Evaluation of cytokines,oxidative stress markers and brain-derived neurotrophic factor in patients with fibromyalgia – A controlled cross-sectional study

ObjectivesPrevious studies measuring serum levels of biomarkers of inflammation/oxidative stress and neurotrophins levels in fibromyalgia (FM) have rendered inconsistent results. In the present study, our aim was to explore the levels of interleukins, oxidative stress markers and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in patients with FM in relation to depression and severity of disease.MethodsIn a prospective controlled cross-sectional study, serum concentrations of IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, TNF-α, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), protein carbonyl and BDNF were measured in 69 FM patients and 61 healthy controls (all women). In the FM group, the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ), the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) were applied. Mann Whitney’s and Spearman correlation tests were used for statistical analysis.ResultsThe FM patients demonstrated a significant impact of the disease on quality of life (FIQ 70.2 ± 17.8) and most of them had depression at some level (82.6% and 87.0% as assessed by BDI and HDRS, respectively). Most biomarkers (IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α, TBARS and protein carbonyl) and BDNF did not differ significantly between patients and controls, but the IL-10 levels were higher in FM patients (adjusted p = 0.041). Among FM patients, there was no correlation of HDRS, FIQ, and BDI scores with any biomarker tested here.ConclusionWe observed no significant differences in biomarkers between FM patients and controls, except for higher levels of IL-10 (an anti-inflammatory cytokine) in patients. The levels of biomarkers were not correlated with parameters of disease and depression severity.     

Blood BDNF Level Is Gender Specific in Severe Depression

Though the role of brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) as a marker for major depressive disorder (MDD) and antidepressant efficacy has been widely studied, the role of BDNF in distinct groups of patients remains unclear. We evaluated the diagnostic value of BDNF as a marker of disease severity measured by HAM-D scores and antidepressants efficacy among MDD patients. Fifty-one patients who met DSM-IV criteria for MDD and were prescribed antidepressants and 38 controls participated in this study. BDNF in serum was measured at baseline, 1st, 2nd and 8th treatment weeks. Depression severity was evaluated using the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D). BDNF polymorphism rs6265 (val66met) was genotyped. We found a positive correlation between blood BDNF levels and severity of depression only among untreated women with severe MDD (HAM-D>24). Serum BDNF levels were lower in untreated MDD patients compared to control group. Antidepressants increased serum BDNF levels and reduced between-group differences after two weeks of treatment. No correlations were observed between BDNF polymorphism, depression severity, duration of illness, age and BDNF serum levels. Further supporting the role of BDNF in the pathology and treatment of MDD, we suggest that it should not be used as a universal biomarker for diagnosis of MDD in the general population. However, it has diagnostic value for the assessment of disease progression and treatment efficacy in individual patients.     

神经病理性疼痛不同性质疼痛患者血清BDNF、TLR4表达水平差异及其诊断价值分析

摘要 目的：分析神经病理性疼痛（NP）不同性质疼痛患者血清脑源性神经生长因子（BDNF）、Toll受体4（TLR4）表达水平差异及其诊断价值。方法：选取2021年5月～2022年5月本院收治的80例NP患者和100例健康体检者作为研究对象,将NP患者其纳入NP组,将健康体检者纳入对照组,并参照神经病理性疼痛量表（NPS）区分NP组患者的疼痛性质（钝痛20例,不适感28例,深部痛17例,体表痛15例）,分别检测两组患者和NP组不同性质疼痛患者的血清BDNF、TLR4表达水平,采用双变量Spearman相关性检验血清BDNF、TLR4与NP不同性质疼痛的相关性,同时建立多因素Logistic模型,分析NP不同性质疼痛的影响因素,并比较其诊断效能。结果：与对照组比较,NP组血清BDNF表达水平较低,TLR4表达水平较高（P＜0.05）;NP钝痛、不适感、深部痛、体表痛的血清BDNF、TLR4表达水平比较（P＜0.05）;血清BDNF与NP钝痛、不适感、深部痛、体表痛呈负相关性,血清TLR4与NP钝痛、不适感、深部痛、体表痛呈正相关性（P＜0.05）;Logistic多因素分析结果显示,BDNF、TLR4均是NP钝痛、不适感、深部痛、体表痛的独立危险因素（P＜0.05）;血清BDNF、TLR4和BDNF+TLR4对NP钝痛、不适感、深部痛、体表痛的ACU均＞0.70。结论：血清BDNF、TLR4与钝痛、不适感、深部痛、体表痛等性质的NP均存在一定关联,在诊断不同NP性质方面具有较高的敏感性和特异性,有利于为临床治疗提供参考依据。     

