Search Results (969)

Gastric adenocarcinoma is a malignant tumor that develops from the glandular cells of the inner wall of the stomach. The prevalence of this type of disease varies from 90 to 95% of all types of gastric cancer. The aim of our study was to investigate the differences in the content of cytokines and oxidative stress markers in patients with gastric adenocarcinoma associated with H. pylori infection depending on the stage. The study included 281 patients with gastric cancer. At stage I of the disease—75 people, stage II—70 people, stage III—69 people, and stage IV of the disease—67 people. The levels of TNF-α, IL-2, IL-8, IFNγ, TNF-β, IL-17A, IL-6, IL-10, and IL-4 in the blood serum of patients and healthy individuals were determined by enzyme immunoassay and plasma oxidative stress scores (MDA, SOD, CAT, GST, GPO, CP). The present study revealed that H. pylori-infected gastric adenocarcinoma at different stages is associated with different plasma levels of cytokines, lipid peroxidation products, and antioxidant defense factors. Further studies are needed to evaluate the effectiveness of therapeutic strategies combining cytokine regulation and oxidative stress to improve clinical outcomes in gastric cancer. Full article

Due to the feeding system (high-concentrate diet) during the early lactation stage, ruminal pH in dairy cows follows a diurnal pattern and can remain below the critical level of 5.5 for extended periods of the day. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of low ruminal pH on blood concentrations of certain macrominerals, trace minerals, and fat-soluble vitamins and on the oxidative status of dairy cows during the first half of lactation. Fifty-three randomly selected lactating Holstein cows were used; blood and ruminal fluid samples were collected from all cows on days 30, 90 and 150 of lactation. Blood samples were obtained via coccygeal venipuncture, while the ruminal fluid was obtained by rumenocentesis and the pH was measured immediately after collection. Using a threshold pH of 5.5, samples were classified as normal (pH > 5.5) or low pH (pH ≤ 5.5). Serum concentrations of Ca, Mg, K, Cr, Mn, Zn, Se, and vitamins A, D3, E, and K were not significantly affected by ruminal pH, either by days in milk or by their interaction (p > 0.05). Plasma malondialdehyde and reduced glutathione followed the same trend (p > 0.05). Copper concentration was significantly higher (p < 0.05), and Fe concentration tended to be higher in cows with low pH compared to those with normal pH (p = 0.052). On day 150 of lactation, Cu, Fe, and Co concentrations were significantly higher in low-pH cows compared to normal-pH cows (p < 0.05). Low ruminal pH is associated with significant changes in serum concentrations of copper, iron, and cobalt but has no significant effect on the oxidative status of the animals or on the serum concentrations of the macro elements and fat-soluble vitamins studied. Full article

Background: The majority of parotid gland tumors are benign, e.g., pleomorphic adenoma (PA) and Warthin’s tumor (WT). From a biomedical point of view, oxidative stress is of significant importance due to its established association with the initiation and progression of various types of cancer, including parotid gland cancers. This study aimed to assess whether blood prooxidant–antioxidant markers could aid in diagnosing and guiding surgery for recurrent malignancies after parotid tumor treatment. Methods: We examined patients (n = 20) diagnosed with WT (n = 14) and PA (n = 6) using histopathological verification and computed tomography (CT) who qualified for surgical treatment. Blood samples were taken before the surgery and again 10 days later for biochemical analysis. The activities of the antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT and GPx), the non-enzymatic antioxidants (GSH and UA) and oxidative stress markers (MDA and TOS) were determined in the blood. The activities of CK and LDH and the concentrations of Cor and TAS were measured in the serum. Hb and Ht were determined in whole blood. Results: The patients’ SOD, CAT, and GPx activities after surgery did not differ significantly from their preoperative levels. However, following surgery, their serum TOS levels were significantly elevated in all the patients compared to baseline. In contrast, the plasma MDA concentrations were markedly reduced after surgery. Similarly, the GSH concentrations showed a significant decrease postoperatively. No significant changes were observed in the CK and LDH activities, TAS concentrations, or levels of Hb, Ht and Cor following surgery. Conclusions: The surgical removal of salivary gland tumors did not result in a reduction in oxidative stress at 10 days after surgery. Therefore, further studies are needed to determine the effectiveness of endogenous defense mechanisms in counteracting the oxidative stress induced by salivary gland tumors. Full article

