Distribution of serum total protein in elderly Chinese

Aging impaired locomotor and biochemical activities in Drosophila melanogaster Oregon R (fruit fly) model

Despite advancements in healthcare and increased lifespan, aging populations face numerous challenges, including declining cognitive function, increased susceptibility to chronic diseases, and reduced quality of life. This study investigated Aging impaired Locomotors and Biochemical Activities in Drosophila melanogaster Oregon R (Fruit Fly) Model with the aim to elucidate the mechanism involved. Adult wild-type Drosophila melanogaster Oregon R was used for this study. Survival assay, antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), reduced glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA)) and total protein (TP) concentration were investigated. Data obtained were analyzed using R studio and GraphPad Prism. The result indicated low survival in male flies compared to female flies and the highest survival rate was observed with both flies reared together in the same vial. There was impaired locomotor activity in the flies with age. There was a significant decrease in the level of SOD, CAT, GSH and TP with age with a corresponding significant increase in the level of MDA. This finding demonstrated that locomotor activity decreased with aging with decrease performance index and also established the involvement of oxidation through the activities of antioxidant enzymes in aging; decreased (p < 0.05) concentration of antioxidant enzymes and increased (p < 0.05) lipid peroxidation. Also, it demonstrated that female species had longer lifespan compared to males while co-habiting of male and female species extended lifespan.

Expedient measurement of total protein in human serum and plasma via the biuret method using fiber optic probe for patient samples and certified reference materials

The biuret method is currently recognized as a reference measurement procedure for serum/plasma total protein by the Joint Committee for Traceability in Laboratory Medicine (JCTLM). However, as the reaction involved in this method is highly time-dependent, to ensure identical measurement conditions for calibrator and samples for high accuracy, a fast and simple measurement procedure is critical to ensure the precision and trueness of this method. We measured serum/plasma total protein using a Cary 60 spectrophotometer coupled with a fiber optic probe, which was faster and simpler than the conventional cuvette method. The biuret method utilizing alkaline solutions of copper sulfate and potassium sodium tartrate was added to the sample and calibrator (NIST SRM 927e) incubated for 1 h before measurement. A panel of samples consisting of pooled human serum, single donor serum, and certified reference materials (CRMs) from three sources were measured for method validation. Sixteen native patient samples were measured using the newly developed biuret method and compared against clinical analyzers. Additionally, the results of three cycles of a local External Quality Assessment (EQA) Programme submitted by participating clinical laboratories were compared against the biuret method. Our biuret method using fiber optic probe demonstrated good precision with within-day relative standard deviation (RSD) of 0.04 to 0.23% and between-day RSD of 0.58%. The deviations between the obtained values and the certified values for all three CRMs ranged from -0.38 to 1.60%, indicating good method trueness. The routine methods using clinical analyzers were also found to agree well with the developed biuret method using fiber optic probe for EQA samples and native patient samples. The biuret method using a fiber optic probe represented a convenient and reliable way of measuring serum total protein. It also demonstrated excellent precision and trueness using CRMs and patient samples, which made the method a simpler candidate reference method for serum protein measurement.

Expression of a stress-inducible heme oxygenase-1 in NK cells is maintained in the process of human aging

Introduction

Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) is a stress-inducible heat shock protein (HSP32) that exerts cytoprotective effects against oxidative stress and inflammation, and is involved in the maintenance of cellular homeostasis. This study aimed to evaluate the expression of HO-1 in natural killer (NK) cells from individuals of different age groups after stimulation with various factors, and to analyze the relationships between the concentration of this cytoprotective protein and parameters corresponding to oxidative stress and inflammation, that is, NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3), glutathione (GSH), GSH disulfide (GSSG), and interleukin 6 (IL-6).

Methods

The study population comprised three age groups: young adults (age range, 19-23 years), older adults aged under 85 years (age range, 73-84 years), and older adults aged over 85 years (age range, 85-92 years). NLRP3, GSH, and GSSG concentrations were measured in serum, whereas the HO-1 concentration and IL-6 expression were studied in NK cells cultivated for 48 h and stimulated with IL-2, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), or phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) with ionomycin.

Results

The analysis of serum NLRP3, GSH, and GSSG concentrations revealed no statistically significant differences among the studied age groups. However, some typical trends of aging were observed, such as a decrease in GSH concentration and an increase in both GSSG level, and GSSG/GSH ratio. The highest basal expression of IL-6 and lowest basal content of HO-1 were found in NK cells of adults over 85 years of age. The NK cells in this age group also showed the highest sensitivity to stimulation with the applied factors. Moreover, statistically significant negative correlations were observed between HO-1 and IL-6 expression levels in the studied NK cells.

