Colchicine in Periprocedural Myocardial Infarction: the Role of Alpha Defensin
InflammationMyocardial InfarctionThe aim of this research is to study the effect of a loading dose of colchicine on the occurrence of periprocedural myocardial infarction (PPMI) in elective percutaneous coronary intervention.
Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, and Lipoprotein in Metabolic Syndrome
Metabolic SyndromeObesity1 moreObesity is associated with general low grade inflammation and, consequently, of oxidative stress that affects properties and functionality of lipoproteins. Metabolic syndrome exacerbate low grade inflammation. The intentional weight loss of at least 5% of the initial weight can modulate the pro-inflammatory state and reduce the oxidative stress related to the metabolic syndrome, thus diminishing the cardiovascular risk.
Economic Crisis and Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet (CASSIOPEA)
Dietary HabitsInflammation4 moreThe socioeconomic gradient in health is well known and is partially explained by differences in health-related behaviours across socioeconomic groups. There is reason to believe that the current economic crisis has been contributing to the observed rapid decrease in the adherence to the Mediterranean diet, thus reducing a protective factor against the development of major chronic diseases. This project aims at investigating whether the economic crisis could account for the shifting from the Mediterranean diet. Additionally, it will address variations in inflammation biomarkers (possibly dietary-related) or metabolic phenotypes as useful biological accounts for the decline in the adherence to Mediterranean diet. This project will also test whether for economically weakest people cultural resources could somehow attenuate the impact of material circumstances on lifestyle changes attributable to the economic crisis.
Neurogenic Inflammation in Peri-implant and Periodontal Diseases
Neurogenic InflammationPeriimplant Diseases3 moreRegulatory effects of some neuropeptides substance-P (SP), neurokinin-A (NKA), calcitonin gene-linked peptide (CGRP) and neuropeptide-Y (NPY) )on inflammatory responses in periodontal disease has been described; however, the impact of neuropeptide levels are not clearly defined in healthy and diseased peri-implant tissues.ın order to evaluate the situation, thirty-nine implants that have been loaded over the past 12 months and their symmetrically matching teeth were evaluated using a split-mouth study design. Clinical periodontal examinations included the Silness-Löe plaque index, Löe-Silness gingival index, bleeding on probing, probing pocket depth and clinical attachment level parameters were determined. Gingival crevicular fluid (GCF)/Periimplant sulcular fluid (PISF) samples were collected, and the levels of the neuropeptides were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Correlations between GCF/PISF neuropeptide levels and the clinical examination parameters were evaluated in the peri-implant/periodontal soft tissues.
Periodontal Disease, Inflammation and Acute Coronary Syndromes
Coronary StenosisPeriodontal Diseases6 moreRecent studies have shown that the systemic inflammation caused by periodontal disease (PD) can determine important changes in the coronary arteries, favoring atherosclerosis progression and development of acute coronary syndromes (ACS). The aim of ATHERODENT study is to assess the interrelation between PD, inflammation and progression of coronary atherosclerosis in patients with ACS. Material and methods: This case-control observational study will enroll 100 patients (group 1 - ACS and associated PD, and group 2 -ACS and no PD), in whom the following data will be collected: (1) demographic and clinical data, (2) cardiovascular risk factors, (3) full characterization of PD markers, (4) systemic inflammatory biomarkers, (5) imaging biomarkers derived from transthoracic echocardiography, computed tomography, coronary angiography, optical coherence tomography and intravascular ultrasound, and (6) assessment of the presence of specific oral bacteria in samples of coronary plaques collected by coronary atherectomy, which will be performed during percutaneous revascularization interventions, when indicated in selected cases, in the atherectomy sub-study. The follow-up will be performed at 1, 3, 6, 12, 15, 18 and 24 months. The primary endpoint of the study will be represented by the rate of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE rates) in PD vs non-PD patients and in correlation with: (1) the level of systemic inflammation triggered by PD and/or by ACS at baseline; (2) the vulnerability degree of atheromatous plaques in the coronary tree (culprit and non-culprit lesions); and (3) the presence and burden of oral bacteria in atheromatous plaques. Secondary endpoints will be represented by: (1) the rate of progression of vulnerability degree of non-culprit coronary plaques; (2) the rate of progression of atheromatous burden and calcium scoring of the coronary tree; and (3) the rate of occurrence of left ventricular remodeling and postinfarction heart failure.
