Biological variation of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) in human serum.

Background: Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) is involved in the regulation of LDL receptors. Inhibition of PCSK9 increase uptake of LDL-particles and pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs). The aim of our study was to evaluate biological variation of serum PCSK9.

Changes in Sepsis Biomarkers after Immunosuppressant Administration in Transplant Patients.

Sepsis biomarkers change continuously during the postoperative period. We aimed to demonstrate the influence of immunosuppressants after transplantation (Tx) on presepsin, procalcitonin, CRP, white blood cells, and IL-6. A group of 140 patients after major surgery (86 non-Tx, 54 Tx) without any signs of sepsis or infectious complications was followed for 7 days.

Biological variation of intact fibroblast growth factor 23 measured on a fully automated chemiluminescent platform.

Background: Fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23), a potent regulator of phosphate and vitamin D metabolism, is a new biomarker of kidney, bone and cardiovascular disorders. The aim of this study was to assess the biological variation of intact fibroblast growth factor 23 (iFGF23).

Methods: The within-subject (CV) and between-subject (CV) biological variations were assessed in 14 healthy volunteers in a six-week protocol (seven samples).

Falsely elevated human epididymis protein 4 results and Risk of Ovarian Malignancy Algorithm in polymorbid women after solid organ transplantation: A pilot and case-control study.

Background: Cancer prevention is essential after transplantation (Tx). The use of HE4 and Risk of Ovarian Malignancy Algorithm (ROMA) is recommended as a tool for selective ovarian cancer screening; however, creatinine is a known confounder. This study assessed the reliability of HE4, CA125, and ROMA after Tx.

Design, Synthesis, and Biological Evaluation of Isothiosemicarbazones with Antimycobacterial Activity.

A series of benzaldehyde and salicylaldehyde-S-benzylisothiosemicarbazones was synthesized and tested against 12 different strains of mycobacteria, Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, and the significant selectivity toward mycobacteria was proved. Twenty-eight derivatives were evaluated for the inhibition of isocitrate lyase, which is a key enzyme of the glyoxylate cycle necessary for latent tuberculosis infection, and their iron-chelating properties were investigated. Two derivatives, 5-bromosalicylaldehyde-S-(4-fluorobenzyl)-isothiosemicarbazone and salicylaldehyde-S-(4-bromobenzyl)-isothiosemicarbazone, influenced the isocitrate lyase activity and caused a better inhibition at 10 μmol/L than 3-nitropropionic acid, a standard inhibitor.