Conclusions

These results showed that NK cells can express HO-1 at a basal level, which was significantly increased in activated cells, even in the oldest group of adults. The reciprocal relationship between HO-1 and IL-6 expression suggests a negative feedback loop between these parameters.

Assessment of Subnutritional Indices and Associated Risk Factors of Malnutrition Among Older Adults

Malnutrition is a multifactorial problem affecting older adults especially in developing countries like Nigeria. Eighty-five subjects which comprise 55 older adults and 30 controls were recruited. Total protein, Albumin, Calcium, Vitamin-C and Vitamin D were estimated using Biuret's method, Bromo-Cresol Green method, O-Cresolphthalein-Complexone, High performance liquid chromatography, and ELISA methods respectively. Cognitive and nutritional status information were obtained using Mini-Cog test and MNA-short form. Data were analyzed at p < .05. Activities of daily living (ADL) was observed to be associated with nutritional status in older adults. The prevalence of older adults at risk of malnutrition was found to be 58.2%. Blood pressure, albumin and total protein were significantly higher in older adults (p < .05) compared to the younger adults. Total protein was significantly higher in older female subjects (p < .05) compared to older male subjects. It was also significantly higher in non- institutionalized older adults than in those who were institutionalized. Calf circumference was significantly lower (p < .05) in those with poor cognitive status. BMI and calcium were significantly lower in the malnourished older adults. It is concluded that older adults who are dependent, most of which are institutionalized may be more exposed to malnutrition, frailty and cognitive impairment.

Alterations of Body Composition, Blood Morphology and Fibrinogen Concentration after Vibration Therapy in Older Adult Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Vibrotherapy is one of the methods of physical therapy. Vibration, like various forms of physical activity, affects metabolic processes and health. The aim of this study was to assess the influence of thirty vibration sessions on body composition, hematologic and rheological indexes of blood, and protein and fibrinogen concentration in elderly women's blood. The study included 69 women, aged 60-70 years (mean age 64.6 ± 2.9), who were randomly and parallel assigned into: the vibrotherapy group 1 (G1) that took part in vibrotherapy on the Knees module, the vibrotherapy group 2 (G2) that took part in vibrotherapy on the Metabolism module, and the control group (CG) without interventions. In all patients, the following assessments were performed twice-baseline and after thirty vibrotherapy sessions: an assessment of body composition, a complete blood count with a hematology analyzer and erythrocyte aggregation by a laser-optical rotational red cell analyzer; total plasma protein and fibrinogen concentrations were established, respectively, by biuret and spectrophotometric methods. Intergroup (between groups) and intragroup (within each group) changes were statistically evaluated. After applying thirty vibration sessions, a decrease in body composition parameters (BM, body mass G1, p < 0.05; G2, p < 0.001 and FFM, fat free mass G1, p < 0.05; G2, p < 0.05) was confirmed in both intervention groups and BMI, body mass index in G2 (p < 0.05). It was found that, in G2, changes in erythrocyte aggregation indexes (T ½, half time kinetics of aggregation, p < 0.05 and AI, aggregation index, p < 0.05) and decrease of fibrinogen concentration (p < 0.05) took place. A series of thirty vibration sessions did not cause significant alterations in blood morphological parameters; therefore, vibrotherapy did not disturb hematological balance. Vibration sessions had a positive effect on BM, BMI, AG and fibrinogen concentration in the studied women, indicating the usefulness of this form of activation in older adults. Due to a decrease in FFM observed in the study, vibrotherapy should be employed in conjunction with physical exercise and other forms of physical activity in the group of older adults.

Smartphone digital image colorimetry for quantification of serum proteins

Colorimetric determination of proteins in serum is proposed based on the biuret method and replacing ultraviolet-visible spectrometric (UV-Vis) detection with a simple and affordable smartphone digital image colorimetric (SDIC) method. Optimum SDIC conditions were found as a detection wavelength of 555 nm, a region of interest of 1600 px2, and 9.0 cm between the detection camera and sample solution. Under the optimum conditions, the coefficient of determination was 0.9982 within a linear dynamic range of 0.022 to 0.35 g dL-1. The precision of the method based on the percent relative standard deviation was below 5%. The limit of detection and limit of quantitation were found to be 0.007 and 0.022 g dL-1 respectively, which were sufficient for the quantification of the total protein, albumin, and globulin in serum. The method was validated with an independent experiment using a UV-Vis method and both methods showed good statistical agreement, indicating the accuracy of the proposed SDIC method.

