Comparison of Oxidative Stress Markers with Clinical Data in Patients Requiring Anesthesia in an Intensive Care Unit

Objectives: The aim of this study is to assess the oxidative stress status in patients requiring intensive care unit (ICU) admission before initiating ICU treatment, by measuring the total oxidant level (TOS) and total antioxidant level (TAS) and oxidative stress index (OSI) levels. Additionally, we aim to explore the correlation between these oxidative stress markers and biochemical and hematological parameters. Materials and Methods: A total of 153 patients treated in intensive care units were included in the study. Patients who met the patient admission criteria of the ethics committee of the intensive care medicine association were included in the study. Blood samples were taken at the first moment the patients were admitted to the intensive care unit (before starting treatment). In total, 60 healthy volunteers who were compatible with the patient group in terms of age and gender were included in the study as a control group. Patients who had previously received antioxidant treatment and cancer patients were excluded from the study. Results: The TOS was significantly higher in the patient group (13.4 ± 7.5) compared to controls (1.8 ± 4.4) (p = 0.021). TOS > 12.00 means a "very high oxidant level". OSI was significantly higher in the patient group (689.8 ± 693.9) compared to the control group (521.7 ± 546.6) (p = 0.035). Ferritin levels were significantly higher in the patient group (546.5 ± 440.8 ng/mL) compared to controls (45.5 ± 46.5 ng/mL) (p < 0.001). Patients had significantly higher levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin (PCT), white blood cells (WBCs), immature granulocytes (IGs), zinc, and copper compared to the control group, indicating elevated inflammation and oxidative stress. CRP levels were 76.6 ± 85.9 mg/L in patients versus 5.6 ± 15.1 mg/L in controls (p < 0.001). PCT levels were 15.8 ± 8.6 ng/L in patients versus 2.3 ± 7.2 ng/L in controls (p = 0.012). Zinc and copper were also significantly elevated (p = 0.012 and p = 0.002, respectively). Conclusions: Our study provides valuable insights into the relationship between oxidative stress, inflammation, and trace elements, contributing to the growing understanding of oxidative stress as a prognostic tool in critical care. This could help to tailor therapeutic strategies aimed at reducing oxidative damage in ICU patients, enhancing patient outcomes.

Periodontitis is associated with the development of fungal sinusitis: A nationwide 12-year follow-up study

AIM

The incidence of fungal sinusitis is increasing; however, its pathophysiology has not been investigated previously. We investigate the effect of periodontitis on the incidence of fungal sinusitis over a 12-year follow-up period using nationwide population-based data.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The periodontitis group was randomly selected from the National Health Insurance Service database. The non-periodontitis group was obtained by propensity score matching considering several variables. The primary end point was the diagnosis of sinonasal fungal balls (SFBs) and invasive fungal sinusitis (IFS).

RESULTS

The periodontitis and non-periodontitis groups included 12,442 and 12,442 individuals, respectively. The overall adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) for SFBs in the periodontitis group was 1.46 (p = .002). In subgroup analysis, the aHR for SFBs was 1.59 (p = 0.008) for those with underlying chronic kidney disease (CKD), 1.58 (p = .022) for those with underlying atopic dermatitis, 1.48 (p = .019) for those with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and 1.36 (p = .030) for those with diabetes mellitus (DM), but these values are applicable only when considering the relationship between periodontitis and SFB. The aHR for IFS in the periodontitis group was higher than in the non-periodontitis group (2.80; p = .004).

CONCLUSIONS

The risk of SFBs and IFS increased after diagnosis of periodontitis. This trend is often more severe in patients with DM, COPD, or CKD, but this association with underlying diseases is applicable only when considering the association between periodontitis and fungal sinusitis.

Selenium-related nutritional status in patients with common variable immunodeficiency: association with oxidative stress and atherosclerosis risk

Background

Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) is an inborn errors of immunity, that leads to recurrent chronic infections and autoimmune/ inflammatory diseases and neoplasms. It is considered that these condition is related to persistent this immune-inflammatory stimulation and increased oxidative stress. A positive impact on the survival of patients with an inborn error of immunity was observed with advanced clinical care protocols, thus raising concerns about the risk of developing other associated chronic diseases, such as atherosclerosis. Studies suggest that selenium (Se) is a protective trace element against damage caused by oxidative stress. Thus, it is postulated that adequate consumption reduces the risk of some chronic diseases.

Results

Se median levels (ug/L) [45.6 (37.3–56.2) vs. 57.8 (46.0–66.0); p = 0.004] and GPX activity (U/L) [7682 (6548–8446) vs. 9284(8440–10,720); p = 0,002) were significantly lower in patients compared to controls. Inadequacy of Se levels was observed in 50% of the patients. There was a higher percentage of high values of C-reactive protein in the group of CVID patients compared to controls [8 (36.4%) vs. 2 (11.1%); p = 0.082]. Higher concentrations of oxidized LDL (45.3 mg/dL vs. 33.3 mg/dL; p = 0.016) and lower concentrations of Apo A-1 (98.5 mg/dL) vs. 117.0 mg/dL; p = 0.008) were observed in the CVID group compared to the control. There was a significant and positive correlation between Se plasma levels and apolipoprotein A-1 concentrations in CVID group (rho = 0.577; p = 0.001). Se values less than 46 μg / L (OR = 3.590; 95% CI 1.103 to 11.687; p = 0.034) and GPX activity below the 4th quartile (OR = 21.703; 95% CI 2.534 to 185.914; p = 0.005) were independently associated, after adjustment for age, overweight and dyslipidemia, with the CVID group (Table 5).

Conclusion

This study showed an higher percentage of high us-CRP, lower values of plasma Se and GPX activity, higher concentrations of LDLox and lower levels of Apo A-1 in CVID patients in comparison to controls, suggesting oxidative stress and cardiovascular risk.These data point to the importance of assessing the Se status and cardiovascular risk in these patients.