Volume 49, Issue 2

Quercetin is a plant flavonol from the flavonoid group of polyphenols or can also be formulated as a synthetic supplement chemically. Approximately 80 % of people in Africa and other developing nations still depend on traditional herbal remedies to treat ailments. Quercetin has been demonstrated to have a variety of anticancer effects. However, the effect of quercetin on oral cancer cells remains rare. According to our systematic review, quercetin includes anti-cell viability, anti-cell survival and anti-cell proliferation. Quercetin also possesses an anti-metastatic effect by regulating the expression of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition-related genes in oral cancer cells. The apoptotic effect of quercetin in oral cancer cells is probably via inducing cell surface death receptors, endoplasmic reticulum stress and mitochondria-mediated signaling pathways. Additionally, quercetin reduces drug resistance in KB/vincristine oral cancer cells and enhances cell sensitivity to vincristine treatment. Quercetin induces apoptosis of human oral cancer SAS cells through the endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria-mediated signaling pathways. Quercetin inhibits cell survival and metastatic ability via the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition-mediated signaling pathways in oral squamous cell carcinoma. Quercetin is an anti-tumour agent candidate and can also inhibit oral tumour metastasis. Indeed, the efficacy of quercetin against chemically induced oral squamous cell carcinoma remains to be elucidated.

Objectives Complete blood count (CBC) is performed using automated hematology analyzers. It is important that CBC results are comparable, reproducible, and reliable. In this study, our aim is to compare the results of Sysmex XN-1000 and Dirui BF-7200 hematology analyzers. Methods Patient samples randomly selected from the routine workflow for each instrument were measured 20 consecutive times to assess reproducibility. The mean, standard deviation, and coefficient of variation (CV%) were calculated for each hematological parameter. A comparison of results from the evaluated Dirui BF-7200 system with those from the current hematology analyzer Sysmex XN-1000 system was made for all of the samples included in the study. The compatibility between the parameters was evaluated using Passing–Bablok and Bland–Altman analyses. Results The within-run CV% values were outside the desirable biological variation database (European Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine) specification for CV% for eosinophil, basophil, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, mean platelet volume and platelet distribution width expressed as standard deviation in the Sysmex XN-1000 instrument and eosinophil, basophil, hematocrit and indexes of red blood cell and platelet in the Dirui BF-7200 instrument. When the Bland–Altman and Passing–Bablok analysis results were evaluated together, most parameters showed poor agreement; only white blood cells and lymphocytes showed good agreement between the two instruments. Conclusions As there is variability between results from different hematology analyzers, we recommend analyzing patient samples in the same laboratory using the same analyzer to avoid different results that could be misinterpreted.

Objectives This study aims to evaluate the performance characteristics of the Alinity HQ hematology analyzer in a routine laboratory setting. Methods In the study, precision (short-term and long-term precision), accuracy (method comparison with Abbott Cell Dyn Ruby and estimation of bias), confirmation of a background (Limit of Blank, LoB), and carry-over were used to evaluate the performance of Alinity HQ as recommended by ICSH, CLSI guidelines EP15-A3, EP09, EP17A2, and H26-A2. Acceptance criteria were based on manufacturer technical specifications and the EFLM Biological Variation Database. Results According to the short-term precision results, except for mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), all measurements exhibited coefficient variations (CV) lower than their verification limits. Basophil, eosinophil, and monocyte counts, as well as mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), MCHC, and red cell distribution width standard deviation (RDW-SD), did not meet the allowable imprecision criteria for the long-term precision study. The estimated bias for all analytes was within verification limits. However, the method comparison study showed concentration-dependent variations for MCHC, MCH, and mean platelet volume (MPV) parameters. Furthermore, the correlation of parameters between Alinity HQ and Cell Dyn Ruby ranged from 0.46 to 1.00. The LoB and carry-over studies demonstrated satisfactory performance for the Alinity HQ analyzer. Conclusions Although some parameters had higher CVs than expected and concentration-dependent bias, the overall analytical performance of Alinity HQ was found to be satisfactory. Alinity HQ is an accurate, highly precise analyzer with good analytical performance, suitable for high-volume laboratories.

