Serum globulin in children with myasthenia gravis: predicting relapse and prognosis

OBJECTIVE

Serum globulin is associated with inflammatory or immune disorders. However, it has not been established whether it is associated with myasthenia gravis (MG). We investigated the association between globulin with relapse and prognosis in children with MG.

METHODS

A cohort of 148 MG cases and 150 healthy children were retrospectively enrolled from January 2015 to December 2021. Multivariate logistic and Cox regression models were used to analyze the treatment outcomes and recurrence of case group, exploring the influence of globulin.

RESULTS

Compared with the control group, globulin levels in the MG group were slightly increased (t = 7.244, p < 0.001). After a mean follow-up of 2.25 ± 1.05 years, 35 cases relapsed, with a relapse rate of 23.65%. Logistic regression analysis showed that globulin levels at admission [adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 1.233, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.028-1.472, p = 0.018] were independent risk factors for relapse. Cox regression analysis confirmed that globulin levels at admission affects relapse-free time [adjusted hazard ratio (HR) = 0.552, 95% CI 0.357-0.852, p = 0.007]. Receiver operating characteristic curve determined 25.10 as the optimal cutoff value for globulin. Cox regression showed that high globulin levels (>25.10) at admission (adjusted HR = 0.607, 95% CI 0.383-0.961, p = 0.033) were independent risk factors for poor therapeutic outcomes at follow-up. Ordinal logistic regression showed that globulin affects the treatment plan (OR = 1.445, 95% CI 1.223-1.847, p = 0.014).

CONCLUSIONS

Elevated globulin levels in children with MG on admission predicts a high relapse rate and poor long-term therapeutic efficacies.

Determining the Impact of Genotype × Environment on Oat Protein Isolate Composition Using HPLC and LC-MS Techniques

The effect of genotype and environment on oat protein composition was analyzed through size exclusion-high-performance liquid chromatography (SE-HPLC) and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) to characterize oat protein isolate (OPI) extracted from three genotypes grown at three locations in the Canadian Prairies. SE-HPLC identified four fractions in OPI, including polymeric globulins, avenins, glutelins, and albumins, and smaller proteins. The protein composition was dependent on the environment, rather than the genotype. The proteins identified through LC-MS were grouped into eight categories, including globulins, prolamins/avenins, glutelins, enzymes/albumins, enzyme inhibitors, heat shock proteins, grain softness proteins, and allergenic proteins. Three main globulin protein types were also identified, including the P14812|SSG2-12S seed storage globulin, the Q6UJY8_TRITU-globulin, and the M7ZQM3_TRIUA-Globulin-1 S. Principal component analysis indicated that samples from Manitoba showed a positive association with the M7ZQM3_TRIUA-Globulin-1 S allele and Q6UJY8_TRITU-globulin, while samples from Alberta and Saskatchewan had a negative association with them. The results show that the influence of G × E on oat protein fractions and their relative composition is crucial to understanding genotypes' behavior in response to different environments.

Acute Helicobacter pylori infection prevalence and association with metabolic abnormality in general Chinese population: A retrospective study

Helicobacter pylori (H pylori) infection was common worldwide and previous researches on the correlation between H pylori infection and metabolic abnormality provided inconsistent conclusions. We assessed acute H pylori infection prevalence and the relationship with metabolic abnormality in general Chinese population. Participants attending for the physical examination underwent a carbon-13 urea breath test. For individual, the following data were collected: age, gender, body mass index (BMI), systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, total protein, albumin, globulin (GLB), total bilirubin, direct bilirubin (DBIL), indirect bilirubin, alanine transaminase, glutamyl transpeptidase, alkaline phosphatase, cholesterol, triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, urea nitrogen, creatinine, uric acid, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), and homocysteine. A total of 29,154 participants were enrolled. The prevalence of acute H pylori infection was 29.79% (8684/29,154). Spearson correlation analysis showed that gender, BMI, ALB, GLB, total bilirubin, DBIL, indirect bilirubin, and FPG were closely related to H pylori infection. Multinomial logistic regressions analysis with stepwise subset selection further identified gender, BMI, ALB, GLB, DBIL, and FPG as independent risk factors for acute H pylori infection. Our results indicated that acute H pylori infection might has a significant impact on metabolic abnormalities, which should be further confirmed.

Immunosuppression withdrawal in living-donor renal transplant recipients following induction with antithymocyte globulin and rituximab: Results of a prospective clinical trial

Durable tolerance in kidney transplant recipients remains an important but elusive goal. We hypothesized that adding B cell depletion to T cell depletion would generate an immune milieu postreconstitution dominated by immature transitional B cells, favoring tolerance. The Immune Tolerance Network ITN039ST Research Study of ATG and Rituximab in Renal Transplantation was a prospective multicenter pilot study of live donor kidney transplant recipients who received induction with rabbit antithymocyte globulin and rituximab and initiated immunosuppression (IS) withdrawal (ISW) at 26 weeks. The primary endpoint was freedom from rejection at 52 weeks post-ISW. Six of the 10 subjects successfully completed ISW. Of these 6 subjects, 4 restarted immunosuppressive medications due to acute rejection or recurrent disease, 1 remains IS-free for over 9 years, and 1 was lost to follow-up after being IS-free for 42 weeks. There were no cases of patient or graft loss. CD19+ B cell frequencies returned to predepletion levels by 26 weeks posttransplant; immunoglobulin D+CD27--naïve B cells predominated. In contrast, memory cells dominated the repopulation of the T cell compartment. A regimen of combined B and T cell depletion did not generate the tolerogenic B cell profile observed in preclinical studies and did not lead to durable tolerance in the majority of kidney transplant recipients.

Albumin-Globulin Ratio Is an Independent Prognostic Factor for Gastric Cancer Patients who Received Curative Treatment

BACKGROUND/AIM

The albumin-globulin ratio (AGR) is a useful biomarker for predicting postoperative complications and a poor prognosis in patients with various types of cancer and can be evaluated without invasive testing or surgery. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the usefulness of the AGR in predicting the short- and long-term prognoses of patients with gastric cancer who underwent radical resection at our institution.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This study is a retrospective cohort analysis in which eligible patients were selected from the medical records of patients who underwent radical resection for gastric cancer at Yokohama City University from 2000 to 2020 and their medical records were reviewed. A total of 240 patients with gastric cancer were classified into high-AGR (>1.57) and low-AGR (≤1.57) groups and their overall survival (OS), recurrence-free survival (RFS), and postoperative complication rates were compared.

RESULTS

Of the total 240 patients, 87 were classified into the high AGR group and 153 were classified into the low AGR group; the incidence of postoperative complications in the two groups did not differ to a statistically significant extent (34.4% vs. 39.2%, p=0.491). The long-term findings showed that the 5-year OS and RFS rates were significantly better in the high AGR group [84.0% vs. 64.8% (p=0.005), 80.0% vs. 61.9% (p=0.015), respectively].

CONCLUSION

Preoperative low AGR is a risk factor for OS and DFS in patients with gastric cancer who undergo surgery. The AGR may be a useful biomarker that can be applied as a prognostic indicator for patients with gastric cancer.

Investigation of the Albumin/Globulin Ratio as a Biomarker in Restless Legs Syndrome

Background Measurement of serum/plasma levels of inflammatory factors in restless legs syndrome (RLS) has been the subject of a few studies, as various inflammatory diseases may demonstrate an association with RLS. The albumin/globulin ratio (AGR) is a parameter that considers two proteins that are indicators of inflammation and has been shown to increase in some inflammatory diseases. No study has evaluated the relationship between RLS and AGR yet. In our study, we examined the usability of AGR as a diagnostic biomarker in RLS patients. Methodology A total of 88 patients and 89 control individuals were included in the study retrospectively. The two groups were compared in terms of AGR levels. RLS patients were divided into four groups according to the International Restless Legs Syndrome Study Group Rating Scale score and the relationship between disease severity and AGR values ​​was examined. Results Albumin levels of the study group were higher than the control group. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups regarding globulin and AGR levels. Conclusions Serum albumin levels could be useful in RLS compared to globulin or AGR values. This needs to be supported by new studies with larger patient series, multicenter design, and including multiple parameters such as patients' muscle mass, nutritional habits, and exercise status.

Accuracy of Albumin, Globulin, and Albumin-Globulin Ratio for Diagnosing Periprosthetic Joint Infection: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is one of the most intractable orthopedic diseases, partly because of the difficulty in differentiating septic from aseptic conditions. We aimed to evaluate and consolidate the diagnostic accuracy of the quantitative assessment of serum albumin (Alb), globulin (Glb), and albumin-globulin ratio (AGR), alone or in combination with the inflammatory marker, C-reactive protein (CRP), for PJI. We searched the PubMed, CINAHL, and Cochrane Library databases for studies that quantitatively measured Alb, Glb, or AGR for the diagnosis of PJI up until the 30 April 2023. A total of 2339 patients were included from 10 studies, including 845 patients with a definitive diagnosis of PJI and 1494 with non-PJI. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, and area under the curve (AUC) in the summary receiver-operating characteristic curve were as follows: 0.625, 0.732, and 0.715 for Alb; 0.815, 0.857, and 0.887 for Glb; 0.753, 0.757, and 0.875 for AGR; 0.788, 0.837, and 0.876 for CRP; 0.879, 0.890, and 0.917 for the CRP-Alb ratio; and 0.845, 0.855, and 0.908 for the CRP-AGR ratio. Serum Alb, Glb, and AGR levels are feasible and accurate diagnostic markers for PJI, and the combination of these markers with CRP levels may potentially improve preoperative serum diagnostic accuracy. Future prospective studies are required to verify these findings because of the small numbers of included studies.

