Barberry treatment reduces serum anti-heat shock protein 27 and 60 antibody titres and high-sensitivity c-reactive protein in patients with metabolic syndrome: a double-blind, randomized placebo-controlled trial.

Metabolic syndrome is an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). The heat shock proteins (HSPs) are associated with risk factors for CVD. The aim of the present study was to survey the effect of barberry on antibody titres to HSPs and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) in patients with metabolic syndrome. In our study, subjects (N=106, 79 women and 27 men, 18-65 years old) with metabolic syndrome were randomized into two groups: a group of patients who received three capsules of barberry and a control group who received three capsules of placebo for 6 weeks. Antibodies against HSPs 27, 60/65 and 70, hs-CRP and lipid profile were determined in patients before (week 0) and after (week 6) intervention. spss software (version 16.0; Inc, Chicago, IL) was used for data analysis. Results showed that barberry had no significant effect on serum level of anti-HSPs 65 and 70. But there was a significant decrease in anti-HSP 27 in both case and control groups (p=0.001 and p<0.001, respectively, in the case and control groups). Barberry decreased significantly anti-HSP 60 in the case group (p=0.03). High-sensitivity CRP was decreased non-significantly (p=0.17) in the case group and increased significantly (p=0.04) in the control group. Barberry decreased significantly low-density lipoprotein and total cholesterol and increased significantly high-density cholesterol (p<0.05). Results of the present study suggested that barberry supplementation in patients with metabolic syndrome decreased significantly anti-HSPs 27 and 60 and hs-CRP levels and improved lipid profile.

Increased serum heat shock protein 27 antibody titers and prooxidant-antioxidant balance in patients with beta-thalassemia major.

OBJECTIVE: Determination of the serum heat shock protein 27 (Hsp27) antibody titers and prooxidant-antioxidant balance (PAB) in patients with thalassemia as markers of cell and oxidative stress, respectively. METHODS: Serum PAB and anti-Hsp27 antibody titers were measured in 140 patients with thalassemia major and 140 sex- and age-matched healthy volunteers. RESULTS: A significantly higher serum PAB value was observed in patients in comparison to controls. In the patient group, anti-Hsp27 antibody titers were significantly higher than for the control group (p < 0.001). We found a weak negative correlation between anti-Hsp27 antibody concentrations and the PAB (p = 0.03), but these values were not correlated with serum superoxide dismutase activity in the thalassemic patients. CONCLUSIONS: Increased levels of serum PAB and Hsp27 antibodies may be involved in the pathological consequences of ß-thalassemia major and may contribute to the development of endothelial injury.

Prooxidant-antioxidant balance and cardiac function in patients with cardiovascular disease following cardiac surgery.

BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE STUDY: Cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) is used during on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and heart valvular replacement surgery, and is associated with the induction of oxidative stress. The aim of the study was to assess the association between indices of cardiac function and prooxidant-antioxidant balance (PAB) values in patients undergoing valve replacement surgery and on-or off-pump CABG. METHODS: Data were obtained from 44, 33, and 41 patients undergoing off-pump CABG, on-pump CABG, and valve replacement surgery, respectively. The PAB values were measured 24 h before and after the operative procedure, and at the time of discharge. Echocardiography was performed before surgery and before discharge. RESULTS: The changes in E/E', end-diastolic volume, end-systolic volume, left ventricular diastolic and systolic diameter were significantly related to baseline PAB values. In the valve replacement group, neither baseline nor changes in PAB values were associated with echocardiographic measurements. Also, neither off-pump nor on-pump CABG were significantly different in inducing oxidative stress (p = 0.596). When PAB values were measured in CABG patients, there was a significant difference in values between the three time points (p = 0.013). In the valve replacement group, PAB values were not significantly different between the preoperative and postoperative samples. CONCLUSION: The inverse association between the level of oxidative stress and cardiac function measurement may indicate that high levels of oxidative stress may be a predictor of the deterioration of cardiac function in CABG patients. However, in valvular heart disease patients the serum PAB value was not associated with changes in cardiac function. Levels of oxidative stress, as assessed by the PAB assay, were not significantly different for patients undergoing surgery with or without CPB.

