Arch Med Sci
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Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the most common types of liver disease in the world. However, the molecular mechanisms regulating the development of NAFLD have remained unclear. ⋯ Taken together, our analysis revealed that a series of pathways, such as metabolism and PPAR signaling pathways, were involved in NAFLD development. Moreover, we observed that many DEGs in NAFLD were also dysregulated in HCC. Although further validation is still needed, we believe this study could provide useful information to explore the potential candidate biomarkers for diagnosis, prognosis, and drug targets of NAFLD.
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Cardiovascular diseases are ranked as the third cause of mortality among people infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV), but the relationship of infection with cardiovascular risk remains disputable. We have focused on the comprehensive use of parameters obtainable during long-term electrocardiographic (ECG) Holter monitoring. ⋯ We confirmed the presence of autonomic disorders with prevalence of sympathetic system activity and prolonged QTc interval in patients with chronic hepatitis C. Those parameters significantly correlated with infection intensity. Our results suggest that HCV infection could be an independent cardiovascular risk factor, not associated with the lipid profile. Further prospective studies are needed.
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Cystic fibrosis (CF) involves chronic inflammation and decreased pulmonary function, which increase caloric demand. Yet, sufficient energy provision is hindered by reduced appetite and fat malabsorption. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), leptin, and neuropeptide Y (NPY) belong to energy balance-regulating factors. We aimed to assess their concentrations in CF patients in order to search for potential clinical correlates. ⋯ BDNF and leptin were not associated with weight Z-score or FEV1%. Serum NPY concentrations seemed to be lower in CF patients with reduced pulmonary function independently of malnutrition and inflammation.
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Infection with hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major health problem worldwide. A large proportion of perinatal HCV infections are silent and may present later in adulthood with long-term complications. HCV has no effective immune prophylaxis and hence appropriate follow-up of all infants born to HCV-infected mothers is necessary. ⋯ Intrauterine and partum transmission of HCV are both possible and higher rates are associated with a high maternal serum viral load (> 106 copies per milliliter), concomitant HIV infection, prolonged or difficult delivery, and invasive fetal monitoring during delivery. Infection during pregnancy and infancy needs to be investigated more in order to design management strategies for perinatal transmission of HCV most effectively. The recently approved new-generation, oral, direct-acting antiviral drugs may open a new era in HCV therapy for pregnant women and infected infants if proved to be safe during conception and infancy.
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Melatonin is a hormone used in the treatment of diverse pathologies due to its ability to regulate numerous physiological processes related to biological rhythms and neuroendocrine function. ⋯ Melatonin has a lower antioxidant capacity only 5% of the capacity of resveratrol. Resveratrol is the compound having the greatest antioxidant capacity. As for the influence of the tablets components, it was found that only at higher concentrations of melatonin (60 mg/tablet), with the excipients mannitol, polyvinylpyrrolidone (crospovidone), magnesium stearate and anhydrous colloidal silica, did a decrease occur in the antioxidant capacity value, possibly due to the lower percentage of these excipients in the formulation.