The association of functional polymorphisms in genes encoding growth factors for endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells with the severity of coronary artery disease

Associations of genotype with the Gensini score among patients without previous MI. (DOCX 14 kb

Novel inflammatory biomarkers may reflect subclinical inflammation in young healthy adults with obesity

Introduction: Obesity is often accompanied by low-grade inflammation. In recent years a few blood-based inflammatory markers — neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), derived neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (dNLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), lymphocyteto-monocyte ratio (LMR), and monocyte-to-high-density lipoprotein ratio (MHR) — have been identified. They have been proven to correlate well with established inflammatory markers such as hsCRP and have a prognostic value among others in patients with coronary artery disease, heart failure, and malignancies. The aim of the study was to find markers associated with obesity in young heathy adults. Material and methods: The study group included 321 young healthy adults aged 18-35 years (210 males and 111 females). Partial least squares regression analysis was used to find variables associated with body mass index (BMI). Analysed variables included complete blood count, lipid profile, sex hormone levels, acute-phase protein levels, and blood-based inflammatory markers. Results: Variables with the strongest association with BMI in the group of men were HDL% and apolipoprotein B, and in the group of women, HDL, HDL%, triglycerides, and MHR. Novel inflammatory markers were not associated with BMI, except MHR. We found significant (p < 0.001) correlations between novel biomarkers (NLR, dNLR) and hsCRP and fibrinogen levels in the group of subjects with obesity. Conclusions: Blood-based inflammatory markers significantly correlate with hsCRP and fibrinogen in young healthy adults with obesity, which may reflect the subclinical inflammation in this group of individuals

VDR Gene Polymorphisms in Healthy Individuals with Family History of Premature Coronary Artery Disease

Aim. The gene encoding the vitamin D receptor (VDR) is considered in many studies to be a good candidate responsible for susceptibility to several diseases such as coronary artery disease (CAD). Epidemiological data show that cardiovascular disease is one of the major health problems in Polish society. Basic studies show that genetic factors play a significant role in the pathogenesis of CAD. We conducted this clinical study to determine if the VDR gene polymorphisms TaqI (rs731236), ApaI (rs7975232), and FokI (rs2228570) could predispose healthy individuals to an increased risk of premature CAD (P-CAD) incidents. Methods. We genotyped 845 subjects in a cohort consisting of 386 healthy volunteers with a documented P-CAD incident in their first-degree relatives and 459 healthy volunteers without family history (FH) of P-CAD. TaqI, ApaI, and FokI polymorphisms in VDR were genotyped using TaqMan assays and the endpoint genotyping method (qPCR). Statistical analyses were performed using the Power Analysis Software STATISTICA v.13.3. Results. Although no statistical significance was found for TaqI and ApaI genotype frequencies, the AA genotype of FokI polymorphism was significantly more frequent in the study group compared to the control group (24.61% vs. 16.99%). The results of logistic regression analysis suggested a significant association between FokI polymorphism and FH of P-CAD in heathy people under the recessive model (OR: 1.26 (1.07-1.49, p=0.007)); however, the frequency of VDR haplotypes did not differ significantly between the control and study populations. Conclusions. FokI polymorphism is may be associated with FH of P-CAD. FokI polymorphism may predispose to the development of P-CAD among healthy people over the next years

New Variants of the Cytochrome P450 2R1 (<i>CYP2R1</i>) Gene in Individuals with Severe Vitamin D-Activating Enzyme 25(OH)D Deficiency

