RESUMEN
Chemokine CX3CL1 (fractalkine) may be an important factor linking thyroid status and bone remodeling, through tetrac, a derivative of thyroxine. This study explores the relationship between serum fractalkine levels and parameters of thyroid status and bone in premenopausal women with Graves' disease (GD) in comparison to healthy controls. This cross-sectional study included three premenopausal female groups: active GD; cured GD, and healthy age-, gender-, and BMI-matched controls. Measurement of serum fractalkine levels (Quantikine® ELISA), total amino-terminal peptide of procollagen type 1 (P1NP), CTx, thyroid hormones, BMD and trabecular bone score (TBS) were performed in all study subjects. Sixty women (21, 16, and 23 in active GD, cured GD, and healthy control groups, respectively) were included. Serum fractalkine levels were higher (p<0.05) in active and cured GD subjects compared to healthy controls (mean 0.7±0.14; 0.93±0.15, and 0.48±0.13 ng/ml, respectively). Lumbar spine BMD was lowest in the cured GD group in comparison to active GD and control group subjects (0.926±0.03; 1.016±0.03; 1.051±0.03 g/cm2; p<0.05, respectively). TBS was lower (p<0.05) in both GD groups than controls being lowest in those with active GD (1.395±0.02; 1.402±0.02, 1.469±0.02, respectively). Serum fractalkine concentration was positively correlated with fT4, and negatively correlated with TBS values. GD in pre-menopausal females is associated with increased serum fractalkine concentration and decreased TBS. Fractalkine may be a currently unappreciated link between hyperthyroidism and bone; further research into this possibility is needed.
Asunto(s)
Hueso Esponjoso/química , Quimiocina CX3CL1/sangre , Enfermedad de Graves/sangre , Premenopausia/sangre , Adulto , Biomarcadores/sangre , Densidad Ósea , Estudios Transversales , Femenino , Enfermedad de Graves/fisiopatología , Humanos , Fragmentos de Péptidos/sangre , Premenopausia/fisiología , Procolágeno/sangre , Hormonas Tiroideas/sangreRESUMEN
OBJECTIVE: The aim of proposed paper was to compare a three total 25-hydroxy-vitamin D immunoassays to that of HPLC with UV detection. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Serum 25-(OH) D levels were measured from blood samples of 109 patients with different immunoassays (ABBOTT, ROCHE, SIEMENS) and method of HPLC which was chosen as the reference. In the first step immunoassays were compared to HPLC. In the second step immunoassays were compared to each other. Further purpose of methods comparison the Passing-Bablok regression and Bland-Altman analysis were used. The limits of maximum acceptable differences were set at 21.5 %, according to Vitamin D Standardization-Certification Program (VDSCP). In the last step, the concordance in the interpretation of measured results was evaluated. RESULTS: None of the examined 25-(OH) D immunoassays was comparable to HPLC and to each other. Bland-Altman analysis revealed, in comparison to HPLC, that ROCHE showed positive bias +28.0 %, ABBOTT +0.2 % and SIEMENS -23.4 %. Although average bias of ABBOTT immunoassay is insignificant, particular results do deviate significantly (-89.4 % to 89.0 %). The concordance in the interpretation of measured results, in comparison to HPLC, was highest with ABBOTT (65.21 %), then with ROCHE (59.63 %) and lowest with SIEMENS (47.79 %). CONCLUSION: The results of the proposed papers suggest low levels of 25-(OH) D immunoassays standardization and an alternative to use assay-specific decision limits.
