Indirect estimation of reference intervals for thyroid parameters using advia centaur XP analyzer

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to determine the reference intervals (RIs) for thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), free thyroxine (FT4), free triiodothyronine (FT3) and FT3/FT4 ratio using indirect methods.MethodsWe analyzed 1256 results TSH, FT4 and FT3 collected from a laboratory information system between 2017 and 2021. All measurements were performed on a Siemens ADVIA Centaur XP analyzer using the chemiluminescent immunoassay. We calculated the values of the 2.5th and 97.5th percentiles as recommended by the IFCC (CLSI C28-A3).ResultsThe RIs derived for TSH, FT4, FT3 and FT3/FT4 ratio were 0.34-4.10 mIU/L, 11.3-20.6 pmol/L, 3.5-6.32 pmol/L and 0.21-0.47, respectively. We found a significant difference between calculated RIs for the TSH and FT4 and those recommended by the manufacturer. Also, FT3 values were significantly higher in the group younger than 30 years relative to the fourth decade (5.26 vs. 5.02, p=0.005), the fifth decade (5.26 vs. 4.94, p=0.001), the sixth decade (5.26 vs. 4.87, p<0.001), the seventh decade (5.26 vs. 4.79, p<0.001) and the group older than 70 years old (5.26 vs. 4.55, p<0.001). Likewise, we found for TSH values and FT3/FT4 ratio a significant difference (p <0.001) between different age groups.ConclusionsThe establishing RIs for the population of the Republic of Srpska were significantly differed from the recommended RIs by the manufacturer for TSH and FT4. Our results encourage other laboratories to develop their own RIs for thyroid parameters by applying CLSI recommendations.     

Enhanced chemiluminescence in the measurement of proteins and haptens: Evaluation of choriogonadotropin (hCG) and free thyroxin

We evaluated the Amerlite system (Amersham, Bucks, UK) for hCG and FT4. The within-run imprecision (CV%) for hCG was 4.05 at 19.6 U/I (n = 10), 6.28 at 43.45 U/I (n = 10) and 4.62 at 298.57 U/I (n = 10). The between-run imprecision (five replicates for ten days) was 4.8%, 15% and 11%, respectively. The system was linear up to 200 U/I. A good correlation between Amerlite hCG and an IRMA assay (Becton Dickinson, r = 0.91), Delfia (Pharmacia, r = 0.91) and an automated ELISA assay on ES 600 (Boehringer, r = 0.92) was observed on 70 samples. Within-run imprecision for FT4 was 3.8% at 0.7 ng/dl (n = 10), 3.3% at 1 ng/dl (n = 10) and 4.32% at 5.15 ng/dl (n = 10), and between-run was 5.95%, 4.4% and 8.2%, respectively. The comparison with a commercial direct RIA (Becton Dickinson) showed good correlation (r = 0.90, n = 100 samples). The diagnostic value of the association of thyrotropin and FT4, in comparison with the traditional thyroid tests (T3, T4, thyrotropin, FT4, FT3) has been assessed in various thyroid diseases.     

Effects of Supplemental Vitamin C and Chromium on Metabolic and Hormonal Responses,Antioxidant Status,and Tonic Immobility Reactions of Transported Broiler Chickens

Three hundred female broilers were assigned to five groups with six replicates and were fed with either a basal diet (two control groups) or the basal diet supplemented with 800-mg vitamin C/kg (Vit C group), 1,200-μg Cr⁺³ from chromium (Cr) chloride/kg (Cr group) or 800-mg Vit C and 1,200-μg Cr⁺³ from Cr chloride/kg (Vit C?+?Cr group) from 42 to 49 days of age. Treatments did not affect performance. Transport decreased insulin level in the control and Cr groups and increased glucose/insulin (G/I) ratio in the groups. The level of insulin was higher in the Vit C?+?Cr group than those in the control and Cr groups after the transport. The G/I ratio was lowest in the Vit C?+?Cr group after the transport. The transport significantly decreased triiodothyronine (T₃) concentration in the groups except the Vit C?+?Cr group and only increased thyroxin (T₄) concentration in the Vit C?+?Cr group. The T₃/T₄ ratio was significantly decreased in the groups except the Cr group by transport. The T₃/T₄ ratio was greatest in the Vit C?+?Cr group before the transport. Alkaline phosphatase activity was decreased in the Vit C?+?Cr group due to transport. Transport decreased triglyceride levels in the groups and also decreased low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels in the Vit-C-supplemented groups. Transport increased malondialdehyde concentration in the control and Vit C groups and also increased glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity in the Cr-fed groups. The GPx activity was higher in the Vit C?+?Cr group than those in the control and Cr groups after the transport. Ferric reducing/antioxidant power (FRAP) value was decreased in the Vit C and Cr groups by transport. Either alone or in combination, Cr increased the FRAP value before the transport. Neither transport nor treatments had significant effects on the duration of tonic immobility (TI) and number of inductions to induce TI.     

