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IgA nephropathy (IgAN) is the most common primary glomerular disease. Endothelin-1 (ET-1) is one of the strongest vasoconstrictor materials in the blood. The N-terminal prohormone of brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) is associated with renal function and poor outcomes in chronic kidney disease (CKD). Serum endocan is a biomarker associated with proinflammatory cytokines, and the increase in the serum level plays a critical role in inflammatory, proliferative, and neovascularization processes and is associated with poor cardiovascular outcomes in patients with CKD too. Identifying high-risk patients using biomarkers could help to optimize their treatment. Ninety patients with biopsy-confirmed IgAN were included in the study (50 males/40 females, mean age: 54.9 ± 14.4 years). Serum endocan, ET-1, and NT-proBNP were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. Echocardiography was performed, and carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) was measured by SphygmoCor in this cross-sectional study. Patients were divided into two groups based on serum endocan median level (cut-off: 44 ug/L). There was significantly higher aorta systolic blood pressure (SBPao) (p = 0.013), NT-proBNP (p = 0.028), albumin/creatinine ratio (p = 0.036), and uric acid (p = 0.045) in the case of the higher endocan group compared to the lower. There was also significantly higher SBPao (p = 0.037) and NT-proBNP (p = 0.038) in the case of higher endothelin-1 (ET-1) levels compared to the lower (cut-off: 231 pg/mL) group by the two-sample t-test. Then, we divided the patients into two groups based on the eGFR (CKD 1–2 vs. CKD 3–5). The levels of serum endocan, NT-proBNP, cfPWV, SBPao, left ventricular mass index (LVMI), uric acid, and albuminuria were significantly higher in the CKD 3–5 group compared to the CKD 1–2 group. The serum endocan and NT-proBNP levels were significantly higher in the diastolic dysfunction group (p = 0.047, p = 0.015). There was a significant increase in serum endocan levels (CKD 1 vs. CKD 5; p = 0.008) with decreasing renal function. In IgAN, vascular biomarkers (endocan, ET-1) may play a role in endothelial dysfunction through vascular damage and elevation of SBPao. Serum endocan, ET-1, and NT-proBNP biomarkers may help to identify IgAN patients at high risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Infertility affects millions worldwide, posing a significant global health challenge. The proteomic analysis of follicular fluid provides a comprehensive view of the complex molecular landscape within ovarian follicles, offering valuable information on the factors influencing oocyte development and on the overall reproductive health. The follicular fluid is derived from the plasma and contains various proteins that can have different roles in oocyte health and infertility, and this fluid is a critical microenvironment for the developing oocytes as well. Using the high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry method, we investigated the protein composition of the follicular fluid, and after classification, we carried out relative quantification of the identified proteins in the pregnant (P) and non-pregnant (NP) groups. Based on the protein–protein interaction analysis, albumin and apolipoprotein A1 (ApoA1) were found to be hub proteins, and the quantitative comparison of the P and NP groups resulted in a significantly lower concentration of ApoA1 and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in the P group. As both molecules are involved in the cholesterol transport, we also investigated their role in the development of oocytes and in the prediction of fertility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intraoperative stress is common to patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy (CEA); thus, impaired oxygen and metabolic balance may appear. In this study, we aimed to identify new markers of intraoperative cerebral ischemia, with predictive value on postoperative complications during CEA, performed in regional anesthesia. A total of 54 patients with significant carotid stenosis were recruited and submitted to CEA. Jugular and arterial blood samples were taken four times during operation, to measure the jugulo-arterial carbon dioxide partial pressure difference (P(j-a)CO2), and cortisol, S100B, L-arginine, and lactate levels. A positive correlation was found between preoperative cortisol levels and all S100B concentrations. In addition, they are positively correlated with P(j-a)CO2 values. Conversely, postoperative cortisol inversely correlates with P(j-a)CO2 and postoperative S100B values. A negative correlation was observed between maximum systolic and pulse pressures and P(j-a)CO2 after carotid clamp and before the release of clamp. Our data suggest that preoperative cortisol, S100B, L-arginine reflect patients' frailty, while these parameters postoperatively are influenced by intraoperative stress and injury. As