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Chronic inflammatory diseases (CID) are characterized by an increased risk of cardiovascular (CV) morbidity and mortality. Several mechanisms, including early acceleration of subclinical atherosclerotic damage, inflammatory markers and immune system deregulation factors, have been demonstrated to strictly interplay for development and progression of atherosclerosis. Moreover, traditional CV risk factors are likely to explain at least some of the excess of CV risk in these patients. Among traditional CV risk factors, compelling evidence suggests a higher incidence and prevalence of hypertension in patients with CID in comparison to the general population. Moreover, hypertension represents an important predictor of CV events in these patients. Pathogenic mechanisms underlying the rise of blood pressure in CID are multifactorial and still poorly investigated. Indeed, multiple disease-related factors may affect blood pressure control in these patients and hypertension may affect disease prognosis and increase CV risk. Better knowledge of the complex interplay between hypertension and CID will be important to elucidate pathogenic mechanisms and to improve CV outcome in these patients. Aim of this review is to highlight available evidence on the relationship between hypertension and CID and to elucidate the multiple factors that may affect blood pressure control in these disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives Metabolomics studies have revealed transition points in metabolic signatures of red cells during storage in SAGM, whose clinical significance is unclear. We set out to investigate whether these transition points occur independent of storage media and define differences in the metabolism of red cells in additive solutions. Materials and Methods Red cell concentrates were stored in SAGM, AS-1, AS-3 or PAGGSM, and sampled fourteen times spanning Day 1-46. Following quality control, the samples were split into extracellular and intracellular aliquots. These were analysed with ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry analysis affording quantitative metabolic profiles of both intra- and extracellular red cell metabolites. Results Differences were observed in glycolysis, purine salvage, glutathione synthesis and citrate metabolism on account of the storage solutions. Donor variability however hindered the accurate characterization of metabolic transition time-points. Intracellular citrate concentrations were increased in red cells stored in AS-3 and PAGGSM media. The metabolism of citrate in red cells in SAGM was subsequently confirmed using 13C citrate isotope labelling and shown to originate from citrate anticoagulant. Conclusion Metabolic signatures that discriminate between 'fresh' and 'old' stored red cells are dependent upon additive solutions. Specifically, the incorporation and metabolism of citrate in additive solutions with lower chloride ion concentration is altered and impacts glycolysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. This study aims to evaluate the effects of HYADD 4-G, a not chemically cross-linked HA (Hyaluronic Acid) derivative, and hylan G-F 20, a cross-linked HA product, on synovial matrix metalloproteinases and cytokines in patients suffering from knee osteoarthritis. Methods. 31 patients were randomized to receive HYADD 4-G or hylan G-F 20. Synovial fluid was collected before and one week after the first injection. Activity of MMP-3, MMP-2, MMP-13, IL-6 and other cytokines were measured. Changes in synovial fluid neutrophils and lymphocytes were analyzed. The VAS, the WOMAC questionnaire, and a Physician Global Assessment (PhGA VAS) were recorded. Results. A trend towards a greater decrease in MMP-3 activity was observed in the Hymovis® group. Active MMP-2 and MMP-13 decreased in both groups. IL-6 levels also decreased significantly in both groups. Median change in neutrophils from baseline was significantly different between the treatment groups. No differences between the treatment groups were observed for the WOMAC, VAS and PhGA VAS scores. No serious adverse events were reported. Conclusions. These findings demonstrate that intra-articular HA injections in patients with knee osteoarthritis tend to protect cartilage structural integrity reducing the activity of key proteolytic enzymes implicated in cartilage degradation as well as inflammatory mediators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]