Decreased serum level of IL-7 in patients with active Graves’ disease

BackgroundGraves’ disease (GD) is a common autoimmune disease which is one of the major causes of hyperthyroidism. Interleukin 7 (IL-7) has been recently reported to play an important role in various autoimmune diseases, but its role in the pathogenesis of GD has not been assessed. The aim of this study was to evaluate the levels of IL-7 and the soluble form of its receptor (sIL-7R) in the serum of GD patients, and to identify their association with disease activity.MethodsA total of 37 GD patients were enrolled into the experimental group and 16 individuals into the control group. All patients were further classified into three subgroups: a GD-active group (hyperthyroidism and TRAb (thyroid stimulating hormone receptor antibody) >7.5 U/L) (N = 15), a GD-inactive group (euthyreosis and TRAb < 1 U/L) (N = 8), and other GD patients (euthyreosis and TRAb > 1 U/L) (N = 14). Concentrations of IL-7 and sIL-7R were assayed with ELISA. Additionally, the relationship between IL-7 and sIL-7R serum concentrations with disease activity (free triiodothyronine [FT3], free thyroxine [FT4], thyroid stimulating hormone [TSH] and TRAb) was also analyzed.ResultsThe serum concentrations of IL-7 in GD-active patients were significantly lower than those of the control group as well as the GD-inactive and GD-other groups. The serum level of IL-7 in GD patients negatively correlated with FT4 and TRAb concentrations. Moreover, no significant difference was observed in the serum level of sIL-7R in GD patients compared to the control group.ConclusionsThese observations suggest that IL-7 may play a role in the pathogenesis of GD and may be associated with its clinical activity. To this end, the serum level of IL-7 could be an additional diagnostic biomarker predictive of the disease and could be particularly valuable for TRAb-negative GD patients.     

The Occurrence and Burden of Hypophosphatasia in an Ambulatory Care Endocrinology Practice

ObjectiveHypophosphatasia (HPP) is an inherited disease resulting from loss-of-function mutations in the ALPL gene encoding tissue-nonspecific alkaline phosphatase. The presentation and severity of the disease are highly variable, ranging from perinatal onset with high mortality rates to adult identification with low mortality rates and symptoms ranging from minimal to severe. Moderate forms of HPP typically manifest during middle age and are often undiagnosed. The objective of this study was to determine the occurrence and burden of HPP in an ambulatory care endocrinology practice.MethodsPotential subjects were identified with a computerized text search of patient electronic medical records. Search terms included serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels of ≤40 U/L. Records of patients with at least 2 low ALP levels were reviewed manually to identify potential patients with a history consistent with hypophosphatasia.ResultsIn total, 315 patients with ALP levels ≤40 U/L were identified from an estimated 20 000 patient records. Fifty-six patients with a single low level were excluded from further review. The remaining 259 patients were reviewed, 10 of whom had histories consistent with HPP. None of the identified 10 patients was currently being treated or had previously been treated for HPP. Information about these patients was shared with their respective providers, along with the recommendation to proceed with further evaluation to confirm the diagnosis of HPP.ConclusionHypophosphatasia is an uncommon condition with variable presentation, often resulting in a missed diagnosis. Surveillance of practices by identifying patients with low ALP levels is a rational screening approach to identifying potential patients with HPP.     

