Macrophages as a Source and Target of GDF-15.

Growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15) is a multifunctional cytokine that belongs to the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) superfamily. GDF-15 is involved in immune tolerance and is elevated in several acute and chronic stress conditions, often correlating with disease severity and patient prognosis in cancer172 and metabolic and cardiovascular disorders. Despite these clinical associations, the molecular mechanisms orchestrating its effects remain to be elucidated.

Peri-event plasma PCSK9 and hsCRP after an acute myocardial infarction correlate with early deterioration of left ventricular ejection fraction: a cohort study.

Background: It is important to identify patients at increased risk of worsening of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) after a myocardial infarction (MI). We aimed to identify the association of various potential biomarkers with LVEF impairment after an MI in South American patients.

Methods: We studied adult patients admitted to a University Hospital and diagnosed with an acute MI.

Titanium Nanoparticles Enhance Production and Suppress Stabilin-1-Mediated Clearance of GDF-15 in Human Primary Macrophages.

Macrophages are key innate immune cells that mediate implant acceptance or rejection. Titanium implants degrade over time inside the body, which results in the release of implant wear-off particles. Titanium nanoparticles (TiNPs) favor pro-inflammatory macrophage polarization (M1) and lower tolerogenic activation (M2).

Effects of oral contraceptives on metabolic parameters in adult premenopausal women: a meta-analysis.

Objective: To estimate the effect of oral contraceptives (OC) containing different progestins on parameters of lipid and carbohydrate metabolism through a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Patients And Methods: Premenopausal women aged 18 or older, who received oral contraceptives containing chlormadinone, cyproterone, drospirenone, levonorgestrel, desogestrel, dienogest, gestodene or norgestimate, for at least 3 months. Outcome variables were changes in plasma lipids, BMI, insulin resistance and plasma glucose.

ApoE and apoC-III-defined HDL subtypes: a descriptive study of their lecithin cholesterol acyl transferase and cholesteryl ester transfer protein content and activity.

Background: The functionality of high-density lipoproteins (HDL) is a better cardiovascular risk predictor than HDL concentrations. One of the key elements of HDL functionality is its apolipoprotein composition. Lecithin-cholesterol acyl transferase (LCAT) and cholesterol-ester transfer protein (CETP) are enzymes involved in HDL-mediated reverse cholesterol transport.