Alpha-2-macroglobulin as a Promising Biological Marker of Endothelial Function

Effects of Sjogren's Syndrome on essential hypertension: a two-sample mendelian randomization study

BACKGROUND

Sjogren's Syndrome (SS) plays important roles in the development of essential hypertension. Nevertheless, with the limitation of reverse causality and confounder in observational studies, such a relationship remains unclear. We aimed to assess the causal relationship of SS and hypertension by the Mendelian randomization (MR) approach.

METHODS

We used MR to investigate a causal association between SS and essential hypertension. Inverse variance weighted (IVW), MR Egger regression, Maximum likelihood, Weighted median, and MR pleiotropy residual sum and outlier test (MR-PRESSO) were used in this MR analysis.

RESULTS

In this study, we found that the ratio of IVW is 1.00024 (95% CI: 1.00013- 1.00036, P=0.0387), This result was also confirmed by sensitivity analysis methods such as Maximum likelihood is 1.00025 (95% CI: 1.00013-1.00037, P=0.036), MR Egger is 1.00071 (95% CI: 1.00047-1.00095, P=0.0045), and Weighted median is 1.00040 (95% CI: 1.00021- 1.00059, P=0.0322). And MR-Egger intercept method revealed the absence of horizontal pleiotropy in this investigation (P>0.05). The Cochran's Q Test indicated an absence of heterogeneity among them (P>0.05). Heterogeneity and horizontal pleiotropy tests further demonstrate that the results of MR are relatively stable. The above results all suggest that pSS may promote the risk of hypertension.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study provides evidence of a causal relationship of SS and hypertension. It is suggested to pay attention to early screening for hypertension, reduce disability and mortality rates, and improve patient prognosis in patients with SS.

Novel Biomarkers of Grade I Left Ventricular Diastolic Dysfunction in Type 2 Diabetes Patients with Metabolic-Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease

Background/Objectives: Prior research has identified a significant association between heart disease and metabolic-dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD); however, the underlying mechanisms are unclear. This study aimed to identify predictive biomarkers associated with grade I left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDD) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Methods: This single-center, cross-sectional study evaluated 73 T2DM patients for grade 1 LVDD and MASLD using 2D echocardiography, tissue analysis, spectral color Doppler, and Fibromax. Results: This study analyzed 50 patients (mean age 58.0 ± 11.3 years) with a median diabetes duration of 7 years, abdominal obesity (mean body mass index (BMI) 34.4 ± 5.9 kg/m2), and a mean HbA1c of 7.9 ± 1.5%. The prevalence of grade I LVDD, fibrosis, mild steatosis, moderate-to-severe liver steatosis, mild MASLD, and moderate MASLD was 54%, 44%, 14%, 80%, 43%, and 34%, respectively. Regression analysis revealed that grade 1 LVDD was positively associated with age, Fibrotest, α2-macroglobulin, epicardiac adipose tissue (EAT), and negatively associated with lateral s', E wave, E/e', E/A, medium E', and septal e' (p < 0.05 for all). α2-macroglobulin > 1.92 g/L (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) = 0.782, sensitivity 70.4%, specificity 81.2%) and fibrotest score > 0.11 (AUROC 0.766, sensitivity 92.6%, specificity 56.2%) were significant predictors of grade I LVDD. Conclusions: Although the underlying mechanisms remain unclear, innovative non-invasive biomarkers, such as α2-macroglobulin or fibrotest, could concurrently indicate liver stiffness and the likelihood of grade I LVDD, an early, asymptomatic HF stage in T2DM patients.

The Pan-Immune Inflammation Value at Admission Predicts Postoperative in-hospital Mortality in Patients with Acute Type A Aortic Dissection

Purpose

The inflammatory response of the body is intimately linked to the quick onset and high in-hospital mortality of Acute Type A Aortic Dissection (ATAAD). The purpose of the study was to examine the connection between in-hospital mortality in patients with ATAAD upon admission and the Pan-Immune-Inflammation Value (PIV).

