Arch Med Sci
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Epidemiological studies have shown increased morbidity and mortality in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). We aimed to characterize the oxygen dependence of endothelial function in patients with CAD and coexisting COPD. ⋯ Our data suggest that in CAD patients with COPD, decreased systemic oxygen levels lead to endothelial dysfunction, underlining the relevance of cardiopulmonary interaction and the potential importance of pulmonary treatment in secondary prevention of vascular disease.
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Acute pancreatitis (AP) is the third most common gastrointestinal disease at hospital admission. The etiology and pathogenesis of this disease are not completely clear. Our study was intended to determine the systemic levels of pentraxin-3 (PTX-3), myeloperoxidase (MPO), procalcitonin (PCT), and C-reactive protein (CRP) as prognostic parameters in early stages of AP. We also determined the effects of treatment on PTX-3, MPO, PCT and CRP levels in AP. ⋯ Our findings indicated that the CRP, PTX-3, MPO and PCT levels increase in patients with AP and hence these indicators can be used as diagnostic factors to predict inflammation severity in AP. It was revealed that after treatment, there were significant reductions in biomarker levels. However, further research is needed in order to understand how these biomarkers can help to monitor inflammatory responses in AP.
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Two human-specific Demodex species have been described: Demodex folliculorum and Demodex brevis. A medical condition caused by the presence of Demodex is called demodicosis. ⋯ Blepharitis and rosacea are risk factors for Demodex infection.
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Liver function is affected during ischemia/reperfusion (IR). The current state of knowledge about liver aging processes during IR is incomplete. We evaluated the effects of aging on liver structure and function under IR conditions. ⋯ The function and structure of mature livers slightly deteriorate with age and these differences are more noticeable under IR conditions.
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Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is characterized as a group of cardiometabolic risk factors that raise the risk for heart disease and other health problems, such as diabetes mellitus and stroke. Treatment strategies include pharmacologic interventions and supplementary (or "alternative") treatments. ⋯ The study of the beneficial effects of nutraceuticals in patients with MetS, including product standardization, duration of supplementation and definition of optimal dosing, could help better define appropriate treatment. This review focuses on widely marketed nutraceuticals (namely polyphenols, omega-3 fatty acids, macroelements and vitamins) with clinically demonstrated effects on more than one component of MetS.