GalNAc-T14 may Contribute to Production of Galactose-Deficient Immunoglobulin A1, the Main Autoantigen in IgA Nephropathy.

Introduction: Immunoglobulin A1 (IgA1) with galactose-deficient -glycans (Gd-IgA1) play a key role in the pathogenesis of IgA nephropathy (IgAN). Mucosal-tissue infections increase IL-6 production and, in patients with IgAN, are often associated with macroscopic hematuria. IgA1-secreting cell lines derived from the circulation of patients with IgAN, compared to those of healthy controls (HCs), produce more IgA1 that has glycans with terminal or sialylated -acetylgalactosamine (GalNAc).

Galactose-Deficient IgA1 B cells in the Circulation of IgA Nephropathy Patients Carry Preferentially Lambda Light Chains and Mucosal Homing Receptors.

Background: IgA nephropathy (IgAN) primary glomerulonephritis is characterized by the deposition of circulating immune complexes composed of polymeric IgA1 molecules with altered O-glycans (Gd-IgA1) and anti-glycan antibodies in the kidney mesangium. The mesangial IgA deposits and serum IgA1 contain predominantly light (L) chains, but the nature and origin of such IgA remains enigmatic.

Methods: We analyzed L chain expression in peripheral blood B cells of 30 IgAN patients, 30 healthy controls (HCs), and 18 membranous nephropathy patients selected as disease controls (non-IgAN).

Electrocatalytic artificial carbonylation assay for observation of human serum albumin inter-individual properties.

Human serum albumin (HSA) is a multifunctional protein with ligand binding, transporting and buffering properties. Posttranslational modifications and ligand binding processes are closely related to albumin final functional status. In the last few decades, HSA has been characterized using a broad spectrum of methods, but quantitative data on the HSA's modifications among individuals have not been reported.

Total and High Molecular Weight Adiponectin Levels and Prediction of Cardiovascular Risk in Diabetic Patients.

The study aimed at assessing the potential use of lower total and HMW adiponectin levels for predicting cardiovascular risk in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Concentrations of total adiponectin or high molecular weight (HMW) adiponectin decrease in association with the development of metabolic dysfunction such as obesity, insulin resistance, or T2DM. Increased adiponectin levels are associated with a lower risk for coronary heart disease.

Self care in patients with chronic heart failure. Pilot study - self care includes problems.

Aim: The goal of this pilot study was to define the scope of therapeutic self-care demand in heart failure (HF) patients according to the concepts of self-care postulated by D.E. Orem and to determine the level of problems experienced and self-care in these patients.