Are the Soluble Receptors sRAGE, sRANKL, and Osteoprotegerin Associated with Anemia in Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an inflammatory autoimmune disease with articular and systemic manifestations, and one of the most common is anemia. This study aims to investigate whether the levels of the soluble receptors sRAGE, sRANKL, and OPG are affected by the distribution of RA patients in subgroups according to soluble transferrin receptor/log ferritin (sTfR-F index) and hemoglobin (Hb) levels and to examine their correlation with indicators of iron metabolism, disease activity, and autoimmune and inflammatory changes. The levels of sRANKL and sRAGE were significantly higher in the subgroup of anemia of chronic disease combined with iron deficiency anemia (ACD/IDA) compared to the ACD group: < 0.

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.

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.

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.