Impact of Thyroid Function on Serum Cystatin C and Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate: A Cross-Sectional Study

ObjectiveTo determine the relationship between thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and cystatin C (CysC) and estimated glomerular filtration rate calculated by Cys^C (e^GFRCysC).MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study including 8,126 male participants. Serum creatinine (Cr), CysC, eGFR calculated by Cr (eGFR_Cr), and eGFR_CysC were determined and compared in euthyroid and subclinical thyroid dysfunction patients. Relationships between TSH and Cr, cystatin C, eGFR_Cr, and eGFR_CysC were assessed by linear and quadratic trend analyses. Odds ratios (ORs) of chronic kidney disease (CKD; eGFR<60 mL/min/1.73m²) were calculated according to categories of thyroid function using TSH values of 2.01-3.00 mIU/L as a reference.ResultsSerum CysC level was significantly elevated, and eGFR_CysC was significantly reduced in both sub-clinical hypothyroidism and subclinical hyperthyroidism. TSH was negatively and linearly associated with Cr and eGFR_Cr (P<.001). Quadratic trends were found between TSH and cystatin C or eGFR_CysC (P<.001). Compared with individuals with TSH of 2.01-3.00 mIU/L, the prevalence of CKD_CysC was significantly higher in subjects with TSH<0.40 mIU/L, 3.01-4.00 mIU/L, and 4.01-7.00 mIU/L, while the prevalence of CKD_Cr was only significantly higher in subjects with TSH>7.0 mIU/L.ConclusionDespite only studying male subjects and using eGFR rather than standard GFR, we conclude that thyroid function differentially affects serum CysC and Cr concentrations. Subclinical hypothyroidism and subclinical hyperthyroidism are both associated with elevated CysC, reduced eGFR_CysC, and higher prevalence of CKD_CysC. Assessment of renal function with CysC should be avoided in patients with thyroid dysfunction. (Endocr Pract. 2013;19:397-403)     

Renalase in children with chronic kidney disease

Abstract

Background: Renalase is kidney-derived molecule initially considered as catecholamine-inactivating enzyme. However, recent studies suggest that renalase exerts potent cardio- and nephroprotective actions, not related to its enzymatic activity.

Purpose: To assess renalase level in children with chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Material and methods: Serum renalase, BMI, arterial stiffness, peripheral and central blood pressure, intima-media thickness (IMT), medications, and biochemical parameters were analyzed in 38 children with CKD (12.23?±?4.19?years) (stage G2-5). Control group consisted of 38 healthy children.

Results: In the study group, GFR was 25.74?±?8.94?mL/min/1.73 m²; 6 children were dialyzed; 26 had arterial hypertension. Renalase level was higher in the study group compared to control group (p?<?0.001). In CKD children renalase correlated (p?<?0.05) with BMI Z-score (r?=?–0.36), alfacalcidol dose (r?=?0.41), GFR (r?=?–0.69), hemoglobin (r?=?–0.48), total cholesterol (r?=?0.35), LDL-cholesterol (r?=?0.36), triglycerides (r?=?0.52), phosphate (r?=?0.35), calcium-phosphorus product (r?=?0.35), parathormone (r?=?0.58), and pulse wave velocity Z-score (r?=?0.42). In multivariate analysis GFR (β?=?–0.63, p?<?0.001), triglycerides (β?=?0.59, p?=?0.002), and alfacalcidol dose (β?=?–0.49, p?=?0.010) were determinants of renalase.

Conclusions: In children with CKD there is a strong correlation between renalase level and CKD stage. Furthermore, in these patients renalase does not correlate with blood pressure but may be a marker of arterial stiffness.     

Association between Kidney Function and Framingham Global Cardiovascular Disease Risk Score: A Chinese Longitudinal Study

Background

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is generally considered an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD) development, but rates in individuals with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) >60 ml/min/1.73 m² are uncertain. The Framingham global CVD risk score (FRS) equation is a widely accepted tool used to predict CVD risk in the general population. The purpose of the present study was to examine whether an association exists between eGFR and FRS in a Chinese population with no CKD or CVD.

Methods

A total of 333 participants were divided into three groups based on FRS. The Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI) equation and CKD-EPI equation for Asians (CKD-EPI-ASIA) were used to measure eGFR.

