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Purpose of Review: The objective of this narrative review is to summarize data from recently published prospective observational studies that analyze the association between circulating interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels and cardiovascular clinical or imaging endpoints. Recent Findings: Higher levels of IL-6 are associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular death, major adverse cardiovascular events, myocardial infarction, stroke, peripheral artery disease, and heart failure. Imaging studies have also shown an association between IL-6 and carotid intima-media thickness progression, carotid plaque progression, severity, and vulnerability. These observations have been consistent across a wide range of study populations and after adjusting for traditional and emerging risk factors including high-sensitivity C-reactive protein. Summary: Robust epidemiologic evidence supports IL-6 as a central mediator of cardiovascular risk along with human genetic studies and mechanistic experiments. Ongoing clinical studies are testing the therapeutic hypothesis of IL-6 inhibition in patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease or heart failure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Black adults have higher incidence of all-cause mortality and worse cardiovascular disease (CVD) outcomes when compared to other U.S. populations. The Duffy chemokine receptor is not expressed on erythrocytes in a large majority of Black adults, but the clinical implications of this are unclear. Methods: Here, we investigated the relationship of Duffy receptor status, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and mortality and incident CVD events (coronary heart disease, stroke, and heart failure) in self-identified Black members of three contemporary, longitudinal cohort studies (the Women's Health Initiative, Jackson Heart Study, and Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis). Data on 14,358 Black participants (9023 Duffy-null and 5335 Duffy-receptor-positive, as defined using single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs2814778) were included in this analysis. Results: Duffy null was strongly associated with higher hs-CRP (meta-analysis p = 2.62 × 10−9), but the association was largely attenuated, though still marginally significant (p = 0.005), after conditioning on known CRP locus alleles in linkage disequilibrium with the Duffy gene. In our discovery cohorts, Duffy-null status appeared to be associated with a higher risk of all-cause mortality and incident stroke, though these associations were attenuated and non-significant following adjustment for traditional risk factors including hs-CRP. Moreover, the association of Duffy-null status with mortality could not be replicated in an independent sample of Black adults from the UK Biobank. Conclusions: These findings suggest that the higher levels of hs-CRP found in Duffy-null individuals may be in part independent of CRP alleles known to influence circulating levels of hs-CRP. During the follow-up of this community-based sample of Black participants, Duffy-null status was not associated with mortality or incident CVD events independently of traditional risk factors including hs-CRP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Objectives: Predicting post-COVID-19 diabetes is crucial for enhancing patient care and public health. This study investigates the role of metabolic factors in predicting the glycemic outcomes in patients recovering from moderate to severe COVID-19. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 135 patients without pre-existing diabetes, selected from a cohort of 1980 individuals hospitalized between January 2020 and December 2022. Metabolic parameters, including blood glucose, Homeostasis Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR), Triglyceride/Glucose (TyG) index, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), were assessed at discharge and followed up after 4 months (T4) and 12 months (T12). Results: Statistical analysis revealed significant correlations of initial glycemia, HOMA-IR, and hs-CRP with the subsequent glycemic levels at T4 and T12. Multiple regression analysis confirmed that initial glycemia, HOMA-IR, and hs-CRP were strong predictors of elevated glycemia, while the TyG index did not show a significant predictive value. Conventional diabetes risk factors, including body mass index (BMI) and lipid profiles, showed low predictive power for post-COVID-19 glycemia. Conclusions: This research highlights the critical role of metabolic and inflammatory pathways in managing glycemic control in COVID-19 patients. Markers like blood glucose, HOMA-IR, and hs-CRP are significant predictors of blood glucose levels, while the TyG index appears less helpful in this context. Early, targeted interventions based on these markers can improve patient outcomes and reduce the risk of post-COVID-19 complications like diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Higher prevalence rates of diabetes and its complications have been reported among individuals with poor physical activity and a sedentary lifestyle. This study explored the influence of six months of moderate-intensity supervised aerobic training on the serum lipid profile, hs-CRP level, and variable-related correlations in prediabetic and type 2 diabetes patients (T2DM). Design: The study was based on a two-arm parallel group pretest‒posttest comparative design. Methods: A total of 50 subjects who were diagnosed with diabetes for more than five years and aged 30–70 years were included in this study. The subjects were classified into two groups on the basis of their glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c%) values: Group 1 (patients with the prediabetes; HbA1c % ≤ 6.5, n = 25) and Group 2 (patients with the T2DM; HbA1c % ≥ 6.5, n = 25). Blood sugar, HbA1c %, insulin, lipid profile, and highly sensitive CRP (hs-CRP) were measured via colorimetric and immunoassay techniques at baseline and six months postintervention with moderate aerobic exercise. Results: The results revealed that participation in moderate aerobic training interventions for six months resulted in a significant reduction in BMI, fasting blood sugar, glycosylated haemoglobin, hs-CRP, and lipid profile parameters such as T-Cholest, TG, and LDL-C as well as significant improvement in the level of insulin with a reduction in the values of HOMA-IR towards normal values in the patients with prediabetes (P < 0.01) in group 1 and patients with diabetes in group 2 (P < 0.001). The change in VO2max with good physical fitness significantly improved with the exercise program after six months. The reduced levels of hs-CRP, HOMA-IR, and lipid profile and improved levels of insulin were significantly positively correlated with the levels of glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c%) in the patients with prediabetes (P < 0.01) and those with diabetes (P < 0.001) following six months of moderate aerobic training interventions. Moreover, hs-CRP was positively correlated with T-Cholest, TG, and LDL-C (p = 0.01) and negatively correlated with HDL-C. The data revealed improved glycemic control factors, lipid profiles, and hs-CRP levels as cardio-predictive markers in patients with both prediabetes and diabetes as well. These findings suggest that the anti-inflammatory effect of physical activity gained from moderate exercise training for six months may counteract increased cardiovascular complications associated with increased CRP levels and lipid profiles in prediabetes and T2DM patients. Conclusions: Moderate aerobic training for six months favourably affects glycemic parameters, lipid profiles, and inflammatory hs-CRP indicators and improves VO2max, an indicator of physical fitness, in prediabetic and diabetic patients. The data obtained suggest the positive effect of moderate exercise training as a protective modulator of cardiovascular disorders, including the dyslipidaemic profile, glycaemic control, and hs-CRP inflammatory markers, in prediabetes and T2DM patients. Thus, regular exercise, owing to its anti-inflammatory effects and ability to improve cardiorespiratory fitness, lipid profiles, blood glucose levels, and insulin resistance, may help reduce the severity of cardiovascular diseases in prediabetes and T2DM patients and healthy controls. Trial registration: Retrospectively registered with ClinicalTrials.gov PRS under trial identifier ID: NCT06246435 dated 30/01/2024. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low-grade inflammation (LGI) represents a key driver of type 2 diabetes (T2D) and its associated cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Indeed, inflammatory markers such as hs-CRP and IL-6 predict the development of T2D and its complications, suggesting that LGI already increases before T2D diagnosis and remains elevated even after treatment. Overnutrition, unhealthy diets, physical inactivity, obesity, and aging are all recognized triggers of LGI, promoting insulin resistance and sustaining the pathogenesis of T2D. Once developed, and even before frank appearance, people with T2D undergo a pathological metabolic remodeling, with an alteration of multiple CVD risk factors, i.e., glycemia, lipids, blood pressure, and renal function. In turn, such variables foster a range of inflammatory pathways and mechanisms, e.g., immune cell stimulation, the accrual of senescent cells, long-lasting epigenetic changes, and trained immunity, which are held to chronically fuel LGI at the systemic and tissue levels. Targeting of CVD risk factors partially ameliorates LGI. However, some long-lasting inflammatory pathways are unaffected by common therapies, and LGI burden is still increased in many T2D patients, a phenomenon possibly underlying the residual inflammatory risk (i.e., having hs-CRP > 2 mg/dL despite optimal LDL cholesterol control). On the other hand, selected disease-modifying drugs, e.g., GLP-1RA, seem to also act on the pathogenesis of T2D, curbing the inflammatory trajectory of the disease and possibly preventing it if introduced early. In addition, selected trials demonstrated the potential of canonical anti-inflammatory therapies in reducing the rate of CVDs in patients with this condition or at high risk for it, many of whom had T2D. Since colchicine, an inhibitor of immune cell activation, is now approved for the prevention of CVDs, it might be worth exploring a possible therapeutic paradigm to identify subjects with T2D and an increased LGI burden to treat them with this drug. Upcoming studies will reveal whether disease-modifying drugs reverse early T2D by suppressing sources of LGI and whether colchicine has a broad benefit in people with this condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Some studies suggest that low-grade inflammation and adipokines may be involved in mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and depression in subjects with type 2 diabetes; however, the available data concerning the elderly population are limited. Therefore, we conducted novel research to determine the serum adiponectin, hs-CRP and TNF-α levels in elderly diabetic patients with MCI and depressive symptoms and to identify the factors associated with MCI in this group. A total of 178 diabetic patients (mean age 84.4 ± 3.4 years) were screened for MCI and depressive symptoms. Various biochemical and biomarker data were collected. We found that patients with MCI and depressive symptoms demonstrated lower adiponectin levels and high hs-CRP and TNF-α. In this group, adiponectin concentration was negatively correlated with hs-CRP, TNF-α, HbA1c, and GDS-30 scores and positively correlated with MoCA scores. Multivariable analysis found the risk of MCI to be associated with higher TNF-α levels, fewer years of formal education, an increased number of comorbidities, and the presence of CVD. We concluded that low-grade inflammation and the presence of adipokines are associated with MCI and depressive symptoms in elderly diabetics. Further research should evaluate the suitability of Hs-CRP, TNF-α, and adiponectin as diagnostic markers for MCI and potential therapeutic targets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Higher prevalence rates of diabetes and its complications have been reported among individuals with poor physical activity and a sedentary lifestyle. This study explored the influence of six months of moderate-intensity supervised aerobic training on the serum lipid profile, hs-CRP level, and variable-related correlations in prediabetic and type 2 diabetes patients (T2DM). Design The study was based on a two-arm parallel group pretest‒posttest comparative design. Methods A total of 50 subjects who were diagnosed with diabetes for more than five years and aged 30–70 years were included in this study. The subjects were classified into two groups on the basis of their glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c%) values: Group 1 (patients with the prediabetes; HbA1c % ≤ 6.5, n = 25) and Group 2 (patients with the T2DM; HbA1c % ≥ 6.5, n = 25). Blood sugar, HbA1c %, insulin, lipid profile, and highly sensitive CRP (hs-CRP) were measured via colorimetric and immunoassay techniques at baseline and six months postintervention with moderate aerobic exercise. Results The results revealed that participation in moderate aerobic training interventions for six months resulted in a significant reduction in BMI, fasting blood sugar, glycosylated haemoglobin, hs-CRP, and lipid profile parameters such as T-Cholest, TG, and LDL-C as well as significant improvement in the level of insulin with a reduction in the values of HOMA-IR towards normal values in the patients with prediabetes (P

Lung cancer is a highly prevalent and life-threatening disease worldwide, with non-small cell lung cancer (NSLC) accounting for around 80 % of all cases. Exosomes contain important genetic information for humans that could be employed, especially for early screening of tumors. Accordingly, we aimed to use exosomal miRNA (ex-miRNA) in early NSCLC diagnosis.

Introduction: Atherosclerosis is a multifactorial disease and the major cause of cardiovascular disease that still accounts for most of the mortality worldwide. The role of inflammation in the development and progression of atherosclerosis has been clarified, and several biological markers of inflammation predict cardiovascular risk. Red cell distribution width (RDW) and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) are the two markers of inflammation that are used to determine risk of mortality and adverse cardiovascular outcomes in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Objective: To study the left ventricular systolic function in patients with AMI in relation to neutrophil to-lymphocyte ratio, RDW, and hs-CRP. Materials and Methods: An observational study was done on patients with AMI-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) admitted to the hospital. On admission, Electrocardiogram (ECG) was noted, and blood was drawn for a complete hemogram, hs-CRP, cardiac enzymes, and renal function test (RFT). Point of care Echocardiography (ECHO) was obtained along with post-primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) ECHO. Results: In a study involving 100 patients, the mean age was 57.61 ± 13.151 years. The highest number of patients fell in the age group of 61 to 70 years (33%), followed by 51 to 60 years (22%). The study consisted of 76% males. Echocardiography revealed that 9% had normal ejection fraction, 57% had mild left ventricular dysfunction, 22% had moderate dysfunction, and 12% had severe dysfunction. Analysis showed that there is a strong negative correlation between ejection fraction (EF) and NLR (P < 0.001), as well as between EF and RDW (P < 0.001) in patients with STEMI. However, there was no significant correlation between EF and hs-CRP (P = 0.514). Conclusion: Our findings suggest that higher NLR and RDW levels, in patients with first STEMI are associated with higher degree of left ventricular systolic dysfunction.

Diyar Köprülü,1 Mohamed Omar Hassan,2 Hüsnü Atmaca,3 Sezgin Albayrak,1 Esra I&scedil;canl&inodot;4 1Department of Cardiology, Ordu State Hospital, Ordu, Turkey; 2Department of Cardiology, Mogadishu Somali Turkish Training and Research Hospital, Mogadishu, Somalia; 3Department of Cardiology, Samsun Gazi State Hospital, Samsun, Turkey; 4Department of Radiology, Ankara Bilkent Sehir Hospital, Ankara, TurkeyCorrespondence: Diyar Köprülü, Email drkoprulu12@icloud.comBackground: Aortic aneurysms, particularly those affecting the ascending aorta, pose significant health risks due to their potential to cause life-threatening complications such as rupture and dissection. While the etiology of ascending aortic aneurysms has traditionally been associated with non-inflammatory processes, emerging evidence suggests a potential role of inflammation in their development.Methods: This study investigates the relationship between inflammatory markers and ascending aortic aneurysms, focusing on high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and the monocyte-to-HDL ratio (MHR). A total of 135 patients with ascending aortic aneurysms and 40 control subjects underwent comprehensive evaluations, including echocardiography, computed tomography imaging, and serum biomarker measurements.Results: The results indicate significantly elevated levels of hs-CRP and MHR in patients with ascending aortic aneurysms compared to the control group, suggesting a potential inflammatory component in the pathogenesis of these aneurysms. However, the precise mechanisms underlying this association remain to be elucidated.Conclusion: Despite limitations such as the cross-sectional study design and relatively small sample size, this study provides valuable insights into the potential involvement of inflammation in ascending aortic aneurysms. Further research, including longitudinal studies and histopathological analysis of aortic tissue, is warranted to confirm these findings and explore the utility of inflammatory markers as diagnostic and prognostic indicators in this patient population.Keywords: ascending aortic aneurysm, inflammation, hs-CRP, monocyte-to-HDL ratio