A Pilot Study Investigating Plasma Protein Electrophoresis in One Anuran and Six Urodelan Species

As threats to amphibian health increase, there is a growing need for diagnostic tools to assess and monitor their health status. Plasma protein electrophoresis has proven to be useful in other nonmammalian species. It enables quantification of protein fractions in plasma that may be altered in various disease processes, and is therefore useful in narrowing down differential diagnoses and detecting inflammation, in combination with other modalities such as biochemical and hematologic testing. The amphibian electrophoretogram must be defined before baseline reference intervals are obtained across species. Agarose gel electrophoresis was performed on plasma samples collected from presumed clinically normal individuals of one anuran and six urodelans: Osteopilus septentrionalis (n=2), Gyrinophilus porphyriticus (n=1), Notophthalmus viridescens (n=1), Eurycea guttolineata (n=2), Amphiuma tridactylum (n=2), Cryptobranchus alleganiensis (n=5), and Siren lacertina (n=6). The electrophoretograms varied in number of fractions between each species; however, the number of fractions was consistent within a species. An albumin migrating fraction was consistently observed in all species. A prealbumin migrating fraction was identified in species that primarily use organs other than skin for respiration. This study provides preliminary examples of a normal plasma protein electrophoretogram for seven amphibian species. Further studies quantifying reference intervals and identification of protein fractions will help establish protein electrophoresis as a useful tool in amphibian health investigations.

Total Globulin Fraction at Diagnosis Could Forecast All-Cause Mortality during the Disease Course in Patients with Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody-Associated Vasculitis

Total globulin fraction (TGF) is calculated by subtracting serum albumin levels from serum total protein levels. The present study examined whether TGF at diagnosis could forecast all-cause mortality during the disease course in patients with antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV). The present study included 283 patients with AAV. The variables at AAV diagnosis such as demographic data, AAV-specific data including the Birmingham vasculitis activity score (BVAS), five-factor score (FFS), and laboratory data including ANCA, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and C-reactive protein (CRP) were collected. The number of deceased patients during the follow-up duration based on all-cause mortality was counted. The median age of the 283 AAV patients was 60 years, and 35.7% were men. ANCAs were detected in 228 patients, and the median TGF was 2.9. A total of 39 patients (13.8%) died within a median follow-up duration of 46.9 months. TGF at AAV diagnosis was significantly correlated with ESR and CRP rather than AAV activity. Patients with ANCA positivity exhibited a significantly higher median TGF at AAV diagnosis than those without. Patients with TGF ≥ 3.1 g/dL at AAV diagnosis exhibited a significantly lower cumulative survival rate than those without. Furthermore, in the multivariable Cox hazards model analysis, TGF ≥ 3.1 g/dL (hazard ratio 2.611) was independently associated with all-cause mortality, along with age, male sex, and body mass index. The present study is the first to demonstrate that TGF at AAV diagnosis can forecast all-cause mortality during the disease course in AAV patients.

Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio and principal component analysis offer prognostic advantage for dogs with mammary tumors

Introduction

In veterinary medicine, cancer is the leading cause of death in companion animals, and mammary gland tumors represent the most common neoplasm in female dogs. Several epidemiological risk factors, such as age, breed, hormones, diet, and obesity have been reported to be relevant for canine mammary tumors. Nowadays, the gold standard for diagnosis of canine mammary tumors is the pathological examination of the suspected tissue. However, tumor grade can only be assessed after surgical removal or biopsy of the altered tissue. Therefore, in cases of tumors that could be surgically removed, it would be very helpful to be able to predict the biological behavior of the tumor, before performing any surgery. Since, inflammation constitutes part of the tumor microenvironment and it influences each step of tumorigenesis, cellular and biochemical blood markers of systemic inflammation, such as the neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and the albumin to globulin ratio (AGR) have been proposed as prognostic factors for human cancer development. The NLR and the AGR have not been explored enough as prognostic factors for cancer development in veterinary medicine.

Methods

To determine the prognostic value of NLR in canine mammary tumors, clinical records including biochemistry and hematological studies of female dogs with mammary tumors and of control healthy dogs, were used to determine the pre-treatment NLR and AGR. Other clinical data included age, breed, tumor size, histological tumor grade, and survival time after surgery.

Results and discussion

It was found that a higher pre-treatment NLR value (NLR > 5) associates with less survival rate. In contrast, the AGR did not show any predictive value on the malignancy of the tumor. However, by combining the NLR with AGR, age of the dog, and tumor size in a principal component analysis (PCA), the grade of the tumor and survival after surgery could be appropriately predicted. These data strongly suggest that pre-treatment NLR values have a prognostic value for the survival rate after surgery of dogs with mammary tumors.

Prevalence and association of diabetic nephropathy in newly diagnosed Chinese patients with diabetes in the Hebei province: A single-center case-control study

Diabetes is a chronic disease and has huge pressure on patients and the medical system, especially for patients with diabetic complications, for example, diabetic nephropathy. Diabetic nephropathy is a diabetic complication associated with damage to the kidney. To improve the quality of life of patients with diabetes, it is necessary to understand the factors that are associated with diabetic nephropathy. The objective of the study was to find the prevalence of diabetic nephropathy in newly diagnosed patients with diabetes and to develop the association between clinicopathological parameters and diabetic nephropathy. In a case-control study, demographics, anthropometric, and clinicopathological parameters of a total of 305 newly diagnosed patients with diabetes (the fasting blood glucose ≥ 7.0 mM/L and/or glycosylated hemoglobin ≥ 6.5 mM/L) in Hebei province were included in the analysis. If the urine albumin to creatinine ratio was ≥ 30 (microalbuminuria) then patients were considered diabetic nephropathy. Among enrolled patients, 206 (68%) were males and 99 (32%) were females and they were 46 to 71 years old. Demographic variables and health-related behaviors were the same among patients with diabetes either with nephropathy (case group, n = 135) or patients without nephropathy (control group, n = 170, P > .05 for all). The prevalence of diabetic nephropathy was 44%. Female to male ratio was 1:1.7 in the case group. Patients with diabetic nephropathy had higher body weight (P < .0001), waist circumference (P = .0006), and body mass index (P = .0002) than those of patients without nephropathy. Abnormal urinary globulin (P = .041, odd ratio (OR): 1.1231) was associated with diabetic nephropathy. Aspartate transaminase (P = .0651, OR: 0.8541), alkaline phosphatase (P = .0661, OR: 0.8122), hypertension (P = .0821, OR: 0.8214), and blood urea nitrogen (P = .0842, OR: 0.9411) were not significantly associated with diabetic neuropathy. However, they are near the statistical cutoff value. The prevalence of diabetic nephropathy in newly diagnosed diabetic patients of Hebei province is higher than those of the other provinces. Urinary globulin excretion had a weak association with the presence of nephropathy defined by urinary albumin excretion in patients with diabetes. The presence of other diabetic complications is also an essential parameter for diabetic nephropathy. Males are more susceptible to diabetic nephropathy than females if diabetic (Evidence Level: V; Technical Efficacy: Stage 3).

Evaluation of Serum Albumin and Globulin in Combination With C-Reactive Protein Improves Serum Diagnostic Accuracy for Low-Grade Periprosthetic Joint Infection

BACKGROUND

Serum immune markers can be useful in the diagnosis of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) by detecting long-lasting abnormal immunological conditions. The purpose of this study was to examine whether serum immune markers can improve the diagnostic accuracy of PJI.

METHODS

We enrolled 51 PJI, 45 aseptic loosening, and 334 osteoarthritis patients for assessment of the discriminatory accuracy of serum markers including white blood cell count, C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and D-dimer, total protein, albumin (Alb), globulin (Glb), neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio, lymphocyte-monocyte ratio, platelet-lymphocyte ratio, albumin-globulin ratio (AGR), CRP-albumin ratio (CAR), and CRP-AGR ratio (CAGR). These diagnostic accuracies for low-grade PJI were also calculated in patients who had serum CRP levels < 10 mg/L.

RESULTS

Among serum markers, Alb, Glb, AGR, CRP, ESR, CAR, and CAGR had highly accurate diagnostic accuracy for PJI, with area under the curve of 0.92, 0.90, 0.96, 0.97, 0.92, 0.97, and 0.98, respectively. In low-grade PJI patients, area under the curve of CRP, ESR, CAR, and CAGR (0.69, 0.80, 0.65, and 0.82, respectively) was decreased but that of Alb, Glb, and AGR (0.90, 0.88, and 0.95, respectively) remained high, indicating the diagnostic utility of these immune markers. The sensitivity and specificity of AGR with cutoff value of 1.1 were demonstrated as 0.92 and 0.89, respectively, and with cutoff value of 1.2, 1.00, and 0.79, respectively, in the diagnosis of low-grade infection.