Asunto(s)
Cromatografía Líquida de Alta Presión/métodos , Inmunoensayo/métodos , Vitamina D/análogos & derivados , Adolescente , Adulto , Anciano , Anciano de 80 o más Años , Femenino , Humanos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Vitamina D/sangre , Adulto JovenRESUMEN
Folic acid (vitamin B9) rich sources are leafy green vegetables, legumes, whole grains, egg yolk, liver, and citrus fruit. In winter and early spring, there could be insufficient supply of vegetables and fruit and thus lower intake of folic acid and possible deficient folic acid blood concentrations. The aim of the study was to assess serum vitamin B9 concentrations depending on the season (the last third of winter - March, the last third of spring - May/June and the beginning of autumn - September) and different nutritional habits (apparently healthy adults non-smoking, non-obese 366 subjects; 204 persons of general population on traditional mixed diet; and 162 long-term lacto-ovo vegetarians). In general population group, the mean concentration of folate in March was low (narrowly above lower reference limit) with high incidence of deficient values - 31.5%. In May/ June vs. March was folate concentration significantly higher with deficient values in 13.2% of individuals. The highest serum values were observed in September with 11.1% of deficient values. In vegetarian vs. non-vegetarian group, significantly higher folate concentrations were found in each season with no deficient values. Folate and vitamin B12 are the regulators of homocysteinemia; plant food lacks of vitamin B12. The deficient folate serum values in March caused the mild hyperhomocysteinemia in 12.3% of individuals vs. only 5.9% and 4.8% of subjects in groups investigated in May/June and September. In spite of high folate concentrations in all investigations and no deficient value, 19.6-22.8% of vegetarians suffer from mild hyperhomocysteinemia as a consequence of deficient vitamin B12 concentrations in one quarter of subjects. As far as the general population is concerned, our findings suggest that winter and early spring are critical seasons in regards to optimal serum folate concentrations.
Asunto(s)
Dieta , Ácido Fólico/sangre , Estaciones del Año , Adulto , Anciano , Femenino , Humanos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Eslovaquia , Encuestas y Cuestionarios , Adulto JovenRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) comprises a cluster of risk components which pre-dispose individuals to cardiovascular mortality. AIM: The purpose of this study is to investigate the variability of biochemical and anthropometric characteristics, apolipoprotein E (APOE) and angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) genes and their contribution to MetS manifestation. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A total of 438 adult women were recruited from different localities in Slovakia. All data was established by standard anthropometric, biochemical and genetic methods. RESULTS: The logarithm of the ratio of plasma concentration of triglycerides to HDL-cholesterol [log(TG-to-HDL-C)], waist circumference, systolic blood pressure, apolipoprotein A1, glucose and alanin aminotransferase accounted for most of the differences in MetS manifestation. Logistic regression showed that participants with risk values of the atherogenic index log(TG-to-HDL-C) had a 15.62-fold higher risk of MetS compared to those with lower values for this index (95% CI = 8.3-29.1). Women with hyperglycaemia (or formerly diagnosed diabetes mellitus) had an 8.82-times higher risk of MetS (95%CI = 3.22-24.16). Women with hyper-uricaemia had the same risk of MetS incidence as women with abdominal obesity, Exp (B) = 4.05.Hypercholesterolaemia, ACE and APOE genotypes did not influence MetS. CONCLUSION: MetS may involve many risk factors that can cause serious disorders in multiple organs. However, women with risk values involving plasma atherogenic index log (TG-to-HDL-C) experienced the highest risk of developing MetS.
Asunto(s)
Síndrome Metabólico/epidemiología , Síndrome Metabólico/etiología , Adulto , Anciano , Anciano de 80 o más Años , Apolipoproteínas E/sangre , Apolipoproteínas E/genética , Biomarcadores/sangre , Biomarcadores/metabolismo , Análisis Químico de la Sangre , Índice de Masa Corporal , Femenino , Humanos , Hipertensión , Incidencia , Hígado/enzimología , Persona de Mediana Edad , Peptidil-Dipeptidasa A/sangre , Peptidil-Dipeptidasa A/genética , Prevalencia , Factores de Riesgo , Eslovaquia/epidemiología , Relación Cintura-CaderaRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: A long-term vegetarian diet is generally poor in vitamin B group. The lack of vitamin B(12) together with vitamin B(6) and folate deficiency is closely related to homocysteine metabolism. Hyperhomocysteinemia was found to be associated with increased bone turnover markers and increased fracture risk. Thus, hyperhomocysteinemia, vitamin B(12) and folate deficiency may be regarded as novel risk factors for micronutrient deficiency-related osteoporosis. AIM OF THE STUDY: To assess the possible impact of a vegetarian diet on bone mineral density in cohort of Slovak vegetarian women. METHODS: Fasting serum glucose, albumin, calcium, phosphorous and creatinine as well as bone markers, serum vitamin B(12), folate and plasma levels of total homocysteine