Radioisotopic assessment of bone metabolism of the operated vertebra after inter-process stabilizer implantation in the lumbar segment of the spine

INTRODUCTION

Lack of efficacy of pharmacotherapy and physiotherapy in spinal pain syndrome is an indication for intervertebral stabilizer implantation between the processes in the lumbar segment of the spine.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The group consisted of 32 patients qualified after radioisotopic single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT) examinations with assessment of bone metabolism and mineral density. For comparative purposes, the L2 vertebra was defined as normal. Parameters defined in the area of operated vertebrae were comparable to L2. Imaging examinations and a pain intensity test were performed before and 12 months after the procedure.

RESULTS

In SPECT, osteotropic isotope (OI) activity in spinous bodies and processes was close to L2 values. Density assessed in CT of analysed vertebrae was close to L2. In the control examination, activity of OI in spinous bodies and processes was higher in the procedure area. Under the stabilizer, there was a strong positive correlation with the L2 parameters. The differences were statistically significant (p = 0.0002). The increase of OI activity in the elements above the stabilizer was variable. In the control examination, there was higher density of spinous processes and bodies above and under the stabilizer. The difference, compared to the L2 density, was statistically significant.

CONCLUSIONS

The radioisotopic method with SPECT/CT allows for the precise assessment of bone metabolism in the spine. After the procedure, a negative correlation was observed between bone metabolism changes and pain intensity test results.

Tuning the surface structure and conductivity of niobium-doped rutile TiO2 single crystals via thermal reduction

We report on the systematic exploration of electronic and structural changes of Nb-doped rutile TiO₂(110) single crystal surfaces due to the thermoreduction under ultra-high vacuum conditions (without sputtering), with comparison to undoped TiO₂(110) crystals.

The Problem of Atrial Fibrillation in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with the risk of multiple life-threatening complications such as: progression to chronic renal failure and cardiovascular disease including coronary heart disease, heart failure and peripheral arterial disease. Also, atrial fibrillation (AF) is common in this group of patients. Factors contributing to the occurrence of AF in patients undergoing dialysis include: age, presence of coronary heart disease, echocardiographic abnormalities (low ejection fraction, atrial enlargement, valvular calcification, left ventricular hypertrophy), heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, hypertension, stroke, malnutrition (low levels of albumin, total cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein (HDL), secondary hyperparathyroidism, low predialysis systolic blood pressure, duration of renal replacement therapy as well as the method of renal replacement therapy (more frequent in haemodialysis patients). The optimal management of thromboprophylaxis in patients with CKD and AF is complex due to the fact that in patients with CKD many physiologic mechanisms are altered which lead to substantial changes in haemostasis and thus this group of patients is characterized by an increased risk of thrombotic and haemorrhagic complications. Recommendations concerning the treatment of patients with AF do not include guidelines on how to manage patients with advanced CKD, due to the lack of large randomized trials assessing the efficacy and benefits of drugs in these patients. Patients with CKD and permanent, persistent, and paroxysmal AF ought to be treated as a group with high risk of bleeding and ischaemic stroke. In case of patients with no or only one moderate risk factors, it seems that anticoagulation with antiplatelet drugs can be considered as efficient therapy, while in patients with ≥2 risk factors an oral anticoagulation therapy may be used. During long-term treatment, the international normalized ratio (INR) must be controlled at least every 14 days and adjusted within a target range of 2.0-2.5. Moreover, renal function should be evaluated before initiation of direct thrombin or factor Xa inhibitors and re-evaluated when clinically indicated and at least annually.

