Showing papers in "Biomarkers in 2011"
TL;DR: In clinical settings with incipient AKI, not only the development and the implementation of more sensitive biomarkers are required for earlier treatment initiation in order to attenuate the severity of kidney injury, but also equally important remains the substantial improvement and application of refined and prophylactic therapeutic options.
Abstract: Context: Acute kidney injury (AKI) represents a common serious clinical problem. Up to date mortality due to AKI, especially in intensive care units, has not been changed significantly over the past 50 years. This is partly due to a delay in initiating renal protective and appropriate therapeutic measures since until now there are no reliable early-detecting biomarkers. The gold standard, serum creatinine, displays poor specificity and sensitivity with regard to recognition of the early period of AKI.Objective: Our objective was to review established markers versus novel urine and serum biomarkers of AKI in humans, which have progressed to clinical phase with regard to their diagnostic and prognostic value.Materials and methods: A review was performed on the basis of literature search of renal failure, acute kidney injury, and biomarkers in Pubmed.Results: Next to established biomarkers as creatinine and cystatin C, other molecules such as neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), kidney injury m...
180 citations
TL;DR: The endothelial integrity, as mechanical barrier against microorganisms and as natural “anticoagulant”, is crucial for physiologic organ function and biomarkers reflecting this special compartment may help in the early detection of systemic inflammation and its complications.
Abstract: The endothelial integrity, as mechanical barrier against microorganisms and as natural "anticoagulant", is crucial for physiologic organ function. Systemic activation of the endothelium upon inflammation, sepsis, and septic shock is always ending in blood-tissue barrier disruption. With increasing dysfunction, uncontrolled clotting activation, capillary microthrombi formation, tissue edema, local hypoxia, and ischemia are initiated. This in turn enhances a vicious circle leading to multiple organ failure and death. Therefore, biomarkers reflecting this special compartment may help in the early detection of systemic inflammation and its complications. This review provides an overview of the most important endothelial biomarkers and their possible use in sepsis.
165 citations
TL;DR: A competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for detection of a type I collagen fragment generated by matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) -2, -9 and -13, was developed (CO1-764 or C1M).
Abstract: A competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for detection of a type I collagen fragment generated by matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) -2, -9 and -13, was developed (CO1-764 or C1M). The biomarker was evaluated in two preclinical rat models of liver fibrosis: bile duct ligation (BDL) and carbon tetra chloride (CCL4)-treated rats. The assay was further evaluated in a clinical study of prostate-, lung- and breast-cancer patients stratified according to skeletal metastases. A technically robust ELISA assay specific for a MMP-2, -9 and -13 neo-epitope was produced and seen to be statistically elevated in BDL rats compared to baseline levels as well as significantly elevated in CCL4 rats stratified according to the amount of total collagen in the livers. CO1-764 levels also correlated significantly with total liver collagen and type I collagen mRNA expression in the livers. Finally, the CO1-764 marker was not correlated with skeletal involvement or number of bone metastases. This ELISA has the potent...
137 citations
TL;DR: Urinary p-cresol was significantly elevated in autistic children smaller than 8 years of age and typically females and more severely affected regardless of sex, and elevated urinary cotinine measurements excluded smoking-related hydrocarbon contaminations as contributors to these differences.
Abstract: Several studies have described in autistic patients an overgrowth of unusual gut bacterial strains, able to push the fermentation of tyrosine up to the formation of p-cresol. We compared levels of ...
118 citations
TL;DR: This implementation of the novel “meet-in-the-middle” analytical strategy indicates how case-control studies nested in prospectively collected cohorts may reveal intermediate biomarkers linking exposure and disease.