Decreased Serum Levels of Mature Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), but Not Its Precursor proBDNF, in Patients with Major Depressive Disorder

Background

Meta-analyses have identified serum levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) as a potential biomarker for major depressive disorder (MDD). However, at the time, commercially available human ELISA kits are unable to distinguish between proBDNF (precursor of BDNF) and mature BDNF because of limited BDNF antibody specificity. In this study, we examined whether serum levels of proBDNF, mature BDNF, and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), which converts proBDNF to mature BDNF, are altered in patients with MDD.

Methodology/Principal Findings

Sixty-nine patients with MDD and 78 age- and gender-matched healthy subjects were enrolled. Patients were evaluated using 17 items on the Structured Interview Guide for the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale. Cognitive impairment was evaluated using the CogState battery. Serum levels of proBDNF, mature BDNF, and MMP-9 were measured using ELISA kits. Serum levels of mature BDNF in patients with MDD were significantly lower than those of normal controls. In contrast, there was no difference in the serum levels of proBDNF and MMP-9 between patients and normal controls. While neither proBDNF nor mature BDNF serum levels was associated with clinical variables, there were significant correlations between MMP-9 serum levels and the severity of depression, quality of life scores, and social function scores in patients.

Conclusions/Significance

These findings suggest that mature BDNF may serve as a biomarker for MDD, and that MMP-9 may play a role in the pathophysiology of MDD. Further studies using larger sample sizes will be needed to investigate these results.     

Emotion Reactivity Is Increased 4-6 Weeks Postpartum in Healthy Women: A Longitudinal fMRI Study

Marked endocrine alterations occur after delivery. Most women cope well with these changes, but the postpartum period is associated with an increased risk of depressive episodes. Previous studies of emotion processing have focused on maternal–infant bonding or postpartum depression (PPD), and longitudinal studies of the neural correlates of emotion processing throughout the postpartum period in healthy women are lacking. In this study, 13 women, without signs of post partum depression, underwent fMRI with an emotional face matching task and completed the MADRS-S, STAI-S, and EPDS within 48 h (early postpartum) and 4–6 weeks after delivery (late postpartum). Also, data from a previous study including 15 naturally cycling controls assessed in the luteal and follicular phase of the menstrual cycle was used. Women had lower reactivity in insula, middle frontal gyrus (MFG), and inferior frontal gyrus (IFG) in the early as compared to the late postpartum assessment. Insular reactivity was positively correlated with anxiety in the early postpartum period and with depressive symptoms late postpartum. Reactivity in insula and IFG were greater in postpartum women than in non-pregnant control subjects. Brain reactivity was not correlated with serum estradiol or progesterone levels. Increased reactivity in the insula, IFG, and MFG may reflect normal postpartum adaptation, but correlation with self-rated symptoms of depression and anxiety in these otherwise healthy postpartum women, may also suggest that these changes place susceptible women at increased risk of PPD. These findings contribute to our understanding of the neurobiological aspects of the postpartum period, which might shed light on the mechanisms underlying affective puerperal disorders, such as PPD.     

Elevated serum copper levels in women with a history of post-partum depression.

