rss_2.0Revista Romana de Medicina de Laborator FeedSciendo RSS Feed for Revista Romana de Medicina de Laboratorhttps://sciendo.com/journal/RRLMhttps://www.sciendo.comRevista Romana de Medicina de Laborator Feedhttps://sciendo-parsed.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/64736bd34e662f30ba53d837/cover-image.jpghttps://sciendo.com/journal/RRLM140216COVID-19 or systemic lupus erythematosus: Attention to similarityhttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/rrlm-2025-0002<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Background</title>
<p>Arthralgia, myalgia, acute interstitial pneumonia-like presentation, venous thromboembolism, cytopenia, secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis and cytokine storm are the clinical and laboratory findings associated with Coronavirus disease (COVID-19), which may mimic rheumatic syndromes. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a highly heterogeneous disease, and various clinical features can be seen in affected individuals. Differentiated diagnoses are quite broad in SLE. We present six patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and/ or antiphospholipid syndrome mimicking COVID-19 pneumonia.</p>
</sec>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Methods</title>
<p>We described the demographic, clinical, radiological, and laboratory characteristics of six consecutive patients with suspected COVID-19 between 16 April and 1 June 2020—all patients presented with COVID-19 symptoms.</p>
</sec>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Results</title>
<p>All patients had two COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests, and all of them were negative. Four patients were diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), one with systemic lupus erythematosus with antiphospholipid syndrome, and one with antiphospholipid syndrome. The ages of our patients were between 20 and 43. All patients had arthralgia. Four of our patients (66.6%) needed intensive care.</p>
</sec>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Conclusions</title>
<p>Arthralgia with myalgia was observed to be a clue for a rheumatic disorder. Clinicians should be mindful of infectious and non-infectious disorders that may present similarly to COVID-19, particularly during the pandemic.</p>
</sec>
</abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/rrlm-2025-00022025-02-06T00:00:00.000+00:00A diagnostic classifier for osteoarthritis constructed based on cuprotosis-related geneshttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/rrlm-2025-0003<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Background</title>
<p>Osteoarthritis (OA), a common degenerative joint disease, is pathologically characterized by joint pain and functional limitation. Cuprotosis-related genes (CRGs) exert vital biological effects on various diseases, but their functions in OA remain largely unknown. We aimed to explore the potential role of CRGs in OA and to establish a diagnostic classifier.</p>
</sec>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Methods</title>
<p>The Gene Expression Omnibus database was firstly employed to collect data sets on several controls and OA samples. Batch correction was conducted using RobustRankAggreg and sva package to remove the systematic errors between different batches of sequencing. The limma package was utilized to screen differentially expressed genes, and CRGs were identified through Pearson correlation analysis.</p>
</sec>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Results</title>
<p>A total of 2,033 CRGs were identified after analyzing several data sets. Through Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator COX model and support vector machine-recursive feature elimination classifier, 6 crucial CRGs were finally determined, including biglycan, Ephrin-A3, leukemia inhibitory factor, natural killer cell granule protein 7, stimulator of chondrogenesis 1 and tumor necrosis factor, alpha-induced protein 3. The integrated analysis on these genes revealed that they had high prediction performance. The area under the curve was 0.772 in the training set and 0.693 in the validation set. These crucial CRGs exhibited significant correlations with the infiltration of M2 macrophages, resting mast cells and other immune cells.</p>
</sec>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Conclusions</title>
<p>A diagnostic classifier for OA was successfully constructed based on CRGs, and significant associations are found between crucial CRGs and immune microenvironment in OA.</p>
</sec>
</abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/rrlm-2025-00032025-02-06T00:00:00.000+00:00CALLY index, but not HALP score, is associated with mortality in cirrhosis patientshttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/rrlm-2025-0007<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Background</title>