Iron Deficiency,a Risk Factor for Thyroid Autoimmunity During Second Trimester of Pregnancy in China

ObjectivePrevious studies have reported an association between iron deficiency (ID) and increased thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPO-Ab) during early pregnancy. The objective of this study was to explore the relationship between ID and thyroid dysfunction, as well as thyroid autoantibodies, during the second trimester of pregnancy.MethodsA total of 1,592 pregnant women (13 to 28 weeks gestation) were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. According to serum ferritin (SF) concentrations, they were divided into ID (SF <20 μg/L) or non-ID (SF ≥20 μg/L) groups. Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the association between ID and subclinical hypothyroidism (thyroid-stimulating hormone [TSH] >4.0 mIU/L and free thyroxine [FT4] within the reference range) and thyroid autoimmunity.ResultsThe prevalence of ID was 23.43% (373/1,592). Compared with the non-ID group, the ID group had lower FT4 levels (13.94 pmol/L [8.91 to 29.82 pmol/L] versus 14.63 pmol/L [8.22 to 47.24 pmol/L]; P<.001]) and higher TSH levels (1.85 mIU/L [0.01 to 7.84 mIU/L] versus 1.69 mIU/L [0.01 to 10.2 mIU/L]; P<.05). Logistic regression analysis confirmed ID as a risk factor for increased thyroglobulin antibody (TG-Ab) (odds ratio 1.974; 95% confidence interval 1.065, 3.657; P<.05), but not for subclinical hypothyroidism or increased TPO-Ab.ConclusionID is associated with increased TG-Ab during the second trimester of pregnancy.     

Hypothyroidism as A Cause of Hyponatremia: Fact or Fiction?

ObjectiveTo illustrate that severe primary hypothyroidism alone may not be enough to cause hyponatremia in the otherwise healthy ambulatory patient.Methods:A retrospective chart review was conducted using an academic health center enterprise-wide electronic health record to identify 10 patients with primary hypo thyroidism and same-day serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), sodium, creatinine, and calculated glomerular filtration rate (GFR). Same-day free triiodothyronine or free thyroxine was also recorded if tested. Patients were included in our case series if they met the following inclusion criteria: TSH level > 100 μU/mL and same-day sodium and creatinine levels. All laboratory tests were collected on an outpatient basis.ResultsThe 10 subjects (2 men and 8 women) were ages 19 to 97 years (median, 51.5 years). Median TSH was 193 μU/mL (range, 104.2 to 515.6 μU/mL; normal, 0.40 to 5.50 μU/mL) with median sodium of 138 mmol/L (range, 136 to 142 mmol/L; normal, 135 to 146 mmol/L). The lowest sodium was 136 mmol/L with concurrent TSH of 469.7 μU/mL, free triiodothyronine of 1.0 pg/mL (normal, 1.8 to 4.6 pg/mL), and free thyroxine of 0.2 ng/ dL (normal, 0.7 to 1.8 ng/dL). Median GFR was 67.5 mL/ min/1.73 m² (range, 44 to 114 mL/min/1.73 m²; normal, 90 to 120 mL/min/1.73 m²).ConclusionIn our small series of patients with extreme TSH elevations, none had a serum sodium level below normal (< 135 mmol/L), even in the presence of a reduced GFR. Hyponatremia can be a common occurrence in hospitalized and/or chronically ill patients; however, in an otherwise relatively healthy ambulatory patient, hypothyroidism, even when severely undertreated, may be a less clinically relevant cause of hyponatremia. (Endocr Pract. 2012;18:894-897)     

Studies Upon the Toxicity of Polyethylene Glycol Coated Lipid Vesicles: Acute Hemodynamic Effects,Pyrogenicity and Complement Activation

Abstract

The toxicity of PEG-coated liposomes has been examined by testing the ability of such vesicles to (a) initiate a fever response, (b) activate complement and (c) alter various hemodynamic parameters in rabbits. The results indicate that DSPC/Chol/DMPG/Vit.E/ PE-PEG (45.5:40:9:1:4.5) vesicles injected I.V. in rabbits at a lipid dose of ～4 μmole/kg do not elicit a fever response either due to the presence of bacterial contamination, or by activating the release of endogenous pyrogens and, in addition, cause no statistically significant (Mann-Whitney p >0.05) changes in various hemodynamic parameters compared to injection of saline. An in-vitro hemolytic assay indicated that these same vesicles cause no activation of complement over the lipid concentration range 0.06–64 mM. These results are discussed in terms of the potential use of PEG-coated vesicles as blood pool imaging agents in nuclear medicine.     