After the first release of synthalin B (dodecamethylenbiguanide) in 1928 and its later retraction in the 1940s in Germany, the retraction of phenformin (N-Phenethylbiguanide) and of Buformin in the USA (but not outside) because of the lethal complication of acidosis seemed to have put an end to the era of the biguanides as oral antidiabetics. The strongly hygroscopic metformin (1-1-dimethylbiguanide), first synthesized 1922 and resuscitated as an oral antidiabetic (type 2 of the elderly) compound first released in 1959 in France and in other European countries, was used in the first large multicenter prospective long-term trial in England in the UKPDS (1977–1997). It was then released in the USA after a short-term prospective trial in healthy overweight “young” type 2 diabetics (mean age 53 years) in 1995 for oral treatment of type 2 diabetes. It was, however, prescribed to mostly multimorbid older patients (above 60–65 years of age). Metformin is now the most used oral drug for type 2 diabetes worldwide. While intravenous administration of biguanides does not have any glucose-lowering effect, their oral administration leads to enormous increase in their intestinal concentration (up to 300-fold compared to that measured in the blood), to reduced absorption of glucose from the diet, to increased excretion of glucose through the stool, and to decrease in insulin serum level through increased hepatic uptake and decreased production. Intravenously injected F18-labeled glucose in metformin-treated type 2 diabetics accumulates in the small and even more in the large intestine. The densitometry picture observed in metformin-treated overweight diabetics is like that observed in patients after bowel-cleansing or chronically taking different types of laxatives, where the accumulated radioactivity can even reach values observed in colon cancer. The glucose-lowering mechanism of action of metformin is therefore not only due to inhibition of glucose uptake in the small intestine but also to “attraction” of glucose from the hepatocyte into the intestine, possibly through the insulin-mediated uptake in the hepatocyte and its secretion into the bile. Furthermore, these compounds have also a diuretic effect (loss of sodium and water in the urine) Acute gastrointestinal side effects accompanied by fluid loss often lead to the drugs’ dose reduction and strongly limit adherence to therapy. Main long-term consequences are “chronic” dehydration, deficiency of vitamin B12 and of iron, and, as observed for all the biguanides, to “chronic” increase in fasting and postprandial lactate plasma level as a laboratory marker of a clinical condition characterized by hypotension, oliguria, adynamia, and evident lactic acidosis. Metformin is not different from the other biguanides: synthalin B, buformin, and phenformin. The mechanism of action of the biguanides as antihyperglycemic substances and their side effects are comparable if not even stronger (abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fluid loss) to those of laxatives. Full article

Dexamethasone, widely used as an exogenous glucocorticoid in clinical and animal practice, has recently been recognized as an environmental contaminant of concern. Existing evidence documents its ability to induce persistent dyslipidemia in adult offspring. In this study, plasma cholesterol levels in male rats exposed to dexamethasone prenatally (PDE) were increased. Meanwhile, developmental tracking revealed a reduction in hepatic low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) promoter H3K27 acetylation (H3K27ac) and corresponding transcriptional activity across gestational-to-postnatal stages. Mechanistic investigations established glucocorticoid receptor/histone deacetylase2 (GR/HDAC2) axis-mediated epigenetic programming of LDLR through H3K27ac modulation in PDE offspring, potentiating susceptibility to hypercholesterolemia. Additionally, in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of PDE male adult offspring, LDLR H3K27ac level and expression were also decreased and positively correlated with those in the liver. Clinical studies further substantiated that male newborns prenatally treated with dexamethasone exhibited increased serum cholesterol levels and consistent reductions in LDLR H3K27ac levels and corresponding transcriptional activity in PBMC. This study establishes a complete evidence chain linking PDE with epigenetic programming and cholesterol metabolic dysfunction, proposing PBMC epigenetic biomarkers as a novel non-invasive monitoring tool for assessing the developmental toxicity of chemical exposures during pregnancy. This has significant implications for improving environmental health risk assessment systems. Full article

Objectives: To determine whether plasma concentrations of anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) are elevated in adults with prediabetes, we explored their association with tissue advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) and assessed the influence of Mediterranean diet adherence. Methods: This cross-sectional single-centre study included 92 adults with prediabetes and 86 age-/sex-matched normoglycaemic controls. Anthropometry, blood pressure, biochemical indices, and skin autofluorescence-derived AGEs were measured. Serum AEA and 2-AG were quantified by competitive ELISA, while Mediterranean diet adherence was assessed using the Mediterranean Diet Serving Score (MDSS). Results: Prediabetes was associated with higher AEA (p = 0.004) but not 2-AG (p = 0.520). Also, AEA correlated positively with AGE values (r = 0.36; p = 0.002) and increased across AGE-based cardiovascular risk categories. In multivariable models, both prediabetes status and AGE burden independently predicted AEA. Participants achieving MDSS ≥ 14 exhibited lower AEA (p = 0.038); 2-AG remained unaffected. Finally, the multivariable analysis confirmed that both prediabetes (β = 11.9; p = 0.005) and AGE values (β = 0.25; p = 0.003) are positively associated with plasma AEA levels, independent of age, sex, BMI, and fasting plasma glucose levels. Conclusions: Circulating AEA, but not 2-AG, is elevated in prediabetes and independently linked to cumulative AGE burden, suggesting early endocannabinoid activation contributes to cardiometabolic risk. High adherence to a Mediterranean diet may mitigate this dysregulation. Full article