Prooxidant-antioxidant balance and antioxidized LDL antibody level values and cardiac function in patients with coronary artery disease.

OBJECTIVES: We studied the association between the prooxidant-antioxidant balance (PAB), anti-malondialdehyde-modified low-density lipoprotein (oxidized LDL, ox-LDL) IgG antibody and indices of cardiac function (systolic and diastolic function) in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). METHODS: Fifty-five patients with established CAD were selected, and serum levels of anti-ox-LDL IgG and PAB values were measured and compared with 40 matched healthy controls. Systolic and diastolic functions were determined for all patients. RESULTS: PAB values were significantly higher in patients than in controls (p < 0.001), whilst serum anti-ox-LDL concentrations were not statistically different between the 2 groups (p = 0.821). However, after adjustment for high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, the patients had higher anti-ox-LDL levels (p = 0.04). Total PAB values were inversely associated with ejection fraction (r = -0.326, p = 0.031), but this was not the case for anti-ox-LDL in either group (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Serum concentrations of a marker of oxidative stress (PAB values) are inversely associated with cardiac function. PAB is a relatively simple index that could be incorporated into risk assessment in CAD patients. Anti-ox-LDL IgG antibody concentration does not appear to reflect total oxidative stress as assessed by PAB.

The effects of body acupuncture on obesity: anthropometric parameters, lipid profile, and inflammatory and immunologic markers.

A randomized controlled clinical trial in 196 obese subjects was performed to examine the effectiveness of body acupuncture on body weight loss, lipid profile and immunogenic and inflammatory markers. Subjects received authentic (cases) or sham (controls) acupuncture for 6 weeks in combination with a low-calorie diet. In the following 6 weeks, they received the low-calorie diet alone. Subjects were assessed at the beginning, 6 and 12 weeks later. Heat shock protein (Hsps)-27, 60, 65, 70 antibody titers and high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels were also assessed. A significant reduction in measures of adiposity and improvement in lipid profile were observed in both groups, but the levels of anti-Hsp-antibodies decreased in cases only. A reduction in anthropometric and lipid profile in cases were sustained in the second period, however, only changes in lipid profile were observed in the control group. Anti-Hsp-antibodies and hs-CRP levels continued to be reduced in cases but in controls only the reduction in hs-CRP remained. Changes in anthropometric parameters, lipid profile, and anti-Hsp-antibodies were more evident in cases. Body acupuncture in combination with diet restriction was effective in enhancing weight loss and improving dyslipidemia.

Omega-3 fatty acid supplements improve the cardiovascular risk profile of subjects with metabolic syndrome, including markers of inflammation and auto-immunity.

OBJECTIVE: Fish-oil contains high concentrations of omega-3 fatty acids that have been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties. We have evaluated the effects of purified omega-3 fatty acid supplements on several anthropometric and biochemical parameters, including heat shock protein (Hsp) 27 antibody titres in subjects with metabolic syndrome. METHODS: Subjects (n = 120) with metabolic syndrome (mean age of 52.9 +/- 11.9 years) were randomly allocated to one of two groups: sixty subjects were given 1 gram of fish oil as a single capsule, containing 180 mg eicosapentaenoic acid and 120 mg docosahexaenoic acid daily for 6 months. Control subjects did not receive any supplementation over the same period. RESULTS: The study was completed by 47 subjects in the intervention group and 42 subjects in the control group. Treatment with omega 3 supplements was associated with a significant fall in body weight (P < 0.05), systolic blood pressures (P < 0.05), serum low density lipoprotein cholesterol (P < 0.05), and total cholesterol (P < 0.05), triglycerides (P < 0.05), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) (P < 0.01), and Hsp27 antibody titres (P < 0.05). No significant changes were observed in the control group. CONCLUSION: It appears that omega 3 improves the cardiovascular risk profile of subjects with metabolic syndrome, having effects on weight, systolic blood pressure, lipid profile and markers of inflammation and autoimmunity.