<p>Cirrhosis is a chronic liver disease that is characterized by inflammation and fibrosis, as well as liver dysfunction. The CALLY index and HALP score have recently provided crucial data in the diagnosis, follow-up, and prognosis of numerous diseases, particularly those of a malignant nature and those affecting the gastrointestinal system. The objective of this study was to ascertain whether the CALLY index and HALP score are appropriate indicators of mortality in patients with cirrhosis.</p>
</sec>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Methods</title>
<p>This study was conducted retrospectively in patients with liver cirrhosis between 01.01.2022-01.10.2024. The HALP and CALLY scores were calculated from the blood samples taken from the patients at the time of admission. The in-hospital mortality status of the patients was recorded. The effects of the parameters on mortality were compared.</p>
</sec>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Results</title>
<p>The study cohort comprised 235 participants, of whom 23 died. The median CALLY value was found to be 0.44 in patients who died and 1.19 in surviving patients. A significant decrease in the CALLY score was observed in patients who died (<italic>p</italic>=0.019). However, the HALP score did not show a significant difference in mortality between the two groups (<italic>p</italic>=0.262).</p>
</sec>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Conclusions</title>
<p>Based on the results of our study, CALLY index is an easily applicable index that can be used as an indicator of mortality in cirrhosis patients, but the HALP score is not a suitable marker for this purpose.</p>
</sec>
</abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/rrlm-2025-00072025-02-06T00:00:00.000+00:00A comparative study of legislative and normative frameworks in Morocco, France and U.S.A towards progressive and evolutionary quality management in Moroccan laboratorieshttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/rrlm-2025-0005<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Introduction</title>
<p>Establishing and maintaining quality standards in medical laboratories is a significant challenge due to the rapid advancements in analysis techniques and technologies. In Morocco, the “Guide de Bonne Execution des Analyses’’ (GBEA) is the primary regulation framework overseeing quality assurance in laboratories. However, it does not adequately address potential gaps that could compromise patient safety.</p>
</sec>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Methods</title>
<p>In this article, we compared five quality management systems through normative frameworks in Morocco, France, and the United States to develop an enhanced model adapted to the Moroccan context.</p>
</sec>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Results</title>
<p>The comparison reveals that the extensive roles and responsibilities of a laboratory director and the inability to delegate tasks to qualified staff members in the Moroccan GBEA pose a challenge to the effective leadership and detection of non-conformities. Adopting the French GBEA, the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments CLIA and the International Standardization Organization ISO 15189 Documentation model that covers all analytical phases, process and procedure reviews, and robust quality control measures could serve as strengths in achieving successful accreditation without compromising the laboratory's technical, administrative, and financial stability. The principles of risk management and safety are increasingly important in the analytical process to ensure ongoing improvement and the safety of both staff and patients.</p>
</sec>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Conclusions</title>
<p>In this sense, adopting a progressive model, starting with detailed documentation, quality control, staff qualification and adaptation of requirements to the Moroccan context will enable medical laboratories to achieve quality without putting them in administrative and financial challenges while preserving continuous improvement.</p>
</sec>
</abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/rrlm-2025-00052025-02-06T00:00:00.000+00:00Correlations of vascular cognitive impairment with brain-derived neurotrophic factor and trace elementshttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/rrlm-2025-0006<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Background</title>
<p>Cognitive impairment has become one of the major public health problems due to population aging and the increased morbidity associated with stroke. In this study, we aimed to analyze the correlations of vascular cognitive impairment (VCI) with brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and trace elements.</p>
</sec>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Methods</title>
<p>Between January 2022 and January 2024, a total of 206 subjects were included in the study, of which 103 were VCI patients treated in our hospital (a cognitive impairment group), and 103 were volunteers undergoing physical examination (a control group). Comparisons were conducted on the levels of BDNF and trace elements (Cu, Fe, Zn, Ca, Mg, Se, As, and Al) between the two groups.</p>
</sec>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Results</title>
