Association between Serum Irisin and Leptin Levels and Risk of Depressive Symptoms in the Diabetic Elderly Population.

Background: Adipokines are considered to be involved in the pathogenesis of diabetes and depression. The associations of serum levels of leptin and irisin with depressive symptoms were investigated in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM).

Methods: 189 elderly diabetics were assessed with the 30-item Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-30), and 57 patients with depressive symptoms and 132 controls were selected.

Association of hsCRP and vitamin D levels with mild cognitive impairment in elderly type 2 diabetic patients.

Aims: The aim of the study was to determine the serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) in elderly diabetic patients with and without mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and to examine factors (including 25-hydroxyvitamin D and hsCRP) associated with MCI in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM).

Methods: A total of 194 T2DM elders were evaluated: 62 subjects with MCI and 132 controls. Data was collected concerning biochemical parameters and biomarkers.

Improved insulin injection technique, treatment satisfaction and glycemic control: Results from a large cohort education study.

Objective: The aim of this study was to elucidate injection techniques, treatment satisfaction and glycemic control after education among patients with type 2 diabetes.

Methods: 4513 insulin-treated diabetic patients enrolled in the observational study EGIDA II (Education and GensuPen In Diabetology II) filled out the questionnaire which focused on key insulin injection parameters, pain sensation scale and satisfaction of the treatment form before (visit 1) and after 3 months treatment with insulin injection (visit 2). The education was performed by trained healthcare professionals.

[The importance of diet in the prevention of adverse reactions to vitamin K-dependent anticoagulants].

Due to the increasing number of patients suffering from cardiovascular diseases, the number of patients started on anticoagulants is also rising. Diet is a modifiable factor of effective treatment. It is of particular importance due to the strong correlation of anticoagulants with vitamin K, other diet components and drug-food interactions in long-term treatment.

Plasma levels of thrombomodulin, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 and fibrinogen in elderly, diabetic patients with depressive symptoms.

Background: Diabetes, depression and aging have been associated with pro-inflammatory and prothrombotic state.

Aim: The aim of the study was to determine the plasma levels of thrombomodulin, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) and fibrinogen in elderly diabetic patients with and without depressive symptoms and to examine factors (including thrombomodulin, PAI-1, fibrinogen levels) associated with depressive symptoms in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM).

Methods: A total of 276 T2DM elders were evaluated: 82 subjects with depressive symptoms and 194 controls.

C-Reactive Protein, Advanced Glycation End Products, and Their Receptor in Type 2 Diabetic, Elderly Patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment.

Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate serum levels of advanced glycation end products (AGEs), receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE), and C-reactive protein (CRP) in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus with and without mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and to determine the predictors (including AGEs, RAGE, and CRP levels) of having MCI in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes.

Methods: Two hundred seventy-six diabetics elders were screened for MCI (using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment: MoCA score). Data of biochemical parameters and biomarkers were collected.

Pneumococcal and seasonal influenza vaccination among elderly patients with diabetes.

Both seasonal influenza vaccination and pneumococcal vaccination are recommended for elderly diabetics. The aim of the study was to determine the rate of seasonal influenza vaccination over the previous twelve months, pneumococcal vaccination over a lifetime, and to identify predictors which affect likelihood of vaccination. 219 diabetics elders were detailed questioned 3 months after the end of 2012/2013 influenza season.

Adiponectin, leptin and IL-1 β in elderly diabetic patients with mild cognitive impairment.

The aim of the study was to determine the serum levels of adiponectin, leptin and IL-1 β in elderly diabetic patients with and without mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and to examine the associations of these markers with clinical and cognitive parameters. A biochemical evaluation was performed of 62 seniors with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and MCI, and 132 seniors with T2DM but without MCI (controls). Serum leptin and IL-1 β levels were higher and adiponectin concentration was lower in MCI patients than controls.

