Decreased plasma nesfatin-1 levels in patients with acute myocardial infarction

Nesfatin-1 is a novel anorexigenic hormone which has close relationship with diabetes, obese, anorexia nervosa, psychiatric disorders and neurogenic diseases. The aim of our study was to evaluate levels of plasma nesfatin-1 among patients presenting with coronary artery disease and the correlation between nesfatin-1 levels and other clinical parameters. Fasting plasma levels of nesfatin-1 were tested in 48 acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients, 74 stable angina pectoris (SAP) patients and 34 control subjects. All of them were examined by coronary angiography. The severity of coronary atherosclerosis was assessed using the Gensini score. Plasma nesfatin-1 levels were significantly lower in AMI group than SAP group or control group (0.91 ± 0.08 ng/mL vs. 0.98 ± 0.19 ng/mL and 1.09 ± 0.39 ng/mL, respectively, P < 0.05). In AMI patients, plasma nesfatin-1 levels were negatively correlated with high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, neutrophil% or Gensini scores. Such information implies that lower nesfatin-1 concentration may play a very important role in the development of AMI.     

Copper,zinc and iron levels in premature infants following red blood cell transfusion

This study aimed to investigate effect of erythrocyte suspension (ES) transfusion on Cu, Zn, and Fe levels. It was conducted on 53 premature infants who were admitted to Hacettepe Hospital and received EST for first time. Blood samples were drawn before and 96 h after ES transfusion to determine Cu, Zn, and Fe levels in plasma and/or erythrocytes. The mean plasma Cu levels were 99 ± 3 μg/dl and 113 ± 3 μg/dl; Zn levels were 105 ± 2 μg/dl and 115 ± 23 μg/dl; mean plasma Fe level was 58.1 ± 19.4 and 75.2 ± 25.4 μg/dl and mean erythrocyte Fe level was 4182 ± 2314 μg/ml and 7009 ± 5228 μg/ml, before and after ES transfusion. The differences between before and after ES transfusion in Cu, Zn and Fe levels were significant. Correlation between plasma and erythrocyte Fe levels was significant both before and after ES transfusion. Though Fe overload is a major cause of morbidity/mortality after ES transfusion, alterations in trace elements should also be considered when transfusing blood to infants and children.     

Influencia del inmunoensayo empleado en la determinación de vitamina D sérica

IntroductionSerum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels are the best indicator of vitamin D levels in the body. Precision, reproducibility, and lack of standardization are the main problems in such measurements. The aim of this study was to compare the 25(OH)D levels measured using Elecsys Vitamin D Total (Roche) and ADVIA Centaur Vitamin D Total (Siemens).Material and methods25(OH)D levels were tested in 166 patients using both methods. Patients were subsequently divided into two groups: a «supplemented group» consisting of patients receiving vitamin D supplements, and an «untreated group» consisting of the rest of patients.Results25(OH)D mean levels measured by the Roche and Siemens methods in the overall group were 33.6 ± 16.0 and 19.8 ± 12.4 ng/mL respectively. 54.2% of patients were receiving vitamin D supplements. In this group, mean 25(OH)D levels measured by the Roche and Siemens methods were 40.6 ± 14.5 and 25.4 ± 13.1 ng/mL respectively. In the untreated group, the respective values were 24.9 ± 13.2 and 12.8 ± 6.6 ng/mL. Prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (serum 25(OH)D levels less than 20 ng/mL) was higher in samples analyzed using the Siemens method (60.2%) as compared to those tested using the Roche method (23.5%).ConclusionThe assays evaluated are not comparable to each other. Laboratory specialists should inform clinicians of the features of the method used for measuring 25(OH)D because this will have a direct impact on interpretation of the results and medical decisions.     

Subcellular fractionation of Cu exposed oysters,Crassostrea virginica,and Cu accumulation from a biologically incorporated Cu rich oyster diet in Fundulus heteroclitus in fresh and sea water