Background: Vitamin D is a fat-soluble cholesterol derivative found in two forms, vitamin D2, and vitamin D3. Cytochrome P450 2R1 (CYP2R1) encoded by the CYP2R1 gene is the major hydroxylase that activates vitamin D by catalyzing the formation of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D). Methods: We collected 89 (100%) subjects, 46 of which (51.69%) had a documented severe deficiency of 25(OH)D (30 ng/mL). We performed Sanger sequencing of three selected fragments of the CYP2R1 gene (Ch11: 14878000–14878499; Ch11: 14880058–14880883 and Ch11: 14885321–14886113) that affect the binding of substrates to this enzyme and analyzed the possible involvement of genetic variation in these regions with an increased risk of vitamin D deficiency in healthy Polish individuals. Results: Two substitutions were found within the three fragments. Bioinformatic analysis suggested that one of these (NC_000011.10: g.14878291G>A) may influence the structure and function of CYP2R1. Conclusions: Variant NC_000011.10: g.14878291G>A may have a perturbing effect on heme binding in the active site of CYP2R1 and on the function of 25-hydroxylase and probably affects the concentration of 25(OH)D in vivo. We intend to perform functional verification in a larger patient population to confirm and extend these results

The Antibody Response to the BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 Booster in Healthcare Workers: Association between the IgG Antibody Titers and Anthropometric and Body Composition Parameters

Background: Research shows that in most people, two-dose vaccination helps to shape the humoral response to Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Further studies are required to learn about the vaccine&rsquo;s effectiveness after boosting. Methods: We conducted a prospective study among 103 healthcare workers (HCWs) from a regional multi-specialty hospital vaccinated with three doses of the BNT162b2 vaccine. We compared their immunoglobulin G (IgG) titers 14 days after the second dose with those 21 days after the booster. We also compared their anthropometric and body composition parameters with IgG concentrations at the same time points. Results: Twenty-one days after the booster, all study participants were seropositive. Their mean IgG antibody titers were significantly lower than 14 days after the second dose (158.94 AU/mL &plusmn; 90.34 AU/mL vs. 505.79 AU/mL &plusmn; 367.16 AU/mL). Post-booster Spearman&rsquo;s correlation analysis showed a significantly weak correlation between the IgG antibody titer and parameters related to muscle tissue and adipose tissue (including body fat mass). Conclusions: The BNT162b2 booster stimulates the humoral response to a lesser extent than the two-dose BNT162b2 primary vaccination. The adipose and muscle tissue parameters show a weak positive correlation with the SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody titers

RT-PCR Detection of SARS-CoV-2 among Individuals from the Upper Silesian Region&mdash;Analysis of 108,516 Tests

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic triggered by the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has left a huge mark on everyday lives, introducing restrictions and plunging the global economy. This study aimed to analyze the available epidemiological data from the register of one of the largest laboratories testing for SARS-CoV-2 in the Silesian voivodship of Poland. Methods: This analysis is based upon the epidemiological records collected between 30 March 2020, and 30 April 2021, by the Silesian Park of Medical Technology Kardio-Med Silesia (Zabrze, Poland). In addition, we performed SARS-CoV-2 variant detection in samples from patients reinfected with SARS-CoV-2. Results: Our results confirm that SARS-CoV-2 infections are more common in urban areas. Laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 cases represent 13.21% of all RT-PCR test results during the 13 months of our laboratory diagnostics for SARS-CoV-2 infections. Detection of SARS-CoV-2 variants in samples of potentially reinfected patients showed discrepancies in the results. Conclusions: Due to the higher risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection among the Upper Silesian population, the region is at greater risk of deteriorating economic situation and healthcare as compared to other areas of Poland. RT-PCR methods are inexpensive and suitable for large-scale screening, but they can be untrustworthy so detection of SARS-CoV-2 variants in samples should be confirmed by sequencing

Early and Longitudinal Humoral Response to the SARS-CoV-2 mRNA BNT162b2 Vaccine in Healthcare Workers: Significance of BMI, Adipose Tissue and Muscle Mass on Long-Lasting Post-Vaccinal Immunity

