Annals of clinical biochemistry
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Ann. Clin. Biochem. · Sep 2005
Impact of haemodialysis on individual endogenous plasma acylcarnitine concentrations in end-stage renal disease.
Patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) undergoing long-term haemodialysis exhibit low L-carnitine and elevated acylcarnitine concentrations. This study evaluated endogenous concentrations of an array of acylcarnitines (carbon chain length up to 18) in healthy individuals and ESRD patients receiving haemodialysis, and examined the impact of a single haemodialysis session on acylcarnitine concentrations. ⋯ The accumulation of acylcarnitines during long-term haemodialysis suggests that removal by haemodialysis is less efficient than removal from the body by the healthy kidney. Removal is significantly correlated to acyl chain length, most likely due to the increased molecular weight and lipophilicity that accompanies increased chain length.
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We have investigated the association between serum copper, zinc and selenium concentrations, dietary intake, and demographic characteristics, including individual coronary risk factors, in healthy subjects. ⋯ Serum copper, zinc and selenium concentrations are influenced by physiological conditions such as age, diet and gender. Their serum concentrations are also associated with coronary risk factors, including body mass index, levels of physical activity, serum HDL-C and CRP.
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Ann. Clin. Biochem. · Mar 2005
Measurement of urinary free cortisol using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry: comparison with the urine adapted ACS:180 serum cortisol chemiluminescent immunoassay and development of a new reference range.
The measurement of urinary free cortisol (UFC) is commonly used in the investigation of possible Cushing's syndrome. With the recent availability of liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) in hospital laboratories, we wanted to develop a specific UFC LC-MS/MS method and compare it with our current immunoassay method and develop a new LC-MS/MS reference range if required. ⋯ We have developed a UFC LC-MS/MS method with a solid-phase extraction clean-up step. The method shows adequate performance and is suitable for routine laboratory use. The mixed sex (n = 110, men = 25, women = 85) reference range was up to 165 nmol/24 h or 146 nmol/24 h, depending on how the data are manipulated.