European journal of clinical investigation
-
Eur. J. Clin. Invest. · Dec 2014
ReviewDPPIV (CD26) as a novel stem cell marker in Ph+ chronic myeloid leukaemia.
The concept of leukaemic stem cells (LSCs) has been developed to explain the complex cellular hierarchy and biology of leukaemias and to screen for pivotal targets that can be employed to improve drug therapies through LSC eradication in these patients. Some of the newly discovered LSC markers seem to be expressed in a disease-specific manner and may thus serve as major research tools and diagnostic parameters. A useful LSC marker in chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) appears to be CD26, also known as dipeptidylpeptidase IV. ⋯ Moreover, CD26 usually is not expressed on normal bone marrow (BM) stem cells. Functionally, CD26 is a cytokine-targeting surface enzyme that may facilitate the mobilization of LSCs from the BM niche. In this article, we review our current knowledge about the biology and function of CD26 on CML LSCs and discuss the diagnostic potential of this new LSC marker in clinical haematology.
-
Eur. J. Clin. Invest. · Dec 2014
FGF23 is associated with disease severity and prognosis in chronic heart failure.
Elevated levels of fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) are associated with incident heart failure in individuals with or without chronic kidney disease. We aimed to investigate the association between serum FGF23 concentrations and disease severity and long-term outcome in patients with stable heart failure. ⋯ The phosphatonin FGF23 is strongly associated with disease severity and long-term outcome in patients with nonischaemic heart failure and preserved renal function. Further studies are needed to evaluate the pathophysiologic role of FGF23 and its potential as a biomarker in heart failure.
-
Eur. J. Clin. Invest. · Oct 2014
ReviewThe implication of periodontitis in vascular endothelial dysfunction.
Periodontitis is the most common oral infection seen in humans worldwide. It is characterized by gradual destruction of tooth supporting tissues, eventually leading to loss of tooth. The periodontal biofilm associated with periodontitis comprises of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, instrumental for the initiation and progression of periodontitis. Evidence-based literature has identified the nature of periodontal infection as a possible causative condition in the inducement of 'low-grade systemic inflammation and infection'. The periodontal pathogens exert systemic effects via the haematogenous route. ⋯ Chronic periodontitis results in altered vascular response, increased expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and adhesion molecules inducing vascular endothelial dysfunction. Periodontal therapy may ameliorate the perturbed vascular endothelial function.
-
Eur. J. Clin. Invest. · Oct 2014
Changes in ventricular-arterial coupling during decongestive therapy in acute heart failure.
Coupled arterial and left ventricular properties are poorly documented in acute heart failure. The aim of this prospective noninvasive study was to document early changes in ventricular-arterial coupling in patients with acutely decompensated HF (ADHF). ⋯ An early improvement in ventricular-arterial coupling was observed after diuretic-related decongestive therapy in ADHF patients and was related to a decrease in effective arterial elastance rather than to change in LV contractility.
-
Eur. J. Clin. Invest. · Oct 2014
Increased arginase levels contribute to impaired perfusion after cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
The postcardiac arrest syndrome occurs after global hypoxia leading to microcirculatory impairment. Nitric oxide (NO) is a key molecule regulating microvascular function. The enzyme arginase has been suggested to modulate microvascular function by regulating NO metabolism. Therefore, we investigated whether arginase increases following global hypoxia and resuscitation and tested whether arginase inhibition influences altered microcirculation in resuscitated patients. ⋯ Circulating arginase 1 levels are increased following exposure to global hypoxia and in patients who have been successfully resuscitated after cardiac arrest. Topical arginase inhibition improves microcirculatory perfusion following resuscitation. This is of potential therapeutic importance for the postcardiac arrest syndrome.