Background: Core laboratory chemistry analyzers typically use plasma and serum samples, while blood gas instruments use whole blood for electrolyte and metabolite tests. Due to high costs to back up the core lab chemistry analyzers, especially in the remote small community hospitals, we have verified the interchangeability of serum/plasma electrolytes and metabolites on blood gas instruments (GEM4000 and Radiometer ABL90) vs. chemistry analyzers. In this study, we sought to extend the investigation to another blood gas device—Radiometer ABL837. Methods: One plasma separator tube and one serum separator tube were drawn from 20 apparently healthy individuals and outpatients and 20 intensive care unit patients. All the samples were run on Roche Cobas8000, and then were run on three Radiometer ABL837 analyzers for sodium (Na⁺), potassium (K⁺), chloride (Cl⁻), glucose, lactate (plasma only), and creatinine parameters. Paired measurements between the ABL837 and Cobas8000 were compared, and their difference were assessed for statistical and clinical significance. Results: ABL837 demonstrated statistical significance (p < 0.05) vs. Cobas8000 on all the plasma and serum parameters. However, no parameter differences were found when comparing the plasma/serum results on ABL837 to those on Cobas8000, indicating that none were clinically significant. ABL837 also demonstrated good–excellent correlations with Cobas8000 on all the parameters. Conclusions: When comparing metabolite and electrolyte values with plasma and serum sample types, the ABL837 blood gas instruments and Cobas 8000 chemistry analyzer are interchangeable. These data proves that ABL837 can be used as a backup for a chemistry analyzer in measuring plasma and serum electrolyte and metabolite concentrations. Full article

The transfer of passive immunity (TPI) is vital for newborn calf health and is typically assessed through blood sampling to measure serum or plasma IgG or total protein levels. Saliva offers a less invasive alternative. This study evaluated the potential of saliva for assessing TPI. Saliva and serum samples were collected from 20 calves at birth and on days 1, 2, and 7 of life to measure IgG, IgA, IgM, and total protein concentrations. Colostrum fed to the calves was also analyzed for gross composition and immunoglobulin content. Colostrum intake and composition were associated with saliva IgG (R² = 0.48; p = 0.019), saliva IgM (R² = 0.73; p = 0.02), and saliva total protein (R² = 0.41; p = 0.043). Serum IgG and IgA levels were predicted by saliva IgG (p < 0.001; R² = 0.33) and IgA (p < 0.001; R² = 0.13), respectively, though predictive accuracy varied by calf age (IgG: p < 0.001; R² = 0.40; IgA: p < 0.001; R² = 0.91). In conclusion, the results suggest that both saliva IgG and IgA concentrations could be used to predict IgG and IgA serum concentrations. Nevertheless, further studies are still needed to clarify the best time for sample collection. Full article

Background/Objectives: Fatty acids, the building blocks of lipids, contribute to numerous crucial life processes and are implicated in numerous disease pathologies. Circulating fatty acids can be extracted/trans-esterified to their respective methyl ester forms and quantified from a variety of biological samples. This study aims to identify quantifiable fatty acids (through alkali trans-esterification) in human circulation, assess the correlation of the detectable fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) compounds between whole blood, serum and plasma matrices and propose the most ideal matrix for quantification of FAMEs. Methods: This anonymised study was carried out in a tertiary hospital after obtaining ethical approval and involved analysis of residual fasting whole blood, serum and plasma samples obtained from 20 apparently healthy subjects attending the routine health check services at the study centre. Fatty acids were converted to its methyl ester form by methanolic KOH trans-esterification and subjected to GCMS analysis. Paired t test, Pearsons’s correlation, linear regression and Bland Altman test were employed to assess the agreeability between matrices. Results: 9 out of 37 FAME compounds were detected in all three matrices. Strong correlations and statistically significant regression equations were obtained for the 9 compounds between plasma and serum matrices. Undecanoate, pentadecanoate, linolenate, and palmitate levels were lowest in plasma, while stearate, heptadecanoate levels were highest in whole blood. Myristate was highest in serum, dodecanoate was highest in plasma while docosahexanoate was found to be comparable in all three matrices. Methyl ester forms of dodeconate, myristate, pentadecanoate, palmitate, heptadecanoate, stearate, and linolenate were observed in higher concentrations in plasma when compared to serum. Conclusions: The current study shows similar & correlating FAME concentrations between serum and plasma matrix; however, whole blood FAME concentrations appear significantly different. Plasma serves as the most ideal matrix for detection and quantification of circulating fatty acids. Full article