CONCLUSION

Our results demonstrate the potential value of Alb, Glb, AGR, and combination indices of these immune makers with CRP in improving preoperative serum diagnosis for PJI, especially in low-grade PJI.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Diagnostic- Level II.

Globulin and Albumin/Globulin Ratios as Potential Biomarkers for the Diagnosis of Acute and Chronic Peri-Prosthetic Joint Infections: A Retrospective Study

Background: Peri-prosthetic joint infection (PJI) is the most serious complication after prosthetic joint replacement. However, the diagnosis of PJI remains challenging for clinicians because of the lack of a gold standard. The purpose of this study was to investigate the diagnostic significance of serum globulin, albumin/globulin, and other biomarkers in acute and chronic periprosthetic infections. Patients and Methods: A retrospective study of 162 patients with PJI and aseptic loosening between January 2016 and March 2021 at our institution was performed in three groups. There were 20 patients with acute infection in group A, 36 patients with chronic infection in group B, and 106 patients with aseptic loosening in group C. Globulin, albumin/globulin, C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), platelet count (PLT), mean platelet volume (MPV), d-dimer, and platelet count/mean platelet volume ratio (PMR) levels were recorded. The area under the curve (AUC) was used to measure the diagnostic value of globulin and albumin/globulin with other biomarkers for PJI. Results: Compared with the aseptic loosening group, the acute and chronic PJI group had higher levels of CRP, ESR, d-dimer, globulin, PLT, and PMR (p < 0.01) and lower levels of albumin/globulin and MPV (p < 0.01). The optimal cutoff, AUC, sensitivity, and specificity of CRP, albumin/globulin, ESR, and globulin were: CRP, 8.3 mg/L, 0.903, 78.57%, and 88.68%; albumin/globulin, 1.31, 0.899, 91.07%, and 73.58%; ESR, 32 mm/h, 0.888, 75.%, and 85.85%; globulin, 29.5 g/L, 0.880, 91.07%, and 72.64%. Conclusions: Globulin and albumin/globulin have excellent diagnostic value for acute and chronic PJI and are promising potential biomarkers for the diagnosis of PJI. The diagnostic performance of albumin/globulin is superior to that of ESR and similar to that of CRP.

Association of globulin concentrations with prognosis in horses with lymphoma

Introduction

Lymphoma is the most common hemopoietic neoplasia in horses. Common clinicopathologic abnormalities in equine lymphoma include hyperglobulinemia, hypoalbuminemia, hyperfibrinogenemia, anemia, thrombocytopenia and lymphocytosis. Hypoglobulinemia has been reported in other species with lymphoma, however it has not been well-described in horses. The objectives of this study were to examine the prevalence of hypoglobulinemia in equine lymphoma, and to identify prognosis and clinicopathological abnormalities associated with serum globulin concentrations.

Methods

Ninety-six horses with lymphoma were investigated in this retrospective study. Patients were allocated into groups based on serum globulin concentration. Survival analysis was performed to determine risk factors associated with globulin concentration and outcome.

Results

Nineteen horses were hypoglobulinemic (≤2.1 g/dL), 63/98 were normoglobulinemic (2.2-4.3 g/dL), and 16/98 were hyperglobulinemic (≥4.4 g/dL). Hyperglobulinemia was associated with a higher anion gap (P = 0.0005), lower bicarbonate (P = 0.006), sodium (P = 0.03) and chloride concentrations (P = 0.002), and higher total protein than hypoglobulinemic horses (P < 0.0001). For location, 37% of horses with mucocutaneous lymphoma were hypoglobulinemic, compared to none in the hyperglobulinemic group (P = 0.02). Survival times were significantly different between low, normal and high globulin groups (P = 0.0002, median [range] survival times: 333 [1-3792], 43 [1-4,001] and 4 [1-129] days, respectively). Significant risk factors for shortened time to death were hyperglobulinemia (HR 2.4, P = 0.02), T cell lymphoma (HR 3.5, P < 0.0001), and multicentric (HR 3.1, P = 0.0008) and mediastinal (HR 6.4, P = 0.006) forms of lymphoma. Lack of chemotherapy was associated with shortened survival time (HR 4.5, P < 0.0001). B cell lymphomas (P < 0.0001) and mucocutaneous lymphoma location (P < 0.0001) were associated with longer survival times.

Discussion

Serum globulin concentrations are associated with location of lymphoma, clinicopathologic abnormalities, and survival times in equine lymphoma.

Promoters of genes encoding β-amylase, albumin and globulin in food plants have weaker affinity for TATA-binding protein as compared to non-food plants: in silico analysis

It is generally accepted that during the domestication of food plants, selection was focused on their productivity, the ease of their technological processing into food, and resistance to pathogens and environmental stressors. Besides, the palatability of plant foods and their health benefits could also be subjected to selection by humans in the past. Nonetheless, it is unclear whether in antiquity, aside from positive selection for beneficial properties of plants, humans simultaneously selected against such detrimental properties as allergenicity. This topic is becoming increasingly relevant as the allergization of the population grows, being a major challenge for modern medicine. That is why intensive research by breeders is already underway for creating hypoallergenic forms of food plants. Accordingly, in this paper, albumin, globulin, and β-amylase of common wheat Triticum aestivum L. (1753) are analyzed, which have been identified earlier as targets for attacks by human class E immunoglobulins. At the genomic level, we wanted to find signs of past negative selection against the allergenicity of these three proteins (albumin, globulin, and β-amylase) during the domestication of ancestral forms of modern food plants. We focused the search on the TATA-binding protein (TBP)-binding site because it is located within a narrow region (between positions -70 and -20 relative to the corresponding transcription start sites), is the most conserved, necessary for primary transcription initiation, and is the best-studied regulatory genomic signal in eukaryotes. Our previous studies presented our publicly available Web service Plant_SNP_TATA_Z-tester, which makes it possible to estimate the equilibrium dissociation constant (KD) of TBP complexes with plant proximal promoters (as output data) using 90 bp of their DNA sequences (as input data). In this work, by means of this bioinformatics tool, 363 gene promoter DNA sequences representing 43 plant species were analyzed. It was found that compared with non-food plants, food plants are characterized by significantly weaker affinity of TBP for proximal promoters of their genes homologous to the genes of common-wheat globulin, albumin, and β-amylase (food allergens) (p < 0.01, Fisher's Z-test). This evidence suggests that in the past humans carried out selective breeding to reduce the expression of food plant genes encoding these allergenic proteins.

Efficiency of Feed Utilization, Ruminal Traits, and Blood Parameters of Goats Given a Total Mixed Diet Ration Containing Extracted Oil Palm Meal

This study aimed to evaluate the inclusion levels of extracted oil palm meal (EOPM) from biodiesel byproducts in the total mixed ration (TMR) for goats on feed intake, nutrient digestibility, nitrogen balance, blood parameters, and rumen fermentation characteristics. The EOPM was included at 0%, 10%, 20%, and 30% dry matter (DM) to formulate into four dietary treatments and assigned to goats with an average age of 12 months and an initial body weight of 23 ± 0.5 kg in a 4 × 4 Latin square design. The PROC MIXED procedure was used to analyze all data, and the orthogonal polynomial was tested for EOPM levels using the SAS program. The DM intake, nitrogen, and metabolizable energy linearly (p < 0.05) increased when there was increased EOPM inclusion. Increasing EOPM inclusions resulted in (p < 0.05) a linear increase in fiber digestibility but did not affect DM, crude protein, or ether extract. Total volatile fatty acids increased (p < 0.05) linearly with increasing EOPM inclusions. The EOPM inclusions did not alter the bacteria, fungi, and protozoal populations. Blood parameters were not affected by the inclusions of EOPM except globulin, triglyceride, and MCV concentration. This study revealed that EOPM could be included in up to 20% DM in TMR for goats with no negative impact.

Amino acid composition, mineral profile, free radical scavenging ability, and carbohydrase inhibitory properties of Moringa oleifera seed globulin, hydrolysates, and membrane fractions

The nutritional-amino acid profile and mineral element of Moringa oleifera seed globulin (GLO) and its hydrolysates as well as the in vitro bioactive properties-antioxidant, alpha-amylase, and alpha-glucosidase inhibition of the GLO, hydrolysates, and membrane fractions were reported. The results showed that M. oleifera contained significant amounts of essential amino acids (EAA), which are more than the minimum required by the Food and Agricultural Organization for children, except for tryptophan, which was the limiting amino acid. However, hydrolysis mostly led to a reduction in the contents of the EAA. While the process of hydrolysis and the subsequent membrane fractionation produced peptides with improved activities in 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid radical scavenging ability and oxygen radical absorbance capacity, this process produced no activities in superoxide radical scavenging ability, α-amylase, and α-glucosidase inhibitory potentials of some of the hydrolysates and peptides fractions. In summary, M. oleifera seed peptide fraction (<3 kDa) from the alcalase-derived hydrolysate contains potent antioxidants but relatively low in vitro antidiabetic properties. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Several studies have established the ability of proteins, including hydrolysate and peptide fractions to provide some bioactive properties such as antioxidant, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory among others. However, because protein functionalities are influenced by several factors such as the source, type, processing method employed among others, research has continued to evaluate the bioactivities of proteins under different conditions. In this study, therefore, we reported the impact of processing methods (hydrolysis, enzyme type, and peptide size) on the nutritional, antioxidant, and in vitro antidiabetic properties of M. oleifera seed globulin, its hydrolysates, and membrane fractions. This information plays an important role in the further exploitation of M. oleifera seed proteins in the development of functional foods and nutraceuticals.