Dietary supplementation of low levels of unprocessed Mucuna pruriens utilis seed meal induces mild antinutritional entero-physio-metabolic perturbations without compromising performance and meat quality in finisher broilers

The rapidly growing world human population accentuates the need for improved production especially of protein-rich food. Broiler meat production offers opportunity to ensure security of this food. However, the production of modern broilers is not only limited by high feed costs due to dietary use of expensive energy and protein sources but also their meat possesses undesirable quality attributes. This study thus examined the effect of dietary Mucuna pruriens utilis seed meal (MSM) on growth performance, blood profile, carcass traits, and meat quality in finisher broiler chickens. In a completely randomised design (CRD), 320 21-day-old chicks were randomly allocated to 32 pens in which they were allotted 4 dietary treatments with 0, 2.5, 5, and 10% MSM, each with 8 replicate pens of 10 birds, for 28 days. Growth performance, carcass characteristics, internal organs, haemato-biochemistry, and meat quality were measured. Results showed that dietary MSM did not affect (P > 0.05) broiler performance, weights, and lengths of carcass cuts and internal organs, haematology, and meat quality. The only exception was MSM-induced increase in duodenal weight (linear, P < 0.05) and serum phosphorus (quadratic, P = 0.05) in contrast to a decrease in procalcitonin (quadratic, P < 0.01) and serum levels of total protein (linear, P < 0.05; and quadratic, P < 0.01), albumin (quadratic, P < 0.05), and bilirubin (quadratic, P = 0.001). Therefore, MSM could be supplemented up to 10% without compromising performance, carcass traits, internal organs, haemato-biochemistry, and meat quality in finisher broiler diets.

A cross-sectional study to correlate antioxidant enzymes, oxidative stress and inflammation with prevalence of hypertension

AIMS

Hypertension a multifactorial consequence of environmental factors, life style and genetics is the well-recognized risk factor contributing to coronary heart diseases. The antioxidant imbalance, excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) leads to oxidative stress which is pivotal in progression of hypertension. The present study aims to understand the complex interaction between oxidative stress, inflammation and antioxidant system which is crucial to maintain cellular homeostasis which further can exaggerate hypertension pathophysiology.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The metabolic profile of hypertensive and normotensive subjects from Malwa region, Punjab was compared by estimating lipid profile, cardiac, hepatic and renal markers. The oxidative stress markers (protein carbonyls and lipid peroxidation), inflammatory markers (Nitric oxide, Myeloperoxidase and advanced oxygen protein products), and antioxidant enzymes (Superoxide Dismutase, Catalase, and Total Antioxidant Capacity) were analyzed.

KEY FINDINGS

It is observed that the metabolic markers are altered in hypertensive subjects which further these subjects showed increased oxidative, inflammatory profile and compromised antioxidant status when compared with normotensive subjects. Co-relation analysis validated the involvement of inflammation and oxidative stress in impaired endothelial function and vital organ damage.

SIGNIFICANCE OF STUDY

These markers may act as early indicators of hypertension which usually do not show any physical symptoms, thus can be diagnosed and treated at the earliest. The current study suggests that disturbed homeostasis, a consequence of altered interaction between antioxidant system and inflammatory events raises the oxidative stress levels which eventually leads to hypertension and associated complications. These indicators can serve as early indicators of future chronic complications of hypertension.

Analysis of influencing factors of serum total protein and serum calcium content in plasma donors

Background and objectives

The adverse effects of plasma donation on the body has lowered the odds of donation. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of abnormal serum calcium and total serum protein related to plasma donation, identify the influencing factors, and come up with suggestions to make plasma donation safer.

Methods

Donors from 10 plasmapheresis centers in five provinces of China participated in this study. Serum samples were collected before donation. Serum calcium was measured by arsenazo III colorimetry, and the biuret method was used for total serum protein assay. An automatic biochemical analyzer was used to conduct serum calcium and total serum protein tests.

Results

The mean serum calcium was 2.3 ± 0.15 mmol/L and total serum protein was 67.75 ± 6.02 g/L. The proportions of plasma donors whose serum calcium and total serum protein were lower than normal were 20.55% (815/3,966) and 27.99% (1,111/3,969), respectively. There were significant differences in mean serum calcium and total serum protein of plasma donors with different plasma donation frequencies, gender, age, regions, and body mass index (BMI), (all p < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis revealed that donation frequencies, age, BMI and regions were significantly associated with a higher risk of low serum calcium level, and donation frequencies, gender, age and regions were significant determinants factors of odds of abnormal total serum protein.