Results

A significant inverse association between eGFR and FRS was confirmed with Pearson correlation coefficients of –0.669, –0.698 (eGFR_CKD-EPI, P<0.01) and –0.658, –0.690 (eGFR_CKD-EPI-ASIA, P<0.01). This association gradually diminished with progression from the low- to high-risk groups (eGFR_CKD-EPI, r = –0.615, –0.282, –0.197, P<0.01, P<0.01, P>0.05; similar results according to the CKD-EPI-ASIA equation). In the low- or moderate-risk new-groups, this association became stronger with increased FRS (eGFR_CKD-EPI-ASIA, r = –0557, –0.622 or –0.326, –0.329, P<0.01). In contrast to the results from 2008, eGFR was independently associated with FRS following adjustment for traditional cardiovascular risk factors (P<0.05).

Conclusion

Renal function has multiple influences on predicting CVD risk in various populations. With increasing FRS and decreasing eGFR, it is also independently associated with CVD, even in individuals with eGFR >60 ml/min/1.73 m².     

Oxidative stress is associated with decreased heart rate variability in patients with chronic kidney disease

Objectives: Elevated oxidative stress and reduced heart rate variability (HRV) is prevalent in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Previous studies have identified a positive association between elevated oxidative stress and autonomic dysfunction, however this relationship has not yet been investigated in the CKD population.

Methods: Plasma was collected from 78 patients with stage 3–4 CKD (estimated glomerular filtration rate 25–60?ml/min/1.73?m²) for the assessment of oxidative stress, including plasma total F2-isoprostanes, glutathione peroxidase activity and total antioxidant capacity. Time and frequency HRV parameters were measured from a three lead electrocardiogram.

Results: Participants with elevated F2-isoprostanes had reduced HRV compared to patients with normal levels of F2-isoprostanes. A number of HRV parameters were found to be inversely correlated with F2-isoprostanes in all CKD patients, including SDNN (r?=??0.337; P?r?=??0.281, P?=?0.01), LF (r?=??0.315, P?r?=??0.288, P?=?0.01). Multiple linear regression found F2-isoprostanes to be an independent predictor of SDNN (r²?=?0.287, β?=??0.272, P?=?0.01).

Discussion: Oxidative stress is significantly and independently associated with HRV in patients with CKD. Identifying oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of autonomic dysfunction may help target therapeutic strategies.     

Association of galectin-3 with changes in left ventricular function in recent-onset dilated cardiomyopathy

Abstract

Background: The course of newly diagnosed dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) varies from persistent reduction of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) to recovery or even worsening. The aim of the present study was to examine the prognostic value of selected biomarkers with regard to changes in LVEF.

Methods: Main inclusion criterion was LVEF ≤45% with exclusion of coronary artery or valvular heart disease. The primary endpoint was LVEF ≤35% in the follow-up echocardiogram. Galectin-3, N-terminal prohormone of brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and C-reactive protein (CRP) were related to the endpoint.

Results: Data from 80 DCM patients (55 male, mean age 53 years) were analyzed. Median LVEF was 25% (IQR 25–30). The endpoint was met for 24 patients (30%). These had higher baseline levels of galectin-3 (median 20.3?ng/mL [IQR 14.3–26.9] vs. 14.7?ng/mL [IQR 10.9–17.7], p?=?0.007) and NT-proBNP (3089?pg/mL [IQR 1731–6694] vs. 1498?pg/mL [IQR 775–3890]; p?=?0.004) in univariate Cox regression analysis. ROC analysis revealed that CRP (median 0.4?mg/dL [IQR 0.2–1.2]) was also related to the endpoint (p?=?0.043).

Conclusion: Higher levels of galectin-3, NT-proBNP, and CRP were associated with LVEF ≤35% in our cohort. An approach utilizing a combination of biomarkers for patient management should be assessed in further studies.     

Effects of exercise and lifestyle intervention on oxidative stress in chronic kidney disease

Objectives: Determine the effects of a 12-month exercise and lifestyle intervention program on changes in plasma biomarkers of oxidative stress in pre-dialysis chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients.