<p>In comparison with the control group, the cognitive impairment group had significantly reduced levels of BDNF, Cu, Fe and Zn (p<0.05), a significantly raised Al level (p<0.05), and decreases in the total score of Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and corrected total score of Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) (p<0.05). The total score of MMSE and corrected total score of MoCA were positively correlated with the levels of BDNF, Cu, Fe, and Zn (p<0.05) and negatively correlated with the Al level in both groups (p<0.05). BDNF <5.39 μg/L, Cu <10.87 μmol/L, Fe <5.97 μmol/L, Zn <77.32 μmol/L, and Al >0.72 μmol/L were risk factors for VCI.</p>
</sec>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Conclusions</title>
<p>VCI patients have significantly lower levels of BDNF and trace elements (Cu, Fe, and Zn) and a significantly higher Al level than those of healthy populations. Excessively low levels of BDNF and trace elements (Cu, Fe, and Zn) and an overly high level of harmful element Al are risk factors for VCI.</p>
</sec>
</abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/rrlm-2025-00062025-02-06T00:00:00.000+00:00Correlation between fecal biomarkers and the presence of antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies with ulcerative colitis disease activityhttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/rrlm-2025-0001<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Background</title>
<p>Although colonoscopy remains the gold standard for Ulcerative colitis (UC) diagnosis due to its invasive and costly nature, non-invasive biomarkers are gaining importance in disease activity monitoring and diagnosis. In our study, we aimed to evaluate the correlation of fecal calprotectin (FC) and fecal lactoferrin (FL) levels with the disease activity according to 3 different disease activity indices and to investigate the relationship between the presence of peri-nuclear anti-neutrophil antibody (p-ANCA) and disease activity.</p>
</sec>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Methods</title>
<p>Our study was planned as a prospective cohort study and 80 patients diagnosed with UC who were admitted to the Gastroenterology department between 01.05.2023 and 01.09.2023 at Ondokuz Mayıs University Hospital were included in the study. ‘Truelove and Witts’ (TLW) activity index, SEO index and Mayo Score were applied. FC and FL levels in stool samples were analysed by Enzyme-Linked ImmunoSorbent Assay (ELISA), while p-ANCA presence in blood samples was examined using the Indirect Immunofluorescent Antibody (IIFA) method.</p>
</sec>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Results</title>
<p>It has been demonstrated that both faecal biomarkers can distinguish severe disease, but according to ROC analysis, the discriminatory power of FC is higher than that of FL. The cutt-off values calculated for severe disease were found above 300µg/g for FC and above 130µg/g for FL. Also ANCA positivity and formalin-resistant ANCA positivity in the severe disease group were statistically higher than mild disease group.</p>
</sec>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Conclusions</title>
<p>In addition to the relationship between faecal biomarkers and disease activity, our results demonstrated that patients with severe disease exhibited high rates of ANCA positivity and formalin resistance.</p>
</sec>
</abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/rrlm-2025-00012025-02-06T00:00:00.000+00:00Association of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and monocyte-tolymphocyte ratio with all-cause mortality in patients with ischemia and non-obstructive coronary arterieshttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/rrlm-2025-0004<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Background</title>
<p>Ischemia with non-obstructive coronary arteries (INOCA) is a frequent coronary syndrome with important impact on morbimortality. Systemic inflammation, a key pathophysiological mechanism in its development, is reflected in diverse bio-markers, such as the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR) and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR). In this retrospective observational study, we aimed to assess the value of NLR, MLR and PLR as predictors of all-cause long-term mortality in INOCA patients.</p>
</sec>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Methods</title>
<p>Acute/ chronic consecutive INOCA patients hospitalized from January 2014 to December 2019 were included, after excluding pulmonary hypertension, acute non-cardiac pathology, and in-hospital mortality. The primary endpoint was all-cause mortality.</p>
</sec>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Results</title>