FT3/FT4比值、Apo B/Apo A1比值与急性缺血性脑卒中患者临床疗效和出院后短期预后的关系研究

摘要 目的：探讨游离三碘甲腺原氨酸（FT3）/游离甲状腺素（FT4）比值、载脂蛋白B （Apo B）/载脂蛋白A1（Apo A1）比值与急性缺血性脑卒中（AIS）患者临床疗效和出院后短期预后的关系。方法：选取2020年2月至2022年2月安徽省第二人民医院收治的102例AIS患者,所有患者入院后接受血运重建、抗血小板等治疗,根据临床疗效将患者分为有效组（76例）和无效组（26例）。治疗后检测所有AIS患者血清FT3、FT4、Apo B、Apo A1水平,计算FT3/FT4比值、Apo B/Apo A1比值,所有AIS患者出院后随访3个月,根据AIS患者随访期间的预后情况将其分为预后不良组（31例）和预后良好组（71例）。比较不同组间血清FT3、FT4、Apo B、Apo A1水平以及FT3/FT4比值、Apo B/Apo A1比值差异,分析影响AIS患者出院后短期预后的因素。结果：无效组血清FT3水平、FT3/FT4比值低于有效组（P＜0.05）,血清Apo B水平、Apo B/Apo A1比值高于有效组（P＜0.05）。预后不良组血清FT3水平、FT3/FT4比值低于预后良好组（P＜0.05）,血清Apo B水平、Apo B/Apo A1比值高于预后良好组（P＜0.05）。美国国立卫生院神经功能缺损评分（NIHSS评分）高、Apo B/ApoA1比值增高是AIS患者出院后短期预后不良的危险因素（P＜0.05）,FT3/FT4比值增高是其保护因素（P＜0.05）。结论：AIS临床治疗无效和预后不良患者FT3/ FT4比值降低,Apo B/ApoA1比值增高,低FT3/ FT4比值和高Apo B/ApoA1比值与AIS患者出院后短期预后不良有关。     

Effects of ERK1/2 signal pathway on cardiomyocyte during glucose lowering

Objective: This study investigated whether the extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) signal pathway affects cardiomyocyte apoptosis and the expression of tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) at different glucose-lowering rates.

Methods: Cardiomyocytes of Wistar neonate rats were maintained in a medium supplemented with 25?mmol/L glucosamine for 72?h. Then the medium was changed to different concentrations of glucosamine, and all cells were divided into five groups. The survival rate of cardiomyocyte was measured using the Cell Counting Kit-8; cardiomyocyte apoptosis was measured using the flow cytometry instrument and laser confocal microscope; TNF-α was measured using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay; and ERK1/2 protein and phosphorylation were measured using the Western blot. Cardiomyocyte apoptosis and TNF-α were measured again after adding U0126.

Results: As the glucose-lowering rate increased, the survival rate of cardiomyocytes increased in group B and decreased in groups C, D, and E. The TNF-α concentration increased in groups B, C, and D and decreased in group E. After 24?h, the apoptosis rate decreased in group B and increased in groups C, D, and E. The expression of p-ERK1/2 increased in groups B, D, and E, and was the lowest in group C. After adding U0126, the survival rate of cardiomyocyte in all groups increased and TNF-α concentration decreased.

Conclusions: The influence of glucose-lowering rate on cardiomyocyte apoptosis and TNF-α was caused by the p-ERK1/2 pathway. During the glucose-lowering course, the p-ERK1/2 pathway promoted cardiomyocyte apoptosis, and TNF-α secretion was related to not only osmotic pressure but also ERK1/2 signal pathway activation.     

Redox‐modulated colorimetric detection of ascorbic acid and alkaline phosphatase activity with gold nanoparticles