Objective: To evaluate the systemic immune-inflammation (SII) index in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) stratified by systemic inflammatory status. Methods: Seropositive patients with RA (n=58) were divided into two groups based on serum hs-C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels: RA patients with hs-CRP levels of at or 3 mg/L or above (high systemic inflammatory status; n=38) and RA patients with hs-CRP levels of less than 3 mg/L (low systemic inflammatory status; n=20). The control group comprised 31 healthy individuals. Blood samples were tested for the next parameters: leukocytes, neutrophilic granulocytes, lymphocytes, thrombocytes [platelet (PLT)], high-sensitivity hs-CRP, sed rate [erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)], neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR). The SII index was derived as Neu x PLT/Lym. Results: In patients with RA, the SII index was elevated compared with that of healthy individuals and positively correlated with hs-CRP, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, NLR, MLR, PLR, tender joint count, and swollen-to-tender joint count ratio. Patients with RA who had hs-CRP levels of 3 mg/L above exhibited a statistically significant increase in the SII compared with those with hs-CRP levels below 3 mg/L. Additionally, within the cohort of RA patients with hs-CRP levels at or above 3 mg/L, a positive correlation was found between the SII index and both NLR and PLR. The SII index was positively correlated with NLR, MLR, and PLR in RA patients with hs-CRP levels below 3 mg/L. The cut-off point of the SII index for distinguishing between RA cases with hs-CRP levels 3 mg/L and those with hs-CRP levels 3 mg/L or higher was ≥323.4, with a sensitivity of 77.6% and a specificity of 54.8%. Conclusions: The serum SII index can be a potentially useful marker for evaluating the inflammatory process and clinical progression of RA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate the relationship between serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), chitinase 1 (CHIT1), mid-term factor (midkine) and severity of the disease and visual disability in patients with diabetic retinopathy (DR). Methods: 198 type 2 DR patients admitted to our hospital from March 2021 to December 2022 were selected, according to the severity of the disease, patients were divided into non-proliferative DR and proliferative DR, the number of cases was 121 and 77 cases respectively, the levels of serum hs-CRP, CHIT1 and midkine in non-proliferative DR and proliferative DR were compared. The patients were followed up for 1 year in the form of outpatient review to observe the occurrence of visual disability in DR patients. The patients were divided into visual disability group and non-visual disability group, the number of cases was 31 cases and 167 cases respectively. The levels of serum hs-CRP, CHIT1 and midkine in visual disability group and non-visual disability group were compared, the risk factors of visual disability were analyzed by Logistic regression. Results: The levels of serum hs-CRP, CHIT1 and midkine in patients with proliferative DR were higher than those in patients with non-proliferative DR (P<0.05). The levels of serum hs-CRP, CHIT1 and midkine in visual disability group were higher than those in non-visual disability group (P<0.05). The results of univariate analysis showed that, visual disability in DR patients was not related to gender, age, intraocular pressure, fasting blood glucose (FPG), triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR) (P>0.05), but related to the course of diabetes, the course of DR and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbAlc) (P<0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that, the longer the course of diabetes, the longer the course of DR, the higher hs-CRP, the higher CHIT1 and the higher midkine were the main risk factors for visual disability in DR patients (P<0.05). Conclusion: The increase of serum hs-CRP, CHIT1 and midkine in DR patients are relate to the severity of the disease, and the visual disability of DR patients is affected by hs-CRP, CHIT1 and midkine, which is worthy of clinical attention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In people with schizophrenia (PwS), inflammation and metabolic issues significantly increase morbidity and mortality. However, our ability to understand inflammatory-metabolic mechanisms in this population has been limited to cross-sectional studies. This study involved 169 PwS and 156 non-psychiatric comparisons (NCs), aged 25–65, observed between 2012 and 2022 with 0 to 5 follow-ups post-baseline. High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), a marker of inflammation, was measured via a particle-enhanced immuno-turbidimetric assay. Body mass index (BMI) was used as a proxy for metabolic function. The measurement intervals for hs-CRP and BMI ranged between 6 and 48 months. Linear mixed models (LMM) results revealed that at all time points, PwS has a higher hs-CRP (t (316) = 4.73, p <.001) and BMI (t (315) = 4.13, p <.001) than NCs; however, for BMI, this difference decreased over time (t (524) = −5.15, p <.001). To study interrelationships between hs-CRP and BMI, continuous time structural equational modeling (CTSEM) was used, accounting for uneven measurement intervals. CTSEM results showed that both hs-CRP predicted future BMI (Est. = 12.91, 95 % CI [7.70; 17.88]) and BMI predicted future hs-CRP (Est. = 1.54, 95 % CI [1.00; 2.04]), indicating a bidirectional relationship between inflammation and metabolic function. Notably, the influence of hs-CRP on future BMI was more robust than the other lagged relationship (p =.015), especially in PwS (Est. = 2.43, 95 % CI [0.39; 0.97]). Our study highlights the important role of inflammation in metabolic function and offers insights into potential interventions targeting inflammation in PwS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of the simultaneous consumption of sumac powder (RhusCoriaria L.) and ferrous sulfate for six weeks on hematologic indices such as ferritin, hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (HCT), and mean corpuscular volume (MCV), inflammation (high sensitivity C-reactive protein), oxidative stress (TAC and MDA) and some physical fitness factors in teenage volleyball players with depleted iron stores (serum ferritin less than 40 ng/ml). In a semi-experimental study, 30 girls aged 15–18 years with three to five years of background in volleyball who were at the special level of preparation with low iron stores were screened and randomly divided into three homogeneous groups (iron supplementation, iron supplementation + sumac powder, and placebo). Capsules containing ferrous sulfate with 50 mg of elemental iron, one gram of sumac powder, and one gram of rice flour (placebo) were consumed daily by the subjects until the end of the study. Compared to the other two groups, only the iron group showed a significant increase in ferritin concentration (P = 0.000), anaerobic power of the upper limb (P = 0.04), anaerobic power of the lower limb (P = 0.01), and agility (P = 0.00). None of the three groups showed any significant changes in Hb, Hct and Mcv (P = 0.57, P = 0.36, P = 0.33), hs-C reactive protein (P = 0.06), lactate (P = 0.89), VO2max (P = 0.75) and activity heart rate (P = 0.26). The results showed that sumac powder not only did not improve the effect of iron supplementation, but also had a negative effect on it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flaxseed is known for its numerous health benefits and is often used in the prevention and treatment of civilizational diseases. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of consuming crushed flaxseed on cardiovascular risk in 51 menopausal women. The intervention lasted for 8 weeks, during which participants received a daily dose of 40 g of crushed flaxseed from two varieties with differing lignan contents. Participants were divided into three subgroups based on the variety of flaxseed consumed: (1) high-lignan group (HL), (2) low-lignan group (LL), and (3) control group (no flaxseed consumption). Biochemical blood parameters were measured using a BiOLis 24i Premium automatic analyzer. Body composition was assessed using an InBody 720 device. In the lipid profile, we observed a significant increase in total cholesterol (T-C) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels, along with a significant decrease in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels in both the HL and LL groups. Triglyceride (TG) levels exhibited no significant change, whereas high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels were significantly reduced in both the HL (p < 0.01) and LL (p < 0.01) groups. Visceral fat area (VFA) and percent body fat (PBF) showed a slight decreasing trend in the HL group, whereas in the LL group, VFA showed a slight increase. Body mass index (BMI) remained stable across all groups. These findings suggest that for the modulation of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors, the daily dosage, duration of consumption, form of intake, and the specific variety of flaxseed (based on lignan content) are crucial factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To explore the application value of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), chemokine CC motif ligand (CCL), and CCL3 in the treatment of neonatal bacterial infections. Methods A total of 70 cases of neonatal bacterial infection admitted to the People's Hospital of Langfang City from January 2021 to January 2023 were selected as the bacterial infection group. In addition, 70 cases of neonatal viral infection and 70 cases of non-infected newborns were selected as the viral infection group and control group, respectively, at a ratio of 1∶1. The serum hs-CRP, CCL2, and CCL3 levels of the three groups and the bacterial infection group were compared at admission, the serum levels of each index were compared among the bacterial infection group with different therapeutic effects, and a receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) was drawn to analyze the predictive efficacy of each serum index on therapeutic effects. The relative risk (RR) was used to analyze the impact of different expression of each serum index on the therapeutic effect of neonatal bacterial infection. Results The expressions of hs-CRP, CCL2 and CCL3 in the bacterial infection group and viral infection group at admission were higher than those in the control group (P < 0.05). The expressions of hs-CRP, CCL2 and CCL3 in severe children with bacterial infection at admission were higher than those in mild children (P < 0.05). The levels of hs-CRP, CCL2 and CCL3 in the ineffective subgroup were higher than those in the effective subgroup at admission, 24 h, 3rd day and 