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Introduction: Plasma gelsolin (pGSN) was recently introduced as a new predictor of systemic inflammation outcomes, especially in critically ill patients. This study aimed to describe the potential interplay between C-reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin (PCT), and pGSN concentrations in blood collected from patients diagnosed with colon and lung cancer and to assess their diagnostic potential when a combined evaluation of those 3 markers was performed. Aim of the research: We hypothesized that a correlation between increased blood levels of CRP and PCT and a decreased level of plasma gelsolin might help identify cancer-associated inflammatory responses and a higher risk of poor clinical outcomes. Material and methods: Blood samples collected from 159 subjects were subjected to the biochemical analysis of CRP and PCT, in addition to the assessment of pGSN levels using Western blotting. Results: Our results confirmed a significant increase in CRP and PCT concentrations in collected blood samples, while pGSN concentrations decreased. Because the values of the blood CRP, PCT, and pGSN concentration did not show a strong correlation within the tested groups, it might be assumed that the molecular and cell signalling background leading to changes in those markers differs. Conclusions: A better understanding of the clinical value of the simultaneous evaluation of CRP, PCT, and pGSN levels in patients suffering from rectal and lung cancer might help us identify those with inflammatory responses leading to poor clinical outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Postoperative complications of rectal resections classified as grade III or higher according to Clavien-Dindo system, which also include anastomotic leaks, are usually life-threatening conditions. Delayed diagnosis may account for almost 18% of deaths. Due to nonspecific clinical signs in the early postoperative period, diagnosing these complications may truly be a challenge for clinicians. Nowadays, with the implementation of the ERAS protocol (enhanced recovery after surgery) and efforts concentrated on quickly delivered treatment to patients suffering from the above-mentioned complications, an appropriate marker with high specificity is required. Postoperative levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) in blood serum seem promising in this aspect. Aim: The presented study aimed to determine the cut-off level of serum CRP as a possible predictive factor for early diagnosis of serious postoperative complications associated with rectal resections. This could also lead clinicians to the diagnosis of anastomotic leak after other possible options are ruled out. Material and methods: This study is a retrospective observational analysis of patients who underwent open resection of rectal cancer during a one-year period. Collected data included risk factors (age, gender, BMI, bowel preparation), record of complications and CRP serum levels. Results: The study included 162 patients. Uncomplicated postoperative course was observed in 58 patients (35.8%). Complications were present in 104 cases (64.2%), including surgical site infections (16.7%) and anastomotic leak (9.9%). The mortality rate was 2.5%. Serum CRP threshold predicting relevant complications reached a sensitivity of 83.3% and specificity of 82.7% on POD 4, with a 175.4 mg/L cut-off value, burdened with a 95.7% negative predictive value. Conclusion: Postoperative serum CRP may be used as a good predictor of infectious complications, including anastomotic leaks. Measuring CRP levels in the early postoperative period may facilitate identification oflow-risk patients ensure early and safe discharges from hospital after rectal resections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acute-phase proteins (APPs) form a group of heterogeneous proteins whose synthesis takes place in the liver. This involves mediators such as cytokines and constitutes a response to acute inflammations, bacterial infections, tumours, and autoimmune diseases. C-reactive protein is among the most important APPs. It participates in cancerous processes, especially in colon and rectal cancer. Another APP is haptoglobin. This glycoprotein prevents iron loss and kidney damage, and is associated with diagnostic neoplastic progression connected with fucosylation. Fucoso-haptoglobin is a highly effective marker for prognosis because an increased concentration of this complex is indicative of the distant metastases amount. Another APP is acidic a-glycoprotein (AGP), which increases to a serious level during acute inflammations and tumour-promoting processes. Its protective role involves platelet aggregation inhibition and chemotactic activity. The purpose of this study was to review the role of selected acute phase proteins in cancer promotion and progression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of General Medicine & Health Sciences / Medycyna Ogólna i Nauki o Zdrowiu is the property of Witold Chodzki Institute of Rural Medicine and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Introduction. Acne vulgaris is one of the most common skin diseases. It occurs mainly in young people and affects about 80% of individuals in this age group. The role of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the development of lesions is not fully understood. Objective. To assess the relationship between levels of interleukins -6, -8, -12p40 and C-reactive protein in the blood serum of patients diagnosed with acne vulgaris and the severity of skin lesions in this group of patients. Material and methods. Serum samples collected from 47 patients (37 women and 10 men) with acne vulgaris and 41 healthy volunteers (21 women and 20 men) aged 