Conclusions

Donation frequencies, gender, age, regions, and BMI showed different effects on serum calcium and total serum protein. More attention should be paid to the age, donation frequency and region of plasma donors to reduce the probability of low serum calcium and low total serum protein.

New comprehensive reference values for kidney function indexes across adult and geriatric ages in Chinese popuplation

Background and aims

China has the largest number of chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. Current CKD definition has been challenged recently. We aim to reassess kidney function in healthy Chinese population, to provide a more appropriate reference range (RIs) for diagnosis, treatment, monitoring (or screening) of kidney disease and related research.

Materials and methods

A total of 49627 apparently healthy people aged 18-94 years old were enrolled. Age and sex effects were explored for the kidney function indicators and RIs were calculated non-parametrically.

Results

Albumin's limits were lower than the national RIs, with 5.7 g/L lower in upper limit (UL) and 0.4 g/L lower in lower limit (LL) [RIs: 39.6-49.3 vs 40-55]. The LL of estimate glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was 80.4 mL/min/1.73 m² or 63.3 mL/min/1.73 m² at the age of <50 or ≥70 years, respectively. Notably, eGFR showed an approximately 0.7 mL/min/1.73 m² decrease every year. In addition, eGFR increase 0.35 mL/min/1.73 m² per standard deviation increase in blood glucose when uric acid (UA) exceed the RIs.

Conclusion

UA was an important factor affecting eGFR. For healthy elderly in China, albumin's limits were lower than the national RIs, and LLs of eGFR were nearly 60 mL/min/1.73 m². Using national RIs for healthy elderly may be overly stringent.

Establishment of gender- and age-specific reference intervals for serum liver function tests among the elderly population in northeast China: a retrospective study

Introduction

Reference intervals (RIs) for younger population may not apply to the elderly population. The aim of this study was to establish gender- and age-specific RIs for serum liver function tests among the elderly population and to compare with younger population RIs currently used in China and other countries.

Materials and methods

This was a retrospective study, and subjects (≥ 18 year-old) were recruited from the laboratory information system (LIS) at the First Hospital of Jilin University between April 2020 and April 2021. The following parameters were collected: aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total protein (TP), albumin (ALB), total bilirubin (TBIL), and direct bilirubin (DBIL). The Tukey method was used to eliminate outliers. Reference intervals were established by the nonparametric method.

Results

A total of 23,597 healthy individuals were enrolled in the study. From all parameters AST, ALT, TP and ALB required no gender partition, while ALT, GGT, TP, ALB and DBIL required different partitions for age. Activities and concentrations of ALT, ALB, and TP showed a downward trend in the elderly aged 60-89. In contrast, DBIL showed a gradual upward trend.

Conclusion

The RIs for liver function tests among healthy elderly population were different from those among young population in China. There were apparent gender and age differences in the RIs of liver function for elderly and significant differences compared with national standards and RIs in other countries. Therefore, it is necessary to establish gender- and age-specific RIs for serum liver function tests among the elderly population.

Combined score of C-reactive protein level and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio: A novel marker in distinguishing children with exacerbated asthma

Background

Both C-reactive protein (CRP) level and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) are commonly elevated in patients with asthma. It is necessary to develop a novel marker, the combined score of CRP level and NLR (C-NLR score) based on cutoff points of CRP and NLR, and apply it in asthma diagnosis. The aim of this study was to explore whether C-NLR could distinguish children with exacerbated asthma.

Methods

Children suffering from exacerbated asthma were regarded as the asthmatic group (n = 86), which was divided into three groups: mild (n = 54), moderate (n = 17), and severe (n = 15). The control group consisted of children without any allergic disease and infection (n = 38). To compare CRP level and NLR between the asthmatic group and control group, a receiver-operating characteristic curve was constructed to determine area under the curve (AUC) and optimal cutoff point. Thereafter, the C-NLR score was classified as follows: C-NLR score of 2 with an elevated CRP level and high NLR, a C-NLR score of 1 with one of these abnormalities, and a C-NLR score of 0 with a normal CRP level and low NLR. The C-NLR score was then compared among different asthma groups.

