Medical University of Varna

About: Medical University of Varna is a education organization based out in Varna, Varna, Bulgaria. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Medicine. The organization has 1199 authors who have published 1273 publications receiving 32940 citations. The organization is also known as: MU-Varna & Higher Medical Institute of Varna.

Correlation of blood histamine levels with immunological indices in patients with Schönlein-Henoch purpura

Abstract: Schönlein-Henoch purpura (SHP) has been associated with immunological disorders and has been considered as an IgA related disease [1, 2]. Increased levels ofIgG and circulating immune complexes (CIC) that simultaneously contain IgA and IgG are frequently found in SHP [3, 4]. Histamine is reported to play a role as a modulator of immune responses. It was shown to suppress IgG, IgM and IgA production in in vitro studies [5, 6]. We have now examined the levels of histamine in blood and the concentrations of IgA, IgG, IgM, CIC and C3 complement fraction in serum of patients with active SHP. Furthermore, we estimated the correlation of histamine levels with the concentrations of the studied factors.

Osteocalcin in a rat model of metabolic syndrome

Abstract: Osteocalcin (OC) is an osteoblast-derived vitamin K dependent protein. Recent studies have demonstrated that in mice it acts as a multifunctional hormone, increasing insulin secretion and beta cell proliferation and improving insulin sensitivity. Osteocalcin has been postulated to be metabolically active in its undercarboxylated form. Whether OC plays a similar metabolic role in the rat is currently unknown. The aim of the present study was to compare the levels of OC in intact rats and in rats with a diet-induced metabolic syndrome. A secondary objective was to look for correlations of OC with metabolic parameters. Two groups of rats were used. The control group received regular rat chow and plain water and the experimental group was fed a diet high in saturated fat and fructose. The duration of the experiment was 10 weeks. At the end of this period insulin tolerance test was performed. Serum lipids, insulin, leptin and both forms of OC, carboxylated and undercarboxylated, were determined. Metabolic syndrome was verified by increased visceral adiposity, elevated serum triglycerides, cholesterol and fasting blood glucose, positive insulin tolerance test at the 90th minute, higher serum insulin. In rats with metabolic syndrome undercarboxylated OC serum level was significantly reduced, whereas carboxylated OC level was unchanged. The ratio undercarboxylated OC/ carboxylated OC was also lower in the experimental group. Undercarboxylated OC and undercarboxylated OC/ carboxylated OC were inversely associated with blood glucose but not with other biochemical parameters. Our results partly support the hypothesis that undercarboxylated OC is implicated in energy regulation and suggest that this might be true also for the rat. More evidence is needed to determine the hormonal role of osteocalcin in this animal species. Adipobiology 2015; 7: 31-36 Key words : osteocalcin, metabolic syndrome, rat model, fasting blood glucose, correlations

Metabology of Helicobacter pylori infection: role of gastrokines

Abstract: Trillions of bacteria, collectively referred to as the microbiota, reside in gastrointestinal tract. Helicobacter (Campylobacter) pylori (H. pylori) is an Gram negative bacillus which infects about half of the world's population. Its causative role in gastroduodenal disease is well known. Recent studies also implicated H. pylori infection in the pathobiology of autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura. However, little is known about H. pylori-associated alterations in metabolic pathways and food intake as related to cardiometabolic diseases such as atherosclerosis, obesity, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. This novel approach is conceptualized as metabology of H. pylori infection. Here we Dance Round this specific topic, with special reference to possible roles played by gastric cell-secreted molecules such as leptin, ghrelin and various cytokines, collectively designated gastrokines. Biomedical Reviews 2006; 17: 123-128.

High osteoprotegerin serum levels in newly! diagnosed type 2 diabetic males without known coronary artery disease

Abstract: PURPOSES: Osteoprotegerin (OPG) is an inhibitor of osteoclastogenesis, but is produced from vasculature, too. There is recent evidence of increased circulating OPG levels in patients with diabetes as well as in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). Up to date, there are no sufficient data about OPG concentrations in newly-diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus (nT2DM) patients. The aim of our study was to determine the serum OPG levels in males with nT2DM without known concomitant CAD and to investigate the association of OPG with intima-media thickness (IMT) of common carotid arteries and glucometabolic arameters. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Serum OPG levels were measured in 31 nT2DM males and 15 age- and body mass index (BMI)-matched non-diabetic male subjects. IMT of common carotid arteries was measured by a 7.5-MHz B-mode ultrasonography. OPG was estimated by ELISA (BioMedica) in pmol/L. RESULTS: OPG was significantly higher in nT2DM patients when compared to controls (4.59±0.28 versus 3.20±0.30 pmol/L; p=0.004). In the whole group of subjects, there was a positive correlation of OPG levels with glucose parameters: fasting plasma glucose (FPG) (r=0.38; p=0.01), 2-hour post-challenge glucose (r=0.45; p=0.003) and HbA1c (r=0.46; p=0.002). Moreover, OPG correlated significantly with carotid IMT (Pr 0.40; p=0.01). CONCLUSION: Serum OPG is significantly elevated in nT2DM males without known CAD compared to non-diabetic controls. OPG levels show associations not only with some glucose indices but also with IMT, one of the earliest atherosclerotic markers. Probably, these glucose indices and this vascular parameter are involved in OPG regulation. We could suggest that OPG rises early in the evolution of diabetic disorders. However, further investigations are needed. Scripta Scientifica Medica 2013; 45(3): 65-68.

Evaluation of some parameters of copper metabolism and leipzig scoring system in the diagnosis of wilson disease

Abstract: PURPOSE: Wilson disease (WD) is an autosomal recessively inherited disorder of copper accumulation and toxicity. Its recognition is easy in the presence of typical clinical presentations. Unexplained liver test abnormalities are a diagnostic challenge and require more examinations. The objective of this study is to assess the diagnostic value of ceruloplasmin, 24-hour urine copper excretion and Leipzig scoring system in WD. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sixty-five patients with WD (22 females and 43 males) and control group of 17 patients with other chronic liver diseases (CLD) were analyzed. The values of the parameters of copper metabolism and Leipzig scoring system were evaluated. RESULTS: Average ceruloplasmin level was under 0,2 g/L and 24-hour urinary copper concentration was increased. D-penicillamine challenge test showed a mean value of 17,4 µmol/24 hours of urinary copper excretion in WD patients versus 5,46 µmol/24 hours in CLD ones. According to the Leipzig scoring diagnostic criteria, 58 WD patients (89,23% of the cases) presented with a score ≥4 (maximal value of 12). Score 3 was found out in seven patients, however, the exclusion of other etiology and the clinical course of the disease confirmed the diagnosis. The control subjects presented with a score ≤3 as it was ≤2 in 76,5% of the cases. CONCLUSION: Our results confirm the diagnostic value for WD of the Leipzig scoring system combined with clinical symptoms, laboratory parameters of copper metabolism, genetic testing and liver biopsy in clinical practice.