18 to 34 years were tested. The levels of interleukins -6, -8, -12p40 and C-reactive protein were determined by enzyme immunoassay ELISA. The concentrations were correlated with the severity of the disease process using the generally available Food and Drug Administration (FDA) scale. Results. The serum level of interleukin 6 of acne vulgaris patients was higher than in the control group. A statistically significant correlation was demonstrated between the interleukin-6 level and severity of skin lesions in the course of the disease. Serum levels of interleukin-8 of volunteers from both groups did not show a statistically significant difference. However, it was found that in patients with acne vulgaris, the serum concentration of interleukin-12p40 is lower compared to the control group. Patients with acne vulgaris have higher C-reactive protein levels compared to the control group. A statistically significant positive correlation was found between the C-reactive protein level and the severity of the disease. Conclusions. Interleukin-6 may be a helpful marker for monitoring the course of the disease and a useful tool for assessing an individual patient's predisposition to severe skin lesions. Thus, it can contribute to faster decision making regarding the introduction of systemic therapy. Interleukin-12p40 deficiency may be one of the most important factors in the aetiopathogenesis of the disease, especially at the earliest stages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: An inflammatory reaction is a local or systemic response of the organs or tissues of the body to many damaging factors. One of the exponents of the inflammatory process is C-reactive protein (CRP). Aim: To investigate the prognostic value of C-reactive protein (CRP) in patients undergoing valve surgery. Material and methods: A prospective study was conducted on a group of consecutive patients with haemodynamically significant valve defects who underwent elective valve repair or replacement surgery. The primary end-point was in-hospital death from all causes. Patients were followed by direct observation during hospitalization. The risk of surgery using Euro- SCORE II was calculated for each patient. The plasma levels of C-reactive protein were measured by the Cardiac C-Reactive Protein (Latex) High Sensitive Test (Roche, Germany). Results: The study group included 562 patients. The mean age in the studied population was 63 (standard deviation (SD) ±12). The mean plasma preoperative CRP level was 0.39 ±0.3 mg/dl. The primary endpoint occurred in 25 patients. At multivariate analysis age (p = 0.01), CRP (p = 0.02) and NT-proBNP (p = 0.03) remained independent predictors of the primary endpoint. A significant correlation was found between the level of CRP and haemoglobin (r = -0.3; p < 0.0001), red cell distribution width (r = 0.22; p < 0.0001), ejection fraction (r = -0.24, p = 0.007), troponin T (r = 0.3; p < 0.0001), creatinine (r = 0.26; p = 0.001) and body mass index (r = -0.29; p = 0.005). The average total time of hospitalization after the operation in patients with occurrence of the primary endpoint was 25 ±13 days. Conclusions: Elevated preoperative CRP was associated with a poorer outcome following valve surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the evaluation of tissue regeneration in monozygous twins after surgical tooth extraction. One of the twins received A-PRF after the procedure. The assessment included CRP protein levels and the VAS scale. The results of the study confirmed the effectiveness of A-PRF in reducing local post-operative ailments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clozapine, atypical antipsychotic drug, is widely used in patients with schizophrenia, for whom previous therapy was inadequate or not tolerated. Clozapine-induced myocarditis (CIM) is a relatively rare but potentially life-threatening complication of clozapine therapy; however, the underlying mechanism has not been so far well elucidated. Factors predisposing to CIM include a rapid dose titration, advanced age and co-administration of sodium valproate. In this paper, we present a case of a 22-year-old male patient with refractory schizophrenia who developed CIM during low-dose clozapine treatment with co-administration of valproate and risperidone. On the basis of our case and literature review, we point out that during the first weeks of clozapine treatment patients should be actively, daily monitored for the presence of symptoms suggesting CIM. The low dose of clozapine and concurrent use of valproate are unique aspects of the report, adding new information to the discussion on safety of concomitant use of clozapine and valproate. Further investigation is required to better understand the role of co-administration of valproate and risperidone in the pathogenesis of CIM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Presentation of the current state of knowledge on the epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical picture, diagnosis and treatment of clozapine-induced myocarditis (CIM). Views: Clozapine is widely used in patients with psychotic disorders for whom previous therapy was inadequate or not tolerated. However, in some cases its use may be associated with serious side-effects. In addition to agranulocytosis, ketoacidosis and intestinal obstruction, CIM is the most serious and potentially life-threatening complication of clozapine therapy, as it encompasses the inflammation and injury of the heart muscle. Attempts to estimate the incidence of CIM are characterized by a large discrepancy of results. To date, the pathomechanism of CIM has not been well investigated. The variability of the clinical spectrum and the lack of pathognomonic signs significantly hinder diagnosis, which is usually