Prognostic Significance of Plasma Folate and Cobalamin Concentrations in Non-Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer: A Prospective Cohort Study.

This cohort study aimed to investigate prognostic significance of plasma folate and cobalamin in non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). A total of 177 NMIBC patients were followed over a period extending to 6 years. Cox regression models were applied to estimate risks for recurrence and progression according to plasma vitamins tertiles. Compared to first tertile, third tertile of plasma folate [HR (95% CI), 10.5 (1.32-83.4); p = 0.026] was associated, and of plasma cobalamin [2.12 (0.63-7.25); p = 0.116] tended to be associated with higher risk for progression. NIMBC patients with high folate/cobalamin statuses should make the physician more alert for a likely poor outcome.

[Plasma fatty acids profile and lipids in Tunisian male elite athletes]. / Profil des acides gras et des lipides plasmatiques chez des sportifs Tunisiens de haut niveau.

BACKGROUND: Growing interest is accorded to polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) omega3, which are considered beneficial for health. AIM: to investigate the effect of sports on plasma lipids and fatty acids (FAs), especially omega6 and omega3 PUFAs and the omega6/omega3 ratio. METHODS: The study included 75 Tunisian male elite athletes, practicing team sport and 70 sedentary healthy men as controls. Plasma FAs profile was analyzed by gas chromatography. Comparison between groups was performed using a univariate GLM analysis, with adjustment on age, body mass and energy intake. RESULTS: Athletes showed lower triglycerides and saturated FAs (27.64% +/- 2.17% vs. 30.41% +/- 4.35%) and increased HDL cholesterol and monounsaturated FAs (21.19% +/- 2 44% vs. 19.12% +/- 3.03%). However, there was no significant difference in total PUFAs, omega6 and omega3 families and omega6/omega3 ratio (10.15% +/- 3.24% vs. 10.20% +/- 3.37%) between athletes and sedentary. CONCLUSION: Sport favorably modifies the profile of plasma FAs by increasing monounsaturated FAs at the expense of saturated FAs, but has no effect on total PUFAs, and omega6 and omega3 families. A diet rich in omega3 PUFAs would lower the omega6/omega3 ratio, in order to improve the health and probably the performance of athletes.

[Erythrocyte abnormalities in thyroid dysfunction]. / Les anomalies ertyrocytaires au cours des dysthyroïdies.

BACKGROUND: Erythrocyte abnormalities are frequently associated with thyroid dysfunction. However, they are rarely investigated and related to the thyroid. AIM: This study was aimed to determine the nature and frequency of erythrocyte abnormalities in thyroid disease and look for their evolution after thyroid function restoration. METHODS: This retrospective study included 412 patients with peripheral thyroid disease; hyperthyroidism (n=235) or hypothyroidism (n=177). Hyperthyroidism was considered for TSH<0.10 ÌUI/ml and hypothyroidism for TSH>5.0 ÌUI/ml. Anemia was defined by hemoglobin level<13 g/dl in men and <12 g/dl in women, microcytosis by mean corpuscular volume (MCV)<80 fl, macrocytosis by MCV>98 fl, and hypochromia by mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH)<25 pg. Restoration of euthyroid state was considered in patients with normal TSH levels for at least 3 months. RESULTS: Anaemia was observed in 40.9% of patients with hyperthyroidism and 57.1% of patients with hypothyroidism. Among these, normocytic or macrocytic anaemia was present in 46.3% of cases. Whereas, microcytosis, with or without anaemia, was noted in 87.7% of patients with hyperthyroidism. FT4 was positively correlated with the number of red blood cells and haemoglobin, and inversely correlated with MCV and MCH. After restoration of euthyroid state, most erythrocyte abnormalities were corrected. CONCLUSION: Thyroid diseases are frequently associated with erythrocyte abnormalities, including normocytic anaemia in hypothyroidism and microcytosis in hyperthyroidism. These abnormalities should be investigated and corrected. Their presence could steer towards subclinical thyroid dysfunction, allowing its early management.