Previous observations suggested that there may be an association between elevated serum copper (Cu) levels and post-partum depression (PPD). In this study, we examined Zn and Cu levels in women with completed pregnancies who had a history of PPD and compared them to women who did not have depression, and to women who reported having been depressed, but without a history of PPD. Cu levels were significantly higher in women having a history of PPD compared both to non-depressed women and to depressed women without a history of PPD. The mean serum Cu level of 78 women with a history of PPD was 131+/-39microg/dL compared with 111+/-25microg/dL in 148 women without such a history, and 106+/-20microg/dL in non-depressed controls (p<0.001). Zn levels did not differ across the three groups. Cu/Zn ratios were significantly higher in the PPD-history-positive group, due to the significant differences in Cu levels. Cu and Zn levels were not significantly different in depressed and non-depressed men, nor between non-depressed women and non-depressed men. Depressed women had higher Cu, but not Zn, levels compared with men. The nature of the association between elevated Cu values and PPD is, as yet, unknown; however Cu has roles in a variety of physiological systems that may be implicated in the development of PPD.     

Diurnal variation of plasma brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in humans: an analysis of sex differences

Scant information is available on the diurnal variation of peripheral neurotrophic factors, including brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), in human beings. We explored plasma and serum BDNF levels at three different clock times in a study of 28 healthy subjects of both sexes. Statistically significant diurnal variation in plasma BDNF level was detected in men, with the peak at 08:00 h and nadir at 22:00 h. At this time, the plasma BDNF concentration of men was significantly lower than that of women (p=.02). However, no diurnal variation was found either in plasma BDNF of women, in either the follicular or luteal phases of the menstrual cycle, or in serum BDNF level in both men and women. These findings support the concept of rhythmic variation in plasma BDNF regulation that seems to be sex-related.     

The effect of exercise training modality on serum brain derived neurotrophic factor levels in individuals with type 2 diabetes

Introduction

Brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has been implicated in memory, learning, and neurodegenerative diseases. However, the relationship of BDNF with cardiometabolic risk factors is unclear, and the effect of exercise training on BDNF has not been previously explored in individuals with type 2 diabetes.

Methods

Men and women (N = 150) with type 2 diabetes were randomized to an aerobic exercise (aerobic), resistance exercise (resistance), or a combination of both (combination) for 9 months. Serum BDNF levels were evaluated at baseline and follow-up from archived blood samples.

Results

Baseline serum BDNF was not associated with fitness, body composition, anthropometry, glucose control, or strength measures (all, p>0.05). Similarly, no significant change in serum BDNF levels was observed following exercise training in the aerobic (−1649.4 pg/ml, CI: −4768.9 to 1470.2), resistance (−2351.2 pg/ml, CI:−5290.7 to 588.3), or combination groups (−827.4 pg/ml, CI: −3533.3 to1878.5) compared to the control group (−2320.0 pg/ml, CI: −5750.8 to 1110.8). However, reductions in waist circumference were directly associated with changes in serum BDNF following training (r = 0.25, p = 0.005).

Conclusions

Serum BDNF was not associated with fitness, body composition, anthropometry, glucose control, or strength measures at baseline. Likewise, serum BDNF measures were not altered by 9 months of aerobic, resistance, or combination training. However, reductions in waist circumference were associated with decreased serum BDNF levels. Future studies should investigate the relevance of BDNF with measures of cognitive function specifically in individuals with type-2 diabetes.     

Association of Mood Disorders with Serum Zinc Concentrations in Adolescent Female Students

Among various factors influencing mood disorders, the impact of micronutrient deficiencies has attracted a great attention. Zinc deficiency is considered to play a crucial role in the onset and progression of mood disorders in different stages of life. The main objective of this study was to assess the correlation between serum zinc levels and mood disorders in high school female students. This cross-sectional study was conducted on a random sample of 100 representative high school female students. The participants completed 24-h food recall questionnaires to assess the daily zinc intakes. Serum zinc status was assessed using flame atomic absorption spectrometry, and zinc deficiency was defined accordingly. Mood disorders were estimated by calculating the sum of two test scores including Beck’s depression inventory (BDI) and hospital anxiety depression scale (HADS) tests. General linear model (GLM) and Pearson’s regression test were applied to show the correlation of serum zinc levels and mood disorder scores and the correlation between zinc serum levels and BDI scores, respectively. Dietary zinc intake was higher in subjects with normal zinc concentrations than that of zinc-deficient group (p = 0.001). Serum zinc levels were inversely correlated with BDI and HADS scores (p < 0.05). Each 10 μg/dL increment in serum zinc levels led to 0.3 and 0.01 decrease in depression and anxiety scores, respectively (p < 0.05). Serum zinc levels were inversely correlated with mood disorders including depression and anxiety in adolescent female students. Increasing serum levels of zinc in female students could improve their mood disorders.     

