Inverse relationship between plasma proteins and satisfactory surgical wounds outcome / Relação inversa entre proteínas plasmáticas e desfecho satisfatório de feridas cirúrgicas

ABSTRACT Objective This study investigated the factors associated with satisfactory early postoperative wound conditions. Method A prospective study was conducted with patients (n=179) submitted to osteosynthesis in general, in a hospital orthopedics service. In the preoperative period, patients underwent laboratory exams and the surgical indications were based on the type of fracture and the patient's clinical conditions. In the postoperative period, patients were evaluated based on the presence of complications and considering their surgical wounds. Chi-square, Fisher, Mann-Whitney, and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used in the analysis. To identify the factors associated with wound condition, univariate and multiple logistic regression analysis was used. Results In the univariate analysis, each transferring unit reduction increased the chance of satisfactory outcome by 1.1% (p=0.0306; OR= 0.989 (1.011); 95%CI= 0.978;0.999; 1.001;1.023). The presence of SAH increased 2.7 fold the chance of satisfactory outcome (p=0.0424; OR= 2,667; 95%CI= 1,034;6,877). Hip fracture increased 2.6 fold the chance of satisfactory outcome (p=0.0272; OR=2.593; IC95%=1.113; 6.039). And the absence of a compound fracture increased 5.5 fold the chance of satisfactory wound outcome (p=0.0004; OR=5,493; 95%CI=2,132;14,149). In the multiple analysis, patients with non compound fractures were 9.7 times more likely to experience a satisfactory outcome when compared to patients with compound fractures (p=0.0014; OR=9,687; 95%CI= 2,399; 39,125). Conclusion There was an inverse relationship between plasma proteins levels and satisfactory surgical wounds outcome. Only exposure remained associated with wound conditions. Level Of Evidence: II, Prospective Study.

RESUMO Objetivo Este estudo investigou os fatores associados à condição satisfatória de ferida pós-operatória precoce. Método Foi desenvolvido um estudo prospectivo com pacientes (n=179) submetidos a osteossínteses em geral, em um serviço de ortopedia hospitalar. No período pré-operatório os pacientes foram submetidos a exames laboratoriais e as indicações cirúrgicas foram baseadas no tipo de fratura e condições clínicas. No período pós-operatório, os pacientes foram avaliados conforme a presença de complicações e feridas operatórias. Foram utilizados na análise os testes Qui-quadrado, Fisher, Mann-Whitney, Kruskal-Wallis. Para identificar os fatores associados à condição da ferida, foi utilizada a análise de regressão logística univariada e múltipla. Resultados Na análise univariada, cada unidade a menos de transferrina, aumentou a chance de condição satisfatória em 1.1% (p= 0.0306; OR= 0.989 (1.011); IC95%= 0.978;0.999; 1.001;1.023). A presença de HAS aumentou a chance de condição satisfatória em 2.7 vezes (p=0.0424; OR= 2.667; IC95%= 1.034;6.877). Fratura de quadril aumentou a chance de condição satisfatória em 2.6 vezes (p=0.0272; OR=2.593; IC95%=1.113;6.039). E não apresentar fratura exposta, aumentou a chance de condição satisfatória da ferida em 5.5 vezes (p=0.0004; OR=5.493; IC95%=2.132;14.149). Na análise múltipla, fraturas sem exposição, apresentaram chance 9.7 vezes maior de apresentar condição satisfatória do que insatisfatória; quando comparadas às que apresentaram exposição (p=0.0014; OR=9.687; IC95%= 2,399; 39.125). Conclusão Houve uma relação inversa entre proteínas plasmáticas e presença de feridas operatórias satisfatórias. Apenas a exposição se manteve associada à condição da ferida. Nível de Evidência: II; Estudo Prospectivo.

Effects of nutritional support on chemotherapeutic efficacy and safety in patients with acute myeloid leukemia / 中国基层医药

Objective:To investigate the effects of nutritional support on chemotherapeutic efficacy and safety in patients with acute myeloid leukemia.Methods:A total of 130 patients with acute myeloid leukemia who received treatment in Lishui Municipal Central Hospital from January 2021 to December 2021 were included in this study. They were divided into a control group and an observation group ( n = 65/group) according to different nutritional support methods. Patients in the control group were given routine intervention, while patients in the observation group were given nutritional support based on routine intervention. These two interventions were administered till 1 month after chemotherapy. Chemotherapeutic efficacy and safety were compared between the two groups. Results:Total response rate in the observation group was significantly higher than that in the control group [92.3% (60/65) vs. 78.5% (51/65), Z = 4.91, P < 0.05]. After chemotherapy, waist-to-hip ratio, arm girth, and body mass index in the observation group were (0.9 ± 0.1), (25.7 ± 1.2) cm, (21.9 ± 2.1) kg/m 2, respectively, which were significantly greater than (0.8 ± 0.1), (24.4 ± 1.1) cm, (20.6 ± 2.1) kg/m 2 in the control group, respectively ( t = 4.13, 6.63, 3.64, all P < 0.05). Transferrin, albumin, prealbumin, and total serum protein in the observation group were (1.4 ± 0.3) g/L, (27.5 ± 3.1) g/L, (171.3 ± 11.3) mg/L, and (61.2 ± 4.3) g/L, respectively, which were significantly higher than (1.3 ± 0.3) g/L, (25.2 ± 2.9) g/L, (154.3 ± 10.3) mg/L, (56.6 ± 4.0) g/L respectively in the control group ( t = 2.24, 4.48, 8.93, 6.31, all P < 0.05). The scores of emotional state, social status, role cognition, and somatic perception in the observation group were (57.5 ± 4.6) points, (64.5 ± 3.8) points, (56.5 ± 4.1) points, (62.0 ± 4.2) points, which were significantly higher than (47.9 ± 4.2) points, (56.4 ± 3.2) points, (47.7 ± 4.5) points, (55.5 ± 5.4) points in the control group ( t = 12.34, 13.04, 11.55, 7.65, all P < 0.05). The total incidence of adverse reactions in the observation group was 9.2% (6/65), which was significantly lower than 24.6% (16/65) in the control group ( χ2 = 4.43, P < 0.05). Conclusion:Nutritional support can substantially improve chemotherapeutic efficacy in the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia, decrease the incidence of adverse reactions, and is safe. Therefore, nutritional support for patients with acute myeloid leukemia deserves clinical promotion.