Patients and Methods

308 patients who were diagnosed with ATAAD between September 2018 and October 2021 at Fujian Provincial Center for Cardiovascular Medicine had their clinical data retrospectively examined. PIV was assessed at the time of study population admission, with in-hospital mortality serving as the main outcome measure. Patients were divided into two groups, the high PIV group (PIV > 1807.704) and the low PIV group (PIV < 1807.704), based on the PIV ROC curve and the best threshold of the Youden index. The clinical results of the two groups were then compared.

Results

Among ATAAD patients, postoperative in-hospital mortality was higher in the high PIV group (54.7% vs 10.6%, P < 0.001), and the high PIV group had significantly higher rates of postoperative acute kidney injury, acute liver insufficiency, and gastrointestinal hemorrhage (P < 0.05). Additionally, the high PIV group's ICU stays lasted longer than the low PIV group's (P < 0.05). The results of multifactorial logistic regression analysis, which controlled for other variables, indicated that the mechanical ventilation time (OR = 1.860, 95% CI: 1.437, 2.408; P < 0.001), the high PIV group (> 1807.704) (OR = 1.939, 95% CI: 1.257, 2.990; P = 0.003), the cardiopulmonary bypass time (OR = 1.011, 95% CI: 1.004, 1.018; P = 0.002), and the white blood cell count (OR = 1.188, 95% CI: 1.054, 1.340; P = 0.005) were independent risk factors for postoperative in-hospital mortality in ATAAD patients.

Conclusion

Postoperative death in ATAAD patients was independently predicted by high PIV levels at admission. Patients should be informed about their preoperative inflammatory status and actively participate in prompt clinical decision-making and treatment.

Mass-spectrometric analysis of APOB polymorphism rs1042031 (G/T) and its influence on serum proteome of coronary artery disease patients: genetic-derived proteomics consequences

Genetic polymorphisms of apolipoprotein B gene (APOB) may result into serum proteomic perturbance in Coronary Artery Disease (CAD). The current case-control cohort of Pakistani subjects was designed to analyze the genetic influence of APOB rs1042031, (G/T) genotype on serum proteome. Subjects were categorized into two groups: CAD patients (n = 480) and healthy individuals (n = 220). For genotyping, tetra ARMS-PCR was carried out and validated through sequencing, whereas LC/MS-based proteomic analysis of serum samples was performed through label-free quantification. In initial step of genotyping, the frequencies of each genotype GG, GT, and TT were 70%, 27%, and 30% in CAD patients, while in control group, the subjects were 52%, 43%, and 5%, respectively, in CAD patients. The genotypic frequencies in patients vs. control groups found significantly different (p = 0.004), and a strong association of dominant alleles GG with the CAD was observed in both dominant (OR: 2.4 (1.71-3.34), p = 0.001) and allelic genetic models (OR: 2.0 (1.45-2.86), p = 0.001). In second step of label-free quantitation, a total of 40 significant proteins were found with altered expression in CAD patients. The enriched Gene Ontology (GO) terms of molecular functions and pathways of these protein showed upregulated pathways as follows: chylomicron remodeling and assembly, complement cascade activation, plasma lipoprotein assembly, apolipoprotein-A receptor binding, and metabolism of fat-soluble vitamins in G allele carrier of rs1042031 (G > T) vs. mutant T-allele carriers. This study provides better understanding of CAD pathobiology by proteogenomics of APOB. It evidences the influence of APOB rs1042031-dominant (GG) genotype with CAD patients.

