DSpace Collection: 137 - 222

Cellular and molecular mechanisms that underlies the formation of atherosclerotic plaque and plaque rupture-review

Sun, 01 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT

Title: Cellular and molecular mechanisms that underlies the formation of atherosclerotic plaque and plaque rupture-review Authors: Mebrat, Yiglet Abstract: Atherosclerosis (AS) is the main risk factor for CVD and manifested by lipid accumulation, extracellular matrix protein deposition, and calcification in the intima and media of the large to medium size arteries promoting arterial stiffness and reduction of elasticity. It is initiated by endothelium activation and, followed by a cascade of events (accumulation of lipids, fibrous elements, and calcification), triggers the vessel narrowing and activation of inflammatory pathways. This review focuses on the different stages of AS development, ranging from endothelial dysfunction to plaque rupture and the role of genetic abnormalities in AS development. In addition, the correlation of monocyte recruitment and atherogenesis, cytokine involvement with the role of phagocytosis in AS, fundamental signaling pathways in multiple stages of AS, and genetics of AS and the molecular mechanisms of plaque rupture and cap formation are covered here to provide a global view of the disease.

Fibrinogen interference mimicking monoclonal band in serum protein electrophoresis of hemodialysis patient

Sun, 01 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT

Title: Fibrinogen interference mimicking monoclonal band in serum protein electrophoresis of hemodialysis patient Authors: Boztosun, Eda; Inci, Ayca; Ellidag, Hamit Yasar Abstract: Serum protein electrophoresis (SPE) is an important laboratory technique in the diagnosis of multiple myeloma. Analytical interference affects SPE as well as many other laboratory methods. Here, we have presented the fibrinogen interference that mimics the monoclonal band in the SPE in the sample sent in the gel biochemistry tube. A female patient presented to the emergency department with abdominal pain, nausea, and decreased urine output. In patients with high serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen levels, a complete blood count has been found to be compatible with the presence of pancytopenia. Although an abnormal band similar to the M-spike protein was observed in the β/γ-region on the SPE evaluation, no monoclonal immunoglobulin was found in immunofixation electrophoresis. It was assured that the sample sent for SPE was collected in the correct tube (gel biochemistry tube). It was noted that the patient was receiving hemodialysis treatment while the sample was sent for SPE. It was considered that the specimen of the patient was contaminated with heparin. To test this theory, we added 1 ml of heparin to 5 ml of blood taken from a healthy subject in a gel biochemistry tube. Similarly, we observed that a band formed between the beta-gamma region in the SPE. Interferences are one of the most important causes of laboratory errors. Because they can have clinically important consequences such as misdiagnosis and treatment, laboratory specialists need to recognize these interferences and inform clinicians about them.

Identifying miRNAs associated with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and mitochondrial dysfunction through bioinformatics approaches

Sun, 01 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT

Title: Identifying miRNAs associated with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and mitochondrial dysfunction through bioinformatics approaches Authors: Baykal, Gulcin; Erkal, Burcin; Korkut, Senay Vural Abstract: Objectives: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are non-coding RNA molecules that control gene expression by causing messenger RNA to degrade after transcription. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disorder that involves the gradual deterioration and death of motor neurons, resulting in muscle weakness, paralysis, and eventual fatality. A prominent feature of ALS is the presence of mitochondrial dysfunction. The identification of miRNAs associated with mitochondrial dysfunction in ALS through in silico approaches can offer valuable insights into underlying processes and targets for therapeutic interventions. Methods: Computational tools and publicly available databases were employed for the purpose of identifying specific miRNAs that could potentially play a role in the onset or progression of mitochondrial dysfunction in ALS. Results: A review of the literature revealed that the genes SOD1, coiled-coil-helix-coiled-coil-helix domain-containing protein 10, C9orf72, OPTN, valosin-containing protein, TARDBP, TBK1, FUS, and BCL2 are linked to mitochondrial dysfunction and are involved in the etiology of ALS. Enrichment analyses of biological pathways performed with the computational tools Enrichr, g: Profiler, and CROssBAR confirmed that the discovered genes are strongly related to ALS, mitochondrial failure, and differentiation of neurons. Furthermore, miRNA computational predictions were performed utilizing the publicly available databases miRTargetLink, miRNet, miRWalk, and TargetScan. To identify common miRNAs, a Venn diagram was used, and 28 miRNAs were selected as a result. For further analysis, a set of 28 miRNAs was subjected to functional and enrichment studies using the computational programs miRNet and TAM, respectively. Results from both computational programs consistently revealed that the miRNAs hsa-miR-125b, hsa-miR-9-5p, and hsa-miR-141-3p were related to ALS. Conclusion: We proved that in silico approaches projected the effects of miR-9, miR-141, and miR-125b targeting the identified genes on ALS, and we demonstrated that the genes involved in mitochondrial dysfunction in ALS are based on the literature.

The changes of oxidative stress markers and vitamin E in patients with diabetes using SGLT2 inhibitors

Sun, 01 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT

Title: The changes of oxidative stress markers and vitamin E in patients with diabetes using SGLT2 inhibitors Authors: Buyukaydin, Banu; Ozer, Omer Faruk; Ozder, Aclan; Yildiz, Caner Abstract: Objectives: This study aimed to research the diversities of vitamin E and oxidative stress parameters related to sodiumglucose transport protein 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor use by type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients. Methods: This observational clinical study collected data from 67 T2DM patients (55.7±9.3 years, 46% female). Vitamin E, total oxidant status (TOS), total antioxidant status (TAS), total thiol, native thiol, myeloperoxidase, and catalase levels were evaluated. The TOS/TAS ratio was calculated as the oxidative stress index. Correlations of the parameters to each other and differences based on SGLT2 inhibitor use were recorded. Results: The mean hemoglobin A1c was 7.1 (5.5–13.1). SGLT2 inhibitors (all combinations) were used by 25 patients (37.3%). The mean level of vitamin E was 6 (3.6–9.8) mg/L. There was a positive correlation between vitamin E and lowdensity lipoprotein cholesterol (p<0.001). While there was no significant correlation between vitamin E and all included oxidative stress parameters, the level of vitamin E was statistically lower in patients using pioglitazone (p=0.036) and statins (p<0.001). In patients using SGLT2 inhibitors, fasting glucose, triglycerides, alanine aminotransferase, and the spot urine protein/creatinine ratio were significantly lower, and the mean TAS was higher (p<0.05). Conclusion: While no differences were observed in vitamin E and other oxidative parameters related to SGLT2 inhibitor use, the increase in TAS provides motivation for further research investigating the antioxidant properties of these inhibitors.