Oxidative stress can be defined as an increase in oxidants and/or a decrease in antioxidant capacity. There is limited information about the oxidative status in subjects with hepatitis B virus ...infection. We aimed to evaluate the oxidative status in patients with various clinical forms of chronic hepatitis B infection.
Seventy-six patients with hepatitis B virus infection, in whom 33 with chronic hepatitis, 31 inactive carriers and 12 with cirrhosis, and 16 healthy subjects were enrolled. Total antioxidant response and total peroxide level measurement, and calculation of oxidative stress index were performed in all participants.
Total antioxidant response was significantly lower in cirrhotics than inactive HbsAg carriers and controls (p = 0.008 and p = 0.008, respectively). Total peroxide level and oxidative stress index was significantly higher in cirrhotic (p < 0.001, both) and chronic hepatitis B subjects (p < 0.001, both) than inactive HbsAg carriers and controls. Total antioxidant response was comparable in chronic hepatitis B subjects, inactive HbsAg carriers and controls (both, p > 0.05/6). Total peroxide level and oxidative stress index were also comparable in inactive HBsAg carriers and controls (both, p > 0.05/6). Serum alanine amino transferase level was positively correlated with total peroxide level and oxidative stress index only in chronic hepatitis B subjects (p = 0.002, r = 0.519 and p = 0.008, r = 0.453, respectively).
Oxidative stress occurs secondarily to increased total lipid peroxidation and inadequate total antioxidant response and is related to severity of the disease and replication status of virus in hepatitis B infection.
Celotno besedilo
Dostopno za:
DOBA, IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, SIK, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
Abstract Previous studies have suggested that Helicobacter pylori ( H. pylori ) infection may play an important role in the process of atherosclerosis. The objective of this study was to investigate ...serum paraoxonase and arylesterase activities, and lipid hydroperoxide (LOOH) and total thiol (SH) levels along with lipid parameters in H. pylori infected subjects. Fifty-six H. pylori positive subjects and 43 H. pylori negative subjects were enrolled. Serum paraoxonase and arylesterase activities were measured spectrophotometrically. LOOH levels were measured by FOX-2 assay. Serum SH levels, paraoxonase and arylesterase activities were significantly lower in H. pylori positive group than H. pylori negative group (all p < 0.05), while LOOH levels were significantly higher ( p < 0.05). In H. pylori positive subjects, serum LOOH levels were correlated with SH levels ( r = −0.247, p < 0.05), serum paraoxonase ( r = −0.432, p < 0.05) and arylesterase activities ( r = −0.404, p < 0.001), and triglyceride ( r = 0.305, p < 0.05), total cholesterol ( r = 0.568, p < 0.05), high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) ( r = −0.300, p < 0.05) and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) ( r = 0.577, p < 0.05) levels. Serum paraoxonase and arylesterase activities were also correlated with HDL-C levels ( r = 0.221, p < 0.05 and r = 0.291, p < 0.05, respectively), while no correlation was observed with triglyceride, total cholesterol and LDL-C levels (both p > 0.05). In conclusion, paraoxonase and arylesterase activities decrease significantly in H. pylori infected subjects. Lower serum paraoxonase-1 (PON1) activity seems to be related to decrease in HDL-C and, in part, to increased oxidative stress and inflammatory condition induced by H. pylori infection. Measurement of serum PON1 activity may help in the early identification of H. pylori infected subjects with increased risk of atherosclerotic disease.
To determine the insulin resistance (IR) and oxidative status in H pylori infection and to find out if there is any relationship between these parameters and insulin resistance.
Fifty-five H pylori ...positive and 48 H pylori negative patients were enrolled. The homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) was used to assess insulin resistance. Serum total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total oxidant status (TOS) and oxidative stress index (OSI) were determined in all subjects.
The total antioxidant capacity was significantly lower in H pylori positive group than in H pylori negative group (1.36 +/- 0.33 and 1.70 +/- 0.50, respectively; P < 0.001), while the total oxidant status and oxidative stress index were significantly higher in H pylori positive group than in H pylori negative group (6.79 +/- 3.40 and 5.08 +/- 0.95, and 5.42 +/- 3.40 and 3.10 +/- 0.92, respectively; P < 0.001). Insulin resistance was significantly higher in H pylori positive group than in H pylori negative group (6.92 +/- 3.86 and 3.61 +/- 1.67, respectively; P < 0.001). Insulin resistance was found to be significantly correlated with total antioxidant capacity (r = -0.251, P < 0.05), total oxidant status (r = 0.365, P < 0.05), and oxidative stress index (r = 0.267, P < 0.05).
Insulin resistance seems to be associated with increased oxidative stress in H pylori infection. Further studies are needed to clarify the mechanisms underlying this association and elucidate the effect of adding antioxidant vitamins to H pylori eradication therapy on insulin resistance during H pylori infection.