Abstract: Background: Predictive disease risk biomarkers that can be linked to exposure have proved difficult to identify in case-control studies.Methods: Parallel statistical analysis of the correlation between 1H NMR profiles from plasma samples collected before disease onset (EPIC cohort), versus exposure to dietary compounds, and follow-up disease endpoints (colon and breast cancer) was performed.Results: Metabonomic signatures associated with colon cancer and dietary fiber intake (a protective factor according to epidemiological studies) were identified.Conclusion: This implementation of the novel “meet-in-the-middle” analytical strategy indicates how case-control studies nested in prospectively collected cohorts may reveal intermediate biomarkers linking exposure and disease.
114 citations
TL;DR: Serum omentin-1 levels are inversely associated with the presence and angiographic severity of CAD in patients with metabolic syndrome, suggesting that this biomarker might be a potential biomarker to predict the development and progression of Cad in MetS patients.
Abstract: Context: Omentin-1, an adipokine secreted from visceral adipose tissue, has been reported to be associated with coronary artery disease (CAD) and metabolic disorders.Objective: To clarify the relationship between serum omentin-1 levels and the presence and severity of CAD in patients with metabolic syndrome (MetS).Methods: We measured serum omentin-1 levels in 175 consecutive patients with MetS and in 46 controls.Results: Serum omentin-1 levels are inversely associated with the presence and angiographic severity of CAD in MetS patients.Conclusions: Serum omentin-1 might be a potential biomarker to predict the development and progression of CAD in MetS patients.
81 citations
TL;DR: GDF- 15 has great potential as a biomarker in cardiovascular diseases, especially for prognosis, and is seen as a myocardial protective cytokine, but the exact mechanism of GDF-15 in cardiovascular Diseases remains unknown.
Abstract: Context: Growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15) is a novel cytokine showing close association with cardiovascular diseases. The biological mechanism and clinical use of GDF-15 in cardiovascular diseases have been well demonstrated. We review recent investigations from both basic research and clinical trials into the biological role of GDF-15.Methods: The data were obtained mainly from MedLine via PubMed and from our own investigations.Results: Laboratory investigations revealed that GDF-15 has biphasic effects on cellular survival by several signaling pathways. GDF-15 participates in several cardiovascular pathological processes such as cardiac remodeling, ischemia/reperfusion injury and atherosclerotic plaque formation. As well, GDF-15 was found a prognostic biomarker of heart failure and acute coronary syndrome. The evidence for diagnostic or therapeutic utility is poor.Conclusion: GDF-15 has great potential as a biomarker in cardiovascular diseases, especially for prognosis, and is seen as a myocard...
76 citations
TL;DR: The importance of remodeling of the ECM in cancer and the generation of PTMs, which may be cancer specific and reflect disease progression, are highlighted, thus having potential for biochemical marker development.
Abstract: The aim of this review is to discuss the potential usefulness of a novel class of biochemical markers, designated neoepitopes. Neoepitopes are post-translational modifications (PTMs) of proteins and are derived by processes, such as protease cleavage, citrullination, nitrosylation, glycosylation and isomerization. Each PTM results from a specific local physiological or pathobiologial process. Identification of each modification to a tissue-specific protein may reveal a unique disease-specific biochemical marker. During cancer metastasis, the host tissue is extensively degraded and replaced by cancer-associated extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. Furthermore, severe cellular stress and inflammation, caused by cancer, results in generation of PTMs, which will be distributed throughout the ECM. This gives rise to release of protein-specific fragments to the circulation. Here we highlight the importance of remodeling of the ECM in cancer and the generation of PTMs, which may be cancer specific and reflect di...
73 citations
TL;DR: Establishment of a suitable biomarker panel would facilitate detection of site-specific kidney injury with high sensitivity, and some biomarkers showed ability to detect the prodromal stage of drug-induced kidney injury.
Abstract: Objective: To aid in evaluating the performance of biomarkers, we measured kidney injury biomarkers in rat models of drug-induced acute kidney injury.Methods and results: Rats were treated with sit...
63 citations
TL;DR: Connective tissue growth factor is associated with disease severity parameters and outcome in fibrotic disease and may have diagnostic and prognostic values, however, CTGF ELISA needs standardization.
