OBJECTIVES: To prospectively validate the diagnostic performance of a non-invasive point-of-care tool (Rapid IAI System), including vaginal alpha-fetoprotein and interleukin-6, to predict the occurrence of intra-amniotic inflammation in a Spanish cohort of patients admitted with a diagnosis of preterm labor and intact membranes. METHODS: From 2017 to 2022, we prospectively evaluated a cohort of pregnant women diagnosed with preterm labor and intact membranes admitted below 34+0 weeks who underwent amniocentesis to rule-in/out intra-amniotic infection and/or inflammation. Vaginal sampling was performed at the time of amniocentesis or within 24-48 h. Amniotic fluid IL-6, vaginal alpha-fetoprotein and vaginal IL-6 concentrations were measured using a point-of-care tool provided by Hologic Inc., "Rapid IAI System". We defined intra-amniotic inflammation when amniotic fluid IL-6 values were greater than 11.3 ng/mL. During recruitment, clinicians were blinded to the results of the point-of-care tool. The original prediction model proposed by Hologic Inc. to predict intra-amniotic inflammation was validated in this cohort of patients. RESULTS: We included 151 patients diagnosed with preterm labor and intact membranes. Among these, 29 (19.2 %) had intra-amniotic inflammation. The algorithm including vaginal IL-6 and alpha-fetoprotein showed an area under curve to predict intra-amniotic inflammation of 80.3 % (±5.3 %) with a sensitivity of 72.4 %, specificity of 84.6 %, positive predictive valuve (PPV) of 52.5 %, negative predictive value (NPV) of 92.9 %, and a positive likelihood ratio (LR+) of 4.6 and negative likelihood ratio (LR-) of 0.33. CONCLUSIONS: External validation of a non-invasive rapid point-of-care tool, including vaginal alpha-fetoprotein and IL-6, showed very good diagnostic performance for predicting the absence of intra-amniotic inflammation in women with preterm labor and intact membranes.

• MeSH
• alfa-fetoproteiny * analýza   metabolismus   MeSH
• amniocentéza metody   MeSH
• chorioamnionitida * diagnóza   MeSH
• dospělí MeSH
• hodnocení rizik metody   MeSH
• interleukin-6 * analýza   krev   metabolismus   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• plodová voda * metabolismus   chemie   MeSH
• point of care testing MeSH
• předčasná porodní činnost * diagnóza   MeSH
• prediktivní hodnota testů MeSH
• prospektivní studie MeSH
• těhotenství MeSH
• vagina metabolismus   MeSH
• vyšetření u lůžka MeSH
• Check Tag
• dospělí MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• těhotenství MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• validační studie MeSH

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Homozygous Pi∗Z mutation in alpha-1 antitrypsin (Pi∗ZZ genotype) predisposes to pulmonary loss-of-function and hepatic gain-of-function injury. To facilitate selection into clinical trials typically targeting only 1 organ, we systematically evaluated an international, multicenter, longitudinal, Pi∗ZZ cohort to uncover natural disease course and surrogates for future liver- and lung-related endpoints. METHODS: Cohort 1 recruited 737 Pi∗ZZ individuals from 25 different centers without known liver comorbidities who received a baseline clinical and laboratory assessment as well as liver stiffness measurement (LSM). A follow-up interview was performed after at least 6 months. Cohort 2 consisted of 135 Pi∗ZZ subjects without significant liver fibrosis, who received a standardized baseline and follow-up examination at least 2 years later, both including LSM. RESULTS: During 2634 patient-years of follow-up, 39 individuals died, with liver and lung being responsible for 46% and 36% of deaths, respectively. Forty-one Pi∗ZZ subjects who developed a hepatic endpoint presented with significantly higher baseline liver fibrosis surrogates, that is, LSM (24 vs 5 kPa, P < .001) and aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index (1.1 vs 0.3 units, P < .001). Liver-related endpoints within 5 years were most accurately predicted by LSM (area under the curve 0.95) followed by aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index (0.92). Baseline lung parameters displayed only a moderate predictive utility for lung-related endpoints within 5 years (forced expiratory volume in the first second area under the curve 0.76). Fibrosis progression in those with no/mild fibrosis at baseline was rare and primarily seen in those with preexisting risk factors. CONCLUSIONS: Noninvasive liver fibrosis surrogates accurately stratify liver-related risks in Pi∗ZZ individuals. Our findings have direct implications for routine care and future clinical trials of Pi∗ZZ patients.

