Markers of thrombogenesis are activated in unmedicated patients with acute psychosis: a matched case control study

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Antipsychotic treatment has been repeatedly found to be associated with an increased risk for venous thromboembolism in schizophrenia. The extent to which the propensity for venous thromboembolism is linked to antipsychotic medication alone or psychosis itself is unclear. The objective of this study was to determine whether markers of thrombogenesis are increased in psychotic patients who have not yet been treated with antipsychotic medication.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>We investigated the plasma levels of markers indicating activation of coagulation (D-dimers and Factor VIII) and platelets (soluble P-selectin, sP-selectin) in an antipsychotic-naive group of fourteen men and eleven women with acute psychosis (age 29.1 ± 8.3 years, body mass index 23.6 ± 4.7), and twenty-five healthy volunteers were matched for age, gender and body mass index.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>D-dimers (median 0.38 versus 0.19 mg/l, mean 1.12 ± 2.38 versus 0.28 ± 0.3 mg/l; P = 0.003) and sP-selectin (median 204.1 versus 112.4 ng/ml, mean 209.9 ± 124 versus 124.1 ± 32; P = 0.0005) plasma levels were significantly increased in the group of patients with acute psychosis as compared with healthy volunteers. We found a trend (median 148% versus 110%, mean 160 ± 72.5 versus 123 ± 62.5; P = 0.062) of increased plasma levels of factor VIII in psychotic patients as compared with healthy volunteers.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>The results suggest that at least a part of venous thromboembolic events in patients with acute psychosis may be induced by pathogenic mechanisms related to psychosis rather than by antipsychotic treatment. Finding an exact cause for venous thromboembolism in psychotic patients is necessary for its effective treatment and prevention.</p

Egg allergy in atopic dermatitis patients-analysis of results of specific extract IgE and specific IgE to molecular components. Bird-egg syndrome

Aim To evaluate the occurrence of egg allergy in atopic dermatitis patients, to analyse the results of specific IgE. We show the occurrence of bird-egg syndrome and the relation between the sensitisation to some molecular components and egg allergy. Methods: Egg allergy was confirmed according to the results of the challenge test (history) together with positive results of specific IgE to molecular components of egg and/or extract specific IgE to egg. Results and conclusion: Altogether 100 atopic dermatitis patients were examined – 48 men, 52 women, the average age 40.9 years. Reaction to egg was confirmed in 23 patients (23%); egg allergy was confirmed in 18 patients (18%). In these patients we recorded the significantly higher sensitisation to molecular components Der f 2, Der p 2, Equ c 1 and Phl p 7. The bird – egg syndrome was confirmed in 3 patients (3%)

Initial characterization of human DHRS1 (SDR19C1), a member of the short chain dehydrogenase/reductase superfamily.

Many enzymes from the short-chain dehydrogenase/reductase superfamily (SDR) have already been well characterized, particularly those that participate in crucial biochemical reactions in the human body (e.g. 11 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 1, 17 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 1 or carbonyl reductase 1). Several other SDR enzymes are completely or almost completely uncharacterized, such as DHRS1 (also known as SDR19C1). Based on our in silico and experimental approaches, DHRS1 is described as a likely monotopic protein that interacts with the membrane of the endoplasmic reticulum. The highest expression level of DHRS1 protein was observed in human liver and adrenals. The recombinant form of DHRS1 was purified using the detergent ndodecy1-beta-D-maltoside, and DHRS1 was proven to be an NADPH-dependent reductase that is able to catalyse the in vitro reductive conversion of some steroids (estrone, androstene-3,17-dione and cortisone), as well as other endogenous substances and xenobiotics. The expression pattern and enzyme activities fit to a role in steroid and/or xenobiotic metabolism; however, more research is needed to fully clarify the exact biological function of DHRS1