were assessed in two nutritional groups (vegetarians vs. nonvegetarians) of apparently healthy women (age range 20-70 years). Bone mineral density of the femoral neck, trochanter, total femur and lumbar spine was measured in all subjects. RESULTS: Vegetarians had a significantly lower weight (p < 0.05), higher PTH (p < 0.01) and homocysteine (p < 0.001). Vitamin B(12) was significantly higher in nonvegetarians (p < 0.001). No differences were observed in folate levels. Univariate analysis showed significant association between homocysteine and B(12) (p < 0.01), folate (p < 0.001), creatinine (p < 0.001), total proteins (p < 0.049), age (p < 0.001) and vegetarian food intake (p < 0.001). Vegetarians had a significantly lower TrFBMD (p < 0.05) and ToFBMD (p < 0.05). Age and CTx were significant predictors in all sites of measured BMD and PTH. A strong correlation between homocysteine and FNBMD (r = -0.2009, p < 0.002), TrFBMD (r = -0.1810, p < 0.004) and ToFBMD (r = -0.2225, p < 0.001) was found in all subjects. CONCLUSION: Homocysteine is one of the predictors of bone mineral density, and hyperhomocysteinemia is associated with lower bone mineral density. In healthy adults, homocysteine levels are dependent on age as well as on nutritional habits. Thus, elderly women on a vegetarian diet seem to be at higher risk of osteoporosis development than nonvegetarian women.
Asunto(s)
Densidad Ósea , Dieta Vegetariana/efectos adversos , Dieta Vegetariana/estadística & datos numéricos , Homocisteína/sangre , Hiperhomocisteinemia/epidemiología , Adulto , Distribución por Edad , Anciano , Albúminas , Glucemia , Calcio/sangre , Causalidad , Estudios de Cohortes , Creatinina/sangre , Femenino , Ácido Fólico/sangre , Humanos , Hiperhomocisteinemia/sangre , Persona de Mediana Edad , Fósforo/sangre , Factores de Riesgo , Eslovaquia/epidemiología , Vitamina B 12/sangre , Adulto JovenRESUMEN
OBJECTIVE: Panic disorder (PD) is a paroxysmal neuropsychiatric disorder with unclear etiology and obscure pathophysiology. Despite the frequency of its occurrence, PD still has no reliable laboratory markers. The sweat is a neglected human secrete reacting immediately to various neurovegetative challenges including psychic imupulses. We hypothesized a possible dysfunction of sweat homeosthasis in PD. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: 10 patients with active PD, 9 patients with PD in remission and 11 age-matched controls participated in this study. All subjects underwent a single 8-min session in the dry-heat sauna. Sweat and venous blood have been collected immediately after the end of this session. Concentrations of lactate, glucose, creatinine, natrium, potassium, chlorine, calcium and magnesium have been quantitatively estimated in both liquids and compared statistically among three groups. RESULTS: We did not find any significant difference in blood parameters of the three above groups. However, the patients with active PD had significantly higher sweat levels of lactate, glucose, creatinine and magnesium than both the other groups which did not differ. Moreover, sweat concentrations of natrium, potassium and chlorine were significantly higher in active PD comparing to the group of PD patients in remission. CONCLUSIONS: The sweat of patients with active PD in comparison to PD in its clinical remission exhibits surprisingly distinctive changes of selected parameters after dry-heat sauna exposure. Increased concentrations of lactate, glucose and magnesium in the sweat are not contradictory with presupposed neurotransmitter-metabolic firing mechanisms in PD. These findings appear to be perspective biochemical markers in PD and its course.
Asunto(s)
Trastorno de Pánico/fisiopatología , Sudor/química , Sudoración , Adulto , Análisis de Varianza , Biomarcadores , Cloro/análisis , Creatinina/análisis , Femenino , Glucosa/análisis , Humanos , Ácido Láctico/análisis , Magnesio/análisis , Masculino , Trastorno de Pánico/metabolismo , Potasio/análisis , Sodio/análisisRESUMEN
The purpose of this study was to assess clustering of Metabolic Syndrome components in aged Slovaks, and to investigate whether insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism of the human angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) gene is associated with this syndrome. Data were available from 374 Slovak participants (200 females and 174 males) ranging in age between 60 and 90 years. ACE I/D polymorphism was determined by PCR amplification of the ACE gene sequence. Metabolic Syndrome was diagnosed according to criteria in the NCEP ATP-III. Elderly males and females differ significantly in the prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome (females 45.1%, males 24.8%). The males and females including subjects with and without metabolic syndrome, respectively, did not differ significantly in the three genotype distributions (p = 0.603 and p = 0.247). The allele frequencies (D = 0.5483, I = 0.4517) in the entire sample fell within the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. There was no confirmed association between ACE genotype and phenotypic variation in the recognized risk components for Metabolic Syndrome in elderly Slovaks. Among other factors which may induce a difference in Metabolic Syndrome, significant effect was detected for sex, BMI, HDL, TG, glucose and the ApoB/ApoA1 ratio.
