An Encapsulated Juice Powder Concentrate Improves Markers of Pulmonary Function and Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Heavy Smokers

Cigarette smoking is associated with reduced pulmonary function and increased risk factors for cardiovascular disease. This randomized placebo-controlled double-blind study evaluated the effects of two different combinations of mixed fruit and vegetable juice powder concentrate (Juice Plus+, NSA, Collierville, TN) on heavy smokers

Measurement of Glutathionylated Haemoglobin by MALDI-ToF Mass Spectrometry as a Biomarker of Oxidative Stress in Heavy Smokers and in Occupational Obese Subjects

Glutathionyl-haemoglobin (Hb-SSG) is a minor form of haemoglobin characterized by the presence of a disulfide bond between the β-93 cysteine residue and the thiol group of glutathione. Hb-SSG is naturally present in the erythrocytes at levels comparable to those of glycated haemoglobin and can be measured by MALDI mass spectrometry on very small samples of erythrocytes from peripheral blood. Since Hb-SSG has been recognized as a sensitive biomarker of oxidative stress in several degenerative diseases (diabetes, hyperlipidemia, kidney disease) and in healthy workers exposed to glutathione-depleting toxic agents such as butadiene, we have measured for the first time the levels of Hb-SSG in two groups: healthy heavy cigarette smokers and overweight-obese

Anti-Cyclic Citrullinated Peptide Antibody Index in the Cerebrospinal Fluid for the Diagnosis and Monitoring of Rheumatoid Meningitis

Rheumatoid meningitis (RM) is a rare but often aggressive neurological complication of rheumatoid arthritis. The diagnosis of RM, besides the clinical, radiological, and laboratory criteria, usually requires a cerebral biopsy. Based on the two cases presented in this paper, we propose a new laboratory marker. Cerebrospinal fluid and serum anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (CCP) IgG were measured, and the intrathecal synthesis of anti-CCP antibodies (anti-CCP antibody index) was calculated using the hyperbolic function. The anti-CCP antibody index was positive in both cases at first diagnosis and progressively decreased after treatments. Together with clinical and radiological criteria, the calculation of the anti-CCP intrathecal synthesis, more than the simple measurement of serum or cerebrospinal fluid anti-CCP antibody titers, may represent a useful tool for RM diagnosis and, possibly, for treatment response

The genetics of monogenic idiopathic epilepsies and epileptic encephalopathies

The group of idiopathic epilepsies encompasses numerous syndromes without known organic substrate. Genetic anomalies are thought to be responsible for pathogenesis, with a monogenic or polygenic model of inheritance. Over the last two decades, a number of genetic anomalies and encoded proteins have been related to particular idiopathic epilepsies and epileptic encephalopathies. Most of these mutations involve subunits of neuronal ion channels (e.g. potassium, sodium, and chloride channels), and may result in abnormal neuronal hyperexcitability manifesting with seizures. However non-ion channel proteins may also be affected. Correlations between genotype and phenotype are not easy to establish, since genetic and non-genetic factors are likely to play a role in determining the severity of clinical features. The growing number of discoveries on this topic are improving classification, prognosis and counseling of patients and families with these forms of epilepsy, and may lead to targeted therapeutic approaches in the near future. In this article the authors have reviewed the main genetic discoveries in the field of the monogenic idiopathic epilepsies and epileptic encephalopathies, in order to provide epileptologists with a concise and comprehensive summary of clinical and genetic features of these seizure disorders. (C) 2011 British Epilepsy Association. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved

Fetal cell microchimerism: a protective role in autoimmune thyroid diseases

The physiological persistence of fetal cells in the circulation and tissue of a previously pregnant woman is called fetal cell microchimerism (FCM). It has been hypothesized to play a role in systemic autoimmune disease; however, only limited data are available regarding its role in autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD)