In order to examine the effect of salinity on Cu accumulation from a naturally incorporated diet, oysters (Crassostrea virginica) were exposed in sea water for 96 days to four waterborne [Cu]: 2.9 ± 0.7 (control), 4.3 ± 0.6, 5.4 ± 0.5, and 10.7 ± 1.0 µg L^? 1. After 96 days, the control whole body [Cu] increased from 2.1 ± 0.5 to 9.1 ± 1.1 µg g^? 1 w.w. and the highest [Cu] was 163.4 ± 27.1 µg g^? 1 w.w. in the oysters. Despite large differences in tissue [Cu], there was no effect on the fraction of trophically available metal in the oyster suggesting that trophic transfer will correlate well with tissue [Cu]. The control and highest [Cu] oysters became diet for killifish (Fundulus heteroclitus) in fresh and seawater for 40 days. The two diets contained 84.7 ± 5.1 and 850.5 ± 8.8 µg Cu g^? 1 d.w. Fish were fed a combined diet of oyster and a pellet supplement (20.5 ± 1.0 µg Cu g^? 1 d.w.) both at 5% body mass day^? 1. In killifish, Cu increased ~ 7% in gills and 100% in intestines after 6 weeks of exposure to the high Cu diet. No other tissues accumulated Cu above control levels. An 11-fold difference free Cu²⁺ concentrations was predicted in intestinal fluid between fresh and sea water, but there was no corresponding effect of salinity on intestinal Cu accumulation suggesting that Cu is not accumulated as the free ion.     

Higher circulating levels of chemokines CXCL10, CCL20 and CCL22 in patients with ischemic heart disease

Recruitment of leukocytes is one of the earliest events in the pathogenesis of ischemic heart disease (IHD) and chemokines play an important role in the migration of these cells into the inflammation sites. The aim of this study was to evaluate the CXCL10, CCL20 and CCL22 levels and the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) rs4508917, rs6749704 and rs4359426 in chemokine genes in patients with IHD to clarify any association. A total of 300 patients with IHD as having acute myocardial infarction (AMI; n = 100), stable angina (SA; n = 100) or unstable angina (UA; n = 100) and 100 healthy subjects as a control group were enrolled to study. Serum samples from all participants were tested for the CXCL10, CCL20 and CCL22 levels by using ELISA. The SNPs were determined by polymerase chain reaction–restriction length polymorphism (PCR–RFLP) method. The mean serum concentrations of CXCL10, CCL20 and CCL22 in AMI patients (395.97 ± 21.20 Pg/mL, 108.38 ± 10.31 Pg/mL and 1852.58 ± 205.77 Pg/mL), SA patients (405.48 ± 27.36 Pg/mL, 90.20 ± 7.69 Pg/mL and 2322.04 ± 231.23 Pg/mL) and UA patients (396.69 ± 22.79 Pg/mL, 141.87 ± 18.10 Pg/mL and 2754.89 ± 211.70 Pg/mL) were significantly higher than in the healthy group (179.38 ± 8.85 Pg/mL, 51.92 ± 4.62 Pg/mL and 451.82 ± 23.76 Pg/mL, respectively; P < 0.001). Similarly, the serum levels of CXCL10, CCL20 and CCL22 in total IHD patients (399.38 ± 13.77 Pg/mL, 113.49 ± 7.48 Pg/mL and 2309.84 ± 126.39 Pg/mL, respectively) were also significantly higher as compared with healthy subjects (P < 0.001). The serum levels of CCL20 and CCL22 in UA patients were significantly higher than those in SA and AMI patients, respectively (P < 0.01 and P < 0.003, respectively). The serum levels of CXCL10 and CCL20 in diabetic patients were significantly higher in comparison to non-diabetic patients (P < 0.05 and P < 0.02, respectively). The serum levels of CCL22 in dyslipidemic- and obese patients were also significantly higher in comparison with non-dyslipidemic- and non-obese patients, correspondingly (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01, respectively). There were no significant differences between men and women or between patients who treated with statin, aspirin, β-blockers or angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and patients without mentioned treatment regarding the levels of chemokines. The frequency of the GG genotype at SNP rs4508917 in CXCL10 gene was higher, whereas the frequency of the AA genotype at SNP rs4359426 in CCL22 gene was lower in total patients with IHD as compared with healthy subjects (P < 0.04 and P < 0.002, respectively). These results showed that the higher levels of CXCL10, CCL20 and CCL22 were associated with IHD. The serum levels of chemokines may influence by the certain traditional risk factors of IHD and some studied SNPs, but did not influence by treatment and gender of patients.     