5th day (P < 0.05). The combined effect of serum hs-CRP, CCL2 and CCL3 on neonatal bacterial infection at admission, 24 h, 3 d and 5 d was better than that of single index at each time point, and the combined prediction of AUC at 24 h was the largest. According to the cut-off value of each index 24 hours after admission, the risk of treatment failure in children with high expression of hs-CRP, CCL2 and CCL3 was 3.577 times, 3.357 times and 2.630 times higher than that in children with low expression. Conclusions hs-CRP, CCL2 and CCL3 are highly expressed in the serum of neonatal bacterial infection, and they are closely related to the severity of the disease and the therapeutic effect of the children. The combination of the three serum indicators has good reference value in predicting the therapeutic effect of the children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Atherosclerosis is a multifactorial disease and the major cause of cardiovascular disease that still accounts for most of the mortality worldwide. The role of inflammation in the development and progression of atherosclerosis has been clarified, and several biological markers of inflammation predict cardiovascular risk. Red cell distribution width (RDW) and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) are the two markers of inflammation that are used to determine risk of mortality and adverse cardiovascular outcomes in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Objective: To study the left ventricular systolic function in patients with AMI in relation to neutrophil to-lymphocyte ratio, RDW, and hs-CRP. Materials and Methods: An observational study was done on patients with AMI-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) admitted to the hospital. On admission, Electrocardiogram (ECG) was noted, and blood was drawn for a complete hemogram, hs-CRP, cardiac enzymes, and renal function test (RFT). Point of care Echocardiography (ECHO) was obtained along with post-primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) ECHO. Results: In a study involving 100 patients, the mean age was 57.61 ± 13.151 years. The highest number of patients fell in the age group of 61 to 70 years (33%), followed by 51 to 60 years (22%). The study consisted of 76% males. Echocardiography revealed that 9% had normal ejection fraction, 57% had mild left ventricular dysfunction, 22% had moderate dysfunction, and 12% had severe dysfunction. Analysis showed that there is a strong negative correlation between ejection fraction (EF) and NLR (P < 0.001), as well as between EF and RDW (P < 0.001) in patients with STEMI. However, there was no significant correlation between EF and hs-CRP (P = 0.514). Conclusion: Our findings suggest that higher NLR and RDW levels, in patients with first STEMI are associated with higher degree of left ventricular systolic dysfunction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Hypothyroidism changes lipid metabolism significantly. Hence dyslipidemia is a common finding in sub clinical hypothyroidism (SCH). On the other hand, dyslipidemia increases the cardiovascular (CV) event risk. High sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), an inflammatory marker associated with endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis and predictor of CV events. As cardiovascular system is a target organ of thyroid disorders, we need to predict CV abnormalities at an early stage of hypothyroidism. Hence our study aimed to see the relationship of hs-CRP and lipid profile with left ventricular diastolic dysfunction in subclinical hypothyroidism. Methods: 80 patients coming to OPD and IPD of Assam medical college and hospital, meeting the inclusion and exclusion criteria were taken up for the study. A detailed history and clinical examination, and necessary investigations were recorded as per the Proforma. Results: The mean age of patients in our study group was 47.84 ± 8.46 years. There was female preponderance in our study with a male to female ratio of 1: 1.86.The commonest symptom at presentation was fatigue (n=38, 47.5%). 28.75% had constipation, 20% had weight gain, 18.75% had cold intolerance, 10 % had decreased appetite. 30.77% of female subjects had menstrual irregularities. 46% of cases were asymptomatic. Majority of the subjects (70%) in the study group had hs-CRP levels more than 3mg/L. 25% of subjects had hs-CRP in the range of 1-3 mg/L. The mean value of hs-CRP was 4.89 ± 2.48 mg/L. Incidence of left ventricular diastolic dysfunction(LVDD) was significantly high, about 65% of subclinical hypothyroidism subjects had LVDD. There is Significant relationship was seen between hs-CRP and LVDD (p=0.002 and p=0.007). Association of lipid parameters and LVDD were seen, but did not reach statistical significance (p >0.05 for all parameters). Conclusion: High incidence of LVDD in SCH patients and significant association of hs-CRP with LVDD suggest all SCH patients should be screened for hs-CRP and lipid profile and echocardiography to predict and detect early CV involvement and prevent CV events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Globally, Parkinson's disease (PD) is one of the common neurodegenerative diseases in the elderly with increasing morbidity and disability, and its clinical pathogenesis is not clear. Objective: To compare the differences in disease severity and blood biomarkers levels and their correlation between patients with early-onset Parkinson's disease (EOPD) and late-onset Parkinson's disease (LOPD). Methods: A total of 342 patients diagnosed with PD were retrospectively collected. PD patients were categorized into EOPD (24 patients) and LOPD (318 patients) according to the age of onset of the disease. The Hoehn-Yahr (HY) staging was used to assess the severity of the disease in PD patients. Subjective rating scales such as the Mini-mental State Examination (MMSE) were used to assess the motor and non-motor functions of the patients. The differences of objective blood biomarkers such as triglyceride (TG) between the two groups were investigated. The correlation between them and PD was explored by logistic analysis. Results: Percentage of EOPD group with HY staged as intermediate to late and Scales for Outcomes in Parkinson's Disease-Autonomic (SCOPA-AUT), Movement Disorder Society-Unified Parkinson's disease Rating Scale-III (MDS-UPDRS-III), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score and TG, non-high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (N-HDL-C), homocysteine (HCY), apolipoprotein B (Apo-B), free triiodothyronine (FT3), free thyroxine (FT4), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels were lower than those in the LOPD group (P

Compassion is a modifiable construct that is associated with better physical health outcomes but, to our knowledge, has seldom been studied in people with schizophrenia (PwS) despite its applicability to counteract widespread depression in this community that might prevent positive health behaviors. We hypothesized that, compared to non-psychiatric comparison subjects (NCs), PwS would have lower compassion toward self (CTS), lower compassion toward others (CTO), and a positive association between compassion and health outcomes, such as physical wellbeing, comorbidities, and plasma hs-CRP. This cross-sectional study examined differences in physical health, CTS, and CTO in 189 PwS and 166 NCs. We used general linear models to analyze the relationship between compassion and health. As hypothesized, PwS had lower levels of CTS and CTO, worse physical well-being, more comorbidities, and higher levels of plasma hs-CRP than NCs. In the combined sample, higher CTS was significantly associated with better physical well-being and fewer comorbidities, while higher CTO was significantly associated with more comorbidities. In PwS alone, higher CTS was significantly associated with better physical well-being and lower levels of hs-CRP. CTS seemed to have a larger positive association with physical health than CTO, with depression acting as a potential mediator for CTS. Exploring effects of CTS interventions on physical health and health behaviors could be a promising next step.

Introduction: Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) is a fundamental procedure for coronary artery disease management, yet the risk of adverse events such periprocedural myocardial injury (PMI) persists. This double-blind, randomized clinical trial aims to assess the efficacy of empagliflozin in preventing myocardial injury during PCI procedure. Methods: A total of 90 patients were randomly assigned to two groups A and B; Group A as the intervention group received empagliflozin 25 mg 24 hours before and empagliflozin 10 mg 1-2 hours before coronary intervention and group Bas the control group received placebo at similar intervals. The primary outcome involved comparing baseline, 8-hour, and 24-hour cTnI and baseline and 24-hour hs-CRP levels after PCI in both groups to measure the incidence of periprocedural myocardial injury (PMI) and anti-inflammatory effects of empagliflozin. Results: Baseline cTnI levels with P=0.955, 8 hours after PCI with P=0.469, and 24 hours after the intervention with P=0.980 were not statistically different in the two groups. Baseline levels of hs-CRP in both intervention and control groups were not statistically significantly different (P=0.982). Also, there was no statistically significant difference in hs-CRP levels 24 hours after PCI in two groups (P=0.198). Finally, the results showed that MACEs did not occur in any of the groups. Conclusion: The results of this trial could not express the advantages of acute pretreatment with empagliflozin in preventing PCI-related myocardial injury.