Cardiovascular disease (CVD), particularly atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), is the leading cause of death worldwide, driven by factors like oxidative stress, inflammation, and lipid metabolism disorders. Although phenolic compounds such as Tyrosol (Tyr) and Hydroxytyrosol (HTyr) found in extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) have shown promising antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, their specific roles in modulating oxidative stress biomarkers and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) functionality in elderly populations, especially in those with prior myocardial infarction, are not fully understood. This study aimed to investigate the effects of EVOO phenolic compounds on oxidative stress biomarkers and HDL functionality, and related metabolic outcomes in both healthy and post-myocardial infarction (post-MI) elderly individuals. This pilot randomized clinical trial study included healthy and post-MI participants aged 65–85 years. Participants in each group were randomly assigned to consume 25 mL per day of one of three types of olive oils: high phenolic (HTyr/Tyr) extra virgin olive oil (HP-EVOO), extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), or refined olive oil (ROO) for a period of 26 weeks. Blood samples were collected at baseline and post-intervention to assess key biomarkers. Plasma levels of (poly)phenols, malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant capacity (FRAP), lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase activity (LCAT), and serum paraoxonase-1 (PON-1) activity were measured. A total of 34 individuals completed the study (mean age: 74 years). Baseline characteristics, including sex, age, body mass index (BMI), weight, blood pressure, and inflammatory markers like C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, did not differ significantly between the two groups. A significant increase in both FRAP levels and PON-1 activity was observed in post-MI participants following HP-EVOO consumption compared to baseline (p = 0.014). No significant changes were observed in MDA levels, LCAT activity, or plasma (poly)phenols. These results indicate that HP-EVOO may enhance antioxidant capacity, particularly FRAP and PON-1 activity, in elderly post-MI individuals. The observed differences between groups suggest that underlying cardiometabolic status may influence the response to olive oil phenolic compounds. Further studies are needed to explore the long-term cardiovascular effects. Full article

Background/Objectives: Myasthenia Gravis (MG) and myasthenic syndrome (MSyn) are neurological disorders induced by different types of autoantibodies, characterized by generalized muscle weakness, sometimes involving the respiratory muscles and necessitating ventilatory support. One therapeutic option for severe Myasthenia Gravis (MG) is total plasma exchange (TPE). This procedure reduces the concentration of autoantibodies by extracting the patient’s plasma and replacing it with donor plasma. The TPE efficacy varies among different types of MG, and patient response to TPE is evaluated solely through clinical markers, such as muscle strength. So far, no laboratory method is available for monitoring TPE treatment progress. Objective: In this study, we aimed to determine whether differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) of blood plasma from myasthenic patients is an appropriate tool to monitor and evaluate their condition and the TPE effect. Methods: We performed DSC prior to and after TPE course on blood plasma from three patients with different types of MG: Case 1. Patient with Acetylcholine Receptor Myasthenia Gravis (AChR MG); Case 2. Patient with Muscle-specific tyrosine kinase Myasthenia Gravis (MuSK MG); Case 3. Patient with Myasthenic syndrome (MSyn). Results: DSC thermogram examination revealed increased plasma protein fractions, primarily immunoglobulins (IG), as well as to some extent fibrinogen, relative to a suppressed serum albumin fraction. Successive TPE procedures resulted in IG fraction decline in AChR MG (Case 1) and MSyn (Case 3), and upsurge of the IG fraction in MuSK MG (Case 2). These findings aligned with the clinical presentation of all three cases. Conclusions: DSC revealed distinct, very significant differences in the heat capacity profiles of blood plasma from MG patients relative to healthy controls, as well as strong TPE influence on the plasma thermal behavior. DSC showed promise as a reliable and informative technique for the monitoring of myasthenia and TPE effects across diverse myasthenic patient populations. Further research is needed to confirm and expand on these findings. Full article