Lipoprotein(a) Levels in Patients With Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm

Circulating markers relevant to the development of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) are currently required. Lipoprotein(a), Lp(a), is considered a candidate marker associated with the presence of AAA. The present meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the association between circulating Lp(a) levels and the presence of AAA. The PubMed-based search was conducted up to April 30, 2015, to identify the studies focusing on Lp(a) levels in patients with AAA and controls. Quantitative data synthesis was performed using a random effects model, with standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) as summary statistics. Overall, 9 studies were identified. After a combined analysis, patients with AAA were found to have a significantly higher level of Lp(a) compared to the controls (SMD: 0.87, 95% CI: 0.41-1.33, P < .001). This result remained robust in the sensitivity analysis, and its significance was not influenced after omitting each of the included studies from the meta-analysis. The present meta-analysis confirmed a higher level of circulating Lp(a) in patients with AAA compared to controls. High Lp(a) levels can be associated with the presence of AAA, and Lp(a) may be a marker in screening for AAA. Further studies are needed to establish the clinical utility of measuring Lp(a) in the prevention and management of AAA.

Efficacy of Statin Therapy in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Since the evidence regarding statin therapy in PAH has not been conclusive, we assessed the impact of statin therapy in PAH through a systematic review and meta-analysis of available studies. We searched selected databases up to August 1, 2015 to identify the studies investigating the effect of statin administration on PAH. Meta-analysis was performed using either a fixed-effects or random-effect model according to I(2) statistic. Meta-analysis of 8 studies with 665 patients did not suggest any significant improvement in 6-min walking distance (6MWD) by statin therapy (weighed mean difference [WMD]: -6.08 m, 95% confidence interval [CI]: -25.66, 13.50, p = 0.543; Q = 8.41, I(2) = 28.64%). Likewise, none of the other indices including pulmonary arterial pressure (WMD: -0.97 mmHg, 95%CI: -4.39, 2.44, p = 0.577; Q = 14.64, I(2) = 79.51%), right atrial pressure (WMD: 1.01 mmHg, 95%CI: -0.93, 2.96, p = 0.307; Q = 44.88, I(2) = 95.54%), cardiac index (WMD: 0.05 L/min/m(2), 95%CI: -0.05, 0.15, p = 0.323; Q = 3.82, I(2) = 21.42%), and pulmonary vascular resistance (WMD: -1.42 dyn*s/cm(5), 95%CI: -72.11, 69.27, p = 0.969; Q = 0.69, I(2) = 0%) was significantly altered by statin therapy. In conclusion, the results of the meta-analysis did not show a statistically significant effect of statin therapy in the improvement of 6MWD, pulmonary arterial pressure, right atrial pressure, cardiac index and pulmonary vascular resistance.

Differences in biochemical and genetic biomarkers in patients with heart failure of various etiologies

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

To evaluate whether biomarkers reflecting pathophysiological pathways and selected single nucleotide polymorphisms differ between patients (pts) with heart failure (HF).

METHODS

110 pts with were involved, including HF pts with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF, n=51) with hypertensive origin, HF pts with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) with ischemic aetiology (ICM) (n=32) and HFrEF with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) (n=27). We assessed selected HF biomarkers, echocardiographic examinations and functional polymorphisms selected from six candidate genes: CYP27B1, NOS3, IL-6, TGF beta, TNF alpha, and PPAR gamma.

RESULTS

Higher concentrations of TNF alpha were observed in pts with hypertensive HFpEF compared to pts with DCM (p=0.008). Pts with HFpEF had higher concentrations of TGF beta 1 compared to DCM and ICM (p=0.0001 and p=0.0003, respectively). For the NOS3 -786 C/T rs2070744 polymorphism in DCM there were significantly more CT heterozygotes than in ICM and HFpEF. In multivariate analysis TGF beta 1 (p=0.001) and syndecan 4 (p=0.001) were the only factors distinguishing HFrEF pts with DCM vs HFpEF and also TGF beta 1 (p=0.001) and syndecan 4 (p=0.023) were the only factors distinguishing HFrEF pts with ICM vs HFpEF pts.

CONCLUSIONS

Inflammation mediated through TNF alpha and TGF beta 1 may represent an important component of an inflammatory response that partially drives the pathophysiology of HFpEF. NOS3 -786 C/T rs2070744 polymorphism in DCM may serve as a marker for more rapid progression of heart failure. The only biomarkers independently distinguishing HFpEF and HFrEF are syndecan 4 and TGF beta 1.