Evaluación del perfil férrico en donantes regulares de plasma / Evaluation of the iron profile in regular plasma donors

RESUMEN Fundamento un aspecto poco relacionado de la plasmaféresis productiva, es el efecto que puede causar sobre el hierro corporal en donantes regulares de plasma. Objetivo caracterizar el comportamiento del perfil férrico en donantes regulares de plasmaféresis. Métodos estudio descriptivo transversal, realizado con 115 donantes de plasma, registrados en el Banco Provincial de Sangre de Cienfuegos. En un periodo de dos años, se estudiaron las variables: sexo, edad, tiempo en el programa, intensidad de donaciones, sideremia, transferrina, capacidad e índice de saturación, mediciones básicas del hemograma y parámetros eritrocitarios. La información se extrajo de las historias clínicas y los informes de laboratorio. Resultados las mediciones del mineral prevalecieron dentro del rango normal. El 27,0 % de los donantes mostraron ferropenia, más frecuente entre las mujeres, los mayores de edad, aquellos que llevaban mayor tiempo en el programa y habían donado mayor número de veces. Más de la mitad de los individuos presentaron capacidad e índice de saturación patológicos, sugerente de hematopoyesis ferropénica. Los parámetros eritrocitarios fueron más sensibles al relacionar ferropenia latente, con predominio de mediciones patológicas de volumen corpuscular medio, hemoglobina corpuscular media e índice de distribución eritrocitario. Conclusión la deficiencia de hierro subclínica resultó más frecuente de lo esperado entre los donantes de plasmaféresis incluidos en el estudio.

ABSTRACT Background a little related aspect of productive plasmapheresis is the effect it can have on body iron in regular plasma donors. Objective to characterize the behavior of the iron profile in regular plasmapheresis donors. Methods cross-sectional descriptive study, carried out with 115 plasma donors, registered in the Provincial Blood Bank of Cienfuegos. In a period of two years, the studied variables were: sex, age, time in the program, intensity of donations, serum iron, transferrin, capacity and saturation index, basic measurements of the blood count and erythrocyte parameters. Information was extracted from medical records and laboratory reports. Results the mineral measurements prevailed within the normal range. 27.0% of the donors showed iron deficiency, more frequent among women, the elderly, those who had been in the program for a longer time and had donated more times. More than half of the individuals presented pathological capacity and saturation index, suggestive of iron deficiency hematopoiesis. The erythrocyte parameters were more sensitive when relating latent iron deficiency, with a predominance of pathological measurements of mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin and erythrocyte distribution index. Conclusion subclinical iron deficiency was more frequent than expected among the plasmapheresis donors included in the study.

Iron Profile in Patients with Type II Diabetes Mellitus in — A study in a Tertiary Care Hospital

Background: The most prevalent metabolic condi?on, type 2 diabetes mellitus, is characterized by persistent hyperglycemia caused by abnormali?es in insulin produc?on, insulin ac?on, or both. Iron, a transi?onal metal, has been demonstrated to play a key role in the pathophysiology of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, with a bidirec?onal link in which iron influences glucose metabolism, which in turn influences the iron metabolic pathways. The current study aimed to es?mate the iron profile in Type 2 diabetes mellitus cases. Methods: This cross-sec?onal study was done in the Department of Biochemistry, Prathima Ins?tute of Medical Sciences, Naganoor, Karimnagar. A total of n=100 cases of type II diabetes mellitus were included in the study and age and sex-matched healthy controls were also included in the study. Laboratory inves?ga?ons included Fas?ng Blood glucose, Serum ferri?n, Total iron-binding capacity, serum iron, and serum transferrin satura?on. Results: The fas?ng blood glucose was found to be significantly higher in the diabetes mellitus cases. The serum ferri?n mean values were 105.32 µgm/dl. In the controls, the range of ferri?n levels was 145 µgm/dl. The serum ferri?n levels were found to be significantly reduced in the study cases as compared to the controls. Similarly, the total iron-binding capacity (TIBC) of the cases was found to be significantly increased as compared to the controls. The serum transferrin levels were also found to be elevated in the study cases as compared to the controls. Conclusion: Iron is closely related to the development of diabetes mellitus. Elevated iron and ferri?n levels are risk factors for diabetes and can lead to a variety of problems. Conversely in chronic diabe?cs, there is a tendency to develop iron deficiency anemia and other nutri?onal deficiency anemias as observed by the results of the current study. As a result, iron profile evalua?on can be a valuable output of the expected inves?ga?ons on diabetes and related problems.

A study on the relationship between serum transferrin and prognosis of elderly patients with sepsis / 中华老年医学杂志

Objective:To investigate the relationship between serum transferrin(TRF)and the characteristics and prognosis of elderly patients with sepsis.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on 49 elderly patients with sepsis treated at the Department of Critical Medicine and the Department of Respiratory and Critical Medicine of the First Affiliated Hospital of Suzhou University between October 2020 and March 2022 who had met the inclusion criteria.These patients were divided into a shock group(n=18)and a non-shock group(n=31); Based on outcomes, they were also divided into a death group(n=16)and a survival group(n=33).Through the random number table method, 30 healthy elderly people from the physical examination center of our hospital were selected as the control group.TRF and ferritin(SF)were measured on the 1st, 3rd and 7th day after admission, and the correlation between TRF and the sequential organ failure assessment score(SOFA)was analyzed.The predictive value of TRF on prognosis was evaluated via the receiver operating characteristic curve.Finally, the influence of multiple factors on prognosis was analyzed using the binary logistic regression model.Results:Compared with the control group at admission, SF levels of elderly patients with sepsis increased[709.20(402.40, 2000.00)μg/L vs.102.05(79.55, 199.75)μg/L, Z=-5.482, P<0.01], but TRF levels decreased[1.43(1.12, 1.72)g/L vs.2.23(1.80, 3.12)g/L, Z=5.395, all P<0.01], with statistical significance.On the 3rd and 7th day, TRF levels in the shock group were lower than in the non-shock group[(1.25±0.35)g/L vs.(1.55 ±0.51)g/L, 1.15(9.68, 1.34)g/L vs.1.56(1.19, 2.03)g/L]( t=-2.186, Z=3.258, P<0.05).There was a linear correlation between TRF and SOFA score on the 1st, 3rd and 7th day( R2=0.177, 0.176, 0.275, all P<0.01).TRF levels in the death group were lower than in the survival group on the 3rd and 7th day( Z=2.208, 3.423, P<0.05 for both).TRF levels on the 3rd and 7th day in elderly patients with sepsis had predictive value in evaluating the prognosis[area under receiver operating characteristic curve( AUC)values=0.696, 0.804, P<0.05, P<0.01].The survival curves based upon the best cutoff values(TRF=1.085 g/L on the 3rd day, TRF=1.330 g/L on the 7th day)between the two groups were statistically significantly( χ2=10.903, 13.318, P<0.01 for both).With TRF<1.085 g/L on the 3rd day, the risk of death in elderly patients with sepsis on the 28th day was 9.388 times the usual risk( OR=9.388, P<0.01), and with TRF<1.330 g/L on the 7th day, the risk of death was 14.625 times the usual risk on the 28th day( OR=14.625, P<0.01). Conclusions:Increased SF in elderly patients with sepsis is not related to disease severity, but the level of TRF is related to disease severity, and the level of TRF on the 3rd and 7th day is related to the prognosis and is an independent risk factor for all-cause death on the 28th day.