Gomesin acts in the immune system and promotes myeloid differentiation and monocyte/macrophage activation in mouse

Due to the cytotoxic effect of antimicrobial peptides (AMP) against several microorganism and tumor cells has been proposed their association with the immune system. However, just a few reports have shown this relationship. In this study, mice were treated with gomesin, a β-hairpin AMP that exhibit high cytotoxicity against bacterial and tumor cells. Different effects in the immune system were observed, such as, decrease of CD3⁺ in T lymphocytes (Control: 17.7 ± 1.4%; Gomesin: 7.67 ± 1.2%) and in hematopoietic progenitors and increase of hematopoietic stem cell (Control: 0.046 ± 0.004%; Gomesin: 0.067 ± 0.003%), B220⁺ B lymphocytes (Control: 38.63 ± 1.5%; Gomesin: 47.83 ± 0.48%), and Mac-1⁺F4/80⁺ macrophages (Control: 11.76 ± 3.4%; Gomesin: 27.13 ± 4.0%). Additionally, macrophage increase was accompanied by an increase of macrophage phagocytosis (Control 20.85 ± 1.53; Gomesin 31.32 ± 1 Geometric mean), interleukin 6 (Control: 47.24 ± 1.9 ng/mL; Gomesin: 138.68 ± 33.68 ng/mL) and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (Control: 0.872 ± 0.093 ng/mL; Gomesin: 1.83 ± 0.067 ng/mL). Thus, this report showed immunomodulatory activity of gomesin in the immune system of mice.     

Trace elements content and hormonal profiles in women with androgenetic alopecia

It is well-known that some trace element imbalances play a significant role in the pathomechanism of many forms of alopecia. Androgenetic alopecia, however, is a specific local sensitivity of hair follicle receptors to androgens. In a clinical and laboratory study, 153 women with androgenetic alopecia (AGA) and 32 control women were examined. In AGA patients telogen hair and vellus hair (miniaturization, D < 30 μm) significantly differed in frontal and parietal hair comparison with occipital area (20 ± 0.9% vs. 12 ± 0.5% and 33 ± 0.9% vs. 12 ± 0.6% respectively). In the AGA group levels of androstenedione and dihydrotestosterone were higher than in the control group. Hair elemental content, analyzed by ICP-MS, demonstrated a lowered Cu and Zn content in the frontal area in comparison to the occipital area. It is important to note, that the AGA patients with elevated levels of androstenedione and dihydrotestosterone presented an increased Cu content and decreased Mn, Se, Zn contents in the occipital area of scalp. The occipital level of Cu positively correlated with the concentration of free testosterone in the serum. A negative correlation between the Zn content in the occipital area and the dehydroepiandrosterone level in the blood was found. Unfortunately, a routine treatment course of AGA patients, including topical inhibitor of 5-alpha-reductase and minoxidil, had no effect on the Cu hair content in occipital and frontal areas. However, there were positive changes in the morphological structure and other trace element contents. These data led us to hypothesize a key role of Cu metabolism disturbances in the AGA onset, development of AGA, and potential pharmaceutical targets for the treatment of AGA.     

Serum reference levels of selenium,zinc and copper in healthy pregnant women at a prenatal screening program in southeastern mediterranean region of Turkey

ProjectThe aim of the study was to investigate the serum reference range for Selenium (Se), Zinc (Zn) and Copper (Cu) levels in women of 10–14 (group I) and 16–20 (group II) weeks of gestation and compare them with those in non-pregnant healthy women and healthy men.ProcedureThis cross-sectional study was performed in 351 pregnant women [group I (n: 177) and group II (n: 174)], 30 non-pregnant women and 30 men as controls. The levels of Se, Zn and Cu levels were determined on flame and furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometer using Zeeman background correction.ResultsIn the 10–14 weeks of gestation Se, Zn and Cu serum levels were 44.85±9.23, 81.30±31.94 and 132.33±38.24 ug/dl, in 16–20 weeks of gestation were 47.18±10.92, 74.25±22.47 and 164.86±39.69 ug/dl, in non-pregnant women were 55.38±8.81, 121.41±29.22 and 104.75±39.14 ug/dl also in men 72.24±9.28, 134.85±15.95 and 78.29±20.90 ug/dl, respectively.ConclusionA significant low level of serum Se, Zn and a high level of Cu in the pregnant women in the 10–14 and 16–20 weeks of gestation were detected when compared with that of non-pregnant women and men.     

