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Background Endothelial dysfunction (ED) has a well-known role in promoting vascular inflammation in Behçet disease (BD). α-klotho is involved in regulation of endothelial function, and its reduction has been reported to be associated with ED. Objective To assess serum α-klotho in patients with BD, compared with healthy control individuals. Methods In a cross-sectional study, 55 patients with BD and 30 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were enrolled, and their serum levels of α-klotho were measured. Results Common clinical symptoms in patients with BD were oral aphthous ulcers, uveitis, and genital ulcers. Median (IQR) serum α-klotho levels in the BD and control groups were 0.30 (0.20–0.70) and 1.00 (0.70–2.52) ng/mL, respectively. The difference was statistically significant (P = .005). No significant correlation was observed between serum α-klotho and age (r = 0.194; P = .14). Serum α-klotho levels in patients with uveitis were significantly lower. Conclusion α-klotho may have a role in the pathogenesis of ED and is a potential biomarker for uveitis in BD.

Cisplatin is a therapeutic drug widely used to treat various solid tumors. Nephrotoxicity is a well-known side effect in patients treated with cisplatin. Falcarindiol (FAD), natural polyacetylene compound greatly found in Apiaceae family, has anti-cancer, -bacterial, -inflammatory and -oxidant activity which is utilized in the present study. Thirty male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into five groups of six each; sham, cisplatin (15 mg/kg), cisplatin + FAD (50 and 100 mg/kg/day), and FAD (100 mg/kg/day). Cisplatin administration elevated the concentrations of BUN and creatinine, as well as kidney histopathologic damage. On the other hand, FAD treatment attenuated cisplatin-induced injury, and also down-regulated mRNA levels of TNF-α and IL-1β together with protein expression of p-NF-kB p65. Moreover, FAD induced the protein expression of p-AMPK and nuclear Nrf2 accompanied by its respective target genes such as NQO-1 and HO-1 in a dose-dependent manner. In conclusion, the findings collectively characterize FAD as a drug candidate to treat cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity thorough down-regulation of NF-kB signaling pathway in mice

Introduction: Doxorubicin (DOX) is one of the most common drugs in cancer treatment. However, its partial solubility along with the high incidence of side effects remains a challenge to tackle. To address these issues, we designed a formulation based on graphene oxide (GO) and used it as an anticancer drug delivery system. Methods: The physical and chemical properties of the formulation were studied using FTIR, SEM, EDX, Mapping, and XRD. Release studies in the in vitro condition were used to evaluate the pH sensitivity of drug release from nanocarriers. Other in vitro studies, including uptake assay, MTT, and apoptosis assay were carried out on the osteosarcoma (cell line. Results: In vitro release studies confirmed that the synthesized formulation provides a better payload release profile in acidic conditions, which is usually the case in the tumor site. On the OS cell line, the cytotoxicity of the DOX-loaded nanocarrier (IC50=0.293 μg/mL) and early apoptosis rate (33.80 % ) were higher in comparison to free DOX (IC50=0.472 μg/mL, and early apoptosis rate= 8.31 % ) after 48 hours. Conclusion: In summary, our results suggest a DOX-loaded graphene oxide carrier as a potential platform for targeting cancer cells.

Objectives Palindromic rheumatism (PR) is characterized by repetitive, afebrile episodes of acute arthritis and peri-arthritis. The aim of this study was considering the long-term outcomes of patients with PR who were treated with tight control strategy using Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs). Methods We reviewed the charts of 106 patients diagnosed with PR who were referred to the Connective Tissue Diseases Research Center (CTDRC). We recruited all the patients diagnosed with PR according to the criteria of Hannonen. They visited the CTDRC clinic regularly and were treated with hydroxychloroquine and low dose prednisolone because of active episodes of PR. In cases that the attacks did not come under control in 3–6 months, methotrexate was added or replaced and the dose was increased up to 25 mg/week. In resistant cases, sulfasalazine was added, followed by the addition of leflunomide and then azathioprine. Disease outcome was evaluated by getting complete or partial remission and prevention of disease evolution to rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or other inflammatory connective tissue diseases. Results This study included 92 patients with PR who were treated with DMARDs. Attacks were controlled completely or partially in 76 (82.6%) patients. Medications free remission was obtained in 16.3% of the patients. RA developed in 8.7% of the patients. By multivariate logistic regression analysis, age ≤40 at disease presentation, non-adherence to therapy and PIP joints involvement were the only factors which independently predicted the risk of treatment failure. Conclusions Tight control strategy by using DMARDs may control PR and prevent disease progression to RA.