Phosphoproteomics analysis of serum from dogs affected with pulmonary hypertension secondary to degenerative mitral valve disease

Pulmonary hypertension (PH), a common complication in dogs affected by degenerative mitral valve disease (DMVD), is a progressive disorder characterized by increased pulmonary arterial pressure (PAP) and pulmonary vascular remodeling. Phosphorylation of proteins, impacting vascular function and cell proliferation, might play a role in the development and progression of PH. Unlike gene or protein studies, phosphoproteomic focuses on active proteins that function as end-target proteins within signaling cascades. Studying phosphorylated proteins can reveal active contributors to PH development. Early diagnosis of PH is crucial for effective management and improved clinical outcomes. This study aimed to identify potential serum biomarkers for diagnosing PH in dogs affected with DMVD using a phosphoproteomic approach. Serum samples were collected from healthy control dogs (n = 28), dogs with DMVD (n = 24), and dogs with DMVD and PH (n = 29). Phosphoproteins were enriched from the serum samples and analyzed using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Data analysis was performed to identify uniquely expressed phosphoproteins in each group and differentially expressed phosphoproteins among groups. Phosphoproteomic analysis revealed nine uniquely expressed phosphoproteins in the serum of dogs in the DMVD+PH group and 15 differentially upregulated phosphoproteins in the DMVD+PH group compared to the DMVD group. The phosphoproteins previously implicated in PH and associated with pulmonary arterial remodeling, including small nuclear ribonucleoprotein G (SNRPG), alpha-2-macroglobulin (A2M), zinc finger and BTB domain containing 42 (ZBTB42), hemopexin (HPX), serotransferrin (TRF) and complement C3 (C3), were focused on. Their unique expression and differential upregulation in the serum of DMVD dogs with PH suggest their potential as biomarkers for PH diagnosis. In conclusion, this phosphoproteomic study identified uniquely expressed and differentially upregulated phosphoproteins in the serum of DMVD dogs with PH. Further studies are warranted to validate the diagnostic utility of these phosphoproteins.

Plasma levels of neurology-related proteins are associated with cognitive performance in an older population with overweight/obesity and metabolic syndrome

Cognitive impairment is present in a broad spectrum of medical conditions and in aging. Here, we aimed to identify plasma proteins related to cognitive function in a sample of older adults with overweight/obesity and metabolic syndrome. A total of 129 subjects (mean age 64.7 years; 36% females) were grouped according to low (l-GCF, N=65) or high (h-GCF, N=64) global cognitive function and matched according to education, sex, age, and body mass index. Cognitive performance was assessed using neuropsychological tests. Plasma levels of 92 neurology-related proteins were assessed using a proximity extension assay. An elastic net regression analysis was used to identify proteins more associated with cognitive performance. Additionally, the protein expression levels were compared between the two groups by means of a t-test with false discovery rate correction. Pearson correlations were used to assess associations between the protein levels and scores from the neurocognitive tests. Six proteins (alpha-2-MRAP, HAGH, Siglec-9, MDGA1, IL12, and EDA2R) were identified as potential contributors to cognitive performance, remaining significantly increased in l-GCF compared to h-GCF participants after correction for multiple testing. Negative correlations (r= -0.23 to -0.18, i.e., lower protein levels, higher cognitive function) were found between global cognitive function and Siglec-9, NMNAT1, HAGH, LXN, gal-8, alpha-2-MRAP, IL12, PDGF-R-alpha, NAAA, EDA2R, CLEC1B, and LAT. Mini-mental state examination z scores showed the strongest correlations with protein levels, specifically negative correlations with CLEC1b, LXN, LAT, PLXNB3, NMNAT1, gal-8, HAGH, NAAA, CTSS, EZR, KYNU, MANF (r=-0.38 to -0.26) and a positive correlation with ADAM23 (r= 0.26). In summary, we identified several plasma proteins that were significantly associated with cognitive performance in older adults with obesity and metabolic syndrome, although further research is needed to replicate the results in larger samples and to include a predictive perspective.

The prognostic capability of inflammatory proteins in predicting peripheral artery disease related adverse events

Background

Levels of inflammatory proteins and their prognostic potential have been inadequately studied in patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD). In this study, we quantified and assessed the ability of inflammatory proteins in predicting PAD-related adverse events.