Background Proper bowel cleansing before colonoscopy is essential for satisfactory evaluation of the colon. The required consumption of a large volume of salty-tasting liquid, 4 L of polyethylene ...glycol-electrolyte lavage solution (PEG-ELS), is the primary limitation to achieving this goal. Objective To achieve better patient satisfaction with efficient bowel cleansing, we compared the effects of the conventional volume (4 L) of PEG-ELS with those of a low volume (2 L) in combination with pretreatment using different laxatives, such as magnesium hydroxide (milk of magnesia) and olive oil. Design Randomized, controlled study. Setting A single research hospital. Patients Patients undergoing elective colonoscopy. Interventions A total of 120 patients were randomized to 1 of 3 different preparation regimens: 39 patients were prepared with a conventional volume (4 L) of PEG-ELS (Preparation Prep 1), and the remaining patients were prepared with a lower volume (2 L) of PEG-ELS and pretreatment with a laxative, either 15 g of magnesium hydroxide (40 patients, Prep 2) or 60 mL of olive oil (41 patients, Prep 3) 3 hours before PEG-ELS administration. Main Outcome Measurements The primary outcome was the efficacy of colonic cleansing on the left and right sides. Secondary outcomes were patient satisfaction and side effects. Results The olive oil regimen (Prep 3) resulted in significantly more adequate bowel cleansing of the right colon than administration of the conventional volume of PEG-ELS (Prep 1) and the magnesium hydroxide (Prep 2) regimen (97.6% vs 74.5% and 72.5%, respectively, P = .007). However, this difference was not observed in the left colon (91.5%, 85.5%, and 91.8% for Preps 1, 2, and 3, respectively, P = .776). When asked, 38 patients (95%) taking Prep 2, 35 patients (85.3%) taking Prep 3, and only 11 patients (28.2%) taking Prep 1 preferred the same preparation regimen if they required a future colonoscopy ( P =.006), based on ease of use and taste. The side effects were comparable in each group. Limitations The limitations of this study include the relatively small sample size, the single-center study design, and the use of a nonvalidated symptom scoring system. Conclusion Pretreatment with olive oil before administration of a low volume of PEG-ELS enhances both patient satisfaction and the quality of right-side colonic cleansing over the administration of the conventional volume of PEG-ELS for colonoscopy preparation. Although the magnesium hydroxide regimen (Prep 2) was the preferred regimen in this study, its colonic cleansing effectiveness was not as great as those of the other regimens. Based on our results, the olive oil regimen is recommended, especially for patients who are not able to consume large volumes of liquids, such as the elderly, and those who are suspected of having subtle right-side colonic lesions.
Serum leptin level is associated with appetite and energy expenditure in healthy individuals. We aimed to evaluate the serum leptin concentration and the other factors which may be associated with ...weight loss in patients with advanced gastrointestinal cancer.
Forty-four patients with advanced gastrointestinal cancer (25 gastric and 19 colorectal cancer) and 25 healthy controls were enrolled. Serum leptin levels were measured as ng/ml via enzyme linked immuno-sorbent assay (ELISA) method in all subjects. The difference in serum leptin concentration between cancer and control group, the factor associated with its serum level and the relationship between serum leptin concentration and weight loss was evaluated.
Serum leptin concentration of cancer group was significantly lower than controls (p = 0.002). Female subjects had significantly higher serum leptin concentration than male subjects in control group (p = 0.01), while not in cancer group (p > 0.05). Serum leptin concentration was significantly related with gender in controls (p = 0.023, beta = 0.479), while no gender difference was observed in cancer group (p > 0.05). No relationship was found between serum leptin concentration and weight loss percentage in cancer group in linear regression analysis (p > 0.05). No significant difference was observed in serum leptin concentrations between colon and gastric cancer sub-groups (p > 0.05).
Independently from the site of gastrointestinal tract, serum leptin concentration in advanced gastrointestinal cancer is lower than controls and it is not a determinant factor in weight loss. In contrast to healthy subjects, gender does not effect the serum leptin concentration in patients with advanced gastrointestinal cancer.
Celotno besedilo
Dostopno za:
DOBA, IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, SIK, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
Oxidative stress, an increase in oxidants and/or a decrease in antioxidant capacity, is one of the potential biochemical mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. We ...aimed to investigate the total antioxidant response using a novel automated method in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis subjects. As a reciprocal measure, we also aimed to determine total peroxide level in the same plasma samples.
Twenty-two subjects with biopsy proven nonalcoholic steatohepatitis and 22 healthy controls were enrolled. Total antioxidant response and total peroxide level measurements were done in all participants. The ratio percentage of total peroxide level to total antioxidant response was regarded as oxidative stress index.
Total antioxidant response of subjects with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis was significantly lower than controls (p < 0.05), while mean total peroxide level and mean oxidative stress index were higher (all p < 0.05). In subjects with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, fibrosis score was significantly correlated with total peroxide level, total antioxidant response and oxidative stress index (p < 0.05, r = 0.607; p < 0.05, r = -0.506; p < 0.05, r = 0.728, respectively). However, no correlation was observed between necroimflamatory grade and those oxidative status parameters (all p > 0.05).
Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis is associated with increased oxidant capacity, especially in the presence of liver fibrosis. The novel automated assay is a reliable and easily applicable method for total plasma antioxidant response measurement in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis.
Celotno besedilo
Dostopno za:
DOBA, IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, SIK, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of pegylated interferon (PEG-IFN) alfa-2b for short (one year) and long (two years) terms of treatment for chronic hepatitis D.
Eighteen patients ...with chronic hepatitis D were administered PEG-IFN alfa-2b 1.5μg/kg twice weekly for 1 month, after which they were randomly assigned (2:1) to receive PEG-IFN alfa-2b 1.5μg/kg/wk for an additional 23 months (n=11; group 1) or 11 months (n=7; group 2). All patients were followed-up for 6 months after completing therapy.
In group 1, there was no significant difference between HDV-RNA and ALT levels at follow-up compared with baseline (p=0.219 and p=0.624, respectively). However, in group 2, HDVRNA levels, but not ALT levels, were significantly lower at the end of follow-up (EOF) than at baseline (p=0.016 and p=0.237, respectively). Three patients, all in group 2, had undetectable hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) at the end of followup (EOF). However, there was no patient who had undetectable HBsAg in group I (p=0.043). There were statistical differences for all 18 patients in terms of baseline levels of HDV-RNA compared to end of treatment (EOT) (p=0.021) and EOF (p=0.003).
Extending therapy from 12 to 24 months conferred no additional advantage in terms of HDV-RNA suppression and ALT normalisation.
Both uremia and hepatitis C infection is associated with increased oxidative stress. In the present study, we aimed to find out whether hepatitis C infection has any impact on oxidative stress in ...hemodialysis subjects.
Sixteen hepatitis C (+) hemodialysis subjects, 24 hepatitis C negative hemodialysis subjects and 24 healthy subjects were included. Total antioxidant capacity, total peroxide level and oxidative stress index were determined in all subjects.
Total antioxidant capacity was significantly higher in controls than hemodialysis subjects with or without hepatitis C infection (all p < 0.05/3), while total peroxide level and oxidative stress index were significantly lower (all p < 0.05/3). Hepatitis C (-) hemodialysis subjects had higher total antioxidant capacity compared to hepatitis C (+) hemodialysis subjects (all p < 0.05/3). Total peroxide level and oxidative stress index was comparable between hemodialysis subjects with or without hepatitis C infection (p > 0.05/3).
Oxidative stress is increased in both hepatitis C (+) and hepatitis C (-) hemodialysis subjects. However, hepatitis C infection seems to not cause any additional increase in oxidative stress in hemodialysis subjects and it may be partly due to protective effect of dialysis treatment on hepatitis C infection.
Celotno besedilo
Dostopno za:
DOBA, IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, SIK, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
As anorexia and hypermetabolism are common in cirrhosis, leptin levels may be increased in this disease. In this study, we investigated the relation between the severity of disease and serum leptin ...levels in post-hepatitis cirrhosis and the role of body composition, gender and viral aetiology of cirrhosis in this association.
Thirty-five cases with post-hepatitis cirrhosis and 15 healthy controls were enrolled in this study. Body composition including body mass index, body fat percentage and body fat mass were determined. Serum leptin levels were assayed.
Leptin levels were significantly higher among cirrhotic patients independent of sex compared to controls (p = 0.001). Female patients in both groups have had higher leptin levels than males (in cirrhotics p = 0.029, in controls p = 0.02). Cirrhotic patients in each of A, B and C subgroups according to the Child- Pugh classification revealed significantly different levels compared to controls (p = 0.046, p = 0.004, p = 0.0001, respectively). Male cirrhotics in Child-Pugh Class B and C subgroups had significantly higher leptin levels compared to male controls (p = 0.006, p = 0.008). On the other hand, female patients only in Child Pugh class C subgroup have had higher levels of serum leptin compared to controls (p = 0.022).Child-Pugh classification has been found to be the sole discriminator in determination of leptin levels in cirrhotics by linear regression (beta: 0.435 p = 0.015).
Serum leptin levels increase in advanced liver disease independently of gender, body composition in posthepatitic cirrhosis. The increase is more abundant among patients that belong to C subgroup according to the Child- Pugh classification.
Celotno besedilo
Dostopno za:
DOBA, IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, SIK, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
Kounis syndrome (KS) is an acute coronary syndrome secondary to allergic reactions and can be triggered by many factors. It is a rare condition that is difficult to diagnose, which delays the ...prognosis of the disease. KS can be classified into three subtypes. In this study, we report a 57-year-old patient with a history of anaphylaxis three times, one after using Moxifloxacin and the other two following a physical activity and an application of hair dye, which were released by an intramuscular adrenalin injection. The two different types of KS occurred at different times due to different causes in the same patient. Our patient was consistent with type 2 KS at the first attack and type 1 KS at the second attack. Therefore, clinicians should not misdiagnose myocardial ischaemia in patients who present with an allergy complaint.