Arch Med Sci
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Migraine, the most widespread cause of headache in young adults, is a frequent reason for presentation to emergency departments. The aim of this study was to determine the diagnostic value of serum galectin-3 and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) levels in migraine patients. ⋯ This study showed the presence of a relation between high serum levels of hsCRP and galectin-3 in migraine patients. However, well-controlled, carefully executed longitudinal studies are required to confirm these findings.
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More than 1/3 of patients with end-stage renal disease who are in a chronic dialysis program suffer from chronic pain and depression/anxiety. The aim of the study was to determine the impacts of symptoms of depression/anxiety, chronic pain and quality of life (QoL) on 6-year patient survival. ⋯ Chronic pain, although common among hemodialysis patients, did not lower survival. Depressive symptoms are an important predictor for all-cause mortality in hemodialysis patients, with the relationship independent of nutritional or inflammatory status.
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The changes of enzyme activity in the hepatocytes in the course of different liver diseases are reflected by increase of the corresponding enzyme activity in the plasma. For example, the activities of alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) and aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) correlate with the severity of the condition during cirrhosis. In this study we measured the activity of ADH isoenzymes and ALDH in the sera of patients with hepatitis C. ⋯ The activity of class I and II ADH isoenzymes in the sera of patients with hepatitis C is increased, and it seems to be caused by the release of these isoenzymes from damaged liver cells.
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Epidemiological studies have shown increased morbidity and mortality in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). We aimed to characterize the oxygen dependence of endothelial function in patients with CAD and coexisting COPD. ⋯ Our data suggest that in CAD patients with COPD, decreased systemic oxygen levels lead to endothelial dysfunction, underlining the relevance of cardiopulmonary interaction and the potential importance of pulmonary treatment in secondary prevention of vascular disease.
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Insufficient wound healing related to chronic inflammation of chronic venous leg ulcers (CVUs) represents an important public health problem. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a carbohydrate polymer with zinc oxide therapy on CVUs. ⋯ The carbohydrate polymer with zinc oxide treatment with venous compression enhances healing of CVUs and improves quality of life due, in part, to its anti-inflammatory properties.