Archives of medical research
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The leptin receptor (LEPR) plays a crucial role in the regulation of body weight. Several common polymorphisms have been described in the human LEPR gene including the p.Q223R polymorphism (rs1137101). The association of this polymorphism with obesity or related metabolic phenotypes has been controversial. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of the LEPR p.Q223R polymorphism on body mass index (BMI), plasma leptin and lipid parameters in a sample of the Tunisian population. ⋯ Our findings suggest that the LEPR p.Q223R polymorphism influences plasma leptin levels and BMI in obese patients.
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In addition to the effect of regulating adipocyte differentiation and insulin sensitivity, peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-gamma (PPAR-gamma) ligands also exhibit anti-inflammatory effect. However, the mechanisms concerning how PPAR-gamma ligands affect acute pancreatitis and pancreatitis-associated lung injury have not been fully elucidated. This study investigated the effect of rosiglitazone, a PPAR-gamma ligand, on acute pancreatitis and pancreatitis-associated lung injury in the rat pancreatitis model induced by sodium taurocholate. ⋯ Our study demonstrated that rosiglitazone exerts a protective effect against sodium taurocholate-induced pancreatic and pulmonary injury.
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Secretory leukocyte proteinase inhibitor (SLPI) is an important antileukoprotease in airway. The aim of the present study was to explore the expression of SLPI in the bronchi and lung tissues of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) models and the regulative mechanism by transforming growth factor (TGF)beta(1)/Smads signal pathway in bronchial epithelial cell. ⋯ Decreased expression of SLPI in the COPD rat model may be mainly caused by the increased expression of TGFbeta(1), and this process is probably related to the activation of Smads signal pathway.
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We undertook this study to evaluate the significance of the C-reactive protein level (CRP) as a prognostic factor in oncology patients with acute renal failure (ARF) during nephrology consultation. ⋯ CRP levels at nephrology consultation were an independent predictor of death in this cohort of oncology patients with ARF. Patients with levels > or =8 mg/dL may be considered at higher risk of death.
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Comparative Study
Improving outcome of human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients in a Mexican intensive care unit.
In Latin America, insufficient data are available to improve local admission policies for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) patients in the intensive care units (ICU). We undertook this study to evaluate the outcome and survival determinants of HIV patients in a Mexican ICU during three time periods. ⋯ Overall survival in Mexican HIV patients admitted to an ICU has substantially increased in recent years. These data should encourage policies that consider HIV patients as good candidates for receiving intensive care.