BackgroundOsteoprotegerin (OPG) and von Willebrand factor (VWF) form complex within endothelial cells and following secretion. The nature of blood group antigens strongly influences the levels of circulating VWF, but there is no available data concerning its ascendancy on OPG levels. We aimed to assess the relationship of AB0 blood groups with OPG, VWF levels (VWF: Ag) and collagen binding activity (VWF: CB) in peripheral arterial disease (PAD) patients.MethodsFunctional and laboratory parameters of 105 PAD patients and 109 controls were examined. Results of OPG, VWF: Ag, VWF: CB (ELISA-s) were analysed by comparative statistics, together with clinical data.ResultsOPG levels were higher in patients than in controls (4.64 ng/mL vs. 3.68 ng/mL, p < 0.001). Among patients elevation was marked in the presence of critical limb ischemia (5.19 ng/mL vs. 4.20 ng/mL, p = 0.011). The OPG in patients correlated positively with VWF: Ag and VWF: CB (r = 0.26, p = 0.008; r = 0.33, p = 0.001) and negatively with ankle-brachial pressure index (r = -0.22, p = 0.023). Furthermore, OPG was significantly elevated in non-0 blood groups compared to 0-groups both in patients and controls (4.95 ng/mL vs. 3.90 ng/mL, p = 0.012 and 4.09 ng/mL vs. 3.40 ng/mL, p = 0.002).ConclusionsOPG levels are associated to blood group phenotypes and higher in non-0 individuals. Increased OPG levels in PAD characterize disease severity. The significant correlation between OPG and VWF:CB might have functional importance in an atherothrombosis-prone biological environment.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12872-016-0287-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is frequently associated with atherosclerotic manifestations of the carotids and coronaries. Polyvascular involvement and low ankle–brachial index predict major cardiovascular events and high mortality. Cathepsin S (Cat S) promotes the inflammatory pathways of the arterial wall, while Cystatin C (Cys C) functions as its inhibitor; therefore, Cys C was proposed to be a biomarker of progression in PAD. In a single-center observational study, we investigated the correlations of serum Cys C and Cat S/Cys C ratio in a group of 90 PAD patients, predominantly with polyvascular involvement. Cys C and Cat S/Cys C were associated with ankle–brachial index (ABI) scores <0.4 in univariate and multiple regression models. Furthermore, both markers correlated positively with the plasma Von Willebrand Factor Antigen (VWF: Ag) and Von Willebrand Factor collagen-binding activity (VWF: CB). In addition, Cat S/Cys C was significantly decreased, whereas Cys C increased in subjects with three-bed atherosclerotic involvement. According to our results, high serum Cys C and low Cat S/Cys C ratios may indicate severe peripheral arterial disease and polyvascular atherosclerotic involvement.

Objective: A low level of physical activity is a cardiovascular risk factor. Physical activity patterns may differ among different ethnic groups. Aim of the study: Our aim was to evaluate the physical activity patterns of two different Roma populations compared to non-Roma. Material and Methods: The study population included 231 Gabor Roma, 111 Băieși Roma, and 183 non-Roma. A 70-item questionnaire was administered, including also the short form of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, evaluating daily physical activity in minutes and physical activity categories such as walking, gardening, household activity, and sports. Anthropometric parameters (weight, height, waist and hip circumference) were measured. Results: The level of physical activity was the lowest among Gabor Roma and was lower in both Roma groups than in non-Roma (Gabor Roma 118.6 ± 91.1 min/day, Băieși Roma 207.55 ± 172.1 min/day, and non-Roma 234.12 ± 167.3 min/day). Both Roma groups had significantly lower percentages of gardening and sport activities compared to non-Roma. Women had a higher level of daily physical activity than men in the Gabor Roma population (144.22 ± 109.4 min/day vs. 79.71 ± 58.2 min/day, p = 0.001). In the two other groups the differences were not statistically significant. Conclusions: Both Roma groups had significantly lower levels of daily physical activity, with differences between genders. Both Roma groups were lesser engaged in sports and gardening than non-Roma subjects.

Single-phase Pr 2 CBr was prepared by heating a mixture of PrBr 3 , Pr and C (1 : 5:3) to 1140 • C for 18 d. The crystal structure was investigated by X-ray single crystal diffraction (space group P6 3 /mmc, a = 3.8071 (3), c = 14.7787(12)Å). In the structure the Pr atoms form C-centered octahedra condensed into Pr 2 C sheets via common edges; these sheets are separated by the Br atoms which are in a trigonal prismatic environment of Pr atoms. Pr 2 CBr is a black shiny compound with metallic conductivity. It is a ferromagnet with T c = 13.8(5) K.