Asunto(s)
Estudio de Asociación del Genoma Completo , Mutación INDEL/genética , Síndrome Metabólico/genética , Peptidil-Dipeptidasa A/genética , Polimorfismo Genético/genética , Factores de Edad , Anciano , Anciano de 80 o más Años , Análisis por Conglomerados , Estudios Transversales , Femenino , Frecuencia de los Genes/genética , Genotipo , Humanos , Masculino , Síndrome Metabólico/epidemiología , Persona de Mediana Edad , Fenotipo , Factores Sexuales , EslovaquiaRESUMEN
The objective of this study was to examine the influence of ACE (I/D) genotypes on recognized risk variables for hypertension and Metabolic Syndrome in two ethnic population samples from Slovakia. A total of 150 Romany subjects (68 males and 82 females) and 167 Slovaks (45 males and 122 females) were examined. They were interviewed during a medical examination and they were investigated with respect to a variety of aspects such as medical, anthropometrical and life-style. The studied subjects were defined as hypertensive if the blood pressure was > or = 140/90 mm Hg and Metabolic Syndrome (MS) was defined according to criteria of the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III-(NCEP ATPIII). ACE (I/D) polymorphism was subsequently determined by PCR amplification of the ACE gene sequence. In the entire sample, the frequency of the mutant D allele was higher in the Slovak subjects (D = 0.527) than in the Romany subjects (D = 0.447), but the difference was not significant (p = 0.053). Neither the Slovak nor the Romany normotensive and hypertensive subjects differed significantly in the distribution of the three ACE genotypes (Slovak p = 0.169, Romany p = 0.116). In both ethnic samples hypertensive men prevailed (Slovak 51.1% vs. Romany 44.1%). The features of Metabolic Syndrome were identified in both samples; they occurred in 33.3% of Slovak men and 14.8% Slovak women vs. 42.9% of Romany men and 32.4% Romany women. Regression analysis showed no association between ACE genotypes and hypertension nor between ACE genotypes and MS in these Slovak population samples.
Asunto(s)
Etnicidad/genética , Genotipo , Hipertensión/genética , Mutación INDEL/genética , Síndrome Metabólico/genética , Polimorfismo Genético/genética , Adolescente , Adulto , Anciano , Femenino , Genética de Población , Humanos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Eslovaquia , Adulto JovenRESUMEN
Epidemiological studies have demonstrated that several specific environmental factors and candidate genes influence the human variation in blood pressure. The aim of this study was to investigate variables associated with blood pressure; with a particular emphasis on the differences in insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism of the human angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), the body composition and the recognized risk factors for atherosclerosis among elderly males and females. A total of 374 participants (174 males and 200 females) aged from 60 to 90 years were recruited from different parts of Slovakia. The elderly were not bed-ridden, nor mentally impaired, they were able to manage their daily activities by themselves. The ACE I/D polymorphism was determined by PCR amplification of the ACE gene sequence. Body composition variables were obtained by bioelectrical impedance analysis, using the BIA 101 soft tissue-body impedance analyzer (Akern, S.r.l.). The subjects were determined to be hypertensive (blood pressure > or = 140/90 mm Hg) or normotensive (blood pressure < or = 140/90 mm Hg ). These two subgroups of males and females did not differ significantly in their mean ages. As expected, the hypertensive subjects of both sexes showed significantly higher mean values in systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP), in body mass index (BMI), and in the mean values of their plasma glucose and extracellular water (ECW). The genotype distribution and allele frequencies in the whole sample (D = 0.5474, I = 0.4526) fell within the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. The frequency of the deleterious D allele in the normotensive (0.5532) and hypertensive (0.5516) subjects was not significantly different. The ACE I/D genotypes did not associate either with the systolic (p = 0.836) or diastolic BP (p = 0.629). From the other variables that may induce differences in blood pressure, a statistical effect was detected for glucose, Na/K, and Apo A1/ApoB ratios and physical activity on SBP, and for ApoA1, physical activity, BMI and total cholesterol on DBP.