Metabolic syndrome may not be a good predictor of coronary artery disease in the Iranian population: population-specific definitions are required.

The inability of two definitions of metabolic syndrome (MS) to predict the presence of coronary artery disease (CAD) in a non-Caucasian population was demonstrated. Angiography was used as the gold standard method for identifying patients with (cases) or without (controls) CAD. It is possible that the current definitions of MS are not appropriate for some non-Caucasian populations.

Pharmacology of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors and its use in the management of metabolic syndrome: a comprehensive review on drug repositioning.

OBJECTIVES: Despite advances in our understanding of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and the treatment of each of its components separately, currently there is no single therapy approved to manage it as a single condition. Since multi-drug treatment increases drug interactions, decreases patient compliance and increases health costs, it is important to introduce single therapies that improve all of the MetS components. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: We conducted a PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, Web of Science, US FDA, utdo.ir and clinicaltrial.gov search, gathered the most relevant preclinical and clinical studies that have been published since 2010, and discussed the beneficial effects of dipeptidyl peptidase (DPP)-4 inhibitors to prevent and treat different constituent of the MetS as a single therapy. Furthermore, the pharmacology of DPP-4 inhibitors, focusing on pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, drug interactions and their side effects are also reviewed. RESULTS: DPP-4 inhibitors or gliptins are a new class of oral anti-diabetic drugs that seem safe drugs with no severe side effects, commonly GI disturbance, infection and inflammatory bowel disease. They increase mass and function of pancreatic ß-cells, and insulin sensitivity in liver, muscle and adipose tissue. It has been noted that gliptin therapy decreases dyslipidemia. DPP-4 inhibitors increase fatty oxidation, and cholesterol efflux, and decrease hepatic triglyceride synthase and de novo lipogenesis. They delay gastric emptying time and lead to satiety. Besides, gliptin therapy has anti-inflammatory and anti-atherogenic impacts, and improves endothelial function and reduces vascular stiffness. CONCLUSION: The gathered data prove the efficacy of DPP-4 inhibitors in managing MetS in some levels beyond anti-diabetic effects. This review could be a lead for designing new DPP-4 inhibitors with greatest effects on MetS in future. Introducing drugs with polypharmacologic effects could increase the patient's compliance and decrease the health cost that there is not in multi-drug therapy. Graphical abstract ᅟ.

Curcumin in tissue engineering: A traditional remedy for modern medicine.

Curcumin is the principal polyphenolic compound present in turmeric with broad applications in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. It has some important inherent properties with the potential to facilitate tissue healing, including anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and antibacterial activities. Therefore, curcumin has been used for the treatment of various damaged tissues, especially wound injuries. There are different forms of curcumin, among which nano-formulations are of a great importance in regenerative medicine. It is also important to design sophisticated delivery systems for controlled/localized delivery of curcumin to the target tissues and organs. Although there are many reports on the advantages of this compound, further research is required to fully explore its clinical usage. The review describes the physicochemical and biological properties of curcumin and the current state of the evidence on its applications in tissue engineering. © 2018 BioFactors, 45(2):135-151, 2019.

Serum zinc and copper status in dyslipidaemic patients with and without established coronary artery disease.