Comparative analysis of clinical laboratory indicators between Kawasaki disease and systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis / 中国基层医药

Objective:To explore the differences of clinical laboratory indicators between Kawasaki disease (KD) and systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (SJIA), providing objective evidence for diagnosis and differential diagnosis of these diseases.Methods:A total of 41 children patients with KD (KD group) and 33 children patients with SJIA (SJIA group) who received treatment in Huainan Maternal and Child Health Hospital between September 2017 and January 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. An additional 50 healthy children who concurrently received physical examination in the same hospital were included in the control group. Platelet count (PLT), white blood cell count (WBC), and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) as well as C-reactive protein (CRP), serum procalcitonin (PCT), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-10 (IL-10), and serum ferritin (SF) levels were compared among groups before treatment.Results:One-way analysis of variance and pairwise q test were performed to compare laboratory indicators among KD, SJIA and control groups. CRP, ESR, SF and IL-6 levels in the KD group were significantly lower than those in the SJIA group [CRP: (57.80 ± 25.23) mg/L vs. (77.72 ± 45.64) mg/L; ESR: (67.02 ± 28.80) mm/h vs. (83.84 ± 47.64) mm/h; SF: (320.21 ± 182.53) μg/L vs. (945.58 ± 604.65) μg/L; IL-6: (50.35 ± 20.54) ng/L vs. (89.35 ± 45.54) ng/L, q = 4.34, 3.42, 11.51, 8.85, all P < 0.05]. IL-10 level in the KD group was significantly higher than that in the SJIA group [(18.52 ± 16.71) ng/L vs. (10.01 ± 3.24) ng/L, q = -5.25, P < 0.05]. WBC, CRP, ESR, PCT, PLT, IL-6, IL-10 and SF in the KD and SJIA groups were significantly higher than those in the control group (all P < 0.05). Conclusion:Detection of CRP, ESR, SF, IL-6, IL-10 in blood can provide objective evidence for the early diagnosis and differential diagnosis of KD and SJIA, thereby reducing the misjudgment of clinical diagnosis.

The role of transferrin receptor CD71 as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker in sepsis / 中华危重病急救医学

Objective:To find new biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of sepsis through analyzing the differential expression protein in sepsis by proteomics and bioinformatics analysis and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).Methods:Patients with sepsis admitted to the emergency department of the Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University from January to December 2019 were enrolled. And meanwhile, healthy volunteers who had normal physical examinations were included as the control group. Blood samples from two groups were collected. The samples were randomly selected for the protein concentration by data independent acquisition (DIA). Bioinformatics method was used in differentially expressed proteins by gene ontology (GO) pathway, enrichment analyses, groups meta-analysis and survival curves construction. ELISA method was used to verified marker screened. Then the data of transferrin receptor CD71 and the clinical data of procalcitonin (PCT), C-reactive protein (CRP) and blood lactic acid (Lac) were collected to construct receiver operator characteristic curve (ROC curve), and biomarker was screened for diagnostic and prognostic of sepsis.Results:The result of DIA showed that 71 differentially expressed proteins were screened out from sepsis group, 6 proteins were down-regulated and 65 proteins were up-regulated. Those differentially expressed proteins were enriched in the inflammatory response, response to stress, leukocyte migration in the GO pathway and enrichment analyses. The meta-analysis showed that the expression level of CD71 was higher in sepsis group than normal control group [standardized mean difference ( SMD) = -0.47, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) was -0.93 to 0.00, P < 0.01], the expression level of CD71 was higher in non-survivor group than survivor group ( SMD = -0.44, 95% CI was -0.70 to -0.18, P = 0.63). Survival curve showed that the expression of CD71 was inversely correlated to survival rates, the patients with a lower expression had higher survival rates ( P = 0.000 34); the ELISA showed that the level of CD71 was higher in sepsis group than normal control group (nmol/L: 156.83±84.71 vs. 87.99±47.89, P < 0.05), the level of CD71 was higher in non-survivor group than survivor group (nmol/L: 219.63±125.59 vs. 130.97±40.45, P < 0.05). The area under the ROC curve (AUC) of CD71 in diagnostic performance of sepsis was 0.790 (sensitivity was 65.1%, specificity was 90.0%), the AUC of CD71 in prognostic performance of sepsis was 0.744 (sensitivity was 57.1%, specificity was 94.1%); CD71 had a better prognostic performance than PCT (AUC = 0.547, sensitivity was 64.3%, specificity was 55.9%), CRP (AUC = 0.594, sensitivity was 64.3%, specificity was 61.8%), Lac (AUC = 0.540, sensitivity was 42.9%, specificity was 82.4%). Conclusion:CD71 had a great value of diagnostic and prognostic performance in sepsis, and it was expected to be a potential biomarker for sepsis.