Background/aim: This study aimed to evaluate the demographic, clinical, angiographic and prognostic characteristics of Takayasu arteritis TA in Iran. Materials and methods: A total of 75 patients with TA based on the American College of Rheumatology 1990 criteria for TA classification referred to the Rheumatology Centres, were followed-up from 1989 to 2019. Demographic, clinical, angiographic and prognostic characteristics were collected at baseline and last visit. Results: The mean age was 31.9 ± 9.8 years at the disease onset. Female to male ratio was 14. The median latency in diagnosis was 24 months. Pulse discrepancy in the arms, blood pressure discrepancy in the arms, limb claudication, hypertension and constitutional symptoms were the most common clinical features. The most common angiographic type at the time of diagnosis was Type I 42.7% . The most frequent arterial lesion was stenosis 89.4% . Subclavian, carotid and aortic arteries were the most commonly involved arteries. New lesions developed in 28.6% of patients during the 5.25-year follow-up. Vasculitis-induced chronic damage was observed in all patients. Disease activity decreased and vascular damage remained stable throughout the follow-up period. Conclusions: The clinical features and angiographic type of TA in Iran are different from most Asian countries. Differences in angiographic and clinical features may lead to delayed diagnosis. The issue of delay in diagnosis should create awareness among health care providers that TA is not a very rare disease in Iranians and failure to pay attention to warning symptoms may delay the diagnosis.

Aim of the work: Considering the importance of toll-like receptor (TLR) 4 and oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of autoimmune disorders, present study was designed to assess serum TLR4, 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) as a marker of oxidative DNA damage, and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients and to study their relation with disease activity and their predictive potential. Patients and methods: 44 RA patients and 44 matched controls were studied. Disease activity score (DAS-28) was assessed. Serum TLR4, 8-OHdG and TAC were measured. Results: The mean age of patients was 44 ± 10.4 years, 33 females and 11 males with and disease duration 5.5 ± 3.8 months. The mean DAS-28 was 4.6 ± 0.6 (3.45–6.01). Rheumatoid factor (RF) and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) were both positive in 20 patients. Compared to control, the mean ± SD of serum TLR4 (2.41 ± 4.50 vs. 1.20 ± 1.67 ng/ml), and 8-OHdG (67.67 ± 20.57 vs. 45.34 ± 30.61 ng/ml) were significantly higher in patients (p

Survivin which is an inhibitor of apoptosis upregulation has been reported in human autoimmune diseases including rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis and systemic sclerosis, and mouse models of systemic lupus erythematosus. Survivin in systemic lupus erythematosus is downregulated. However, there is no significant association between serum survivin levels and clinical characteristics of SLE.

ObjectiveThis study assessed the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), mean platelet volume, platelet distribution width, and red cell distribution width (RDW) in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients and their correlation with disease activity.MethodsTwo hundred eight SLE patients and 205 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were included. Disease activity was assessed using the systemic lupus erythematosus disease activity index 2000, and hematological indices were determined.ResultsLymphocyte and platelet counts were significantly lower in SLE patients than in the controls, while the NLR, PLR, and RDW were significantly higher (P < .05). In patients with active disease, the neutrophil counts, NLR, and PLR were significantly higher than in those with inactive disease (P < .05), while the lymphocyte count was significantly lower (P < .05). Based on receiver operating characteristic curve analyses, only for lymphocyte count and PLR. The area under curve was significantly higher (P = .001 and P = .053, respectively).ConclusionPLR can serve as a biomarker for indicating SLE disease activity.

