Influence of Anticoagulants and Heparin Contaminants on the Suitability of MMP-9 as a Blood-Derived Biomarker.

In contrast to other common anticoagulants such as citrate and low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH), high-molecular-weight heparin (HMWH) induces the expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9, which is also measured as a biomarker for stroke in blood samples. Mechanistically, HMWH-stimulated T cells produce cytokines that induce monocytic MMP-9 expression. Here, the influence of further anticoagulants (Fondaparinux, Hirudin, and Alteplase) and the heparin-contaminating glycosaminoglycans (GAG) hyaluronic acid (HA), dermatan sulfate (DS), chondroitin sulfate (CS), and over-sulfated CS (OSCS) on MMP-9 was analyzed to assess its suitability as a biomarker under various conditions.

Epidemiological Profile of Urinary and Intestinal Schistosomiasis in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: A Seven-Year Retrospective Study.

Background: Despite the marked decline of schistosomiasis in Saudi Arabia in recent years, it is still reported in several regions. This study investigates the epidemiology of schistosomiasis in Saudi Arabia over seven years (2014-2020).

Methodology: A retrospective study was retrieved from the annual reports of the Ministry of Health.