Methods: A total of 136 stage 3–4 CKD patients were randomized to receive standard nephrological care with (N?=?72) or without (N?=?64) a lifestyle and exercise intervention for 12 months. Plasma total F₂-isoprostanes (IsoP), glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activity, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), anthropometric and biochemical data were collected at baseline and at 12 months.

Results: There were no significant differences between groups at baseline. There were no significant differences in changes for standard care and lifestyle intervention, respectively, in IsoP (p?=?0.88), GPX (p?=?0.87), or TAC (p?=?0.56). Patients identified as having high IsoP at baseline (>250 pg/mL) had a greater decrease in IsoP with lifestyle intervention compared to standard care; however, the difference was not statistically significant (p?=?0.06). There was no difference in the change in kidney function (eGFR) between standard care and lifestyle intervention (p?=?0.33).

Discussion: Exercise and lifestyle modification in stage 3–4 CKD did not produce changes in systemic biomarkers of oxidative stress over a 12-month period, but patients with high IsoP may benefit most from the addition of intervention to standard care.     

YKL-40 in patients with end-stage renal disease receiving haemodialysis

Purpose: This study aimed to determine serum YKL-40 in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) on haemodialysis (HD) and to evaluate the prognostic value of serum YKL-40.

Methods: Patients >18?years on maintenance HD were included. Serum YKL-40 was measured using ELISA before and after a single HD treatment.

Results: A total of 306 patients were included. Median serum YKL-40 concentration was 238?µgL^?1 (IQR: 193–291?µgL^?1) before HD treatment and 198?µgL^?1 (IQR: 147–258?µgL^?1) after HD treatment, which corresponded to age-corrected 93th percentile in healthy subjects. All-cause mortality after 2.8?years was 35.9%. Patients with serum YKL-40 in the highest quartile compared with the lowest quartile had a univariate HR of 4.0 (95% CI: 2.2–7.3, p?p?=?0.01) in multivariate analysis. Time-dependent receiver operating characteristic curves showed that serum YKL-40 after HD treatment had significant higher area under the curves from 90?d (p?=?0.004) and throughout the rest of the follow-up period when compared to serum YKL-40 before HD treatment.

Conclusion: YKL-40 was highly elevated in patients with ESRD on HD, and dialysis reduced serum YKL-40 concentrations approximately one-sixth. YKL-40 measured after dialysis was independently associated with mortality in HD patients.     

Association of vitamin D receptor BsmI (rs1544410) gene polymorphism with the chronic kidney disease susceptibility

Abstract

Association of vitamin D receptor (VDR) BsmI (rs1544410) gene polymorphism with the chronic kidney disease (CKD) susceptibility from the published reports are still conflicting. This meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the relationship between VDR BsmI (rs1544410) gene polymorphism and the risk of CKD. The association studies were identified from PubMed, Cochrane Library and China Biological Medicine Database on 1 March 2014, and eligible investigations were included and synthesized using meta-analysis method. Nine reports were recruited into this meta-analysis for the association of VDR BsmI gene polymorphism with CKD susceptibility. In this meta-analysis for overall populations, the BsmI B allele BB genotype and bb genotype were not associated with the risk of CKD (B allele: OR?=?1.12, 95% CI: 0.88–1.44, p?=?0.36; BB genotype: OR?=?1.15, 95% CI: 0.81–1.62, p?=?0.43; bb genotype: OR?=?0.86, 95% CI: 0.61–1.20, p?=?0.36). Furthermore, VDR BsmI gene polymorphism was not associated with CKD susceptibility in Asians and in Caucasians. In conclusion, the BsmI gene polymorphism was not associated with CKD susceptibility in overall populations, in Asians and in Caucasians. However, more studies should be conducted to confirm it.     

Characterization of soluble thrombomodulin levels in patients with stage 3–5 chronic kidney disease

Abstract

Objective: This study aims to test the serum levels of soluble thrombomodulin (TM) in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD)3–5 and to assess their connection with the different stages and severity of disease.

Methods: Sixty-seven patients with CKD are included, disease severity was evaluated accordingly to CKD staging and clinical data is collected. Nineteen healthy volunteers served as healthy controls. Serum soluble TM is analyzed by ELISA.