INTRODUCTION: Aspects of trace element status have previously been investigated as possible contributory factors to atherosclerosis. In this present study a more comprehensive approach has been taken, looking at the relationship between dietary macro- and micronutrient intake, serum concentrations of zinc and copper, and markers of inflammation in dyslipidaemic patients with or without established coronary artery disease (CAD) and healthy controls, so that a clearer understanding of the potential relationship between copper and zinc status and coronary disease may be ascertained. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Dyslipidaemic patients (n = 238) were recruited from the local General Hospital in Guildford, UK. Fifty-five of these patients had established CAD. Control subjects (n = 135) were recruited from among employees at the local University and Hospital. A validated food frequency questionnaire was used for estimating the dietary intake of zinc and copper. RESULTS: Serum copper, copper/caeruloplasmin ratio, zinc/copper ratio, and C-reactive protein (CRP) were significantly different in the patient groups compared to controls [serum copper: 17.20 +/- 0.2 v 15.91 +/- 0.29 micromol/L, p < 0.001; copper/caeruloplasmin ratio: 111.37 +/- 2.18 v 100.63 +/- 2.93 micromol/g, p < 0.01; zinc/copper ratio: 0.85 +/- 0.01 v 0.90 +/- 0.01, p < 0.05; and CRP: 1.25 (0.42-3.26) v 0.58 (0.17-1.42) mg/L, p < 0.001]. Dietary protein, total fat, starch, fibre, monounsaturated fat, zinc, and zinc/copper ratio were also significantly higher in the patients compared to controls. Patients with established CAD had significantly higher serum CRP (p < 0.05) and lower serum zinc (p < 0.01) and zinc/copper ratio (p < 0.01) compared to both patients without CAD and healthy controls. CONCLUSION: Significant differences in copper and zinc status, dietary intake and markers of inflammation were observed in patients with dyslipidaemia, with or without established CAD, compared with control subjects. Differences in serum CRP, copper and caeruloplasmin may be related to a heightened state of inflammation. The imbalance in zinc/copper metabolism may either contribute to the CAD risk or be a consequence of an acute phase response.

Multiple step-variable pathway hypothesis: a reason why predictions fail in atherosclerosis.

Cardiovascular risk factors are individually only modest predictors of events, and whilst more sophisticated algorithms appear to improve their prediction, a significant proportion of the population is miscategorised and therefore managed inappropriately. It is proposed that atherogenesis is a multi-step process, and that the critical transitions between steps requires 'bundles' of risk factors that may differ for each step. These bundles may not always contain a classical risk factor and may differ between individuals. This hypothesis would predict that the impact of specific risk factors is non-uniform during atherogenesis and therefore the efficacy of interventions will vary with stage. New therapeutic opportunities exist if the factors that promote progression between particular stages could be identified and targeted. The staging of disease using modalities such as imaging and functional assessment may be necessary to deliver the most effective treatment. Finally, risk assessment will invariably be inaccurate, even using complex algorithms.

Selenium status and cardiovascular risk profile in healthy adult Saudi males.

The purpose of this research was to investigate the relationship between selenium levels, thyroid function and other coronary risk factors in 140 Saudi subjects without overt coronary heart disease stratified by age. Demographic data and serum fasting lipid profile, glucose, thyroid function tests, selenium status and dietary intake was assessed. The relationships between selenium status, thyroid function and cardiovascular risk factors were assessed by univariate and multivariate analysis. The results showed that thyroid hormone levels did not differ with age. Erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase (GPx) levels were significantly higher in the youngest vs. oldest tertile (p<0.0001). Selenium and iodine intake did not differ significantly with age tertile, but the average intake for the population sample was below the estimated average requirements for both elements. Serum lipoprotein (a) concentrations correlated with selenium (r = 0.417, p<0.0001) and TSH (r = 0.172, p<0.05). After adjustment for confounding variables; serum fT(4) and erythrocytes GPx remained significant determinants of serum TSH levels, whilst serum selenium and TSH were determinants of serum fT(4) levels. Serum Lp(a), a coronary risk factor, was strongly related to measures of selenium status. A significant relationship between measures of selenium status and thyroid function was found. Serum Lp(a) a known risk factor for cardiovascular disease was also related to selenium status in our population.

