Ceramides-Emerging Biomarkers of Lipotoxicity in Obesity, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases, and Inflammation.

Abnormalities in lipid homeostasis have been associated with many human diseases, and the interrelation between lipotoxicity and cellular dysfunction has received significant attention in the past two decades. Ceramides (Cers) are bioactive lipid molecules that serve as precursors of all complex sphingolipids. Besides their function as structural components in cell and mitochondrial membranes, Cers play a significant role as key mediators in cell metabolism and are involved in numerous cellular processes, such as proliferation, differentiation, inflammation, and induction of apoptosis.

Association of serum and synovial adipokines (chemerin and resistin) with inflammatory markers and ultrasonographic evaluation scores in patients with knee joint osteoarthritis- a pilot study.

Chemerin and resistin are adipokines studied as potential markers for early diagnosis and disease severity in patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA) Therefore, we aimed to investigate the associations serum and synovial levels of chemerin and resistin with inflammatory parameters and ultrasonographic scores (US) in KOA individuals. Serum was collected from 28 patients with KOA and synovial fluid was obtained from 16 of them. Another 31 age and sex matched cases with no joint disease were included as healthy controls.

Diet-Induced Early Inflammatory Response of Visceral Adipose Tissue in Healthy Male Wistar Rats.

The prolonged consumption of a high-fat diet (HFD) leads to abnormal growth of the visceral adipose tissue (VAT), increased macrophage infiltration, and altered secretion of biologically active molecules. This is considered as a precondition for the development of obesity, inflammation, and obesity-related disorders. Therefore, we studied HFD-induced changes in the tissue levels of the inflammatory markers C-reactive protein, serum amyloid-A, and interleukin-4 in healthy male Wistar rats.

Assessment of health status and cardiovascular risk factors in a Roma population sample from South Bulgaria.

Objectives: Roma population is one of the major ethnic groups in the Central and Eastern Europe, having high rates of chronic diseases and associated risk factors related to their poor social conditions, unhealthy lifestyle and low educational level. The purpose of our study was to assess the health status of Roma from South Bulgaria by means of blood indicators and determine the prevalence of some cardiovascular (CV) risk factors in the Roma population sample.

Methods: The study group consisted of 60 Roma (23 men and 37 women), mean age 53.

Matrix Metalloproteinases in Oral Health-Special Attention on MMP-8.

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a large family of Ca and Zn dependent proteolytic enzymes, able to cleave the various components of the extracellular matrix (ECM), as well as a range of other regulatory molecules. Several reports have proven the important role of both MMPs and their endogenous inhibitors, TIPMs, in oral health, the initial development of the tooth, and during enamel maturation. In this mini-review, we aim to summarize the literature information about the functions of MMPs, paying more attention to MMP-8 (collagenase-2 or neutrophil collagenase) in the development and progression of periodontitis, peri-implantitis, and carious lesions.

Non-osteopenic Bone Pathology After Allo-hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation in Patients with Inborn Errors of Immunity.

Purpose: There is a lack of data on post-HSCT non-osteopenic bone pathology specifically for children with inborn errors of immunity (IEI). We collected data on non-osteopenic bone pathology in children with IEI post-HSCT over two decades in a large tertiary pediatric immunology center.

Methods: Descriptive study with data analysis of bone pathology in allo-HSCT for IEI was performed between 1/1/2000 to 31/12/2018 including patients alive at follow-up to July 2022.

Rheumatoid arthritis and the proinflammatory cytokine IL-17.

Introduction: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the most common inflammatory joint disease. Various proinflammatory cytokines are involved in the pathogenesis of this chronic disorder. It is characterized by the presence of autoantibodies, such as rheumatoid factor and antibodies against citrullinated peptides.

Placental Growth Factor and Pregnancy-Associated Plasma Protein-A as Potential Early Predictors of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus.

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is one of the most common pregnancy complications and one of the main causes of adverse pregnancy outcomes. An early diagnosis of GDM is of fundamental importance in clinical practice. However, the major professional organizations recommend universal screening for GDM, using a 75 g oral glucose tolerance test at 24-28 weeks of gestation.

Drug-neutralizing Antibodies against TNF-α blockers as Biomarkers of Therapy Effect Evaluation.

Introduction: TNF-α blocker therapy is part of the treatment with biologics used in the management of inflammatory joint diseases. In recent years, drug-induced neutralizing antibodies have been shown to have a negative effect on the course of the disease process.

Aim: To investigate drug-induced neutralizing antibodies against TNF-α blocking drugs used in patients with inflammatory joint diseases and their effect on the clinical course of the disease.

Serum Levels of Carbamylated LDL, Nitrotyrosine and Soluble Lectin-like Oxidized Low-density Lipoprotein Receptor-1 in Poorly Controlled Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

Introduction: Carbamylated low-density lipoprotein (cLDL) has profound proatherogenic properties. Lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor-1 (LOX-1) has been identified as the primary cLDL receptor. The soluble form of LOX-1 (sLOX-1) and 3-nitrotyrosine (NT) have recently been suggested as biomarkers of vascular disease.