Summary Aim: Atherosclerotic lesions in the carotid arteries lead to a broad range of cerebrovascular disorders such as vascular dementia and ischaemic stroke. Recent studies have verified the beneficial role of atorvastatin (AV) in atherosclerosis. Despite a large body of studies, the mechanisms underlying this effect have not been completely explained. In this study, several experiments were performed on atherosclerotic rat models to investigate the anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effect of AV in the carotid artery. Methods: In this experimental study, 40 male Wistar rats (250 ± 25 g) were randomly divided into four groups: rats on a normal diet (ND; n = 10); a high-cholesterol diet (HD; n = 10); a high-cholesterol diet plus AV (HD + AV; n = 10); and the AV control group (AV; n = 10). Cleavage of caspase-3 protein, expression of B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) as well as phosphorylation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) were determined by immunoblotting assay in the carotid artery homogenate. Plasma atherogenic indices, including total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) were measured by colorimetric assay at the end of the experiment. Plasma levels of oxidised LDL (oxLDL) were measured by sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: After eight weeks of feeding with a high-cholesterol diet, an elevated level of oxLDL was observed in the plasma in the HD group compared with the ND group [214.42 ± 17.46 vs 69.13 ± 9.92 mg/dl (5.55 ± 0.45 vs 1.78 ± 0.26 mmol/l); p < 0.01]. AV administration significantly reduced oxLDL levels in the HD + AV compared to the HD group [126.52 ± 9.46 vs 214.42 ± 17.46 mg/dl (3.28 ± 0.25 vs 5.55 ± 0.45 mmol/l); p < 0.01]. Results also showed that compared with the HC group, the HC + AV group had lower levels of p38 phosphorylation (p < 0.05) and higher levels of Bcl-2 expression (p < 0.05). Lower levels of cleaved caspase-3 were observed in the HC + AV group in comparison with the HC group (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The resultant data suggest that the anti-apoptotic effect of AV could be partially mediated by the pro-inflammatory protein p38 MAPK and the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 in the rat carotid artery. Atorvastatin can therefore be considered a target drug in the prevention or development of atherosclerotic events.

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is one of most important collagen vascular diseases. It has an unknown origin. Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate circulating levels of osteoprotegerin (OPG), total soluble receptor activator of nuclear factor-Kappa B ligand (total sRANKL), and OPG/RANKL ratio in patients with RA. Methods: Forty-five females with RA, who fulfilled the American college of rheumatology (ACR) criteria for RA were included in this cross-sectional study. The overall disease activity was evaluated by the disease activity score based on 28 joint counts (DAS-28). The OPG and sRANKL were measured by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). The levels of high sensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP) were measured by ELISA. We used Pearson's correlation for our comparisons. Results: There was no statistically significant dierence between the levels of hsCRP, OPG, sRANKL and RANKL/OPG ratio in terms of DAS; 28 grades in our patients.No significant correlation was found between the serum levels of OPG and DAS-28 (P = 0.525), duration of the disease (P = 0.884), Z score of the femur (P = 0.546) and Z score of the spine (P = 0.492), T score of the femur (P = 0.137) and T score of the spine (P = 0.821) in the patient group. No significant correlations were found between sRANKL levels with DAS-28 (0.919), Z score of the femur (P = 0.971), Z score of the spine (P = 0.832) and T score of the femur (P = 0170) in the studied groups. Conclusions: Our study showed that there was no significant correlation between hsCRP, OPG, sRANKL and RANKL/OPG ratio in DAS-28 grading of our patients. For this reason they will not be used for evaluating disease activity. However, there was a significant dierence between case and control groups except for sRANKL (pg/mL).

Introduction: Immune responses and inflammation are major risk factors for mortality in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Increased oxidative stress is a common feature of ESRD, and it has been speculated that it is interrelated to inflammation. In many studies it has been proved that red grape seed extract (RGSE) provides an antioxidant efficacy. Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the anti-inflammatory effects of RGSE in hemodialysis patients. Patients and Methods: Thirty hemodialysis individuals were divided into two groups that received either 200 mg/day of the RGSE or placebo for one month. Mean ± SD of age of patients was 58.5 ± 10.5 years. Duration of dialysis was 4 ± 3.4 years and 27 patients were male and 3 patients were female. After a 2-week washout period, the groups were crossed over for another one month. Markers of inflammation, lipid profiles and blood factors were measured at baseline after intervention with RGSE or placebo. Results: Our results showed that RGSE consumption could not make statistically significant changes in markers of inflammation, lipid profiles and blood factors in hemodialysis patients. Conclusion: Although RGSE could not improve markers of inflammation, lipid profiles and blood factors in hemodialysis subjects over a 1 month period. However, this result may be due to short period of treatment or low dose of RGSE. Further studies need to clear these contradictions

