Displaying publications 81 - 100 of 348 in total

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  1. Open label randomized controlled trial assessing the efficacy of mycophenolate sodium against other conventional immunosuppressive agents in active systemic lupus erythematosus patients without renal involvement
    Yahya F, Jasmin R, Ng CT, Cheah TE, Sockalingam S
    Int J Rheum Dis, 2013 Dec;16(6):724-30.
    PMID: 24119227 DOI: 10.1111/1756-185X.12179
    Mycophenolate is an immunosuppressive agent which has been used in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients who have failed conventional therapy. However, the use of mycophenolate sodium in extra-renal SLE involvement has yet to be established. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of mycophenolate sodium in extra-renal SLE.
    Matched MeSH terms: Biomarkers/blood
  2. MMP-9: biomarker for abdominal aneurysm
    Affirul CA, Azim IM, Hanafiah H, Nor Azmi K, Rozman Z
    Clin Ter, 2013;164(6):e479-83.
    PMID: 24424226 DOI: 10.7417/CT.2013.1640
    INTRODUCTION: Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) has been shown to express significantly on organ tissue culture in Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) patients. Prior studies have shown the correlation between MMP-9 concentration levels with AAA raising the probability of its usage as a biomarker in AAA disease. However, results of previous studies have been conflicting. The purpose of this study is to identify the correlation between MMP-9 concentration levels with AAA disease and further define the utility as a biomarker for our center population.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is prospective controlled trial. Peripheral venous blood sample is obtained from 20 patients with AAA and 36 normal control subjects. MMP-9 concentration levels were determined by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and compared with subjects abdominal ultrasonography or computed tomography of abdomen.

    RESULTS: Mean (± SE) MMP-9 was 23.94 ± 0.60 ng/mL in normal control subjects and 21.39 ± 1.03 ng/mL in patients with AAAs (p ← 0.05 versus normal control subjects). MMP-9 correlate significantly with AAA (p=0.004). There was no correlation of MMP-9 levels with age, gender, or other risk factors. The cutoff point is 12.54 for aorta size <3.0 cm. The sensitivity and specificity of MMP-9 were 60% and 64% respectively.

    CONCLUSIONS: MMP-9 levels correlate significantly with AAA with a cutoff point of 12.54. However, the utility of MMP-9 as a diagnostic test is limited due to low sensitivity and specificity. An elevated MMP-9 has limited use to predict the presence of AAA (positive predictive value: 60%) and a normal MMP-9 level was insufficient to determine the absence of AAA (negative predictive value: 36.1%).

    Matched MeSH terms: Biomarkers/blood*
  3. Obesity indices and metabolic markers are related to hs-CRP and adiponectin levels in overweight and obese females
    Sanip Z, Ariffin FD, Al-Tahami BA, Sulaiman WA, Rasool AH
    Obes Res Clin Pract, 2013 Jul-Aug;7(4):e315-20.
    PMID: 24306161 DOI: 10.1016/j.orcp.2012.05.002
    Obese subjects had increased serum high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), decreased adiponectin levels, and impaired microvascular endothelial function compared to lean subjects. We investigated the relationships of serum hs-CRP, adiponectin and microvascular endothelial function with obesity indices and metabolic markers in overweight and obese female subjects. Anthropometric profile, body fat composition, biochemical analysis, serum hs-CRP and adiponectin levels, and microvascular endothelial function were measured in 91 female subjects. Microvascular endothelial function was determined using laser Doppler fluximetry and the process of iontophoresis. Mean age and body mass index (BMI) of subjects were 34.88 (7.87) years and 32.93 (4.82) kg/m(2). hs-CRP levels were positively correlated with weight, BMI, waist circumference, hip circumference, body fat and visceral fat. Adiponectin levels were positively correlated with insulin sensitivity index (HOMA-%S), and inversely correlated with waist hip ratio, triglyceride, fasting insulin and insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR). No relationship was seen between microvascular endothelial function and obesity indices, and metabolic markers. In overweight and obese female subjects, hs-CRP levels were correlated with obesity indices while adiponectin levels were inversely correlated with obesity indices and metabolic markers. No significant relationship was seen between microvascular endothelial function with obesity indices and metabolic markers including hs-CRP and adiponectin in female overweight and obese subjects.