Effects of Quercetin on Blood Pressure: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

BACKGROUND

Quercetin, the most abundant dietary flavonol, has antioxidant effects in cardiovascular disease, but the evidence regarding its effects on blood pressure (BP) has not been conclusive. We assessed the impact of quercetin on BP through a systematic review and meta-analysis of available randomized controlled trials.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We searched PUBMED, Cochrane Library, Scopus, and EMBASE up to January 31, 2015 to identify placebo-controlled randomized controlled trials investigating the effect of quercetin on BP. Meta-analysis was performed using either a fixed-effects or random-effect model according to I(2) statistic. Effect size was expressed as weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% CI. Overall, the impact of quercetin on BP was reported in 7 trials comprising 9 treatment arms (587 patients). The results of the meta-analysis showed significant reductions both in systolic BP (WMD: -3.04 mm Hg, 95% CI: -5.75, -0.33, P=0.028) and diastolic BP (WMD: -2.63 mm Hg, 95% CI: -3.26, -2.01, P<0.001) following supplementation with quercetin. When the studies were categorized according to the quercetin dose, there was a significant systolic BP and diastolic BP-reducing effect in randomized controlled trials with doses ≥500 mg/day (WMD: -4.45 mm Hg, 95% CI: -7.70, -1.21, P=0.007 and -2.98 mm Hg, 95% CI: -3.64, -2.31, P<0.001, respectively), and lack of a significant effect for doses <500 mg/day (WMD: -1.59 mm Hg, 95% CI: -4.44, 1.25, P=0.273 and -0.24 mm Hg, 95% CI: -2.00, 1.52, P=0.788, respectively), but indirect comparison tests failed to significant differences between doses.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of the meta-analysis showed a statistically significant effect of quercetin supplementation in the reduction of BP, possibly limited to, or greater with dosages of >500 mg/day. Further studies are necessary to investigate the clinical relevance of these results and the possibility of quercetin application as an add-on to antihypertensive therapy.

Molecular mechanisms of statin intolerance

Statins reduce cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in primary and secondary prevention. Despite their efficacy, many persons are unable to tolerate statins due to adverse events such as hepatotoxicity and myalgia/myopathy. In the case of most patients, it seems that mild-to-moderate abnormalities in liver and muscle enzymes are not serious adverse effects and do not outweigh the benefits of coronary heart disease risk reduction. The risk for mortality or permanent organ damage ascribed to statin use is very small and limited to cases of myopathy and rhabdomyolysis. Statin-induced muscle-related adverse events comprise a highly heterogeneous clinical disorder with numerous, complex etiologies and a variety of genetic backgrounds. Every patient who presents with statin-related side effects cannot undergo the type of exhaustive molecular characterization that would include all of these mechanisms. Frequently the only solution is to either discontinue statin therapy/reduce the dose or attempt intermittent dosing strategies at a low dose.

Lipid-modifying effects of nutraceuticals: An evidence-based approach

The present review provides an up-to-date summary of the findings on the lipid-lowering effects of the most important nutraceuticals and functional foods. Based on current knowledge, nutraceuticals might exert significant lipid-lowering, and their use has several advantages: A number of important questions remain to be addressed, including whether longer durations of therapy would result in a better response and the exact safety profile of nutraceuticals, especially at doses higher than those consumed in an average diet. Additionally, data regarding the effects of nutraceutical supplementation on the incidence of cardiovascular outcomes are lacking, and it is not clear whether additional lipid lowering by nutraceuticals can modify the residual cardiovascular risk that remains after statin therapy.

Markers of increased atherosclerotic risk in patients with chronic kidney disease: a preliminary study

BACKGROUND

The prevalence of chronic kidney disease is rising continuously. Cardiovascular disease is among leading causes of death and premature mortality of patients with chronic kidney disease. Even the earliest stages of chronic kidney disease are associated with higher risk of subsequent coronary heart disease. The aim of this study was to determine markers of increased risk of atherosclerosis in CKD.