Serum Soluble Adhesion Molecules and Markers of Systemic Inflammation in Elderly Diabetic Patients with Mild Cognitive Impairment and Depressive Symptoms.

The aim of the study was to determine the serum levels of soluble adhesion molecules and hs-CRP in elderly diabetics with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) alone or with depressive symptoms. Methods. 219 diabetics elders were screened for psychiatric disorders and divided: group 1, MCI without depressive mood; group 2, MCI with depressive mood; group 3, controls.

Serum levels of inflammatory markers in depressed elderly patients with diabetes and mild cognitive impairment.

Objective: The aim of the study was to determine the serum levels of CRP, IL-6 and TNF-α in elderly diabetic patients with depressive syndrome alone or with coexisting mild cognitive impairment (MCI).

Methods: 276 diabetics elders were screened for depressive symptoms (using Geriatric Depression Scale: GDS-30) and MCI (using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment: MoCA score). Data of HbA1c, blood lipids and inflammatory markers levels were collected.

Mild cognitive impairment and depressive symptoms in elderly patients with diabetes: prevalence, risk factors, and comorbidity.

The aim of the study was to estimate the prevalence of mild cognitive impairment (MCI), depressive syndrome cases, and its comorbidity, and to identify predictors of these conditions. Methods. 276 diabetics elders were screened for MCI and depressive symptoms.

Risk factors associated with irreversible airway obstruction in nonsmoking adult patients with severe asthma.

Persistent airways obstruction (PAO) may affect some patients with severe asthma and may significantly worsen the prognosis. This study was designed to detect risk factors associated with persistent airflow limitation in nonsmoking adult patients with severe asthma. A total of 68 adults with severe asthma were recruited and followed prospectively for four to six weeks during the stable phase of disease.

Histamine type 2 receptor expression on peripheral blood regulatory lymphocytes in patients with allergic rhinitis treated with specific immunotherapy.

Background: Both histamine H1- and H2-receptors (H2R) were found on regulatory T (Treg) cells; however, there is a paucity of information regarding the role of H2R in Treg function. This study aimed to investigate the effects of natural allergen stimulation and specific immunotherapy (SIT) on H2R expression in Treg cells in patients with allergic rhinitis (AR).

Methods: In this prospective, double-blind, placebo-controlled study 41 patients with AR were screened for 1 year and treated with SIT (n = 21) or placebo (n = 20) for the next 2 years.

Wheal and flare reactions in skin prick tests of patients treated with montelukast alone or in combination with antihistamines.

Background: Because antileukotrienes may inhibit inflammation, it is plausible that montelukast administered for a long time could suppress skin wheal and flare reaction, and thus, it should be discarded prior to the tests. This study assessed the effect of long-lasting treatment with montelukast alone or in combination with antihistamines on wheal and flare in skin pricks tests (SPT) in patients sensitized to perennial allergens.

Methods: We conducted a 32-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over and randomized trial that implicated two arms: arm A, 20 patients received levocetirizine, montelukast with or without levocetirizine or placebo; arm B, 20 patients received desloratadine, montelukast with or without desloratadine or placebo.

Expression of IL-7 receptor in human peripheral regulatory T cells.

Introduction: Regulatory T cells (Tregs, CD4 + CD25(high) Foxp3(+)) play a crucial role in allergy and other inflammatory diseases. However, the isolation of viable Tregs on the basis of intracellular expression of specific Forkhead Box Protein P3 (Foxp3) is difficult. In this study we checked if the expression of IL-7 receptor (CD127) on the Tregs could be a useful marker for isolation of viable Treg Foxp3(+) cells.

Nasal eosinophilia and serum soluble intercellular adhesion molecule 1 in patients with allergic rhinitis treated with montelukast alone or in combination with desloratadine or levocetirizine.

Background: Because intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM) 1 and recruitment of eosinophils are crucial in supporting allergic inflammation, their down-regulation may bring additional benefits in patients' recovery. We have assessed nasal eosinophilia and serum soluble ICAM-1 (sICAM-1) concentrations in relation to nasal symptoms in patients with persistent allergic rhinitis (AR) treated for 6 weeks with either desloratadine, levocetirizine, montelukast alone, or in combination.

