European journal of clinical investigation
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Eur. J. Clin. Invest. · Aug 2021
Prognostic role of KL-6 in SSc-ILD patients with pleuroparenchymal fibroelastosis.
Krebs von den Lungen-6 (KL-6) is a high-molecular-weight (200kDa) glycoprotein proposed as a diagnostic biomarker for differentiating interstitial lung disease (ILD). Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare immune-mediated disorder, and ILD is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality. Pleuroparenchymal fibroelastosis (PPFE) has been described to have a poor prognosis in SSc-ILD patients. This study undertook to compare serial changes in KL-6 in SSc-ILD patients with and without PPFE, to verify its prognostic value as a disease biomarker. ⋯ These results suggest that serial measurements of KL-6 in the follow-up of these patients may help to monitor disease progression. In real life, in SSc-ILD patients PPFE should be always evaluated at CT and when present should suggest a tight follow-up to monitor its evolution.
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Eur. J. Clin. Invest. · Aug 2021
Serum vaspin levels and carotid intima-media thickness in predialysis patients.
Visceral adipose tissue-derived serine proteinase inhibitor (vaspin) is an adipokine that correlates with insulin resistance and obesity in human beings. Previous studies have evaluated the serum vaspin levels in several diseases such as chronic haemodialysis patients and coronary artery disease. To our knowledge, serum vaspin levels have not yet been reported in predialysis patients. Carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) is a noninvasive procedure to detect early atherosclerotic changes. The aim of this study was to evaluate serum vaspin levels in predialysis patients and their relationships with glomerular filtration rate and CIMT levels. ⋯ This is the first report to describe the association between serum vaspin levels and CIMT in predialysis patients. We concluded that serum vaspin levels were decreased in predialysis patients than control subjects. In addition, serum vaspin levels were found to be significantly correlated with glomerular filtration rate and CIMT.
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Eur. J. Clin. Invest. · Aug 2021
High-mobility group AT-hook 2 promotes growth and metastasis and is regulated by miR-204-5p in oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma.
To investigate the expression of high-mobility group AT-hook 2 (HMGA2) and miR-204-5p in oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and their biological roles in ESCC development and progression. ⋯ HMGA2 functions as an oncogene in the growth and metastasis of ESCC and is negatively regulated by miR-204-5p.
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Eur. J. Clin. Invest. · Aug 2021
Prevalence, clinical impact and costs of hyperkalaemia: Special focus on heart failure.
Hyperkalaemia is a potential life-threatening electrolyte abnormality. Although renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors (RAASi) are potentially life-saving, they may contribute to hyperkalaemia. ⋯ Hyperkalaemia in the general population, although uncommon, was associated with increased hospitalisations and tripling of healthcare costs. Among HF patients, hyperkalaemia was common and associated with underuse of RAASi; in acutely decompensated patients, it remained independently associated with 1-year all-cause mortality.
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Eur. J. Clin. Invest. · Aug 2021
Magnesium supplementation reduces inflammation in rats with induced chronic kidney disease.
Inflammation is a common feature in chronic kidney disease (CKD) that appears specifically associated with cardiovascular derangements in CKD patients. Observational studies have revealed a link between low Mg levels and inflammation. In this study, we hypothesize that Mg might have a modulatory effect on the inflammation induced under the uraemic milieu. ⋯ Mg supplementation reduced inflammation associated with CKD, exerting a direct effect on vascular cells. These findings support a possible beneficial effect of Mg supplementation along the clinical management of CKD patients.