Asunto(s)
Presión Sanguínea/genética , Composición Corporal/genética , Etnicidad/genética , Genética de Población , Mutación INDEL/genética , Peptidil-Dipeptidasa A/genética , Polimorfismo Genético/genética , Anciano , Anciano de 80 o más Años , Apolipoproteína A-I/genética , Apolipoproteínas B/genética , Aterosclerosis/genética , Glucemia/metabolismo , Índice de Masa Corporal , Colesterol/sangre , Ejercicio Físico/fisiología , Femenino , Genotipo , Humanos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Potasio/sangre , Factores de Riesgo , Eslovaquia , Sodio/sangreRESUMEN
The interrelationship between activity of sympathetic nervous system and metabolic risk factors in youth with hypertension (HT) has been poorly studied. The aim of our present study was to assess the interrelationship between metabolic risk factors, such as insulin resistance, concentration of plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI)-1, and catecholamines in an early stage of HT onset. An oral glucose tolerance test was performed in 17 young males with early-diagnosed nontreated HT grade 1 and 16 gender-, age-, and BMI-matched normotensive controls. Concentrations of glucose, insulin, epinephrine, norepinephrine, PAI-1, and plasma renin activity (PRA) were determined in venous plasma. Insulin sensitivity indices (ISIs) proposed by Cederholm, Matsuda, and Gutt were calculated. HT had higher baseline levels of norepinephrine, insulin (P= 0.02), and PAI-1 (P= 0.04). ISIs were lower in HT subjects (P < 0.001). Baseline concentrations of epinephrine were negatively associated with HDL cholesterol (r=-0.415, P= 0.02), ISI Matsuda (r=-0.361, P= 0.04), ISI Cederholm (r=-0.354, P= 0.04), and ISI Gutt (r=-0.429, P= 0.01), and positively with PRA (r= 0.609, P < 0.0001). Positive association was found between baseline concentrations of norepinephrine and PAI-1 (r= 0.418, P= 0.02). The sympathetic overactivity, which occurs in the early stage of HT may contribute to reduced insulin sensitivity even in young patients and intensify the undesirable development of metabolic cardiovascular risk factors and progress of the disease.
Asunto(s)
Hipertensión/fisiopatología , Resistencia a la Insulina/fisiología , Norepinefrina/metabolismo , Glucemia/metabolismo , Presión Sanguínea/fisiología , Índice de Masa Corporal , Glucosa/metabolismo , Prueba de Tolerancia a la Glucosa , Humanos , Masculino , Factores de Riesgo , Adulto JovenRESUMEN
Sympathoneural and adrenomedullary impairments have been suggested in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In the present study, sympathoneural and adrenomedullary responses to orthostasis were evaluated in eight female RA patients and in eight matched healthy controls. The testing consisted of sequence of stabilization period in supine position, legs-up position, orthostasis, and supine position. In each body position, blood samples were drawn and ECG was recorded. Plasma levels of epinephrine (EPI), norepinephrine (NE) and neuropeptide Y (NPY) were measured and sympathoneural activity was evaluated by analysis of heart rate variability (HRV). Higher baseline NE levels were found in RA patients (P= 0.034), without any difference in response to orthostasis between the study groups. Levels of EPI tended to be lower in RA patients in base line (P= 0.053) and in response to orthostasis (P= 0.079). The RA and control groups did not differ in NPY levels or in HRV parameters considered to reflect sympathetic activity. A subtle tendency to decreased adrenomedullary reactivity but no evidence for abnormal sympathetic responses to orthostasis was found in RA females.
