.7%) had histologically confirmed pancreatic adenocarcinomas. Thirteen healthy subjects were also studied. PlGF, TGF-α, TGF-ß1, TNF-R1 and MMP-2 were determined using commercially available kits. RESULTS: TNF-R1 (p=0.003) was the only protein significantly different among the three groups. CONCLUSION: Serum TNF-R1 was elevated in patients with IPMNs and in those with pancreatic adenocarcinomas, suggesting a high apoptotic activity in both groups of patients studied.

Molecular basis of anti-inflammatory action of platelet-rich plasma on human chondrocytes: mechanisms of NF-κB inhibition via HGF.

Loss of articular cartilage through injury or disease presents major clinical challenges also because cartilage has very poor regenerative capacity, giving rise to the development of biological approaches. As autologous blood product, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) provides a promising alternative to surgery by promoting safe and natural healing. Here we tested the possibility that PRP might be effective as an anti-inflammatory agent, providing an attractive basis for regeneration of articular cartilage, and two principal observations were done. First, activated PRP in chondrocytes reduced the transactivating activity of NF-κB, critical regulator of the inflammatory process, and decreased the expression of COX-2 and CXCR4 target genes. By analyzing a panel of cytokines with different biological significance, in activated PRP we observed increases in hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), interleukin-4 and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). HGF and TNF-α, by disrupting NF-κB-transactivating activity, were important for the anti-inflammatory function of activated PRP. The key molecular mechanisms involved in PRP-inhibitory effects on NF-κB activity were for HGF the enhanced cellular IkBα expression, that contributed to NF-κB-p65 subunit retention in the cytosol and nucleo-cytoplasmic shuttling, and for TNF-α the p50/50 DNA-binding causing inhibition of target-gene expression. Second, activated PRP in U937-monocytic cells reduced chemotaxis by inhibiting chemokine transactivation and CXCR4-receptor expression, thus possibly controlling local inflammation in cartilage. In conclusion, activated PRP is a promising biological therapeutic agent, as a scaffold in micro-invasive articular cartilage regeneration, not only for its content of proliferative/differentiative growth factors, but also for the presence of anti-inflammatory agents including HGF.

NT-proBNP concentrations in mountain marathoners.

The 76 amino acid N-terminal proB-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) is proposed for evaluating and monitoring heart pathologies characterized by myocardial wall stress. Strenuous exercise might generate transitory ischemia, myocardial stress, and diastolic left ventricular dysfunction, possibly inducing an increase of some biochemical parameter concentrations. An alert has been claimed owing to biochemical and instrumental signs of heart dysfunction in recreational athletes during marathon races. We studied the behaviour of NT-proBNP in 15 mountain marathoners before and after a race. The concentrations of the parameter were lower than that observed in controls at rest and were similar to that observed in professional soccer and rugby players. The concentrations significantly increased after the race. NT-proBNP is low at rest in professional athletes, and the increase after physical exercise is physiological. The marathoners, even when performing races in a high-altitude environment, show NT-proBNP concentrations similar to those of athletes from other sports disciplines, characterized by low levels of effort and by a mix of aerobic and anaerobic metabolism. The increase of NT-proBNP is linked to strenuous physical exercise and to heavy heart effort, testified also by an increase of troponin I. However, the role of the NT-proBNP could be important to screen recreational and professional marathoners to avoid possible heart problems and sudden cardiac death in subjects with occult heart disease. The results of the present study are relevant to the design and evaluation of training programs for improving strength and function of professional marathoners.

Age-related changes in plasma levels of BDNF in Down syndrome patients.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of coronary artery diseases is low among Down Syndrome (DS) patients and they rarely die of atherosclerotic complications. Histopathological investigations showed no increase in atherosclerosis, or even a total lack of atherosclerotic changes, in DS AIM: The aim of our study is to investigate the relationship between age and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels in Down Syndrome (DS). SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Three groups of DS patients were studied: the first consisted of 23 children (age 2-14 years); the second of 14 adults (age 20-50 years), the third group of 13 elderly persons (>60 years) and a controls group of 20 healthy patients (age 15-60 years).The analytes of interest were quantified using a biochip array analyzer (Evidence, Randox Ltd., Crumlin, UK). RESULTS: Plasma BDNF was higher in DS patients than in controls and there was a significant age-related increase. Serum levels of IL-6 and MCP-1 were also higher in DS children and adults, but not in older patients, than in healthy control. High levels of circulating BDNF may protect DS patients from the clinical complications of atherosclerosis. However, the striking drop in peripheral BDNF levels with age might predispose these patients to clinical manifestations of dementia in later life.

Serum leptin, but not adiponectin and receptor for advanced glycation end products, is able to distinguish autoimmune pancreatitis from both chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic neoplasms.