Effects of iron metabolism and oxidative stress level on blood glucose control during pregnancy in patients with gestational diabetes mellitus / 中国基层医药

Objective:To investigate the effects of iron metabolism and oxidative stress level on blood glucose control during pregnancy in patients with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).Methods:A total of 139 pregnant women who received prenatal examination between January 2020 and June 2021 in Wenzhou Central Hospital were included in this study. They were divided into GDM group ( n = 68) and control group ( n = 71) according to oral glucose tolerance test results at 24-48 weeks of gestation. Clinical data were collected. Iron metabolism, oxidative stress and blood glucose levels were measured. The relationships between iron metabolism and oxidative stress levels and blood glucose control in GDM were analyzed. Results:There was no significant difference in age between the GDM and control groups ( P > 0.05). Body mass index, fasting blood glucose, fasting insulin, glycosylated hemoglobin, nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), malondialdehyde (MDA), ferritin (SF), serum iron, transferrin (TRF) and insulin resistance index (IRI) in the GDM group were (24.11 ± 3.05) kg/m 2, (4.92 ± 0.67) mmol/L, (10.56 ± 2.21) pmol/mL, (6.15 ± 0.62)%, (20.50 ± 1.72) μg/L, (20.34 ± 2.92) μmol/L, (70.77 ± 7.01) μg/L, (30.18 ± 4.25) μmol/L, (3.93 ± 0.69) g/L and (2.50 ± 1.03), respectively, which were significantly higher than those in the control group [(21.41 ± 2.86) kg/m 2, (4.69 ± 0.62) mmol/L, (5.76 ± 2.09) pmol/mL, (5.37 ± 0.58)%, (15.43 ± 1.55) μg/L, (12.93 ± 2.17) μmol/L, (42.53 ± 8.86) μg/L, (18.81 ± 3.85) μmol/L, (2.89 ± 0.53) g/L and (1.74 ± 0.89)] ( t = 5.39, 2.10, 13.16, 7.66, 18.27, 17.03, 20.78, 16.54, 9.99, 4.66, all P < 0.05). Superoxide dismutase (SOD), total antioxidant capacity (TAOC) and insulin sensitivity index in the GDM group were (21.49 ± 3.52) U/L, (10.87 ± 1.34) kU/L and (3.28 ± 0.46), respectively, which were significantly lower than those in the control group [(26.28 ± 3.95) U/L, (13.28 ± 1.52) kU/L, (3.86 ± 0.53), t = 7.54, 9.90, 6.88, all P < 0.05]. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that SOD, TAOC, NF-κB, MDA, SF and TRF were independent influential factors of GDM occurrence [ OR (95% CI) = 1.57 (1.09-2.26), 3.15 (1.71-5.80), 2.18 (1.32-3.61), 3.27 (1.58-6.76), 2.12 (1.29-3.50), 1.23 (0.99-1.53), 3.65 (1.89-7.04), all P < 0.05]. SOD and TAOC levels were negatively correlated with IRI ( r = -0.75, -0.84, both P < 0.05), while NF-κB, MDA, SF, serum iron and TRF were positively correlated with IRI ( r = 0.93, 0.96, 0.98, 0.07, 0.92, all P < 0.05). Conclusion:Increased levels of iron metabolism and oxidative stress are risk factors for the occurrence of GDM, and they are closely related to the degree of insulin resistance. GDM screening should be carried out in advance in pregnant women with increased levels of iron metabolism and oxidative stress indicators, which plays a positive role in clinical diagnosis and treatment of GDM.

Diagnostic value of combined detection of urine and plasma kidney injury markers in children with Henoch-Sch?nlein purpura nephritis / 中华检验医学杂志

Objective:To investigate the clinical significance and the diagnostic value of detecting kidney injury biomarkers in urine and serum of children with Henoch-Sch?nlein purpura nephritis (HSPN).Methods:A total of 216 children with untreated HSPN, who were admitted in Beijing Children′s Hospital of Capital Medical University from January 2018 to December 2019, were recruited in this retrospective study. Two hundred and sixteen healthy children were selected as the healthy control group. We determined the levels of six biomarkers of kidney injury, including transferrin (TRF), immunoglobulin (IgG), microalbumin (mAlb), alpha-1 microglobulin (α1-MG), N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase (NAG) in urine and cystatin C (CysC) in serum. The data from the two groups were analyzed, the diagnostic value of each biomarker was evaluated and a logistic regression model for the diagnosis of HSPN was established. In addition, 60 children with HSPN, who were admitted to our hospital from November 2021 to February 2022 and 60 healthy children, who underwent healthy check up in the same period were included to validate the diagnostic performance of the established logistic model. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to analyze the diagnostic value of each biomarker.Results:The urine levels of TRF, IgG, mAlb, α1-MG and NAG and the serum level of CysC were significantly higher in the HSPN group than those in healthy control group (all P<0.05). The area under the ROC curve (AUC) of TRF, IgG, mAlb, α1-MG, NAG and the serum levels of CysC was 0.749, 0.719, 0.810, 0.648, 0.828 and 0.790 (all P<0.05). Logistics regression analysis showed that IgG, mAlb and TRF were the three diagnostic determinants of HSPN ( OR=1.083, 1.105, 1.704,all P<0.001), and the AUC was 0.916 of the established logistic model based on these three biomarkers. The sensitivity was 87.4% and the specificity reached 96.2%. The logistic model was validated by independent cohorts, and the AUC was 0.973, the sensitivity was 95.0% and the specificity was 98.3%. Conclusions:The levels of urine TRF, IgG, mAlb, α1-MG, NAG and serum CysC were higher in children with HSPN. The established logistic regression model based on three biomarkers including IgG, mAlb and TRF in this study has satisfactory clinical value in diagnosing HSPN in children.

Maternal and cord blood parameters are associated with placental and newborn outcomes in indigenous mothers: A case study in the MINDI cohort / Parámetros maternos y de sangre de cordón asociados con medidas placentarias y del recién nacido: Un estudio de casos en madres indígenas de la cohorte MINDI

Abstract Background: Multiple infections, nutrient deficiencies and inflammation (MINDI) occur in indigenous communities, but their associations with perinatal outcomes have not been described. Objective: To assess maternal and cord blood micronutrient and inflammation status in peripartum mothers from the Ngäbe-Buglé comarca in Panama, and their associations with placental and infant outcomes. Methods: In 34 mother-newborn dyads, placental weight and diameter were measured, and maternal and cord blood were processed for complete cell counts, serum C-reactive protein, ferritin, serum transferrin receptor (sTfR), vitamins A and D. Blood volumes were calculated using Nadler's formula. Results: Mothers had low plasma volume (<2.8 L, 96%), vitamin A (52.9%), vitamin D (29.4%), iron (58.8%) and hemoglobin (23.5%), but high hematocrit (>40%, 17.6%) and inflammation (C-reactive protein >8.1 mg/L, 85.3%). Birthweights were normal, but low placental weight (35.3%), low head circumference Z-scores (17.6%), and low cord hemoglobin (5.9%), iron (79.4%), vitamin A (14.7%) and vitamin D (82.3%) were identified. Maternal and cord vitamin D were highly correlated. Higher maternal plasma volume was associated with heavier placentae (β= 0.57), and higher cord D (β= 0.43) and eosinophils (β= 0.43) with larger placentae. Hemoconcentration (higher cord hematocrit) was associated with lower newborn weight (β= -0.48) and head circumference (β= -0.56). Inflammation [higher maternal neutrophils (β= -0.50), and cord platelets (β= -0.32)] was associated with lower newborn length and head circumference. Conclusion: Maternal-newborn hemoconcentration, subclinical inflammation and multiple nutrient deficiencies, particularly neonatal vitamin D deficiency, were identified as potential targets for interventions to improve pregnancy outcomes in vulnerable communities.

