Correlation Between Circulating Resistin and Vascular Inflammation Measured by 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose...
AtherosclerosisVascular inflammation is a key factor in both the pathogenesis and outcome of atherosclerosis.Resistin was shown to induce vascular endothelial dysfunction and vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation. 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) is a promising tool for identifying and quantifying vascular inflammation within atherosclerotic plaques.Therefore, the purpose of the study is to demonstrate the correlation between circulating resistin and vascular inflammation detected by 18FDG-PET in obese persons.
Study of the Inflammatory Reaction in Standard vs Single Port Cholecystectomy for Uncomplicated...
CholelithiasisInflammatory ResponseThis is a study of the inflammatory reaction in standard 4 port laparoscopic cholecystectomy vs Single Port Laparoscopic (SIL) cholecystectomy. It is assumed that the reduced trauma in SIL Cholecystectomy causes reduced inflammatory reaction compared to the 4 port laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
Probiotic Sport Study
Oxidative StressInflammation1 moreWe investigate the impact of a probiotic-based dietary supplement on oxidative stress and endotoxemia before and after strenuous exercise. Hypotheses (H1): Supplementation has an influence on oxidative stress parameters before and post exercise Supplementation has an influence on parameters of endotoxemia and inflammation before and post exercise Strenuous exercise has an influence on parameters of oxidative stress, inflammation and endotoxemia
Influence of Cosmetic Color Tinted Contact Lenses on the Ocular Surface
Conjunctival InfectionsIrritations and Inflammations3 moreMore than 1 million people worldwide wear soft contact lenses for refractive error correction. However, severe sight threatening complications due to contact lens wear such as contact lens-related microbial keratitis (CLMK) are about 1 per 2500 persons per year. The rate of infection increases drastically to 1 per 500 person per year if lenses were worn overnight. Recently, color tinted cosmetic soft contact lenses, which are essentially soft contact lenses with a color tinted annular ring, are gaining increasing popularity especially among the younger and Asian population desiring a change in iris color or the doll-eyed look. However, studies on the effect of these lenses on the ocular surface have been scarce. Recently, a report of 12 cases of lens-related microbial keratitis due to wear of the color tinted lenses have been reported. Others reported of decreased contrast sensitivity, increased higher order aberrations, and temporary changes in corneal topography due to color tinted lens wear. Nevertheless, comprehensive and prospective study has not yet been done. Thus, the purpose of this study is to conduct a prospective observational study to determine the influence of color tinted cosmetic contact lens wear both on visual performance and ocular surface alterations.
Woodsmoke Exposure and Cardiovascular Function
Respiratory InflammationSystemic InflammationAir pollution is linked to respiratory and cardiovascular disease. Wood smoke is a common air in many parts of the world and previous studies indicate that wood smoke induce oxidative stress in the respiratory tract. It is not determined how different types of biomass combustion affect human health. In this study the investigators plan to investigate how inhalation of wood smoke and pellets smoke affect respiratory and cardiovascular health.
Clinical Impact of Bacteriuria on Chronic Inflammation in Asymptomatic Hemodialysis Patients
Inflammation on DialysisBacteriuria in Hemodialysis PatientsWhen considering occult infections during the diagnostic workup of inflammation in Hemodialysis (HD) patients, the urine-deprived bladder is frequently dismissed as potential site of infection. The urinary tract, even in end stage renal disease (ESRD) patients on hemodialysis may represent a significant reservoir for infection. Delayed diagnosis is a relevant issue because the urinary tract is often overlooked as a source of infection in dialysis patients, especially because of absence of urinary tract infection (UTI) symptoms in HD patients. Contributing factors to asymptomatic UTI in HD patients include the presence of low urine volume, bladder stasis, and the fact that UTI symptoms are mostly related to voiding, which is reduced or absent in these patients. Persistence of asymptomatic bacteriuria and UTI may be related to higher levels of inflammatory markers in HD population. In view of the association between cardiovascular disease and cardio-vascular and all-cause mortality with inflammation, as expressed by elevated CRP and/or IL-6 levels in HD patients, the investigators questioned whether presence of asymptomatic UTI could contribute to elevated levels of inflammatory markers in patients with ESRD on maintenance HD therapy. Such a finding would provide a potential link between a treatable infection and a potential cardiovascular risk factor in this population.
Role of Cherry Consumption in Reducing Risk Factors for Chronic Inflammatory Diseases
InflammationCardiovascular DiseasesThe goal of this study is to examine if chronic cherry consumption will decrease lipid peroxidation and serum concentration of inflammatory markers in human subjects with elevated serum C reactive protein (CRP), and to examine the relationship between serum concentrations of CRP and polyphenols. The investigators hypothesize that cherry consumption will reduce serum concentration of inflammatory markers, including CRP, inflammatory cytokines and adhesion molecules.
Iron Homoeostasis in Inflammation
InflammationBacterial Infections and Mycoses3 moreThe purpose of this study is to survey iron storage levels and their prognostic consequences in the context of acute inflammation. The impact of iron substitution in inflammatory states is controversial. We hypothesize that iron substitution may influence outcome in patients in inflammatory states.
Role Of Phospholipid Transfer Proteins (Pltp) On Endotoxemia Caused By Buccal Inflammation
Patients With Periodontal DiseaseThis is a transversal double-centre study. Patients will be recruited from outpatient consultations. They will have buccal inflammation caused by periodontal disease (frequent oral infections, mostly with GRAM (-) bacteria). Three groups of 80 patients, corresponding to slight, moderate and severe periodontal disease, will be formed according to the results of radiological and clinical examinations.
Plaque Inflammation and Dysfunctional HDL in AIM-HIGH
Cardiovascular DiseasesHeart Diseases3 moreCoronary heart disease (CHD) is a serious health concern that affects millions of people in the United States. It is usually caused by atherosclerosis-a condition that occurs when fatty material and plaque build up on the walls of the arteries that supply blood and oxygen to the heart, causing the arteries to narrow. As the arteries narrow, blood flow to the heart can slow down or stop, which can cause chest pain, shortness of breath, heart attack, or heart failure. Another component of CHD events involves inflammatory changes that result in structural breakdown of atherosclerotic plaques. Adding niacin to statin medications may be an effective way to block inflammation in the atherosclerotic plaques. This study will examine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) images and blood samples of participants in the AIM-HIGH study who are taking niacin plus statins or statins alone to determine the effect of these medications on inflammation in atherosclerotic plaques.