Introduction: Nephrotoxicity as a side effect caused by the immunosuppressive drug, cyclosporine-A (CsA), can be a major problem in transplant medicine. Oxidative stress may play an important role in the CsA-induced nephrotoxicity. It has been shown that the antihypertensive drug, valsartan (Val), has also renoprotective effects but, its molecular mechanism is largely unknown. In the present study, it was aimed to evaluate the Val effect in the alleviation of CsA nephrotoxicity via probable renal glutathione peroxidase (GPx) upregulation and oxidative stress decrease. Methods: Thirty-two Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups based on CsA and/or Val administration: group A (Control, 1 mL/kg/day of olive oil as vehicle), group B (CsA, 30 mg/kg/day), group C (CsA+Val, 30+30 mg/kg/day), and group D (Val, 30 mg/kg/day). After the administration period (six weeks), renal GPx expression was evaluated by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Plasma levels of GPx and 8-Hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Malondialdehyde (MDA) and protein carbonyl groups (PCG) were measured by spectrophotometer. Plasma levels of urea and creatinine were measured by an autoanalyzer. Results: CsA treatment led to the decrease in renal expression and plasma levels of GPx in comparison to other study groups. Rats received CsA were detected to have significantly (p

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: Red grape seed extract (RGSE) contains oligomeric proanthocyanidin complexes as a class of flavonoids. These compounds are potent antioxidants and exert many health-promoting effects. This study aimed to determine the effects of RGSE on serum levels of triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), apolipoprotein AI (apo-AI) levels and paraoxonase (PON) activity in patients with mild to moderate hyperlipidemia (MMH). DESIGN AND SETTINGS: A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted at Shahid-Modarres Hospital (Tehran, Iran) and Tabriz University of Medical Sciences. Seventy MMH patients were randomly assigned to receive treatment (200 mg/day of RGSE) or placebo for eight weeks. RESULTS: Significant elevation in serum levels of apo-AI (P = 0.001), HDL-C (P = 0.001) and PON activity (P = 0.001) and marked decreases in concentrations of TC (P = 0.015), TG (P = 0.011) and LDL-C (P = 0.014) were found in the cases. PON activity was significantly correlated with apo-AI (r = 0.270; P < 0.01) and HDL-C (r = 0.45; P < 0.001). Significant differences between the RGSE and control groups (before and after treatment) for TC (P = 0.001), TG (P = 0.001), PON (P = 0.03), apo-AI (P = 0.001) and LDL-C (P = 0.002) were seen. CONCLUSION: It is possible that RGSE increases PON activity mostly through increasing HDL-C and apo-AI levels in MMH patients. It may thus have potential beneficial effects in preventing oxidative stress and atherosclerosis in these patients.

Empagliflozin, a SGLT-2 inhibitor, improves diabetic nephropathy through its pleiotropic anti-inflammatory effects. The present study aims to evaluate empagliflozin effects on renal and urinary levels of tubular epithelial cell injury markers in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Empagliflozin at 10 mg/kg (p.o.) was administered for 4 weeks, beginning 8 weeks after induction of diabetes. Renal function as well as markers of renal tubular epithelial cell injury were assessed in kidney tissue homogenates and urine. Empagliflozin was able to ameliorate diabetes induced elevations in serum cystatin C levels. It also alleviated renal KIM-1/NGAL levels and urinary albumin, α-GST, and RBP excretions. In addition to decreasing urinary levels of cell cycle arrest indices i.e. TIMP-2 and IGFBP7, empagliflozin mitigated acetylated NF-κB levels in renal tissues of diabetic rats. As a whole, these findings reveal empagliflozin capability in improving diabetic nephropathy via ameliorating indices of renal inflammation, injury, and cell cycle arrest on streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