Marcadores bioquímicos,nutricionales y actividad antioxidante en el síndrome metabólico

Background and objectives1) Nutritional assessment of the diet followed by patients with metabolic syndrome, and 2) biochemical analysis of the oxidation-reduction level in patients with metabolic syndrome.Material and methodsA cross-sectional study was conducted in patients with metabolic syndrome in Murcia. Fifty-three patients, 33 with and 20 without (control group) metabolic syndrome, were selected. The intervention consisted of completion of a recall survey and a test to nutritionally assess dietary intake. Anthropometric and laboratory variables, including those related to antioxidant activity, were also tested.ResultsAntioxidant activity was within normal limits in both groups (1.7 ± 0.2 mmol/L in the control group and 1.8 ± 0.1 mmol/L in the metabolic syndrome group) (NS). Superoxide dismutase levels were not significantly different between the groups. Mean glutathione reductase levels (U/L) were higher in the control group as compared to patients with metabolic syndrome (P < .05). As regards oxidative stress biomarkers, mean isoprostane levels were higher in the control group (4.9 ± 6.2 ng/mL) than in metabolic syndrome patients (3.5 ± 3.9 ng/mL) (P < .05). Oxidized LDL values tended to be higher in metabolic syndrome patients (96 ± 23.2 U/L) as compared to the control group (86.2 ± 17.3  U/L), but differences were not significant.ConclusionsThere is a trend to a poorer nutritional and biochemical profile in patients with metabolic syndrome, who also tend to have a greater degree of oxidative stress.     

Endocrine responses and milk emission characteristics in high yielding Alpine dairy goats under once daily milking management

This study was done to verify if the lack of increase of milk fat content observed in Alpine dairy goats under once daily milking (ODM) compared to twice daily milking (TDM), results from disturbances of animals and/or milk ejection reflex. In this respect, we determined the milk yield and composition in the same 12 multiparous Alpine dairy goats when they were managed first under TDM (period 1: P1) and then under ODM (period 2: P2). Furthermore, oxytocin (OT) and cortisol (CORT) releases and milk emission kinetic of these goats were measured at morning milking 2 and 4 times in P1 and P2, respectively.ODM compared to TDM, caused 18 and 23% reductions, respectively in daily milk yield and milk fat content without milk protein content modification.Although baseline concentration of blood OT was lower under ODM than TDM management (7.0 pg/mL vs 17.8 ± 2.0 pg/mL, respectively), ODM did not modify the total amount of OT released during milking (15,484 pg/mL/32 min vs 18,996 ± 2865.3 pg/mL/32 min, respectively), the peak concentration of OT (57.2 pg/mL vs 73.6 ± 10.5 pg/mL, respectively) or the time to reach it (3.0 min vs 2.0 ± 0.5 min, respectively) by comparison to TDM.ODM compared to TDM, never modified the baseline concentrations of CORT (6.1 ng/mL vs 7.1 ± 1.1 ng/mL, respectively), the total amount of CORT released (11,727 ng/mL/32 min vs 10,073 ± 1522.2 ng/mL/32 min, respectively), the peak concentrations of CORT (16.1 ng/mL vs 15.1 ± 2.1 ng/mL, respectively) and the time to reach it (13.1 min vs 11.0 ± 1.5 min).During ODM, milk flow latency was reduced (−61%) while the mean flow rate was increased (+28%) by comparison to TDM. ODM compared to TDM management, did not modify the maximum flow rate (1.6 L/min vs 1.6 ± 0.2 L/min, respectively) or the time to reach this maximum (103.0 s vs 95.0 ± 10.0 s, respectively). The total milking duration at morning milking was not different (250.0 s vs 221.0 ± 22.0 s, respectively) although the morning milk yield was significantly higher under ODM management (2.63 kg/d vs 1.87 ± 0.1 kg/d, respectively).This results show that milk emission is improved under ODM management in Alpine goats without inhibition or disturbance of neuro-hypophyseal OT release pattern and lack of activation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis and plasma cortisol increase, disproving our initial hypotheses of a disturbance of animals and/or incomplete milk ejection to explain the low fat content of milk under ODM in this breed.     