Down-regulation of CatSper 1 and CatSper 2 genes by lead and mercury.

In the study of the expression of CatSper genes, consideration of the effects of environmental metal toxicity is very important. Therefore, in this study, the effects of lead acetate and mercury chloride exposure on expression of CatSper genes, sperm parameters, histology of testis and prooxidant antioxidant balance (PAB) values of serum were investigated. A total of 28 mice was divided into four groups. The control group did not receive injections. The sham group received normal saline intraperitoneally. Lead and mercury groups were injected 60 and 1.25 mg/kg/daily lead acetate and mercury chloride respectively intraperitoneally for 2 weeks. After 35 days, the sperm analysis and histology of left testis were performed. In addition, serum was obtained to measure the PAB values. The right testis was used for molecular analysis of real-time PCR. Administration with either lead acetate or mercury caused significant damage to the seminiferous tubules as well as a reduction in sperm parameters compared to the control group. The relative expression of CatSper 1 and CatSper 2 in the lead group was lower than that of the control group (-0.01 ±â€¯0.24, -0.007 ±â€¯0.52 vs. 1 ±â€¯0.50, P = 0.34). The relative expression of CatSper 1 and CatSper 2 was significantly lower in the mercury group compared to the control ones (-0.24 ±â€¯2.28, -4.49 ±â€¯4.86 vs. 1 ±â€¯0.50, P = 0.21). PAB values significantly increased in lead or mercury exposed- mice compared to the control ones (0.93 ±â€¯0.17, 1.54 ±â€¯0.17 vs. 0.51 ±â€¯0.11; P ≤ 0.000). The results of this study showed that administration with either lead acetate or mercury chloride caused degenerative damage in seminiferous tubules and reduction in sperm quality and expression of CatSper 1, 2 genes in mice. Therefore, it is possible in infertile men who have had exposure to lead acetate or mercury chloride. Owing to structural similarities, these metals are substitutes for calcium ions and have effects on calcium channels. These cause immobility in sperm by blocking CatSper-specific calcium channels. However, more studies are required to elucidate the mechanism underlying the impact of different doses of heavy metals on CatSper genes expression.

The biochemical assessment of insulin resistance.

Insulin resistance is a common condition, recognized to be a central feature of the metabolic syndrome, and strongly associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes. The quantitative assessment of insulin sensitivity is not used for routine clinical purposes, but the emerging importance of insulin resistance has led to its wider application to research studies that have examined its pathogenesis, aetiology and consequences. The gold standard method for the determination of insulin sensitivity is the euglycaemic hyperinsulinaemic clamp from which indices of insulin sensitivity can be derived. The clamp technique is both expensive and complex to undertake and has prompted the use of surrogate methods, notably the insulin tolerance test and frequently sampled intravenous glucose tolerance test. Indices may be derived from these methods and correlate well with those derived from clamp studies. Indices can also be derived from measurements made during a standard oral glucose tolerance test and from one-off fasting specimens (e.g. homeostasis model assessment and quantitative insulin sensitivity check index). These indices lend themselves for use in large population studies where a relatively simple, inexpensive assessment is necessary. However, these tests all suffer from important limitations, including poor precision. Insulin resistance is increasingly being assessed in clinical situations, where relatively simple markers are required. Insulin-like growth factor binding protein-1 is an emerging marker which may be useful in this context.

C-reactive protein associated with coronary artery disease in Iranian patients with angiographically defined coronary artery disease.

