Lansoprazole Increases Inorganic Pyrophosphate in Patients with Pseudoxanthoma Elasticum: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Crossover Trial.

Pseudoxanthoma elasticum (PXE) is characterized by low levels of inorganic pyrophosphate (PPi) and a high activity of tissue-nonspecific alkaline phosphatase (TNAP). Lansoprazole is a partial inhibitor of TNAP. The aim was to investigate whether lansoprazole increases plasma PPi levels in subjects with PXE.

Relationship between polyautoimmunity and sarcopenic obesity in rheumatoid arthritis patients.

Objective: Sarcopenia is a major cause of morbidity in rheumatoid arthritis patients. Our purpose was to determine whether polyautoimmunity is associated with sarcopenia and alterations in whole body composition in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods: We performed a cross-sectional observational study of a series of cases of RA.

Plasma inorganic pyrophosphate and alkaline phosphatase in patients with pseudoxanthoma elasticum.

Background: Inorganic pyrophosphate (PPi) plays a major role inhibiting dystrophic calcification. The aim was to analyze levels of PPi in patients having pseudoxanthoma elasticum (PXE), and controls as well as the enzymes who regulate the PPi plasma concentration.

Methods: We collected fasting blood samples from PXE patients and age- and sex-matched controls in ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) and citrate-theophylline-adenosine-dipyridamole (CTAD) containing tubes.

Fractional excretion of phosphorus and vascular calcification in stage 3 chronic kidney disease.

The role of renal excretion of Pi in relation to vascular calcification (VC) in patients in the early stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is controversial. Thus, we determine the relation between fractional excretion of phosphorus (FEP) and VC, measured using two methods in a cross-sectional study of patients with stage 3 CKD. We recorded demographic data, anthropometry, comorbidities and active treatment.

Evidence for increased chylomicron remnants in rheumatoid arthritis.

Background: Levels of apolipoprotein (apo) B48 may be increased in conditions associated with systemic inflammation and increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We aimed to evaluate apo B48 levels in patients with RA in relation to subclinical atherosclerosis.

Methods: Patients with RA (without CVD) and controls without RA but with high CVD risk (based on the presence of diabetes mellitus or a history of CVD) and healthy controls were included in this cross-sectional study.

In vivo evidence for chylomicrons as mediators of postprandial inflammation.

Background And Aims: The postprandial situation is a pro-inflammatory condition most likely linked to the development of atherosclerosis. We evaluated the relationship between apolipoprotein (apo) B48 and fasting and postprandial leukocyte activation markers.

Methods: Leukocyte activation markers and apo B48 were determined in 80 subjects with and without coronary artery disease (CAD).

Structural and functional brain changes in middle-aged type 2 diabetic patients: a cross-sectional study.

Background: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is an emerging risk factor for cognitive impairment. Whether this impairment is a direct effect of this metabolic disorder on brain function, a consequence of vascular disease, or both, remains unknown. Structural and functional neuroimaging studies in patients with T2DM could help to elucidate this question.