Circulating anti-heat-shock-protein antibodies in normal pregnancy and preeclampsia

It has been previously reported that circulating anti-heat-shock-protein (Hsp) antibody levels are elevated in cardiovascular disorders. The aim of the present study was to determine circulating antihuman Hsp60, antimycobacterial Hsp65, and antihuman Hsp70 antibody levels in healthy pregnant women and preeclamptic patients and to investigate their relationship to the clinical characteristics of the study subjects, as well as to the markers of inflammation (C-reactive protein (CRP)), endothelial activation (von Willebrand factor antigen), or endothelial injury (fibronectin), oxidative stress (malondialdehyde) and to serum Hsp70 levels. Ninety-three preeclamptic patients and 127 normotensive healthy pregnant women were involved in this case control study. Serum anti-Hsp60, anti-Hsp65, anti-Hsp70, and Hsp70 levels were measured with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Serum CRP levels were determined by an autoanalyzer using the manufacturer’s kit. Plasma von Willebrand factor antigen levels were quantified by ELISA, while plasma fibronectin concentration by nephelometry. Plasma malondialdehyde levels were measured by the thiobarbituric-acid-based colorimetric assay. For statistical analyses, nonparametric methods were applied. Anti-Hsp60, anti-Hsp65, and anti-Hsp70 antibodies were detected in all of our serum samples. There were no significant differences in serum anti-Hsp60, anti-Hsp65, and anti-Hsp70 antibody levels between the control and preeclamptic groups. Serum levels of Hsp70 and CRP, as well as plasma levels of VWF antigen, fibronectin, and malondialdehyde, were significantly higher in preeclamptic patients than in normotensive healthy pregnant women. Serum anti-Hsp60 antibody levels showed significant correlations with serum anti-Hsp65 antibody levels both in the control and the preeclamptic groups (Spearman R = 0.55 and 0.59; p < 0.001, respectively). However, no other relationship was found between clinical features (maternal age, smoking status, parity, body mass index, gestational age at blood draw, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, gestational age at delivery, and fetal birth weight) and measured laboratory parameters of the study subjects and serum anti-Hsp antibody levels in either study group. In conclusion, anti-Hsp60 and anti-Hsp70 antibodies as naturally occurring autoantibodies are present in the peripheral circulation of healthy pregnant women. Nevertheless, humoral immunity against heat shock proteins was not associated with preeclampsia. Further studies are warranted to explore the role of heat shock proteins and immune reactivity to them in the immunobiology of normal pregnancy and preeclampsia.     

Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Levels in Women with Postpartum Affective Disorder and Suicidality

Our aim was to investigate serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels in postpartum women, according to the presence of postpartum affective disorder (PPAD) and suicidality. A cross-sectional study was carried out with women between 45 and 90?days after delivery. PPAD (depression, manic and mixed episode) and suicide risk were assessed using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview. BDNF was assessed using a commercial ELISA kit. Linear regression was used for multivariate analyses. A hundred ninety women participated in the study, 15.3?% had PPAD, 7.4?% showed PPAD with suicide risk. BDNF levels were lower in subjects with three or more Stressful Life Events (P?=?0.01). The serum BDNF levels of women with PPAD presenting suicide risk were significantly lower than those of women without suicide risk (1.50?±?1.38 and 2.33?±?1.28?ng/ml, P?=?0.02). Clinicians should enquire postpartum women about their history of stressful life events, PPAD, and suicidality. This study shows the potential role of BDNF in the neurobiology of the association of PPAD and suicidality.     