• MeSH
• alfa-1-antitrypsin * genetika   krev   MeSH
• biologické markery krev   MeSH
• časové faktory MeSH
• deficit alfa1-antitrypsinu * genetika   diagnóza   komplikace   MeSH
• dospělí MeSH
• elastografie MeSH
• genotyp MeSH
• homozygot MeSH
• jaterní cirhóza * genetika   diagnóza   MeSH
• lidé středního věku MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• longitudinální studie MeSH
• mutace MeSH
• plíce patofyziologie   patologie   diagnostické zobrazování   MeSH
• plicní nemoci genetika   etiologie   diagnóza   MeSH
• progrese nemoci * MeSH
• rizikové faktory MeSH
• stupeň závažnosti nemoci MeSH
• Check Tag
• dospělí MeSH
• lidé středního věku MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• multicentrická studie MeSH

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a common complication of pregnancy in which women without previously diagnosed diabetes develop chronic hyperglycemia during pregnancy. It is associated with a number of maternal and fetal/neonatal complications. The role of the adipokines retinol binding protein-4, resistin and nesfatin-1 in the development of GDM is relatively poorly understood, but their role in glucose metabolism is suspected and their use as early markers to predict the development of GDM is being sought. The aim of study was to determine the correlation between the levels of selected adipokines (retinol binding protein-4, resistin, nesfatin-1) in women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and healthy pregnant women and to compare their levels with other clinical and biochemical parameters. Patients with GDM had significantly higher BMI (28.4±4.5 vs. 24.6±4 kg/m2), total cholesterol (6±1.3 vs. 5.3±1.4 mmol/l) and triacylglycerols (1.9±0.8 vs. 1.4±0.7 mmol/l) than women in the control group. RBP4 confirms the significant difference between the groups, it is higher in the control group of healthy pregnant women. The adipokines resistin and nesfatin-1 show no differences between the control and GDM groups, but their ratios with BMI, cholesterol and triacylglycerols, resistin shows elevated levels in the control group. In women with GDM, RBP4 was significantly positively correlated with C-peptide and negatively correlated with total, LDL, and non-HDL cholesterol. Resistin was also negatively correlated with total, LDL, HDL, and non-HDL cholesterol. Nesfatin-1 was only moderately positively correlated with glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C) and fasting glycemia. There is ambiguity in the results of previous studies on the levels of the investigated adipokines in pregnant women with GDM and the interpretation depends on many factors. Keywords: Gestational diabetes, Adipokines, Retinol-binding protein 4, Resistin, Nesfatin-1.

• MeSH
• adipokiny krev   MeSH
• biologické markery * krev   MeSH
• DNA vazebné proteiny krev   MeSH
• dospělí MeSH
• gestační diabetes * krev   diagnóza   MeSH
• krevní glukóza metabolismus   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• nukleobindiny * krev   MeSH
• plazmatické proteiny vázající retinol * metabolismus   analýza   MeSH
• proteiny nervové tkáně krev   MeSH
• proteiny vázající vápník krev   MeSH
• resistin * krev   MeSH
• studie případů a kontrol MeSH
• těhotenství MeSH
• Check Tag
• dospělí MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• těhotenství MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

In preovulatory follicles, after the endogenous gonadotropin surge, the oocyte-cumulus complexes (OCCs) produce hyaluronan (HA) in a process called "cumulus expansion". During this process, the heavy chains (HCs) of the serum-derived inter-alpha-trypsin inhibitor (IαI) family bind covalently to synthesized HA and form a unique structure of the expanded cumulus HA-rich extracellular matrix. Understanding the biochemical mechanism of the covalent linkage between HA and the HCs of the IαI family is one of the most significant discoveries in reproductive biology, since it explains basis of the cumulus expansion process running in parallel with the oocyte maturation, both essential for ovulation. Two recent studies have supported the above-mentioned findings: in the first, seven components of the extracellular matrix were detected by proteomic, evolutionary, and experimental analyses, and in the second, the essential role of serum in the process of cumulus expansion in vitro was confirmed. We have previously demonstrated the formation of unique structure of the covalent linkage of HA to HCs of IαI in the expanded gonadotropin-stimulated OCC, as well as interactions with several proteins produced by the cumulus cells: tumor necrosis factor-alpha-induced protein 6, pentraxin 3, and versican. Importantly, deletion of these genes in the mice produces female infertility due to defects in the oocyte-cumulus structure.