Abstract: Background: Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) has been identified as a key factor in the pathogenesis of diseases with significant fibrosis-related complications such as hepatitis, diabetes and renal transplantation. Increasing evidence shows that CTGF levels in plasma, serum and urine have promising biomarker applicability in these disorders.Objective: To present an overview of current knowledge on CTGF in various patient populations and the technical aspects of CTGF measurement by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).Method: We performed a comprehensive literature search by using electronic bibliographic databases.Conclusion: CTGF is associated with disease severity parameters and outcome in fibrotic disease and may have diagnostic and prognostic values. However, CTGF ELISA needs standardization.
61 citations
TL;DR: The findings suggest that immature glioma cells are involved in tumour growth and tumour progression and significantly impact on patient prognosis.
Abstract: To study the clinical relevance of undifferentiated tumour cells in astrocytic gliomas we employed a large tumour tissue microarray (n=283) with corresponding clinical data and analyzed the expression of Nestin and Sox-2, which mark undifferentiated stem- and progenitor cells in the normal brain Both markers were expressed abundantly and staining of nestin significantly increased with WHO grade Further, nestin and Sox-2 immunoreactivity was significantly associated with tumour cell proliferation and nestin expression was independently associated with poor patient survival Our findings suggest that immature glioma cells are involved in tumour growth and tumour progression and significantly impact on patient prognosis
TL;DR: Interleukin 8 (IL-8), IL-10, interferon γ, and inducible protein 10 were shown to be predictive of excessive body weight with an area under the ROC curve of 71% and it might be possible to identify unique immunologic hallmarks of specific types of obesity.
Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to identify immunologic hallmarks of excessive bodyweight. The analysis is based on 176 adults (106 women, 70 men) who participated in a nested case-control study in Italy. All participants were healthy at the time of blood collection and aged between 36 and 75 years. We employed multivariate analysis of variance and a nonparametric Bayesian additive regression tree approach along with a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis to determine the immunologic signature of excessive body weight (i.e., obesity and overweight). Interleukin 8 (IL-8), IL-10, interferon γ, and inducible protein 10 were shown to be predictive of excessive body weight with an area under the ROC curve of 71% (p < 0.0002). We propose that by using this profile-based approach to define immunologic signatures, it might be possible to identify unique immunologic hallmarks of specific types of obesity.
TL;DR: Plasma netrin-1 levels were significantly increased in breast, renal, prostate, liver, meningioma, pituitary adenoma, and glioblastoma cancers as compared to control samples.
Abstract: Context: The axon guidance cues netrin-1 is a secreted protein overexpressed in many different cancer tissues.Objectives: To determine whether plasma netrin-1 can be used as a diagnostic biomarker of human cancer.Materials and Methods: A total of 300 cancer plasma samples from breast, renal, prostate, liver, meningioma, pituitary adenoma, glioblastoma, lung, pancreatic and colon cancer patients were compared against 138 control plasma samples. Netrin-1 levels were quantified by ELISA and immunohistochemistry.Results: Plasma netrin-1 levels were significantly increased in breast, renal, prostate, liver, meningioma, pituitary adenoma, and glioblastoma cancers as compared to control samples.Discussion and Conclusion: Our results suggest that plasma netrin-1 can be used as a diagnostic biomarker for many human cancers.
TL;DR: The results from this study demonstrated significant relationships between NNAL concentrations and serum cotinine and urine creatinine and the joint effect of linear and quadratic terms for number of cigarettes smoked per day was statistically significant.