METHODS

The study group consisted of a total of 80 patients (20 patients with stage I/II CKD, 20 with stage III CKD, 20 stage IV CKD and 20 stage V/dialysis) and 24 healthy volunteers. Levels of proteins (osteoprotegerin, osteopontin, osteocalcin, matrix γ-carboxyglutamic acid protein, fetuin A, MMP-2, MMP-9, TIMP-1, TIMP-2) and biochemical parameters were measured to analyse their influence on atherosclerosis risk in CKD patients. Cardiac echocardiography was performed to assess structural integrity and function, presence of left ventricular hypertrophy and systolic and diastolic function dysfunction.

RESULTS

This study shows that the prevalence of ventricular hypertrophy (95.3 %) and diastolic dysfunction (93.2 %) in CKD patients is high. Also E/E' ratio was significantly higher (13.6 ± 4.4, p = 0.001), tricuspid insufficiency (27.3 in CKD I/II vs. 71.4 in CKD V, p = 0.016), contractile dysfunction (33.3 in CKD I/II vs. 78.9 in CKD V, p = 0.040), mitral valve calcification (0 in CKD I/II vs. 28.6 in CKD V, p = 0.044) and aortic valve calcification (0 in CKD I/II vs. 61.9 in CKD V, p = 0.0008) were significantly more frequent in patients with CKD stage V/dialysis than in other groups. Only MMP-2, MMP-2/TIMP-2 ratio and TIMP-1 differed significantly between groups.

CONCLUSIONS

This study shows high prevalence of ventricular hypertrophy and diastolic dysfunction in CKD patients. Contractile dysfunction, mitral and aortic valve calcification in HD patients were significantly more frequent than in patients with other CKD stages. Significantly increased levels of MMP-2, MMP-2/TIMP-2 ratio and lower TIMP-1 suggests that these factors may be involved in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis in CKD patients.

Impact of L-carnitine on plasma lipoprotein(a) concentrations: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

We aimed to assess the impact of L-carnitine on plasma Lp(a) concentrations through systematic review and meta-analysis of available RCTs. The literature search included selected databases up to 31^st January 2015. Meta-analysis was performed using fixed-effects or random-effect model according to I² statistic. Effect sizes were expressed as weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI). The meta-analysis showed a significant reduction of Lp(a) levels following L-carnitine supplementation (WMD: −8.82 mg/dL, 95% CI: −10.09, −7.55, p < 0.001). When the studies were categorized according to the route of administration, a significant reduction in plasma Lp(a) concentration was observed with oral (WMD: −9.00 mg/dL, 95% CI: −10.29, −7.72, p < 0.001) but not intravenous L-carnitine (WMD: −2.91 mg/dL, 95% CI: −10.22, 4.41, p = 0.436). The results of the meta-regression analysis showed that the pooled estimate is independent of L-carnitine dose (slope: −0.30; 95% CI: −4.19, 3.59; p = 0.878) and duration of therapy (slope: 0.18; 95% CI: −0.22, 0.59; p = 0.374). In conclusion, the meta-analysis suggests a significant Lp(a) lowering by oral L-carnitine supplementation. Taking into account the limited number of available Lp(a)-targeted drugs, L-carnitine might be an effective alternative to effectively reduce Lp(a). Prospective outcome trials will be required to fully elucidate the clinical value and safety of oral L-carnitine supplementation.

Comparing surface properties of melanoma cells using time of flight secondary ions mass spectrometry

Various techniques have been already reported to differentiate between normal (non-malignant) and cancerous cells based on their physico-chemical properties.