Background: Diabetes mellitus is associated with carbohydrate, lipid and protein metabolism abnormalities. Uncontrolled hyperglycaemia can result in dysfunction of various organs such as eyes, kidneys, nerves, and heart and blood vessels leading to long-term complications like nephropathy, neuropathy, retinopathy, stroke and ischaemia. The main objective of the study was to identify critical factors in Type 2 diabetes mellitus (Type 2 DM) with metabolic syndrome (mets) compared with Type 2 DM without mets and their association in the development of Type 2 DM to Type 2 DM with mets and cardiovascular complications. This can aid in improving the clinical management and the consequences of the disease. Materials and Methods: The present study was conducted in the Department of Biochemistry, a tertiary care centre in Northern India. All patients who were aged between 35 and 65 years of age were enrolled. Enrolled subjects were divided into three groups, Group I: 50 healthy people; Group II: 50 Type 2 DM without mets; and Group III: 50 Type 2 DM with mets. These patients were subjected to Anthropometric and biochemical parameter assessment. Results: On comparing Group III with control and Group II significant difference was observed in these parameters, that is, elevated TGs (P = 0.001), reduced high-density lipoprotein (HDL) level (P = 0.001), elevated high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) (0.011), high serum insulin fasting (P = 0.010), weight (P = 0.021), waist circumference (P = 0.001) and BMI (P = 0.001). In the control group, head circumference was significantly lower compared to Group II (P = 0.001) and Group III (P = 0.001). Conclusion: On the basis of observed observation, it has been suggested that low enzymatic activity with poor glycaemic control may further progress Type 2 DM into Type 2 DM with metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular complications. High hs-CRP concentration and high fasting insulin can be independent predictor of cardiovascular complications.

Abstract Background Low-grade inflammation and stress oxidative condition play a role in the pathogenesis of obesity, and the serum levels of these markers, such as pro-oxidant-antioxidant balance (PAB), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and uric acid may indicate obesity progression. In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between obesity with PAB, hs-CRP, and uric acid in the Iranian population. Methods This study was derived from the Mashhad Stroke and Heart Atherosclerotic Disorder (MASHAD) study. A total of 7985 subjects aged 35 to 65 years were divided into three groups according to body mass index (BMI) as: normal, overweight and obese groups. Anthropometric indices and biochemical parameters such as PAB, superoxide dismutase type 1 (SOD1), hs-CRP, and uric acid were measured in all the participants. We evaluated the association of obesity with inflammatory factors by using multivariate regression analysis. Also, those participants with hypertension, an endocrine disorder, history of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes mellitus were excluded from the study. Results There was a positive significant correlation between BMI and serum PAB, hs-CRP and uric acid (p

Abstract Long-term exposures to environmental factors including airborne as well as noise pollutants, are associated with cardiovascular risk. However, the influence of environmental pollution on the young population is controversial. Accordingly, we aimed to investigate the relationships between long-term exposures to different environmental factors and major cardiovascular and inflammatory parameters and biomarkers in young, healthy subjects. Representative sample of permanent residents of two cities differing in air and noise pollution levels, aged 15–21 years, were recruited. Krakow and Lublin, both located in southern Poland, were chosen in relation to their similarities in demographic and geopolitical characteristics, but differences in air pollution (higher in Krakow) and noise parameters (higher in Lublin). A total of 576 subjects were studied: 292 in Krakow and 284 in Lublin. All subjects underwent health questionnaire, blood pressure measurements and biomarker determinations. Inflammatory biomarkers, such as CRP, hs-CRP, fibrinogen as well as homocysteine were all significantly higher in subjects living in Krakow as opposed to subjects living in Lublin (for hsCRP: 0.52 (0.32–0.98) mg/l vs. 0.35 (0.22–0.67) mg/l; p

Abstract Background It is essential to find reliable biomarkers for early diagnosis and prognosis of acute heart failure (AHF) for its mitigation. Currently, increasing attention is paid to the role of microRNAs (miRNAs/miRs) as diagnostic or prognostic markers for cardiovascular diseases. Since plasma miR-106a-5p has been observed to be downregulated in AHF, its value in the diagnosis and prognostic assessment of AHF deserves further exploration. Accordingly, this study analyzed the diagnostic and prognostic value of plasma miR-106a-5p in AHF patients. Methods Prospectively, this study included 127 AHF patients who met the 2021 European Society of Cardiology Guidelines and 127 control individuals. Plasma miR-106a-5p levels were determined with RT-qPCR. Spearman correlation analysis was performed to evaluate the correlation of plasma miR-106a-5p levels with NT-proBNP and hs-CRP levels in AHF patients. All AHF patients were followed up for 1 year and allocated into poor and good prognosis groups, and plasma miR-106a-5p levels were compared. The diagnostic and prognostic value of plasma miR-106a-5p for AHF was assessed with a receiver-operating characteristic curve. Results Plasma miR-106a-5p was lowly expressed in AHF patients versus controls (0.53 ± 0.26 vs. 1.09 ± 0.46) and showed significant negative correlations with NT-proBNP and hs-CRP levels. Plasma miR-106a-5p level

Abstract Background While coronary artery calcification (CAC) is recognized as a reliable marker for coronary atherosclerosis, the relationship between the concentration of C-reactive protein (CRP) and the incidence and progression of CAC remains controversial. Method PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Scopus were systematically searched to identify relevant observational studies until October 2023. The methodological quality of the included studies was evaluated using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). A random-effects meta-analysis was employed to calculate pooled odd ratios (OR) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals, considering heterogeneity among the studies. Results Out of the 2545 records, 42 cross-sectional and 9 cohort studies were included in the systematic review. The meta-analysis on 12 eligible cross-sectional studies revealed no significant association between CAC and CRP [pooled OR: 1.03 (1.00, 1.06)]. Additionally, an insignificant association was found between CAC and CRP through meta-analysis on three eligible cohort studies [pooled OR: 1.05 (0.95, 1.15)] with no considerable heterogeneity across studies. Sensitivity analyses indicated that the meta-analysis models were robust. There was no evidence of publication bias. Conclusion Based on the meta-analysis findings, elevated levels of CRP did not emerge as a valuable prognostic maker for CAC incidence and progression prediction.

Background: Premature menopause (PM) is the cessation of ovarian function before age 40. PM women are more likelyto have cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), diabetes, and mental disorders. This is the first study that assessed the associationof single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with anti-heat shock protein 27 (Hsp27), High-sensitivity C-reactive protein(hs-CRP), and PM and serum pro-oxidant-antioxidant balance (PAB), as putative risk factors for CVDs. We aimed toexplore the association of oxidative stress markers with eight different SNPs shown to be related to premature menopause.Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional research, we included 183 healthy women and 117 premature menopausalwomen. We determined baseline characteristics for all participants and measured serum hs-CRP, anti-HSP-27 antibody titer, and PAB levels using the established methods. Genotyping for eight SNPs was done usingthe tetra amplification refractory mutation system polymerase chain reaction (Tetra-ARMS PCR) and allele-specificoligonucleotide PCR (ASO-PCR) methods.Results: We found a significant difference between mean serum PAB levels and the genetic variant of rs16991615(P=0.03). ANCOVA showed a significant effect of the genotypes rs4806660 and rs10183486 on hs-CRP serum levelsin the case and control groups, respectively (P=0.04 and P=0.007). ANCOVA also showed an association betweenrs244715 genotypes and anti-hsp27 serum levels in the case group (P=0.02). There was a significant effect of thegenotypes of rs451417 on the serum hs-CRP level in the control group (P=0.03).Conclusion: There was a significant association of the genetic variants related to PM with oxidative stress and inflammatorymarkers (serum PAB, anti-hsp27 antibody, and hs-CRP). Accordingly, this seems to be an effective approach topredicting susceptible subjects for cardiovascular and mental disorders as well as various cancers.