High frequency of delayed milk delivery to neonates in tropical beef herds

Beef-calf mortality rates across tropical and subtropical Australia are high, with sub-optimal nutrition in pregnant cows being the primary risk. The nutritional deficiencies associated with calf mortality are the same as those associated with reduced milk yields. Although the highest mortality risk occurs during neonatal life, the role of inadequate milk delivery to beef neonates is not well established. This study investigated the frequency of low milk delivery in tropically adapted neonatal calves and the time for their dams to initiate full lactation in five management groups of Brahman and Droughtmaster calving cows in the dry tropics of northern Queensland, Australia. Change in calf weight in the days following birth was the primary measure of milk uptake. Plasma globulin concentration was used to indicate colostrum uptake. Across management groups, data were available on 250 calves for regression analysis of average daily gain vs. globulin and on 78 for plotting calf growth profiles. Calves had one of two growth profiles, either with immediate high growth from birth (day one) or with high growth delayed until day three. The frequency of delayed growth calves (with inadequate milk intake to gain at least 0.5 kg by day three after birth) was on average 30% across management groups, with management groups ranging 25%-50%. The frequency of calves growing ≤0.2 kg/day to day three was 15%-37%, depending on management group. The frequency of calves growing ≤0.2 kg/day to day five was 7%-20%, depending on management group. Calf globulin explained only 25% of the variation in calf average daily gain. Our study shows that a third of tropically adapted calves may experience a three-day delay to initiation of full lactation by their dams. Although study conditions were relatively benign, any additional risks with milk delivery, such as those that occur widely in tropical and subtropical northern Australia, would place such calves at risk of dehydration and mortality. Calf plasma globulin should not be used as a standalone measure of adequacy of neonatal milk delivery, especially when comparing across herds. This study demonstrates a fundamental problem of high frequency in northern Australia. The underlying risks for delayed milk delivery should be considered in the quest for practical solutions to reduce tropically adapted beef-calf mortalities.

Modeling the Thermal Denaturation of the Protein-Water System in Pulses (Lentils, Beans, and Chickpeas)

Thermal treatment applied during the cooking of pulses leads to denaturation and even aggregation of the proteins, which may impact protein digestibility. Thermal transitions of lentil, chickpea, and bean proteins were studied using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Protein-enriched samples were obtained by dry air classification of dehulled seeds and were heated to 160 °C, with water contents ranging from 0.2 to 4 kg/kg on a dry basis. The DSC peaks of the resulting endotherms were successfully modeled as overlapping Gaussian functions. The denaturation temperatures were modeled as a function of the temperature according to the Flory-Huggins theory. The modeling allows for the calculation of the degree of protein transition for any temperature and moisture condition. The denaturation diagrams reflect the different protein compositions of lentil, chickpea, and bean (particularly the 11S/7S globulin ratio). Chickpea proteins were more thermally stable than those from lentil and bean. Proteins underwent an irreversible transition, suggesting that unfolding and aggregation were coupled.

Association of Albumin and Globulin with Mortality Risk in Incident Peritoneal Dialysis Patients

Background: Nutrition and inflammation have been implicated in predicting mortality in patients on peritoneal dialysis (PD). Serum albumin and globulin can be regarded for the nutritional and inflammatory status. However, there is lack of data to evaluate the synergistic effect of albumin and globulin on mortality prediction. Methods: In 554 patients initiating PD from January 2001 to July 2016, we divided them into four groups by the combination of two categories of low vs. high albumin and low vs. high globulin. The median values for albumin and globulin were chosen to classify them into low or high groups. Their associations with all-cause and cardiovascular (CV) mortality were examined in Cox regression models adjusted for confounding clinical and laboratory data. Results: Patients, 52.91 ± 15.2 years old and 47.8% men, had a median (interquartile range) value of 3.3 (2.9−3.8) g/dL for albumin and 2.8 (2.5−3.2) g/dL for globulin, respectively. Patients with low albumin and high globulin had the highest all-cause mortality and CV mortality, with adjusted hazard ratios of 3.87 (95% CI 1.83−8.20, p < 0.001) and 5.65 (95% CI 2.23−14.34, p < 0.001), respectively, compared with those with a high albumin and low globulin having the lowest mortality rate. Sensitivity analyses further confirmed this relationship. Conclusions: A patient profile of either low albumin or high globulin is linked to a higher risk for mortality, particularly for a profile of both low albumin and high globulin compared with one without either of them. Further studies are needed to explore the mechanisms underlying this phenomenon and how to improve clinical outcomes in those high-risk patients.

Association Between Globulin and Diabetic Nephropathy in Type2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study

BACKGROUND

With the development of economy, the living standard of people all over the world has been greatly improved, and the incidence of diabetes is also increasing. Many people with diabetes also develop other complications that reduce their quality of life. Diabetic nephropathy is a common complication of type2 diabetes. Understanding the related factors of diabetic nephropathy is greatly significant to control the occurrence of diabetic nephropathy and improve patient's life quality.

DATA AND METHODS

Data were collected from 2009 to 2018 in NHANES. Curve fitting graph was performed to investigate the association between globulin (GLB) and diabetic nephropathy(DN). Four logistic regression models were conducted to control the potential confounding factors. Subgroup analysis was carried out to assess the stability of results.

RESULTS

GLB was positively correlated with the occurrence of DN after controlling for potential confounders. Higher GLB was associated with an increased risk of diabetic nephropathy [odds ratio(OR), 1.10; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.07-1.13, P < 0.001].

CONCLUSIONS

In this cross-sectional study, GLB was significant positively correlated with the occurrence of DN in patients with type2 diabetes mellitus.

Associations of decreased serum total protein, albumin, and globulin with depressive severity of schizophrenia

OBJECTIVE

Depression and schizophrenia (SCH) were accompanied by an acute phase response (APR) that was implicated in the alterations in total protein (TP), albumin, and globulin levels. The aims of this study are to examine serum TP, albumin, globulin levels, depressive symptoms, and their associations in patients with SCH.

METHODS

We recruited 34 patients with SCH and 136 healthy controls (HCs) according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV). Psychiatric symptoms and biomarkers were assessed using the Chinese version of the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) as well as the bromocresol green and biuret methods.

RESULTS

Serum TP (F = 46.11, p < 0.001, η2 = 0.19), albumin (F = 31.69, p < 0.001, η2 = 0.14), and globulin (F = 12.48, p < 0.001, η2 = 0.06) levels were lower in patients than those in HCs after adjusting for covariates. Serum TP (r = -0.37, p = 0.03) and albumin (r = -0.37, p = 0.03) levels were negatively correlated with depressive score in patients. Stepwise multivariate regression analysis showed the negative associations of depressive score with serum TP (β = -0.13, t = -2.92, p = 0.007), albumin (β = -0.23, t = -2.36, p = 0.03), and globulin (β = -0.16, t = -2.40, p = 0.02) levels in patients. Serum TP, albumin, and globulin levels exhibited the accuracies of 87.1, 70.0, and 69.4% in discriminating between patients and HCs (area under the curve [AUC]: 0.78, 0.68, and 0.77; sensitivity/specificity: 52.9%/95.6%, 55.9%/73.5%, and 76.5%/67.6%).

CONCLUSION

Our data suggested that decreased serum TP, albumin, and globulin should be regarded as the SCH risk factors and were implicated in the depressive severity of SCH, which further provided the support for the hypothesis that SCH and depression were accompanied by the abnormal inflammatory cytokines with the APR.

Rice seed storage proteins: Biosynthetic pathways and the effects of environmental factors

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is the most important food crop for at least half of the world's population. Due to improved living standards, the cultivation of high-quality rice for different purposes and markets has become a major goal. Rice quality is determined by the presence of many nutritional components, including seed storage proteins (SSPs), which are the second most abundant nutrient components of rice grains after starch. Rice SSP biosynthesis requires the participation of multiple organelles and is influenced by the external environment, making it challenging to understand the molecular details of SSP biosynthesis and improve rice protein quality. In this review, we highlight the current knowledge of rice SSP biosynthesis, including a detailed description of the key molecules involved in rice SSP biosynthetic processes and the major environmental factors affecting SSP biosynthesis. The effects of these factors on SSP accumulation and their contribution to rice quality are also discussed based on recent findings. This recent knowledge suggests not only new research directions for exploring rice SSP biosynthesis but also innovative strategies for breeding high-quality rice varieties.

Association of serum globulin with all-cause mortality in incident hemodialysis patients

BACKGROUND

Serum globulin is a major component of total protein and can be elevated in inflammatory disease states. While inflammation is common in hemodialysis patients and associated with mortality and morbidity, the association between serum globulin and mortality have never been examined in hemodialysis patients.