Methods

In this prospective case-control study, blood samples were collected from patients without PAD (n = 202) and patients with PAD (n = 275). The PAD cohort was stratified by disease severity based on ankle brachial index (ABI): mild (n = 49), moderate (n = 164), and severe (n = 62). Patients were followed for 2 years. Plasma concentrations of 5 inflammatory proteins were measured: Alpha-2-Macroglobulin (A2M), Fetuin A, Alpha-1-Acid Glycoprotein (AGP), Serum Amyloid P component (SAP), and Adipsin. The primary outcome of our study was major adverse limb event (MALE), defined as the need for vascular intervention (open or endovascular revascularization) or major amputation. The secondary outcome was worsening PAD status, defined as a drop in ABI greater than or equal to 0.15 over the study period. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to assess the prognostic value of inflammatory proteins in predicting MALE, adjusting for confounding variables.

Results

Compared to patients without PAD, three inflammatory proteins were differentially expressed in patients with PAD (AGP, Fetuin A, and SAP). The primary outcome (MALE) and secondary outcome (worsening PAD) status were noted in 69 (25%) and 60 (22%) patients, respectively. PAD-related adverse events occurred more frequently in severe PAD patients. Based on our data, the inflammatory protein AGP was the most reliable predictor of primary and secondary outcomes. On multivariable analysis, there was a significant association between AGP and MALE in all PAD disease states [mild: adjusted HR 1.13 (95% CI 1.05-1.47), moderate: adjusted HR 1.23 (95% CI 1.16-1.73), severe: adjusted HR 1.37 (95% CI 1.25-1.85)]. High levels of AGP were associated with lower 2-year MALE-free survival in all PAD disease states [mild (64% vs. 100%, p = 0.02), moderate (64% vs. 85%, p = 0.02), severe (55% vs. 88%, p = 0.02), all PAD (62% vs. 88%, p = 0.01)].

Conclusion

Levels of inflammatory protein AGP may help in risk stratifying PAD patients at high risk of MALE and worsening PAD status and subsequently facilitate further vascular evaluation and initiation of aggressive medical/surgical management.

Alpha-2-macroglobulin in hemostasis and thrombosis: An underestimated old double-edged sword

Antiproteinases such as alpha-2-macroglobulin (A2M) play a role in hemostasis. A2M is highly conserved throughout evolution and is a high molecular weight homo-tetrameric glycoprotein. A2M proteinase inhibitor activity is possible via a unique cage structure leading to proteinase entrapment without direct enzymatic activity inhibition. Following this entrapment, proteinase clearance is possible through A2M binding to the low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1. A2M synthesis is regulated by pro-inflammatory cytokines and increases during several chronic or acute inflammatory diseases and varies with age. For instance, A2M plasma levels are known to be increased in patients with diabetes mellitus, nephrotic syndrome, or sepsis. Concerning hemostasis, A2M can trap many proteinases involved in coagulation and fibrinolysis. Because of its pleiotropic effects A2M can be seen as both anti- and pro-hemostatic. A2M can inhibit thrombin, factor Xa, activated protein C, plasmin, tissue-plasminogen activator, and urokinase. Through its many different functions A2M is generally put apart in the balanced regulation of hemostasis. In addition, the fact that A2M plasma levels are differently regulated during inflammatory-related diseases and that A2M can neutralize cytokines that also modify hemostasis could explain why it is difficult to link common proteins and parameters of hemostasis with the mechanisms of thrombosis in such diseases. Thus, we propose in the present review to summarize known functions of A2M, give a brief overview about diseases, and then to focus on the roles of this antiproteinase in hemostasis and thrombosis.

Proteomics Analysis of Serum Proteins in Gestational Diabetes

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to screen serum proteins for biomarkers of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and to investigate its pathogenesis by analyzing the differences in serum proteomics between pregnant women with GDM and healthy pregnant women.