Background: This study aimed to investigate the early and longitudinal humoral response in Healthcare Workers (HCWs) after two doses of the BNT162b2 vaccine and to assess the association between metabolic and anthropometric parameters and the humoral response after vaccination. Methods: The study included 243 fully vaccinated HCWs: 25.50% previously infected with SARS-CoV-2 (with prior history of COVID-19&mdash;PH) and 74.40%&mdash;uninfected, seronegative before the first vaccination (with no prior history of COVID-19&mdash;NPH). IgG antibodies were measured, and sera were collected: prior to the vaccination, 21 days after the first dose, and 14 days and 8 months after the second dose. Results: 21 days after the first dose, 90.95% of individuals were seropositive; 14 days after the second dose, persistent immunity was observed in 99.18% HCWs, 8 months after complete vaccination&mdash;in 61.73%. Statistical analysis revealed that HCWs with PH had a greater chance of maintaining a humoral response beyond eight months after vaccination. Increased muscle mass, decreased fat mass, and younger age may positively affect long-term immunity. Smokers have a reduced chance of developing immunity compared to non-smokers. Conclusions: Fully vaccinated HCWs with PH are more likely to be seropositive than fully inoculated volunteers with NPH

Relationship between anthropometric and body composition parameters and anti-SARS-CoV-2 specific IgG titers in females vaccinated against COVID-19 according to the heterologous vaccination course: A cohort study.

IntroductionThe aim of this cohort study was to evaluate the relationship between anthropometric and body composition parameters and anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG titers in a group of females who were vaccinated against COVID-19 with two doses of ChAdOx1 vaccine and then boosted with the BNT162b2 vaccine.Materials and methodsThe study group consisted of 63 women. Basic demographic and clinical data were collected. To assess the anti-SARS-CoV-2 immunoglobulin G titers following the vaccination, five blood draws were performed: 1) before the first dose, 2) before the second dose, 3) 14-21 days after the primary vaccination, 4) before the booster, and 5) 21 days after the booster. Blood samples were analyzed using a two-step enzymatic chemiluminescent assay. Body mass index and body composition were evaluated using bioelectrical impedance analysis. To select the most distinguishing parameters and correlations between anthropometric and body composition parameters and anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG titers, factor analysis using the Principal Component Analysis was conducted.ResultsSixty-three females (mean age: 46.52 years) who met the inclusion criteria were enrolled. 40 of them (63.50%) participated in the post-booster follow-up. After receiving two doses of the ChAdOx1 vaccine, the study group's anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG titers were 67.19 ± 77.44 AU/mL (mean ± SD), whereas after receiving a heterologous mRNA booster, the level of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG titers was about three-times higher and amounted to 212.64 ± 146.40 AU/mL (mean ± SD). Our data shows that seropositivity, obesity, non-fat-related, and fat-related body composition parameters all had a significant effect on the level of IgG titer after a two-dose vaccination of ChAdOx1. However, only non-fat-related and fat-related body composition parameters had a significant effect on the IgG titer after booster vaccination.ConclusionCOVID-19 infection before the first dose of vaccination is not related to IgG titer after booster administration. Body composition has a significant effect on the production of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG after booster vaccination in females

An Immune Response to Heterologous ChAdOx1/BNT162b2 Vaccination against COVID-19: Evaluation of the anti-RBD Specific IgG Antibodies Titers and Interferon Gamma Release Assay (IGRA) Test Results

This study aimed to assess the magnitude of anti-SARS-CoV-2 immunoglobulin G (IgG) titers and Interferon-Gamma Release Assay (IGRA) test results following administration of booster BNT162b2 in 48 ChAd-primed participants (vaccination schedule: ChAd/ChAd/BNT). Whole blood samples were collected: first, before and second, 21 days after the booster dose. The IgG level was measured using chemiluminescent immunoassay; the intensity of the T-cell response—IFNγ concentration—was assessed using IGRA test. At 21 days after the booster, all subjects achieved reactive/positive anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG, and IGRA test results showed a significant increase compared to the results before booster administration. We compared the results before and after the booster between participants with and without prior history of COVID-19. The IFNγ concentrations in both cohorts were higher in convalescents (both before booster and 21 days after). The IgG titers were subtly lower in COVID-19 convalescents than in naïve but without statistical significance. Data on cell-mediated immunity are scarce, especially with regard to the general population. A better understanding of the complexity of the immune response to SARS-CoV-2 could contribute to developing more effective vaccination strategies