Dynamic Changes of Cerebral-Specific Proteins in Full-Term Newborns with Hypoxic–Ischemic Encephalopathy

The aim of this study was to observe the dynamic changes of serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), S-100B, and Tau proteins levels in full-term newborns with hypoxic–ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) and to discuss their significance in brain damage. Serum samples of 28 full-term newborns diagnosed with HIE and 20 controls were obtained in the first 24 h of life. Another serum samples were also taken, respectively, at 3 and 7 days of life in HIE group. The concentrations of BDNF, S-100B, and Tau proteins were measured by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. Mean concentrations of BDNF, S-100B, and Tau proteins among different time period and in different grades of HIE group were calculated and compared. Compared with the control group, serum BDNF and proteins S-100B levels in HIE group were significantly elevated in 24 h after birth (P < 0.05) and their concentrations were also significantly higher among patients with mod-severe HIE compared to those with mild HIE at 24 h and 7 days after asphyxia (P < 0.05). Regardless of whether mod-severe HIE or mild HIE, there were no significant difference of serum BDNF and proteins S-100B among the three different time periods. There was no difference in Tau protein levels between HIE group and control group, also no difference between mod-severe HIE group and mild HIE group. BDNF and proteins S-100B are up-regulated early in asphyxia neonates with HIE; and the released amount of BDNF and proteins S-100B from nerve center system correlate with the extent of encephalopathy.     

Relevance of Post-Stroke Circulating BDNF Levels as a Prognostic Biomarker of Stroke Outcome. Impact of rt-PA Treatment

The recombinant form of tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA) is the only curative treatment for ischemic stroke. Recently, t-PA has been linked to the metabolism of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a major neurotrophin involved in post-stroke neuroplasticity. Thus, the objective of our study was to investigate the impact of rt-PA treatment on post-stroke circulating BDNF levels in humans and in animals. Serum BDNF levels and t-PA/plasmin activity were measured at hospital admission and at up to 90 days in stroke patients receiving (n = 24) or not (n = 14) rt-PA perfusion. We investigated the relationships between serum BDNF with concurrent t-PA/plasmin activity, neurological outcomes and cardiovascular scores at admission. In parallel, serum BDNF levels and t-PA/plasmin activity were assessed before and after (1, 4 and 24h) the induction of ischemic stroke in rats. Our study revealed higher serum BDNF levels and better neurological outcome in rt-PA-treated than non-treated patients. However, serum BDNF levels did not predict stroke outcome when the whole cohort of stroke patients was analyzed. By contrast, serum BDNF levels when measured at admission and at day 90 correlated with cardiovascular scores, and those at day 1 correlated with serum t-PA/plasmin activity in the whole cohort of patients whereas no association could be found in the rt-PA-treated group. In rats devoid of cardiovascular risk, no difference in post-stroke serum BDNF levels was detected between rt-PA- and vehicle-treated animals and no correlation was found between serum BDNF levels and t-PA/plasmin activity. Overall, the data suggest that serum BDNF levels may not be useful as a prognostic biomarker of stroke outcome and that endothelial dysfunction could be a confounding factor when serum BDNF levels after stroke are used to reflect of brain BDNF levels.     

Diurnal Variation of Plasma Brain‐Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) in Humans: An Analysis of Sex Differences

Scant information is available on the diurnal variation of peripheral neurotrophic factors, including brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), in human beings. We explored plasma and serum BDNF levels at three different clock times in a study of 28 healthy subjects of both sexes. Statistically significant diurnal variation in plasma BDNF level was detected in men, with the peak at 08:00 h and nadir at 22:00 h. At this time, the plasma BDNF concentration of men was significantly lower than that of women (p=.02). However, no diurnal variation was found either in plasma BDNF of women, in either the follicular or luteal phases of the menstrual cycle, or in serum BDNF level in both men and women. These findings support the concept of rhythmic variation in plasma BDNF regulation that seems to be sex‐related. (Author correspondence: dmarazzi@psico.med.unipi.it)     