Background: Endometriosis is a complex, estrogen-dependent condition that can significantly impact women’s quality of life and fertility. Current diagnostic strategies remain invasive and often prolonged, demonstrating the need for reliable, non-invasive biomarkers. In this context, microRNAs (miRNAs), due to their stability in blood and regulatory roles in inflammation and cell proliferation, have emerged as promising candidates. Methods: This review systematically analyzes 17 studies published between 2010 and 2025 that investigated the diagnostic utility of circulating and tissue-based miRNAs in endometriosis. Results: A wide range of dysregulated miRNAs was identified, with miR-125b-5p, miR-451a, and miR-3613-5p showing the most consistent alterations across studies. However, diagnostic performance varied considerably—largely due to methodological heterogeneity. Key differences were observed in sample type (serum, plasma, endometrium), patient selection, and control group definition. The menstrual cycle phase and hormonal status were often not matched or reported, limiting reproducibility. Conclusions: Despite encouraging findings, the current evidence base is weakened by inconsistent protocols and limited validation. Standardized, multicenter research with well-characterized patient cohorts is essential to the establishment of clinically applicable miRNA-based diagnostics. If validated, miRNAs may offer a transformative, non-invasive approach for earlier detection and improved management of endometriosis. Full article

Cervical cancer (CC) is the gynecological cancer with the highest incidence and mortality worldwide. High-risk oncogenic human papillomaviruses (HPV) genotypes 16 and 18 are the primary risk factors for developing this female neoplasm, with them being the etiological agents of 70% of cervical cancers. Despite the availability of various prevention strategies, laboratory tests capable of detecting the disease in its previous and early stages, and multiple treatment schemes, CC incidence and mortality rates remain high, due in part to the population’s rejection or disinterest in the current type of sampling. An alternative that could encourage women to take better care of their gynecological health is the availability of tests that detect biomarkers in non-cervical samples with high sensitivity and specificity. The detection of biomarkers in non-cervical samples (blood, serum, plasma, urine, and vaginal fluids) may help reduce the discomfort associated with cervical sampling in patients, therefore promoting gynecological healthcare. This review discusses current diagnostic methods and recent advances in CC biomarkers detected in non-cervical samples, emphasizing their potential for diagnosis, prognosis, and patient monitoring. We further discuss the challenges and future perspectives of applying these biomarkers in clinical practice. The results of this review show that there is a considerable range of biomarkers proposed as alternative tools with high efficacy. Their identification in previous stages of the disease and routinely in non-cervical samples could help reduce the incidence and mortality rates of CC. Full article

Canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder in aging dogs and serves as a natural model for Alzheimer’s disease in humans. This study evaluated blood biomarkers—amyloid-beta (Aβ40, Aβ42), neurofilament light chain (NfL), and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)—for diagnosing and staging CDS and assessed whether combining biomarkers with behavioral questionnaires improves diagnostic reliability. Seventy-seven dogs, including healthy controls and CDS cases, were assessed using the Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Rating Scale (CCDR), Canine Dementia Scale (CADES), and Canine Cognitive Assessment Scale (CCAS). Plasma Aβ40, Aβ42, GFAP, and serum NfL levels were measured via ELISA. While Aβ40, Aβ42, and GFAP were not significantly associated with CDS stage, serum NfL levels were elevated (p < 0.05) across all questionnaires. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses showed areas under the curve (AUCs) of 0.763 (CCDR), 0.722 (CADES), and 0.777 (CCAS), with cut-off values around 18.28–43.13 pg/mL. NfL shows promise as a blood biomarker correlated with CDS severity. Combining serum NfL measurements with questionnaire assessments may enhance diagnostic accuracy for CDS in veterinary practice. Full article

Down syndrome (DS), the most common human aneuploidy, is associated with oxidative stress, which contributes to morphological abnormalities, immune dysfunction, cognitive impairment and accelerated ageing. This article aims to provide an overview of the studies on oxidative stress in DS, in particular the investigation of endogenous and exogenous antioxidants, with a focus on endogenous systems. A literature search in MEDLINE and Scopus based on the PRISMA 2020 criteria revealed 41 relevant studies that mainly analysed blood samples (plasma or serum) and occasionally saliva or urine. The findings suggest that oxidative stress in DS is multifactorial and results from an imbalance of superoxide dismutase activity, overexpression of genes on chromosome 21, mitochondrial dysfunction and inflammation. Despite extensive studies over the decades, new sources and mechanisms for oxidative stress in DS continue to emerge, further highlighting the complexity of DS. The recognition that oxidative stress is a hallmark of DS emphasises the need to develop more sensitive and specific methods to detect it and to investigate the associated metabolic pathways in DS in more detail. The expansion of in vivo studies could facilitate the development of targeted interventions aimed at mitigating oxidative damage and ultimately improving outcomes for individuals with DS. Full article