Resistance exercise modulates lipid plasma profile and cytokine content in the adipose tissue of tumour-bearing rats

Cancer cachexia is a multifactorial syndrome characterised by progressive weight loss, frequently accompanied by anorexia, sarcopenia, and chronic systemic inflammation. The white adipose tissue is markedly affected by cachexia and contributes to this syndrome throught the secretion of pro-inflammatory factors which reach the adjacent tissues and the circulation. A nonpharmacologic intervention that may attenuate cancer cachexia is chronic physical activity, but the effect of resistance training upon adipose tissue inflammation in cachexia has never been examined. For that purpose we designed a protocol in which animals were randomly assigned to a control group (CT, n = 7), a Tumour bearing group (TB, n = 7), a Resistance Trained group (RT, n = 7) and a Resistance Trained tumour bearing group (RTTB, n = 7). Trained rats climbed a vertical ladder with an extra load attached to the tail, representing 75–90% of total body mass, 3 times per week, for 8 weeks. In the 6th week of resistance training, tumour cells (3 × 10⁷ Walker 256 carcinosarcoma) were inoculated in the tumour groups. Body, adipose tissue, muscle and tumour mass was determined, as well a blood biochemical parameters, and the hormone and cytokine profile assessed. The glycogen content of the liver and muscle was measured. IL-10, IL-6 and TNF-α protein expression was evaluated in the mesenteric adipose tissue (MEAT) examined. Resistance training increased by 9% body weight gain in RTTB (final weight 310.8 ± 9.8 g), when compared with TB (final weight 288.3 ± 4.9 g). LDL-c levels were decreased in RTTB (0.28 ± 0.9 mmol/L) by 43% when compared with TB (0.57 ± 0.1 mmol/L). HDL-c levels were increased in RTTB (1.31 ± 0.12 mmol/L) by 15% in regard to CT (1.13 ± 0.7 mmol/L) and 22% as compared with TB (1.07 ± 0.07 mmol/L). RTTB testosterone levels (577 ± 131 ng/mL) were 55% higher when compared with CT (254 ± 41.3 ng/mL) and 63% higher when compared with TB (221 ± 23.1 ng/mL). Adiponectin levels were augmented in RT (23 μg/mL) by 43% when compared with TB (11 μg/mL). Protein expression of IL-6 was increased 38% in TB MEAT (5.95 pg/μg), as compared with CT (3.64 pg/μg) and 50% compared with RTTB (2.91 pg/μg). Similar results with respect to TNF-α TB (7.18 pg/μg) were observed: 39% and 46%, higher protein expression in comparison with CT (4.63 pg/μg) and RTTB (3.8 pg/μg), respectively. IL-10 protein expression was found to be increased in TB (4.4 pg/μg) and RTTB (3.2 pg/μg) 50% and 47%, respectively, in comparison with CT (1.2 pu/μg). The IL-10/TNF-α ratio was higher in RTTB in relation to all others experimental groups. The results show a robust effect of resistance exercise training in preventing important symptoms of cancer cachexia, thus strongly suggesting it may appear as an alternative to endurance exercise as a non-pharmacological therapy in the management of this syndrome.     

Menstrual Disorders and Androgen-Related Traits in Young Women with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus: a Clinical Study

Objective: To investigate possible causes of menstrual disorders and androgen-related traits in young women with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM).Methods: Fifty-three women with T1DM (duration 8.0 ± 5.6 years), 41 women with (polycystic ovary syndrome) PCOS, and 51 controls matched for age (19.4 ± 4.3 years vs. 21.2 ± 2.7 years vs. 20.8 ± 3.1 years; P>.05) and body mass index (BMI) (22.2 ± 2.7 kg/m² vs. 21.9 ± 2.0 kg/m² vs. 21.4 ± 1.9 kg/m²; P>.05) were prospectively recruited.Results: Two women (3.8%) in the T1DM group had not experienced menarche (at 15.5 and 16.6 years); of the rest, 23.5% had oligomenorrhea, 32.1% hirsutism, and 45.3% had acne. The age at menarche was delayed in the T1DM group compared to controls (12.7 ± 1.3 vs. 12.0 ± 1.0 years; P = .004), while no difference was observed with the polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) group (12.4 ± 1.2 years). There were no differences in total testosterone (0.43 ± 0.14 ng/mL vs. 0.39 ± 0.14 ng/mL; P>.05), dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) (269 ± 112 μg/dL vs. 238 ± 106 μg/dL; P>.05) or Δ4-androstenedione (2.4 ± 1.3 ng/mL vs. 1.9 ± 0.5 ng/mL; P>.05) concentrations between T1DM and controls. However, patients with T1DM had lower sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) concentrations than controls (61 ± 17 nmol/L vs. 83 ± 18.1 nmol/L; P = .001), which were even lower in the PCOS group (39.5 ± 12.9 nmol/L; P = .001 compared with T1DM). The free androgen index (FAI) was higher in the PCOS group compared with both other groups (T1DM vs. PCOS vs. controls: 2.53 ± 0.54 vs. 7.88 ± 1.21 vs. 1.6 ± 0.68; P<.001). FAI was higher in patients with T1DM compared to controls as well (P = .038). There was no difference in DHEA-S concentrations between T1DM and PCOS patients (269 ± 112 μg/dL vs. 297 ± 100 μg/dL; P>.05).Conclusion: Menstrual disorders and androgen-related traits in young women with T1DM may be attributed to an increase in androgen bioavailability due to decreased SHBG concentrations.     