Purpose: Dietary fats with an abundance of phytonutrients have garnered public attention beyond fatty acids per se. This study was set to investigate the impact of consuming diets with red palm olein (RPOO), extra virgin coconut oil (EVCO) and extra virgin olive oil (EVOO, as a control) on cardiometabolic risk biomarkers and lipid profile. Methods: We recruited a total of 156 individuals with central obesity, aged 25–45 years, with waist circumference ≥ 90 cm for men and ≥ 80 cm for women in a parallel single-blind 3-arm randomised controlled trial. The participants consumed isocaloric diets (~ 2400 kcal) enriched with respective test fats (RPOO, EVCO or EVOO) for a 12-week duration. Results: The mean of the primary outcome plasma high sensitivity C-reactive protein was statistically similar between the three diets after a 12-week intervention. EVOO resulted in significantly lower mean LDL cholesterol compared with RPOO and EVCO, despite similar effects on LDL and HDL cholesterol subfractions. The RPOO diet group showed elevated mean α and β -carotenes levels compared with EVCO and EVOO diet groups (P < 0.05), corresponding with the rich carotenoid content in RPOO. Conclusion: The three oils, each of which has unique phytonutrient and fatty acid compositions, manifested statistically similar cardiometabolic effects in individuals with central obesity at risk of developing cardiovascular diseases with distinct circulating antioxidant properties. Clinical trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05791370). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hypertension and depressive symptoms often occur together in the older population, and each has been separately linked to elevated C-reactive protein (CRP). This study investigated the prospective association between comorbid hypertension and depressive symptoms and high-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) in a Chinese older population. This study used data from 4978 participants aged 50 and above, who took part in two waves (2011 and 2015) of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS). Hypertension, depressive symptoms and hs-CRP were measured. Logistic regressions adjusted for confounding variables were used to examine the association between the baseline comorbidity of hypertension and depressive symptoms and the change in hs-CRP levels. Hypertension and depressive symptoms did not show independent associations with an elevated level of hs-CRP. Participants with comorbid hypertension and depressive symptoms were more likely to develop a higher level of hs-CRP at follow-up (OR = 1.39, 95 % CI: 1.12–1.74) even after adjusting for covariates. Sex- and age-stratified analyses indicated that the association between the comorbidity and higher levels of hs-CRP were prone to be observed in women (OR = 1.55, 95 % CI: 1.16–2.08) and older adults (OR = 1.74, 95 % CI: 1.20–2.52). Comorbid hypertension and depressive symptoms is related to a higher risk of elevated hs-CRP levels. This association appears to be more pronounced among women and older adults compared to their counterparts. Depression was self-reported by participants, which might be considered less unreliable than clinical diagnoses. • Hypertension or depressive symptoms alone did not link to an increase in hs-CRP. • Comorbid hypertension and depressive symptoms prospectively predicts elevated hs-CRP. • The association is more pronounced in women and older adults compared to men and younger adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) is a fundamental procedure for coronary artery disease management, yet the risk of adverse events such periprocedural myocardial injury (PMI) persists. This double-blind, randomized clinical trial aims to assess the efficacy of empagliflozin in preventing myocardial injury during PCI procedure. Methods: A total of 90 patients were randomly assigned to two groups A and B; Group A as the intervention group received empagliflozin 25 mg 24 hours before and empagliflozin 10 mg 1-2 hours before coronary intervention and group Bas the control group received placebo at similar intervals. The primary outcome involved comparing baseline, 8-hour, and 24-hour cTnI and baseline and 24-hour hs-CRP levels after PCI in both groups to measure the incidence of periprocedural myocardial injury (PMI) and anti-inflammatory effects of empagliflozin. Results: Baseline cTnI levels with P = 0.955, 8 hours after PCI with P = 0.469, and 24 hours after the intervention with P = 0.980 were not statistically different in the two groups. Baseline levels of hs-CRP in both intervention and control groups were not statistically significantly different (P = 0.982). Also, there was no statistically significant difference in hs-CRP levels 24 hours after PCI in two groups (P = 0.198). Finally, the results showed that MACEs did not occur in any of the groups. Conclusion: The results of this trial could not express the advantages of acute pretreatment with empagliflozin in preventing PCI-related myocardial injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SARS-CoV-2 infection affects and modulates serum as well as hematological parameters. However, whether it modifies these parameters in the existing disease conditions, which help in the erection of specific treatments for the disease, is under investigation. Here, we aimed to determine whether serum and hematological parameters alteration in various diseases, diabetes mellitus (DM), hypertension (HTN), ischemic heart disease (IHD) and myocardial infarction (MI) conditions correlate and signal SARS-CoV-2 infection, which could be used as a rapid diagnosis tool for SARS-CoV-2 infection in disease conditions. To assess the projected goals, we collected blood samples of 1,113 male and female patients with solo and multiple disease conditions of DM/HTN/IHD/MI with severe COVID-19, followed by biochemical analysis, including COVID-19 virus detection by RT-qPCR. Furthermore, blood was collected from age-matched disease and healthy individuals 502 and 660 and considered as negative control. In our results, we examined higher levels of serum parameters, including D-dimer, ferritin, hs-CRP, and LDH, as well as hematological parameters, including TLC in sole and multiple diseases (DM/HTN/IHD/MI) conditions compared to the control subjects. Besides, the hematological parameters, including Hb, RBC, and platelet levels, decreased in the patients. In addition, we found declined levels of leukocyte count (%), lymphocyte (%), monocyte (%), and eosinophil (%), and elevated level of neutrophil levels (%) in all the disease patients infected with SARS-CoV-2. Besides, NLR and NMR ratios were also statistically significantly (p < 0.05) high in the patients with solo and multiple disease conditions of DM/HTN/IHD/MI infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus. In conclusion, rapid alteration of sera and hematological parameters are associated with SARS-CoV-2 infections, which could help signal COVID-19 in respective disease patients. Moreover, our results may help to improve the clinical management for the rapid diagnosis of COVID-19 concurrent with respective diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A new inflammation mediator called secreted frizzled-related protein 4 (SFRP4), was recently found, the secretion of which is regulated by interleukin-1β. SFRP4 as a potential biomarker of early β-cell dysfunction can help to identify high-risk individuals who are going to develop diabetes in the future. It is highly expressed in β-cells of islets and its levels increase several years before diabetes diagnosis. Objectives: This study was conducted with an objective to estimate and correlate SFRP4 in pre-diabetes, type 2 diabetes, and non-diabetes persons, and evaluate the predictive risk assessment of SFRP4 as a novel biomarker. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional observational study, a total of 300 human participants were included among which 100 were prediabetic, 100 were diabetic, and 100 were age- and gender-matched control individuals from a community, all of whom were selected through a predesigned screening questionnaire and inclusion and exclusion criteria from January 2020 to January 2022 in Banke district, Nepal. Serum SFRP4 and IL-1β levels were determined by ELISA. Results: There was a statistically significant difference in body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), systolic blood pressure (SBP), fasting insulin, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), two-hour post-load plasma glucose (2hPG), glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), Homeostasis model assessment of β cell function (HOMA-β%), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) between the three groups, with a progressive increase from the normal glucose tolerance (NGT) to impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) groups and with the highest value in the type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) groups (P < 0.05). However, diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and IL-1β showed a significant difference between the NGT and T2DM groups (P < 0.001) and the NGT and IGT groups (P < 0.001). The median serum SFRP4 concentrations showed a significant difference among three groups (all P < 0.05) and were positively correlated with FPG, HbA1c, hs-CRP, and IL-1 β (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Our study presumes importance as we report increased SFRP4 levels in Asian Nepalis even at the stage of IGT. These findings propose that the increased serum SFRP4 may be a good biomarker of decline in β-cell function and insulin resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Diabetes mellitus is associated with carbohydrate, lipid and protein metabolism abnormalities. Uncontrolled hyperglycaemia can result in dysfunction of various organs such as eyes, kidneys, nerves, and heart and blood vessels leading to long-term complications like nephropathy, neuropathy, retinopathy, stroke and ischaemia. The main objective of the study was to identify critical factors in Type 2 diabetes mellitus (Type 2 DM) with metabolic syndrome (mets) compared with Type 2 DM without mets and their association in the development of Type 2 DM to Type 2 DM with mets and cardiovascular complications. This can aid in improving the clinical management and the consequences