Results: The levels of soluble TM in all patients with CKD were significantly higher than those of healthy controls (p?<?0.001). CKD5 patients showed higher serum levels of soluble TM, in comparison to CKD4 patients (p?=?0.001), CKD3 patients (p?<?0.001), and healthy controls (p?<?0.001). The correlation analysis revealed significant correlation between serum soluble TM and disease severity (r?=?0.714, p?<?0.001). Serum soluble TM was found to be correlated with eGFR (r?=??0.766; p?<?0.001) and serum creatinine (r?=?0.778, p?<?0.001).

Conclusion: Soluble TM concentrations significantly increase in the CKD patients and are associated with the severity of the disease. Soluble TM may play critical roles in the development of CKD, as a biomarker of endothelial cells damage, anticoagulation and anti-inflammation.     

Cis-vaccenic acid and the Framingham risk score predict chronic kidney disease: the multi-ethnic study of atherosclerosis (MESA)

IntroductionData on the associations of fatty acids with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are sparse.Materials and methodsWe performed a cross-sectional study of 2792 men and women from the MESA cohort of African–American, Caucasian, Chinese and Hispanic adults without known cardiovascular disease. Plasma phospholipid fatty acid proportions were associated with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and the albumin/creatinine ratio.ResultsCis-vaccenic acid (18:1n?7), adjusted for other fatty acids using multivariate logistic regression (CI: 1.0–1.4), and step-wise logistic regression (CI: 1.02–1.42), was positively associated with reduced eGFR. The Framingham Risk Score, when adjusting for fatty acid proportions and demographic factors, was positively associated with CKD as measured by the eGFR and the albumin/creatinine ratio.Discussion and conclusionsPlasma phospholipid proportions of the 18 carbon monounsaturated cis-vaccenic acid {18:1n?7}) and the Framingham Risk Score are associated with kidney function. The potential role of 18:1n?7 in the development of CKD warrants further investigation.     

Prothrombin and fibrinogen carbonylation: How that can affect the blood clotting

Objectives: The aim of the work was the development of a simple method for measuring the plasma prothrombin carbonylation and the study the impact of prothrombin and fibrinogen oxidation on the rate of plasma clotting.

Methods: A new method was based on the ability of prothrombin to be adsorbed by the barium sulfate. It consists of four steps: prothrombin mixing with the water suspension of BaSO₄; reaction of 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine with the BaSO₄-bound prothrombin; desorption of prothrombin-2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazone complex from BaSO₄ in an alkaline medium; neutralization and reading of the optical absorbance of the complex (λ?=?370?nm). The prothrombin/fibrinogen carbonylation and plasma clotting rate in vitro in the presence of reactive oxygen species (ROS)-generating agents (0.05–0.8?mM Fe²⁺/H₂O₂) were monitored.

Results: The plasma volume required for measurement of carbonylated prothrombin was 0.4?ml. High level of linearity and reproducibility was observed (r?=?0.9995, P?=?0.0005 – for the protein; r?=?0.9971, P?=?0.0029 – for carbonyls). In the intact rats, the concentration of blood plasma prothrombin was 0.355?±?0.009?mg/ml, and that of carbonyls was 4.94?±?0.09?nmol/mg.

Discussion: Prothrombin and plasma clotting rate was not affected by low concentrations of ROS (0.05–0.2?mM Fe²⁺/H₂O₂). The fibrinogen was susceptible to ROS-related effect over all the used range of concentration (0.05–0.8?mM Fe²⁺/H₂O₂). Carbonylation of fibrinogen did not affect the plasma clotting activity at low ROS concentration (0.05–0.2?mM Fe²⁺/H₂O₂), however it retarded the clotting at higher ROS (0.2–0.8?mM Fe²⁺/H₂O₂).     

The subset of patients with acute heart failure able to secrete relaxin-2 at pregnancy concentrations could have a longer survival: a pilot study

Objective: To investigate how many patients with acute heart failure (AHF) hypersecrete relaxin-2 concentrations similar to those of pregnant women and determine their long-term outcome.

Methods: In consecutive AHF patients relaxin-2 was quantified by ELISA sandwich method. Patients were divided into pregnancy-like group (PLG, relaxin-2 ≥?500?pg/mL) and control group (CG, relaxin-2 10?days), combined endpoint (death, rehospitalisation, ED revisit) 30?days after discharge, and 30-day, one-year and three-year death rates.