METHODS

In a retrospective cohort of 104,164 incident hemodialysis patients treated by a large dialysis organization from 2007 to 2011, we explored the association between baseline serum globulin, A/G ratio and serum protein levels and all-cause, cardiovascular and infection-related mortality with adjustments for demographic variables and laboratory markers of malnutrition and inflammation using Cox proportional hazard models.

RESULTS

Patients with globulin concentration >3.8 g/dL had higher all-cause and infection-related mortality risk (Hazard Ratio [HR] 1.11, 95% Confidence Interval [95%CI]: 1.06, 1.16 and HR 1.28, 95%CI: 1.09, 1.51; respectively) in the fully adjusted model when compared to the reference group of 3.0-<3.2 g/dL. In addition, patients with A/G ratio <0.75 had a 45% higher all-cause mortality hazard (HR 1.45, 95%CI: 1.38, 1.52) and patients with total serum protein <5.5 g/dL had a 34% higher risk of death (HR: 1.34, 95%CI: 1.27, 1.42) when compared to the reference (A/G ratio 1.05-<1.15 and total serum protein 6.5-<7 g/dL, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Among incident hemodialysis patients, higher globulin level was associated with higher mortality risk independent of other markers of malnutrition and inflammation, including albumin. Lower A/G ratio and serum protein was also associated with higher mortality hazard. The mechanisms that contribute to elevated serum globulin should be further explored.

Crossing the Antarctica: Exploring the Effects of Appetite-Regulating Hormones and Indicators of Nutrition Status during a 93-Day Solo-Expedition

Future deep space astronauts must maintain adequate nutrition despite highly stressful, isolated, confined and dangerous environments. The present case-study investigated appetite regulating hormones, nutrition status, and physical and emotional stress in a space analog condition: an explorer conducting a 93-day unsupported solo crossing of Antarctica. Using the dried blood spot (DBS) method, the subject drew samples of his blood on a regular basis during the expedition. The DBSs were later analyzed for the appetite regulating hormones leptin and adiponectin. Energy intake and nutritional status were monitored by analysis of albumin and globulin (including their ratio). Interleukin-6 (IL-6) was also analyzed and used as an energy sensor. The results showed a marked reduction in levels of the appetite-reducing hormone, leptin, and the appetite stimulating hormone, adiponectin, during both extreme physical and psychological strain. Nutrition status showed a variation over the expedition, with below-normal levels during extreme psychological strain and levels abutting the lower bounds of the normal range during a phase dominated by extreme physical hardship. The IL-6 levels varied substantially, with levels above the normal range except during the recovery phase. It was concluded that a daily intake of 5058 to 5931 calories seemed to allow recovery of both appetite and nutritional status between extreme physical and psychological hardship during a long Arctic expedition. Furthermore, IL-6 may be a sensor in the muscle-liver, muscle-fat and muscle-brain crosstalk. These results may help guide nutrition planning for future astronaut crews, mountaineers and others involved in highly demanding missions.

Clinical characteristics in patients with coronary slow flow phenomenon: A retrospective study

ABSTRACT

Coronary slow flow phenomenon (CSFP) is a coronary artery disease in which coronary angiography shows no obvious stenosis, but there is a delay in blood flow perfusion. The etiopathogenic mechanisms of CSFP are still unclear. The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of clinical characteristics in patients with CSFP, and to provide a reference for exploring the potential mechanisms of CSFP. Patients with angiographically normal epicardial arteries were enrolled (145 patients with CSFP and 145 normal controls). Collected clinical information and laboratory indexes, which measured by peripheral venous blood samples before coronary angiography. Logistic regression analysis was performed for statistical analysis. The present study found 19 clinical and laboratory indexes with statistical differences between the two groups in univariate analysis. Multivariate analysis showed that monocyte count, haemoglobin, serum creatinine and globulin were independent predictors of CSFP. Moreover, the monocyte count, haemoglobin, creatinine and globulin levels were significantly higher in the CSFP patients than the controls, with positive associations between these parameters and the extent of CSFP. In addition, ROC analysis showed the diagnostic value of the above indexes for CSFP.

Preoperative Inversed Albumin-to-Globulin Ratio Predicts Worse Oncologic Prognosis Following Curative Hepatectomy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Background

A normal albumin-to-globulin ratio (NAGR) in serum is greater than 1. Inversed albumin-to-globulin ratio (IAGR < 1) indicates poor synthetic liver function or malnutrition. The aim of this study is to evaluate whether preoperative IAGR was associated with worse oncologic survival after hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Patients and Methods

Patients who underwent curative hepatectomy for HCC between 2009 and 2016 in four centers were divided into the IAGR and NAGR groups based on their preoperative levels, and their clinical characteristics and long-term survival outcomes were compared. Univariable and multivariable Cox regression analyses were performed to identify risk factors of overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS).

Results

Of 693 enrolled patients, 136 (19.6%) were in the IAGR group. Their 5-year OS and RFS rates were 31.6% and 21.3%, respectively, which were significantly worse than the NAGR group (43.4% and 28.7%, both P < 0.001). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curves in predicting 5-year OS and RFS using the albumin-to-globulin ratio were 0.68 and 0.67, respectively, which were significantly higher than albumin (0.60 and 0.59), globulin (0.56 and 0.57), Child-Pugh grading (0.61 and 0.60), Model for End-Stage Liver Disease Score (0.59 and 0.58), and Albumin-Bilirubin grading (0.64 and 0.63). Multivariable analyses identified that preoperative IAGR was independently associated with worse OS (HR: 1.444, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.125–1.854, P = 0.004) and RFS (HR: 1.463, 95% CI: 1.159–1.848, P = 0.001).

Conclusion

Preoperative IAGR was useful in predicting worse OS and RFS in patients who underwent curative hepatectomy for HCC.

PROTEIN ELECTROPHORESIS OF PLASMA SAMPLES FROM BOA CONSTRICTORS WITH AND WITHOUT REPTARENAVIRUS INFECTION

Reptarenaviruses infect a variety of boid and pythonid snake species worldwide and have been shown to be the cause of inclusion body disease (IBD). Little is known about the correlations between virus infection and clinical disease, as well as the effects of viral infection on the immune system and the blood protein fractions. The goal of this study was to examine the differences in the plasma protein fractions in reptarenavirus reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR)-negative and -positive tested snakes with and without clinical signs of disease. Blood from a total of 111 boa constrictors (Boa constrictor) was evaluated. Reverse transcription PCRs and H&E staining for inclusion bodies were carried out on each sample for the detection of reptarenavirus, and the plasma protein fractions were evaluated by capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE). Thirty four of the 111 evaluated snakes were positive by RT-PCR and 19 of the 34 showed clinical signs of disease. In comparison with IBD-negative healthy boa constrictors, the positive snakes with clinical signs had significantly lower albumin levels (P = 0.0052), lower A: G ratios (P = 0.0037), and lower α-globulin levels (P = 0.0073), while their γ-globulin levels were significantly higher (P = 0.0004). In the same comparison, clinically healthy arenavirus-positive boas showed only significantly lower α-globulin (P = 0.0124) and higher γ-globulin levels (P = 0.0394). The results of the present study indicate that reptarenavirus infection may influence plasma protein fractions in boa constrictors.

Protective Role of <i>Juniperus phoenicea</i> L. Leaves Extract against Gamma-irradiation-induced Oxidative Stress

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Radiation exposure can cause several harmful effects in biological systems due to free radical production. Several antioxidants have been tested as potential hepatoprotective agents against ionizing radiation as they lower oxidative stress in normal cells induced by Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS). The present study was conducted to evaluate the possible ameliorative effects of Juniperus phoenicea L.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Aqueous leaves extract on different biochemical and histopathological parameters against whole body gamma-irradiation-induced oxidative stress, organ dysfunction and metabolic disturbances in experimental Swiss Albino rats. After a single dose of gamma-radiation (6 Gy), there was a significant reduction in albumin, total protein and globulin levels and a significant increase in the liver enzymes (ALT, AST, ALP and GGT) and lipid profile parameters (cholesterol, triglyceride, HDL-cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol) in gamma-irradiated rats unlike in normal controls.

RESULTS

The gamma-irradiated rats pre-treated with J. phoenicea leaf extracts, however, showed a significant increase in albumin, total protein and globulin levels and a significant reduction in liver enzymes and lipid profile parameters as opposed to the untreated ones. The gamma-irradiated rats showed toxic changes in the liver, whereas, the rats pre-treated with J. phoenicea leaves extract demonstrated a protective effect. Additionally, gamma- irradiation caused myocardial degenerative changes, interstitial edema between muscle fibers, necrosis and inflammatory cells infiltration and fibrotic and cellular damages to the heart, but J. phoenicea leaves extract were found to ameliorate the gamma-irradiation-induced changes in the heart.

CONCLUSION

The results suggested that treatment with J. phoenicea leaves extract is possibly safe and can ameliorate gamma-irradiation-induced oxidative damage and tissue injury in rats. The leaves of J. phoenicea could serve as a potential source of therapeutic antioxidants.