Objectives Not only do transfusion-dependent thalassemia (TDT) patients have a risk of clinical consequences arising from iron overload, non-transfusion-dependent thalassemia (NTDT) patients may encounter it also. In this study, we demonstrated the usefulness of intra-erythrocyte labile iron pool (LIP) measurement in NTDT patients with HbE/β-thalassemia in revealing a concealed iron overload and the resultant oxidative cell damage. Methods LIP and ferritin levels were assayed in 20 HbE/β-thalassemia patients, comprising 10 NTDT and 10 TDT patients and 10 healthy individuals. Erythrocyte oxidative stress parameters (intraerythrocyte reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, numbers of erythrocyte vesicles, and cell apoptosis) were also determined and their correlations to LIP and ferritin levels were analyzed. Results LIP levels (based on different mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) values obtained by flow cytometry) were high in both the NTDT (54 [42–90]) and TDT (71 [68–77]) patients compared to the healthy individuals (43 [31–61]). The ferritin level observed in the NTDT group (2,149 [781–4,071] ng/mL) was lower than that of the TDT group (4,885 [2,343–7,826] ng/mL). The LIP level was significantly correlated with the NTDT patients’ age and all oxidative stress parameters, but the ferritin level was not. Correlation analysis predicted that NTDT patients without receiving any therapy aged 32.5 years old or over are likely at risk of iron overload status and oxidative cell damage. Conclusions The results indicate that LIP may be a helpful alternative parameter for defining the risk of iron overload.

Objectives We aimed to investigate the lymphocyte subsets and monocytes by flow cytometry and the correlations between their HLA-DR expressions and inflammatory markers in patients with COVID-19. Methods The study included 49 patients with COVID-19 and 42 healthy controls. Blood samples were taken into EDTA tubes. WBC counts were analyzed by the Sysmex/XN-1000i device, and lymphocyte subsets and monocytes were analyzed by flow cytometry. The percentage of HLA-DR expression on cells and median fluorescence intensity (MFI) values were recorded to detect activation. Lymphocyte counts were calculated using the dual-platform method. Correlations between antigen expression and ferritin, CRP, and D-dimer levels were analyzed. Results The patient group had lower WBC and lymphocyte counts but significantly higher monocyte counts and neutrophil/lymphocyte ratios compared to controls (p=0.009, p=0.045, respectively). The patient group had significantly lower T lymphocyte counts (p=0.008). B lymphocyte counts and percentages were lower (p<0.001, p=0.004) in the patient group. There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of NK cells. T helper and T cytotoxic lymphocyte counts were significantly lower, but there was no change in CD4/CD8 ratios. The percentage of HLA-DR expression on T lymphocytes, HLA-DR MFI values of T cytotoxic cells, and HLA-DR MFI values of CD16 + monocytes were significantly increased in the patient group (p=0.001, p=0.004, p<0.001, respectively). CRP was positively correlated with HLA-DR expression on T lymphocytes (r=0.501, p<0.001). Conclusions HLA-DR MFI values may be an important marker for demonstrating the function of both T cytotoxic cells and CD16 + monocytes in COVID-19.

