No abstract

Resistin levels were found to be higher in the serum and synovial fluid of RA patients than in those with OA. This may suggest a role for resistin in inflammatory rheumatologic diseases. The observed statistically significant correlation between synovial fluid resistin levels and RF, ACPA and Larsen score may suggest that high synovial fluid resistin levels can be considered a poor prognostic factor for RA progression. However, further studies employing a larger cohort of patients are needed to confirm the relevance of resistin as a prognostic marker in RA patients.

Our study suggests that first-trimester uterine artery impedance, as measured by Doppler ultrasound as well as low serum biomarkers (β-hCG and PAPP-A) can be used for prediction of preeclampsia and IUGR. The most sensitive is uterine artery PI. Adding β-hCG to PI improves specificity in prediction of both preeclampsia and IUGR. Uterine artery PI plus PAPP-A is the best combination for prediction of both preeclampsia and IUGR.

ObjectivesLiver cirrhosis is a condition in which the liver slowly deteriorates and malfunctions due to chronic injury. HCV is one of the major causes of liver fibrosis and ultimate progression to cirrhosis. Transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-β1), one of the three isoforms of TGF-β, is a pleiotrophic cytokine that regulates the proliferation and differentiation of cells, embryonic development, wound healing and angiogenesis. This study aimed to evaluate the role of serum TGF-β1 and − 509 C>T promoter gene polymorphism in the development of liver cirrhosis.Design and methodsBesides routine liver profiles, serum TGF-β1 was measured in 40 liver cirrhosis patients and 40 controls using ELISA technique. TGF-β1 − 509 C>T promoter gene polymorphism was detected using PCR-RFLP technique.ResultsTGF-β1 − 509 CT and TT genotype frequencies were significantly higher in the cirrhotic group (52.5%, 25%; respectively) than control group (10%, 7.5%; respectively); OR = 16.238 (95% CI 5.391–48.914, p < 0.05). The − 509 T allele carriers are more prone to develop liver cirrhosis than − 509 C allele carriers; OR = 7.359 (95% CI 3.325–16.288, p < 0.05). Serum TGF-β1 was significantly higher in cirrhotic group (11.79 ± 1.45 ng/ml) than control group (8.67 ± 1.23 ng/ml); p < 0.05. Also serum TGF-β1 was significantly higher in TT genotype than CT and CC genotypes (p < 0.05). A significant positive correlation was observed between serum TGF-β1 and alkaline phosphatase (r = 0.559, p < 0.05); AST (r = 0.573, p < 0.05). A significant negative correlation was observed between serum TGF-β1 and albumin (r = − 0.331, p < 0.05).ConclusionThere is an association between serum TGF-β1, − 509 CT and TT genotypes of TGF-β1 gene and the higher risk for liver cirrhosis development of liver cirrhosis.

CYP3A5 (6986A > G) genotype, rather than MDR-1 (2677G > A/T) variant, has an impact on tacrolimus pharmacokinetics.