Paraoxonase-1 activity in patients with hyperemesis gravidarum

There is increasing evidence that oxidative stress may play a role in the pathophysiology of hyperemesis gravidarum. Serum paraoxonase-1 (PON-1) is a high density lipoprotein (HDL)-associated enzyme that prevents oxidative modification of low density lipoprotein. The aim of the study was to measure the serum levels of PON-1 activity in women with hyperemesis gravidarum. Thirty-four women with hyperemesis gravidarum and 31 healthy pregnant women were enrolled in the study. Serum PON-1 activity was measured spectrophotometrically. Lipid hydroperoxide (LOOH) levels were measured by iodometric assay. PON-1 activity was significantly lower and LOOH levels were significantly higher in pregnant women with hyperemesis gravidarum than in healthy pregnant women (P < 0.0001, for all). There were significant correlations between PON-1 and LOOH, triglyceride, total cholesterol, HDL, low density lipoprotein (LDL) and high sensitive C-reactive protein (HSCRP; P < 0.0001, for all). By using multiple regression analysis LDL, HDL, HSCRP and LOOH were independent determinants of serum PON-1 activity in the study. Decreased PON-1 activity might be related to increased oxidative stress and inflammation in pregnant women with hyperemesis gravidarum. Subjects with hyperemesis gravidarum might be more prone to the development of atherogenesis due to low serum PON-1 activity.     

Effects of smoking severity and moderate and severe periodontitis on serum C-reactive protein levels: an age- and gender-matched retrospective cohort study

Abstract

Background and purpose: C-reactive protein (CRP) which might affect cardiovascular events can be affected by chronic diseases and smoking. Since the effects of smoking dosage as well as the mutual effect of smoking and periodontitis on CRP levels have not been evaluated, we aimed to assess these.

Materials and methods: This retrospective age- and gender-matched study was performed on 120 dental patients. Clinical attachment loss, pocket probing depth (PPD), bleeding on probing (BoP), O’Leary plaque index and serum CRP were recorded. Patients were divided into one control and five cohort groups (n?=?20 each) according to smoking severity [pack years (PY) below or above 30] and periodontal condition (healthy periodontium and moderate/severe periodontitis). The effects of clinical measurements, age, gender, smoking and periodontitis on CRP were assessed using one- and two-way analyses of variance, Tukey and Bonferroni post hoc tests, and multiple linear regression (α?=?0.05).

Results: CRP concentrations were 0.07255?±?0.009539, 0.09645?±?0.010625, 0.122235?±?0.018442, 0.3758?±?0.187369, 0.81595?±?0.0410299 and 1.8717?±?0.652728?mg/l, respectively, in the control (PY?≤?30 with healthy periodontium), cohort 1 (PY?>?30 with healthy periodontium), cohort 2 (PY?≤?30 with moderate periodontitis), cohort 3 (PY?>?30 with moderate periodontitis), cohort 4 (PY?≤?30 with severe periodontitis) and cohort 5 (PY?>?30 with severe periodontitis). The positive effects of age, smoking severity, periodontitis and PPD, on CRP increase were significant (Regression p?<?0.02). BoP had a negative effect (p?=?0.015).

Conclusions: Clinicians should warn the patients, especially the older ones, about the effects of their gingival health and smoking on their cardiovascular condition.     

Indication of silicon essentiality in humans

Serum silicon concentrations were determined in Belgian healthy children and adults, including pregnant women, by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry. Serum levels appeared to be significantly higher in healthy children (1–18 yr) than in healthy adults (19–60 yr). Especially, levels in infants (<1 yr) were higher than in any other group. Compared to age-matched nonpregnants, the serum silicon content was very low in pregnant women. In addition to the fact that this study for the first time provides serum silicon values in adults and children in Belgium, the most important observation is that these serum profiles might be an indication of silicon essentiality in man.     

