Increased Expression of Fibroblast Activation Protein is Associated with Autophagy Dysregulation and Oxidative Stress in Obese Women with Uterine Fibroids.

Uterine fibroids (UF) represent an immense health burden throughout the world. Obesity is considered one of the risk factors for UF development; however, the underlying mechanisms remain largely unexplored. We investigated the effect of obesity on fibroblast activation and its association with inflammation, autophagy dysfunction, and oxidative stress in UF patients. Thirty-five pre-menopausal UF patients were included in this study and classified into non-obese group (BM1 ≤ 30 kg/m2, n = 15) and obese group (BMI > 30 kg/m2, n = 20). Tissue samples were collected from fibroids and adjacent normal myometrium. Our results showed increased expression of fibroblast activation protein (FAP) together with markers of autophagy, inflammation, and oxidative stress in UF patients, which were all more markedly upregulated in obese compared to non-obese patients. In addition, BMI was significantly positive correlated with FAP and autophagy markers. In conclusion, the results of the present study suggest that obesity-associated autophagy dysregulation together with increased FAP expression may increase the risk of UFs in obese women.

Apoptotic markers in semen of infertile men: Association with cigarette smoking.

OBJECTIVES: (i) To examine the role of apoptosis in the pathogenesis of DNA damage in semen from infertile men. (ii) To assess the effects of smoking on apoptotic markers and seminal parameters among infertile men. (iii) To assess the correlation of apoptosis with conventional semen parameters. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was carried out on 70 men with idiopathic infertility, divided into two groups: thirty infertile non smokers and forty infertile smokers. In addition to 60 fertile men (30 non smokers and 30 smokers) as control group. Each subject provided semen for analysis of parameters, determination of % of DNA fragmentation, s-Fas, caspase-3 activity levels and cotinine levels. RESULTS: The results revealed that infertile men, particularly smokers have significantly lower semen variables and significantly higher levels of apoptotic variables (% of DNA fragmentation, s-Fas and caspase-3 activity) in addition to cotinine. CONCLUSIONS: The present findings provide additional evidence supporting the importance of the evaluation of apoptotic markers to test male infertility particularly among smokers.

Apoptotic markers in semen of infertile men: association with cigarette smoking

OBJECTIVES: (i) To examine the role of apoptosis in the pathogenesis of DNA damage in semen from infertile men. (ii) To assess the effects of smoking on apoptotic markers and seminal parameters among infertile men. (iii) To assess the correlation of apoptosis with conventional semen parameters. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was carried out on 70 men with idiopathic infertility, divided into two groups: thirty infertile non smokers and forty infertile smokers. In addition to 60 fertile men (30 non smokers and 30 smokers) as control group. Each subject provided semen for analysis of parameters, determination of percent of DNA fragmentation, s-Fas, caspase-3 activity levels and cotinine levels. RESULTS: The results revealed that infertile men, particularly smokers have significantly lower semen variables and significantly higher levels of apoptotic variables ( percent of DNA fragmentation, s-Fas and caspase-3 activity) in addition to cotinine. CONCLUSIONS: The present findings provide additional evidence supporting the importance of the evaluation of apoptotic markers to test male infertility particularly among smokers.

Angiogenic biomarkers in children with congenital heart disease: possible implications.

BACKGROUND: Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), platelet derived endothelial cell growth factor/thymidine phosphorylase (PD-ECGF/TP) and leptin are known as potent angiogenic factors The objective of the study was to evaluate these angiogenic factors VEGF, PD-ECGF/TP and leptin in children with congenital heart disease (CHD) and the factors that lead to angiogenesis in such cases. METHODS: Sixty CHD children were studied and divided into two groups (n=30); cyanotic-CHD (C-CHD) and acyanotic-CHD (A-CHD). Twenty five healthy children were included as controls. RESULTS: Significantly higher serum levels of VEGF, PD-ECGF/TP activity and leptin were detected in patients with CHD, particularly in patients with C-CHD. CHD patients with SpO2<90%, pulmonary hypertension (PH), severe pulmonary stenosis (PS), detectable collaterals, cardiomegaly and/or heart failure showed significantly higher levels of these factors than those with higher SpO2 or those without these findings. CONCLUSION: Hypoxia, PH and PS are important factors that lead to harmful angiogenesis. However, angiogenesis could be essential in some cases of CHD as coarctation of aorta to enhance renal perfusion. This may provide new ways for therapeutic strategies aiming at reducing or promoting angiogenesis in CHD to improve patient's outcome.

Oxidative modification of low-density lipoprotein in relation to dyslipidemia and oxidant status in children with steroid sensitive nephrotic syndrome.

It has been proposed that nephrotic syndrome is a consequence of an imbalance between oxidant/antioxidant statuses. The present study aimed to assess oxidant and antioxidant status in relation to dyslipidemia in children during remission and relapse phases of steroid sensitive nephrotic syndrome (SSNS). The study dealt with 40 children diagnosed as SSNS. They were categorized into two subgroups. The first subgroup included 25 children during remission stage. The second subgroup included 15 children during relapse. Control group consisted of age and gender-matched 15 healthy children. Significantly higher serum levels of malondialdehyde, oxidized LDL, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, apolipoprotein A-I, and apolipoprotein-B were observed in patients with SSNS especially in the relapsers. The serum levels of albumin, glutathione peroxidase activity, vitamin C, A, and E, and HDL cholesterol were significantly lower in patients especially among relapsers. In conclusion, a strong relationship between the oxidant/antioxidant status and dyslipidemia is documented in patients with SSNS, especially among relapsers. No normalization of the biochemical indices was observed despite the use of glucocorticoids. Therefore, the combined use of steroid, antioxidant therapy, and lipid lowering therapy can be recommended in such children.