    Matched MeSH terms: Biomarkers/blood*
  4. Fulltext Validity of self-measured waist and hip circumferences: results from a community study in Malaysia
    Reidpath DD, Cheah JC, Lam FC, Yasin S, Soyiri I, Allotey P
    Nutr J, 2013;12:135.
    PMID: 24093886 DOI: 10.1186/1475-2891-12-135
    BACKGROUND: Measures of central adiposity are better predictors of adverse health events than BMI. Nonetheless, BMI is more widely used in health research. One reason for this may be the limited research supporting the self-measurement of waist and hip circumference. The lack of validity studies is particularly acute in Asia. The main objective was to establish the validity of self-measurement of waist and hip circumference in a community setting and the correlation of those measures with BMI, blood pressure, and blood glucose levels.
    METHODS: A community based, cross-sectional survey. A "healthy living expo" at a shopping mall in a rural town on peninsular Malaysia One hundred and thirty six (136) individuals volunteered to participate in the study, 125 of whom met the inclusion criteria. The ethnic distribution of the participants was 80% Chinese, 17% Malay and 3% Indian. Most participants were female (60%), with participants' ages ranging from 18 to 78 years (mean, 47.2). Self and assisted measurements of waist and hip were taken. Blood pressure, non-fasting blood glucose, height, and weight were also measured. Bland Altman plots and Lin's concordance coefficient were used to measure agreement between self and assisted measures. Pearson's correlation was used to examine the association of self and assisted measures with blood pressure, blood glucose, and BMI.
    RESULTS: There was a downwards bias in self measured waist (-0.81 cm) and hip (-1 cm) circumferences compared with assisted measures. The concordance for the self and assisted measures of waist, hip and the ratio of the two were, respectively, .96, .93 , and .84. The correlation between measures of central adiposity and BMI, blood pressure and blood glucose were similar for self and assisted measures.
    CONCLUSION: The results provide additional support for the use of self-measurement of waist and hip circumference studies of central adiposity, but is limited by the specificity of the setting.
    Matched MeSH terms: Biomarkers/blood
  5. The influence of fenofibrate on lipid profile, endothelial dysfunction, and inflammatory markers in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with typical and mixed dyslipidemia
    Ghani RA, Bin Yaakob I, Wahab NA, Zainudin S, Mustafa N, Sukor N, et al.
    J Clin Lipidol, 2013 Sep-Oct;7(5):446-53.
    PMID: 24079286 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacl.2013.04.004
    BACKGROUND: Type 2 diabetes is associated with early development of endothelial dysfunction. Patients present with typical dyslipidemia (predominantly high levels of triglycerides [TG] and low levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol [HDL-C]) or mixed hypercholesterolemia (high levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol [LDL-C] and TG with low HDL-C). Normal levels include LDL-C < 100 mg/dL, TG < 135 mg/dL, and HDL-C > 40 mg/dL for men and >50 mg/dL for women.
    OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of 8 weeks' administration of fenofibrate on inflammatory markers, metabolic parameters, and endothelial dysfunction.
    METHODS: We administered micronized fenofibrate (Laboratories Fourneir S.A Dijon, France) daily for 8 weeks to 40 dyslipidemic, type 2 diabetes patients with equal numbers in each arm of the typical or mixed dyslipidemia groups. Noninvasive endothelial function assessments were performed and serum inflammatory markers obtained before and after treatment.
    RESULTS: The typical group demonstrated significantly greater TG reduction and HDL-C increment, ie, 56% vs, 21.3% (P < .005) and 21% vs. 7.6% (P = .001), respectively, compared with the mixed group. There was greater LDL-C reduction within the mixed group compared with the typical group 21.0% vs. 2.2% (P < .05). Endothelial dysfunction was present in both groups at baseline. After treatment, the typical group demonstrated significant improvement in resting brachial diameter (3.9 mm [interquartile range {IQR} 3.3-4.7] to 4.2 mm [IQR 3.4-4.8], P = .001) compared with no change within the mixed group (3.6 mm [IQR 3.1-5.4] to 3.7 mm [IQR 3.1-5.3], P = .26). Flow-mediated diameter improved significantly in both groups. The mixed group had significantly greater levels of hs-CRP at baseline but no changes throughout the study. The mixed group demonstrated an increase in vascular adhesion molecule-1 from 706 ng/mL (IQR 566-1195) to 845 ng/mL (637-1653; P = .01), a reduction of tumor necrosis factor-α from 7.0 pg/mL (IQR 1.0-43.5) to 2.5 pg/mL (IQR 1.5-13.5; P = .04) throughout the study.