Results: We included 814 patients [81 (SD?=?9) years; 53.0% women] followed during 1.9 (SD 2.8) years; 517 (63.5%) died. Twenty patients (2.5%) formed the PLG (median relaxin-2?=?1459?pg/mL; IQR?=?1722) and 794 the CG (median?=?26; IQR?=?44). There was no interaction with variables included on adjustment (age, sex, ischaemic cardiomyopathy, NT-proBNP, glycaemia, and sodium). PLG patients did not have better short-term secondary endpoints, but did show a significantly lower three-year mortality [OR_adjusted?=?0.17 (0.05–0.5), p?=?0.003].

Conclusions: The small proportion of AHF patients achieving relaxin-2 concentrations similar to those observed in pregnancy may survive longer.     

Serum Uric Acid and Chronic Kidney Disease: The Role of Hypertension

Background

There are inconsistent findings on the role of hyperuricemia as an independent risk factor for chronic kidney disease (CKD). Hypertension has been implicated as a factor influencing the association between serum uric acid and CKD. In this population-based study we investigated the association between serum uric acid and decline in renal function and tested whether hypertension moderates this association.

Methods

We included 2601 subjects aged 55 years and over from the Rotterdam Study. Serum uric acid and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) were assessed at baseline. After average 6.5 years of follow-up, second eGFR was assessed. CKD was defined as eGFR<60 ml/min/1.73 m². All associations were corrected for socio-demographic and cardiovascular factors.

Results

Each unit (mg/dL) increase in serum uric acid was associated with 0.19 ml/min per 1.73 m² faster annual decline in eGFR. While the association between serum uric acid and incidence of CKD was not significant in our study population (Hazard Ratio: 1.12, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.98–1.28), incorporating our results in a meta-analysis with eleven published studies revealed a significant association (Relative Risk: 1.18, 95%CI: 1.15–1.22). In the stratified analyses, we observed that the associations of serum uric acid with eGFR decline and incident CKD were stronger in hypertensive subjects (P for interaction = 0.046 and 0.024, respectively).

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that hyperuricemia is independently associated with a decline in renal function. Stronger association in hypertensive individuals may indicate that hypertension mediates the association between serum uric acid and CKD.     

HIV Viremia and T-Cell Activation Differentially Affect the Performance of Glomerular Filtration Rate Equations Based on Creatinine and Cystatin C

Background

Serum creatinine and cystatin C are used as markers of glomerular filtration rate (GFR). The performance of these GFR markers relative to exogenously measured GFR (mGFR) in HIV-positive individuals is not well established.

Methods

We assessed the performance of the chronic kidney disease epidemiology collaboration equations based on serum concentrations of creatinine (eGFR_cr), cystatin C (eGFR_cys) and both biomarkers combined (eGFR_cr-cys) in 187 HIV-positive and 98 HIV-negative participants. Measured GFR was calculated by plasma iohexol clearance. Bias and accuracy were defined as the difference between eGFR and mGFR and the percentage of eGFR observations within 30% of mGFR, respectively. Activated CD4 and CD8 T-cells (CD38+ HLA-DR+) were measured by flow cytometry.

Results

The median mGFR was >100 ml/min/1.73 m² in both groups. All equations tended to be less accurate in HIV-positive than in HIV-negative subjects, with eGFR_cr-cys being the most accurate overall. In the HIV-positive group, eGFR_cys was significantly less accurate and more biased than eGFR_cr and eGFR_{cr_cys}. Additionally eGFR_cys bias and accuracy were strongly associated with use of antiretroviral therapy, HIV RNA suppression, and percentages of activated CD4 or CD8 T-cells. Hepatitis C seropositivity was associated with larger eGFR_cys bias in both HIV-positive and HIV-negative groups. In contrast, eGFR_cr accuracy and bias were not associated with HIV-related factors, T-cell activation, or hepatitis C.

Conclusions

The performance of eGFR_cys relative to mGFR was strongly correlated with HIV treatment factors and markers of T-cell activation, which may limit its usefulness as a GFR marker in this population.     

Attending a social event and consuming alcohol is associated with changes in serum microRNA: a before and after study in healthy adults

Abstract

Purpose: Circulating microRNAs represent a reservoir for biomarker discovery. Our objective was to profile the change in human circulating microRNA associated with recreational use of alcohol at a social event.