Gestational Obesity and Interventions With Probiotics or Fish Oil Trial
ObesityPregnancy1 moreObesity is one of the most concerning health issues in the modern world, especially due to its association with greater risk of developing a wide range of chronic diseases. Pre-gestational obesity may increase the chances of maternal and fetal morbimortality, such as gestational diabetes mellitus, preeclampsia, macrosomia and, even, fetal death. It may also lead to long term disorders, enhancing the risk of excessive adiposity and metabolic syndrome in later life and, thus, contributing to the maintenance of the obesity cycle and its health effects through the subsequent generations. Alterations in placental function are thought to be deeply involved in this scenario, however further research on its molecular and biological mechanisms is needed. During pregnancy, there is a physiological enhancement of the inflammatory state, marked by higher circulating cytokines and macrophage placental infiltration, which favors fetal nutrient supply and adequate growth; however, this response is exacerbated in women with pre-pregnancy obesity, leading to adverse outcomes. In this context, interventions aiming to reduce excessive inflammation may prevent or minimize the negative impact of pre-pregnancy obesity on both maternal and offspring's health. There is strong evidence suggesting an important role of n-3 LC-PUFA (EPA and DHA) on the attenuation and resolution of inflammatory states, besides influencing maternal lipid profile, fetal and infant adipogenesis and neurodevelopment. Additionally, the consumption of probiotic supplements during gestation seams to promote adequate maternal weight gain and improve the profile of inflammatory molecules secreted in the milk. Therefore, the nutritional interventions with fish oil, as a source of EPA and DHA, or probiotics, in women with pre-pregnancy obesity, may change the intrauterine environment and reduce the risk of both short and long term metabolic disorders. This study aims to investigate the metabolic and molecular changes promoted by gestational obesity and evaluate the effectiveness of different dietary interventions (fish oil or probiotic) on preventing or minimizing such alterations. We expect to contribute to the understanding of the physiological and molecular mechanisms underlying maternal obesity and its association with adverse pregnancy outcomes, associated with increased risk of chronic diseases in adulthood.
Endocan Levels at Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Periodontal Inflammation
Polycystic Ovary SyndromeInflammation Gum1 morePeriodontal diseases are chronic inflammatory disease occurred by the interaction between pathogenic microorganism and the host defense. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a reproductive and metabolic disease associated with increased risk of cardiovascular events. Endocan is a proteoglycan secreted mainly by endothelial cells under the control of inflammatory cytokines. Periodontal diseases, including gingivitis, are common chronic infectious diseases caused by predominantly pathogenic microorganisms that colonize the subgingival area and cause local and systemic elevations of proinflammatory cytokines such as Interleukin-6 (IL-6). Several lines of evidence established the association between periodontal and systemic diseases, including metabolic syndrome, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Because of the fact that both periodontal disease and PCOS are associated with systemic inflammation and insulin resistance, these two disorders may be linked through a common pathophysiologic pathway. A number of studies have indicated a possible relationship between PCOS and periodontal inflammation. Despite common risk factors, including oxidative stress, the relationship between chronic periodontitis (CP) and PCOS remains unclear. The aims of the study were to determine serum and saliva Endocan and IL-6 levels and to evaluate the correlation between these two biomarker in women with periodontal disease and PCOS.
Biomarkers in Pain and Pain Treatment
Chronic PainInflammationThe goal of this research project is to explore if levels of inflammation predict levels of comorbid mood disorders and treatment success in chronic pain patients. More knowledge in this respect will advance our understanding of chronic pain and comorbid syndromes, and facilitate subgroupings of patients based on the presence and/or level of low-grade inflammation. This research is an important step towards finding an explanation to why treatment effects following behavioral interventions differ across individuals, and generate new hypothesis regarding novel treatment approaches. The specific aims are: 1) to explore if baseline levels of inflammatory biomarkers predict the effects of behavioral intervention and 2) to investigate if baseline levels of inflammatory biomarkers are associated with psychological co-morbidity (e.g. depression, anxiety and fatigue) in patients with chronic pain.
Oxidoreductive Balance and Lysosomal Activity in Cancer Patients.
NeoplasmsAntioxidants4 moreThe research aims to determine the parameters of oxidative stress and inflammatory processes and compare these parameters with the image obtained using positron emission tomography (PET) with 2-deoxy-2-[fluorine-18]fluoro- D-glucose (18F-FDG) integrated with computed tomography (CT) in the group of oncological patients.
The Role of Physical Activity During Pregnancy on Metabolic Function, Inflammation, and Maternal...
ObesityPregnancy RelatedMaternal obesity during pregnancy is a serious public health concern as it contributes to inflammation, insulin resistance, and excessive gestational weight gain- all of which negatively impact maternal and neonatal health. Fortunately, physical activity during pregnancy improves obstetric and infant outcomes associated with obesity. Specifically, data from our group demonstrated that irrespective of body weight, women who were physically-active during pregnancy had lower levels of systemic inflammation; however, the mechanism/s driving these changes are poorly understood. Previous studies in non-gravid populations suggest obesity-associated overnutrition may contribute to inflammation and this subsequent inflammation may lead to further metabolic dysfunction- perpetuating a vicious cycle. However, the connections between physical activity, inflammation, and metabolic dysfunction (i.e. metabolic inflexibility), particularly in response to a high-fat meal (similar to that which is typically consumed in a Western diet), among lean and obese pregnant women have not been studied. Thus, this study will examine the impact of a physically-active lifestyle on inflammatory and metabolic responses to a high-fat meal in lean and obese pregnant women. Understanding mechanisms connecting maternal physical activity to improved outcomes will better inform future targeted intervention strategies. The goal of this study is to determine the role of a physically-active lifestyle during pregnancy on metabolic function and inflammation following a high-fat meal in lean and obese pregnant women.