European journal of clinical investigation
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Pheochromocytomas (PCCs)/paragangliomas (PGLs) are neuroendocrine tumours that may cause arrhythmia and death if untreated. Treatment for patients with metastatic tumours is lacking. As new PCC/PGL susceptibility genes are discovered that are associated with the mTOR pathway, treatment targets focusing on this pathway are being intensively explored. ⋯ The present results suggest that the use of mTOR inhibitors alone for metastatic SDHB PCC/PGLs may not achieve good therapeutic efficacy in patients.
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Eur. J. Clin. Invest. · Sep 2013
Distribution and determinants of C-reactive protein in the older adult population: European Prospective Investigation into Cancer-Norfolk study.
C-reactive protein (CRP) is a well-documented predictor of cardiovascular diseases and mortality. We aimed to better understand the distribution and determinants of CRP in the population. ⋯ The distribution of serum CRP in the population is similar in men and women after taking into account smoking and HRT use. Anthropometric factors as well as educational status are strongly related to serum CRP.
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Eur. J. Clin. Invest. · Sep 2013
Helicobacter pylori infection associated with high HbA1c and type 2 diabetes.
Although the association between chronic Helicobacter pylori infection and type 2 diabetes has been suggested, findings have been inconsistent. This study evaluated the association between chronic H. pylori infection and glucose regulation. ⋯ Long-term H. pylori infection is significantly associated with high levels of HbA1c and decreased insulin secretion in this Chinese population. Proper screening for H. pylori infection combined with regular monitoring of blood glucose and HbA1c levels might be effective for the early detection of glucose dysregulation and prevention of type 2 diabetes.
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Eur. J. Clin. Invest. · Sep 2013
Portal vein omentin is increased in patients with liver cirrhosis but is not associated with complications of portal hypertension.
Omentin is a visceral fat-derived adipokine associated with endothelium-dependent vasodilation. Impaired endothelial function is a major cause of portal hypertension in liver cirrhosis. The aim was to assess associations of omentin with systemic markers of endothelial function, namely arginine and asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) and complications of portal hypertension in liver cirrhosis. ⋯ Current data show that PVS omentin is increased in liver cirrhosis but is not associated with complications of portal hypertension.
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Eur. J. Clin. Invest. · Aug 2013
Melanocytomas of the central nervous system: a clinicopathological and molecular study.
Melanocytomas of the Central Nervous System (CNS) are rare and benign lesions. These slow-growing tumours can behave aggressively, with local recurrence. Various genetic aberrations occur in malignant melanomas and raise possible new therapeutic options. However, little information is available regarding these characteristic genetic alterations in melanocytomas of the CNS. This study was designed to better understand the clinicopathological and molecular features of melanocytomas. ⋯ BRAF, NRAS and KIT mutations appear to be rare, if not completely absent in melanocytomas of the CNS. The complete resection of the tumour or incomplete resection followed by radiotherapy should be considered as better therapeutic options to reduce the tumour recurrence.