Asunto(s)
Artritis Reumatoide/sangre , Mareo , Estrés Fisiológico , Sistema Nervioso Simpático/fisiología , Médula Suprarrenal/metabolismo , Adulto , Electrocardiografía , Epinefrina/sangre , Femenino , Frecuencia Cardíaca/fisiología , Humanos , Neuropéptido Y/sangre , Norepinefrina/sangre , Posición SupinaRESUMEN
Low-density lipoproteins (LDLs), when modified by free radicals derived from artery wall cells, induce atherosclerosis. In contrast to oxidized LDL (ox-LDL), high-density lipoproteins (HDLs) are able to prevent atherosclerosis through a protein with antioxidant properties, paraoxonase 1 (PON1). The purpose of this study was to explore the association between the activity of HDL-associated PON1 and circulating ox-LDL as well as to investigate the relationship between ox-LDL and parameters of lipid profile in thirty Slovaks aged 21-73 years because recent studies have presented controversial results concerning PON1 and its role in LDL oxidation. For determination of circulating ox-LDL sandwich ELISA was used and other lipid parameters were determined by routine laboratory analyses. PON1 activities were assayed by two synthetic substrates - paraoxon and phenyl acetate. Lipid peroxides were determined spectrophotometrically. Of the lipid parameters examined, ox-LDL level correlated positively with total (P < 0.0001) and LDL-cholesterol (P < 0.001). Triacylglycerols (TAG) (P < 0.001), lipid peroxides (P < 0.01) and atherogenic index (AI = total cholesterol/HDL) (P < 0.0001) were also strongly correlated with ox-LDL. No inverse relationships were observed between ox-LDL and HDL-cholesterol or arylesterase/paraoxonase activities of PON1. Furthermore, it was found that ox-LDL (P < 0.01) and lipid peroxides (P < 0.05) were significantly higher in men than in women. PON1 arylesterase activity was marginally affected by sex. The results of this study suggest that the anti-atherogenic properties of HDLs are not directly related to their total concentration and that PON1 activity determined towards synthetic compounds (paraoxon and phenyl acetate) reflects no association with markers of oxidative stress. Furthermore, it follows from our results that men are more susceptible to developing atherosclerosis compared to women.
Asunto(s)
Arildialquilfosfatasa/metabolismo , Lipoproteínas LDL/sangre , Adulto , Anciano , Arildialquilfosfatasa/sangre , Aterosclerosis/etiología , Biomarcadores/sangre , Femenino , Humanos , Lípidos/sangre , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Estrés Oxidativo , Factores Sexuales , Eslovaquia/epidemiologíaRESUMEN
A vegetarian diet results in higher intake of vitamins and micronutrients, which - although providing antioxidant defence - may lead to deficiency in other micronutrients involved in DNA metabolism and stability (such as vitamins belonging to the B group). The principal difference among various vegetarian diets is the extent to which animal products are avoided. We have performed a pilot study to determine the relationship between the micronucleus frequency in lymphocytes and diet, and we compared the levels of Vitamins C and E, beta-carotene, B(12), folic acid, homocysteine and total antioxidant capacity in healthy vegetarians and non-vegetarians. The vegetarian group, consisting of 24 volunteers (13 women and 11 men), were matched for age and sex with 24 volunteers (12 women and 12 men) with a traditional dietary habit. Among the vegetarians were 13 lacto-ovo-vegetarians with average duration of vegetarian diet 10.8 years (ranging from 5 to 26 years) and 11 lacto-vegetarians with average duration of vegetarian diet 8.2 years (ranging from 3 to 15 years). Homocysteine, Vitamins C and E and beta-carotene levels in plasma were assayed by HPLC, and serum folate and Vitamin B(12) were determined with Elecsys Immunoassay tests. The total antioxidant capacity of plasma was estimated by measuring the ferric-reducing activity in a spectrophotometric assay. Micronuclei were measured in cytokinesis-blocked lymphocytes. Vegetarians had significantly higher levels of Vitamin C and beta-carotene (but not Vitamin E) in plasma compared with non-vegetarians (P<0.001). There were no significant differences in serum levels of folic acid and Vitamin B(12) between the monitored groups. Levels of folic acid in vegetarians correlated with length of vegetarianism (r=0.62, P=0.001, N=24). Vegetarians had elevated levels of homocysteine compared with non-vegetarians (P=0.007), as did vegetarian women compared with non-vegetarian women (P=0.031). We did not find any differences in total antioxidant capacity or in micronucleus frequency between the groups. Micronuclei correlated with age (r=0.62, P<0.001, N=48), women having higher frequencies than men. Multifactorial regression analysis showed significant effects of age, sex and total antioxidant capacity on micronucleus frequency (N=48, P<0.001).