    CONCLUSIONS: We effectively compared 8 weeks of fenofibrate therapy in type 2 diabetics with contrasting lipid abnormalities. The typical dyslipidemia group showed significantly greater lipid improvements compared with the mixed dyslipidemia group. Both groups had improvements in endothelial functions that were independent of the lipid levels. We concluded that fibrate therapy in type 2 diabetics is beneficial, especially those with typical dyslipidemia and extends beyond its lipid lowering properties.
    KEYWORDS: Endothelial dysfunction; Fenofibrate; High-density lipoprotein cholesterol; Low density lipoprotein; Noninvasive endothelial function assessments; Triglyceride; Vascular cell adhesion molecule-1; hsCRP
    Matched MeSH terms: Biomarkers/blood
  6. Fulltext Plasma adiponectin concentrations are associated with dietary glycemic index in Malaysian patients with type 2 diabetes
    Loh BI, Sathyasuryan DR, Mohamed HJ
    Asia Pac J Clin Nutr, 2013;22(2):241-8.
    PMID: 23635368 DOI: 10.6133/apjcn.2013.22.2.04
    Adiponectin, an adipocyte-derived hormone has been implicated in the control of blood glucose and chronic inflammation in type 2 diabetes. However, limited studies have evaluated dietary factors on plasma adiponectin levels, especially among type 2 diabetic patients in Malaysia. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of dietary glycemic index on plasma adiponectin concentrations in patients with type 2 diabetes. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 305 type 2 diabetic patients aged 19-75 years from the Penang General Hospital, Malaysia. Socio-demographic information was collected using a standard questionnaire while dietary details were determined by using a pre-validated semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. Anthropometry measurement included weight, height, BMI and waist circumference. Plasma adiponectin concentrations were measured using a commercial ELISA kit. Data were analyzed using multiple linear regression. After multivariate adjustment, dietary glycemic index was inversely associated with plasma adiponectin concentrations (β =-0.272, 95% CI -0.262, - 0.094; p<0.001). It was found that in individuals who consumed 1 unit of foods containing high dietary glycemic index that plasma adiponectin level reduced by 0.3 μg/mL. Thirty two percent (31.9%) of the variation in adiponectin concentrations was explained by age, sex, race, smoking status, BMI, waist circumference, HDL-C, triglycerides, magnesium, fiber and dietary glycemic index according to the multiple linear regression model (R2=0.319). These results support the hypothesis that dietary glycemic index influences plasma adiponectin concentrations in patients with type 2 diabetes. Controlled clinical trials are required to confirm our findings and to elucidate the underlying mechanism.
    Matched MeSH terms: Biomarkers/blood
  7. Fulltext Television screen time, but not computer use and reading time, is associated with cardio-metabolic biomarkers in a multiethnic Asian population: a cross-sectional study
    Nang EE, Salim A, Wu Y, Tai ES, Lee J, Van Dam RM
    Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act, 2013;10:70.
    PMID: 23718927 DOI: 10.1186/1479-5868-10-70
    BACKGROUND: Recent evidence shows that sedentary behaviour may be an independent risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancers and all-cause mortality. However, results are not consistent and different types of sedentary behaviour might have different effects on health. Thus the aim of this study was to evaluate the association between television screen time, computer/reading time and cardio-metabolic biomarkers in a multiethnic urban Asian population. We also sought to understand the potential mediators of this association.
    METHODS: The Singapore Prospective Study Program (2004-2007), was a cross-sectional population-based study in a multiethnic population in Singapore. We studied 3305 Singaporean adults of Chinese, Malay and Indian ethnicity who did not have pre-existing diseases and conditions that could affect their physical activity. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to assess the association of television screen time and computer/reading time with cardio-metabolic biomarkers [blood pressure, lipids, glucose, adiponectin, C reactive protein and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR)]. Path analysis was used to examine the role of mediators of the observed association.