METHODS

Patients who were admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University from June 2019 to January 2020 were included. According to the medical history and the results of the 75 g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), they were divided into the normal pregnant women group and GDM pregnant women group. The serum of two groups of patients was collected. High performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry was used to identify differentially expressed serum proteins between pregnant women with GDM and healthy pregnant women, and bioinformatics analysis was then performed on the identified proteins.

RESULTS

A total of 1152 quantifiable proteins were detected; among them, 15 were upregulated in serum of GDM pregnant women, while 26 were downregulated. The subsequent parallel reaction monitoring (PRM) assay validated the expression levels of 12 out of 41 differentially expressed proteins. Moreover, bioinformatics analysis revealed that the differentially expressed proteins are involved in multiple biological processes and signaling pathways related to the lipid metabolism, glycan degradation, immune response, and platelet aggregation.

CONCLUSIONS

This study identified 41 serum proteins with differential expression between pregnant women with GDM and healthy pregnant women, providing new candidate molecules for elucidating GDM pathogenesis and screening therapeutic targets.

Circulating Extracellular Vesicle Proteins and MicroRNA Profiles in Subcortical and Cortical-Subcortical Ischaemic Stroke

In order to investigate the role of circulating extracellular vesicles (EVs), proteins, and microRNAs as damage and repair markers in ischaemic stroke depending on its topography, subcortical (SC), and cortical-subcortical (CSC) involvement, we quantified the total amount of EVs using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique and analysed their global protein content using proteomics. We also employed a polymerase chain reaction to evaluate the circulating microRNA profile. The study included 81 patients with ischaemic stroke (26 SC and 55 CSC) and 22 healthy controls (HCs). No differences were found in circulating EV levels between the SC, CSC, and HC groups. We detected the specific expression of C1QA and Casp14 in the EVs of patients with CSC ischaemic stroke and the specific expression of ANXA2 in the EVs of patients with SC involvement. Patients with CSC ischaemic stroke showed a lower expression of miR-15a, miR-424, miR-100, and miR-339 compared with those with SC ischaemic stroke, and the levels of miR-339, miR-100, miR-199a, miR-369a, miR-424, and miR-15a were lower than those of the HCs. Circulating EV proteins and microRNAs from patients with CSC ischaemic stroke could be considered markers of neurite outgrowth, neurogenesis, inflammation process, and atherosclerosis. On the other hand, EV proteins and microRNAs from patients with SC ischaemic stroke might be markers of an anti-inflammatory process and blood–brain barrier disruption reduction.

Ginsenoside Rg1-Notoginsenoside R1-Protocatechuic Aldehyde Reduces Atherosclerosis and Attenuates Low-Shear Stress-Induced Vascular Endothelial Cell Dysfunction

Background: The Fufang Danshen formula is a clinically important anti-atherosclerotic preparation in traditional Chinese medicine. However, its anti-atherosclerotic effect is not well recognized, and the mechanisms of its combined active ingredients, namely Ginsenoside Rg1-Notoginsenoside R1-Protocatechuic aldehyde (RRP), remain unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the anti-atherosclerotic effects and potential mechanism of RRP in ApoE-/- mice and in low-shear stress-injured vascular endothelial cells. Methods: ApoE-/- mice were randomly divided into three groups: model group, rosuvastatin group, and RRP group, with C57BL/6J mice as the control group. Oil-red O, hematoxylin and eosin, Masson, and Movat staining were utilized for the observation of aortic plaque. Changes in the blood lipid indexes were observed with an automatic biochemistry analyzer. ET-1, eNOS, TXA2, and PGI2 levels were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. In vitro, a fluid shear stress system was used to induce cell injury. Piezo1 expression in HUVECs was silenced using siRNA. Changes in morphology, proliferation, migration, and tube formation activity of cells were observed after RRP treatment. Quantitative Real-Time PCR and western blot analysis were employed to monitor mRNA and protein expression. Results: RRP treatment reduced the atherosclerotic area and lipid levels and improved endothelial function in ApoE-/- mice. RRP significantly repaired cell morphology, reduced excessive cell proliferation, and ameliorated migration and tube formation activity. In addition, RRP affected the FAK-PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Importantly, Piezo1 silencing abolished the protective effects of RRP. Conclusion: RRP has anti-atherosclerotic effects and antagonizes endothelial cell damage via modulating the FAK-PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Piezo1 is a possible target of RRP in the treatment of atherosclerosis. Thus, RRP has promising therapeutic potential and broad application prospect for atherosclerosis.