Objectives Hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) a significant risk factor for vascular disease, often emerges in epilepsy with the use of antiepileptic drugs. In this relationship, our study investigates the combined effects of HHcy and antiepileptics on vascular function using a rat model. Methods Fourty two rats were included and divided into six groups as, 1-Control, 2-L-Met, 3-LEV injected, 4-LEV-injected + L-Met, 5-VAL-injected, 6-VAL injected + L-Met. L-Methionine (L-Met) was added to drinking water of rats for 1 month to develop HHcy. Simultaneously, intraperitoneal (ip) injections of sodium valproate (VAL) and levetiracetam (LEV) were administered. Effects were comparatively investigated, and noradrenaline (NA), followed by acetylcholine (ACh) and glyceryl trinitrate (GTN) were applied in organ bath system. Agonist doses were expressed as ten base logarithm (M) through 10 −9 , 10 −8 , 10 −7 , 10 −6 , 10 −5 , 10 −4  mol/L in dose-response graph. Results NA contractions between LEV and LEV + L-Met groups showed statistical significance (LEV E max =288.50 ± 46.54, LEV + L-Met E max =480.40 ± 78.83) (p<0.05) however, no significance was observed among the other groups. ACh relaxations between Control-L-Met (Control Inh max =12.65 ± 2.09, L-Met Inh max =50.05 ± 7.43) (p<0.05), and Control-Val + L-Met (Control E max =328.20 ± 52.83, VAL + L-Met E max =452.60 ± 71.53) (p<0.01), groups showed statistical significance. Between other groups, no significance was observed. In GTN relaxations, no statistical significance was observed. Conclusions This study highlights the adverse impact of HHcy on aortic relaxation. Further impairment was observed with VAL compared to other treatment and control groups. These findings underscore the importance of considering vascular side effects when selecting antiepileptic drugs. Ultimately, our study contributes valuable insights that may aid the choice of appropriate treatment strategies to mitigate potential vascular complications of HHcy.

Objectives Evaluation of inflammation and liver fibrosis by using well established indices of serum biomarkers in hepatitis caused by viral agents has been reported in recent studies. But the diagnostic performance and prediction of liver damage in S. capitata infections has not yet been reported. The aim of the current study was to investigate the levels of systemic inflammatory indices based on liver enzymes and platelets, their effectiveness in detecting S. capitata infection and its degree of damage to the liver. Methods We investigated the diagnostic performance of seven serum inflammation and fibrosis markers as fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) score, AST/platelet ratio (APRI), AST/ALT ratio (De Ritis ratio), albumin/ALP ratio (AAR), platelet/albumin ratio (PAR), pan-immune-inflammation value (PIV) and GGT/platelet ratio (GPR) in total 62 S. capitata infected patients using cut-offs through receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis. Results Area under the curve of FIB-4 score was statistically significantly higher than ones of De Ritis ratio, AAR, PIV, APR, GPR, APRI index in determining liver damage in patients with S. capitata . The optimal cut off point for FIB-4 score was defined that the levels above 27.57 for FIB-4 score may be used for the diagnosis of S. capitata with 89 % of sensitivity and 91 % of specificity. Conclusions Serum fibrosis and immune-inflammation indices are independent, useful predictors, and FIB4 score is superior to the others in the diagnosis of inflammation and liver damage in S. capitata . These biomarkers may also be useful to specialists to follow up on the medical processes of these patients.

Objectives The catalytic subunits of Class IA PI3K, p110α, p110β, and p110δ, phosphorylates phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP 2 ) into phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-trisphosphate (PIP 3 ) on the plasma membrane. In cancer, these catalytic subunits are usually found to be altered or amplified. Because pan-PI3K inhibition results in systemic toxicities, finding specific targets for the ubiquitous PI3K isoforms offers considerable potential for enhancing the effectiveness of PI3K-targeted therapy. Methods We aim to delineate the isoform-specific druggable targets of the PI3K by deleting PIK3CA (encoding p110α) and PIK3CB (encoding p110β) by Cre mediated excision and ectopically expressing p110α, p110β, or p110δ with or without myristoylation (Myr) tag in mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs). Myr is a lipidation signal that translocates proteins to plasma membrane permanently. This translocation renders p110s constitutively activated as they remain in close proximity to PIP 2 on the membrane. Results Unique and redundant Akt targets are identified downstream of different PI3K isoforms. mTORC1, one of the targets of fully-activated Akt, has been observed to be differentially regulated in MEFs upon expression of p110α or p110β. The varying dependencies on mTORC1 and Rac1 led us to analyse a potential scaffolding function of p110β with Rac1 to mediate phosphorylation and activation of mTOR using platforms for the modeling of biomolecular complexes. We also documented that p110α and p110β support cell cycle kinetics differentially. Conclusions This study suggests differential regulation of protein translation, metabolism, cell cycle, and survival signaling downstream of unique p110 targets, underlying the importance of cancer treatment according to the deregulated p110 isoform.

