Anti-MCV and anti-CCP antibodies-diagnostic and prognostic value in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA).

The goal of the study was to evaluate the diagnostic and prognostic value of anti-mutated citrullinated vimentin (anti-MCV) antibodies in juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) comparing to anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP). Thirty children with confirmed JIA diagnosis and 20 children as a control group were included into the study. Serum and synovial fluid levels of anti-CCP, anti-MCV, and immunoglobulin M rheumatoid factor (IgM-RF) antibodies have been assessed.

The relationship between peripheral blood mononuclear cells telomere length and diet - unexpected effect of red meat.

Background: Repeated nucleotide sequences combined with proteins called telomeres cover chromosome ends and dictate cells lifespan. Many factors can modify telomere length, among them are: nutrition and smoking habits, physical activities and socioeconomic status measured by education level. The aim of the study was to determine the influence of above mentioned factors on peripheral blood mononuclear cells telomere length.

Reactive oxygen species and serum antioxidant defense in juvenile idiopathic arthritis.

In autoimmune inflammatory diseases, including juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), which leads to joint destruction, there is an imbalance between production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and their neutralization which, as a consequence, leads to "oxidative stress." The aim of the study was to assess the concentration of oxidative stress markers: nitric oxide (NO), a degree of lipid membrane damage, and total antioxidant plasma capacity in children with JIA. Thirty-four children with JIA were included into the study.

Myocardial oxidative stress in patients with active infective endocarditis.

Background: Infective endocarditis (IE) induces the rise of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Some of them can stimulate oxidants production in myocardium with subsequent peroxidative damage to various biomolecules. We compared indices of oxidative stress: H2O2, thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARs), thiols in myocardium specimens between patients with active IE and those with valvular heart disease (VHD) of rheumatic etiology who underwent surgical valve replacement.