Abstract: The tobacco-specific carcinogen 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanol (NNAL), a metabolite of the tobacco-specific nitrosamine (TSNA) 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK), has been measured in urine samples from all participants aged 6 years and older from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2007-2008. Participants with a serum cotinine concentration of ≥ 10 ng/mL were identified as tobacco users, primarily cigarette smokers. Regression models were developed to calculate geometric mean NNAL concentrations adjusted for serum cotinine, urinary creatinine, cigarettes per day, and Federal Trade Commission tar values of the cigarettes smoked. Significant differences were found by gender (p=0.003) and race/ethnicity (p=0.022 for non-Hispanic white versus non-Hispanic black smokers), but not by menthol type of the cigarettes. Females and non-Hispanic white smokers had the highest adjusted means for urinary NNAL (353 and 336 pg/mL, respectively). The results from this study demonstrated significant relationships between NNAL concentrations and serum cotinine (p<0.001) and urine creatinine (p<0.001). The joint effect of linear and quadratic terms for number of cigarettes smoked per day was also statistically significant (p=0.001). In addition to addressing current NNK exposure levels, these results will form a baseline for future estimates of tobacco users' exposure to this carcinogen.
TL;DR: Increased serum levels of CO5-1230 were associated with the extent of collagen deposition in two different models of fibrotic processes in the liver, indicating that formation of type V collagen may be of value as a disease-specific diagnostic biomarker that reflects the total burden of disease.
Abstract: Aim: Liver fibrosis involves excessive remodeling and deposition of fibrillar extracellular matrix (ECM) components, which leads to malfunction of the organ, causing significant morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to assess whether levels of a type V collagen fragment, the propeptide CO5-1230, indicate the amount of collagen deposited during liver fibrosis.Methods: A specific competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was developed to measure CO5-1230 levels. The sequence TAALGDIMGH located at the start of the C-terminal propeptide between amino acid position 1230′ and 1239′ (CO5-1230) of the α2 chain was selected as the immunogen. Monoclonal antibodies were raised against this fragment. An assay developed using the biotin–streptavidin system was evaluated in two rat models of liver fibrosis: bile duct ligation (BDL) and carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-treated rats, for up to 20 weeks.Results: The ELISA was capable of measuring CO5-1230 in serum specifically, with an intra-assay vari...
TL;DR: It is proposed that environmental exposure studies should not only retrospectively document exposure levels, but also measure biological parameters that can be used to inform relevant systemic changes.
Abstract: Systems exposure science has emerged from the traditional environmental exposure assessment framework and incorporates new concepts that link sources of human exposure to internal dose and metabolic processes. Because many human environmental studies are designed for retrospective exposure evaluations they often do not provide practical toxicological outcome parameters. Our goal was to examine concepts from systems biology research and adapt them to a network approach that maps forward to a perturbation event using two hypothetical examples. The article proposes that environmental exposure studies should not only retrospectively document exposure levels, but also measure biological parameters that can be used to inform relevant systemic changes.
TL;DR: It is suggested that fiber intake, especially cereal fiber, may be associated with a decreased level of pro-inflammatory cytokines.
Abstract: Dietary fiber may modulate the environment of the intestinal lumen, alter the intestinal microflora populations, and influence the immune response and disease risk. Epidemiological investigations have suggested that higher fiber intake is associated with lower overall mortality, in particular from cardiovascular and digestive tract diseases. Here a panel of 17 cytokines and chemokines were measured in plasma of 88 cancer-free subjects sampled within the Italian EPIC-Italy cohort. A statistically significant inverse association (p-trend = 0.01) was observed for cereal fiber and cytokines included in the main factor in factor analysis (IL-1β, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-13, and TNF-α), which alone explained 35.5% of variance. Our study suggests that fiber intake, especially cereal fiber, may be associated with a decreased level of pro-inflammatory cytokines.
TL;DR: There is scope for specific urinary biomarkers to be useful for identification of autistic metabolic phenotypes, according to the key theories regarding the etiology of autism.