a novelty, P(j-a)CO2 might be an emerging indicator of cerebral blood flow during CEA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Laboratory markers are essential tools in the follow‐up of patients with Crohn's disease (CD). Our aim was to investigate urinary concentrations of orosomucoid in relation to the inflammatory activity of CD and to compare it with clinical indices and conventional laboratory parameters. Materials and methods: Blood and urine samples of 86 patients (55 adults and 31 children) with CD and 68 healthy individuals (38 adults and 30 children) as controls were analysed. Patients were categorized according to their clinical scores (Harvey‐Bradshaw Index [HBI] or Pediatric Crohn's Disease Activity Index [PCDAI]). Urinary orosomucoid (u‐ORM) was determined by automated immune turbidimetric assay, and values were referred to urinary creatinine (u‐ORM/u‐CREAT, mg/mmol). Results: U‐ORM/u‐CREAT values were seven times higher in children with active CD (0.50 vs 0.07 mg/mmol, P < 0.001) and two times higher in adults (0.32 vs 0.14 mg/mmol, P = 0.01) compared with patients with inactive disease. U‐ORM/u‐CREAT showed good correlation with conventional inflammatory markers (hs‐CRP, serum ORM; P < 0.01) and activity indices (HBI, P = 0.018; PCDAI, P < 0.001). U‐ORM/u‐CREAT had similar discriminative performance to hs‐CRP and serum ORM in the differentiation of active from inactive paediatric CD patients. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that u‐ORM/u‐CREAT might serve as a valuable additional marker in the follow‐up of CD patients, especially in children for whom the non‐invasive sampling is a further advantage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Infertility affects millions worldwide, posing a significant global health challenge. The proteomic analysis of follicular fluid provides a comprehensive view of the complex molecular landscape within ovarian follicles, offering valuable information on the factors influencing oocyte development and on the overall reproductive health. The follicular fluid is derived from the plasma and contains various proteins that can have different roles in oocyte health and infertility, and this fluid is a critical microenvironment for the developing oocytes as well. Using the high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry method, we investigated the protein composition of the follicular fluid, and after classification, we carried out relative quantification of the identified proteins in the pregnant (P) and non-pregnant (NP) groups. Based on the protein-protein interaction analysis, albumin and apolipoprotein A1 (ApoA1) were found to be hub proteins, and the quantitative comparison of the P and NP groups resulted in a significantly lower concentration of ApoA1 and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in the P group. As both molecules are involved in the cholesterol transport, we also investigated their role in the development of oocytes and in the prediction of fertility.

Sepsis-related acute kidney injury (AKI) is one of the most common complications of sepsis at the intensive care unit (ICU) with more adverse mortality rates. The early diagnosis and reliable monitoring of sepsis-related AKI are essential in achieving a favorable outcome. Novel serum and urinary biomarkers could yield valuable information during this process. Regarding the widely used Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) classifications, the diagnosis of AKI is still based on the increase of serum creatinine levels and the decrease of urine output; however, these parameters have limitations in reflecting the extent of kidney damage, therefore more sensitive and specific laboratory biomarkers are needed for the early diagnosis and prognosis of sepsis-related AKI. Regarding this, several serum parameters are discussed in this review including presepsin and the most important actin scavenger proteins (gelsolin, Gc-globulin) while other urinary markers are also examined including cell cycle arrest biomarkers, neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), kidney injury molecule 1 (KIM-1), Cystatin C and actin. Novel biomarkers of sepsis-related AKI could facilitate the early diagnosis and monitoring of sepsis-related AKI., Competing Interests: The present research was funded by the 2020-4.1.1.-TKP2020 project (Thematic Excellence Program 2020 - National Excellence Subprogram of the Hungarian Ministry for Innovation and Technology) and partially by the Human Reproduction National Laboratory as part of the “Establishment of National Laboratories 2020” program. Zoltán Horváth-Szalai was supported by the University of Pécs, Medical School, Hungary grant (KA-2019-36). We express our special thanks for the invaluable help of the nurses and the colleagues from every participating institute.Competing interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright © 2022 International Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (IFCC). All rights reserved.)