Objectives The final step in the production of the human Sd(a) antigen is catalyzed by beta-1,4-N-acetyl-galactosamine transferase 2 ( B4GALNT2 ). This is done by adding a N-acetylgalactosamine residue via a beta-1,4 linkage to a subterminal galactose residue that has been substituted with an alpha-2,3-linked sialic acid. The final stage of the production of the Cad antigen is also catalyzed by B4GALNT2 . Knocking out pig B4GALNT2 gene decreased human serum antibodies binding to pig cells, which greatly reduces the immunological rejection in clinical xenotransplantation trials. Interestingly, gene region LOC110255214 (hereafter named B4GALNT2-like ) showed high similarity with the B4GALNT2 gene in the pig genome in our previous work, but whether B4GALNT2-like shares similar biological properties like B4GALNT2 remains to be elucidated, whether B4GALNT2-like is a potential immune gene in xenotransplantation remains to be determined. Methods In this study, we compared the tissue expression pattern of B4GALNT2-like and B4GALNT2 in Bama pigs. Results We found the expression of B4GALNT2-like was significantly higher in the duodenum, but lower in the heart, spleen, lung, kidney, comparing to B4GALNT2 . Applied the Escherichia coli recombinant expression, we obtained 768 and 1,300 μg protein for B4GALNT2 and B4GALNT2-like from 1 L culture, respectively. Using the expressed recombinant proteins, the enzymatic activity of the two proteins was determined and compared. Conclusions The enzymatic assay showed that B4GALNT2-like has comparable catalytic activity with B4GALNT2 (58.7 % of B4GALNT2 ), addressing an important question whether B4GALNT2-like is a new immunological rejection gene.

Objectives To evaluate the thyroid hormone levels and infection markers in COVID-19 patients and compare them to those in non-COVID-19 patients with infection in a large retrospective dataset. Methods In this study, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), thyroid hormones (free T3 and free T4), and several infection markers were reviewed. The study group was divided into three groups that had no thyroid-related disorders: control patients (Group 0; n=7,981), COVID-19 patients (Group 1; n=222), and non-COVID-19 patients with infection (Group 2; n=477). The data were assessed for correlation and group comparisons. Results There was a reduction in median (25th–75th percentile) fT3 levels in COVID-19 patients 4.17 pmol/L (3.46–4.85) compared to non-COVID-19 patients with infection 4.65 pmol/L (4.12–5.15), p<0.0001. We detected a negative correlation between fT3 and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in Group 1 (r=−0.534) and Group 2 (r=−0.346) (p<0.0001), indicating a relatively stronger link between fT3 and NLR in COVID-19 patients than non-COVID-19 patients with infection. Additionally, the fT3 levels remained significantly different between study groups when the model was adjusted for age, gender, and infection markers. Conclusions COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 infections are associated with low fT3 levels, which likely represent the suppression of the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis from non-thyroidal illness syndrome.

Objectives Nucleocytoplasmic transport is one of the key features in regulation of cellular physiology. Developing a better understanding of the molecular mechanism underlying the nucleocytoplasmic shuttling of proteins can broaden our perspective and understanding on the elaborate sorting mechanisms within cells. Desmin is a muscle specific intermediate filament with amphiphilic properties and has interactions with the components of the nuclear pore complex which facilitates the transport between the cytoplasm and nucleus. The study aims to develop a better understanding of the amphiphilic nature of desmin and its relation to nucleocytoplasmic transport. Methods We conducted a proteomic analysis of desmin-immunoprecipitates to identify the nuclear partners of desmin. Additionally, we analysed the amphiphilic nature of desmin using a hydrophobicity assay to determine if it can undergo conformational changes to adapt to a hydrophobic environment. Results Using proteomic and in silico analysis we demonstrated that desmin interacts with several nups. The hydrophobicity assay results showed that desmin can increase its surface hydrophobicity in a hydrophobic environment. Conclusions Our findings suggest that desmin has the ability to undergo conformational changes under favourable conditions and possibly can be transported through nucleus via direct interaction with nups. Further analysis is required to understand the functional implications of this conformational change in vivo . Data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD047121.

