7 research outputs found
Multicentre evaluation of the Monarch (IL) clinical chemistry analyser
A multicentre evaluation of the Monarch centrifugal analyser is
reported. Precision, linearity and accuracy were assessed by
comparison with routine methods. Calibration stability, photometric
and dispensing accuracy, and carry-over related to samples
and reagents were also evaluated. The overall performance of the
instrument was good, showing an excellent photometric and
dispensing accuracy, absence of sample-dependent carry-over, and almost
negligible reagent carry-over. Good precision, linearity and
correlation with routine methods were found for the parameters
tested. The instrument is reliable and is now used as the routine
clinical chemistry analyser in two of the three laboratories taking
part in the evaluation
Internal Carotid Artery Occlusive Disease and Polymorphisms of Fractalkine Receptor CX3CR1
Background and Purpose—
Fractalkine (FKN), a chemokine expressed by inflamed endothelium, induces leukocyte adhesion and migration via the receptor CX3CR1. The polymorphisms V249I and T280M affect receptor expression and function. The role of FKN in atherosclerosis has been recently demonstrated. The aim of this study was to investigate a possible association between CX3CR1 polymorphisms and increased risk of internal carotid artery (ICA) occlusive disease.
Methods—
We studied 108 patients consecutively recruited for ICA occlusive disease, 84 of whom underwent operation for carotid endarterectomy, and 204 subjects without ICA occlusive disease (controls). Polymorphic genotypes were determined by polymerase chain reaction and sequencing analysis.
Results—
The adjusted odds ratio (OR) associated with the presence of the M280 (TM+MM versus TT genotype) was 0.55 (95% CI: 0.29 to 0.99;
P
=0.037). Therefore, this allele is associated with a reduced risk of ICA occlusive disease. No significant differences were observed in I249 distribution. The frequency of I249 allele was significantly higher in cases of hard plaques, which are considered more stable than soft ones (OR: 0.38; 95% CI: 0.13 to 1.05;
P
=0.037). Multiple logistic regression analysis using the common risk factors and the I249 and M280 allele variants revealed that the M280 allele was an independent risk factor for ICA stenosis (
P
=0.047).
Conclusion—
The results show that the CX3CR1 M280 is an independent genetic risk factor for ICA occlusive disease and that I249 is involved in the stability of carotid plaques. Even if obtained from a relatively limited patient series, these results might have relevant implications for treatment of ICA stenosis and possibly prevention of carotid related stroke. Further prospective cross-sectional studies are needed to confirm these results