INTRODUCTION: Several cross-sectional and cohort studies have reported an association between serum markers of inflammation such as C-reactive protein, and coronary heart disease in Caucasian populations. We aimed to investigate the relationship between levels of serum C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and the presence of coronary artery disease (CAD) in Iranian patients undergoing coronary angiography. METHODS: Serum hs-CRP, fasting lipid profile and blood glucose levels were measured in 110 patients (61 males and 49 females) undergoing routine coronary angiography. Anthropometric features including blood pressure were determined using standard procedures. Demographic characteristics, including post-menopausal status and smoking habit were assessed by questionnaire. RESULTS: Of the 110 subjects undergoing angiography, 74 (67.28%) had significant CAD (CAD+) and 36 (32.72%) were classified as having insignificant CAD (CAD-). Mean age (p<0.01), waist circumference (p<0.01) and LDL (p<0.05) and median values of hs-CRP (p<0.01) and triglycerides (p<0.05) were higher in the patients CAD+ than in the subjects CAD-. The proportion of women who were postmenopausal was also significantly higher in the CAD+ group. Age (p<0.01), waist circumference (p<0.05) and hs-CRP (p<0.05) were significant CAD predictive factors from logistic regression analysis. Serum hs-CRP concentrations were significantly higher in smokers compared to non-smokers (p<0.05), low density lipoprotein (LDL) (r=0.31, p<0.001), and serum triglycerides (r=0.191, p<0.05) correlated with serum hs-CRP. The median value of serum hs-CRP increased with the severity of the disease, but failed to reach statistical significance. CONCLUSION: Serum hs-CRP is an independent predictor of angiographically defined CAD in an Iranian population. Measurement of the serum hs-CRP level may improve risk stratification among patients suspected of having CAD. The strong correlations between serum hs-CRP with LDL and smoking may be due to the putative pro-inflammatory effects of these two parameters. The association with serum triglycerides may be indirect and related to insulin resistance and adiposity.

Relationship between indices of iron status and coronary risk factors including diabetes and the metabolic syndrome in Saudi subjects without overt coronary disease.

There have been inconsistent reports on the relationship between iron status and coronary artery diseases (CAD), and little data on this relationship in non-Caucasian populations. We assessed dietary iron by questionnaire and measured serum iron and ferritin levels in 270 Saudi male subjects without established CAD, 130 of whom were angiogram negative. Serum lipid profile, glucose, high sensitivity-C reactive protein (hs-CRP), serum soluble intercellular adhesion molecules-1 (sICAM-1), and caeruloplasmin were measured in all subjects. The angiogram negative patients, had lower serum ferritin (p<0.05) and iron (p<0.0001) levels than the 140 subjects without reported cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Serum iron correlated with serum triglycerides (p<0.0001) and total cholesterol (p<0.05) levels for this latter group and the groups combined. Serum ferritin correlated with serum total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol in the combined group (p<0.05), and was correlated with blood glucose and serum LDL-cholesterol (p<0.05) in the subjects without reported CVD. After adjustment for confounding variables, serum iron levels remained a significant correlate with total calorie intake and serum triglycerides. Serum ferritin also correlated significantly with cholesterol intake and fasting serum total cholesterol. Dietary iron was significantly related to dietary cholesterol and fiber, age, smoking habits, and serum total cholesterol level. Hence, indices of iron status were related to several coronary risk factors in the Saudi population.

Serum copper and zinc concentrations are lower in Iranian patients with angiographically defined coronary artery disease than in subjects with a normal angiogram.

BACKGROUND: An imbalance between zinc and copper metabolism has been reported to predispose to coronary artery disease (CAD) in Western populations, but there are little data for other racial groups. We have therefore investigated the association between serum copper and zinc, and CAD in Iranian subjects undergoing coronary angiography. METHODS: Serum copper, zinc, fasting lipid profile, and blood glucose levels were measured in 114 patients (67 male and 47 female) undergoing routine coronary angiogram. Anthropometric features including blood pressure were determined using standard procedures. Demographic characteristics, including menopausal status and smoking habit, were assessed by questionnaire. RESULTS: Male patients had lower serum copper (p<0.05), lower serum zinc (p<0.05), and higher serum zinc/copper ratio (p<0.05) than females. Serum copper and zinc concentrations were significantly lower in the subjects with angiographically defined CAD than those patients with a normal angiogram, although the zinc/copper ratio was higher in these patients (p<0.001). Serum copper (r=-0.303, p<0.001) and zinc (r=-0.250, p<0.01) concentrations were both inversely related to age, and copper was positively associated with fasting serum triglycerides (r=0.188, p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Serum copper and zinc concentrations were significantly lower in Iranian patients with abnormal versus those with a normal angiogram. However, the zinc/copper ratio was higher in patients with CAD compared to subjects without CAD. Serum zinc and copper concentrations appear to be influenced by several physiological factors including age and gender.