Abstract: Context: Autism is a complex, heterogeneous neurodevelopmental condition with a strong genetic component potentially impacted by various environmental factors influencing susceptibility. There are no reliable laboratory tests available to confirm an autism diagnosis.Objective: To examine the published literature and identify putative urinary biomarkers of autism.Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted using electronic bibliographic databases.Results: Putative autism biomarkers were identified that could be categorized according to the key theories that exist regarding the etiology of autism: gastrointestinal factors, immune dysregulation, heavy metal toxicity, neurotransmitter abnormalities, and oxidative stress.Conclusion: There is scope for specific urinary biomarkers to be useful for identification of autistic metabolic phenotypes.
TL;DR: Kinetics of c-reactive protein (CRP) and serum amyloid A (SAA) was characterized, using their biologic half-life times, to help make a clinical assessment of community-acquired pneumonia patients.
Abstract: Context: In management of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), excellent biomarkers for inflammation would be helpful in our practice.Objectives: Kinetics of c-reactive protein (CRP) and serum amyloid A (SAA) was characterized, using their biologic half-life times.Materials and methods: Time course of CRP and SAA levels in the successfully treated 36 CAP patients were investigated and their half-life times were determined and compared.Results & Discussions: SAA and CRP declined in an exponential mean and the biologic half-life times of SAA levels was 34.9 ± 28.7 h, significantly shorter than that of CRP, 46.4 ± 21.7 h (p = 0.0014). Conclusion: The kinetic evidence, presented as biologic half-life times of CRP and SAA, helps us make a clinical assessment of CAP patients.
TL;DR: In this paper, the expression of the excision cross-complementing (ERCC1), thymidylate synthase (TS) and glutathione S-transferase P1 (GSTP1) were evaluated in advanced gastric cancer patients receiving adjuvant 5fluorouracil (5-FU) and cisplatin (FP) chemotherapy.
Abstract: The objective of this study was to determine whether the expressions of the excision cross-complementing (ERCC1), thymidylate synthase (TS) and glutathione S-transferase P1 (GSTP1) are predictive of clinical outcomes in advanced gastric cancer (AGC) patients receiving treatment with adjuvant 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and cisplatin (FP) chemotherapy. One hundred forty nine patients were included in this study. ERCC1 and GSTP1 expression was correlated significantly with tumor size (p = 0.040, p = 0.018, respectively). Stage and positive lymph node ratio were associated independently with disease free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS). Both ERCC1 and GSTP1 expression had a significant impact on OS (hazard ratio = 0.069, p = 0.021). TS expression was not related to DFS and OS.
TL;DR: It is concluded that SNPs in the MMP-2 and -9 promoter region may be associated with susceptibility to HNSCC not in OSMF.
Abstract: The aim of this study was to explore the association of MMP-2 (-1306 C/T and -168 G/T) and MMP-9 (-1562 C/T) promoter polymorphisms in oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) cases. These SNP were genotyped by PCR-RFLP. Total of 1260 individuals were recruited, of which 412 OSMF, 422 HNSCC and 426 were controls. In HNSCC, MMP-2 (-1306 C/T) and MMP-9 (-1562C/T) polymorphism, T allele showed strong association (p < 0.00 and p < 0.01) as compared to healthy control respectively, but not in case of OSMF and showed significant association with increasing progression of clinico-pathological grading. We concluded that SNPs in the MMP-2 and -9 promoter region may be associated with susceptibility to HNSCC not in OSMF.
TL;DR: The majority of described biomarkers and assays allowing identification of patients suitable for drug weaning or at risk of rejection have not been validated in prospective clinical trials and collaborative efforts are needed to design and perform prospective multicenter trials to validate the identified biomarkers across different laboratories.
Abstract: To avoid toxic side effects caused by permanent immunosuppressive treatment, research in transplantation focuses on new treatment strategies inducing tolerance or allowing drug weaning. Implementing drug minimization into clinical routine can be only safely achieved when guided by biomarkers reflecting the individual immune reactivity. We review recently described biomarkers and assays allowing identification of patients suitable for drug weaning or at risk of rejection. However, the majority of described biomarkers and assays have not been validated in prospective clinical trials. Thus, collaborative efforts are needed to design and perform prospective multicenter trials to validate the identified biomarkers across different laboratories.