<p>Our cohort included 238 INOCA patients (62.2% female, mean age 64.1±9.5 years). Of all patients, 14.3% reached the endpoint during the mean 5.8±1.1 years of follow-up. Age (OR=1.10, <italic>p</italic><0.001), diabetes mellitus (OR 2.54, <italic>p</italic>=0.01), heart failure (OR=3.73, <italic>p</italic>=0.003), atrial fibrillation (OR=3.52, <italic>p</italic>=0.001), severe valve disease (OR=3.99, <italic>p</italic>=0.001), NT-proBNP (OR=3.28, <italic>p</italic><0.001), 3rd tertile NLR (OR=4.33, <italic>p</italic><0.001) and 3rd tertile MLR (OR=4.34, <italic>p</italic><0.001) were mortality predictors, while the 3rd tertile PLR was not. In multivariable analysis the baseline prediction model included age (HR=1.12, <italic>p</italic><0.001) and heart failure (HR=3.78, <italic>p</italic><0.001). Adding NLR>2.99 (HR=4.58, <italic>p</italic><0.001), MLR>0.36 (HR=4.74, <italic>p</italic><0.001), or both increased the power of the predictive model from chi-square 33.00 to 51.08 (<italic>p</italic><0.001).</p>
</sec>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Conclusions</title>
<p>In patients with acute or chronic INOCA, NLR and MLR were independently correlated with all-cause mortality. The most accurate mortality prediction model included NLR>2.99, MLR>0.36, age and the diagnosis of heart failure.</p>
</sec>
</abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/rrlm-2025-00042025-02-06T00:00:00.000+00:00Agreement between different eGFR equations in diagnosing contrast-induced acute kidney injury in patients undergoing elective coronary or peripheral angiographyhttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/rrlm-2024-0026<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Background</title>
<p>In the present study, we aimed to compare CKD-EPI, MDRD, CKD-EPI creatinine-cystatin C equations and serum cystatin C and NGAL levels changes in assessing the occurrence of contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI) in patients undergoing coronary and peripheral angiography and to evaluate the agreement between the CKD-EPI formula and the other parameters.</p>
</sec>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Methods</title>
<p>A cross-sectional study was performed in patients hospitalized with stable coronary artery disease and/or peripheral vascular disease, who underwent diagnostic and/or therapeutic invasive angiography using iodinated contrast agents. Standard laboratory parameters, NGAL, cystatin C levels, and eGFR were evaluated at admission and 48 hours after contrast substances exposure.</p>
</sec>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Results</title>
<p>Per different proposed definitions for CI-AKI, 7 patients (17.5 %) had a more than > 0.3 mg/dl increase in serum creati-nine, 1 (2.5 %) had a > 25 % increase in serum cystatin C and 9 (22.5 %) had a > 25% increase in serum NGAL. The agreement between attributions based on CKD-EPI was excellent with MDRD (K coefficient 0.875), and modest with CKD-EPI creatinine-cystatin, which had also a modest agreement with MDRD (K coefficient 0.285). An increase in cystatinc C of more than 25% from baseline was not in concordance with a significant decrease in eGFR calculated with any equation, and the same was observed for NGAL.</p>
</sec>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Conclusions</title>
<p>In the present study, the performance of the CKD-EPI equation in diagnosing CI-AKI was not significantly better or worse than MDRD, CKD-EPI creatinine-cystatin, serum creatinine, NGAL or cystatin C increase.</p>
</sec>
</abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/rrlm-2024-00262024-11-06T00:00:00.000+00:00Role of Th1/Th2 imbalance mediated by T cell glycolytic rate-limiting enzymes hexokinase 2, phosphofructokinase-1, and pyruvate kinase M2 in oral lichen planushttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/rrlm-2024-0029<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Background</title>
<p>We aimed to explore the role of T helper cell 1 (Th1)/Th2 imbalance mediated by T cell glycolytic rate-limiting enzymes hexokinase 2 (HK2), phosphofructokinase-1 (PEK1) and pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2) in oral lichen planus (OLP).</p>
</sec>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Methods</title>
<p>A total of 120 OLP patients treated in our hospital and 120 volunteers undergoing extraction of impacted teeth between January 2023 and January 2024 were recruited as study and control groups, respectively. The expressions of HK2, PEK1, PKM2, Th1 cytokine interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and Th2 cytokine interleukin-4 (IL-4) in the oral mucosa were measured. Analyses were conducted on the correlations of HK2, PEK1, and PKM2 with the Th1/Th2 cytokines IFN-γ and IL-4 as well as their diagnostic values for OLP.</p>
</sec>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Results</title>
<p>Higher expressions of HK2, PEK1 and PKM2, increased mRNA expression of IL-4 and a reduced mRNA expression of IFN-γ were detected in the oral mucosa of OLP patients with erosion, severe lymphocyte infiltration and severe liquefaction degeneration of basal cells (P<0.05). According to receiver operating characteristic curves, the diagnostic efficiency of the combination of T cell glycolytic rate-limiting enzymes (HK2, PEK1 and PKM2) with Th1/Th2 cytokines (IFN-γ and IL-4) was higher than that of any single indicator.</p>
</sec>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Conclusions</title>