of the disease. Materials and Methods: The present study was conducted in the Department of Biochemistry, a tertiary care centre in Northern India. All patients who were aged between 35 and 65 years of age were enrolled. Enrolled subjects were divided into three groups, Group I: 50 healthy people; Group II: 50 Type 2 DM without mets; and Group III: 50 Type 2 DM with mets. These patients were subjected to Anthropometric and biochemical parameter assessment. Results: On comparing Group III with control and Group II significant difference was observed in these parameters, that is, elevated TGs (P = 0.001), reduced high-density lipoprotein (HDL) level (P = 0.001), elevated high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) (0.011), high serum insulin fasting (P = 0.010), weight (P = 0.021), waist circumference (P = 0.001) and BMI (P = 0.001). In the control group, head circumference was significantly lower compared to Group II (P = 0.001) and Group III (P = 0.001). Conclusion: On the basis of observed observation, it has been suggested that low enzymatic activity with poor glycaemic control may further progress Type 2 DM into Type 2 DM with metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular complications. High hs-CRP concentration and high fasting insulin can be independent predictor of cardiovascular complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: The aim is to identify people with HNF1A‐MODY among individuals in diabetic cohort solely based on low hs‐CRP serum level and early diabetes onset. Methods: In 3537 participants, we analyzed the hs‐CRP levels. We analyzed the HNF1A gene in 50 participants (1.4% of the cohort) with type 1 or type 2 diabetes who had hs‐CRP ≤0.25 mg/L and were diagnosed with diabetes mellitus (DM) at the age of 8–40 years. We functionally characterized two identified missense variants. Results: Three participants had a rare variant in the HNF1A gene, two of which we classified as likely pathogenic: c.1369_1384dup (p.Val462Aspfs*92) and c.737T>G (p.Val246Gly), and one as likely benign: c.1573A>T (p.Thr525Ser). Our functional studies revealed that p.Val246Gly decreased HNF1α transactivation activity to ~59% and the DNA binding ability to ~16% of the wild‐type, while p.Thr525Ser variant showed no effect on transactivation activity, DNA binding, nor nuclear localization. Based on the two identified HNF1A‐MODY patients among 3537 people with diabetes, we estimate 0.057% as the minimal HNF1A‐MODY prevalence in Slovakia. A positive predictive value of hs‐CRP ≤0.25 mg/L for finding HNF1A‐MODY individuals was 4.0% (95% CI 0.7%, 13.5%). Conclusions: Hs‐CRP value and age of DM onset could be an alternative approach to current diagnostic criteria with a potential to increase the diagnostic rate of HNF1A‐MODY. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article examines the relationship between inflammatory markers and insulin resistance in young medical students, specifically focusing on the role of high-sensitive C-reactive protein (Hs-CRP) in obesity. The study found that inflammatory markers were higher in the obese group compared to the non-obese group, and insulin resistance was also significantly higher in the obese group. However, the correlation between Hs-CRP and insulin resistance was weak. The study suggests that further research is needed to better understand the connection between obesity, inflammation, and cardiovascular risk, particularly in different racial and ethnic groups. Additionally, monitoring Hs-CRP levels in obese individuals may help identify the risk of type 2 diabetes. [Extracted from the article]

Background: Low-grade inflammation and stress oxidative condition play a role in the pathogenesis of obesity, and the serum levels of these markers, such as pro-oxidant-antioxidant balance (PAB), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and uric acid may indicate obesity progression. In this study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between obesity with PAB, hs-CRP, and uric acid in the Iranian population. Methods: This study was derived from the Mashhad Stroke and Heart Atherosclerotic Disorder (MASHAD) study. A total of 7985 subjects aged 35 to 65 years were divided into three groups according to body mass index (BMI) as: normal, overweight and obese groups. Anthropometric indices and biochemical parameters such as PAB, superoxide dismutase type 1 (SOD1), hs-CRP, and uric acid were measured in all the participants. We evaluated the association of obesity with inflammatory factors by using multivariate regression analysis. Also, those participants with hypertension, an endocrine disorder, history of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes mellitus were excluded from the study. Results: There was a positive significant correlation between BMI and serum PAB, hs-CRP and uric acid (p < 0.001). While no statistically significant relation was observed between BMI and SOD1 (p = 0.85). Multivariate regression analysis showed that the risk of overweight and obesity increased 1.02 and 1.03-fold according to increase 10 units of PAB raise in comparison to reference group (normal weight) [(odds ratio (OR): 1.02, 95% CI (1.01–1.03)] and [OR: 1.03, 95% CI (1.01–1.04)], respectively). In addition, hs-CRP serum concentration was significantly associated with a high risk of obesity [(OR: 1.02; 95% CI (1.01–1.03)]. While the high levels of serum uric acid were associated with increased odds of overweight and obesity risk [OR: 1.4; CI (1.39–1.58) and OR: 1.76; CI (1.63–1.89), respectively]. Conclusions: Generally, we showed a significant association between BMI and serum PAB, hs-CRP values and uric acid levels, suggesting the role of these factors as risk stratification factors for obesity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Long-term exposures to environmental factors including airborne as well as noise pollutants, are associated with cardiovascular risk. However, the influence of environmental pollution on the young population is controversial. Accordingly, we aimed to investigate the relationships between long-term exposures to different environmental factors and major cardiovascular and inflammatory parameters and biomarkers in young, healthy subjects. Representative sample of permanent residents of two cities differing in air and noise pollution levels, aged 15–21 years, were recruited. Krakow and Lublin, both located in southern Poland, were chosen in relation to their similarities in demographic and geopolitical characteristics, but differences in air pollution (higher in Krakow) and noise parameters (higher in Lublin). A total of 576 subjects were studied: 292 in Krakow and 284 in Lublin. All subjects underwent health questionnaire, blood pressure measurements and biomarker determinations. Inflammatory biomarkers, such as CRP, hs-CRP, fibrinogen as well as homocysteine were all significantly higher in subjects living in Krakow as opposed to subjects living in Lublin (for hsCRP: 0.52 (0.32–0.98) mg/l vs. 0.35 (0.22–0.67) mg/l; p < 0.001). Increased inflammatory biomarker levels were observed in Krakow in both male and female young adults. Interestingly, significant differences were observed in blood pressure between male and female subjects. Males from Krakow had significantly higher mean systolic blood pressure (127.7 ± 10.4 mm/Hg vs. 122.4 ± 13.0 mm/Hg; p = 0.001), pulse pressure (58.7 ± 8.9 mm/Hg vs. 51.4 ± 12.3 mm/Hg; p < 0.001) and lower heart rate (p < 0.001) as compared to males living in Lublin. This was not observed in young adult females. Long-term exposure to environmental factors related to the place of residence can significantly influence inflammatory and cardiovascular parameters, even in young individuals. Interestingly, among otherwise healthy young adults, blood pressure differences exhibited significant variations based on biological sex. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: It is essential to find reliable biomarkers for early diagnosis and prognosis of acute heart failure (AHF) for its mitigation. Currently, increasing attention is paid to the role of microRNAs (miRNAs/miRs) as diagnostic or prognostic markers for cardiovascular diseases. Since plasma miR-106a-5p has been observed to be downregulated in AHF, its value in the diagnosis and prognostic assessment of AHF deserves further exploration. Accordingly, this study analyzed the diagnostic and prognostic value of plasma miR-106a-5p in AHF patients. Methods: Prospectively, this study included 127 AHF patients who met the 2021 European Society of Cardiology Guidelines and 127 control individuals. Plasma miR-106a-5p levels were determined with RT-qPCR. Spearman correlation analysis was performed to evaluate the correlation of plasma miR-106a-5p levels with NT-proBNP and hs-CRP levels in AHF patients. All AHF patients were followed up for 1 year and allocated into poor and good prognosis groups, and plasma miR-106a-5p levels were compared. The diagnostic and prognostic value of plasma miR-106a-5p for AHF was assessed with a receiver-operating characteristic curve. Results: Plasma miR-106a-5p was lowly expressed in AHF patients versus controls (0.53 ± 0.26 vs. 1.09 ± 0.46) and showed significant negative correlations with NT-proBNP and hs-CRP levels. Plasma miR-106a-5p level < 0.655 could assist in AHF diagnosis. Plasma miR-106a-5p levels were markedly lower in poor-prognosis AHF patients than in good-prognosis patients. Plasma miR-106a-5p level < 0.544 could assist in predicting poor prognosis in AHF patients. Conclusion: Plasma miR-106a-5p is downregulated in AHF patients and could assist in diagnosis and poor prognosis prediction of AHF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: While coronary artery calcification (CAC) is recognized as a reliable marker for coronary atherosclerosis, the relationship between the concentration of C-reactive protein (CRP) and the incidence and progression of CAC remains controversial. Method: PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Scopus were systematically searched to identify relevant observational studies until October 2023. The methodological quality of the included studies was evaluated using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). A random-effects meta-analysis was employed to calculate pooled odd ratios (OR) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals, considering