Resumen Antecedentes: Las Múltiples Infecciones, Nutrición Deficiente e Inflamación (MINDI), son frecuentes en comunidades indígenas, sin embargo, sus asociaciones con resultados de salud perinatales no han sido descritos. Objetivo: Evaluar la inflamación y los micronutrientes en sangre materna y de cordón de madres en trabajo de parto en la comarca Ngäbe-Buglé en Panamá, así como sus asociaciones con medidas placentarias y del recién nacido. Métodos: En 34 pares madre-recién nacido, se midieron peso y diámetro placentario, y se analizaron muestras de sangre materna y de cordón umbilical para hemograma completo, proteína-C reactiva (PCR), ferritina, receptor sérico de transferrina (RsTf), vitaminas A y D. Se usó la fórmula de Nadler para calcular volúmenes sanguíneos. Resultados: Las madres presentaron volumen plasmático (<2.8 L, 96%), vitamina A (52.9%), vitamina D (29.4%), hierro (58.8%) y hemoglobina (23.5%) bajos, pero el 17.6% presentaron hematocrito >40% y 85.3% presentaron inflamación (PCR >8.1 mg/L). Los pesos al nacer fueron normales, pero se identificó bajo peso placentario (35.3%), bajo puntaje-z de circunferencia cefálica neonatal, y en sangre de cordón, bajos hemoglobina (5.9%), hierro (79.4%), vitamina A (14.7%) y vitamina D (82.3%). Se encontró una fuerte correlación positiva entre la vitamina D materna y de sangre de cordón. Un mayor volumen plasmático materno se asoció con placentas de mayor peso (β= 0.57), en tanto que concentraciones más altas de vitamina D (β= 0.43) y mayor número de eosinófilos (β= 0.43) se asociaron con mayor diámetro placentario. Una mayor hemoconcentración (hematocrito en cordón más alto) se asoció con menores peso al nacer (β= -0.48) y circunferencia cefálica (β= -0.56). La inflamación [mayor número de neutrófilos maternos (β= -0.50) y plaquetas en sangre de cordón (β= -0.32)] se asoció con menor talla y circunferencia cefálica neonatales. Conclusión: La hemoconcentración materna y del recién nacido, la inflamación subclínica y las múltiples deficiencias en micronutrientes, particularmente la deficiencia de vitamina D neonatal, se identificaron como potenciales áreas de intervención para mejorar los resultados de salud del embarazo en comunidades vulnerables.

Role Of Serum Soluble Transferrin Receptors (STFR) To Differentiate Iron Deficiency Anaemia And Anaemia Of Chronic Disease

Background:Iron deficiency is a common condition that is usually diagnosed using conventional laboratory tests of iron status, such as serum ferritin and transferrin saturation. However, both ferritin and transferrin proteins are markedly influenced by inflammation, behaving as acute-phase reactants and making it difficult to differentiate between iron-deficiency anemia (IDA) and anemia of chronic disease (ACD). Objectives: To evaluate the roleof serum soluble transferrin receptors (STFR) to differentiate iron deficiency anaemia and anaemia of chronic disease.Material And Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Medicine, Victoria hospital and Bowring and Lady Curzonhospital, Bangalore Medical College and Research institute, Bangalore. A total of 150 blood samples were evaluated, i.e., 50 samples from iron deficiency anaemia group and 50 samples from patients with anaemia of chronic disorders & 50 samples from healthy normal individual.Result:In present study, samples are age matched with mean age of control 45.66±10.23, ACD 50.68±18.03, IDA 48.14±18.47. Hb, MCV, MCHC & MCH were decreased in both the groups. However, the decrease in Hb & MCV was much more in IDA as compared to ACD. Microcytosis was seen in 92% cases of IDA while it was observed in only 11% cases of ACD. Serum soluble transferrin receptor levels is <3 ?gm/ml in 90% of ACD group whereas >3 ?gm/ml in 78% of IDA Group.STFR/ log ferritin index was >1.5 in 80% of IDA. 90% of ACD and control subjects had STFR/log ferritin index <1.5. STFRlevels were significantly higher in IDA (7.7± 5.8) as compared to the ACD cases (1.6 ±0.89) (p<0.001). STFR/Log ferritin index is significantly higher in patients with Iron deficiency anemia (9.34±10.25) as compared to ACD (0.76±0.52) (p<0.001).Conclusion:The STFRlevels along with the STFR/Log ferritin index indices is very useful in differentiating pure IDA, ACD and ACD with coexisting iron deficiency, thus pr oviding anon invasive alternative to bone marrow iron.

Vitamin A deficiency regulates the expression of ferritin in young male Wistar rats / A deficiência de vitamina A regula a expressão de ferritina em ratos Wistar machos jovens

ABSTRACT Objective Iron deficiency and vitamin A deficiency are two of the main micronutrient deficiencies. Both micronutrients are essential for human life and children's development. This study aimed to investigate the effects of vitamin A deficiency on ferritin and transferrin receptors' expression and its relationship with iron deficiency. Methods Five diets with different vitamin A-to-iron ratios were given to thirty five 21-day-old male Wistar rats (separated in groups of seven animals each). The animals received the diet for six weeks before being euthanized. Serum iron and retinol levels were measured as biochemical parameters. Their duodenums, spleens, and livers were analyzed for the expression of ferritin and transferrin receptors by Western Blotting. Results Regarding biochemical parameters, the results show that when both vitamin A and iron are insufficient, the serum iron content (74.74µg/dL) is significantly lower than the control group (255.86µg/dL). The results also show that vitamin A deficiency does not influence the expression of the transferrin receptor, but only of the ferritin one. Conclusion Vitamin A deficiency regulates the expression of ferritin in young male Wistar rats.