Modeling to Understand Plant Protein Structure-Function Relationships-Implications for Seed Storage Proteins

Proteins are among the most important molecules on Earth. Their structure and aggregation behavior are key to their functionality in living organisms and in protein-rich products. Innovations, such as increased computer size and power, together with novel simulation tools have improved our understanding of protein structure-function relationships. This review focuses on various proteins present in plants and modeling tools that can be applied to better understand protein structures and their relationship to functionality, with particular emphasis on plant storage proteins. Modeling of plant proteins is increasing, but less than 9% of deposits in the Research Collaboratory for Structural Bioinformatics Protein Data Bank come from plant proteins. Although, similar tools are applied as in other proteins, modeling of plant proteins is lagging behind and innovative methods are rarely used. Molecular dynamics and molecular docking are commonly used to evaluate differences in forms or mutants, and the impact on functionality. Modeling tools have also been used to describe the photosynthetic machinery and its electron transfer reactions. Storage proteins, especially in large and intrinsically disordered prolamins and glutelins, have been significantly less well-described using modeling. These proteins aggregate during processing and form large polymers that correlate with functionality. The resulting structure-function relationships are important for processed storage proteins, so modeling and simulation studies, using up-to-date models, algorithms, and computer tools are essential for obtaining a better understanding of these relationships.

Effects of Ultrasonic-Assisted Extraction on the Physicochemical Properties of Different Walnut Proteins

The effects of ultrasonic-assisted extraction (UAE, 200 W, 20 min) on the yield and physicochemical properties of different walnut proteins (WNPs, including albumin, globulin, and glutelin) were investigated. Sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) analysis indicated that UAE could result in protein molecular fragmentation of albumin, but did not affect the major bands of globulin and glutelin. The CD spectra demonstrated that different WNPs obtained by UAE had different changes in their secondary structure. Under UAE, there was an increase in surface hydrophobicity (H₀) of albumin and gluten and no change in the fluorescence intensity, while decreases were observed in the H₀ and fluorescence intensity of globulin; and the contents of total and surface free sulfhydryl in albumin dramatically decreased. UAE reduced the size of the particles and the dimension of the microstructures in albumin and gluten, indicating that ultrasound could unfold protein aggregates. In addition, UAE increased the solubility, emulsifying activity (EA), foaming capacity (FC), and foam stability (FS) of the obtained proteins. The above results indicate that ultrasound extraction is a promising approach to improve the extraction yield and properties of walnut proteins.

Bioactive Ingredients in Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Function in the Prevention of Type 2 Diabetes

Diabetes mellitus (DM) greatly impacts human health worldwide as over 400 million patients suffer from DM-related symptoms. Type 2 DM accounts for more than 90% of DM and is caused mainly by unhealthy lifestyles, such as high-calorie and high-fat diets. Such undesirable eating habitats induce resistance to insulin resulting in high blood sugar levels that cause induction of various symptoms and complications of DM. Therefore, management of blood sugar levels is important for preventing DM. Our group has recently found that rice (Oryza sativa L.) contains anti-diabetes compounds. Here, we summarize the effect of the bioactive ingredients in rice on preventing type 2 DM.

High preoperative serum globulin in hepatocellular carcinoma is a risk factor for poor survival

Background: Serum globulin (GLB), albumin (ALB) and albumin/globulin ratio (AGR) have been reported as prognosis related factors for certain malignancies; however, the prognostic value of globulin (GLB) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has rarely been studied. This study was performed to evaluate whether GLB analysis could be applied for the prediction of the prognosis of patients received liver resection.

Methods: A training cohort study involving 210 HCC patients undergoing curative liver resection between January 2007 and December 2012, and a validation cohort involving 100 HCC patients contemporaneously undergoing curative liver resection in another set were recruited. The survival curves were graphed and log-rank test was performed to analyze the differences between the curves. The cutoff value was selected by X-title program.

Results: Univariate and multivariate analysis indicated that high serum GLB level is a risk factor for poor cancer-specific survival (CSS) (P < 0.05). Conversely, high ALB level is a prediction for favor CSS (P = 0.010).

Conclusions: We identified the preoperative high GLB level as a prognostic risk factor for patients after treatment of liver cancer resection. This easily obtained variable may act as an available clinical biomarker to predict the prognosis of such patients.

In vitro antihypertensive and antioxidative properties of trypsin-derived Moringa oleifera seed globulin hydrolyzate and its membrane fractions

Moringa oleifera seed globulin was hydrolyzed with trypsin and fractionated to produce <1, 1-3, and 3-5 kDa peptide sizes. These were evaluated for antioxidant properties: DPPH, hydroxyl radical scavenging assays, FRAP, and metal chelation tests; and in vitro antihypertensive properties: ACE and renin inhibition. Membrane fractionation led to improved antioxidative properties of 29.13% (<1 kDa), 180% (<1 kDa), and 30.58% (1-3 kDa) for DPPH, FRAP, and metal iron chelation, respectively. There was however 48.77% reduction (1-3 kDa) in hydroxyl radical scavenging activity. There was also improvement in ACE inhibitory potentials of the peptides with the 1-3 kDa peptide showing significantly highest ACE inhibition (72.48%)but very low (17.64%, 1-3 kDa) inhibition against the renin. It was concluded that hydrolysis of M oleifera seed globulin with trypsin produced peptides and peptide fractions with potential antioxidant and antihypertensive properties.

Effect of albumin-globulin score and albumin to globulin ratio on survival in patients with heart failure: a retrospective cohort study in China

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the combined effect of albumin (ALB) and globulin (GLB) on the overall survival (OS) of patients with heart failure (HF).

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

SETTING

A hospital.

PARTICIPANTS

404 patients first diagnosed with HF.

MEASUREMENTS

Serum ALB and GLB were measured within 3 days after admission. The albumin to globulin ratio (AGR) was calculated as the ALB divided by the GLB. The receiver operating characteristic curve was used to calculate the cut-off points for ALB, GLB and AGR. Patients with low ALB levels (≤35.3 g/L) and high GLB levels (>27.0 g/L) were assigned an albumin-globulin score (AGS) of 2, those with only one of the two abnormalities were assigned an AGS of 1 and those with neither of the two abnormalities were assigned an AGS of 0.

RESULTS

The mean age of the 404 patients was 62.69±15.62, and 54.5% were male. 14 patients were lost to follow-up. 120 patients died from HF and 211 patients were readmitted to the hospital for worsening HF. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that higher AGR was significantly associated with favourable OS (HR, 0.61, 95% CI 0.38 to 0.98, p=0.040) but not AGS.

CONCLUSION

Serum levels of ALB and GLB are objective and easily measurable biomarkers which can be used in combination to predict the survival of patients with HF.

Comparison between acute kidney injury (AKI) and non-AKI patients secondary to severe hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism was a rare cause of rhabdomyolysis, which finally progressed to acute kidney injury (AKI). We compared nine patients with AKI secondary to hypothyroidism and six patients with severe hypothyroidism. Besides creatine kinase, globulin could be an alternative biomarker of rhabdomyolysis related to hypothyroidism.

Preoperative albumin to globulin ratio predicts survival in clear cell renal cell carcinoma patients

In this retrospective analysis, we evaluated associations between albumin to globulin ratio (AGR), clinicopathological characteristics, and survival in 592 patients with localized or locally advanced clear cell renal cell carcinoma (CCRCC) prior to nephrectomy. We found that low AGR was associated with more aggressive tumor behavior; patients with low AGR had poorer overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) in Kaplan-Meier survival analyses both before and after propensity score matching, which was used to compensate for differences in baseline clinicopathological characteristics. AGR was an independent prognostic factor for both OS (HR: 6.799; 95% CI: 3.215−14.377; P < 0.001) and CSS (HR: 8.806; 95% CI: 3.891−19.928; P < 0.001), and its prognostic value was higher than that of other established inflammation-based prognostic scores. When AGR was incorporated into a prognostic model that included T stage, neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and monocyte to lymphocyte ratio (MLR), the resulting nomogram predicted 3- and 5-year OS in the patients more accurately than when AGR was not included. In conclusion, AGR may be particularly useful for improving clinical outcome predictions for patients with localized or locally advanced CCRCC.

Albumin/globulin ratio is negatively correlated with PD-1 and CD25 mRNA levels in breast cancer patients

Background

Previous studies have demonstrated the prognostic value of globulin (GLB), albumin (ALB), the ALB/GLB ratio (AGR), body mass index (BMI), hemoglobin (Hb), and prognostic nutritional index (PNI) in breast cancer. The underlying mechanism has been investigated by examining the impact of nutritional parameters on T cells, natural killer cells, and dendritic cells, but little is known about their effect on checkpoint molecules.

Methods

Here, we investigated the correlation of mRNA expression of programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1), cluster of differentiation 28 (CD28), cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4), and cluster of differentiation 25 (CD25) with AGR, ALB, GLB, total protein, pre-ALB, Hb, BMI, and PNI in the peripheral blood of breast cancer patients. One hundred and three patients and 21 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were enrolled. Quantitative real-time PCR was used to test relative mRNA expression.