Asunto(s)
Dieta Vegetariana , Linfocitos/metabolismo , Micronúcleos con Defecto Cromosómico , Micronutrientes/sangre , Adulto , Antioxidantes/análisis , Ácido Ascórbico/sangre , Femenino , Ácido Fólico/sangre , Homocistina/sangre , Humanos , Masculino , Pruebas de Micronúcleos , Persona de Mediana Edad , Análisis de Regresión , Vitamina B 12/sangre , Vitamina E/sangre , beta Caroteno/sangreRESUMEN
The influence of apolipoprotein E (ApoE) genotypes on plasma lipid levels and interaction with other environmental factors was determined in two Slovakian population samples; 146 Romany and 351 Slovak individuals. The two samples differ significantly in the distribution of E3/3 genotypes (p<0.014) and E3/2 (p<0.035). Analysis of variance did not reveal any significant effect of the ApoE genotypes on any of the plasma lipid levels in the Romany individuals. In the Slovak sample the variation in plasma low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels was significantly associated with the ApoE genotypes (p=0.012). We detected decreased LDL-C concentrations in males with E2 genotype when compared with E3 and E4 carriers (p=0.008). Further, the E2 genotype was found to be associated with high triglycerides levels (p=0.009). The ethnic samples differ significantly in the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and in the case of males of diabetes. Both the Romany and the Slovak males can be considered as having a more atherogenic profile compared with the females.
Asunto(s)
Apolipoproteínas E/genética , Colesterol/sangre , Polimorfismo Genético , Romaní/etnología , Triglicéridos/sangre , Adulto , Aterosclerosis/etnología , Aterosclerosis/genética , Femenino , Frecuencia de los Genes , Predisposición Genética a la Enfermedad/etnología , Predisposición Genética a la Enfermedad/genética , Humanos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Análisis de Regresión , Factores de Riesgo , Eslovaquia/epidemiologíaRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Diets rich in carbohydrates with a low glycemic index and with high fiber content are associated with flat post-prandial rises of blood glucose, minimal post-prandial insulin secretion and maintenance of insulin sensitivity. Protective food commodities in the prevention of cardiovascular disease, insulin resistance syndrome or diabetes are crucial components of the vegetarian diet. AIM OF THE STUDY: Insulin resistance values were assessed in relation to different nutrition. Metabolic abnormality is a predictor of age-related diseases and can be more pronounced in obese subjects. Insulin resistance values in normal weight subjects of two different nutritional habits were correlated with age. METHODS: Fasting concentrations of glucose and insulin as well as calculated values of insulin resistance IR (HOMA) were assessed in two nutritional groups of apparently healthy adult subjects (age range 19 - 64 years) with normal weight (body mass index 18.6 - 25.0 kg/m(2)): a vegetarian group (95 long-term lacto-ovo-vegetarians; duration of vegetarianism 10.2 +/- 0.5 years) and a non-vegetarian control group (107 subjects of general population on traditional western diet). Intake of energy and main nutrients (fats, saccharides, proteins) was similar in both groups. RESULTS: Glucose and insulin concentrations and IR (HOMA) values were significantly lower in vegetarians (glucose 4.47 +/- 0.05 vs. 4.71 +/- 0.07 mmol/l; insulin 4.96 +/- 0.23 vs. 7.32 +/- 0.41 mU/l; IR (HOMA) 0.99 +/- 0.05 vs. 1.59 +/- 0.10). IR (HOMA) dependence on age was only significant in subjects on a western diet. A significant increase of IR was found already in the age range 31-40 years, compared to vegetarians and it continued in later age decades. Age independent and low insulin resistance values in vegetarians are a consequence of an effective diet prevention by long-term frequent consumption of protective food. Vegetarians had a significantly higher consumption of whole grain products, pulses, products from oat and barley. CONCLUSION: The results of age independent and low values of insulin resistance document a beneficial effect of long-term vegetarian nutrition in prevention of metabolic syndrome, diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Asunto(s)