RESUMO Objetivo A deficiência de ferro e de vitamina A são duas das principais deficiências de micronutrientes, sendo que ambos são essenciais para a vida humana e o desenvolvimento das crianças. O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar o efeito da deficiência de vitamina A na expressão de ferritina e o receptor de transferrina e sua relação com a deficiência de ferro. Métodos Cinco dietas com diferentes proporções de vitamina A para ferro foram administradas a 35 ratos Wistar machos de 21 dias de vida (sete animais por grupo). Os animais receberam a dieta por seis semanas antes de serem eutanasiados. Os níveis séricos de ferro e retinol foram medidos como parâmetros bioquímicos. Duodeno, baço e fígado foram analisados quanto à expressão de ferritina e o receptor de transferrina por Western Blotting. Resultados Em relação aos parâmetros bioquímicos, os resultados mostram que quando a vitamina A e o ferro são insuficientes, o teor de ferro sérico (74.74µg/dL) é significativamente menor do que no grupo controle (255.86µg/dL). Os resultados também mostram que a deficiência de vitamina A não influencia a expressão do receptor da transferrina, mas da ferritina. Conclusão A deficiência de vitamina A regula a expressão de ferritina em ratos Wistar machos jovens.

Study on the cut-off values of urinary microalbumin, transferrin and α1-microglobulin during pregnancy in pre-eclampsia with proteinuria / 中华妇产科杂志

Objective:To study the cut-off values of urinary microalbumin (mAlb), transferrin (TRF) and α1-microglobulin (α1-MG) during pregnancy in pre-eclampsia (PE) with proteinuria.Methods:A total of 210 pregnant women were enrolled in Renji Hospital from January 2016 to December 2019, including 92 (43.8%) cases of PE pregnant women and 118 (56.2%) cases of normal pregnant women. According to the diagnostic test evaluation method, the positive predictive values, negative predictive values and accuracy of non-pregnant cut-off values of urinary mAlb, TRF and α1-MG for the quantitative determination of 24-hour proteinuria were analyzed. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was applied to determine the optimal cut-point values of urinary mAlb, TRF and α1-MG during pregnancy.Results:(1) The diagnostic study of non-pregnant adults urinary mAlb, TRF and α1-MG cut-off values for the determination of 24-hour proteinuria value: when urinary mAlb was 30.0 mg/L, TRF was 2.5 mg/L, α1-MG was 12.5 mg/L as the cut-off value, the positive predictive values of the corresponding 24-hour proteinuria value≥ 300 mg were 88.1% (89/101), 88.2% (90/102) and 78.9% (75/95), its negative predictive values were 97.2% (106/109), 98.1% (106/108) and 85.2% (98/115), its diagnostic accuracy were 92.9% (195/210), 93.3% (196/210) and 82.4% (173/210), respectively. As the 24-hour proteinuria value≥ 300 mg was the golden standard, there were significant differences between the diagnostic method of the non-pregnant cut-off value of urinary mAlb, TRF and the golden standard ( P<0.05). There was no significant difference between the diagnostic method of the non-pregnant cut-off value of urinary α1-MG and the golden standard ( P>0.05). (2) Research on the ROC curve and the optimal cut-point value of urinary mAlb, TRF and α1-MG value: as the 24-hour proteinuria value≥ 300 mg as the criterion, the ROC curve of urinary mAlb, TRF and α1-MG were 0.992, 0.984 and 0.907, respectively. The optimal cut-point values of urinary mAlb, TRF and α1-MG were 86.5 mg/L (Youden index=0.927), 5.5 mg/L (Youden index=0.923), and 15.4 mg/L (Youden index=0.687). (3) The diagnostic study of the optimal cut-point value of urinary mAlb, TRF and α1-MG for the determination of 24-hour proteinuria value: according to the ROC results, when urinary mAlb was 86.5 mg/L, urinary TRF was 5.5 mg/L, and urinary α1-MG was 15.4 mg/L as the cut-off value, the positive predictive values of the corresponding 24-hour proteinuria value≥300 mg were 98.9% (86/87), 95.7% (88/92), 87.7% (71/81), and its negative predictive values were 95.1% (117/123), 96.6% (114/118), 83.7% (108/129), and its accuracy were 96.7% (203/210), 96.2% (202/210), 85.2% (179/210). As the 24-hour proteinuria value≥ 300 mg was the golden standard, there was no significant difference between the diagnostic method of the best cut-off values of urinary mAlb, TRF, α1-MG and the golden standard ( P>0.05). Conclusion:It is recommended to define the cut-off values of mAlb, TRF and α1-MG as 86.5 mg/L, 5.5 mg/L and 15.4 mg/L, respectively, during pregnancy.

Transferrin isoelectric focusing for the investigation of congenital disorders of glycosylation: analysis of a ten-year experience in a Brazilian center / Isoeletrofocalização da transferrina para investigação das doenças congênitasda glicosilação: análise de dez anos de experiência de um centro brasileiro

Abstract Objectives: To characterize cases of suspected congenital disorders of glycosylation (CDG) investigated in a laboratory in southern Brazil using the transferrin isoelectric focusing TfIEF test from 2008 to 2017. Method: Observational, cross-sectional, retrospective study. The laboratory records of 1,546 individuals (median age = 36 months, 25-75 IQR = 10-108; males = 810) submitted to the TfIEF test during the period were reviewed. Results: Fifty-one individuals (3%) had an altered TfIEF pattern (5 ± 2.8 cases/year; median age = 24 months, 25-75 IQR = 11-57 months; males = 27, 53%). For 14 of them, data on diagnosis conclusion were available (classic galactosemia = 4; hereditary fructose intolerance = 4; peroxisomal diseases = 2; PMM2-CDG = 2; MPDU1-CDG = 1; SLC35A2-CDG = 1).Comparing the cases with the normal and altered TfIEF patterns, there was a higher prevalence of altered cases in the age group from 11 months to 3 years. There was an increase in the likelihood of change in TfIEF, especially in the presence of inverted nipples or liver disease. Conclusions: The data suggest that the investigation of a case with suspected CDG is a complex problem, being aggravated by the existence of other IEMs (inborn errors of metabolism) associated with altered TfIEF pattern and lack of access to confirmatory tests. The presence of inverted nipples and liver disease, especially in individuals aged 11 months to 3 years, should suggest the need for TfIEF investigation.