Increased Pro-Thrombotic Platelet Activity Associated with Thrombin/PAR1-Dependent Pathway Disorder in Patients with Secondary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis

Epidemiological studies confirm the high risk of ischemic events in multiple sclerosis (MS) that are associated with increased pro-thrombotic activity of blood platelets. The most potent physiological platelet agonist is thrombin, which activates platelets via cleavage of specific protease-activated receptors (PARs). Our current study is aimed to determine the potential genetics and proteomic abnormalities of PAR1 in both platelets and megakaryocytes, which may have thromboembolic consequences in the course of MS. The obtained results were correlated with the expression level of platelet and megakaryocyte transcripts for APOA1 and A2M genes encoding atherosclerosis biomarkers: apolipoprotein A1 (ApoA1) and α-2-macroglobulin (α2M), respectively. Moreover, PAR1 functionality in MS platelets was assessed by flow cytometry, determining the level of platelet–platelet and platelet–leukocyte aggregates, platelet microparticles and surface expression of P-selectin. As a PAR1 agonist, the synthetic TRAP-6 peptide was used, which made it possible to achieve platelet activation in whole blood without triggering clotting. Comparative analyses showed an elevated level of platelet activation markers in the blood of MS patients compared to controls. The mRNA expression of gene coding α2M was upregulated, whilst ApoA1 was down-regulated, both in platelets and megakaryocytes from MS patients. Furthermore, we observed an increase in both mRNA expression and surface density of PAR1 in platelets and megakaryocytes in MS compared to controls. Both the level of platelet activation markers and PAR1 expression showed a high correlation with the expression of transcripts for APOA1 and A2M genes.

Alpha-2-macroglobulin from circulating exosome-like vesicles is increased in women with preterm pregnancies

Preterm labor (PTL) and Preterm Premature Rupture of Membranes (PPROM) impose substantial morbimortality on mothers and newborns. Exosomes act in intercellular communication carrying molecules involved in physiopathological processes. Little is known about exosomal proteins in prematurity. Our aim was to evaluate the protein expression of hemopexin, C1 inhibitor (C1INH) and alpha-2-macroglobulin (A2M) from circulating exosomes of women with PTL and PPROM. Plasma was obtained from PTL, PPROM, Term in labor and Term out of labor (T) patients, exosomes were isolated by ultracentrifugation, then lysed and the proteins quantified. Western Blot (WB) and Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis (NTA) were performed. Data were compared by Kruskal–Wallis, unpaired T-test and one-way ANOVA. WB and NTA confirmed exosome isolation (concentration: 4.3 × 10¹⁰ particles/ml ± 1.9 × 10¹⁰). There was no difference regarding hemopexin or C1INH expression between the groups. For A2M, the fold change was significantly higher on preterm groups when compared to term groups (1.07 ± 0.30 vs. 0.42 ± 0.17, p < 0.0001). Higher levels of A2M in circulating exosomes are linked to preterm pregnancies. sEV are strong candidates to intermediate maternal–fetal communication, carrying preterm labor-related immunomodulatory proteins.

