Serum apelin-13 levels and total oxidant/antioxidant status of patients with Alzheimer's disease.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to evaluate apelin-13 levels, total oxidant/antioxidant status in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and to investigate the relationship between these parameters. METHODS: Patients newly diagnosed with AD were enrolled in the study. The control group consisted of age- and gender-matched healthy individuals. Serum levels of apelin-13, total antioxidant status (TAS), and total oxidant status (TOS) were measured. Oxidative stress index was calculated (TOS/TAS) for each participant. RESULTS: We reported that serum apelin-13 and TAS values were significantly lower in the AD group compared with controls, and they found a fair but insignificant relationship between Apelin-13 and TAS values. CONCLUSION: According to our results, we suggested that insufficient apelin-13 and TAS levels may contribute to the pathogenesis of AD.

PAPP-A levels of late pregnancy in preeclampsia and HELLP syndrome.

PURPOSE: To determine the relationship between pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A) levels and preeclampsia and HELLP syndrome at last trimester and to investigate if the severity of preeclampsia would be associated with PAPP-A levels. METHODS: Four groups were constructed; mild-preeclampsia group consisted of 19 women, severe-preeclampsia group 17, HELLP group 5 and control group 32 women. All groups were matched strictly for gestational age at last trimester. Maternal blood samples for PAPP-A were collected as soon as the patients were diagnosed as preeclampsia or HELLP syndrome at last trimester and compared. RESULTS: Mean ages of participants, parity, gestational week, and fetal weights were similar. Mean PAPP-A levels were significantly higher in preeclampsia and HELLP groups compared to control group. PAPP-A levels were not different among mild-severe preeclampsia and HELLP groups. There was significant, positive and strong correlation between gestational age and PAPP-A level and also between fetal weight and PAPP-A levels (correlation coefficents = 0.83 and 0.78 respectively). CONCLUSION: PAPP-A level at last trimester increases in all mild-severe preeclampsia and HELLP syndrome, but is not predictive for severity of preeclampsia or HELLP syndrome.

Late pregnancy associated plasma protein A levels decrease in preterm labor.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the present study is to evaluate late, 'at admission', Pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A) levels as a predictor of preterm birth in women with complaints of preterm labor or preterm painful contractions. METHODS: Prospective cohort study of singleton gestations, 23-37 weeks, and symptoms of preterm labor. Primary end point was delivery < 37 weeks. Predictive PAPP-A values were calculated both for preterm delivery and threatened preterm delivery on receiver operator curve. RESULTS: In all, 41 women (38.3%) delivered before 37 weeks (Group 1); 32 women (30.7%) had symptoms of preterm labor but did not deliver preterm (Group 2); 31 women (29.7%) delivered term (Group 3, control). Mean PAPP-A levels in preterm-labor and its matched control were 33.4 ± 19.9 and 52.5 ± 25.4 mIU/ml, respectively, and difference was statistically significant (p = 0.003). Mean PAPP-A level in threatened preterm labor group was 47.6 ± 25.3 mIU/ml and difference was significant compared to preterm-labor, but not significant compared to control group (p = 0.028 and p = 0.74, respectively). CONCLUSION: Late PAPP-A levels decreased in preterm labor, levels < 29.8 mIU/ml was associated with increased risk for preterm birth, supporting active management whereas cutoff value of 33.6 mIU/ml is useful for discrimination of preterm birth from threatened preterm birth reaching to term.