Biomarkers : biochemical indicators of exposure, response, and susceptibility to chemicals
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To determine the predictive value of S100b and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) in order to determine accurately and quickly a discharge prognosis after primary supratentorial intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH). ⋯ Serum S100b and BNP levels in the first 24 h after injury accurately predict neurological function at discharge after supratentorial ICH.
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Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) is secreted by injured kidney cells as well as by activated neutrophils in response to bacterial infections. We assessed the influence of acute renal dysfunction on the association between plasma NGAL and sepsis. ⋯ Plasma NGAL can help clinicians to identify bacterial infections in critically ill patients.
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Clara cell protein (CC16) in serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of subjects exposed to asbestos.
The Clara cell protein (CC16) is a small and readily diffusible protein of 16 kDa secreted by bronchiolar Clara cells in the distal airspaces. These epithelial cells are altered in several pulmonary pathological processes induced by various lung toxicants. In the search for a new biomarker of asbestos-induced lung impairment, we used a sensitive immunoassay to determine the levels of CC16 in bronchoalveolar fluid (BALF) and serum of subjects exposed to asbestos compared with a group of healthy controls. ⋯ No association, however, emerged between the levels of CC16 in serum or BALF and either the duration of asbestos exposure or the severity of the lung impairment as assessed by chest X-ray. These findings suggest that exposure to asbestos elicits early changes in the local and, importantly, also the systemic levels of CC16. This pneumoprotein therefore appears as a promising non-invasive biomarker of asbestos-induced lung injury and occupational disease in both smoking and non-smoking exposed subjects.
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Soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) is a biomarker of systemic inflammation. We aimed to characterize plasma suPAR levels in SLE patients. ⋯ suPAR might be an objective marker for identifying SLE patients with active disease.