The Serum ACE2, CTSL, AngII, and TNFα Levels after COVID-19 and mRNA Vaccines: The Molecular Basis.

Background: The SARS-CoV-2 virus as well as the COVID-19 mRNA vaccines cause an increased production of proinflammatory cytokines.

Aim: We investigated the relationship between ACE2, CTSL, AngII, TNFα and the serum levels of IL-6, IL-10, IL-33, IL-28A, CD40L, total IgM, IgG, IgA and absolute count of T- and B-lymphocytes in COVID-19 patients, vaccinees and healthy individuals.

Methods: We measured the serum levels ACE2, AngII, CTSL, TNFα and humoral biomarkers (CD40L, IL-28A, IL-10, IL-33) by the ELISA method.

Comparative analysis in diagnosis by real-time polymerase chain reaction versus direct microscopy, culture, and histology in fungal infections of the nails, scalp, and skin.

Background: The diagnosis of superficial fungal infections is the subject of intensive research in many countries around the world. The diagnostic methods used are diverse, including both conventional and innovative techniques.

Methods: This study evaluates the sensitivity, specificity, and efficacy of the real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methodology and compares them with those of the conventional methods - direct microscopic, cultural, and histological examinations of materials from hair, skin, and nails - in order to demonstrate the benefits and significance of real-time PCR for the diagnosis of dermatophytic infections.

In search of dermatophytes - frequency and etiology of fungal infections in patients with and without diabetes mellitus.

Onychomycosis is a frequent nail disorder, accounting for up to 50% of all nail problems. Treatment of onychomycosis is expensive and requires a long time of antifungal medications. Consequently, a proper and faster diagnosis is necessary.

The lncRNAs/miR-30e/CHI3L1 Axis Is Dysregulated in Systemic Sclerosis.

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune disease with completely undefined etiology and treatment difficulties. The expression of both protein coding and non-coding RNAs is dysregulated during disease development. We aimed to examine a possible regulatory axis implemented in the control of chitinase-3 like protein 1 (CHI3L1) or YKL-40, an inflammation-associated glycoprotein, shown to be elevated in SSc.

Serum protein levels of YKL-40 and plasma miR-214 expression in patients with systemic sclerosis.

Objectives: Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune disease with incompletely revealed etiology and pathophysiology. There are still no specific and reliable biomarkers. Here we examined YKL-40 as a biomarker of inflammation and fibrosis, and suggest a possible mechanism for its regulation.

YKL-40 and neuron-specific enolase in neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation.

Neurodegenerative diseases comprise a large number of disorders with high impact on human health. Neurodegenerative processes are caused by various etiological factors and differ in their clinical presentation. Neuroinflammation is widely discussed as both a cause and a consequence in the manifestation of these disorders.

Serum YKL-40 and IL-6 levels correlate with ultrasound findings of articular and periarticular involvement in patients with systemic sclerosis.

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare connective tissue disease characterized by vascular, immune and fibrotic abnormalities in the skin and in many internal organs. New biomarkers with predictive value associated with target organ involvement are needed. The up-regulation of IL-6 production is associated with the disease activity and in the development of cardiopulmonary manifestations in SSc patients.