Results

In the control group, the CRP level and NLR were 1.9 (0.5–2.6) mg/L and 1.01 (0.69–1.31), respectively. In the asthmatic group, the CRP level and NLR were 7.3 (3.2–14.2) mg/L and 3.08 (1.73–5.34), respectively, which were higher than those in the control group (p < 0.001 for CRP and p < 0.001 for NLR). The AUC of CRP was 0.86, and the optimal cutoff point was 3.6 mg/L. The AUC of NLR was 0.86, and the optimal cutoff point was 1.72. The AUC of the C-NLR score was 0.94, and the optimal cutoff point was 1.

Conclusions

C-NLR, a novel inflammatory marker, was applied here for the exacerbated asthma for the first time. Our study has shown C-NLR is a promising marker to distinguish children with exacerbated asthma from healthy children.

Deciphering the whale's secrets to have a long life

Whales are marine creatures known for their enormous size and that live in all the oceans on earth. One of the oldest known organisms is bowhead whales, which can survive up to 200 years, and similarly, other species of whales have shown a remarkable long lifespan. In addition to this, whales are highly resistant to cancer, a disease that is strongly related to aging and the accumulation of damage over time. These two characteristics make whales an interesting model to study and that can provide us with a track both to delay aging and to avoid pathologies associated with it, such as cancer. In the present work, we try to analyze different aspects of whales such as metabolism, hematological and biochemical characteristics, and properties of their genome and transcriptome in order to elucidate possible molecular mechanisms that evolution has provided to these aquatic mammals.

Application of serum markers in diagnosis and staging of ovarian endometriosis

AIMS

Laparoscopic surgery is widely used for diagnosing ovarian endometriosis but it has medical risks. This study explored the application of blood indicators in diagnosis and staging of ovarian endometriosis, aiming to develop a noninvasive diagnostic method.

METHODS

A total of 190 ovarian endometriosis patients were included in observation group, among these participants, 77 patients among them were stages I-II, and the rest 113 patients were stages III-IV, and a total of 103 healthy women as control group. Serum biochemical indexes, tumor markers, and cytokines levels in two groups were used for the diagnosis and staging of the disease. Area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) predicted the value of individual and joint tests for indicators.

RESULTS

Biochemical indexes, namely, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total protein (TP), and glucose (Glu) could distinguish patients from normal women; and that ALP and Glu could indicate disease staging. In tumor markers, alpha fetoprotein (AFP), carcinoembryonic antigen (CA) 125, CA199 and human epididymis protein 4 (HE4) helped to diagnose endometriosis; CA125, HE4, and cytokeratin 19 fragment (CYFRA21-1) could differentiate stages. In cytokines, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6, soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase receptor 1 (sflt-1), monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1 therefore, have values to diagnose endometriosis; VEGF, TNF-α, IL-6, and sflt-1 helped to differentiate disease staging.

CONCLUSION

Serological indicators in ovarian endometriosis patients were different from healthy women, which were of certain differential values in diagnosis and disease staging. The current study provided a novel strategy for endometriosis diagnosis.

Analysis of Reference Ranges of Total Serum Protein in Namibia: Clinical Implications

A reference range is an essential part of clinical laboratory test interpretation and patient care. The levels of total serum protein (TSP) are measured in sera to assess nutritional, liver, and kidney disorders. This study determined the TSP reference range with respect to gender, age, and region in Namibia. A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the TSP reference range among 78,477 healthy participants within the ages of less than one year to more than 65 yrs in 14 regions of Namibia. The reference range of TSP was 51-91 g/L for females and 51-92 g/L for males. A reduced TSP range of 48.00-85.55 g/L (2.5-97.5 percentiles) was established at <1-5 years and increased towards adolescence. An uttermost range of 54-93 g/L was observed from 36-65 years of age. At the age >65 years; a steady decline in the reference range (51.00-89 g/L) was recorded. An upper TSP range of 53-92 g/L (2.5-97.5 percentiles) was detected in Erongo, Zambezi, Hardap, Kavango East, and a comparable trend was also seen in Omusati with a 54-91 g/L range. Meanwhile; a reduced TSP range of 50-89 g/L was identified in Ohangwena. This study showed that gender, age, and geographical location can impact TSP levels with a significant clinical difference (p < 0.05) between each category.

Raman spectroscopic screening of high and low molecular weight fractions of human serum

This study explores the suitability of Raman spectroscopy as a bioanalytical tool, when coupled with ultra-filtration and multivariate analysis, to detect imbalances in both high molecular weight and low molecular weight fractions of the same samples of human patient serum, in the native liquid form.