The influence of androgens on hibernation phenology of free-living male arctic ground squirrels

Free-living ground squirrel species are sexually dimorphic in hibernation phenology. The underlying causes of these differences are not yet known. Androgens, testosterone (T) in particular, inhibit hibernation. To determine the influence of endogenous androgens on annual timing of hibernation we first measured circulating levels of T and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), an adrenal androgen implicated in non-mating season aggression in other species, in free-living male arctic ground squirrels (Urocitellus parryii, AGS). We also manipulated endogenous androgen levels by surgical castration, and consequently compared body temperature records from intact (n = 24) and castrated (n = 9) males to elucidate the influence of endogenous androgens on annual body temperature cycles. The highest T levels (0.53 ± 0.10 ng/mL) were in reproductively mature male AGS in spring; whereas, both immature males in spring and all males in late summer had T levels an order of magnitude lower (0.07 ± 0.01 and 0.06 ± 0.00 ng/mL, respectively). DHEA levels were higher in males during the late summer compared to reproductively mature males in spring (120.6 ± 18.9 and 35.9 ± 2.3 pg/mL, respectively). Eliminating gonadal androgens via castration resulted in males delaying euthermy by extending heterothermy significantly in spring (Apr 22 ± 2.9) than reproductive males (Mar 28 ± 3.9) but did not change the timing of hibernation onset (castrate: Oct 12 ± 1.0 vs. intact: Oct 3 ± 3.1). We conclude that while androgens play a significant role in spring hibernation phenology of males, their role in fall hibernation onset is unclear.     

Vitamin D-Binding Protein in Healthy Pre- and Postmenopausal Women: Relationship with Estradiol Concentrations

Objective: To examine the relationship between endogenous serum estradiol and vitamin D–binding protein (DBP) and total, free, and bioavailable 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) concentrations in pre- and postmenopausal women.Methods: In 165 healthy women (ages, 26 to 75 years) not taking any form of exogenous estrogen, the serum concentrations of estradiol, 25OHD, DBP, parathyroid hormone, and albumin were measured. Free and bioavailable 25OHD (free + albumin-bound) levels were calculated from total 25OHD, DBP, and serum albumin levels.Results: Premenopausal women had higher serum 25OHD (31.5 ± 7.9 ng/mL), DBP (45.3 ± 6.2 mg/dL), and estradiol (52.8 ± 35.0 pg/mL) levels than postmenopausal women (26.5 ± 4.9 ng/mL, 41.7 ± 5.7 mg/dL, and 12.9 ± 4.9 pg/mL), respectively. In addition, the calculated free and bioavailable 25OHD levels were higher in prethan postmenopausal women (P<.05). Serum estradiol correlated with DBP (r = 0.22; P<.01) and total 25OHD (r = 0.27; P<.01). In multivariate regression models (with or without serum 25OHD), estradiol was independently associated with DBP (P<.05).Conclusion: Lower estradiol level is one of the factors that contribute to lower DBP levels in older women. Our data indicate that besides well-known factors such as age, gender, and race, serum estradiol concentrations are also a physiologic predictor of DBP concentration.Abbreviations: 25OHD = 25-hydroxyvitamin D BMI = body mass index CV = coefficient of variation DBP = vitamin D–binding protein PTH = parathyroid hormone SHBG = sex hormone–binding globulin     

Development of a sensitive and selective method for the quantitative analysis of cortisol,cortisone, prednisolone and prednisone in human plasma

