Clinical biochemistry
-
Clinical biochemistry · Jun 2011
Increased levels of soluble receptor for advanced glycation end products (sRAGE) and high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) are associated with death in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome.
Receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) plays a role in inflammatory reactions. Soluble RAGE (sRAGE) level is elevated in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). However, which clinical parameters and inflammatory biomarkers including sRAGE are associated with death in ARDS patients remain unknown. ⋯ This study demonstrated that sRAGE was independently associated with death in ARDS patients. Our present results suggest active involvement of HMGB1-RAGE axis in poor prognosis of ARDS.
-
Clinical biochemistry · Apr 2011
Comparative StudyQuantitative indices of dynamics in concentrations of lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP) as prognostic factors in severe sepsis/septic shock patients--comparison with CRP and procalcitonin.
To devise and evaluate quantitative indices of dynamics in lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP), CRP, and procalcitonin concentrations as prognostic markers in sepsis. ⋯ For outcome prediction, the evaluation of dynamics of sepsis mediators, expressed by simple or relative rates, is a more suitable alternative to markers' peak values.
-
Clinical biochemistry · Sep 2010
Case ReportsMitochondrial dysfunction in skin biopsies and blood mononuclear cells from two cases of fibromyalgia patients.
Coenzyme Q(10) (CoQ(10)) is an essential electron carrier in the mitochondrial respiratory chain and a strong antioxidant. Signs associated with skin alteration and mitochondrial dysfunction have been observed in patients with fibromyalgia (FM). The aim of this study was to analyze CoQ(10) levels, mitochondrial dysfunction, and oxidative stress in plasma, blood mononuclear cells, and skin biopsies from FM patients. ⋯ In our patients, mitochondrial dysfunction and CoQ(10) deficiency are present in several tissues. These results may contribute to the understanding of the pathophysiology of FM, and, moreover, CoQ(10) deficiency could represent a good marker for the diagnosis of FM.