TL;DR: Urinary CEMA is a suitable biomarker for assessing smoking-related exposure to acrylonitrile and is significantly correlated with ISO tar yield, daily cigarette consumption, and urinary biomarkers of smoke exposure.
Abstract: Acrylonitrile is an IARC class 2B carcinogen present in cigarette smoke. Urinary 2-cyanoethylmercapturic acid (CEMA) is an acrylonitrile metabolite and a potential biomarker for acrylonitrile exposure. The objective of this work was to study the dose response of CEMA in urine of non-smokers and smokers of different ISO tar yield cigarettes. We observed that smokers excreted >100-fold higher amounts of urinary CEMA than non-smokers. The CEMA levels in smokers were significantly correlated with ISO tar yield, daily cigarette consumption, and urinary biomarkers of smoke exposure. In conclusion, urinary CEMA is a suitable biomarker for assessing smoking-related exposure to acrylonitrile.
TL;DR: Lead exposure at younger age significantly impacts a child’s later neurodevelopment, and CBLI may be a better predictor of neurodevelopment than are current or peak blood lead levels.
Abstract: Objective: To find the best lead exposure assessment marker for children.Methods: We recruited 11 children, calculated a cumulative blood lead index (CBLI) for the children, measured their concurrent BLL, assessed their development, and measured their bone lead level.Results: Nine of 11 children had clinically significant neurodevelopment problems. CBLI and current blood lead level, but not the peak lead level, were significantly or marginally negatively associated with the full-scale IQ score.Conclusion: Lead exposure at younger age significantly impacts a child’s later neurodevelopment. CBLI may be a better predictor of neurodevelopment than are current or peak blood lead levels.
TL;DR: Investigation of oxidative and genotoxic damage in photocopier operators by assessing catalase activity (CAT), reduced vs. oxidized glutathione ratio (GSH/GSSG), level of lipid peroxidation (TBARS), damage index by Comet assay (DICA), and buccal cells with micronuclei (BCMN) reveals that the TBARS levels in operators were increased but that no significant alterations to GSH or CAT activity were observed.
Abstract: Occupational exposure to photocopiers has been indicated as being responsible for a number of health complaints, particularly effects on the respiratory, immunological, and nervous systems. In this study, we investigated oxidative and genotoxic damage in photocopier operators by assessing catalase activity (CAT), reduced vs. oxidized glutathione ratio (GSH/GSSG), level of lipid peroxidation (TBARS), damage index by Comet assay (DICA), and buccal cells with micronuclei (BCMN). Our results reveal that the TBARS levels in operators were increased (27%; p<0.05) but that no significant alterations to GSH/GSSG or CAT activity were observed. The DICA and the number of BCMN were significantly increased (134% and 100%, respectively; p<0.05) in the exposed group. There was a significant association between the time in months spent at work and DNA damage in lymphocytes (rs = 0.720; p<0.001) and buccal cell with MN (rs = 0.538; p<0.001). Because laser printers and photocopiers have become increasingly used, it is imp...
TL;DR: Serial catestatin levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in the first week after AMI in 50 patients, finding thatCatestatin might be involved in the course of AMI and act as a tool in monitoring the progression ofAMI.
Abstract: Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is characterized by complex neuroendocrine activation. To investigate catestatin profiles, serial catestatin levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in the first week after AMI in 50 patients. Catestatin levels reduced at admission and negatively correlated with heart rates; it increased significantly on the third day but remained decreased at 1 week and positively with blood pressure. In a subgroup of 20 patients admitted within 4 h after onset, circulating catestatin correlated inversely with norepinephrine. Catestatin might be involved in the course of AMI and act as a tool in monitoring the progression of AMI.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors applied a systematic quantitative approach to evaluate urinary benzene (BEN-U) and S-phenylmercapturic acid (SPMA) as biomarkers of low benzene exposures.
