Biomedical subjects

Elizabeta Topic

Publications and source records attributed to Elizabeta Topic.

4 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2006

Matrix metalloproteinases and their inhibitors in different acute stroke subtypes.

The aim of the study was to determine serum levels of selected matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their natural inhibitors (TIMPs) in the acute phase of different stroke types subdivided according to the Oxfordshire Community Stroke Project (OCSP) classification and the possibility of discriminating stroke types according to their levels. The study included 126 patients with acute stroke within the first 24 h of symptom onset, and 124 healthy volunteers. The stroke group had lower MMP-2 concentrations and MMP-2/TIMP-2 ratios (p<0.001) but higher TIMP-2 (p<0.001) than controls. The level of MMP-9 and the MMP-9/TIMP-1 ratio were higher in patients with total anterior circulation infarct (TACI) than in patients with other stroke subtypes according to OCSP classification (p=0.0019, p=0.0065, respectively) or in controls (p<0.0001, p=0.0024, respectively). A negative correlation of MMP-2 levels with MMP-9 and MMP-9/TIMP-1 ratio was recorded in all stroke subtypes except for TACI. Receiver operating characteristic analysis showed similar discriminating power for MMP-9 levels and Barthel index in the differential diagnosis of TACI. High MMP-9/TIMP-1 ratio (odds ratio 3.263) was associated with TACI. Our results demonstrate that the MMP-9/TIMP-1 ratio may provide information to help in assessing stroke patients in the future as a baseline biomarker of infarct extent.

Aged↗

PubMed2005

Soluble transferrin receptor and transferrin receptor-ferritin index in iron deficiency anemia and anemia in rheumatoid arthritis.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the clinical efficiency of soluble transferrin receptor and transferrin receptor-ferritin index (sTfR/logF) in the diagnosis of iron deficiency anemia, as well as the differential diagnosis of iron deficiency anemia and anemia in rheumatoid arthritis. The study included 96 patients with anemia and 61 healthy volunteers as a control group. In healthy subjects there were no significant sex and age differences in the parameters tested. The study results showed these parameters to be reliable in the diagnosis of iron deficiency anemia, as well as in the differential diagnosis of iron deficiency anemia and anemia of chronic disease. The results indicate that sTfR/logF could be used to help differentiate coexisting iron deficiency in patients with anemia of chronic disease. Receiver operating characteristic analysis showed a higher discriminating power of transferrin receptor-ferritin index vs. soluble transferrin receptor in the diagnosis of iron deficiency anemia, as well as in the differential diagnosis between iron deficiency anemia and anemia of chronic disease. In patients with anemia in rheumatoid arthritis, the parameters tested showed no significant differences with respect to C-reactive protein concentration. These results suggested that the parameters tested are not affected by acute or chronic inflammatory disease.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2004

Soluble adhesion molecules in acute ischemic stroke.

BACKGROUND: Inflammatory adhesion molecules play a key role in the development of ischemic lesions. Elevated plasma concentrations of soluble adhesion molecules are reported in stroke patients, but data are still controversial. Our aim was to explore the potential association of plasma levels of soluble (s) intercellular and vascular cellular adhesion molecules-1 (sICAM-1 and sVCAM-1), sE-selectin and sL-selectin with acute ischemic stroke. METHODS: At our university hospital in Zagreb, Croatia, we prospectively enrolled 67 subjects with acute ischemic stroke, as well as 76 consecutive healthy individuals as controls who were visiting the centre for reasons unrelated to stroke. Serum concentrations of the molecules of interest were determined by means of quantitative sandwich enzyme immunoassay. RESULTS: Mean levels of sICAM-1 (p < 0.001), sVCAM-1 (p < 0.034) and sE-selectin (p < 0.002) were higher in patients than in controls, whereas sL-selectin was lower in patients (p = 0.043). In patients, levels of soluble adhesion molecules were independent of age and sex except for sL-selectin, which was inversely correlated with age (r = -0.260, p = 0.034) and higher in women (p = 0.006) and diabetics (n = 14; p = 0.004). Serum levels did not differ significantly with respect to carotid atherosclerotic disease, smoking status, hypertension or hypercholesterolemia. As well as correlating with each other, concentrations of soluble adhesion molecules in patients correlated with traditional biochemical markers of inflammation: total leukocyte count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein level. Concentrations of sICAM-1 and high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol and ESR were identified as significant independent predictors/indicators of acute ischemic stroke. CONCLUSIONS: Acute ischemic stroke is associated with elevated plasma levels of sICAM-1, sVCAM-1 and sE-selectin, independent of age, sex and other recognized risk factors for stroke. Decreased levels of sL-selectin are associated with acute stroke. The observed changes in serum concentrations of adhesion molecules indicate inflammatory process occurring during acute cerebral ischemia.

Aged↗

PubMed2003

Detection of factor V Leiden by PCR-SSCP using GMA precast Elchrom scientific gels.

Genetic abnormalities in hemostatic proteins associated with hypercoagulability are an important hereditary risk factor for venous thrombosis. Several genetic mutations that cause hereditary disorders predisposing to thrombosis have been described, point mutation in the coagulation factor V gene (FV:R506Q), called factor V Leiden, being the most common of them. A new inexpensive and simple polymerase chain reaction-single-strand polymorphism (PCR-SSCP) based method for detection of this genetic abnormality is reported. The study population consisted of 150 subjects whose factor V genotype was previously determined by PCR-RFLP method using the Mnl I restriction endonuclease. A 223-bp fragment containing the G1692-A (Arg 506-Gln) polymorphic site in exon 10 of the factor V gene was amplified, denatured, and run overnight on the commercially available GMA gels for SSCP. PCR-SSCP analysis showed reproducible and uniform band patterns for FV mutant and wild type alleles. Furthermore, PCR-SSCP results were consistent with those obtained with PCR-RFLP analysis (100%). The described PCR-SSCP procedure is reliable, time-saving, and cost-effective. The method may be considered as a potentially powerful new tool in the routine detection of factor V Leiden.

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