Results

The results indicated that the mRNA levels of PD-1 and CD25 were 5.2- and 3.3-fold higher in patients with low AGR than in those with high AGR (P < 0.05). The mRNA levels of PD-1 were 3.5-fold higher in patients with high GLB than in those with low GLB (P < 0.05). In addition, breast cancer patients had higher expression levels of PD-1, CD28, CTLA-4, and CD25 mRNA in their peripheral blood compared with healthy volunteers (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

These results suggest that AGR is negatively correlated with PD-1 and CD25 mRNA levels, while GLB is positively associated with PD-1 mRNA levels. Nutritional status in breast cancer patients may influence the PD-1 pathway and have implications for the optimization of cancer therapy.

Accumulation Profiles of Embryonic Salt-Soluble Proteins in Maize Hybrids and Parental Lines Indicate Matroclinous Inheritance: A Proteomic Analysis

Maize is one of the most widely cultivated crops. It accumulates a large quantity of seed storage proteins, which are important for seed development and germination, and contribute to the nutritional quality of seeds. Based on solubility, the storage proteins are divided into albumins (water-soluble), globulins (salt-soluble), prolamins (alcohol-soluble), and glutelins (acid- or alkali-soluble). Maize hybrids are cultivated due to the superior performance of F₁ hybrids than that of their parents, a phenomenon known as heterosis. However, the accumulation patterns of seed storage proteins in maize embryos between the hybrids and their parental inbred lines have not been compared. In the present study, two elite inbred lines of China, Zheng 58 and Chang 7-2, and their reciprocal hybrids (Zheng 58 × Chang 7-2 and Chang 7-2 × Zheng 58) were used to explore parental influences on the accumulation patterns of seed storage proteins in maize embryos. For this purpose, we focused on seed salt-soluble proteins (SSPs) in our experiments. The SSPs were selectively extracted from maize mature embryos after extensive removal of water-soluble albumin and separated using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE), followed by mass spectrometry analysis. Our results indicated that the 2-DE SSP profiles of hybrids closely resembled those of their maternal parent rather than the paternal parent. In other words, 2-DE SSP profiles of Zheng 58 × Chang 7-2 were more similar those of Zheng 58 whereas such profiles of Chang 7-2 × Zheng 58 were more similar to those of Chang 7-2 although the 2-DE profiles of all four maize types were quite similar. In total, 12 relatively abundant SSPs spots representing five kinds of proteins were identified, of which nine protein spots displayed non-additive accumulation in at least one hybrid. This study provided additional data on dominance and partial dominance effects on maize hybrids embryos. Besides, earlier studies on accumulation profiles of globulin-1 (also known as vicilin), which is one of the most abundant globulins in maize embryos, also support the above results. This study would be helpful in revealing the mechanisms underlying SSPs accumulation patterns in the hybrids.

Variation in blood serum proteins and association with somatic cell count in dairy cattle from multi-breed herds

Blood serum proteins are significant indicators of animal health. Nevertheless, several factors should be considered to appropriately interpret their concentrations in blood. Therefore, the objectives of this study were (1) to assess the effect of herd productivity, breed, age and stage of lactation on serum proteins and (2) to investigate association between serum proteins and somatic cell count (SCC) in dairy cattle. Milk and blood samples were collected from 1508 cows of six different breeds (Holstein Friesian, Brown Swiss, Jersey, Simmental, Rendena and Alpine Grey) that were housed in 41 multi-breed herds. Milk samples were analyzed for composition and SCC, while blood samples were analyzed for serum proteins (i.e. total protein, albumin, globulin and albumin-to-globulin ratio (A : G)). Herds were classified as low or high production, according to the cow's average daily milk energy yield adjusted for breed, days in milk (DIM) and parity. Data were analyzed using a linear mixed model that included the fixed effects of DIM, parity, SCS, breed, herd productivity and the random effect of the Herd-test date within productivity level. Cows in high producing herds (characterized also by greater use of concentrates in the diet) had greater serum albumin concentrations. Breed differences were reported for all traits, highlighting a possible genetic mechanism. The specialized breed Jersey and the two dual-purpose local breeds (Alpine Grey and Rendena) had the lowest globulin concentration and greatest A : G. Changes in serum proteins were observed through lactation. Total protein reached the highest concentration during the 4th month of lactation. Blood albumin increased with DIM following a quadratic pattern, while globulin decreased linearly. As a consequence, A : G increased linearly during lactation. Older cows had greater total protein and globulin concentrations, while albumin concentration seemed to be not particularly affected by age. A linear relationship between serum proteins and SCS was observed. High milk SCS was associated with greater total protein and globulin concentrations in blood. The rise in globulin concentration, together with a decrease in albumin concentrations, resulted in a decline in A : G as SCS of milk increased. In conclusion, such non-genetic factors must be considered to appropriately interpret serum proteins as potential animal welfare indicator and their evaluation represents an important first-step for future analysis based on the integration of metabolomics, genetic and genomic information for improving the robustness of dairy cows.

Total Serum Protein Estimation and Its Correlation with Clinical and Histopathological Grading using Masson's Trichrome Stain in Patients of Oral Submucous Fibrosis

Objectives:

Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) caused by dense deposition of collagen fibers which is a protein. There is a plethora of research to evaluate degree of collagen deposition using various simple histochemical techniques, but its correlation with total serum protein (TSP) level has not been explored so far.

Materials and Methods:

This case–control study comprised total forty samples with thirty cases of OSMF and ten cases were selected as control group, divided into four groups as per Lai et al. classification. Histological grading was also done according to the Rooban et al.'s classification. Blood sample was collected to evaluate TSP estimation. Findings were tabulated, and comparisons were made between clinical, histological, and TSP estimation. Discrete statistical data were analyzed by Chi-square test, ANOVA, and t-test with a statistical analysis package (SPSS version software 6.0).

Results:

No significant correlation was obtained between clinical staging and histopathological grading. Definite correlation was obtained in TSP and globulin levels of OSMF patients and their grades of fibrosis histopathologically.

Conclusion:

In the present study, it was observed that biochemical investigations involving assessment of TSP can be used as a diagnostic tool in OSMF, along with histopathological examination.

RNA Interference-Mediated Simultaneous Suppression of Seed Storage Proteins in Rice Grains

Seed storage proteins (SSPs) such as glutelin, prolamin, and globulin are abundant components in some of the most widely consumed food cereals in the world. Synthesized in the rough endoplasmic reticulum (ER), SSPs are translocated to the protein bodies. Prolamins are located at the spherical protein body I derived from the ER, whereas, glutelins and globulin are accumulated in the irregularly shaped protein bodies derived from vacuoles. Our previous studies have shown that the individual suppression of glutelins, 13-kDa prolamins and globulin caused the compensative accumulation of other SSPs. Herein, to investigate the phenotypic and molecular features of SSP deficiency transgenic rice plants suppressing all glutelins, prolamins, and globulin were generated using RNA interference (RNAi). The results revealed that glutelin A, cysteine-rich 13-kDa prolamin and globulin proteins were less accumulated but that glutelin B and ER chaperones, such as binding protein 1 (BiP1) and protein disulfide isomerase-like 1-1 (PDIL1-1), were highly accumulated at the transcript and protein levels in seeds of the transformants compared to those in the wild-type seeds. Further, the transcription of starch synthesis-related genes was reduced in immature seeds at 2 weeks after flowering, and the starch granules were loosely packaged with various sphere sizes in seed endosperms of the transformants, resulting in a floury phenotype. Interestingly, the rates of sprouting and reducing sugar accumulation during germination were found to be delayed in the transformants compared to the wild-type. In all, our results provide new insight into the role of SSPs in the formation of intracellular organelles and in germination.

Dipeptidyl Peptidase IV Inhibitory Peptides Derived from Oat (Avena sativa L.), Buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum), and Highland Barley (Hordeum vulgare trifurcatum (L.) Trofim) Proteins

Peptides released from oat, buckwheat, and highland barley proteins were examined for their in vitro inhibitory effects on dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP4), an enzyme that deactivates incretin hormones involved in insulin secretion. All of the hydrolysates exhibited DPP4 inhibitory activities, with IC50 values ranging from 0.13 mg/mL (oat glutelin alcalase digestion) to 8.15 mg/mL (highland barley albumin tryptic digestion). The lowest IC50 values in gastrointestinal, alcalase, and tryptic digestions were 0.99 mg/mL (oat flour), 0.13 mg/mL (oat glutelin), and 1.83 mg/mL (highland barley glutelin). In all, 35 peptides of more than seven residues were identified in the tryptic hydrolysates of oat globulin using liquid chromatography-mass spectroscopy. Peptides LQAFEPLR and EFLLAGNNK were synthesized and their DPP4 inhibitory activities determined. LQAFEPLR showed high in vitro DPP4 inhibitory activity with an IC50 value of 103.5 μM.