<p>Increased expressions of T cell glycolytic rate-limiting enzymes HK2, PEK1 and PKM2 and obvious Th1/Th2 imbalance are found in the oral mucosa of OLP patients, being associated with the basic pathological changes.</p>
</sec>
</abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/rrlm-2024-00292024-11-06T00:00:00.000+00:00Biomarkers of acute kidney injury: a concise review of current literaturehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/rrlm-2024-0028<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Background</title>
<p>Acute kidney injury (AKI), a medical condition associated with increased hospitalization rates which requires interdisciplinary management, is a major health concern because of the burden it places on the health systems of different countries. Biomarkers represent the focus of recent years in furthering the early diagnosis of AKI, providing new opportunities for correct prophylaxis or early therapeutic intervention so that the evolution of patients with this pathology is favorable and the risk of life-threatening complications is negligible.</p>
</sec>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Methods</title>
<p>We performed an extensive literature search on PubMed and ScienceDirect databases, using keywords related to bio-markers for AKI. We searched for acute kidney injury (AKI), cystatin C (CYS-C), galectin-3 (GAL-3), kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1), neutrophil-gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), interleukin-8 (IL-8), and liver-type fatty acid-binding protein (L-FABP). We included a high number of papers, with an emphasis on more recent publications.</p>
</sec>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Results</title>
<p>Studies that analyzed the biomarkers for AKI show that CYS-C, GAL-3, KIM-1, NGAL, IL-8, calprotectin, and proteinuria were noted as potential biomarkers for early diagnosis of AKI.</p>
</sec>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Conclusions</title>
<p>Biomarkers represent the focus of recent years in furthering an early diagnosis of AKI, providing new opportunities for correct prophylaxis or early therapeutic intervention.</p>
</sec>
</abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/rrlm-2024-00282024-11-06T00:00:00.000+00:00Towards appropriate training for Moroccan laboratory professionals: Identifying QMS needshttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/rrlm-2024-0032<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Background</title>
<p>Professional development plays a key role in improving laboratory quality management by enhancing staff skills and knowledge to implement and maintain the quality management system (QMS). This research aims to identify and prioritize continuing training needs for Moroccan laboratory professionals in QMS and to formulate recommendations for suitable training programs.</p>
</sec>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Methods</title>
<p>The present research is a cross-sectional, quantitative study conducted among a larger group of laboratory professionals from September 2021 to May 2023. The data collection tool was a self-administered questionnaire. Statistical data analysis was performed by IBM SPSS version 22.0 software calculating Chi-square.</p>
</sec>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Results</title>
<p>A total of 478 people participated in the study. Participants’ training needs on various topics related to quality in medical laboratories ranged from 68.20% to 84.52%, covering several subjects such as quality tools (82.01%), continuous improvement (83.68%), ISO 9001 (83.26%), and ISO 15189 (79.71%).</p>
</sec>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Conclusions</title>
<p>The results indicate a favorable trend toward continuing training in QMS. These suggestions should be considered when formulating future training programs to foster strong commitment and continuous improvement of skills, thereby improving the quality of healthcare provision and guaranteeing patient safety.</p>
</sec>
</abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/rrlm-2024-00322024-11-06T00:00:00.000+00:00Recomandările naționale ale Societății Croate de Biochimie și Medicină de Laborator pentru recoltarea, prelucrarea probelor de sânge, performanța testării și raportarea rezultatelor pentru testele screening de hemostază: timp de protrombină, timp de tromboplastină parțială activată, timp de trombină, fibrinogen și D-dimerihttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/rrlm-2024-0027<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
<p>Laboratoarele moderne de diagnostic dispun de un spectru larg de teste pentru hemostază utilizate în diagnosticarea și managementul pacienților cu tulburări hemostatice, în screeningul preoperator și în monitorizarea terapiei anticoagulante. Un studiu recent care a inclus laboratoarele de biochimie medicală și de transfuzie din Croația a evidențiat existența unor practici diferite în anumite etape ale procesului de testare a hemostazei și a evidențiat domeniile care necesită îmbunătățiri. Lipsa standardizării testelor, împreună cu nearmonizarea rezultatelor între diferite metode de măsurare, pot determina luarea unei decizii incorecte în tratamentul pacienților, compromițând astfel siguranța pacientului. Prin urmare, cu scopul de a sprijini laboratoarele să genereze rezultate exacte și de încredere, acest articol face recomandări cu privire la procedurile pentru fazele preanalitică, analitică și postanalitică ale celor mai comune teste de investigare a hemostazei: timpul de protrombină, timpul de tromboplastină parțială activată, timpul de trombină, fibrinogen și D-dimeri.</p>
</abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/rrlm-2024-00272024-11-06T00:00:00.000+00:00Expressions of vascular endothelial cadherin and soluble Fas ligand in patients with viral myocarditis and their correlationshttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/rrlm-2024-0030<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Background</title>
<p>We aimed to explore the expressions of vascular endothelial cadherin (VE-cadherin) and soluble Fas ligand (sFasL) in patients suffering from viral myocarditis (VMC), and the correlations between them.</p>
</sec>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Methods</title>
<p>Fifty VMC patients diagnosed between January 2022 and December 2023 were selected as the subjects (experimental group), and an equal number of participants receiving health examination were included as a control group. The experimental group was then subdivided into mild, moderate, and severe subgroups according to their clinical symptoms. Peripheral blood samples were collected to detect the serum levels of VE-cadherin and sFasL through enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and the differences in their levels were compared. The clinical baseline data and cardiac function indicators (left ventricular systolic function as well as early and late left ventricular diastolic function) were acquired.</p>
</sec>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Results</title>
<p>The ejection fraction of the inferior ventricular septum showed no significant difference between the two groups (<italic>p</italic>>0.05), but there were significant differences in the remaining indicators (<italic>p</italic><0.05). The levels of VE-cadherin and sFasL in the experimental group were significantly higher than those in the control group (<italic>p</italic><0.05). The severe VMC group had significantly elevated VE-cadherin and sFasL levels compared with those of moderate and mild groups, and the moderate group had significantly raised levels compared to those of the mild group (<italic>p</italic><0.05). VE-cadherin level was positively correlated with sFasL level.</p>
</sec>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Conclusions</title>
<p>The elevation of serum VE-cadherin and sFasL levels may be associated with myocardial inflammatory response and cardiac function damage. VE-cadherin and sFasL are potential biomarkers of VMC for early diagnosis and treatment evaluation.</p>
</sec>
</abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/rrlm-2024-00302024-11-06T00:00:00.000+00:00Investigation of cytokine changes and deiminated proteins in LPS-induced inflammation in BV2 microglial cellshttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/rrlm-2024-0033<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Background</title>
<p>Recent studies show that, deimination, one of the post-translational modifications, is associated with the neuro-degenerative disease process. Peptidyl arginine deiminases (PADs) catalyze deimination, PAD2 is particularly active in the central nervous system. This study aimed to examine the changes in proteins regarding deimination by inducing inflammation with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in the BV2 microglial cell line and observe the changes in cytokines.</p>
</sec>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Methods</title>
<p>LPS was applied to the microglial cell line. The change in Interleukin-1β (IL-1β) was observed by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Western blotting with F95 antibody was performed to identify deimine proteins. To determine whether C-reactive protein (CRP) was changed, immunoprecipitation with anti-CRP antibody or not was followed by western blotting with F95 antibody. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was performed to determine the change in PAD2 and CRP expression levels.</p>
</sec>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Results</title>
<p>A significant increase in IL-1β due to inflammation was observed in microglia. An increase in the proteins subjected to deimination was observed by Western blot method and it was determined that CRP was deiminated. A statistically significant decrease in PAD2 expression level was observed by RT-PCR.</p>
</sec>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Conclusions</title>
<p>In the present study, an increase in IL 1-β levels and the amount of deimination protein was observed as a result of inflammation.This result confirms that there is a connection between neurodegeneration and deimination. This study is the first to show that CRP is one of the deiminated protein candidates as a result of inflammation in microglia.</p>
