European journal of clinical investigation
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Eur. J. Clin. Invest. · Oct 2009
Sex differences in the association between albumin and all-cause and vascular mortality.
Low serum albumin levels are associated with cardiovascular disease and mortality risk. This study evaluated the predictive value of low serum albumin for all-cause-mortality in a large Viennese patient cohort and investigated sex differences in the association between serum albumin and mortality. ⋯ This study demonstrates a strong inverse association between serum albumin and mortality in a large patient cohort. The predictive value of low albumin was remarkably higher in men than in women.
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Eur. J. Clin. Invest. · Sep 2009
Case ReportsNeurofibromatosis type 1: should we screen for other genetic syndromes? A case report of co-existence with multiple endocrine neoplasia 2A.
NF 1 is a genetic disorder with an autosomal dominant pattern of inheritence. It is associated with neoplastic disorders mainly derived from the neural seath. However, the co-existence of NF1 with the full spectrum of MEN 2A has rarely been reported. The aim of the study was to investigate the presence of secondary neoplasias in a patient with diagnosed NF1, and in particular the presence of hyperparathyroidism and the possible co-existence with another pheochromocytoma-related syndrome. ⋯ To our knowledge this is a rare case of co-existence of two pheochromocytoma-related genetic syndromes, and generates the question of whether all patients with these syndromes should undergo a thorough clinical and laboratory investigation for the possibility of another co-existing pheochromocytoma-related genetic syndrome.
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Eur. J. Clin. Invest. · Sep 2009
Suppression of inflammatory responses by celastrol, a quinone methide triterpenoid isolated from Celastrus regelii.
Celastrol, a quinone methide triterpenoid isolated from the Celastraceae family, exhibits various biological properties, including chemopreventive, antioxidant and neuroprotective effects. In this study, we showed that celastrol inhibits inflammatory reactions in macrophages and protects mice from skin inflammation. ⋯ Our data suggest that celastrol inhibits the production of inflammatory mediators and is a potential target for the treatment of various inflammatory diseases.
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Eur. J. Clin. Invest. · Aug 2009
ReviewMetabolic diseases and associated complications: sex and gender matter!
Clinicians and health professionals are increasingly challenged to understand and consider the different health needs of women and men. The increase of gender awareness and the expanding science of gender medicine will affect more and more clinical practice. This review addresses gender-specific aspects in metabolic disorders and related complications, which represent an increasing burden of this century and a great challenge to public health. ⋯ Initiation of prospective studies on the impact of gender as primary outcome and investigation of gender-related pathophysiological mechanisms of chronic diseases will help to improve patient care and to implement evidence-based gender-specific prevention programs and clinical recommendations in future.