Introduction: This study aimed to discover by which mechanism selenium (Se) suppresses stimulated platelets stimulation in oxidative stress underlying diseases. Methods: Human platelets pretreated with Se and stimulated by Cu2+-oxidized low density of lipoprotein (OxLDL) or thrombin before assessment of P-selectin and phosphorylated p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p-p38MAPK), phosphorylated Jun N-terminal kinase (p–JNK), and phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinases (p-ERK1/2). All variables were measured by solid phase sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: Se significantly decreased Cu2+-OxLDL induced P-selectin expression, as well as p38 and JNK phosphorylation in platelets, but could not significantly reduce ERK1/2 phosphorylation. Conclusion: Se suppresses inflamed platelets. This effect maybe partly mediated by the p38 or c-JNK signaling pathways. These results create possibility of new co-anti-inflammatory insight for Se in atherosclerosis.

Background Recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) is characterized by recurrent, painful, shallow, round or oval oral ulcers surrounded by inflammatory halos. Aim of the work To investigate the status of vitamin D in RAS patients and the relationship between vitamin D levels and the severity of RAS. Patients and methods In this cross sectional study 46 patients with idiopathic minor RAS (MIRAS), and 49 age and sex matched healthy controls were included. Patients with at least 3 minor aphthous oral ulcers in a year without any known cause for RAS were determined as idiopathic minor recurrent aphthous stomatitis. The severity of RAS was assessed by the number of oral aphthous ulcers in each attack and the frequency of attacks. 25-Hydroxy vitamin D [25(OH) D] levels were measured by the Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) method in patients and control groups. Results The mean 25(OH) D level in the MIRAS group was lower than the control group (12.1 ± 7.7 ng/dl vs. 27.4 ± 9.7 ng/dl, p = 0.0001). Insufficiency and deficiency of 25(OH) D in the recurrent aphthous stomatitis groups were more common than those in the control group (Vitamin D sufficient, Vitamin D insufficient and Vitamin D deficient (p

Objective: Pentraxin 3 (PTX3) and C-reactive protein (CRP) may be associated with development of diabetic vascular complications. In the current study we evaluated the relationship between PTX3 levels and the presence and severity of coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Furthermore, we compared the sensitivity and specificity of PTX3 and CRP for detection of CAD. Methods: In 275 T2DM patients, coronary angiography revealed CAD (stenosis ≥ 50% at least in one vessel) in 140 patients and 135 patients without CAD. Gensini score was used to assess the severity of CAD. Demographic parameters and biochemical characteristics were measured in all participants. Results: Log-transformed mean plasma PTX3 levels were higher in T2DM patients with CAD than in T2DM patients without CAD (2.42 ng/mL vs 1.98 ng/mL, p

Nontraditional risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD), including mineral disorder, high fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23), low klotho, and low soluble TWEAK could predict the incipient risk of CVD in chronic kidney disease (CKD). The present study evaluates the effect of sevelamer on soluble tumor necrosis factor-like weak inducer of apoptosis (TWEAK), and klotho levels in adenine-induced CKD rats.Normal control rats without sevelamer were compared with 3 groups of adenine-induced CKD rats, including CKD rats without sevelamer, CKD rats treated with 3% sevelamer, and rats receiving adenine and 3% sevelamer concurrently. After 4 weeks of sevelamer treatment, serum levels of klotho and soluble TWEAK were measured, along with biochemical parameters related to kidney function.Sevelamer significantly reduced serum levels of phosphate and increased serum levels of klotho and soluble TWEAK. Decreased levels of phosphate were negatively correlated with elevated levels of klotho and soluble TWEAK (r = -0.70, P = .003; r = -0.58, P = .02; respectively) in serum.Sevelamer successfully reduced serum levels of phosphate, and meanwhile, it led to an elevation in serum levels of klotho and soluble TWEAK in rat models of CKD.

