15 research outputs found
The Role of Oxidative Stress-Induced Senescence in the Pathogenesis of Preeclampsia
No full textPreeclampsia is a hypertension condition of human pregnancy that poses a significant risk to pregnant women and their fetus. It complicates about 2–8% of human pregnancies worldwide and displays multifactorial pathogenesis, including increased placental oxidative stress because of disturbed utero-placental blood flow. Recent evidence suggests that increased oxidative stress promotes acceleration of the placental senescence which is implicated in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia. This review focuses on the mechanisms that lead to oxidative stress in preeclamptic patients and examines the role of oxidative stress-induced placental senescence in the pathogenesis of the disease
Metabolomics profiling reveals different patterns in an animal model of asphyxial and dysrhythmic cardiac arrest
No full textCardiac arrest (CA) is not a uniform condition and its pathophysiology strongly depends on its cause. In this work we have used a metabolomics approach to study the dynamic metabolic changes occurring in the plasma samples of a swine model following two different causes of CA, namely asphyxia (ACA) and ventricular fibrillation (VFCA). Plasma samples were collected at baseline and every minute during the experimental phases. In order to identify the metabolomics profiles characterizing the two pathological entities, all samples were analysed by 1H NMR spectroscopy and LC-MS/MS spectrometry.The metabolomics fingerprints of ACA and VFCA significantly differed during the peri-arrest period and the resuscitation phase. Major alterations were observed in plasma concentrations of metabolites related to tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, urea cycle, and anaplerotic replenishing of TCA. ACA animals showed significant metabolic disturbances during the asphyxial and CA phases, while for VFCA animals this phenomenon resulted shifted at the resuscitation phase. Interestingly, starting from the asphyxial phase, the ACA animals were stratified in two groups based on their metabolomics profiles that resulted to be correlated with the clinical outcome. Succinate overproduction was observed in the animals with the worse outcome, suggesting a potential prognostic role for this metabolite
Effects of Equine-Assisted Therapy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
No full textObjectives: Different types of exercises that aim in the development of balance, motor function, and gait are necessary for patients with motor disorders. Equine-assisted therapy could play an important role in the rehabilitation of these participants. Methods: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects that equine-assisted therapy can exert on balance, motor function, spasticity, posture and gait, as well as quality of life on individuals with motor disorders. Clinical trials, published up to 20 April 2022, comparing equine-assisted therapy with conventional rehabilitation were systematically searched. Two independent reviewers performed data extraction and assessed the quality of studies using the Downs and Black quality assessment tool. Results: Out of 27 studies that satisfied the inclusion criteria for systematic review, 15 included appropriate data for further comparative meta-analysis. Statistically significant differences were found in Dimension E (walking, running, jumping) of Gross Motor Function Measure in children with CP (0.009) and in Time Up and Go in Elderly and post-stroke participants (p = 0.006). Specifically, children with CP improved in walking, running, and jumping, as well as improved mobility in the elderly. The systematic review showed that the intervention had positive results, as well as in other domains, even though these were not statistically significant. Conclusions: Equine-assisted therapy is beneficial for individuals with impairments in balance, gross motor function, gait, spasticity, and coordination
Supraventricular tachycardia with QRS and cycle length alternans. What is the diagnosis?
No full textThe efficacy of Equine Assisted Therapy intervention in gross motor function, performance, and spasticity in children with Cerebral Palsy
No full textPurposeTo evaluate the efficacy of Equine Assisted Therapy in children with Cerebral Palsy, in terms of gross motor function, performance, and spasticity as well as whether this improvement can be maintained for 2 months after the end of the intervention.MethodsChildren with Cerebral Palsy participated in this prospective cohort study. The study lasted for 28 weeks, of which the equine assisted therapy lasted 12 weeks taking place once a week for 30 min. Repeated measures within the subject design were used for the evaluation of each child’s physical performance and mental capacity consisting of six measurements: Gross Motor Function Measure-88 (GMFM-88), Gross Motor Performance Measure (GMPM), Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS), Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) and Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC III).ResultsStatistically significant improvements were achieved for 31 children in Gross Motor Function Measure and all its subcategories (p < 0.005), also in total Gross Motor Performance Measure and all subcategories (p < 0.005). These Gross Motor Function Measure results remained consistent for 2 months after the last session of the intervention. Regarding spasticity, although an improving trend was seen, this was not found to be statistically significant.Conclusion and implicationsEquine Assisted Therapy improves motor ability (qualitatively and quantitatively) in children with Cerebral Palsy, with clinical significance in gross motor function