Material and methods: Blood was collected from healthy volunteers (N?=?16) before and after recreational consumption of alcohol (ethanol). Biochemistry, hematology and ethanol measurements were performed. The change in the serum small RNA fraction was quantified by RNA sequencing.

Results: Blood ethanol was undetectable at study entry in all subjects [<10?mg/dL]. After consuming alcohol the median concentration was 89?mg/dL [IQR: 71–138. Min–max 20–175]. There were no changes in biochemistry and hematology parameters. Serum RNA sequencing identified 1371 small RNA species (1305 microRNAs). There were significant increases [adjusted p-value <0.05, fold increase 2 or more] in 265 microRNAs, around a fifth of the total [median fold increase 2.3 [IQR: 2.1–2.5; Max: 3.7]]. miR-185-5p decreased following alcohol exposure [adjusted p-value <0.05, fold decrease 2 or more].

Conclusions: The microRNA composition of human serum is dynamic and environmental factors may have a significant impact. Within its context of use the fold change ‘signal’ of a microRNA must be large enough to negate the risk of false results due to background ‘noise’.     

A LIMNOLOGICAL PROFILE OF THE UPPER OKAVANGO DELTA AT LOW WATER LEVEL

Summary

Selected limnological attributes of the Okavango Delta panhandle were measured during a brief summer survey of “open-water” habitats extending from the permanent mainstream channel, through contiguous off-channel lagoons and still backwaters, to seasonally isolated floodplain lagoon and temporary pool biotopes on the left-bank of the Okavango River at Seronga.

Wide ranges in most determinants were evident along this profile:- temperature (27–34°C); conductivity(4–12.7mS m^?1); pH(5.7–9.2); transparency(0.2–>2.5 m Secchi depth); dissolved oxygen (20–220% saturation); PO₄-P (61–110 μg ?^?1): SiO₂—Si (6.9–14.0 mg ?^?1): NH₄-N (30–44 μg ?^?1): chlorophyll (1.3–183 μ.g ?^?1). Zooplankton was variably diverse (species richness from ≥ 3 to 20), comprising both euplanktonic (Bosmina, Ceriodaphnia, Daphnia, Diaphanosoma, Moina, Mesocyclops, Thermocyclops, Tropodiaptomus) and more typical epiphytic crustacean taxa (Alona, Macrothrix, Pleuroxus), along with various rotifers (Brachionus, Hexarthra, Keratella, Trichocera) and other taxa (Arcella, Ostracoda. Chaoborus). Abundance varied widely between habitats. The littoral macrozoobenthos showed surprisingly low diversity, and was dominated by freshwater shrimps (Caridina).

Substantial allochthonous inputs to the Okavango swamps were evident from the significant concentrations of total suspended solids (7.6–12.6 mg ?^?1 , organic content of 33–41%) carried by the mainstream Okavango River during the survey.     

Biomarker dynamics in cardiac surgery: a prospective observational study on MR-proADM,MR-proANP,hs-CRP and sP-selectin plasma levels in the perioperative period

Abstract

Background: For many biomarkers in cardiac surgery, there is a lack of knowledge regarding the normal dynamics of plasma levels during the perioperative course. The aim of this study was to investigate the perioperative dynamics of MR-proADM, MR-proANP, hs-CRP and sP-selectin in cardiac surgery.

Method: A prospective observational pilot study with 20 patients scheduled for open cardiac surgery procedures with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Plasma samples were taken for each patient and biomarker during the pre-, per- and postoperative period until Day 6 postoperatively.

Results: MR-proADM increased significantly from 0.62 [IQR; 0.54–0.93]?nmol/L preoperatively to 1.20 [1.04–1.80]?nmol/L postoperative Day 1. MR-proANP increased significantly from 125 [77–152]?pmol/L preoperatively to 198 [168–307]?pmol/L on weaning from CPB. hs-CRP increased significantly from 2.5?mg/L [0.4–12] preoperatively to peak at 208?mg/L [186–239] postoperative Day 3. The preoperative level of sP-selectin at 23.0 [21.3–26.3]?ng/mL initially fell at weaning from CPB, followed by a significant peak of 25.5 [22.7–27.7]?ng/mL 8?h postoperatively.