Impact of a High-fat Diet on the Development of Chronic Inflammation in Heart of Wistar rats.

Introduction: Obesity is linked to the development of low-grade, chronic inflammation. Obesity-related inflammation appears to be a different type of inflammation, mainly due to excessive food intake and unusual homeostasis. It can be evaluated by measuring the concentration of pro- and anti-inflammatory marker molecules – C-reactive protein (CRP), serum amyloid-A (SAA) and interleukin-4.

Serum Levels of Carbamylated LDL and Soluble Lectin-Like Oxidized Low-Density Lipoprotein Receptor-1 Are Associated with Coronary Artery Disease in Patients with Metabolic Syndrome.

: Lectin-like oxidized low density lipoprotein receptor-1 (LOX-1) has been recognized as the primary receptor for carbamylated low-density lipoproteins (cLDL) and is increasingly being viewed as a critical mediator of vascular inflammation and atherosclerosis. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the possible role of circulating cLDL and soluble LOX-1 (sLOX-1) as potential biomarkers of metabolic syndrome (MetS) as well as of coronary artery disease (CAD) among MetS patients. : The serum levels of cLDL and sLOX-1 were measured by ELISA in 30 MetS patients without CAD, 30 MetS patients with CAD, and 30 healthy controls.

SUMO1-conjugation is altered during normal aging but not by increased amyloid burden.

A proper equilibrium of post-translational protein modifications is essential for normal cell physiology, and alteration in these processes is key in neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease. Recently, for instance, alteration in protein SUMOylation has been linked to amyloid pathology. In this work, we aimed to elucidate the role of protein SUMOylation during aging and increased amyloid burden in vivo using a His -HA-SUMO1 knock-in mouse in the 5XFAD model of Alzheimer's disease.

[COMPARISON OF LAPAROSCOPIC ASSISTED VAGINAL HYSTERECTOMY AND VAGINAL HYSTERECTOMY FOR BENIGN DISEASES AND LESIONS OF THE FEMALE GENITAL SYSTEM].

Objective: To compare the efficacy of laparoscopic assisted vaginal hysterectomy (LAVH) and vaginal hysterectomy (VH) carried out on the occasion of non-malignant diseases and lesions of the female genital system, by assessing the: operative time, price, blood loss, hospital stay, intra and postoperative complications, satisfaction of the patient.

Materials And Methods: The study included 187 women aged 38-71 years, with hysterectomy with or without salpingo-oophorectomy by LAVH-58 (31%) women or VH-129 (69%) women, on the occasion of non-malignant diseases and lesions of the female genital system. The patients are including in the study groups according to including and excluding criteria.

[VAGINAL LEIOMYOMA AFTER TOTAL ABDOMINAL HYSTERECTOMY--CLINICAL CASE AND REVIEW OF LITERATURE].

Vaginal myomas are rare benign, mesenchyme, monoclonal tumors. They originate from smooth muscle cells and have a diverse and non-specific clinical feature. They are normally presented as single solid nodules localized in anterior vaginal wall in women between the ages of 35-50 years.

[COMPLICATIONS OF DIAGNOSTIC AND OPERATIVE HYSTEROSCOPY--REVIEW].

Hysteroscopy is a diagnostic or surgical mini-Invasive gynecologic operating procedure. The complications of this standard procedure are relatively rare. According to retrospective studies they are 0.

Neurosyphilis with dementia and bilateral hippocampal atrophy on brain magnetic resonance imaging.

Background: This article reports a rare case of active neurosyphilis in a man with mild to moderate dementia and marked hippocampal atrophy, mimicking early onset Alzheimer's disease. Few cases have so far described bilateral hippocampal atrophy mimicking Alzheimer's disease in neurosyphilis.

Case Presentation: The patient presented here is a 33 year old Bulgarian male, whose clinical features include progressive cognitive decline and behavioral changes over the last 18 months.

Cognitive dysfunction profile and arterial stiffness in type 2 diabetes.

Background: The causative mechanisms of type 2 diabetes (T2D) on cognitive dysfunction are still undergoing development.

Aim: To explore the cognitive dysfunction profile and its relation to the potential role of arterial stiffness in later middle age T2D patients.

Methods: We studied 37 patients with T2D (age range 45-65 years) and 22 normal controls.

Sexually dimorphic effects of oxytocin receptor gene (OXTR ) variants on Harm Avoidance.

Background: Recent research has suggested that oxytocin receptor gene (OXTR) variants may account for individual differences in social behavior, the effects of stress and parenting styles. Little is known, however, on a putative role of the gene in heritable temperamental traits.

Methods: We addressed effects of two common OXTR variants, rs237900 and rs237902, on personality dimensions in 99 healthy subjects using the Temperament and Character Inventory.