• MeSH
• alfa-globuliny metabolismus   MeSH
• C-reaktivní protein metabolismus   MeSH
• extracelulární matrix * metabolismus   MeSH
• kumulární buňky * metabolismus   MeSH
• kyselina hyaluronová * metabolismus   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• myši MeSH
• oocyty * metabolismus   MeSH
• ovariální folikul * metabolismus   MeSH
• sérový amyloidový protein metabolismus   genetika   MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• myši MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• přehledy MeSH

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency is an inherited disorder caused by alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) mutations. We analysed the association between alcohol intake and liver-related parameters in individuals with the heterozygous/homozygous Pi*Z AAT variant (Pi*MZ/Pi*ZZ genotype) found in the United Kingdom Biobank and the European Alpha1 liver consortium. METHODS: Reported alcohol consumption was evaluated in two cohorts: (i) the community-based United Kingdom Biobank (17 145 Pi*MZ, 141 Pi*ZZ subjects, and 425 002 non-carriers [Pi*MM]); and (ii) the European Alpha1 liver consortium (561 Pi*ZZ individuals). Cohort (ii) included measurements of carbohydrate-deficient transferrin (CDT). RESULTS: In both cohorts, no/low alcohol intake was reported by >80% of individuals, while harmful consumption was rare (~1%). Among Pi*MM and Pi*MZ individuals from cohort (i), moderate alcohol consumption resulted in a <30% increased rate of elevated transaminases and ~50% increase in elevated gamma-glutamyl transferase values, while harmful alcohol intake led to an at least twofold increase in the abnormal levels. In Pi*ZZ individuals from both cohorts, moderate alcohol consumption had no marked impact on serum transaminase levels. Among Pi*ZZ subjects from cohort (ii) who reported no/low alcohol consumption, those with increased CDT levels more often had signs of advanced liver disease. CONCLUSIONS: Pi*MZ/Pi*ZZ genotype does not seem to markedly aggravate the hepatic toxicity of moderate alcohol consumption. CDT values might be helpful to detect alcohol consumption in those with advanced fibrosis. More data are needed to evaluate the impact of harmful alcohol consumption.

• MeSH
• alfa-1-antitrypsin * genetika   krev   MeSH
• deficit alfa1-antitrypsinu * genetika   krev   diagnóza   komplikace   MeSH
• dospělí MeSH
• fenotyp * MeSH
• gama-glutamyltransferasa krev   MeSH
• genotyp MeSH
• játra patologie   MeSH
• kohortové studie MeSH
• lidé středního věku MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• pití alkoholu * škodlivé účinky   MeSH
• senioři MeSH
• transferin * analýza   metabolismus   analogy a deriváty   MeSH
• Check Tag
• dospělí MeSH
• lidé středního věku MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• senioři MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Geografické názvy
• Evropa MeSH
• Spojené království MeSH

Haptoglobin is a plasma protein of mammals that plays a crucial role in vascular homeostasis by binding free haemoglobin released from ruptured red blood cells. Trypanosoma brucei can exploit this by internalising haptoglobin-haemoglobin complex to acquire host haem. Here, we investigated the impact of haptoglobin deficiency (Hp-/-) on T. brucei brucei infection and the parasite ́s capacity to internalise haemoglobin in a Hp-/- mouse model. The infected Hp-/- mice exhibited normal disease progression, with minimal weight loss and no apparent organ pathology, similarly to control mice. While the proteomic profile of mouse sera significantly changed in response to T. b. brucei, no differences in the infection response markers of blood plasma between Hp-/- and control Black mice were observed. Similarly, very few quantitative differences were observed between the proteomes of parasites harvested from Hp-/- and Black mice, including both endogenous proteins and internalised host proteins. While haptoglobin was indeed absent from parasites isolated from Hp-/-mice, haemoglobin peptides were unexpectedly detected in parasites from both Hp-/- and Black mice. Combined, the data support the dispensability of haptoglobin for haemoglobin internalisation by T. b. brucei during infection in mice. Since the trypanosomes knock-outs for their haptoglobin-haemoglobin receptor (HpHbR) internalised significantly less haemoglobin from Hp-/- mice compared to those isolated from Black mice, it suggests that T. b. brucei employs also an HpHbR-independent haptoglobin-mediated mode for haemoglobin internalisation. Our study reveals a so-far hidden flexibility of haemoglobin acquisition by T. b. brucei and offers novel insights into alternative haemoglobin uptake pathways.