Methods: In this single-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover, two-arm study, 40 patients with persistent AR were randomized to receive either montelukast and/or levocetirizine or placebo (n = 20) or to receive treatment with montelukast and/or desloratadine or placebo (n = 20).

Nasal eosinophilia and serum soluble intercellular adhesion molecule 1 in patients with allergic rhinitis treated with montelukast alone or in combination with desloratadine or levocetirizine.

Background: Because intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM) 1 and recruitment of eosinophils are crucial in supporting allergic inflammation, their down-regulation may bring additional benefits in patients' recovery. We have assessed nasal eosinophilia and serum soluble ICAM-1 (sICAM-1) concentrations in relation to nasal symptoms in patients with persistent allergic rhinitis (AR) treated for 6 weeks with either desloratadine, levocetirizine, montelukast alone, or in combination.

Methods: In this single-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover, two-arm study, 40 patients with persistent AR were randomized to receive either montelukast and/or levocetirizine or placebo (n = 20) or to receive treatment with montelukast and/or desloratadine or placebo (n = 20).

T lymphocytes as a target of histamine action.

Histamine is one of the most important biogenic amines in medicine and biology but its role in allergy, autoimmune and neoplastic diseases has not yet been fully defined. The last few years have brought many discoveries concerning important modulatory effects of histamine and its receptors on basic mechanisms of the immunological processes. The role of histamine H1 and H2 receptors in immunomodulation has been established.

Orally exhaled nitric oxide in patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis during natural pollen season.

Background: Nitric oxide (NO) is the endogenous molecule involved in regulatory, protective, and defensive mechanisms. Although exhaled NO (ENO) has been used to monitor patients with asthma, possible usage of ENO in allergic rhinitis (AR) still needs to be evaluated. The authors wanted to determine the levels of NO exhaled orally both out of the pollen season and during the natural pollen exposure in patients with AR without asthma.

sICAM-1 and TNF-α in asthma and rhinitis: relationship with the presence of atopy.

Background: A genetically determined overproduction of specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) underlies many diseases like asthma or allergic rhinitis. IgE as well as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) play a critical role in the induction and maintenance of inflammation. While the correlation between IgE and atopy is inseparable, little is known about the correlation of atopy with markers of inflammation.

Use of montelukast alone or in combination with desloratadine or levocetirizine in patients with persistent allergic rhinitis.

Background: We assessed the course of treatment in patients with persistent allergic rhinitis (AR) treated with montelukast, levocetirizine, or desloratadine alone or combinations of antihistamine and montelukast.

Methods: A 32-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover, double-armed study in 40 adult patients with history of persistent AR, clinical allergy to house-dust mites, and a total nasal symptom score of at least 5 (congestion of at least 2) has been performed. Patients with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, nonallergic rhinitis with clinical allergy associated with seasonal allergens, and other serious diseases were excluded.

Montelukast with desloratadine or levocetirizine for the treatment of persistent allergic rhinitis.

Background: Montelukast sodium is approved as a treatment for intermittent and persistent allergic rhinitis (AR), but it has not been evaluated as combined therapy with antihistamines for persistent AR.

Objective: To investigate the effects of 6 weeks of treatment of persistent AR with desloratadine, levocetirizine, or montelukast alone or in combination.

Methods: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study was performed.

Intercellular adhesion molecule 1 and tumor necrosis factor alpha in asthma and persistent allergic rhinitis: relationship with disease severity.

Background: Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) is involved in the up-regulation of intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1). Allergic rhinitis is often associated with bronchial hyperresponsiveness.

Objective: We investigated the relationship between allergic airway disease severity and serum concentrations of soluble ICAM-1 (sICAM-1) and TNF-alpha and nasal expression of ICAM-1.