The circulating anucleated platelets are involved in pathophysiology of several cerebrovascular diseases (CVD) such as atherosclerosis, Alzheimer and stroke. Platelets should be activated before involving in the inflammatory or hemostatic events. Oxidized low density lipoprotein (oxLDL) as oxidative stress inducer and one of the major risk factors in atherosclerosis leads to vast changes in platelets proteome. The objective here is to study proteins involved in such phenomena. In the current study, quiescent human platelets activated by oxLDL.2D SDS-PAGE (pH 3-10) were used to separate platelet proteins. Progenesis SameSpots statistical software was used to compare the gel images of resting and activated platelets with each other. Finally, comparatively expressed proteins were identified using Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI)-time of flight (TOF) mass spectroscopy technique (MALDI-TOF MS). This study showed altered levels of actin binding proteins such as myosin-9, Cofilin-1 and transgelin2. It has also pointed to overexpression of Thrombospondin (TSP)-1, Fibrinogen, Proto-oncogene tyrosine-protein kinase Src, and underexpression of Enoyl-CoA hydratase, mitochondrial, Ubiquitin-like modifier-activating enzyme 7. Alteration in actin associated protein hints towards the cytoskeletal changes necessary to oxidative stress effect on platelets. Additionally, altered expression levels of Thrombospondin (TSP)-1and Proto-oncogene tyrosine-protein kinase following oxidative stress signifies that cerebrovascular events can partly modulate via Src kinase pathway or/and TSP- TNF?- TLR4/NF-Kb pathway. These findings can raise our basic knowledge about platelet function and novel drug targets, leading to the discovery of the mechanism(s) of action of new antiplatelet drugs.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the osteoprotegerin (OPG), receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa B ligand (RANKL), oxidant, and antioxidant status in untreated active pulmonary tuberculosis patients (PTB). Serum was obtained from 42 patients with different forms of untreated active PTB and 41 healthy subjects, as the control group. The serum levels of OPG, RANKL, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and the lipid profiles were determined using standard methods. Patients with PTB were detected to have significantly higher plasma MDA, TNFα, OPG, and RANKL levels, and lower TAC levels, when compared to the healthy controls(p

Introduction: We evaluated the association between four polymorphisms in the CRP gene with plasma C-reactive protein (CRP) levels,prevalence and severity of coronary artery disease(CAD) in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM)patients . Methods: We performed coronary angiography for 308 T2DM patients and classified them into two groups: T2DM with CAD and T2DM without CAD, all patient come from Ahwaz, Iran. Plasma levels of CRP, glucose and lipid profile were measured. Genotyping was performed by PCR/RFLP, and the severity of coronary artery disease was determined by Gensini score. Results: The GG genotype of SNP rs279421 was associated with increased risk CAD (OR = 2.38; 95%CI: 1.12- 5.8; P = 0.02)and CA,TT,TA genotypes and A allele of SNP rs3091244 and GA genotypes and A allele of SNP rs3093062 were significantly associated with increased CRP levels.None genotypes or alleles was not associated with Gensini score. We found that the haplotype 7 (AGCG) was associated with decreased risk of CAD (OR = 0.11; 95%CI: 0.02, 0.66; P = 0.017) . The Gensini score was correlated with increased levels of CRP, only in CAD group. Conclusion: Although genetic polymorphisms were influenced on plasma CRP levels but none of the alleles and genotypes raising or falling C-reactive protein levels was consistently associated with an increased prevalence of CAD or protected from that.

Hyperlipidemia can lead to atherosclerosis by lipoprotein deposition inside the vessel wall and oxidative stress induction that leads to the formation of atherosclerotic plaque. Oxidized low-density lipoprotein particles (Ox-LDL) have a key role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. The lipid-lowering properties and antioxidants of the grape seed can be beneficial in atherosclerosis prevention. We conducted a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled crossover clinical trial. Fifty-two mildly hyperlipidemic individuals were divided into two groups that received either 200 mg/day of the red grape seed extract (RGSE) or placebo for 8 weeks. After an 8-week washout period, the groups were crossed over for another 8 weeks. Lipid profiles and Ox-LDL were measured at the beginning and the end of each phase. RGSE consumption reduced total cholesterol (-10.68±26.76 mg/dL, P=.015), LDL cholesterol (-9.66±23.92 mg/dL, P=.014), and Ox-LDL (-5.47±12.12 mg/dL, P=.008). While triglyceride and very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol were decreased and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol was increased by RGSE, the changes were not statistically significant. RGSE consumption decreases Ox-LDL and has beneficial effects on lipid profile-consequently decreasing the risk of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disorders-in mild hyperlipidemic individuals.