• MeSH
• haptoglobiny * genetika   metabolismus   MeSH
• hemoglobiny * metabolismus   MeSH
• modely nemocí na zvířatech MeSH
• myši inbrední C57BL MeSH
• myši knockoutované * MeSH
• myši MeSH
• proteomika metody   MeSH
• Trypanosoma brucei brucei * metabolismus   MeSH
• trypanozomóza africká * parazitologie   imunologie   MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• myši MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

BACKGROUND: Adipose tissue is significantly involved in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Vitamin D can affect both adipogenesis and inflammation. The aim of this study was to compare the production of selected adipokines, potentially involved in the pathogenesis of IBD - adiponectin, resistin, retinol binding protein 4 (RBP-4), adipocyte fatty acid binding protein and nesfatin-1 in children with IBD according to the presence of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) deficiency. METHODS: The study was conducted as a case-control study in pediatric patients with IBD and healthy children of the same sex and age. In addition to adipokines and 25(OH)D, anthropometric parameters, markers of inflammation and disease activity were assessed in all participants. RESULTS: Children with IBD had significantly higher resistin levels regardless of 25(OH)D levels. IBD patients with 25(OH)D deficiency only had significantly lower RBP-4 compared to healthy controls and also compared to IBD patients without 25(OH)D deficiency. No other significant differences in adipokines were found in children with IBD with or without 25(OH)D deficiency. 25(OH)D levels in IBD patients corelated with RBP-4 only, and did not correlate with other adipokines. CONCLUSIONS: Whether the lower RBP-4 levels in the 25(OH)D-deficient group of IBD patients directly reflect vitamin D deficiency remains uncertain. The production of other adipokines does not appear to be directly related to vitamin D deficiency.

• MeSH
• adipokiny * krev   MeSH
• adiponektin krev   nedostatek   MeSH
• biologické markery krev   MeSH
• dítě MeSH
• DNA vazebné proteiny krev   MeSH
• idiopatické střevní záněty krev   komplikace   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mladiství MeSH
• nedostatek vitaminu D * komplikace   krev   MeSH
• nukleobindiny krev   MeSH
• plazmatické proteiny vázající retinol metabolismus   analýza   MeSH
• proteiny vázající mastné kyseliny krev   MeSH
• proteiny vázající vápník krev   MeSH
• resistin krev   MeSH
• studie případů a kontrol MeSH
• vitamin D * krev   analogy a deriváty   MeSH
• Check Tag
• dítě MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mladiství MeSH
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

BACKGROUND: The PI*S variant is one of the most prevalent mutations within alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD). The risk of developing AATD-related lung disease in individuals with the PI*SS genotype is poorly defined despite its substantial prevalence. Our study aimed to characterize this genotype and its risk for lung disease and compare it with the PI*ZZ and PI*SZ genotypes using data from the European Alpha-1 antitrypsin Deficiency Research Collaboration international registry. METHOD: Demographic, clinical, functional, and quality of life (QoL) parameters were assessed to compare the PI*SS characteristics with the PI*SZ and PI*ZZ controls. A propensity score with 1:3 nearest-neighbour matching was performed for the most important confounding variables. RESULTS: The study included 1007 individuals, with PI*SS (n = 56; 5.6%), PI*ZZ (n = 578; 57.4%) and PI*SZ (n = 373; 37.0%). The PI*SS population consisted of 58.9% men, with a mean age of 59.2 years and a mean FEV1(% predicted) of 83.4%. Compared to PI*ZZ individuals they had less frequent lung disease (71.4% vs. 82.2%, p = 0.037), COPD (41.4% vs. 60%, p = 0.002), and emphysema (23.2% vs. 51.9%, p < 0.001) and better preserved lung function, fewer exacerbations, lower level of dyspnoea, and better QoL. In contrast, no significant differences were found in the prevalence of lung diseases between PI*SS and PI*SZ, or lung function parameters, exacerbations, dyspnoea, or QoL. CONCLUSIONS: We found that, as expected, the risk of lung disease associated with the PI*SS genotype is significantly lower compared with PI*ZZ, but does not differ from that observed in PI*SZ individuals, despite having higher serum AAT levels. TRIAL REGISTRATION: www. CLINICALTRIALS: gov (ID: NCT04180319).