Objectives The ultra-rare DES c.1289-2A>G mutation, resulting in a 48-base pair insertion in the Desmin tail domain, is associated with late-onset MFM1 (myofibrillar myopathy-1; OMIM number; 601419) and exhibits distinctive pathological features. Despite sustained expression and cytoskeletal integrity, muscle biopsies reveal dystrophic characteristics through an unidentified mechanism. A deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying Desmin-related MFM1 could enhance our perspective and comprehension of the disease’s pathophysiology. In this study, we aimed to investigate the pathological phenotype by assessing the myogenic potency of MyoD-induced patient-derived fibroblasts. Methods Following the immortalization and myoconversion of unaffected and patient-derived fibroblast cells, we analyzed the myogenic potency of the mutant and control groups on day 5 post-differentiation. This analysis involved staining cells with MF20 antibody and DAPI after MyoD induction. Results Employing six parameters to quantify extra nuclei and myotube properties, we unveil impaired myogenic differentiation in c.1289-2A>G mutant cells, as evidenced by a compromised fusion index and distinctive myogenic features. In summary, our preliminary findings indicate phenotypic abnormalities and suggest an association between the DES c.1289-2A>G mutation and delayed maturation and MFM in affected individuals. Conclusions Our results indicate a significant involvement of Desmin in the myogenic maturation of muscle cells. Further investigation is required to understand the changes in the transcriptome during the myoconversion of patient-derived fibroblasts.

Objectives In hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), tumorigenesis, hypoxia and reactive oxygen species (ROS) play a crucial role in altering the tumor microenvironment (TME). Until now, the time-dependent alteration of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), the antioxidant enzymes glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione reductase (GR) under hypoxic conditions in HCC were not clear. Consequently, our main target was to investigate the role of GPx and GR status in HCC cell line (HepG2) under hypoxic conditions. Methods HIF-1α protein levels in cell lysates were determined by ELISA assay and protein expressions were identified using western blot. GPx and GR activity levels of the cell lysates were measured spectrophotometrically. Results HIF-1α protein levels were determined under normoxic and hypoxic conditions (p<0.001). Also, HIF-1α protein levels and expressions were observed under time-dependent hypoxic conditions, the HIF-1α protein level is found to be reached its peak point at 4 h in the HepG2 cell line. We also have detected decreased activity levels of GPx and increased GR activity levels under hypoxia for 4 h (p<0.001). Conclusions More than 4 h of exposure to hypoxic environment reducted the HIF-1α levels in HCC cells. According to the results, we suggest the ideal exposure time to hypoxic conditions as 4 h for the HepG2 cell line. In addition, hypoxia also stimulated the activity levels of GPx and GR. Our results suggest that the activity levels of GPx and/or GR enzymes may be therapeutic targets in the hypoxia-dependent HCC tumorigenesis process.