OBJECTIVE: Serum leptin and adiponectin determinations have been proposed as markers for distinguishing pancreatic cancer and chronic pancreatitis from autoimmune pancreatitis; however, no studies exist in patients with autoimmune pancreatitis and in those with intraductal papillary mucinous tumors of the pancreas. The aim of this paper was to evaluate the circulating concentrations of receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE), leptin and adiponectin in patients with chronic pancreatic diseases. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Seventy-five consecutive patients with chronic pancreatic diseases (47 males, 28 females; mean age 67.0 +/- 13.2 years; range 37-97 years) were studied: six (8.0%) had autoimmune pancreatitis, 23 (30.7%) had chronic pancreatitis, 34 (45.3%) had pancreatic cancer and the remaining 12 (16.0%) had intraductal papillary mutinous tumors of the pancreas. Leptin, adiponectin and RAGE were determined in serum using commercially available kits. The leptin concentrations were normalized to the lower and upper reference limits because of the different gender reference ranges. RESULTS: Normalized leptin concentrations were significantly lower in chronic pancreatitis patients (0.53 +/- 1.28; p = 0.008) and in those with pancreatic cancer (0.12 +/- 0.33; p < 0.001) compared to the overall population (0.58 +/- 1.23), whereas autoimmune pancreatitis patients had significantly higher concentrations of this protein (2.18 +/- 2.56; p = 0.004) compared to the overall population. RAGE and adiponectin concentrations were similar among the four groups of patients studied. Among the clinical variables considered, only pain was significantly related to leptin concentrations (patients with pain 0.18 +/- 0.54, patients without pain 1.07 +/- 1.64; p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: Serum leptin seems to be a good serum marker for differentiating autoimmune pancreatitis patients from those with chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer.

O-beta-N-acetyl-D-glucosaminidase in erythrocytes of Italian air force acrobatic pilots.

BACKGROUND: Italian air force acrobatic pilots are occupationally susceptible to oxidative stress damage that can lead to overt signs and symptoms of hypoxia. We propose erythrocyte glycohydrolases as new, sensitive markers to assess oxidative stress. METHODS: We measured erythrocyte concentrations of beta-D-glucuronidase (GCR), hexosaminidase, O-beta-N-acetyl-D-glucosaminidase (O-GlcNAcase), plasma membrane fluidity and plasma hydroperoxides from 19 pilots and compared these to 40 matched healthy subjects. RESULTS: Plasma hydroperoxide concentrations and the erythrocyte ghosts' fluorescence anisotropy were significantly lower in the pilots. Concentrations of GCR, O-GlcNAcase and hexosaminidase in pilots were significantly different from controls, being lower, higher and higher, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Pilots, in spite of their oxidative stress, are better protected than controls, probably as a result of their physical training and proper diet. Our results confirm that erythrocytes, with their 120-day life span, are a useful model for investigating physiopathological conditions, and glycohydrolases are good markers for monitoring oxidative stress, even in healthy people.

Oxidative stress and antioxidant status in patients with erectile dysfunction.

INTRODUCTION: Erectile dysfunction (ED) is increasingly recognized as a public health problem. The interaction between nitric oxide and reactive oxygen species is one of the important mechanisms implicated in the pathophysiological process of ED. Plasma contains various antioxidant components to prevent free-radical injury. AIM: The aim of this study was to determine and compare the oxidative and antioxidant status of peripheral venous blood in patients with ED of arteriogenic and non-arteriogenic origin. METHODS: Oxidative stress and antioxidant status were assessed in 40 patients with ED and 20 healthy controls. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Plasma reactive oxygen metabolite (ROM) concentrations were measured as an indicator of oxidative stress, and plasma total antioxidant status (TAS) to indicate antioxidant defense. RESULTS: Plasma ROM concentrations were higher (349.75 +/- 53.35 standard deviation [SD] U.Carr vs. 285.43 +/- 25.58 U.Carr, P < 0.001) and plasma TAS lower (0.54 +/- 0.16 SD mmol/L vs. 0.94 +/- 0.28 SD mmol/L, P < 0.0001) in patients with arteriogenic ED in comparison to those in patients with non-arteriogenic ED. Plasma ROM and TAS in controls were not significantly different from those in non-arteriogenic ED. Conclusions. This observation may be useful to better understand and distinguish arteriogenic from non-arteriogenic ED using laboratory tests. In addition, our findings provide important support for an antioxidant therapy to try to correct oxidative stress in arteriogenic ED patients.

Release of growth factors after arthroscopic acromioplasty.

It has recently been postulated that a variety of growth factors may be released from cancellous bone after an acromioplasty. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the presence of growth factors in the subacromial space after acromioplasty. Between October 2006 and March 2007, 23 patients underwent arthroscopic acromioplasty. A sample of at least 3 ml of fluid from the shoulder was obtained 15 min after the end of the procedure. At the same time another sample of 3 ml of the patient's venous blood was obtained as a control. The concentrations of growth factors in the fluids collected were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The growth factors assayed were platelet-derived growth factor-AB (PDGF-AB), basic fibroblast growth factor basic (bFGF) and transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-beta1). The concentrations of TGF-beta1 (p = 0.0001), PDGF-AB (p = 0.02), and bFGF (p < 0.0001) were significantly higher in the fluid from the subacromial space than in the blood sample. There are high concentrations of several growth factors in the subacromial space after acromioplasty.

Adipocytokines in Down's syndrome, an atheroma-free model: Role of adiponectin.

Down's syndrome (DS) is the most frequent chromosomal aberration in men. Moreover DS is considered an atheroma-free model. Plasma levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha high sensitivity (hsTNF-alpha), leptin and adiponectin from non-demented DS subjects of three different age cohorts (2-14, 20-50 and above 60 years) and healthy controls were measured. No clinical and sub-clinical inflammation was apparent in DS patients. Plasma levels of hsTNF-alpha, IL-6 and leptin were higher in children than in adult and old DS subjects. Instead, serum levels of adiponectin were increased in older DS patients than in DS children and adults. High levels of circulating adiponectin might protect DS from clinical complications of atherosclerosis.