Correlation Between Myostatin and Lean Muscle Mass in Older Adults

Correlation Between Myostatin and Lean Muscle Mass in Older Adults. Luedders, M., Gray, M., Patton, S., Washington, T., Binns, A. Exercise Science Research Center, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR. Background: Our older adult population is growing exponentially and with it, the number of falls and debilitating injuries that afflict their population grows as well. A fall brings with it many possible injuries, healthcare costs, fear and increased mortality. There seems to be a lack of preventative measures in our healthcare system to help protect our elders. One possible measure is a simple blood test that looks at the level of myostatin in a patient’s blood. Myostatin is a negative regulator of muscle mass and therefore when myostatin is high muscle mass is low. Low muscle mass places older adults at an increased risk for falls, an inability to complete activities of daily living, and threatens their independence. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the correlation between the amount of myostatin a person has and their lean muscle mass. We hypothesized that if a participant has a high level of myostatin in their blood a healthcare provider could utilize that information to educate and implement preventative measures that protect existing muscle and decrease fall risk. Methodology: Subjects consisted of 15 males and 25 females between the ages 60-90 years. All procedures took place in the Exercise Science Research Center at the University of Arkansas. Each participant underwent a venous blood draw and a full body scan utilizing the dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). Blood samples were analyzed using a myostatin ELISA test kit. Results: There was a positive correlation between the levels of myostatin in the blood and the amount of lean muscle mass (r= 0.381). Therefore, as the myostatin increased in the blood the amount of lean muscle mass was increased as well. Discussion: The results of this study are contradictory to the hypothesis and other research in which muscle mass increased with a decrease in myostatin. The results suggest the need for a larger sample size that closely resembles the general population in age, sarcopenic status, and lean muscle mass. Future studies might also separate males and females to identify a difference in myostatin levels between the genders as we age. Funding provided by Honors College Research Grant. Word Count 34

A Review of Common and Rare Genetic Variants in Schizophrenia

Genetic epidemiology has shown a large role for genetic influences on schizophrenia. However, the nature of the variants involved is debated. The common disease-common variant (CDCV) hypothesis suggests that schizophrenia is caused by common alleles with small effect sizes. According to the common disease-rare variant (CDRV) hypothesis, schizophrenia is caused by rare variants with large effect sizes. In recent years, evidence has been found for both common and rare variants in schizophrenia. Several SNPs have been associated with schizophrenia through genome-wide association studies (GWAS), supporting the CDCV hypothesis. In support of the CDRV hypothesis, individuals with schizophrenia have been found to have a higher burden of rare copy-number variants (CNVs). Also, several specific rare CNVs have been associated with schizophrenia. The exact mechanisms of these variants are unknown, but common and rare variants appear to affect many of the same pathways in the etiology of schizophrenia

Soybean, 1962-1966

Cover title."University of Missouri Agricultural Experiment Station in cooperation with Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Dept. Agriculture.

Protocol for a Randomized Phase II Trial for Mesh Optimization by Autologous Plasma Coating in Prolapse Repair: IDEAL Stage 3

Introduction: Mesh-related complications especially after vaginal implantation have raised awareness lately because of severe adverse reactions and legal aspects. About 20% of patients suffer from complications after mesh insertion in the anterior vaginal wall. Autologous plasma coating of meshes prior to implantation has shown potential to improve the biocompatibility of meshes in vivo and in vitro. This innovative approach has been developed according to the IDEAL recommendations for surgical innovations. The method has still to be assessed at stage 3 accordingly. Methods: A protocol is developed for a prospective single-blinded randomized controlled phase II trial for biocompatibility optimization of anterior vaginal meshes for prolapse repair by autologous plasma coating versus non-coated meshes. Results: The protocol aims at fulfilling the requirements for stage 3 (assessment) according to IDEAL. Eligible for inclusion are women with primary cystocele, requiring a surgical procedure, suitable for randomization, and willing to be randomized. Participants will be followed up by postal questionnaires (6 months post surgery and 12 months post randomization) and will also be reviewed in clinic 12 and 24 months post surgery. Primary endpoint is the assessment of mesh-related complications following the Clavien–Dindo classifications. QoL, sexual function assessment, efficacy, and validation of an already developed long-term register are considered secondary endpoints. To afford a calculated 10% reduction of postoperative complications through plasma-coated meshes vs. non-coated meshes at 1-year follow-up, a total 214 women in each arm will be necessary to achieve 80% power at a significance level of 5%. Conclusion: The protocol for this randomized clinical trial represents the conditions to assess the surgical innovation of plasma coating of meshes in order to improve the meshes’ biocompatibility at stage 3 according to the IDEAL recommendations. © 2017 Springer Healthcar

Sildenafil Reduces Insulin-Resistance in Human Endothelial Cells

The efficacy of Phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) inhibitors to re-establish endothelial function is reduced in diabetic patients. Recent evidences suggest that therapy with PDE5 inhibitors, i.e. sildenafil, may increase the expression of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) proteins in the heart and cardiomyocytes. In this study we analyzed the effect of sildenafil on endothelial cells in insulin resistance conditions in vitro