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) exhibit characteristic absorption peaks in the ultraviolet visible region due to their special surface plasmon resonance effect. This characteristic absorption peak would change with the relative colour varying from wine red to orange‐yellow upon sequential addition of ascorbic acid (AA) into the mixture of AuNPs and Ag(I). Similar observations also could be found when the hydrolysis product of sodium l ‐ascorbyl‐2‐phosphate with alkaline phosphatase (ALP) was used as an alternative to AA. Results of structure characterization confirmed that the phenomena were due to the reduction of Ag(I) to Ag(0) on the surface of AuNPs and the formation of core‐shell AuNPs@Ag. Therefore, a colorimetric assay for rapid visual detection of AA and ALP based on redox‐modulated silver deposition on AuNPs has been proposed. Under the optimal experimental conditions, the absorbance variation ΔA_{522 nm}/A_{370 nm} of AuNPs was proportional to the concentration of AA (5–60 μmol/L) and ALP (3–18 U/L) with the corresponding detection limit of 2.44 μmol/L for AA and 0.52 U/L for ALP. The assay showed excellent selectivity towards AA and ALP. Moreover, the assay has been applied to detect AA and ALP activity in real samples with satisfying results.     

桥本氏病合并甲状腺乳头状癌患者血清甲状腺相关激素水平的变化及意义

目的:探究桥本氏病(HT)合并甲状腺乳头状癌(PTC)患者血清甲状腺相关激素水平的变化及意义。方法:对我院148例HT患者的临床资料进行回顾性分析,根据其是否合并PTC分为HT合并PTC组(n=68)和单纯HT组(n=80)。比较两组患者性别、年龄及血清促甲状腺激素(TSH)、甲状腺功能指标[游离三碘甲腺原氨酸(FT3)、游离甲状腺素(FT4)]、抗甲状腺抗体[甲状腺球蛋白抗体(TGAb)、甲状腺过氧物酶抗体(TPOAb)]水平等临床资料差异,分析血清TSH水平变化及意义。结果:HT合并PTC组患者男性比例、年龄、病程及血清TSH水平均大于单纯HT组,血清TGAb、TPOAb水平则均小于单纯HT组(P0.05);血清FT3、FT4水平比较差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。HT合并PTC患者组血清TSH4.2 m IU/L患者占比高于血清TSH正常组(P0.05)。血清TSH4.2 m IU/L患者中HT合并PTC患者的占比大于血清TSH水平正常的患者(P0.05)。HT合并PTC患者中,血清TSH水平4.2 m IU/L患者中央区淋巴结转移发生率高于血清TSH水平正常患者(P0.05);血清TSH4.2 m IU/L与血清TSH正常患者多灶癌发生率比较差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。结论:HT患者血清TSH水平升高可能促进其甲状腺组织癌变,HT合并PTC患者血清TSH水平升高可能促进其中央区淋巴结转移。     

碘131与他巴唑治疗甲状腺功能亢进症的临床疗效比较

目的:观察和比较碘131与他巴唑治疗甲状腺功能亢进症的临床疗效及安全性。方法:选取2012年1月至2016年1月于我院确诊并治疗的甲状腺功能亢进患者282例,根据随机数字表法分为碘131治疗组和药物治疗组,碘131治疗组采用131I进行治疗,药物治疗组采用他巴唑口服治疗。比较两组患者的临床疗效,治疗前后血清TSH(thyroid stimulating hormone,促甲状腺激素)、FT(free triiodothyronine,游离三碘甲状腺原氨酸)、FT4(free thyroxine concentration assay,血清游离甲状腺素)水平及TRAb(TRAB thyrotropin receptor antibodies,促甲状腺激素受体抗体)阳性率的变化及治疗期间不良反应的发生情况(心功能、肝功能、肾功能、甲状腺功能下降、白细胞减少),并对患者进行6个月的随访,记录和比较患者甲亢复发情况。结果:治疗后,碘131治疗组的总有效率为92.9%,显著高于药物治疗组(64.5%,P0.05);两组患者血清TSH水平较治疗前显著升高,而血清FT3、FT4水平及TRAb阳性率均较治疗前显著降低(P0.05),且碘131治疗组血清TSH水平明显高于碘131治疗组,而血清FT3、FT4水平及TRAb阳性率明显低于碘131治疗组(P0.05);碘131治疗组复发率及总不良反应发生率均明显低于药物治疗组(P0.05)。结论:碘131对甲状腺功能亢进症的疗效优于他巴唑口服治疗,可明显增加血清TSH水平,降低血清FT3、FT4水平及TRAb阳性率,且患者复发率及不良反应发生率均较低。     

Valores de referencia y estudio de la variabilidad de hormonas tiroideas en gestantes de El Bierzo

