Aim and Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the plasma levels of Growth Differentiation Factor-15 (GDF-15) in children with congestive heart failure, also to evaluate the diagnostic and prognostic value of this novel biomarker in pediatric congestive heart failure, by correlation of its levels with the clinical status and the echocardiographic data of these patients. Subjects and Methods: This study was conducted on Thirty (30) children with congestive heart failure (CHF), Patients were selected from those admitted to Pediatric Cardiology Unit, Pediatric Department, Tanta University Hospital, from (August 2018-April 2020), and thirty (30) healthy children, matched for age and sex, were enrolled as a control group. All children in this study were subjected to Plain X-ray chest and heart: Cardiothoracic ratio (CTR) was measured, and Echocardiographic assessment: Doppler and Two-dimensional, M-mode Echocardiographic evaluation of these parameters and Plasma level of Growth Differentiation Factor-15 (GDF-15) was measured.   Results: the results revealed that The best cutoff point of GDF-15 to differentiate between cases with CHF and control group was >446.5 ng/l with 93.33% sensitivity, 90% specificity, 90.3% PPV, 93.1% NPV and AUC was 0.992. There was significant decrease of EF% and FS% (systolic dysfunction of LV) in patients with CHF as compared to control group. There was statistically significant positive correlation between plasma level of GDF-15 and Ross clinical stage of CHF. There was statistically significant negative correlation between GDF-15 and EF%, FS % by echocardiography. Conclusion: Plasma levels of GDF-15 were elevated in children with CHF, and these levels were correlated to the Ross staging of CHF and echocardiographic assessment of LV function. Plasma levels of GDF-15 were elevated in patients with bad prognosis, denoting its prognostic value as a novel biomarker in pediatric CHF.

Background: A severe form of heterogeneous autoimmune illness called systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is characterised by the generation of autoantibodies against specific self-antigens. The aim of the present study is to evaluate LRRK2 and beclin-1 as autophagic markers in patients of SLE and their role in the pathogenesis. Methods: This case-control study was performed on 60 subjects, aged between 15-45 years old. Study participants were divided into two categories: Group I: comprised 30 patients with newly diagnosed SLE. Group II: included 30 apparently healthy age and sex matched subjects. Results: SLEDIA was positively associated with beclin1, LRRK2, ANA, Anti ds DNA. Beclin1 was positively associated with LRRK2, ANA, Anti ds DNA. LRRK2 was positively associated with ANA, Anti ds DNA. Detection of beclin1 relative gene expression with 84% positive predictive value (PPV), 90% sensitivity, 83% specificity. Detection of LRRK2 its relative gene expression with 81% negative predictive value (NPV), 76% PPV, 83% sensitivity, 73% specificity. Conclusions: These autophagic markers (LRRK2 and beclin1) correlate positively with the disease activity and severity and may have a role in disease pathogenesis and progression.

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