Resumo Objetivos: Caracterizar os casos com suspeita de CDG investigados em laboratório do sul do Brasil pelo exame de IEFTF de 2008 a 2017. Metodologia: Estudo observacional, transversal, retrospectivo. Foram revisadas as fichas laboratoriais de 1.546 indivíduos (mediana de idade = 36 meses, IQ 25-75 = 10-108; sexo masculino = 810) que fizeram o exame de IEFTF no período. Resultados: Cinquenta e um indivíduos (3%) apresentaram padrão alterado na IEFTF (5 ± 2,8 casos/ano; mediana de idade = 24 meses, IQ 25-75 = 11-57 meses; sexo masculino = 27, 53%). Para 14 deles, estavam disponíveis dados sobre a conclusão do diagnóstico (galactosemia clássica = 4; intolerância hereditária à frutose = 4; doenças peroxissomais = 2; PMM2-CDG = 2; MPDU1-CDG = 1; SLC35A2-CDG = 1). Comparando os casos com padrão normal e alterado na IEFTF, houve maior prevalência de casos alterados na faixa etária de 11 meses a 3 anos. Verificou-se um aumento na probabilidade de alteração na IEFTF principalmente na presença de mamilos invertidos ou de hepatopatia. Conclusões: Os nossos dados sugerem que a investigação de um caso com suspeita de CDG é complexa, é agravada pela existência de outros EIM associados a padrão alterado na IEFTF e pela falta de acesso a exames confirmatórios. A presença principalmente de mamilos invertidos e de hepatopatia em indivíduos na faixa etária de 11 meses a 3 anos deve sugerir a necessidade de investigação por IEFTF.

Study of hematological profile in patients with chronic kidney disease

Background: Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) with its high prevalence, morbidity and mortality, has become an important public health problem. The incidence and prevalence of CKD is increasing worldwide, including India. CKD is associated with a variety of hematological abnormalities, include anaemia, infections and bleeding diathesis. Anaemia is the most consistent hematological abnormality and is associated with poor quality of life and poor cardiovascular outcomes.Methods: A hospital based cross-sectional observational study was done to detect the prevalence of haematological abnormalities, correlation of anaemia with CKD stage and evaluation of iron deficiency. Newly diagnosed CKD (stages 3 to 5) patients were included in this study. Presence of anaemia (Hb%, haematocrit, MCV, peripheral smear), iron deficiency (TSAT, serum ferritin), thrombocytopenia, leucocyte count and coagulation abnormalities (PT, APTT) in different stages of CKD were studied.Results: All the subjects in study group had anaemia which was normocytic and normochromic and of moderate degree in most patients. The severity of anaemia progressed with stage of the disease. Iron deficiency was significantly prevalent (52% in the study population, with transferrin saturation (TSAT) <20%). WBC count was not significantly altered. There was mild thrombocytopenia in a few patients. Bleeding time or other in vitro tests of platelet function were not measured. The coagulation parameters, PT and APTT, were not significantly altered.Conclusions: All CKD patients should be screened for iron deficiency anaemia for its early treatment and to decrease morbidity.

The application value of Multi-Latex polygranular technique joint detection of urinary microproteins in noninvasive diagnosis after renal transplantation / 器官移植

Objective To investigate the application value of Multi-Latex polygranular technique joint detection of kidney injury-related urinary microproteins in noninvasive diagnosis after renal transplantation. Methods Clinical data of 72 recipients undergoing renal transplantation were retrospectively analyzed. According to the level of serum creatinine (Scr), the recipients were divided into normal renal function group (group A, n=14), mild kidney injury (group B, n=37), and severe kidney injury group (group C, n=21). 20 healthy volunteers were selected as the healthy control group (HC group). The contents of urinary retinol binding protein (RBP), microalbumin (mAlb), IgG, transferrin (TRF), α1-microglobulin (MG), and β2-MG of subjects in each group were detected using the Multi-Latex polygranular technique. The correlation between urinary microproteins and Scr, blood urea nitrogen (BUN) was analyzed. The differences of urinary microproteins in each group were compared. And the diagnostic value of single and joint detection of urinary microproteins was evaluated. Results Six kinds of urinary microproteins in HC group and group A were significantly lower than those in group B and group C, and six kinds of urinary microproteins in group B were significantly lower than those in group C (all P < 0.01). Six kinds of urinary microproteins in renal transplant recipients were positively correlated with BUN. RBP, mAlb, α1-MG, and β2-MG were positively correlated with Scr. The correlations were statistically significant (P < 0.001-0.05). The diagnostic value of joint detection of urinary microproteins is better than the detection of single index, among which TRF+mAlb+RBP+α1-MG quadruple detection had the highest diagnostic value. Conclusions Six kinds of urinary microproteins can be used as specific indicators to reflect graft renal function. The polygranular technique can simultaneously detect its contents and achieve noninvasive diagnosis. The diagnosis based on TRF+mAlb+RBP+α1-MG quadruple detection is expected to further improve the noninvasive diagnosis system after renal transplantation.

Body iron store and prevalence of iron deficiency In Mongolian children aged 6-59 months / Монголын Анагаах Ухаан

Background@#Iron is an essential mineral needed for physical and cognitive development with iron needs greatest during pregnancy, infancy, childhood, and adolescence. Iron is vital throughout the lifespan as it is a component of haemoglobin, the protein responsible for transporting oxygen from the lungs to body cells for energy production. Iron deficiency results from a depletion of body iron stores due to increased iron needs, inadequate dietary iron intake, reduced iron absorption, or loss of iron from infections caused by malaria, hookworms, and other intestinal parasites. In advanced stages, iron deficiency leads to iron deficiency anaemia, a condition of low red blood cells and reduced oxygen-carrying capacity.@*Goal@#This study aimed to determine body iron stores in Mongolian children aged 6-59 months, and estimate prevalence of iron deficiency among of studied children. @*Materials and Methods@#In this study were used materials that collected during the fifth national nutrition survey conducted in 21 provinces of 4 economic regions and 8 districts of Ulaanbaatar city of Mongolia. The fifth national nutrition survey was household based survey; therefore sampling unit was household with 5 year-old child. We had used demographic information collected by interview methods and laboratory examination results on ferritin, soluble transferrin (sTfR), C reactive protein (CRP) and α1-acid glycoprotein (AFP) in serum samples collected from 6 to 59 months old children, pregnant women and 15–49 year-old men living in child’s households. Serum Ferritin and soluble transferrin (sTfR) were used as a biomarker for iron store and iron deficiency and C reactive protein (CRP) and AFG were used as indicators for acute and chronic infection. The determination of iron status is challenging when concomitant infection and inflammation are present because of confounding effects of the acute-phase response on the interpretation of most iron indicators. Effects of C reactive protein (CRP) and AGP concentrations on estimates of ID according to serum ferritin (SF) and soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR) were considered in the study. @*Ethical considerations @#The survey protocol was discussed at the scientific committee of the Public health institute and approved by director of scientific committee of PHI on June 28, 2016. Ethical approval for conducting the survey, including obtaining biological samples was obtained from the Medical ethics committee under the Ministry of Health of Mongolia on July 7, 2016. Participation in the survey was voluntary, oral and written informed consent was obtained from each participants and adult caregivers of under 5 year-old children. @*Results@#Biomarkers of iron status were adjusted with inflammation indicators and estimated iron deficiency (ID) and total body iron store in 1732 children 6-59 month-olds. The study findings showed that adjusted mean concentration of serum ferritin and soluble transferrin receptor was 33.7 µg/l and 8.8 mg/l in children age of 6-59 months, respectively. The calculated total body iron store by using adjusted SF and soluble transferrin receptor was 2.8 mg/kg among surveyed children. Iron deficiency was estimated by using 2 different biomarkers among selected population group. The prevalence of iron deficiency estimated by using SF was 20.7% in children 6-59 months. Iron deficiency in children defined by using serum soluble transferrin receptor was 27.7%.@*Conclusions@#</br> 1. The average serum ferritin and soluble transferrin receptor concentrations was 33.7 µg/l and 8.8 mg/l in children age of 6-59 months, respectively. Total body iron store estimated by using SF and soluble transferrin was 2.8 mg/kg among surveyed children. </br>2. The prevalence of iron deficiency estimated by using SF and sTfR was 20.7% and 27.7% in children 6-59 months, respectively. According to the WHO recommendation, prevalence of iron deficiency among Mongolian children aged 6-59 months is classified as “prevalent”. </br>3. Overall proportion of children with low body iron store was 22.4%. The prevalence of iron depletion is relatively common in boys, young children aged 6–23 months, and rural children aged 6-59 months.