Lipids, blood pressure and kidney update 2015

The most important studies and guidelines in the topics of lipid, blood pressure and kidney published in 2015 were reviewed. In lipid research, the IMProved Reduction of Outcomes: Vytorin Efficacy International Trial (IMPROVE-IT) trial revalidated the concept "lower is better" for low density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol as a target for therapy, increasing the necessity of treatment the high-risk patients to achieve LDL-C goals. After these results, ezetimibe might become the preferred additional drug in the combination therapy of lipid disorders because of oral dosage form and lower acquisition cost. However, for the statin-intolerant patients and those patients requiring essential reductions in LDL-C to achieve their goals, new therapies, including PCSK9 inhibitors remain promising drugs. In blood pressure research, American Heart Association (AHA)/American College of Cardiology (ACC) 2015 guidelines recommended a target for blood pressure below 140/90 mmHg in stable or unstable coronary artery disease patients and below 150/90 mmHg in patients older than 80 years of age, however the recent results of the Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial (SPRINT) trial have suggested that there might be significant benefits, taking into account cardiovascular risk, for hypertensive patients over 50 without diabetes and blood pressure levels <120/80. In kidney research, reducing the progression of chronic kidney disease and related complications such as anemia, metabolic acidosis, bone and mineral diseases, acute kidney injury and cardiovascular disease is still a goal for clinicians.

Qualification for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in the diagnosis and treatment of extrahepatic cholestasis caused by choledocholithiasis

INTRODUCTION

Choledocholithiasis, being the most common cause of extrahepatic cholestasis, is diagnosed on the basis of clinical symptoms, laboratory findings, and imaging results. An important diagnostic and also therapeutic procedure performed in patients with choledocholithiasis is retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). However, due to the high rate of complications associated with ERCP, the decision on its implementation should be preceded by a thorough analysis of the case, aimed at confirmation of the diagnosis.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The present study is a retrospective analysis of 86 patients qualified for ERCP due to suspected choledocholithiasis. The diagnosis was based on clinical symptoms and/or laboratory and/or imaging results. The presence of one or more of the three abovementioned criteria was a key to classify patients in one of three risk groups of choledocholithiasis: high, intermediate and low.

RESULTS

In the high-risk group, where choledocholithiasis was confirmed by clinical symptoms, laboratory findings and results of imaging tests, the accuracy of diagnosis was 100%. In the intermediate-risk group - choledocholithiasis diagnosed on the basis of clinical symptoms and laboratory results - the accuracy of diagnosis was approximately 81.5% (p < 0.05). In the low-risk group, in which choledocholithiasis was diagnosed only on the basis of clinical symptoms, diagnosis accuracy was approximately 50% (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The combination of clinical symptoms, laboratory tests and imaging findings allows patients to be classified into three risk groups of choledocholithiasis: high, intermediate and low. Taking into account the probability of choledocholithiasis and the risk of ERCP complications, only patients from high and intermediate risk groups should be qualified for the procedure.

The impact of statin therapy on plasma levels of von Willebrand factor antigen. Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised placebo-controlled trials

Increased plasma levels of von Willebrand factor antigen (vWF:Ag) are associated with high risk of coronary artery disease. The effect of statin therapy on vWF:Ag levels remains uncertain. Therefore the aim of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the effect of statin therapy on vWF:Ag Levels. A systematic multiple-database search was carried out to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that investigated the effect of statins on plasma vWF:Ag levels. Random-effect meta-analysis of 21 treatment arms revealed a significant decrease in plasma vWF:Ag levels following statin therapy (SMD: -0.54, 95 %CI: -0.87, -0.21, p=0.001). In subgroup analyses, the greatest effect was observed with simvastatin (SMD: -1.54, 95 %CI: -2.92, -0.17, p=0.028) and pravastatin (SMD: -0.61, 95 %CI: -1.18, -0.04, p=0.035), but not with fluvastatin (SMD: -0.34, 95 %CI: -0.69, 0.02, p=0.065), atorvastatin (SMD: -0.23, 95 %CI: -0.57, 0.11, p=0.179) and rosuvastatin (SMD: -0.20, 95 % CI: -0.71, 0.30, p=0.431). The lowering effect of statins on plasma vWF:Ag levels was greater in the subset of studies lasting ≥ 12 weeks (SMD: -0.70, 95 %CI: -1.19, -0.22, p=0.005) compared with that of studies lasting < 12 weeks (SMD: -0.34, 95 %CI: -0.67, 0.003, p=0.052). Finally, low-intensity statin therapy was not associated with a significant reduction in vWF:Ag levels (SMD: -0.28, 95 %CI: -0.82, 0.27, p=0.320), but a significant effect was observed in high-intensity statin trials (SMD: -0.66, 95 %CI: -1.07, -0.24, p=0.002). This meta-analysis of available RCTs demonstrates a significant reduction in plasma vWF:Ag levels following statin therapy.