Background and objectivesEl Bierzo area is characterized by low urinary iodine levels in the pregnant population. Guidelines recommend that local reference values are established for the diagnosis of thyroid dysfunction in pregnancy. Our objectives were to establish reference values for thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), free thyroxine (FT4) and free triiodothyronine (FT3) in women in the first trimester of pregnancy and to explore the factors influencing variability in these hormones.Patients and methodsA retrospective study of 412 women in the first trimester of pregnancy who were measured serum levels of TSH, FT4, and FT3; 163 women with conditions with a potential influence on thyroid function were excluded. Thirty smoking pregnant women were also excluded from the study of reference values. Factors examined in the variability study included age, body mass index (BMI), and smoking. A multifactorial analysis of covariance was performed.ResultsReference values in first-trimester pregnant women were: TSH: 0.497-3.595 mIU/L; FT4: 0.90–1.42 ng/dL; FT3: 2.49–3.56 pg/mL. TSH levels depended on mother age and on interaction between age and smoking. FT3 levels depended on the mother's BMI and smoking, and there was also an interaction between both factors.ConclusionThe reference values found may be used to assess thyroid dysfunction in pregnant women from El Bierzo. TSH and FT3 levels are influenced by age and BMI of the mother and by smoking, in addition to the interaction of these factors.     

不同剂量131I对分化型甲状腺癌患者摄碘率、甲状腺激素水平及生活质量的影响

摘要 目的：探讨不同剂量¹³¹I对分化型甲状腺癌（DTC）患者摄碘率、甲状腺激素水平及生活质量的影响。方法：选取2018年6月～2020年6月我院收治的DTC患者100例,均接受¹³¹I清甲治疗,根据放射剂量的不同分为小剂量组（100mci）和大剂量组（150mci）,例数均为50例。比较两组患者摄碘率、甲状腺激素水平、肝肾功能、生活质量和不良反应发生率。结果：小剂量组2 h、6 h、24 h的摄碘率高于大剂量组（P<0.05）。小剂量组的清甲率高于大剂量组（P<0.05）。两组治疗1个月后促甲状腺激素（TSH）、游离三碘甲状腺原氨酸（FT3）、甲状腺球蛋白（TG）水平下降（P<0.05）;小剂量组治疗1个月后TSH、FT3、TG水平低于大剂量组（P<0.05）。两组治疗前、治疗1个月后的组间、组内门冬氨酸氨基转移酶（AST）、丙氨酸氨基转移酶（ALT）、碱性磷酸酶（ALP）、血清尿素（Urea）、肌酐（Cr）、尿酸（UA）水平对比,差异均无统计学意义（P>0.05）。小剂量组的生活质量优良率高于大剂量组（P<0.05）。小剂量组的不良反应发生率低于大剂量组（P<0.05）。结论：不同剂量¹³¹I清甲治疗对DTC患者肝肾功能无明显影响,但选用100mci剂量可提高DTC患者摄碘率,减轻对甲状腺功能的损害,同时还可提高患者的生活质量,减少不良反应发生率。     

促甲状腺素受体抗体及白细胞介素-2、白细胞介素-6在Graves病131I治疗中的变化及临床意义

目的:研究促甲状腺素受体抗体(TRAb)及白细胞介素-2(IL-2)、白细胞介素-6(IL-6)在Graves病~(131)I治疗中的变化并分析其临床意义。方法:选取2015年8月-2016年8月于我院接受~(131)I治疗的Graves病患者112例为研究对象,按照第6个月的甲状腺功能检查结果的不同分为治愈组(n=54),缓解组(n=21)和甲减组(n=37)。分别比较治疗前、治疗3个月、6个月后三组患者的甲状腺功能指标以及TRAb、IL-2、IL-6水平。结果:治疗前三组患者游离T3(FT3)、游离T4(FT4)、促甲状腺激素(TSH)水平比较差异无统计学意义(P0.05),治疗3个月、6个月后三组患者FT3、FT4水平均明显低于治疗前,而TSH水平明显高于治疗前(P0.05)。治疗3个月、6个月后甲减组FT3、FT4水平均明显低于治愈组、缓解组,治愈组又明显低于缓解组,TSH水平明显高于治愈组、缓解组,治愈组又明显高于缓解组(P0.05)。治疗前三组患者TRAb、IL-2、IL-6水平比较差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。治疗3个月后三组患者TRAb水平均明显高于治疗前(P0.05),治疗6个月后治愈组与甲减组患者TRAb水平与治疗前比较无统计学差异(P0.05),但缓解组患者TRAb水平高于甲减组,差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。治疗3个月、6个月后,治愈组与甲减组患者IL-2、IL-6水平均低于治疗前,而缓解组高于甲减组,差异均有统计学意义(P0.05)。结论:TRAb、IL-2、IL-6可作为评估Graves病~(131)I治疗后的指标,通过检测三项指标治疗前后水平变化情况,从而为临床预后评估提供指导作用。     