Objectives This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic utility of the triglyceride glucose (TyG), triglyceride glucose–body mass (TyG-BMI), and lipid accumulation product (LAP) indices for both screening polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and diagnosing insulin resistance (IR) in women diagnosed with PCOS. Methods Retrospective data from medical records of 124 women were analyzed, with 71 in the PCOS group and 53 in the non-PCOS group. The PCOS diagnosis followed the 2003 Rotterdam criteria. Basic clinical and biochemical parameters were compared. The TyG index was computed using the formula ln [triglyceride (TG) (mmol/L) × fasting plasma glukose (FPG) (mg/dL)/2]. TyG-BMI value was derived as TyG × BMI. LAP was calculated as (waist circumference (WC-58) × TG (mmol/L). IR was identified if Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) was >2.7. Results TyG-BMI (AUC=0.62) and LAP indices (AUC=0.61) did not demonstrate statistically significant diagnostic performance for PCOS. Regarding IR in PCOS patients, the highest AUC was for TyG-BMI (0.84, 95 % CI: 0.73–0.93, p<0.001) with a cutoff at 116.15, showing 80 % sensitivity and 86 % specificity. LAP had an AUC of 0.86 with a cutoff of 30.21 (sensitivity 80 %, specificity 81 %), while TyG showed an AUC of 0.78 (95 % CI: 0.67–0.89, p<0.001) with a cutoff of 4.47, demonstrating a sensitivity of 70 % and specificity of 72 %. Conclusions Numerous biochemical markers have been explored for PCOS detection, however, many are expensive, not universally available, and necessitate specific test kits. TyG, TyG-BMI, and LAP indices might not serve as reliable markers for PCOS screening but could offer utility in identifying IR in Turkish women diagnosed with PCOS.

Objectives Angiogenesis is involved in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) progression. Vascular endothelial growth factor-C (VEGF-C) and its receptors are key angiogenic markers. The main objective of this study was to investigate the serum levels of VEGF-C and its receptors, soluble VEGF receptor 2 (sVEGFR-2) and VEGFR-3, in patients with PCOS and healthy controls and determine the link between serum levels of these VEGF-related proteins and the biochemical and hormonal data of patients with PCOS. Methods Thirty-six women with PCOS and 30 controls were included in this study. The measurement of VEGF-C, sVEGFR-2, and VEGFR-3 levels in serum and routine biochemical and hormone analysis were performed. Results In the PCOS group, significantly higher serum sVEGFR-2 levels and no significant differences in serum VEGF-C and VEGFR-3 were observed compared to the controls. Serum sVEGFR-2 levels exhibited positive associations with VEGF-C, VEGFR-3, total cholesterol, and anti-müllerian hormone (AMH) in women with PCOS. Moreover, a positive correlation between serum VEGF-C and VEGFR-3 concentrations was detected in patients with PCOS. The cutoff value of serum sVEGFR-2 was 4.24 ng/mL (sensitivity 68 %, specificity 64 %) to distinguish PCOS. Conclusions Despite unaltered levels of serum VEGF-C and VEGFR-3, there was an association between circulating levels of sVEGFR-2 and these VEGF-related proteins. sVEGFR-2 could be a promising diagnostic biomarker for PCOS. Regarding the significant correlation between sVEGFR-2 and AMH, sVEGFR-2 could have an impact on the hormonal elements of PCOS. Further studies are warranted to fully understand the function of VEGF-C and its receptors in PCOS.

Objectives The cardiovascular mortality risk is greatly increased in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), especially in dialysis patients, due to atherosclerosis. Platelet activating factor acetylhydrolase (PAF-AH) is an enzyme that hydrolyzes platelet activating factor (PAF). Valvular calcifications and PAF-AH are associated with atherosclerosis. However, little is known about the status of PAF-AH activity and valvular calcification in dialysis patients. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the status of these parameters in CKD patients. Methods This study included 92 chronic renal failure (CRF) (dialysis group), and 86 CKD patients (non-dialysis group). Echocardiography was performed to assess valvular calcification. Results There was no significant difference between the dialysis and CKD groups in terms of PAF-AH activities. However, when comparisons were stratified according to the presence of valve calcification, higher PAF-AH activity and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels were evident in patients with calcification compared to those without. Additionally, the CRF group also exhibited elevated PAF-AH and NT-proBNP levels. While elevated NT-proBNP persisted in the CKD group, in contrast, changes in PAF-AH were not significant. Conclusions The results of this study suggest that high PAF-AH and NT-proBNP levels are associated with valvular calcification in dialysis patients. Both biomarkers may be used as a risk factor for calcification. Furthermore, inhibition of PAF-AH activity may be a treatment target to reduce calcification.