Hypoxia in Atherogenesis.

The anoxemia theory proposes that an imbalance between the demand for and supply of oxygen in the arterial wall is a key factor in the development of atherosclerosis. There is now substantial evidence that there are regions within the atherosclerotic plaque in which profound hypoxia exists; this may fundamentally change the function, metabolism, and responses of many of the cell types found within the developing plaque and whether the plaque will evolve into a stable or unstable phenotype. Hypoxia is characterized in molecular terms by the stabilization of hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) 1α, a subunit of the heterodimeric nuclear transcriptional factor HIF-1 and a master regulator of oxygen homeostasis. The expression of HIF-1 is localized to perivascular tissues, inflammatory macrophages, and smooth muscle cells adjacent to the necrotic core of atherosclerotic lesions and regulates several genes that are important to vascular function including vascular endothelial growth factor, nitric oxide synthase, endothelin-1, and erythropoietin. This review summarizes the effects of hypoxia on the functions of cells involved in atherogenesis and the evidence for its potential importance from experimental models and clinical studies.

Effect of Crocin on Antibody Titers to Heat-Shock Protein 27 in Subjects with Metabolic Syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Recent studies have shown that antibody titers to heat shock protein 27 (anti-Hsp27) and serum hs-CRP concentrations are elevated in patients with MetS, and may be associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Crocin is a natural carotenoid with cardio protective effects. OBJECTIVE: Because of the previous evidence for the beneficial effects of saffron in patients with MetS, this study investigated the effect of supplementation with crocin, the active ingredient of saffron, on serum anti-Hsp27 and hs-CRP in patients with MetS. DESIGN: Sixty subjects with metabolic syndrome were randomized to receive crocin (n=30, 15 mg twice a day) or placebo (n=30, twice a day) for a duration of eight weeks. At the end of study, serum anti-Hsp27 and hs-CRP concentrations were measured and compared between the groups. RESULTS: Serum anti-Hsp27 titers fell by 13% (p>0.05) in the crocin group but it rose in the placebo group by 22% (p>0.05). The magnitude of change in serum anti-Hsp27 titers was not significantly different between the study groups (p = 0.28). In the crocin group, serum anti-Hsp27 changes had a borderline negative correlation with glucose (r= -0.35, p=0.06) and a positive correlation with waist circumference (r=0.39, p=0.035). Serum hs-CRP levels were significantly reduced in both groups but these reductions were not significantly different between the study groups (p = 0.31). CONCLUSION: There was no significant effect of crocin on serum anti-Hsp27 titers in subjects with MetS, but this needs further confirmation in larger-scale trials.

The epidermal growth factor receptors and their family of ligands: their putative role in atherogenesis.

The epidermal growth factor receptor is a member of type-I growth factor receptor family with tyrosine kinase activity that is activated following the binding of multiple cognate ligands. Several members of the EGF family of ligands are expressed by cells involved in atherogenesis. EGF receptor mediated processes have been well characterised within epithelial, smooth muscle and tumour cell lines in vitro, and the EGF receptor has been identified immunocytochemically on intimal smooth muscle cells within atherosclerotic plaques. There is also limited evidence for the expression of the EGF receptor family on leukocytes, although their function has yet to be clarified. In this review, we will discuss the biological functions of this receptor and its ligands and their potential to modulate the function of cells involved in the atherosclerotic process.