based on clinical symptoms, echocardiography, concentration of troponin and C-reactive protein in the serum samples and, in some cases, by myocardial biopsy and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. In patients with suspected/confirmed CIM, the main recommendation is to discontinue clozapine and monitor the patient's vital signs. Clinical observations indicate that a β-blocker and/or angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor might be useful in at least same cases of CIM. Conclusions: We point out that patients receiving clozapine should be carefully monitored for the symptoms of CIM. The publication contains guidelines for dealing with suspected CIM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Review of Medicine / Przeglad Lekarski is the property of Wydawnictwo Przegld Lekarski / Publisher Medicine Review and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Review of Medicine / Przeglad Lekarski is the property of Wydawnictwo Przegld Lekarski / Publisher Medicine Review and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Introduction: The prognosis in patients with a first ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and diabetes mellitus (DM) is still poor. Post-infarct left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD) has been identified as the main reason of the increased risk of cardiac death. Acute myocardial infarction provokes a systemic inflammatory response with a release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and an increase in C-reactive protein (CRP) plasma concentration. Aim of tile study: To assess The association of an In-hospital measurement of CRP concentration and IVSD at discharge in patients with a first STEMI and DM, treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI). Materials and methods; Two hundred four (156 mate) consecutive patients with STEM! were prospectively enrolled into the study. CRP plasma concentrations were measured before reperfusion (CRPa), 24 hours after admission (CRP24) and at discharge (CRPd) with an ultra-sensitive latex immunoassay-The following parameters of left ventricular systolic function were assessed in echocardiography before discharge: (i) left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), tii) wall motion score index (WMSI), (iit) the average peak systolic mitral annular velocity (SCK Results: Moderate global and longitudinal LVSD and severe regional LVSD at hospital discharge was found in patients with a first STEMI and DM. Significant global LVSD (LVEF ⩽40%) were observed in 412% of patients with DM and in 25.3% patients without DM (p-0.059). The prevalence of LVSD was significantly growing across increasing tertiles of CRP concentration at 24 hours after admission (cut-off values of <4.26 and >323 mg/L for the lower and upper tertile, respectively): 10% in the lower fertile and 70% in the upper one (p=0.006). Significant associations between echocardiography parameters of LV5F, time from the onset of pain, markers of myocardial necrosis, glicemic parameters, body mass Indices and in-hospitaf CRP plasma concentration were found in the patients with DM. Conclusions: The results from this study denote the relationship between enhanced inflammatory process during hospitalisation and the occurrence of LVSD at discharge in patients with DM and a first STEMI treated with pPCl. There is an association between inflammatory response in the course of STEMI and: time from onset of pain, sire of myocardial necrosis, glicemic parameters during hospitalisation and body mass indices. Moreover, pre-hospital pro-inflammatory factors may influence the inflammatory process during hospitalisation and LVSD at discharge in the group of patients with STEM) and DM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The menopausal hormonal therapy (MHT) comprises hormonal replacement therapy (HRT) and hormonal supplement therapy (HST). In HRT, the structure of hormonal therapeutic agents is similar to natural hormones synthesized by ovaries. However, HST users are given hormones the structure and molecular weight of which are different from natural hormones. Objective: To evaluate the influence of modified hormonal transdermal replacement therapy (MHRT) and oral hormonal supplement therapy (HST) on the concentrations of estrogens, progesterone, prolactin, lipid fractions, lipoprotein (a), homocysteine, fibrinogen, C-reactive protein, C-protein, S-protein, antithrombin III in blood serum. The influence of this therapy on arterial blood pressure was also assessed. Material and methods: 70 healthy women aged 51-57 and divided into 2 groups [group I (n = 35) control received oral HST, and group II (n = 35)] were treated with modified transdermal hormonal replacement therapy (MHRT). The concentrations of sexual hormones were assessed by means of immunoenzymatic method, lipid fractions - the enzymatic method, and lipoprotein (a) - the immunoturbidimetric method, homocysteine concentration was assessed by the immunochemical method, antithrombin III - by the calorimetric method, fibrinogen and S protein were assessed by means of the clot method, and C-protein - by the kinetic method. Results: In users applying modified transdermal hormonal replacement therapy (MHRT), a significant decrease of concentrations of TC, LDL-C, lipoprotein (a), homocysteine, fibrinogen, C-reactive protein, and the increase of concentrations of HDL-C, PC-protein, PS-protein and antithrombin III in blood serum were found. This regimen did not increase arterial blood pressure. However, in users given oral hormonal supplement therapy (HST), an increase of concentrations of homocysteine, C-reactive protein, estrogens, prolactin and decrease of concentration of fibrinogen in blood serum were revealed. An increase of systolic blood pressure was observed. Conclusions: 1. In women receiving oral hormonal supplement therapy, a significantly high concentration of estrogens in blood serum compared to transdermal hormonal replacement therapy can be caused by their different distribution and metabolic disturbances. 