Harnessing the anti-inflammatory properties of stem cells for transplant therapy in hemorrhagic stroke

Hemorrhagic stroke is a global health crisis plagued by neuroinflammation in the acute and chronic phases. Neuroinflammation approximates secondary cell death, which in turn robustly contributes to stroke pathology. Both the physiological and behavioral symptoms of stroke correlate with various inflammatory responses in animal and human studies. That slowing the secondary cell death mediated by this inflammation may attenuate stroke pathology presents a novel treatment strategy. To this end, experimental therapies employing stem cell transplants support their potential for neuroprotection and neuroregeneration after hemorrhagic stroke. In this review, we evaluate experiments using different types of stem cell transplants as treatments for stroke-induced neuroinflammation. We also update this emerging area by examining recent preclinical and clinical trials that have deployed these therapies. While further investigations are warranted to solidify their therapeutic profile, the reviewed studies largely posit stem cells as safe and potent biologics for stroke, specifically owing to their mode of action for sequestering neuroinflammation and promoting neuroregenerative processes.

Evaluation of Hypoglycemic Therapy Through Physical Exercise in n5STZ-Induced Diabetes Rats

BACKGROUND

Diabetes mellitus is a syndrome with multiple etiologies involving insulin, in which there is a lack of production and/or loss of sensitivity to this hormone resulting in insulin resistance. Treatment and control of this disease requires changes in diet, use of medication, and lifestyle, such as physical activity. These modifications may compromise quality-of-life if there is no proper guidance for the treatment or alert to possible complications caused by the disease.

METHODS

This study aimed to evaluate biochemical and hematological parameters, and to assess brain derived neurotrophic factor levels in diabetic Wistar rats submitted to chronic physical exercise.

RESULTS

The results demonstrated an increase in plasma concentration of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in association with hyperglycemia reduction in diabetic animals.

DISCUSSION

The results obtained suggest that there is a regulation of glucose homeostasis between peripheral tissues and the central nervous system. Exercise-induced BDNF also improved levels of glycemia, body weight, and dyslipidemia. In hematological evaluation, BDNF increase was positively correlated with an improvement in leukocyte parameters. Electrophoresis analyses demonstrated a reduction in levels of pro-inflammatory proteins, lipoprotein fractions, and albumin preservation in diabetic animals trained with elevated concentration of plasma BDNF.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, this study demonstrated that chronic exercise was able to elevate BDNF levels in plasma, which resulted directly in positive hypoglycemic activity in diabetic animals and a reduction of the metabolic syndrome associated with diabetes mellitus.

Urinary proteomics reveals association between pediatric nephrolithiasis and cardiovascular disease

PURPOSE

To study (1) the differences in the relative abundance of urinary proteins between children with kidney stones (RS) and hypercalciuria, hypocitraturia, normal metabolic work-up, and healthy controls (HC); (2) the association of these proteins with various diseases.

METHODS

Quantitative proteomic comparison of pooled urine from RS (N = 30, 24 females, mean age 12.95 ± 4.03 years) versus age- and gender-matched HC, using mass spectrometry. Relative protein abundance was estimated using spectral counting. Proteins of interest were selected using the following criteria: (1) ≥ 5 spectral counts; (2) ≥ twofold difference in spectral counts; and (3) ≤ 0.05 p value for the Fisher's Exact Test.

RESULTS

Of the 1813 proteins identified, 229 met the above criteria, with 162 proteins up-regulated in the RS group and 67 up-regulated in HC. The largest group of proteins (30 out of 229) was found to be associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD). Of those, 16 were involved in coagulation, fibrinolysis, and adhesion, 10 in inflammation, 5 in lipid transport and metabolism, and 4 in oxidative stress. All except two were exclusively found in children with hypercalciuria and hypocitraturia, and were not seen in children with normal metabolic work-up.

CONCLUSION

Using a proteomic approach, we found a significant association between hypercalciuric and hypocitraturic nephrolithiasis and CVD in children. The shared risk factors among both diseases are endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis caused by abnormal coagulation, adhesion, disturbance of lipid transport and metabolism, oxidative stress and inflammation. Further understanding of the pathophysiological link between nephrolithiasis and CVD is necessary for developing new therapeutic targets.