High preoperative serum globulin in rectal cancer treated with neoadjunctive chemoradiation therapy is a risk factor for poor outcome

An elevated serum albumin (ALB) and albumin/globulin ratio (AGR) has been reported to be associated with a favorable prognosis for certain malignancies; however, little is known about the prognostic significance of globulin (GLB) in rectal cancer treated with neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy (NCRT). The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether GLB analysis could predict the prognosis of patients received NCRT. A retrospective cohort of 293 locally advanced rectal cancer patients receiving NCRT followed by radical surgery was recruited between January 2006 and December 2012 at Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center. Levels for preoperative GLB and ALB were obtained and used to calculate the AGR. Survival analysis was used to evaluate the predictive value of GLB. X-tile program determined 28.50, 36.20 and 1.20 as optimal cut-off value for GLB, ALB and AGR in terms of survival. Univariate and multivariate analysis revealed that low GLB levels were significantly associated with favorable rectal cancer-specific survival (RCSS) (P < 0.05). Conversely, low ALB levels were associated with a significantly worse RCSS (P = 0.010). Collectively, high preoperative GLB level was a significantly unfavorable factor for rectal cancer patients treated with NCRT. This easily obtained variable may serve as a valuable marker to predict the outcomes of such patient population.

Validation of IgG cut-off values and their association with survival in neonatal foals

REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY

Serum immunoglobulin (IgG) assessment in neonatal foals is considered standard care in equine hospitals to determine immunity and overall health. However, cut-off values of IgG to predict complete or partial failure of transfer of passive immunity (FTPI) were developed 30 years ago and are largely empirical with little prospective or statistical data to support their use or association with outcome.

OBJECTIVES

To critically evaluate the traditional cut-off values of IgG in the assessment of FTPI (IgG < 8 g/l), determine the association between various degrees of FTPI and likelihood of nonsurvival and examine whether FTPI can be predicted by serum total protein (TP), albumin and globulin in hospitalised foals.

STUDY DESIGN

Multicentre, cross-sectional study.

METHODS

We evaluated clinicopathological variables in 597 foals ≤ 7 days old from 3 equine hospitals including serum IgG, fibrinogen, TP and albumin concentrations. Foals were divided into 3 groups by diagnosis: healthy, sick nonseptic and septic. The aforementioned variables in addition to globulin concentrations were evaluated in a subset of 118 foals. Univariate, multivariate and multinomial logistic regression were used to compute odds ratios for nonsurvival in these foals.

RESULTS

Our findings support use of the traditional cut-off value of > 8 g/l as adequate transfer of passive immunity (ATPI). Odds of nonsurvival increased in proportion to lower IgG concentrations. Higher TP concentrations were associated with lower likelihood of FTPI; however, higher albumin concentrations were associated with a greater likelihood of FTPI. A regression equation was created to predict IgG in foals using serum proteins.

CONCLUSIONS

Serum IgG values of <8 g/l in hospitalised foals were proportionally associated with mortality. We recommend immediate assessment of IgG concentrations in hospitalised foals and those with FTPI should receive prompt immunotherapy. The summary is available in Chinese - see Supporting information.

Differential response to sulfur nutrition of two common bean genotypes differing in storage protein composition

It has been hypothesized that the relatively low concentration of sulfur amino acids in legume seeds might be an ecological adaptation to nutrient poor, marginal soils. SARC1 and SMARC1N-PN1 are genetically related lines of common bean (dry bean, Phaseolus vulgaris) differing in seed storage protein composition. In SMARC1N-PN1, the lack of phaseolin and major lectins is compensated by increased levels of sulfur-rich proteins, resulting in an enhanced concentration of cysteine and methionine, mostly at the expense of the abundant non-protein amino acid, S-methylcysteine. To identify potential effects associated with an increased concentration of sulfur amino acids in the protein pool, the response of the two genotypes to low and high sulfur nutrition was evaluated under controlled conditions. Seed yield was increased by the high sulfate treatment in SMARC1N-PN1. The seed concentrations of sulfur, sulfate, and S-methylcysteine were altered by the sulfur treatment in both genotypes. The concentration of total cysteine and extractible globulins was increased specifically in SMARC1N-PN1. Proteomic analysis identified arcelin-like protein 4, lipoxygenase-3, albumin-2, and alpha amylase inhibitor beta chain as having increased levels under high sulfur conditions. Lipoxygenase-3 accumulation was sensitive to sulfur nutrition only in SMARC1N-PN1. Under field conditions, both SARC1 and SMARC1N-PN1 exhibited a slight increase in yield in response to sulfur treatment, typical for common bean.

Are vicilins another major class of legume lectins?

Legume lectins comprise a structurally related, Ca/Mn-dependent, widespread, abundant and well characterized lectin family when compared to the large number of lectins from other sources described in the literature. Strangely enough, no specific function has been assigned to them aside from a possible role in storage and/or defense. Using a recent and fine-tuned methodology capable of specific lectin identification, β-conglutin, Vicia faba vicilin and β-lathyrin, the vicilin storage globulins from Lupinus albus, V. faba and Lathyrus sativus, respectively, were shown to be capable of affinity binding to thoroughly washed erythrocyte membranes and of specific elution with appropriate sugars. Based on this evidence and on sparse data published in the literature, a second family of legume lectins is proposed: the 7S family of storage proteins from leguminous seeds, or family II of legume lectins. These lectins are also structurally related, widespread and well characterized. In addition, they self-aggregate in a Ca/Mg, electrostatic dependent manner and are even more abundant than the family I of legume lectins. Using the same evidence, reserve and defense roles may be attributed to family II of legume lectins.

Specific nongluten proteins of wheat are novel target antigens in celiac disease humoral response

While the antigenic specificity and pathogenic relevance of immunologic reactivity to gluten in celiac disease have been extensively researched, the immune response to nongluten proteins of wheat has not been characterized. We aimed to investigate the level and molecular specificity of antibody response to wheat nongluten proteins in celiac disease. Serum samples from patients and controls were screened for IgG and IgA antibody reactivity to a nongluten protein extract from the wheat cultivar Triticum aestivum Butte 86. Antibodies were further analyzed for reactivity to specific nongluten proteins by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and immunoblotting. Immunoreactive molecules were identified by tandem mass spectrometry. Compared with healthy controls, patients exhibited significantly higher levels of antibody reactivity to nongluten proteins. The main immunoreactive nongluten antibody target proteins were identified as serpins, purinins, α-amylase/protease inhibitors, globulins, and farinins. Assessment of reactivity toward purified recombinant proteins further confirmed the presence of antibody response to specific antigens. The results demonstrate that, in addition to the well-recognized immune reaction to gluten, celiac disease is associated with a robust humoral response directed at a specific subset of the nongluten proteins of wheat.

Elevation of carbohydrate antigen 125 in chronic heart failure may be caused by mechanical extension of mesothelial cells from serous cavity effusion

OBJECTIVES

The practical application of elevated carbohydrate antigen 125 (CA125) to predict clinical outcome in chronic heart failure (CHF) is under debate. The mechanism for this CA125 elevation remains unknown. We hypothesize that mechanical stress on mesothelial cells initiates CA125 synthesis.

DESIGN AND METHODS

A total of 191 patients suffering from edema and/or dyspnea were enrolled. 109 patients were diagnosed as CHF, and 82 patients without CHF were assigned as control group. Echocardiography, CA125, N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), and other biochemical parameters were measured. All enrolled patients underwent heart function classification.

RESULTS

Patients with serous cavity effusion (SCE) demonstrated higher serum CA125 than patients without SCE (82.91 (61.90-103.92) vs. 44.98 (29.66-60.30) U/mL, P<0.001). In the absence of SCE, CA125 levels in CHF patients were slightly higher than non-CHF patients (52.37 (34.85-69.90) vs. 35.15 (23.81-46.49) U/mL, P=0.017). Additionally, compared with non-CHF patients, CHF patients had higher levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and lower superoxide dismutase (SOD). In all enrolled patients, CA125 levels were negatively correlated with SOD concentrations (r=-0.567, P<0.001), and positively correlated with hsCRP levels (r=0.608, P<0.001). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that CA125 was better in predicting SCE than NT-proBNP, while NT-proBNP was more suitable for predicting CHF than CA125. The in vitro study demonstrated that MUC16, the CA125 coding gene, was up-regulated by mechanical stretch on human mesothelial cell line (MeT-5A).

CONCLUSIONS

CA125 elevation in CHF was associated with SCE. Mechanical extension of mesothelial cells from SCE plays an important role in CA125 increase.

Globulins in protein supplements promote the development of preimplantation embryos

PURPOSE

Our purpose was to investigate the effect of alpha- and beta-globulins contained in protein supplements on the development of preimplantation embryos.

METHODS

Mouse one-cell embryos were cultured in medium supplemented with 4 mg/ml human serum albumin (HSA), 4 mg/ml HSA plus human globulins (0.2, 0.4, 0.8, and 1.6 mg/ml) that consisted predominantly of alpha- and beta-globulins, or 10% Plasmanate Cutter (PC). Blastocysts developed in media supplemented with these various protein sources were stained with Hoechst 33342 to determine the number of cells.

RESULTS

Supplementation with 0.4 to 1.6 mg/ml globulins or PC significantly increased the rate of blastocyst development compared with that observed with the addition of HSA. Supplementation with globulins significantly increased the hatching rate in a dose-dependent manner. The number of cells in the blastocysts was significantly increased when the embryos were cultured with 0.8 mg/ml of the globulins or PC.

CONCLUSIONS

The present observations suggest that alpha- and beta-globulins in protein supplements promote embryo development and hatching.