• MeSH
• alfa-1-antitrypsin * genetika   MeSH
• deficit alfa1-antitrypsinu * genetika   epidemiologie   diagnóza   MeSH
• genotyp * MeSH
• kvalita života MeSH
• lidé středního věku MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• plicní nemoci genetika   epidemiologie   diagnóza   MeSH
• registrace MeSH
• rizikové faktory MeSH
• senioři MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé středního věku MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• senioři MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• multicentrická studie MeSH

Deficit alfa-1-antitrypsinu (AATD) je jedním z nejčastějších genetických onemocnění. Většina osob nese dvě kopie divoké alely M genu SERPINA1, který kóduje alfa-1-antitrypsin (AAT), a má normální AAT v krvi. Devadesát pět procent případů těžkého deficitu AAT je důsledkem homozygotní záměny Glu342Lys (alela Z), která je přítomna u 1 z 25 osob evropského původu. Mírný nedostatek AAT je obvykle důsledkem mutace Glu264Val (alela S). AAT je syntetizován v játrech a vylučován do krve, kde je jeho hlavní úlohou chránit plicní tkáň před působením neutrofilní elastázy. Bodové mutace mohou vést k precipitaci AAT v játrech, což vede k jaterní fibróze a cirhóze vlivem proteotoxického stresu („gain of function“). Naopak nedostatek cirkulujícího AAT predisponuje homozygoty s těžkým deficitem k časnému vzniku plicního emfyzému („loss of function“). Článek podává přehled současných poznatků o patofyziologii deficitu AAT, možnostech jeho diagnostiky a diskutuje možnosti léčby plicního onemocnění i nové možnosti léčby jaterního onemocnění.

Alpha-1-antitrypsin (AAT) deficiency (AATD) is one of the most common genetic disorders. Most people carry two copies of the wild-type M allele of the SERPINA1 gene, which encodes AAT, and have normal blood concentrations of AAT. Ninety-five percent of cases of severe AAT deficiency result from the homozygous Glu342Lys substitution (Z allele), which is present in 1 in 25 persons of European descent. Mild AAT deficiency is usually due to the Glu264Val mutation (S allele). AAT is synthesized in the liver and secreted into the blood. Its primary role is to protect lung tissue from neutrophil elastase attack. Point mutations can lead to the retention of AAT in the liver, leading to liver fibrosis and cirrhosis due to proteotoxic stress ("gain of function"), whereas the lack of circulating AAT predisposes homozygotes with severe deficiency to early onset of pulmonary emphysema ("loss of function"). This article reviews current knowledge of the pathophysiology of AAT deficiency, and its diagnostic options and discusses treatment options for pulmonary and novel treatment strategies in liver disease.

• MeSH
• alfa-1-antitrypsin krev   MeSH
• deficit alfa1-antitrypsinu * diagnóza   farmakoterapie   genetika   komplikace   MeSH
• jaterní cirhóza diagnóza   etiologie   terapie   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• plicní emfyzém diagnóza   etiologie   terapie   MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH

Ataxie­‐telangiektázie (AT) je autozomálně recesivně děděné onemocnění charakterizované pomalu progredující mozečkovou ataxií, telangiektáziemi a zvýšenou citlivostí k ionizačnímu záření. Často se vyvíjí imunodeficit projevující se opakujícími respiračními infekcemi. Dalšími klinickými projevy může být okulomotorická apraxie nebo extrapyramidové projevy. Pacienti jsou predisponováni ke vzniku hematologických malignit i solidních nádorů. AT je nejčastější příčinou progresivní ataxie u dětí mladších 10 let. Cílem tohoto článku je upozornit na toto onemocnění a poukázat na diagnostiku a možnosti symptomatické terapie. Jako příklad uvádím dvě kazuistiky z našeho oddělení.

Ataxia-telangiectasia (AT) is an autosomal recessively disorder characterized by slowly progressive cerebellar ataxia, telangiectasia and heightended sensitivity to ionizing radiation. The condition often leads to immunodeficiency, presenting as recurrent respiratory infections. Other clinical manifestations may include oculomotor apraxia or extrapyramidal symptoms. Furthermore, patients are predisposed to hematological malignancies and solid tumors. In children under the age of 10, AT represents the most prevalent cause of progressive ataxia. This article aims to raise awareness of AT, providing an overview of its diagnosis and available options for symptomatic therapy. To illustrate these aspects, I present two case reports from our department.

• MeSH
• alfa-fetoproteiny analýza   MeSH
• apraxie diagnóza   etiologie   klasifikace   MeSH
• diferenciální diagnóza MeSH
• dítě MeSH
• kazuistiky jako téma MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mezioborová komunikace MeSH
• motorické poruchy diagnóza   etiologie   MeSH
• předškolní dítě MeSH
• teleangiektatická ataxie * diagnóza   farmakoterapie   genetika   MeSH
• teleangiektazie diagnóza   klasifikace   MeSH
• těžká kombinovaná imunodeficience diagnóza   etiologie   MeSH
• Check Tag
• dítě MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• předškolní dítě MeSH
• Publikační typ
• přehledy MeSH