Objectives The purpose of the present study was to determine the alterations in high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and Tumor Necrosis factor alpha levels in the blood serum of pseudoexfoliation syndrome cases (a disease with similar risk factors as systemic endothelial dysfunction diseases) and to compare the results with healthy individuals. Methods High-sensitivity C-reactive protein and Tumor Necrosis factor alpha levels were determined in 30 cases with pseudoexfoliation syndrome and in 30 control patients of the same age and sex, by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results The levels of high- sensitivity C-reactive protein and Tumor Necrosis factor alpha in the blood serum of patients with pseudoexfoliation syndrome (3.95±0.88 mg/l, 3.32±0.99 pg/ml, respectively) were significantly higher than in the control group (2.51±0.79mg/l, 0.43±0.15 pg/ml, respectively) p=0.001, p=0.002. Conclusion The results suggest that increased levels of high- sensitivity C-reactive protein and Tumor Necrosis factor alpha, as markers of inflammation and peripheral endothelial dysfunction in pseudoexfoliation syndrome, may be risk factors for systemic and ocular manifestations of pseudoexfoliation syndrome.

Calcineurin inhibitor nephrotoxicity is major problem after organ transplantation. It is multifactorial, but oxidative stress may have an important role in this process. It has been shown that angiotensin II receptor blockers have renoprotective effects but their molecular mechanism is largely unknown. Antioxidative effect is an important role of the recently known anti-aging protein, klotho. This study aimed to evaluate effect of valsartan in alleviation of cyclosporine A nephrotoxicity via a probable increase in serum klotho levels or decreasing oxidative stress.Thirty-two Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 4 groups to receive 1 mL/kg/d of olive oil as control; 30 mg/kg/d of cyclosporine; 30 mg/kg/d of cyclosporine and 50 mg/kg/d of valsartan; and 50 mg/kg/d of valsartan. After the 6 weeks of administration period, serum levels of klotho and 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Serum malondialdehyde level was measured spectrophotometrically.The mean serum level of klotho was significantly lower in the cyclosporine group compared with control and valsartan groups. Klotho level in the valsartan group was significantly higher than those in the other groups. The cyclosporine group was detected to have significantly higher serum 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine and malondialdehyde levels compared with the other study groups. The levels of klotho were negatively correlated with 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine and malondialdehyde levels.Administration of valsartan may lead to attenuation of the nephrotoxic side effect of cyclosporine via enhancing klotho and decreasing oxidative stress levels.

Background: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the most common cause of elderly irreversible vision loss in the world. Since C-reactive protein (CRP) is a potential risk factor that has been known to induce AMD, this study was designed to explore the relationship between AMD and serum levels of high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), and endothelin-1 (ET-1). Methods The subjects were 48 males with AMD (28 with wet type and 20 with dry type) having a mean age of 69.4 ± 9.6 years and a matched group of 45 apparently healthy control subjects. The AMD was diagnosed using a slit-lamp with super filled lens, fundus photography and fluorescein angiography. Levels of hsCRP and ET-1 were determined using ELISA methods. Results: hsCRP (6.96 ± 5.15 vs. 3.64 ± 4.67 mg/l, P

Background High serum phosphate and fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF-23) levels are well-recognized independent risk factors of mortality and morbidity in patients with chronic kidney diseases (CKDs). Sevelamer, as a phosphate chelating agent, reduces serum phosphate and FGF-23 levels produced by bone osteocytes. This study aimed to determine the best dose at which sevelamer could successfully reduce serum phosphate and FGF-23 levels in rat models of adenine-induced CKD. Methods CKD was induced using adenine. Healthy and CKD-induced rats were divided into 6 groups as follows: healthy controls; CKD controls; rats treated with 1%, 2%, and 3% sevelamer for CKDs; and healthy rats administered 3% sevelamer. Biochemical factors and serum FGF-23 levels were measured using spectrophotometry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay methods. Results Serum phosphate levels were best decreased in rats receiving 3% sevelamer in their diet (5.91±1.48 mg/dL vs. 8.09±1.70 mg/dL, P