Journal of internal medicine
-
Apoptosis is central in both diabetes and atherosclerosis, linked to pancreatic beta cell death and plaque progression. Circulating Caspase-3 has also been associated with diabetes and coronary calcium score. Here, we explored if soluble Caspase-3 (sCaspase-3) is associated with cardio-metabolic risk factors and predicts incidence of diabetes and coronary artery disease (CAD). ⋯ The present study provides evidence for plasma sCaspase-3 as a marker of cardio-metabolic risk factors and as a predictor of future diabetes and CAD in a cohort without cardiovascular disease or diabetes at baseline.
-
Nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor family, pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3)-associated autoinflammatory disease (NLRP3-AID) is a rare, heterogeneous disease entity associated with mutations in NLRP3. Biologic therapy for NLRP3-AID yields diverse results. ⋯ Early diagnosis and effective therapy for NLRP3-AID are essential for avoiding irreversible organ damage. TNF-α inhibitors might serve as a therapeutic alternative for patients with NLRP3-AID who have unsatisfactory responses or no access to interleukin-1 inhibitors.
-
Nucleosomes and neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are important in the pathophysiology of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). Fibrinogen, as an acute phase reactant, may be protective by engaging neutrophils. We hypothesize that DIC can occur when NET formation becomes uncontrolled in relation to low fibrinogen levels. ⋯ These findings support the hypothesis that fibrinogen is protective against DIC by counterbalancing excessive neutrophil activation.
-
Observational Study
Angiopoietin-2 and angiopoietin-like 4 protein provide prognostic information in patients with suspected acute coronary syndrome.
Plasma levels of angiopoietin-2 (ANGPT2) and angiopoietin-like 4 protein (ANGPTL4) reflect different pathophysiological aspects of cardiovascular disease. We evaluated their association with outcome in a hospitalized Norwegian patient cohort (n = 871) with suspected acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and validated our results in a similar Argentinean cohort (n = 982). ⋯ ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT00521976. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01377402.