    RESULTS: Longer television screen time was significantly associated with higher systolic blood pressure, total cholesterol, triglycerides, C reactive protein, HOMA-IR, and lower adiponectin after adjustment for potential socio-demographic and lifestyle confounders. Dietary factors and body mass index, but not physical activity, were potential mediators that explained most of these associations between television screen time and cardio-metabolic biomarkers. The associations of television screen time with triglycerides and HOMA-IR were only partly explained by dietary factors and body mass index. No association was observed between computer/ reading time and worse levels of cardio-metabolic biomarkers.
    CONCLUSIONS: In this urban Asian population, television screen time was associated with worse levels of various cardio-metabolic risk factors. This may reflect detrimental effects of television screen time on dietary habits rather than replacement of physical activity.
    MESH: screen time
    Matched MeSH terms: Biomarkers/blood
  8. Cord IgE and ECP levels of Malay neonates
    Yadav A, Naidu R
    Allergol Immunopathol (Madr), 2013 Nov-Dec;41(6):364-8.
    PMID: 23276420 DOI: 10.1016/j.aller.2012.08.007
    Cord IgE and ECP levels are major atopic markers implicated in early childhood allergy development. Most epidemiological studies to date have not utilised current technology to establish baseline cord IgE levels, further aggravated by lack of data in this region. This study also attempts to identify a relationship between cord IgE and ECP levels as a mean to improve sensitivity for early prediction of atopy.
    Matched MeSH terms: Biomarkers/blood
  9. Fulltext The correlation between serum leptin and blood pressure after exposure to noise at work
    Rahma MS, Mustafa BE, Razali A, Shamsuddin N, Althunibat OY
    Noise Health, 2013 Nov-Dec;15(67):375-8.
    PMID: 24231415 DOI: 10.4103/1463-1741.121223
    Several epidemiologic studies have reported that exposure to noise is associated with cardiovascular disease. The increased body weight is often associated with metabolic as well as increased blood pressure. The aim of this study is to investigate the correlation between the elevation of blood pressure and serum leptin hormones due to the effects of noise in the work place. A total of 80 volunteer males where included in this study with an age range between of 20 and 45 years, they were divided in two groups equally, the 1 st group were exposed to noise in the workplace while the 2 nd group were not. The individual noise exposure was determined by using a sound level meter. The range of noise was 80-100 dBA. Body Mass Index was also taken for each individual by a standard measure, blood pressure was measured by OMRON sphygmomanometer and serum leptin was measured through venous blood sample analysis enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. Spearman rank order correlation was used to examine the correlations between Blood pressure value (Systolic, Diastolic) and Leptin. All the relationships between parameters showed a positive correlation. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure values had a significant correlation to leptin hormone level in comparison to the control. There was a significant relation between leptin and blood pressure. leptin effects on the sympathetic nervous system may provide a partial explanation. Therefore, Leptin might have diverse cardiovascular actions.
    Matched MeSH terms: Biomarkers/blood
  10. Fulltext Attenuated levels of pro-inflammatory markers in diabetic retinopathy patients undergoing treatment with antihyperglycemic and antihypertensive drugs
    Ng ZX, Chua KH, Tajunisah I, Pendek R, Kuppusamy UR
    Clinics (Sao Paulo), 2013;68(2):185-93.
    PMID: 23525314 DOI: 10.6061/clinics/2013(02)oa11
    OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the circulating levels of activated nuclear factor kappa B p65 and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 in diabetic retinopathy patients who were taking antihyperglycemic and antihypertensive drugs.

    METHODS: In total, 235 healthy controls and 371 Type 2 diabetic patients [171 without retinopathy (DNR) and 200 patients with retinopathy (diabetic retinopathy)] were recruited for this study. Plasma and the nuclear fraction of peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated for the quantification of the monocyte chemotactic protein-1 and nuclear factor kappa B p65 levels, respectively.

    RESULTS: Non-medicated diabetic retinopathy patients had significantly higher levels of activated nuclear factor kappa B p65 and plasma monocyte chemotactic protein-1 than DNR patients. Diabetic retinopathy patients who were taking antihyperglycemic and antihypertensive drugs showed significant reductions in both the nuclear factor kappa B p65 and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 levels compared with the non-medicated patients.

    CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated the significant attenuation of both the nuclear factor kappa B p65 and circulating monocyte chemotactic protein-1 levels in diabetic retinopathy patients taking antihyperglycemic and antihypertensive drugs.
    Matched MeSH terms: Biomarkers/blood
  11. Dietary intake of patients with angiographically defined coronary artery disease and that of healthy controls in Iran
    Nazeminezhad R, Tajfard M, Latiff LA, Mouhebati M, Esmaeily H, Ferns GA, et al.
    Eur J Clin Nutr, 2014 Jan;68(1):109-13.
    PMID: 24219895 DOI: 10.1038/ejcn.2013.205
    The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between dietary intake and biomarkers of cardiovascular risk in individuals with and without angiographically defined coronary artery disease.
    Matched MeSH terms: Biomarkers/blood
  12. Methotrexate in systemic lupus erythematosus: a systematic review of its efficacy
    Sakthiswary R, Suresh E
    Lupus, 2014 Mar;23(3):225-35.
    PMID: 24399812 DOI: 10.1177/0961203313519159
    OBJECTIVE: The objective of this review is to evaluate the evidence for efficacy of methotrexate (MTX) in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
    METHODS: A comprehensive, computerized search was performed in MEDLINE (PubMed), EMBASE and the Cochrane Controlled Trials registry to screen for studies that examined the efficacy of MTX in adult SLE patients. The Jadad scoring system was used to assess study quality, and data were pooled using the random effects model.
    RESULTS: Of the 53 articles that were identified, 44 were excluded. Nine studies (including three randomized controlled and six observational) were eligible for inclusion. All of the included studies predominantly involved patients with arthritis or mucocutaneous features. There was significant reduction of the SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) among MTX-treated patients when compared with controls (p = 0.001, odds ratio (OR) 0.444, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.279 to 0.707). There was also significant reduction in the average dose of corticosteroids among MTX-treated patients when compared with controls (p = 0.001, OR 0.335, 95% CI 0.202 to 0.558). The effect of MTX on laboratory and serological markers, including erythrocyte sedimentation rate, anti-dsDNA and complement levels (C3 and C4), could not be determined because of the limited numbers of controlled trials.
    CONCLUSION: The use of MTX is associated with significant reductions in SLEDAI and the average dose of corticosteroids in adult patients with SLE.
    KEYWORDS: SLE; Systemic lupus erythematosus; efficacy; lupus; methotrexate
    Matched MeSH terms: Biomarkers/blood
  13. "Is it possible to prevent acute kidney injury in the patients who underwent contrast medium?"
    Alharazy SM, Kong N, Saidin R, Gafor AH, Maskon O, Mohd M, et al.
    Angiology, 2014 Mar;65(3):225-6.
    PMID: 23564021 DOI: 10.1177/0003319713483544
    Matched MeSH terms: Biomarkers/blood*
  14. Fulltext Serum soluble FMS-like tyrosine kinase 1 and placental growth factor concentration as predictors of preeclampsia in high risk pregnant women
    Hanita O, Alia NN, Zaleha AM, Nor Azlin MI
    Malays J Pathol, 2014 Apr;36(1):19-26.
    PMID: 24763231 MyJurnal
    Soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1) and placental growth factor (PlGF) contribute in the development of preeclampsia and are suggested as prediction markers in healthy pregnant women but limited data is available in women with major preeclampsia risk factors. This study aimed to determine the role of sFlt-1 and PlGF in predicting preeclampsia among high risk pregnant women. This was a prospective study and samples were collected for a period of ten months. Blood samples were obtained from 84 pregnant women who had at least one risk factor for preeclampsia at 25 to 28 weeks and at 29 to 36 weeks of gestation. SFlt-1 and PlGF concentrations were determined by immunoassay method. There were significantly higher median sFlt-1 and sFlt-1:PlGF ratio at gestational interval 25 to 28 weeks and sFlt-1:PlGF ratio at 29 to 36 weeks in high risk women who developed preeclampsia. Significant lower median serum PlGF levels at 25 to 28 weeks and 29 to 36 weeks were observed in this group of women. In conclusion, the concentrations of these markers were altered in high risk preeclamptic women, a similar pattern seen in low risk preeclamptic women. However the predictive value of these markers could not be established clearly.