Renalase is removed by kidneys and during dialysis - excess related to CKD complications?

BACKGROUND

The most common complications of chronic kidney disease (CKD) are hypertension and cardiovascular (CV) disorders. Renalase is produced and released by the kidney and also cardiomyocytes. Renalase deficiency was claimed to be responsible for hypertension and CV complication in CKD. There are contradictory data about serum renalase because of low activity and high levels revealed in hypertensive patients with CKD. We assessed serum renalase concentration in objects with CKD after one-side and both-side nephrectomy (on haemodialysis [HD]), or hemodiafiltration (HDF), in urine and ultrafiltrate in hemodialysis objects. We also evaluated the influence of hemodialysis sessions on renalase concentrations.

METHODS

The concentration of renalase in plasma, ultrafiltrate and urine of 100 hemodialysis patients was assessed by commercially accessible test. We evaluated renalase in 17 HDF objects and 24 healthy controls. Western Blot test was also used to assess renalase concentration.

RESULTS

Ultrafiltrate in hemodialysis objects contained renalase and there was no impact of dialysers' type (high-flux and low-flux). Renalase concentration of urine in control group was higher than in hemodialysis objects (n=60). The anuric group had higher renalase concentration comparing to those with remaining diuresis (p<0.001). Univariate analysis revealed the correlation between renalase concentration in plasma and in urine (r=-0.28, p<0.05) and ultrafiltrate renalase in hemodialysis group and between renalase in urine in the control group (r=0.61, p<0.01). There was a correlation between urinary renalase and residual diuresis, hemodialysis sessions non-significantly lowered renalase, the type of heparin had no effect on serum renalase levels. HDF patients had significantly lower renalase than HD patients. In Western blot analysis we found that patients after bilateral nephrectomy had the highest renalase, followed by unilateral nephrectomy.

CONCLUSION

Kidneys eliminate renalase and it is possible that the increased renalase has the impact on cardiovascular diseases in chronic kidney disease.

Assessment of the relationship between selected cardiovascular risk factors and the indices of intima-media thickness and coronary artery calcium score in various stages of chronic kidney disease

Renal diseases pose a growing epidemiological and health problem worldwide. Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of deaths among patients with chronic kidney disease. Increased risk of atherosclerosis in these patients results from the occurrence of traditional and non-traditional risk factors. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between selected risk factors for cardiovascular diseases (age, sex, dyslipidemia, hypertension, etc.), intima-media thickness and coronary artery calcium score in patients with chronic kidney disease stages 2, 3 and 4. This study included 60 patients with chronic kidney disease divided into 3 groups on the basis of disease stage and control group consisting of 20 individuals without diagnosed chronic kidney disease and cardiovascular diseases. Blood analysis and blood pressure measurements were taken. All patients underwent carotid artery ultrasound with the assessment of the intima-media thickness, and heart CT scan in order to assess the index of coronary artery calcification. Logistic regression analysis revealed statistically significant correlation between blood vessels calcification and age--the increase in age by 1 year was associated with the increase in the risk of coronary artery calcification by 6.7 %. The increase in IMT by about 0.1 mm raises the risk of calcification by about 2 %. Second logistic regression model revealed that one-year increase in age was associated with an increase in the risk of intima-media thickening by 6.5 %. Occurrence of hypertension was associated with a ninefold increase in intima-media thickening risk in comparison with patients with normal blood pressure. To sum up, age and hypertension were associated with the growth of IMT in CKD patients, while age and exposure to tobacco smoke were associated with the increase in coronary artery calcium score. The relationship between thickening of IMT and the increase in calcification index in patients was also observed in study group.