High prevalence of TPO-Abs and subclinical hypothyroidism in iodine-sufficient pregnant women in Northern Algeria

BackgroundIodine is a trace element whose adequate intakes are essential during gestation to promote the correct growth and development of the fetus. Historically, endemic goiter and cretinism affected northern regions of Algeria, and iodized salt was introduced in 1990. However, there has been no national study of iodine nutrition in Algeria since 1994. The aim of this study was to assess the iodine status and thyroid function of women of reproductive age (WRA) and pregnant women (PW) in northern Algeria.MethodsHealthy WRA and PW were recruited from an urban area (Algiers) and healthy WRA from a rural area (Tizi-Ouzou). Spot urine and venous blood samples were collected to assess iodine status (urinary iodine concentration, UIC) and serum thyroid hormones (TSH, FT4), thyroglobulin (Tg), and anti-thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPO-Ab) concentrations.ResultsThe median UIC in WRA was 256 μg/L (IQR: 166−354 μg/L; n = 151) in Algiers and 253 μg/L (167−341 μg/L; n = 150) in Tizi-Ouzou. The median UIC for the PW in Algiers was 233 μg/L (IQR: 157−326 μg/L; n = 173).Thirty-five percent of WRA and 30% of PW had an UIC > 300 μg/L. Median TSH, FT4 and Tg concentrations were within reference ranges in all groups of women. Among PW, 72.7%, 75.4% and 75.5% in the first, second and third trimester were TPO-Ab+. Among TPO-Ab + PW in the first, second and third trimesters, 18.7%, 13% and 10.3% had subclinical hypothyroidism.ConclusionIn northern Algeria, median UICs in PW indicate iodine sufficiency, and in WRA indicate more than adequate intakes. About 75% of PW are TPO-Ab + and the prevalence of subclinical hypothyroidism is high. Monitoring and surveillance of iodine fortification programs is vital to avoid both iodine deficiency and excess. There is an urgent need for a comprehensive national iodine status survey including school-age children and other vulnerable population groups in Algeria.     

Mortality risk prediction of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein in suspected acute coronary syndrome: A cohort study

BackgroundThere is limited evidence on the use of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) as a biomarker for selecting patients for advanced cardiovascular (CV) therapies in the modern era. The prognostic value of mildly elevated hsCRP beyond troponin in a large real-world cohort of unselected patients presenting with suspected acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is unknown. We evaluated whether a mildly elevated hsCRP (up to 15 mg/L) was associated with mortality risk, beyond troponin level, in patients with suspected ACS.Methods and findingsWe conducted a retrospective cohort study based on the National Institute for Health Research Health Informatics Collaborative data of 257,948 patients with suspected ACS who had a troponin measured at 5 cardiac centres in the United Kingdom between 2010 and 2017. Patients were divided into 4 hsCRP groups (<2, 2 to 4.9, 5 to 9.9, and 10 to 15 mg/L). The main outcome measure was mortality within 3 years of index presentation. The association between hsCRP levels and all-cause mortality was assessed using multivariable Cox regression analysis adjusted for age, sex, haemoglobin, white cell count (WCC), platelet count, creatinine, and troponin.Following the exclusion criteria, there were 102,337 patients included in the analysis (hsCRP <2 mg/L (n = 38,390), 2 to 4.9 mg/L (n = 27,397), 5 to 9.9 mg/L (n = 26,957), and 10 to 15 mg/L (n = 9,593)). On multivariable Cox regression analysis, there was a positive and graded relationship between hsCRP level and mortality at baseline, which remained at 3 years (hazard ratio (HR) (95% CI) of 1.32 (1.18 to 1.48) for those with hsCRP 2.0 to 4.9 mg/L and 1.40 (1.26 to 1.57) and 2.00 (1.75 to 2.28) for those with hsCRP 5 to 9.9 mg/L and 10 to 15 mg/L, respectively. This relationship was independent of troponin in all suspected ACS patients and was further verified in those who were confirmed to have an ACS diagnosis by clinical coding. The main limitation of our study is that we did not have data on underlying cause of death; however, the exclusion of those with abnormal WCC or hsCRP levels >15 mg/L makes it unlikely that sepsis was a major contributor.ConclusionsThese multicentre, real-world data from a large cohort of patients with suspected ACS suggest that mildly elevated hsCRP (up to 15 mg/L) may be a clinically meaningful prognostic marker beyond troponin and point to its potential utility in selecting patients for novel treatments targeting inflammation.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov - {"type":"clinical-trial","attrs":{"text":"NCT03507309","term_id":"NCT03507309"}}NCT03507309