Soluble transferrin receptor levels among pregnant women in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Background: Anaemia in pregnancy is one of the medical problems that affect pregnant women in developing countries. It contributes considerably to the morbidity and mortality in pregnancy especially in areas where malaria is endemic. The concentration of soluble transferrin receptor is a reflection of body iron status. It is therefore, a valuable tool for assessing bone marrow erythropoetic activity and can also be a marker of iron deficiency.Methods: This study evaluated the levels of soluble transferrin receptor in pregnant subjects. A total of 275 pregnant subjects of age 20 to 45 years and 88 age-matched apparently healthy control subjects were involved in this study. Individuals who had severe anaemia, HIV infection, sickle cell disease or Hookworm infestation were excluded from this study. Five millilitres (5ml) of blood were collected from each consenting subject for the analysis of soluble transferrin receptor, haematological parameters and iron parameters using appropriate methods.Results: The mean value of parameters for the study subjects were sTfR( 21.16±9.11 nmol/L), Hb(9.05±1.22 g/dl), TIBC(332.61±80.87 µg/dl), Serum Iron(97.91±39.44 µg/dl), LIBC(239.36±80.52 µg/dl), TS(30.24±11.00 %) while for control subjects were sTfR(18.21±3.77 nmol/L), Hb(12.19±0.66 g/dl), TIBC(261.94±52.49µg/dl), Serum Iron(107.10±34.77 µg/dl), LIBC(155.52±61.25 µg/dl), TS(42.81±18.03 %). The mean sTfR levels in pregnant women was significantly lower (p<0.001) than in control subjects. The pregnant women also had significantly lower values of Hb (p<0.001), serum iron (p=0.038) and TS( p<0.001) values, and significantly higher values of TIBC(p<0.0001) and LIBC(p<0.0001). There were also increases in soluble transferrin receptor levels from first to third trimesters. The sensitivity of sTfR as against Serum iron parameters from this study was 76% while the specificity was 50%. The positive predictive value was 60% while the negative predictive value was 50%.Conclusions: sTfR may be a useful supplementary diagnostic tool in the management of anaemia in pregnancy.

Salivary Transferrin Levels in Patients with Oral Lichen Planus

Objective: To compare salivary transferrin levels between patients with oral lichen planus (OLP) and healthy subjects. Material and Methods: In this descriptive, analytical, crosssectional study, 11 patients with OLP and 22 healthy subjects were selected after matching in terms of age and gender. OLP was confirmed by two oral medicine specialists based on clinical and histopathological criteria. Salivary samples were collected by spitting. The patients were asked to collect their saliva in their oral cavity and then evacuate it into sterilized Falcon tubes. The procedure was repeated every 60 seconds for 5-15 minutes. A total of 5 mL of saliva was collected using this method. The samples were collected from 8 to 9 in the morning in a fasting state to avoid circadian changes. The collected salivary samples were immediately placed next to ice and transferred to the laboratory to be centrifuged at 4°C at 800 g to isolate squamous cells and cellular debris. Then the samples were frozen at -80°C until the samples were prepared. An ELISA kit was used to determine salivary transferrin levels. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics (means and standard deviations) and t-test for independent groups using SPSS 17. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05. Results: The mean salivary transferrin concentrations in patients with OLP and healthy subjects were 0.9055±0.28229 and 1.5932±0.80041 mg/dL, respectively (p<0.05). Conclusion: The salivary transferrin levels in patients with OLP were significantly lower than those in healthy subjects.

Study on the association of transferrin receptor gene polymorphism with age related macular degeneration / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

@#AIM: To develop the correlation of patients in age-related macular degeneration and TFR2 gene polymorphism in the Han people of northeast China.<p>METHODS: Totally 200 patients with ARMD(dry-ARMD 100 individuals and wet-ARMD 100 individuals)and 100 healthy control people were chosen as the experiment team and control team. Peripheral venous blood were collected and anticoagulated dealed with EDTA. Then we extraced genome DNA and amplificate rs2075674, which was the polymorphic locus of TFR2 gene according to the primer sequences provided by references, for polymerase chain reaction(PCR). The group representativeness of samples is identified according to hardy Weinberg equilibrium principle. <p>RESULTS: We found that the difference between ARMD group and control group in the polymorphism of TFR2 gene rs2075674 is statistically significant(χ²=6.494, <i>P</i>=0.011). There was significant difference between the wet ARMD group and control group(χ²=11.054, <i>P</i>=0.001). There had no significant differences when it comes to the dry ARMD group and the control group(χ²=1.418, <i>P</i>=0.234).<p>CONCLUSION: The above findings indicate that polymorphism of TFR2 gene increases the risk of ARMD in the Han population of Northeast China. It is concluded that rs2075674 is significantly correlated with wet-ARMD.