Serum Irisin Levels in Patients with Acute Atrial Fibrillation

Objective: The purpose of this research was to investigate whether changes in serum irisin levels can represent a marker of altered energy requirements in patients with acute atrial fibrillation (AF) undergoing cardioversion (CV). Methods: The research was planned as a randomized, prospective case-control study. Patients presenting to the emergency medicine and cardiology departments of a university hospital due to acute AF were included in the study. Irisin levels were measured from serum specimens collected 24 and 72 hours (h) following restoration of sinus rhythm with CV in patients in AF rhythm. The values obtained were then compared using statistical analysis. Results: Thirty-one patients undergoing CV due to acute AF were enrolled. Mean irisin levels were studied from serum specimens collected 24 and 72 h following restoration of sinus rhythm with CV, and were then compared. No statistically significant difference was determined at comparison of patients’ basal to 24 h, basal to 72 h, and 24 to 72 h mean irisin values (p0.734, p0.958, and p0.643, respectively). Negative correlation was determined between basal serum irisin levels and LDL (r= -0.519, p= 0.002), but no significant correlation was observed with epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) thickness. Conclusion: We determined no change in serum irisin levels studied 24 h and 72 h following return of normal sinus rhythm after CV from basal serum irisin levels in patients with acute AF. No correlation also was determined between serum irisin levels and EAT thickness

The receptor for advanced glycation end product (RAGE) pathway in COVID-19

Introduction: Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) with lung involvement frequently causes morbidity and mortality. Advanced age appears to be the most important risk factor. The receptor for advanced glycation end-product (RAGE) pathway is considered to play important roles in the physiological aging and pathogenesis of lung diseases. This study aimed to investigate the possible relationship between COVID-19 and RAGE pathway. Materials and methods: This study included 23 asymptomatic patients and 35 patients with lung involvement who were diagnosed with COVID-19 as well as 22 healthy volunteers. Lung involvement was determined using computed tomography. Serum soluble-RAGE (sRAGE) levels were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: The sRAGE levels were significantly higher in the asymptomatic group than in the control group. Age, fibrinogen, C-reactive protein, and ferritin levels were higher and the sRAGE level was lower in the patients with lung involvement than in the asymptomatic patients. Conclusions: In this study, patients with high sRAGE levels were younger and had asymptomatic COVID-19. Patients with low sRAGE levels were elderly patients with lung involvement, which indicates that the RAGE pathway plays an important role in the aggravation of COVID-19