European journal of clinical investigation
-
Eur. J. Clin. Invest. · Mar 2018
Soluble ST2 in end-stage heart failure, before and after support with a left ventricular assist device.
The interleukin-33 (IL-33)/suppressor of tumorigenicity 2 (ST2) pathway is suggested to play an important role in fibrosis, remodelling and the progression of heart failure (HF). Increased soluble (sST2) levels are associated with adverse outcome in the average HF population. Less is known about sST2 levels in end-stage HF. Therefore, we studied sST2 levels in end-stage HF and the effect of unloading by left ventricular assist device (LVAD) support on sST2 levels. ⋯ Levels of sST2 are elevated in end-stage HF patients with variability that suggests multiple inputs to a pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic pathway. Cardiogenic shock and increased C-reactive protein levels are associated with higher sST2 levels. LVAD support results in a significant drop in sST2 levels with normalization within 3 months postimplantation. This suggests that LVAD support leads to lessening of fibrosis and inflammation, which might eventually be used to target medical policy: explantation of the LVAD versus permanent use or cardiac transplantation.
-
Eur. J. Clin. Invest. · Mar 2018
Randomized Controlled TrialThe effects of fish oil on gene expression in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome.
This study was conducted to determine the effects of fish oil administration on gene expression related to insulin, lipid and inflammation in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). ⋯ Overall, fish oil supplementation for 12 weeks to subjects with PCOS significantly improved gene expression of PPAR-γ, IL-1 and IL-8, but did not influence gene expression of LP(a), LDLR, GLUT-1, TNF-α and TGF-β.