Robotic assisted and exoskeleton gait training effect in mental health and fatigue of multiple sclerosis patients. A systematic review and a meta-analysis
No full textRobotic and Exoskeleton Assisted Gait Training (REAGT) has become the mainstream gait training module. Studies are investigating the psychosocial effects of REAGT mostly as secondary outcomes. Our systematic review and meta-analysis aims to investigate the effects of REAGT in MS patients’ mental health and fatigue. We searched the electronic databases (Scopus, PubMed, Pedro, Cochrane Trials, Dare) for RCT studies fulfilling our inclusion criteria. A meta-analysis of available assessment tools was conducted calculating the summary mean differences in two different timepoints, before and after the intervention using random-effects models. The systematic search of the electronic databases identified 302 studies. Seven RCT studies were considered eligible for data extraction and meta-analysis, according to our eligibility criteria. We were able to obtain adequate data to proceed with a quantitative synthesis for QoL SF36–MC (Mental Component), QoL SF-36 mental and psychosocial subscales, Multiple Sclerosis Quality of Life-54-Mental Health Composite (MSQoL-54-MHC), Patient’s Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS). Overall, REAGT seems to have a positive effect to Quality of Life, especially in MS patients’ perspective of General and Mental Health and a slight positive effect in depression as measured by PHQ-9.Implications for rehabilitationMultiple Sclerosis (MS) decreases physical and non-physical aspects of patients’ quality of life perspective.Rehabilitation strategy must take into consideration the non-physical effects of a training intervention.Robotic and Exoskeleton Gait Training has a positive effect in MS patients’ non-physical quality of life and a slight positive effect in depression. Multiple Sclerosis (MS) decreases physical and non-physical aspects of patients’ quality of life perspective. Rehabilitation strategy must take into consideration the non-physical effects of a training intervention. Robotic and Exoskeleton Gait Training has a positive effect in MS patients’ non-physical quality of life and a slight positive effect in depression.</p
Opposite relations of epicardial adipose tissue to left atrial size in paroxysmal and permanent atrial fibrillation
No full textObjectives: Atrial fibrillation has been associated with obesity in epidemiological studies. Epicardial adipose tissue is an ectopic fat depot in the proximity of atria, with endocrine and inflammatory properties that is implicated in the pathophysiology of atrial fibrillation. Inflammation also has a role in atrial arrhythmogenesis. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential relations of epicardial adipose tissue to left atrial size and to adiponectin and the pro-inflammatory mediators, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, and interleukin-6 in paroxysmal and permanent atrial fibrillation. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of 103 atrial fibrillation patients, divided into two subgroups of paroxysmal and permanent atrial fibrillation, and 81 controls, in sinus rhythm. Echocardiography was used for estimation of epicardial adipose tissue and left atrial size and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, interleukin-6 and adiponectin were measured in all subjects. Results: Atrial fibrillation patients had significantly larger epicardial adipose tissue compared with controls (0.430.17 vs 0.34 +/- 0.17cm, p=0.002). Atrial fibrillation presence was independently related to epicardial adipose tissue thickness (b=0.09, p=0.002). Opposite associations of epicardial adipose tissue with left atrial volume existed in atrial fibrillation subgroups; in the paroxysmal subgroup, epicardial adipose tissue was directly related to left atrial volume (R=0.3, p=0.03), but in the permanent one the relation was inverse (R=-0.7, p<0.0001). Adiponectin, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and interleukin-6 were elevated in both atrial fibrillation groups. Only interleukin-6 was related to epicardial adipose tissue size. Conclusion: Opposite associations of epicardial adipose tissue with left atrial size in paroxysmal and permanent Atrial fibrillation and elevated inflammatory markers, suggest a role of epicardial adipose tissue and inflammation in the fibrotic and remodeling process
Opposite relations of epicardial adipose tissue to left atrial size in paroxysmal and permanent atrial fibrillation
No full textObjectives: Atrial fibrillation has been associated with obesity in epidemiological studies. Epicardial adipose tissue is an ectopic fat depot in the proximity of atria, with endocrine and inflammatory properties that is implicated in the pathophysiology of atrial fibrillation. Inflammation also has a role in atrial arrhythmogenesis. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential relations of epicardial adipose tissue to left atrial size and to adiponectin and the pro-inflammatory mediators, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, and interleukin-6 in paroxysmal and permanent atrial fibrillation. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of 103 atrial fibrillation patients, divided into two subgroups of paroxysmal and permanent atrial fibrillation, and 81 controls, in sinus rhythm. Echocardiography was used for estimation of epicardial adipose tissue and left atrial size and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, interleukin-6 and adiponectin were measured in all subjects. Results: Atrial fibrillation patients had significantly larger epicardial adipose tissue compared with controls (0.43 ± 0.17 vs 0.34 ± 0.17 cm, p = 0.002). Atrial fibrillation presence was independently related to epicardial adipose tissue thickness ( b = 0.09, p = 0.002). Opposite associations of epicardial adipose tissue with left atrial volume existed in atrial fibrillation subgroups; in the paroxysmal subgroup, epicardial adipose tissue was directly related to left atrial volume ( R = 0.3, p = 0.03), but in the permanent one the relation was inverse ( R = −0.7, p < 0.0001). Adiponectin, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and interleukin-6 were elevated in both atrial fibrillation groups. Only interleukin-6 was related to epicardial adipose tissue size. Conclusion: Opposite associations of epicardial adipose tissue with left atrial size in paroxysmal and permanent Atrial fibrillation and elevated inflammatory markers, suggest a role of epicardial adipose tissue and inflammation in the fibrotic and remodeling process
Methylmalonic acid and vitamin B12 in patients with heart failure
No full textObjective: Vitamin B12 deficiency among patients with heart failure (HF) may have been underestimated. High serum levels of methylmalonic acid (MMA) have been identified in several studies as an early indicator of vitamin B12 deficiency. Furthermore, MMA seems to constitute a biomarker of oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction. There are scarce data regarding vitamin B12 and MMA in patients with HF. The aim of this study was to investigate vitamin B12 and MMA serum levels in patients with HF. Methods: One hundred five consecutive patients admitted to our hospital with symptoms and signs of acute decompensated HF were included in the study. Demographic and clinical characteristics as well as comorbidities and medical treatment before hospital admission were recorded. Transthoracic echocardiography was performed in all patients. Blood samples were collected during the first 24 hours of hospitalization and measured for complete blood count, biochemical profile, vitamin B12, N-terminal prohormone of brain natriuretic peptide, and MMA levels. Finally, 51 healthy individuals constituted the control group. Results: A total of 43.8% of patients with HF had elevated MMA levels, but only 10.5% had overt vitamin B12 deficiency, defined as serum cobalamin levels below 189 pg/ml. Mean MMA level was higher in patients with HF than in controls (33.0 +/- 9.6 vs. 19.3 +/- 6.3 ng/ml; p < 0.001). This difference remained significant when adjusted for age, sex, vitamin B12, and folate serum levels and kidney function (B = 14.7 (9.6-19.7); p < 0.001). MMA levels were higher in patients with acutely decompensated chronic HF than in those with newly diagnosed acute HF (34.7 +/- 10.5 vs. 30.7 +/- 7.8 ng/ml; p = 0.036). Correlation analysis revealed significantly negative correlation between MMA and vitamin B12 levels only in patients without comorbidities. Conclusion: Patients with HF have elevated MMA levels, independent of age, gender, HF category, or comorbidities, possibly indicating subclinical vitamin B12 deficiency. Further research is needed to investigate subclinical vitamin B12 deficiency in patients with HF and/or to clarify whether MMA constitutes a biomarker of oxidative stress. (C) 2019 Hellenic Society of Cardiology. Publishing services by Elsevier B.V
Methylmalonic acid and vitamin B12 in patients with heart failure
No full textObjective: Vitamin B12 deficiency among patients with heart failure (HF) may have been underestimated. High serum levels of methylmalonic acid (MMA) have been identified in several studies as an early indicator of vitamin B12 deficiency. Furthermore, MMA seems to constitute a biomarker of oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction. There are scarce data regarding vitamin B12 and MMA in patients with HF. The aim of this study was to investigate vitamin B12 and MMA serum levels in patients with HF. Methods: One hundred five consecutive patients admitted to our hospital with symptoms and signs of acute decompensated HF were included in the study. Demographic and clinical characteristics as well as comorbidities and medical treatment before hospital admission were recorded. Transthoracic echocardiography was performed in all patients. Blood samples were collected during the first 24 hours of hospitalization and measured for complete blood count, biochemical profile, vitamin B12, N-terminal prohormone of brain natriuretic peptide, and MMA levels. Finally, 51 healthy individuals constituted the control group. Results: A total of 43.8% of patients with HF had elevated MMA levels, but only 10.5% had overt vitamin B12 deficiency, defined as serum cobalamin levels below 189 pg/ml. Mean MMA level was higher in patients with HF than in controls (33.0 ± 9.6 vs. 19.3 ± 6.3 ng/ml; p < 0.001). This difference remained significant when adjusted for age, sex, vitamin B12, and folate serum levels and kidney function (B = 14.7 (9.6–19.7); p < 0.001). MMA levels were higher in patients with acutely decompensated chronic HF than in those with newly diagnosed acute HF (34.7 ± 10.5 vs. 30.7 ± 7.8 ng/ml; p = 0.036). Correlation analysis revealed significantly negative correlation between MMA and vitamin B12 levels only in patients without comorbidities. Conclusion: Patients with HF have elevated MMA levels, independent of age, gender, HF category, or comorbidities, possibly indicating subclinical vitamin B12 deficiency. Further research is needed to investigate subclinical vitamin B12 deficiency in patients with HF and/or to clarify whether MMA constitutes a biomarker of oxidative stress