2. The lack of changes in concentrations of some lipid and non-lipid parameters compared to the initial values in women receiving cyclic oral hormonal supplement therapy suggests the impaired liver function caused by the effect of "first passage" estrogens in the portal system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: There is a growing body of data concerning significant interactions between markers of inflammation and cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension accompanied by elevated levels of plasma C-reactive protein (CRP). Therefore CRP is thought to be an independent risk factor of cardiovascular diseases. Material/Methods: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of antihypertensive therapy (perindopril, bisoprolol and combined therapy) on plasma CRP concentration in 67 subjects with mild or moderate hypertension who have been treatment-naive and otherwise healthy. Results: The results show a correlation between CRP level and blood pressure values. BP reduction was associated with a decrease in CRP concentration. The CRP-lowering effect of perindopril and bisoprolol was comparable and the degree of reduction might reflect their similar influence on blood pressure. Combined treatment influenced the CRP level to a greater extent than both monotherapies. Conclusions: Plasma CRP level was lowered by antihypertensive therapy independently of the drug applied. The CRP level did not normalize completely in moderate hypertensive patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease, whose main pathomechanism is attributed to the disturbed apoptotic process and dysfunction of the immune cells, leading to the accumulation of undegraded cellular matrix. This paper presents molecules such as complement components, pentraxins, and collectins, which are involved in the opsonization and removal of cellular material, and shows how deficiencies in these processes may contribute to SLE development and progression. Many reports indicate the specific role of the pentraxins (C-reactive protein, serum amyloid P, pentraxin 3), which, due to enhancing the phagocytosis of damaged cells and inducing the classical pathway of complement activation, participate in masking antigens from the immune system. The influence of CRP on inhibition of development and progression of kidney disease and decreasing the immune activity markers was demonstrated on the basis of research in experimental, mouse models of SLE. The decreased pentraxin response described in systemic lupus erythematosus patients, despite the presence of high levels of interleukin-6 and other markers of disease activity, is still unclear. Anti-mCRP antibodies bind CRP to form immune complexes, which are deposited in glomeruli and may initiate or exacerbate inflammation. In the literature, the correlation between raised levels of anti-CRP antibodies and clinical and immunological activity of lupus nephritis was proved. It shows their importance as a factor determining the severity of the disease and response to treatment. Novel studies suggest that the low CRP response in SLE is due to interferon-a inhibition of gene expression and CRP synthesis. This suggests that therapeutic targets in systemic lupus erythematosus should also be based on inhibiting the synthesis of interferon-α. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study which evaluates the impacts of competitive sports on plasma lipid profile, creatine kinase activity and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels in female athletes. The somatic features and other variables of the participants ageing from 17-25 years were measured to serve as baselines for the study. It reveals that C-reactive proteins of the participants shows no significant difference. It notes that lipid profile of female volleyball players were improved by sports training.

Introduction. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the most common inflammatory joint disease, with progressive destruction of joint structures. Therefore, sensitive and specific markers, useful in monitoring the course of disease are extensively investigated. Aim of the study. The aim of the study was to evaluate the concentration of selected antibodies (anti-CCP, RF lgM and lgG) and hsCRP in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), in different degrees of the disease's progression. Material and methods. Seventy-five patients with rheumatoid arthritis and 26 healthy controls were included in the study. Anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies (anti-CCP), rheumatoid factor 1gM (RF lgM) and lgG (RF lgG) were determined in the serum by ELISA and C-reactive protein (hsCRP) using latex-enhanced immunonephelometric assays. Results. Concentration of anti-CCP, RF lgM and CRP was significantly higher in patients at an advanced stage, rather than in early and moderate stages of the disease. The percentage of positive results increased with the progression of the disease. We demonstrated a high conformability of positive results (81%) of anti-CCP with RE lgM in patients with severe and end-stage of RA and of negative results (83%) in patients with early and moderate stage. In 14% of RA patients in an advanced stage, in spite of negative RF lgM, anti-CCP antibodies and hs CRP, were also positive. Conclusions. In clinical practice, for an estimation of the degree of RA progression, measurement of anti-CCP antibodies and hsCRP should be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]