Diagnostic power of VEGF, MMP-9 and TIMP-1 in patients with breast cancer. A multivariate statistical analysis with ROC curve.

Purpose: Vascular endothelial growth factor is an important factor in promoting angiogenesis in malignant processes, matrix metalloproteinase-9 in the degradation of extracellular matrix, which enhances metastasis, and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 is its inhibitor. The aim of this study was to investigate the diagnostic power of these parameters in comparison to CA15-3 in breast cancer patients and in relation to the control group.

Materials/methods: The study included 120 breast cancer patients, 60 patients with benign breast tumors and 60 healthy women.

Zonulin and iron metabolism in heart transplant recipients.

Background: In patients after heart transplantation, anemia is relatively common and is associated with impaired kidney function, subclinical inflammatory state, and immunosuppressive treatment. Zonulin-prehaptoglibin-2 is newly discovered protein with poorly defined function. Hemoglobin binds haptoglobin, and this stable complex prevents oxidative stress caused by hemoglobin.

Fibroblast growth factor 23 and Klotho as cardiovascular risk factors in heart transplant recipients.

Background: Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) 23 is one of the most recently discovered FGFs. This phosphaturic hormone produced in bones is a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases and thus mortality. Klotho is an essential coreceptor for FGF23 and at the same time it is known as a "longevity" hormone.

Serum renalase depends on kidney function but not on blood pressure in heart transplant recipients.

Introduction: Renalase, an enzyme that breaks down catecholamines like adrenaline and noradrenaline in the blood circulation, was discovered in 2005. The human kidney releases this protein into the bloodstream to regulate blood pressure. Heart transplant recipient show a high prevalence of hypertension.

Prevalence of iron deficiency in heart and kidney allograft recipients.

Background: Functional iron deficiency is characterized by the presence of adequate iron stores as defined by conventional criteria, but insufficient iron mobilization to adequately support erythropoiesis. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of functional iron deficiency in heart and kidney transplant recipients based on data from recent medical records.

Methods: Using standard laboratory methods obtained during routine checkups, we assessed iron status by determinations of serum iron, total iron-binding capacity, ferritin and total saturation of transferrin (TSAT), as well as complete blood count and creatinine.