Maternal outcome in pregnant women with lupus nephritis. A prospective multicenter study

none17noRetrospective studies reported a high incidence of maternal complications in pregnant women with lupus. In this paper we prospectively assessed the rate of risk and the risk factors of maternal outcome in women with stable lupus nephritis who received pre-pregnancy counseling. This prospective multicenter study includes 71 pregnancies in 61 women with lupus nephritis who became pregnant between 2006 and 2013. Complete renal remission was present before pregnancy in 56 cases (78.9%) and mild active nephritis in 15 cases. All women underwent a screening visit before pregnancy and were closely monitored by a multidisciplinary team. Lupus anticoagulant, serum C3 and C4 complement fractions, anti-DNA antibodies, anti-C1q antibodies, anticardiolipin IgG and IgM antibodies, anti-beta2 IgG and IgM antibodies were tested at screening visit, at first, second, third trimester of pregnancy, and one year after delivery. Renal flares of lupus during or after pregnancy, pre-eclampsia, and HELLP syndrome were defined as adverse maternal outcomes. Fourteen flares (19.7%), six cases of pre-eclampsia (8.4%) and two cases of HELLP (2.8%) occurred during the study period. All flares responded to therapy and the manifestations of pre-eclampsia and HELLP were promptly reversible. Low C3, high anti-DNA antibodies and predicted all renal flares. High anti-C1q antibodies and low C4 predicted early flares. The body mass index (BMI) was associated with increased risk of late flares. History of previous renal flares and the presence of clinically active lupus nephritis at conception did not increase the risk of renal flares during pregnancy. History of renal flares before pregnancy, arterial hypertension, and longer disease predicted pre-eclampsia/HELLP. In pregnant women with lupus nephritis adverse maternal outcomes were relatively common but proved to be reversible when promptly diagnosed and treated. Immunological activity, arterial hypertension and BMI may predispose to maternal complications.noneMoroni, Gabriella; Doria, Andrea; Giglio, Elisa; Imbasciati, Enrico; Tani, Chiara; Zen, Margherita; Strigini, Francesca; Zaina, Barbara; Tincani, Angela; Gatto, Mariele; de Liso, Federica; Grossi, Claudia; Meroni, Pier Luigi; Cabiddu, Gianfranca; Messa, Piergiorgio; Ravani, Pietro; Mosca, MartaMoroni, Gabriella; Doria, Andrea; Giglio, Elisa; Imbasciati, Enrico; Tani, Chiara; Zen, Margherita; Strigini, Francesca; Zaina, Barbara; Tincani, Angela; Gatto, Mariele; de Liso, Federica; Grossi, Claudia; Meroni, Pier Luigi; Cabiddu, Gianfranca; Messa, Piergiorgio; Ravani, Pietro; Mosca, Mart

Fetal outcome and recommendations of pregnancies in lupus nephritis in the 21st century. A prospective multicenter study

The aim of this multicenter study was to assess the present risk of fetal complications and the inherent risk factors in pregnant women with lupus nephritis. Seventy-one pregnancies in 61women (59 Caucasians and 2 Asians) with lupus nephritis were prospectively followed between October 2006 and December 2013. All patients received a counselling visit within 3 months before the beginning of pregnancy and were followed by a multidisciplinary team. At baseline mild active nephritis was present in 15 cases (21.1%). Six pregnancies (8.4%) resulted in fetal loss. Arterial hypertension at baseline (P = 0.003), positivity for lupus anticoagulant (P = 0.001), anticardiolipin IgG antibodies (P = 0.007), antibeta2 IgG (P = 0.018) and the triple positivity for antiphospholipid antibodies (P = 0.004) predicted fetal loss. Twenty pregnancies (28.2%) ended pre-term and 12 newborns (16.4%) were small for gestational age. Among the characteristics at baseline, high SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI) score (P = 0.027), proteinuria (P = 0.045), history of renal flares (P = 0.004), arterial hypertension (P = 0.009) and active lupus nephritis (P = 0.000) increased the probability of preterm delivery. Odds for preterm delivery increased by 60% for each quarterly unit increase in SLEDAI and by 15% for each quarterly increase in proteinuria by 1 g per day. The probability of having a small for gestational age baby was reduced by 85% in women who received hydroxychloroquine therapy (P = 0.023). In this study, the rate of fetal loss was low and mainly associated with the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies. Preterm delivery remains a frequent complication of pregnancies in lupus. SLE and lupus nephritis activity are the main risk factors for premature birth. Arterial hypertension predicted both fetal loss and preterm delivery. Based on our results the key for a successful pregnancy in lupus nephritis is a multidisciplinary approach with close medical, obstetric and neonatal monitoring. This entails: a) a preconception evaluation to establish and inform women about pregnancy risks; b) planning pregnancy during inactive lupus nephritis, maintained inactive with the lowest possible dosage of allowed drugs; c) adequate treatment of known risk factors (arterial hypertension, antiphospholipid and antibodies); d) close monitoring during and after pregnancy to rapidly identify and treat SLE flares and obstetric complications