The Role of Oxidative Stress and Inflammatory Parameters in Heart Failure.

Heart failure (HF) remains a major medical and social problem. The NT-pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and its active form, brain-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), in a simple blood test are the gold-standard biomarkers for HF diagnosis. However, even good biomarkers such as natriuretic peptides fail to predict all the risks associated with HF due to the diversity of the mechanisms involved. The pathophysiology of HF is determined by numerous factors, including oxidative stress, inflammation, neuroendocrine activation, pathological angiogenesis, changes in apoptotic pathways, fibrosis and vascular remodeling. High readmission and mortality rates prompt a search for new markers for the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of HF. Oxidative-stress-mediated inflammation plays a crucial role in the development of subsequent changes in the failing heart and provides a new insight into this complex mechanism. Oxidative stress and inflammatory biomarkers appear to be a promising diagnostic and prognostic tool in patients with HF. This systematic review provides an overview of the current knowledge about oxidative stress and inflammation parameters as markers of HF.

Relationship between anthropometric and body composition parameters and anti-SARS-CoV-2 specific IgG titers in females vaccinated against COVID-19 according to the heterologous vaccination course: A cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this cohort study was to evaluate the relationship between anthropometric and body composition parameters and anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG titers in a group of females who were vaccinated against COVID-19 with two doses of ChAdOx1 vaccine and then boosted with the BNT162b2 vaccine. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study group consisted of 63 women. Basic demographic and clinical data were collected. To assess the anti-SARS-CoV-2 immunoglobulin G titers following the vaccination, five blood draws were performed: 1) before the first dose, 2) before the second dose, 3) 14-21 days after the primary vaccination, 4) before the booster, and 5) 21 days after the booster. Blood samples were analyzed using a two-step enzymatic chemiluminescent assay. Body mass index and body composition were evaluated using bioelectrical impedance analysis. To select the most distinguishing parameters and correlations between anthropometric and body composition parameters and anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG titers, factor analysis using the Principal Component Analysis was conducted. RESULTS: Sixty-three females (mean age: 46.52 years) who met the inclusion criteria were enrolled. 40 of them (63.50%) participated in the post-booster follow-up. After receiving two doses of the ChAdOx1 vaccine, the study group's anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG titers were 67.19 ± 77.44 AU/mL (mean ± SD), whereas after receiving a heterologous mRNA booster, the level of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG titers was about three-times higher and amounted to 212.64 ± 146.40 AU/mL (mean ± SD). Our data shows that seropositivity, obesity, non-fat-related, and fat-related body composition parameters all had a significant effect on the level of IgG titer after a two-dose vaccination of ChAdOx1. However, only non-fat-related and fat-related body composition parameters had a significant effect on the IgG titer after booster vaccination. CONCLUSION: COVID-19 infection before the first dose of vaccination is not related to IgG titer after booster administration. Body composition has a significant effect on the production of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG after booster vaccination in females.

An Immune Response to Heterologous ChAdOx1/BNT162b2 Vaccination against COVID-19: Evaluation of the anti-RBD Specific IgG Antibodies Titers and Interferon Gamma Release Assay (IGRA) Test Results.

This study aimed to assess the magnitude of anti-SARS-CoV-2 immunoglobulin G (IgG) titers and Interferon-Gamma Release Assay (IGRA) test results following administration of booster BNT162b2 in 48 ChAd-primed participants (vaccination schedule: ChAd/ChAd/BNT). Whole blood samples were collected: first, before and second, 21 days after the booster dose. The IgG level was measured using chemiluminescent immunoassay; the intensity of the T-cell response-IFNγ concentration-was assessed using IGRA test. At 21 days after the booster, all subjects achieved reactive/positive anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG, and IGRA test results showed a significant increase compared to the results before booster administration. We compared the results before and after the booster between participants with and without prior history of COVID-19. The IFNγ concentrations in both cohorts were higher in convalescents (both before booster and 21 days after). The IgG titers were subtly lower in COVID-19 convalescents than in naïve but without statistical significance. Data on cell-mediated immunity are scarce, especially with regard to the general population. A better understanding of the complexity of the immune response to SARS-CoV-2 could contribute to developing more effective vaccination strategies.

Prevalence and Possible Etiological Factors of Molar-Incisor Hypomineralization (MIH) in Population of Silesian Children in Poland: A Pilot Retrospective Cohort Study.

(1) Background: This pilot retrospective cohort research study regarded the frequency of the prevalence of molar-incisor hypomineralization (MIH) in a population of Silesian children in Poland. The evaluation of the potential environmental etiological factors was performed and the correlation between the environmental factors and MIH was analyzed. (2) Methods: A total of 613 children were randomly enrolled in the pilot study (9.0 years ± 1.9). A survey was carried out with mothers regarding the potential exposure to environmental etiological factors of MIH in their children. The patients' clinical assessments were carried out in the dental unit. (3) Results: The frequency of prevalence of MIH in the population of Silesian children was established at the level of 6.2% (p < 0.05). MIH symptoms were significantly associated with otitis in early childhood (OR = 2.50), atopic dermatitis (OR = 5.69), and premature delivery before 38 weeks of pregnancy (OR = 2.88). (4) Conclusions: MIH was observed in 6.2% of the population of Silesian children, and there was a relationship between environmental risk factors such as otitis, atopic dermatitis, premature birth, and MIH expression. Therefore, further research is needed to determine the influence of pre-, peri-, postnatal, and prophylactic factors on the frequency and severity of MIH symptoms in children.