A highly selective, sensitive and robust LC–MS/MS method was developed for the simultaneous quantification of cortisol, cortisone, prednisolone and prednisone in human plasma. Prednisolone, cortisol and cortisone have similar fragmentation pattern. These three compounds were chromatographically separated, thus eliminating the inherent interference that fragments derived from the M + 2 and M isotopes of prednisolone contribute in the MRM channels of cortisol and cortisone, respectively. Additionally, by using a small particle (1.8 μm) analytical column, interferences present in the plasma samples from post-transplant recipients were successfully resolved from cortisol after a simple extraction consisting of protein precipitation, evaporation and reconstitution. The chromatographic separation was achieved on a Zorbax-SB Phenyl column under isocratic conditions during a run time of 8 min. Intra-run and inter-run precision and accuracy within ±15% were achieved during a 3-run validation for quality control samples at five concentration levels in charcoal-stripped plasma as well as in normal plasma, over a 500-fold dynamic concentration range. The lower limit of quantitation was 0.500 ng/mL for cortisone and prednisone, 1.00 ng/mL for cortisol and 2.00 ng/mL for prednisolone. The performance of the small particle column was maintained during more than 1200 injections in terms of peak retention time, symmetry and backpressure.     

Regional brain and sex differences in the plasma progesterone concentration of sheep

Progesterone concentration was measured in specific brain regions of the ram and anestrous ewe to provide reference values for future studies to investigate if local CNS lesions resulting from neurodegenerative diseases of sheep are associated with progesterone loss. Using radioimmunoassay, plasma progesterone was recorded throughout all brain regions assayed. No significant differences were found between the ewe and ram for any brain regions. There were however, significant differences between the different regions of an individual brain (P < 0.05). Plasma progesterone concentration for the highest to the lowest value recorded was as follows: 2.93 ± 0.85 and 2.77 ± 0.51 ng/g in the frontal cortex; 2.33 ± 0.67 and 2.25 ± 0.48 ng/g in the parietal cortex; 1.32 ± 0.36 and 1.29 ± 0.35 ng/g in the temporal cortex; 1.25 ± 0.32 and 1.25 ± 0.31 ng/g in the occipital cortex; 1.24 ± 0.30 and 1.23 ± 0.31 ng/g in the corpus callosum; 1.16 ± 0.30 and 1.21 ± 0.38 ng/g in the cerebellum; 1.09 ± 0.30 and 1.12 ± 0.39 ng/g in the medulla oblongata of the ewe and ram, respectively. Plasma progesterone concentration in the ewe (0.28 ± 0.06 ng/ml) was significantly higher than that in the ram (0.10 ± 0.03 ng/ml) (P < 0.001). Furthermore, plasma progesterone concentration in all sheep was several times lower than that of any regions of the brain. The results indicate that the sheep brain accumulates progesterone in significant levels, which may be independent of the circulating progesterone. The brain progesterone concentration in CNS regions assayed was similar for the ram and anestrous ewe. Neurodegenerative processes in visna, border disease and enzootic ataxia should be questioned in further studies if they are associated with local progesterone loss.     

Toxic and essential elements in children's blood (<6 years) from Kinshasa,DRC (the Democratic Republic of Congo)

In this study we determined the concentration of 9 trace elements (As, Cd, Cu, Hg, Mn, Mo, Pb, Se and Zn) in whole blood of children (n = 100, 64 girls, 36 boys and median age: 36 months) using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The proportion of children potentially deficient in essential elements or poisoned by toxic elements was evaluated. The aging effects on the concentration of these elements were also investigated. The median values were 3.17 μg/L (As), 0.15 μg/L (Cd), 1.1 mg/L (Cu), 2.1 μg/L (Hg), 10.4 μg/L (Mn), 17.7 μg/L (Mo), 8.7 μg/dL (Pb), 10.7 μg/L (Se) and 5.0 mg/L (Zn). The concentration of many elements (As, Cd, Hg, Mn, Pb and Zn) showed significant age variations but not sex influence. Regarding levels of the essential elements (Cu, Mn, Mo, Se and Zn), B-Cu, B-Mn, B-Se and B-Zn were in the normal range, whereas exceeded levels were observed for B-Mo. None of these children was deficient in essential elements. Except B-Cd, all toxic elements showed exceeded blood levels. The proportion of children potentially poisoned by toxic elements varies from 10% (n = 10) to 95% (n = 95) and depends on toxic element: 95% for As, 10% for Hg and 35% for Pb. The main health concerns emerging from this study are the high As, Hg and Pb exposures of the Kinshasan children requiring further documentation, corrective actions and the implementation of appropriate regulations.     