heterogeneity among the studies. Results: Out of the 2545 records, 42 cross-sectional and 9 cohort studies were included in the systematic review. The meta-analysis on 12 eligible cross-sectional studies revealed no significant association between CAC and CRP [pooled OR: 1.03 (1.00, 1.06)]. Additionally, an insignificant association was found between CAC and CRP through meta-analysis on three eligible cohort studies [pooled OR: 1.05 (0.95, 1.15)] with no considerable heterogeneity across studies. Sensitivity analyses indicated that the meta-analysis models were robust. There was no evidence of publication bias. Conclusion: Based on the meta-analysis findings, elevated levels of CRP did not emerge as a valuable prognostic maker for CAC incidence and progression prediction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Prevalence of Diabetes Mellitus is rapidly increasing in India. So are its complications, of which nephropathy is very common. Identifying these complications at early stage becomes crucial. One such proposed hypothesis is based on inflammatory markers. Their association with cardiac complications is proven. The current study is planned with this background. Objectives: To assess the serum high sensitivity C reactive protein levels in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus with diabetic nephropathy and to estimate the levels of serum high sensitivity C reactive protein in different stages of diabetic nephropathy. Methodology: Cross sectional study design was adopted to conduct the study in a government tertiary care setting i.e. K.R. Hospital. Study population included all patients, aged more than 18 years with DM type 2 who visited the study setting (OP / IP). Patients having Congestive cardiac failure, Liver disease, Infections, Autoimmune diseases, organ damage or Cancer or habit-forming drug intake were excluded from the study. Sample size was calculated to be 60. Data was collected using pre-tested, semistructured questionnaire which included detailed history, clinical examination and investigation findings; entered in Excel and analyzed using SPSS. Results: Mean age was 60.23 years. Males constituted 70%. Mean duration of DM was 13.02 years. 40% patients were in DN stage 3. 43% patients had microalbuminuria and 30% had macroalbuminuria. S. Creatinine was elevated in one-third patients. Overall, mean hs-CRP was 9.5 (3.3) mg/L; and mean hs-CRP among patients with DN stage -1, 2, 3 and 4 respectively, were 5.1, 9.0, 12.4 and 13.1 mg/L respectively. The difference between the means was statistically significant. Conclusion: There was a significant correlation between mean Hs CRP levels and clinical stages of the diabetic nephropathy. Also, hs-CRP significantly correlates with elevated PPBS, HbA1C, S. Creatinine, and eGFR levels. Hence hs-CRP may be used as a marker to assess development and severity of the diabetic complications like diabetic nephropathy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Premature menopause (PM) is the cessation of ovarian function before age 40. PM women are more likely to have cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), diabetes, and mental disorders. This is the first study that assessed the association of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with anti-heat shock protein 27 (Hsp27), High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and PM and serum pro-oxidant-antioxidant balance (PAB), as putative risk factors for CVDs. We aimed to explore the association of oxidative stress markers with eight different SNPs shown to be related to premature menopause. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional research, we included 183 healthy women and 117 premature menopausal women. We determined baseline characteristics for all participants and measured serum hs-CRP, anti-HSP-27 antibody titer, and PAB levels using the established methods. Genotyping for eight SNPs was done using the tetra amplification refractory mutation system polymerase chain reaction (Tetra-ARMS PCR) and allele-specific oligonucleotide PCR (ASO-PCR) methods. Results: We found a significant difference between mean serum PAB levels and the genetic variant of rs16991615 (P=0.03). ANCOVA showed a significant effect of the genotypes rs4806660 and rs10183486 on hs-CRP serum levels in the case and control groups, respectively (P=0.04 and P=0.007). ANCOVA also showed an association between rs244715 genotypes and anti-hsp27 serum levels in the case group (P=0.02). There was a significant effect of the genotypes of rs451417 on the serum hs-CRP level in the control group (P=0.03). Conclusion: There was a significant association of the genetic variants related to PM with oxidative stress and inflammatory markers (serum PAB, anti-hsp27 antibody, and hs-CRP). Accordingly, this seems to be an effective approach to predicting susceptible subjects for cardiovascular and mental disorders as well as various cancers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To investigate the effect of combining aspirin with clopidogrel on high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and P-selectin in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Methods: The medical records of 198 ACS patients treated at Zhaotong Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Zhaotong, China between January 2022 and January 2023 were analyzed retrospectively. Control group (88 patients) received aspirin (300 mg once, and subsequently a maintenance dose of 100 mg daily for 6 months), while the study group (118 patients) received the same dose of aspirin and clopidogrel (150 mg once, and a maintenance dose of 75 mg daily for 6 months). Levels of P-selectin, interleukin-6 (IL-6), hs-CRP, IL-8, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), efficacy, and incidence of adverse reactions in both groups were determined. Results: There was no significant difference in P-selectin and hs-CRP levels between the two groups before treatment (p > 0.05). However, P-selectin and hs-CRP levels in the study group decreased significantly compared to control group (p < 0.0001). Similarly, there was no significant difference in IL-8, IL-6 and TNF-α levels between the two groups before treatment (p > 0.05). However, IL-8, IL-6, and TNF-α reduced significantly after treatment (p < 0.0001), with more significantly lower levels observed in the study group (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in the incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups. Conclusion: Aspirin combined with clopidogrel significantly lowers P- selectin, and hs-CRP, IL-8, IL-6, and TNF-α levels without worsening adverse reactions. A more comprehensive analysis of the combined use of aspirin with clopidogrel including all the associated mechanisms in the treatment of ACS is necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is considered one of the most common causes of irreversible blindness among elderly patients. Neovascular AMD, which accounts for 10% of all AMD cases, can cause devastating vision loss due to choroidal neovascularization (CNV). The clinical effects and safety of intravitreal injection of conbercept in patients suffering from neovascular AMD have not been fully evaluated. Objectives. The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of intravitreal injection of conbercept in patients with neovascular AMD with different levels of inflammation. Materials and methods. A total of 120 consecutive patients with neovascular AMD who underwent intravitreal injection of conbercept (3 injections per month + pro re nata (3 + PRN)) were included and stratified based on the intraocular level of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP). The level of inflammation was defined as low, medium or high, based on the concentration of hs-CRP prior to injection. Before and after conbercept injections, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central retinal thickness (CRT) were compared, respectively. Moreover, cytokine markers as well as the frequency of injections and adverse events (AEs) were measured. Results. There were significant differences in BCVA and CRT between low, medium and high tertiles. Compared to the baseline, improved BCVA was observed, and CRT declined significantly after operation. Adverse events were most observed in high tertiles. A significant decrease in vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8 was observed after 1 year. Conclusions. The effectiveness of conbercept on neovascular AMD varies depending on the level of inflammation, which could be achieved by administering different injection frequencies at different levels of inflammation. Furthermore, conbercept is associated with the reduction of inflammatory factor (IL-6 and IL-8) levels after intravitreal injection, which suggests that suppressing in?ammatory response might contribute to the clinical efficacy of anti-VEGF treatment. Our results provide a novel mechanism for conbercept in patients with neovascular AMD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to compare high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and lipid profile levels between prediabetic and normal populations and explore correlations between hs-CRP and lipid profile in prediabetic individuals. The study was conducted among Group A comprising 75 prediabetic individuals, and Group B, which included 75 non-diabetic controls from the general population. Results showed that the mean hs-CRP level in Group A (1.717) significantly exceeded that of Group B (0.917) (p = 0.001). Pearson correlation analysis revealed significant positive linear relationships between hs-CRP and lipid profile parameters, indicating that as total cholesterol, triglycerides (TGs), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) increased, hs-CRP also increased. A significant negative linear relationship was observed between hs-CRP and HDL. Moreover, a positive linear relationship existed between hs-CRP and glycemic parameters (fasting blood sugar (FBS), postprandial blood sugar (PPBS), and Glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c)). It is concluded that elevated hs-CRP, an inflammatory marker, correlated with dysregulated lipid profiles, and glycemic parameters, indicating its potential role in assessing inflammation in prediabetic individuals and its association with dyslipidemia and glucose metabolism.