Arch Med Sci
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Urotensin II (UII) is an important vasoactive peptide involved in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Monocytes/macrophages play important roles in every step of atherosclerosis. Although UII has a chemoattractant effect on monocytes, it is unclear whether UII regulates inflammatory responses in macrophages. The present study sought to explore whether UII can promote leukotriene B4 (LTB4) production by macrophages. ⋯ Urotensin II may promote 5-lipoxygenase expression and LTB4 release in RAW264.7 macrophages via UT-ROS-Akt pathways. These results indicate that UII may participate in macrophage activation and suggest a potential new mechanism underlying atherosclerosis.
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Wilson's disease (WD) is a rare genetic disorder that leads to impairments in copper metabolism. Patients principally exhibit liver and neuropsychiatric symptoms, but because copper also accumulates in all body organs, other (typically milder) clinical symptoms can occur. To date, cardiac involvement has not been thoroughly investigated in patients with WD. This study aimed to evaluate heart structure and function in patients with WD with commonly available diagnostic methods. ⋯ Heart involvement in WD was manifested mainly by mild left ventricular hypertrophy and subclinical changes in diastolic function, particularly in the patients with the neurologic form of disease.
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Klotho has been recently described as a carcinogenesis suppressor. Large cell neuroendocrine lung carcinoma (LCNEC) is a rare, highly malignant neoplasm. In the light of increasing incidence of neuroendocrine tumours, biomarkers predicting survival are needed. We consider that Klotho might be one. ⋯ Our results suggest that Klotho might be a positive factor for predicting survival in LCNEC and nodal involvement a negative one. Thus, these two markers may assist in the selection of subjects with unfavourable prognosis and to personalise therapy regimens.
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A great deal of research has reported dysregulated expression of genes in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). This study aimed to analyze the lncRNA, miRNA and mRNA expression profile in SLE. ⋯ The current study reveals a comprehensive expression profile of lncRNAs, miRNAs and mRNAs and implies potential regulatory functions of these RNAs which are involved in the pathogenesis of SLE.
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The present study aimed to assess the prevalence and association of various bacterial infections with cardiovascular disease (CVD) in Iran. ⋯ The present meta-analysis suggested that there was a significant association between H. pylori, C. pneumonia and M. pneumonia infections and CVD in Iran. These findings confirm the potential role of bacterial infections as predisposing factors for CVD.