    Matched MeSH terms: Biomarkers/blood
  15. Association between markers of glucose metabolism and risk of colorectal adenoma
    Rampal S, Yang MH, Sung J, Son HJ, Choi YH, Lee JH, et al.
    Gastroenterology, 2014 Jul;147(1):78-87.e3.
    PMID: 24632359 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2014.03.006
    BACKGROUND & AIMS: Diabetes is a risk factor for colorectal cancer. We studied the association between markers of glucose metabolism and metabolic syndrome and the presence of colorectal adenomas in a large number of asymptomatic men and women attending a health screening program in South Korea. We also investigated whether these associations depend on adenoma location.
    METHODS: In a cross-sectional study, we measured fasting levels of glucose, insulin, hemoglobin A1c, and C-peptide and calculated homeostatic model assessment (HOMA) values (used to quantify insulin resistance) for 19,361 asymptomatic South Korean subjects who underwent colonoscopy examinations from January 2006 to June 2009. Participants completed a standardized self-administered health questionnaire and a validated semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire. Blood samples were collected on the day of the colonoscopy; fasting blood samples were also collected. Robust Poisson regression was used to model the associations of glucose markers with the prevalence of any adenoma.
    RESULTS: Using detailed multivariable-adjusted dose-response models, the prevalence ratios (aPR, 95% confidence interval [CI]) for any adenoma, comparing the 90th with the 10th percentile, were 1.08 (1.00-1.16; P = .04) for fasting glucose, 1.07 (0.99-1.15; P = .10) for insulin, 1.09 (1.02-1.18, P = .02) for HOMA, 1.09 (1.01-1.17; P = .02) for hemoglobin A1c, and 1.14 (1.05-1.24; P = .002) for C-peptide. The corresponding ratios for nonadvanced adenomas were 1.11 (0.99-1.25; P = .08), 1.10 (0.98-1.24; P = .12), 1.15 (1.02-1.29; P = .02), 1.14 (1.01-1.28; P = .03), and 1.20 (1.05-1.37; P = .007), respectively. The corresponding ratios for advanced adenomas were 1.32 (0.94-1.84; P = .11), 1.23 (0.87-1.75; P = .24), 1.30 (0.92-1.85; P = .14), 1.13 (0.79-1.61; P = .50), and 1.67 (1.15-2.42; P = .007), respectively. Metabolic syndrome was associated with the prevalence of any adenoma (aPR, 1.18; 95% CI, 1.13-1.24; P < .001), nonadvanced adenoma (aPR, 1.30; 95% CI, 1.20-1.40; P < .001), and advanced adenoma (aPR, 1.42; 95% CI, 1.14-1.78; P = .002). Associations were similar for adenomas located in the distal versus proximal colon.
    CONCLUSIONS: Increasing levels of glucose, HOMA values, levels of hemoglobin A1c and C-peptide, and metabolic syndrome are significantly associated with the prevalence of adenomas. Adenomas should be added to the list of consequences of altered glucose metabolism.
    Matched MeSH terms: Biomarkers/blood
  16. Fulltext Practical approach in hepatitis B e antigen-negative individuals to identify treatment candidates
    Azmi AN, Tan SS, Mohamed R
    World J Gastroenterol, 2014 Sep 14;20(34):12045-55.
    PMID: 25232242 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v20.i34.12045
    The natural history of chronic hepatitis B is characterized by different phases of infection, and patients may evolve from one phase to another or may revert to a previous phase. The hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-negative form is the predominant infection worldwide, which consists of individuals with a range of viral replication and liver disease severity. Although alanine transaminase (ALT) remains the most accessible test available to clinicians for monitoring the liver disease status, further evaluations are required for some patients to assess if treatment is warranted. Guidance from practice guidelines together with thorough investigations and classifications of patients ensure recognition of who needs which level of care. This article aims to assist physicians in the assessment of HBeAg-negative individuals using liver biopsy or non-invasive tools such as hepatitis B s antigen quantification and transient elastography in addition to ALT and hepatitis B virus DNA, to identify who will remain stable, who will reactivate or at risk of disease progression hence will benefit from timely initiation of anti-viral therapy.
    Matched MeSH terms: Biomarkers/blood
  17. Progression of liver disease in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a prospective clinicopathological follow-up study
    Chan WK, Ida NH, Cheah PL, Goh KL
    J Dig Dis, 2014 Oct;15(10):545-52.