Plasma renin and aldosterone levels in obese and non-obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome

ObjetiveTo assess plasma renin and aldosterone levels in obese and non-obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).MethodsObese women (body mass index [BMI] > 30 kg/m2; group A, n = 34) and non-obese women (BMI < 25 kg/m2; group B, n = 13) with PCOS were selected. The control group (group C, n =47) consisted of age-matched women with regular menses and normal ultrasonographic ovaries. Luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, androstenedione, testosterone, sex hormone-binding globulin, serum glucose, insulin, renin, plasma renin activity, and aldosterone levels were measured.ResultsObese and non-obese women with PCOS had higher luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, androstenedione, testosterone, and insulin levels as compared to women in the control group (p < 0.05). Women with PCOS had significantly higher renin levels (group A: 50.2 ± 4.9 picoU/mL, group B: 39.9 ± 2.7 picoU/mL, and group C: 24.6 ± 2.6 picoU/mL), plasma renin activity (group A: 3.7 ± 0.3 ng/mL/h, group B: 3.6 ± 0.3 ng/mL/h, and group C: 2.2 ± 0.4 ng/mL/h), and aldosterone levels (group A: 31.2 ± 3.3 ng/dL, group B: 29.3 ± 2.9 ng/dL, and group C: 22.2 ± 3.9 ng/dL) as compared with controls.ConclusionSignificant differences exist in plasma renin and aldosterone levels between obese and non-obese women as compared with polycystic ovary syndrome and normal controls.     

Correlation between serum trace elements and risk of preeclampsia: A case controlled study in Riyadh,Saudi Arabia

Preeclampsia is a serious medical complication during pregnancy. In response to an increasing number of preeclamptic cases and scarcity of data concerning the interrelation between trace element levels and preeclampsia, we carried out a hospital based case–control study in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia to study the correlation between levels of serum trace elements and risk of preeclampsia. One hundred and twenty pregnant women were enrolled in this study and divided into three groups of 40 each—Control group, HR group (women at high risk of preeclampsia) and PET group (Preeclampsia group). Serum trace element levels were estimated by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrophotometer. The analysis found that mean values of Ca, Mg and Zn were 90.08 ± 6.38, 19.33 ± 3.32 and 1.30 ± 0.83 mg/L respectively in normotensive control and 77.85 ± 4.47, 15.44 ± 1.43 and 0.98 ± 0.63 mg/L respectively in the HR group. The mean values of Ca, Mg and Zn in the preeclamptic group were 70.37 ± 4.66, 13.58 ± 1.98 and 0.67 ± 0.59 mg/L, respectively. Interelement analysis reflected a negative correlation between Ca and Mg and between Mg and Zn whereas positive correlation between Ca and Zn in preeclamptic women. However the correlation was not statistically significant. In conclusion, our study suggests that decreased levels of these trace elements in serum may act as predisposing factors in pathogenesis of Preeclampsia.     

Hepatic uptake and biliary excretion of manganese in the little skate,Leucoraja erinacea

The liver is a major organ involved in regulating whole body manganese (Mn) homeostasis; however, the mechanisms of Mn transport across the hepatocyte basolateral and canalicular membranes remain poorly defined. To gain insight into these transport steps, the present study measured hepatic uptake and biliary excretion of Mn in an evolutionarily primitive marine vertebrate, the elasmobranch Leucoraja erinacea, the little skate. Mn was rapidly removed from the recirculating perfusate of isolated perfused skate livers in a dose-dependent fashion; however, only a small fraction was released into bile (< 2% in 6 h). Mn was also rapidly taken up by freshly isolated skate hepatocytes in culture. Mn uptake was inhibited by a variety of divalent metals, but not by cesium. Analysis of the concentration-dependence of Mn uptake revealed of two components, with apparent K_m values 1.1 ± 0.1 µM and 112 ± 29 µM. The K_m value for the high-affinity component was similar to the measured skate blood Mn concentration, 1.9 ± 0.5 µM. Mn uptake was reduced by nearly half when bicarbonate was removed from the culture medium, but was unaffected by a change in pH from 6.5 to 8.5, or by substitution of Na with Li or K. Mn efflux from the hepatocytes was also rapid, and was inhibited when cells were treated with 0.5 mM 2,4-dinitrophenol to deplete ATP levels. These data indicate that skate liver has efficient mechanisms for removing Mn from the sinusoidal circulation, whereas overall biliary excretion is low and appears to be mediated in part by an ATP-sensitive mechanism.