Conclusions: The findings in this study may help to understand the physiology of the biomarkers analysed and their response to cardiac surgical trauma including CPB. Furthermore, these findings will guide us in further research on the clinical usefulness of these biomarkers.     

Protective effect of Zizyphus lotus jujube fruits against cypermethrin-induced oxidative stress and neurotoxicity in mice

Context: Cypermethrin (CYP) is a synthetic pyrethroid insecticide used worldwide in agriculture, home pest control. The toxicity of CYP is well studied in many organisms.

Objective: The aim of present study was to investigate the protective effect of Zizyphus lotus (Zizyp) fruit against neurotoxicity and oxidative stress induced by CYP in mice.

Materials and methods: Mice were divided into four groups of six each: groups I and II were used as control and CYP control (20?mg/kg body weight). While, groups III was orally treated with Zizyphus lotus fruit (5?g/kg body weight) plus CYP (20?mg/kg body weight) for 18?days. Furthermore, HPLC–ESI–MS–MS (Q-Tof) and GC–MS were used to identify the compounds fraction.

Results: Antioxidant enzyme catalase (CAT), neurotoxicity enzyme acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activities and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂)_, malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were determined in the liver, kidney and heart. CYP caused decreased CAT activity, inhibition of AChE activity and increased the levels of H₂O₂ and MDA in heart, liver and kidney.

Conclusion: Our results indicate that Zizyp fruit is markedly effective in protecting mice against CYP-induced biochemical changes. This protection may be due to its antioxidant property and scavenging ability against active free radicals.     

Effect of fungal co-cultures on ligninolytic enzyme activities,H2O2 production,and orange G discoloration

Abstract

In this study, the effects of Aspergillus niger in coculture with the basidiomycetes, Trametes versicolor, T. maxima, and Ganoderma spp., were studied to assess H₂O₂ production and laccase (Lac), Lignin Peroxidase (LiP), and manganese peroxidase (MnP) activities. The results indicated that maximum discoloration was of 97%, in the T. maxima and A. niger coculture, where the concentration of H₂O₂ was 5?mg/L and 6.3?mg/L in cultures without and with dye, respectively. These concentrations of H₂O₂ were 1.6- and 1.8-fold higher than monocultures of T. maxima (3.37?mg/L) and A. niger (3.87?mg/L), respectively. In the same coculture, the LiP and MnP enzyme activities also increased 12-fold, (from 0.08?U/mg to 0.99?U/mg), and 67-fold, (from 0.11?U/mg to 7.4?U/mg), respectively. The Lac activity increased 1.7-fold (from 13.46?U/mg to 24?U/mg). Further, a Box–Behnken experimental design indicated a 1.8-fold increase of MnP activity (from 7.4?U/mg to 13.3?U/mg). In addition, dye discoloration regression model obtained from the Box–Behnken experimental design showed a positively correlation with H₂O₂, (R²?=?0.58) and a negatively correlation with Lac activity (R² = –0.7).     

Synthesis of 4-(2-substituted hydrazinyl)benzenesulfonamides and their carbonic anhydrase inhibitory effects

In this study, 4-(2-substituted hydrazinyl)benzenesulfonamides were synthesized by microwave irradiation and their chemical structures were confirmed by ¹H NMR, ¹³CNMR, and HRMS. Ketones used were: Acetophenone (S1), 4-methylacetophenone (S2), 4-chloroacetophenone (S3), 4-fluoroacetophenone (S4), 4-bromoacetophenone (S5), 4-methoxyacetophenone (S6), 4-nitroacetophenone (S7), 2-acetylthiophene (S8), 2-acetylfuran (S9), 1-indanone (S10), 2-indanone (S11). The compounds S9, S10 and S11 were reported for the first time, while S1–S8 was synthesized by different method than literature reported using microwave irradiation method instead of conventional heating in this study. The inhibitory effects of 4-(2-substituted hydrazinyl)benzenesulfonamide derivatives (S1–S11) against hCA I and II were studied. Cytosolic hCA I and II isoenzymes were potently inhibited by new synthesized sulphonamide derivatives with K_is in the range of 1.79?±?0.22–2.73?±?0.08?nM against hCA I and in the range of 1.72?±?0.58–11.64?±?5.21?nM against hCA II, respectively.