Abstract: Context: Benzene is a ubiquitous pollutant; smoking habit, genetic polymorphisms, and analytical difficulties impact the identification of the best biomarker.Objective: To apply a systematic quantitative approach to evaluate urinary benzene (BEN-U) and S-phenylmercapturic acid (SPMA) as biomarkers of low benzene exposures.Methods: Seventy-one blue collar refinery workers, 97 white collar refinery workers and 108 general population subjects were included. Intrinsic characteristics, sampling and analytical issues were compared.Results: BEN-U and SPMA were detected in 99% and 78% of samples, which correlated with benzene exposure (r = 0.456 and r = 0.636, respectively) and with urinary cotinine (r = 0.630 and r = 0.570, respectively). Intrinsic characteristics were similar for the two biomarkers: specificity (0.64 and 0.69 for BEN-U and SPMA), sensitivity (0.74 and 0.83), as well as intra- and inter-individual variability (150% and >14 for both).Conclusion: BEN-U and SPMA show similar intrinsic characteristi...
TL;DR: Pregnancy-induced changes in exhaled gases need to be considered when pregnant women with respiratory disorders carry out breath tests, according to the first study assessing alterations in "breathprint" during gestation.
Abstract: Context: Pregnancy-linked accelerated metabolism and oxidative stress may alter the exhaled volatile compound pattern (“breathprint”). Electronic noses can distinguish “breathprints” associated with different disorders.Objective: This is the first study assessing alterations in “breathprint” during gestation.Material and methods: 130 women participated in our study (78 pregnant vs. 52 non-pregnant). Breath samples were processed by an electronic nose and analyzed using principal component analysis.Results: Significant differences were found in exhaled breath pattern between pregnant and non-pregnant women (p = 0.001).Conclusion: Pregnancy-induced changes in exhaled gases need to be considered when pregnant women with respiratory disorders carry out breath tests.
TL;DR: Airway inflammation in obese asthmatics may present a different pattern involving leptin, and sputum leptin levels may partially originate from systemic circulation, with other contributing mechanisms.
Abstract: Objective: To understand the role of leptin and adiponectin in obese asthmatics.Methods: We compared serum leptin, adiponectin and sputum leptin levels in 44 non-obese and 44 obese subjects.Results: We found higher serum leptin (P < 0.0001) and lower adiponectin (P = 0.0002) levels in obese asthmatics. Sputum leptin was correlated with body mass index (BMI; r = 0.34, P = 0.03) and serum leptin (r = 0.43, P = 0.005); however, this last correlation was not significant after adjusting for BMI (r = 0.26, P = 0.11).Conclusion: Airway inflammation in obese asthmatics may present a different pattern involving leptin. Sputum leptin levels may partially originate from systemic circulation, with other contributing mechanisms.
TL;DR: Saliva PSA is associated with blood PSA in patients with recurrent or metastatic PA and may, therefore, be a useful PA biomarker, according to enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.
Abstract: In recent years, saliva samples have attracted attention as specimens, which may be used for cancer diagnosis. Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is the most useful tumor marker for prostate adenocarcinoma (PA). We examined whether there is an association between saliva PSA and serum PSA in patients with PA using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Human subjects were classified into two groups: a low-serum PSA concentration group (n = 20) (<2.5 ng/mL) and a high-serum PSA concentration group with high risk of recurrence or metastasis (n = 11) (≤2.5 ng/mL). There were significant differences in saliva PSA concentration between these groups (p < 0.05). Saliva PSA concentration correlated very well with serum PSA concentration in the high-serum PSA concentration group (γ = 0.910, p < 0.001) using Spearman’s rank test, but no correlation in the low-serum PSA concentration group. This result suggests that saliva PSA is associated with blood PSA in patients with recurrent or metastatic PA and may, therefore, be a ...