Glucemia/metabolismo , Dieta Vegetariana , Resistencia a la Insulina/fisiología , Insulina/metabolismo , Adulto , Factores de Edad , Envejecimiento/metabolismo , Estudios de Casos y Controles , Fibras de la Dieta/administración & dosificación , Femenino , Índice Glucémico , Humanos , Insulina/sangre , Secreción de Insulina , Masculino , Carne , Persona de Mediana EdadRESUMEN
There is no reliable method currently available to predict malignant potential of pheochromocytoma based on conventional histology or genetic, molecular or immunohistochemical markers. Metastasis suppressor genes affect the spread of several cancers and, therefore, may provide promise as prognostic markers or therapeutic targets for malignant pheochromocytoma. We hypothesized that the downregulation of metastasis suppressor genes in malignant pheochromocytoma may play a role in malignant behavior. We applied quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (QRT-PCR) to 11 metastasis suppressor genes. These genes are known to be involved in the regulation of important cancer-related cellular events, such as cell growth regulation and apoptosis (nm23-H1, TIMP-1, TIMP-2, TIMP-3, TIMP-4, TXNIP and CRSP-3), cell-cell communication (BRMS-1), invasion (CRMP-1) and cell adhesion (E-Cad and KiSS1). The study included 15 benign and 10 malignant pheochromocytomas. Six metastasis suppressor genes (nm23-H1, TIMP-4, BRMS-1, TXNIP, CRSP-3 and E-Cad) were downregulated significantly in malignant compared to benign pheochromocytoma (p < 0.05, Mann-Whitney U-test). We applied a non-linear rule using median malignant value (MMV) as a threshold to use metastasis suppressor genes to distinguish malignant from benign samples. After cross-validation, the non-linear rule produced no errors in 10 malignant samples and 3 errors in the 15 benign samples, with an overall error rate of 12%. These results suggest that downregulation of metastasis suppressor genes reflect malignant pheochromocytoma with a high degree of sensitivity. Thus, we conclude that altered function of these metastasis suppressor gene pathways may play an important role in the malignant behavior of pheochromocytoma.
Asunto(s)
Biomarcadores de Tumor/metabolismo , Genes Supresores de Tumor , Feocromocitoma/metabolismo , Neoplasias de las Glándulas Suprarrenales/metabolismo , Adulto , Anciano , Cadherinas/metabolismo , Regulación hacia Abajo , Femenino , Humanos , Masculino , Complejo Mediador , Persona de Mediana Edad , Nucleósido Difosfato Quinasas NM23 , Nucleósido-Difosfato Quinasa/metabolismo , Feocromocitoma/genética , Reacción en Cadena de la Polimerasa , Pronóstico , Inhibidores Tisulares de Metaloproteinasas/metabolismo , Transactivadores/metabolismo , Inhibidor Tisular de Metaloproteinasa-4RESUMEN
Changes in plasma levels of epinephrine (EPI) and norepinephrine (NE) were investigated in humans exposed to physical exercise (WL), to psychic stressor (mental arithmetic test, MAT), and to oral glucose administration (oGTT) before and during a stay in microgravity (real space flight, SF) or in simulated microgravity (head-down bed rest, HDBR). A permanent cannula inserted into the cubital vein and a special appliance, Plasma-03, were used for blood collection, plasma separation, and freezing of samples during SF. Plasma EPI, NE, dihydroxyphenylglycol (DHPG), and dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA) levels were measured by the high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) method. Basal plasma EPI, NE, DHPG, and DOPA levels were found within the range of control values during SF. Preflight WL produced high increase in plasma NE and moderate elevation of plasma EPI, DHPG, and DOPA levels. Exaggerated exercise induced increases in plasma NE, DHPG, EPI, and DOPA levels were demonstrated in real microgravity. A return to preflight responses of sympathoadrenal system was seen after the landing. Plasma EPI, NE, and DHPG responses to MAT were relatively small, but increased during SF. During the oGTT the plasma EPI levels were slightly reduced in microgravity. Similarly as in SF, WL in HDBR was followed by significantly exaggerated responses of plasma catecholamines. These results show that both somatic and psychological stressors are able to induce an increased activation of sympathoadrenal system during SF or simulated microgravity in HDBR.