European journal of clinical investigation
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Eur. J. Clin. Invest. · Jul 2015
Gonadal failure is associated with visceral adiposity in myotonic dystrophies.
Hypogonadism occurs in myotonic dystrophies type 1 (MD1) and type 2 (MD2). Sertoli and Leydig cell secretions, including insulin-like peptide-3 (INSL3), anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) and inhibin B, were evaluated in male patients with MD. ⋯ AMH and inhibin B secretion failures are common in male patients with MD and are more severe than Leydig cell hormones impairment. AMH and inhibin B measurements might provide clinical utility in evaluating fertility in patients with MD. Serum T, AMH and inhibin B productions are negatively influenced by increased fat mass, while AMH and inhibin B might be markers of muscle impairment.
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Eur. J. Clin. Invest. · Jun 2015
Observational StudySerum cystatin C and microalbuminuria in burn patients with acute kidney injury.
This study was aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of serum cystatin C and microalbuminuria as diagnostic markers for acute kidney injury (AKI) in major burn patients. ⋯ Serum cystatin C is a valuable diagnostic marker, whereas microalbuminuria is a relatively less significant marker for AKI in major burn patients.
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Eur. J. Clin. Invest. · Jun 2015
ReviewModulation of platelet and monocyte function by the chemokine fractalkine (CX3 CL1) in cardiovascular disease.
The chemokine fractalkine, CX3CL1, bears unique features within the chemokine family: it exists in a membrane bound form acting as an adhesion molecule and surface receptor; however, when cleaved by ADAM 10, it functions as a soluble chemokine. Fractalkine and its chemokine receptor CX3CR1 are known to have multiple roles in diverse human diseases, for example inflammatory diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, renal diseases and atherosclerosis. ⋯ Interesting data hint at a role of fractalkine for platelet activation, adhesion and subsequent monocyte recruitment to activated endothelial cells in cardiovascular diseases. However, the exact mechanisms remain to become unravelled.
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Eur. J. Clin. Invest. · Jun 2015
ReviewDiagnosis of invasive aspergillosis: recent developments and ongoing challenges.
Invasive aspergillosis is an infection with high morbidity and mortality that affects mostly immunocompromised individuals. Early identification and targeted treatment of the infection is essential to improve survival of affected patients. The purpose of our review is to highlight the most recent developments in diagnosis and screening for invasive aspergillosis (IA) along with the challenges associated with the development and validation of novel diagnostic approaches. ⋯ Diagnosis of IA remains challenging. Novel methodologies and the standardization of GM and PCR might provide more reliable diagnostic tools in the future.
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Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) or 'Hughes syndrome' is a prothrombotic disease characterized by thrombosis and pregnancy morbidity in the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL). More than three decades have passed, and experts are still uncovering new pieces of this disease complex pathogenesis and management. ⋯ The most recent advances in pathogenesis, risk stratification and treatment provide a platform for high yield studies with the ultimate goal of providing the optimal management to patients with APS.