Amit Kaura and colleagues investigate whether mildly elevated high sensitivity C-reactive protein is associated with mortality risk in patients with suspected acute coronary syndromes.     

Protective effects of ascorbic acid on hepatotoxicity and oxidative stress caused by carbon tetrachloride in the liver of Wistar rats

This study was planned to investigate the protective effect of l (+)‐ascorbic acid (Vit C) on CCl₄‐induced hepatotoxicity and oxidative stress in the liver of Wistar rats (Rattus Norvegicus, strain Wistar). Twenty‐four adult male Wistar rats were fed with standard rat chow diet for 10 days and randomly were divided into four groups of six each as follows: (1) control, (2) CCl₄, (3) “CCl₄ + Vit C”, (4) Vit C groups. CCl₄ was applied to rats belonging to CCl₄ and “CCl₄ + Vit C” groups subcutaneously at 1 mg kg^?1 dose CCl₄ for 3 days. Vit C applied to “CCl₄ + Vit C” and “Vit C” group rats intraperitoneally at 300 mg kg^?1 dose for 3 days. All rats were sacrificed and livers were quickly removed on the fourth day of the experiment. MDA, total glutathione (T.GSH) levels and superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐PX) activities were measured in the liver of all groups of rats and also serum alanine amino transferase (ALT) and aspartate amino transferase (AST) activities were detected to determine liver functions in all groups of rats. Histopathological changes were evaluated by light and transmission electron microscopes. In “CCl₄ + Vit C” group, MDA level was significantly decreased (p < 0.05) and SOD, CAT, GSH‐PX activities were significantly increased (p < 0.005, 0.01, 0.05) respectively, T.GSH level was significantly increased (p < 0.005) and serum ALT and AST activities were significantly decreased (p < 0.01, 0.05), respectively, when compared with CCl₄ group. These results show that Vit C has a highly protective effect on hepatotoxicity and oxidative stress caused by CCl₄. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

EAHFE – TROPICA2 study. Prognostic value of troponin in patients with acute heart failure treated in Spanish hospital emergency departments

Objective: Evaluate the use of different cardiac troponin (cTn) immunoassays and the prognostic value of increased cTn values in patients diagnosed with acute heart failure (AHF) in the emergency department (ED).

Method: The epidemiology acute heart failure emergency-TROPonin in acute heart failure2 (EAHFE-TROPICA2) is a retrospective study including patients with AHF admitted in 34 Spanish EDs with cTn values determined in the ED. We studied the prevalence of elevated troponin (value above the established reference limit) for the different types of troponin. We also assessed crude and adjusted primary (1-year all-cause death) and secondary (30 d ED revisit due to AHF) outcomes for every type of cTn and different magnitudes of troponin elevation.

Results: We analysed 4705 episodes of AHF. Troponin was elevated in 48.4% of the cases (25.3% in cTnI, 37.9% in cTnT and 82.2% in hs-cTnT). Mortality at one year was higher in patients with elevated troponin (adjusted HR 1.61; CI 95% 1.38–1.88) regardless of the type of cTn determined. Elevated troponin was not related to ED revisit within 30 d after discharge (1.01; 0.87–1.19).

Conclusions: The use of conventional troponin in the ED is useful to predict one-year mortality in patients with AHF. Highly sensitive cTnT (hs-cTnT) elevations less than double the reference value have no impact on patient outcome.