    PMID: 25060399 DOI: 10.1111/1751-2980.12175
    To perform a follow-up study on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) patients in our previous study using paired liver biopsy.
    Matched MeSH terms: Biomarkers/blood
  18. Fulltext Gastrointestinal metabolic surgery for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus
    Pok EH, Lee WJ
    World J Gastroenterol, 2014 Oct 21;20(39):14315-28.
    PMID: 25339819 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v20.i39.14315
    Medical therapy for type 2 diabetes mellitus is ineffective in the long term due to the progressive nature of the disease, which requires increasing medication doses and polypharmacy. Conversely, bariatric surgery has emerged as a cost-effective strategy for obese diabetic individuals; it has low complication rates and results in durable weight loss, glycemic control and improvements in the quality of life, obesity-related co-morbidity and overall survival. The finding that glucose homeostasis can be achieved with a weight loss-independent mechanism immediately after bariatric surgery, especially gastric bypass, has led to the paradigm of metabolic surgery. However, the primary focus of metabolic surgery is the alteration of the physio-anatomy of the gastrointestinal tract to achieve glycemic control, metabolic control and cardio-metabolic risk reduction. To date, metabolic surgery is still not well defined, as it is used most frequently for less obese patients with poorly controlled diabetes. The mechanism of glycemic control is still incompletely understood. Published research findings on metabolic surgery are promising, but many aspects still need to be defined. This paper examines the proposed mechanism of diabetes remission, the efficacy of different types of metabolic procedures, the durability of glucose control, and the risks and complications associated with this procedure. We propose a tailored approach for the selection of the ideal metabolic procedure for different groups of patients, considering the indications and prognostic factors for diabetes remission.
    Matched MeSH terms: Biomarkers/blood
  19. Fulltext A coumarin-based fluorescent probe as a central nervous system disease biomarker
    Yap AC, Mahamad UA, Lim SY, Kim HJ, Choo YM
    Sensors (Basel), 2014 Nov 10;14(11):21140-50.
    PMID: 25390405 DOI: 10.3390/s141121140
    Homocysteine and methylmalonic acid are important biomarkers for diseases associated with an impaired central nervous system (CNS). A new chemoassay utilizing coumarin-based fluorescent probe 1 to detect the levels of homocysteine is successfully implemented using Parkinson's disease (PD) patients' blood serum. In addition, a rapid identification of homocysteine and methylmalonic acid levels in blood serum of PD patients was also performed using the liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). The results obtained from both analyses were in agreement. The new chemoassay utilizing coumarin-based fluorescent probe 1 offers a cost- and time-effective method to identify the biomarkers in CNS patients.
    Matched MeSH terms: Biomarkers/blood
  20. Fulltext Vitamin D status in Malaysian men and its associated factors
    Chin KY, Ima-Nirwana S, Ibrahim S, Mohamed IN, Wan Ngah WZ
    Nutrients, 2014 Nov 26;6(12):5419-33.
    PMID: 25431881 DOI: 10.3390/nu6125419
    Vitamin D insufficiency is a global health problem. The data on vitamin D status in Malaysian men is insufficient. This study aimed to investigate vitamin D status among Chinese and Malay men in Malaysia and its associating factors. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 383 men aged 20 years and above, residing in Klang Valley, Malaysia. Their age, ethnicity, body anthropometry and calcaneal speed of sound (SOS) were recorded. Their fasting blood was collected for serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D), intact parathyroid (PTH), total calcium and inorganic phosphate assays. Vitamin D deficiency was defined as a serum 25(OH)D level <30 nmol/L and insufficiency as a serum 25(OH)D level between 30 and 50 nmol/L. The overall prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was 0.5%, and insufficiency was 22.7%. Vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency were more prevalent in the Malays compared to the Chinese. Being Chinese, older in age, having lower body mass index (BMI) and a high physical activity status were associated significantly with a higher serum 25(OH)D level (p < 0.05). The serum PTH level was inversely associated with the serum 25(OH)D level (p < 0.05). As a conclusion, a significant proportion of Malaysian men have vitamin D insufficiency, although deficiency is uncommon. Steps should be taken to correct the vitamin D status of these men.
    Matched MeSH terms: Biomarkers/blood
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