Objectives The coronary slow flow (CSF) phenomenon remains a clinical enigma, characterized by delayed opacification of coronary vessels despite angiographically normal or nearly normal arteries. This cross-sectional study explores the potential relationship between reticulated platelets (RPs) and CSF in stable coronary artery disease patients. Methods A total of 200 participants, meeting specific inclusion and exclusion criteria, underwent coronary angiography. Reticulated platelet levels were measured using Sysmex series hematology analyzers. Demographic data, laboratory parameters, and coronary flow velocities were assessed. Results The study comprised 100 individuals with CSF and 100 with normal coronary anatomy. The CSF group exhibited higher rates of diabetes (35 vs. 22 %, p=0.017) and smoking (62 vs. 45 %, p=0.021). Reticulated platelet rates were elevated in the CSF group. However, statistical significance was not reached (p=0.105). Conclusions This study provides insights into the interplay between reticulated platelets and the CSF phenomenon in stable coronary artery disease. Although reticulated platelet levels did not emerge as a major predictor for CSF in this stable phase, the findings contribute to ongoing efforts to understand the multifaceted mechanisms underlying CSF.

Objectives Transglutaminase 2 (TG2) is a unique protein having enzymatic and nonenzymatic functions that have been implicated in various biological and pathological processes such as cell survival and apoptosis, cell signaling, differentiation, adhesion and migration, wound healing and inflammation. As reported in previous studies, TG2 expression and activity increase by age suggesting that TG2 possibly has roles in cellular aging process. In this study, we aimed to explore the role of TG2 in chronological skin aging through its impact on the expression of some important extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins including TGF-β, TIMP-1 and TIMP-2. Methods We have compared TG2 expression and activity in young and in vitro chronologically aged human dermal fibroblasts via Western blot and in situ TG2 activity assays. Afterwards, we inhibited TG2 expression via siRNA transfection and activity via active site inhibitor of TG2 separately in aged dermal fibroblasts and monitored the expression levels of TGF-β, TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 in these cells by Western blot and compared to that of untreated control cells. Results We obtained evidence that both TG2 expression and activity increase in aged cells. However, protein levels of TGF-β, TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 do not exhibit any significant difference in TG2 downregulated or TG2 activity inhibited aged cells compared to control cells. Conclusions Our results indicate that changes in the expression and activity of TG2 in ( in vitro ) chronologically aged human dermal fibroblasts do not impact the expression patterns of TGF-β, TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 proteins.

Objectives The objective of this research was to explore the link between Helicobacter pylori ( H. pylori ) infection and alterations in ischemia modified albumin (IMA), thiol, and disulfide levels, with a focus on their potential clinical implications. Methods We carried out a cross-sectional study, enrolling 153 patients who underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy between March and July 2023. Biopsies were obtained from the stomach antrum to diagnose H. pylori . Biochemical parameters, including IMA, thiol, and disulfide, were measured in fasting blood samples. A statistical analysis, including receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, was performed to assess the diagnostic potential of these biomarkers. Results In this study, a total of 153 patients were included, of whom 99 tested positive for H. pylori and 54 tested negative. The H. pylori -positive group exhibited significantly higher levels of disulfide, disulfide/native thiol ratio, disulfide/total thiol ratio, and IMA compared to the H. pylori -negative group (p≤0.05 for all parameters). In contrast, the native thiol/total thiol ratio was significantly lower in the H. pylori -positive group (p≤0.05). Conclusions Our study’s findings of elevated disulfide levels in H. pylori -positive individuals suggest a potential disruption in redox balance associated with H. pylori infection. This study contributes to the understanding of H. pylori ’s systemic effects on biochemical markers, offering insights into their diagnostic utility.