Periodontal disease status of pregnant women with diabetes mellitus

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the association between type I diabetes mellitus (DM) and periodontal disease in pregnant women. Fifty-two pregnant women aged 27.9 +/- 6.9 years with type I DM participated in the present study. Forty-two non-pregnant type I female diabetics (mean age: 27.9 +/- 6.1 years) and 121 healthy non-pregnant women (mean age: 29.1 +/- 5.7 years) without diabetes formed the control group. All subjects were given a clinical periodontal examination including probing pocket depth (PPD), probing attachment level (PAL), assessment of plaque and gingivitis scores (SBI). Blood parameters included levels of hemoglobin, glycosylated hemoglobin, total cholesterol, triglyceride and leukocytes. The pregnant diabetic subjects showed despite a good metabolic control significantly higher values for the SBI compared to the controls. Pregnant diabetic subjects displayed a significant correlation between the dose of insulin per day and PPD (p < or = 0.05) as well as the PAL (p < or = 0.05). In conclusion, the results of the study indicate that pregnant diabetics demonstrate a higher degree of periodontal inflammation and destruction compared to non-pregnant diabetics and healthy non-pregnant patients.     

Serum levels of TNF-α and antioxidant enzymes and placental TNF-α expression in unexplained recurrent spontaneous miscarriage

It has been proposed that many factors have been implicated in the pathogenesis of unexplained recurrent spontaneous miscarriage (URSM). The objective of this study was to evaluate the levels of some antioxidants, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), luteinizing (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) in URSM. Serum levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), LH, FSH as well as TNF-α in serum and the expression of TNF-α positive cells in placental tissues, were assayed in women suffering from unexplained first trimester miscarriage. Two groups were included, the first was represented by 16 women with URSM (number of abortions: 3–5) and the second one included 24 women with URSM (number of abortions > 5). The control groups included 20 women within their first trimester of pregnancy and 20 non pregnant healthy females within their follicular phase. The obtained results showed a highly significant decrease in serum levels of SOD and CAT, in the URSM groups compared to control groups (p< 0.05 for each comparison). Higher serum levels of TNF-α were detected in URSM groups compared to control groups (p< 0.05 for each comparison). A significant increase in serum levels of LH was encountered between URSM groups compared to control groups; on the other hand the mean levels of FSH expressed no significant changes among URSM groups as compared to first trimester pregnancies control group. A positive correlation was noticed between serum levels of TNF-α and the levels of LH (p< 0.05). We conclude that antioxidant enzymes (CAT, SOD), TNF-α, LH and FSH may play a major role in the pathogenesis of URSM. Much more work is required before the mechanisms, which lead to RSM, can be fully understood.     

双相障碍抑郁发作及单相抑郁症患者血清T3、T4、TSH和BDNF水平的相关性分析

目的:分析双相障碍抑郁发作及单相抑郁症患者与血清三碘甲状腺原氨酸(T3)、甲状腺素(T4)、甲状腺激素(TSH)和脑源性神经营养因子(BDNF)水平的相关性。方法:选取2017年12月～2019年12月我院收治的120例抑郁症患者为研究对象,按照病情不同分为双相障碍抑郁发作组(n=50)、单相抑郁症组(n=70),同时选取同期于本院进行体检的30例健康者作为对照组,检测血清T3、T4、TSH和BDNF水平,并进行汉密尔顿抑郁(HAMD)量表评分,分析血清T3、T4、TSH和BDNF水平的相关性。结果:双相障碍抑郁发作组起病年龄低于单相抑郁症组(P0.05);治疗前双相障碍抑郁发作组和单相抑郁症组血清T3水平高于对照组,TSH、BDNF水平低于对照组(P0.05),双相障碍抑郁发作组血清T4水平高于对照组,单相抑郁症组和对照组血清T4水平比较差异无统计学意义(P0.05),双相障碍抑郁发作组血清T4水平高于单相抑郁症组,TSH、BDNF水平低于单相抑郁症组(P0.05);治疗后双相障碍抑郁发作组和单相抑郁症组血清T4水平低于对照组,双相障碍抑郁发作组血清T4水平低于单相抑郁症组(P0.05),且三组血清T3、TSH、BDNF水平比较差异无统计学意义(P0.05);治疗后双相障碍抑郁发作组认知障碍因子评分低于单相抑郁症组(P0.05);Spearman相关分析显示,血清T3、T4、TSH水平和HAMD评分与BDNF呈负相关,TSH水平与BDNF呈正相关(P0.05)。结论:抑郁症患者血清T3、T4、TSH和BDNF水平存在异常,可作为判断双相障碍抑郁发作及单相抑郁症的指标。