</sec>
</abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/rrlm-2024-00332024-11-06T00:00:00.000+00:00A comprehensive review of glycocalyx investigation and therapeutic applications in sepsis and septic shockhttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/rrlm-2024-0031<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Background</title>
<p>Sepsis is a global health challenge that causes more than 11 million deaths annually and represents a substantial medical and economic burden. With rising treatment costs and significant mortality rates associated with organ dysfunction and septic shock, research efforts have focused on investigating the mechanism of glycocalyx (GCX) degradation as well as its regenerative capacity. Therefore, GCX has become a target in therapeutic strategies.</p>
</sec>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Methods</title>
<p>We performed a comprehensive review of articles published in PubMed database between 2014 and 2024, in the English language, dealing with statistical data, morphological and physiological aspects of the GCX, pathophysiological mechanisms, in vivo and in vitro research methods, clinical and laboratory experiences, therapeutic strategies, and innovative methods of prevention, both in the context of sepsis and its associated complications.</p>
</sec>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Results</title>
<p>The database search identified 300 records on the topic. After title/abstract screening, 187 articles were assessed in full text for eligibility, including articles with additional topics addressing the main topic. Of these, a total of 70 studies were included.</p>
</sec>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Conclusions</title>
<p>Exploring the structure of GCX holds real potential in the diagnosis and treatment of sepsis and its complications. Current research focuses on understanding GCX degradation, correlating its components with sepsis severity, predicting disease progression, and evaluating the impact of therapeutic strategies on GCX components.</p>
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</abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/rrlm-2024-00312024-11-06T00:00:00.000+00:00Biochemical risk factors associated with refractory epilepsy: alpha synuclein and adenosine deaminasehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/rrlm-2024-0021<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Background</title>
<p>Epilepsy is a common chronic neurological disorder affecting all age groups. A significant portion of children with epilepsy develop drug-resistant seizures. These children are at risk of cognitive and behavioral comorbidities and death. Some clinical features provide important information about the prognosis of epilepsy. However, currently, there is no objective biochemical indicator associated with refractory epilepsy. This study aimed to determine whether serum alpha-synuclein (αS), pglycoprotein (P-gp), and adenosine deaminase activity (ADA) were biochemical risk factors for refractory epilepsy.</p>
</sec>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Methods</title>
<p>The cross-sectional study included patients diagnosed with refractory epilepsy (n=32), non-refractory epilepsy (n=35) and 20 healthy children under the age of 18 who applied to the Pediatric Neurology outpatient clinic. In the serum samples, αS and P-gp were analyzed by ELISA and ADA activity was analyzed by spectrophotometric method. ROC analysis was applied and the area under the curve (AUC) was calculated to define cut-off values in distinguishing refractory epilepsy patients from non-refractory epilepsy patients. Binary logistic regression analysis was performed to define risk factors associated with resistance in patients with epilepsy.</p>
</sec>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Results</title>
<p>Children with epilepsy whose ADA activity and αS values were higher than the determined cut-off values had 10-fold and 5.3-fold increased risk of refractory epilepsy, respectively.</p>
</sec>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Conclusions</title>
<p>αS and ADA activity can be used as biochemical risk factors for refractory epilepsy. However, these results need to be confirmed by prospective studies with many patients.</p>
</sec>
</abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/rrlm-2024-00212024-07-31T00:00:00.000+00:00Assessment of ocrelizumab impact on neurofilament levels in multiple sclerosis patientshttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/rrlm-2024-0019<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Background</title>
<p>Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a debilitating neurological disease characterized by inflammation, demyelination, and neurodegeneration in the central nervous system. Despite extensive research, the pathology of MS remains incompletely understood. Ocrelizumab (OCRE), a monoclonal antibody targeting CD20-positive B cells, has shown efficacy in relapsing (RR) and primary progressive (PP) MS. Neurofilaments (Nf) are emerging biomarkers of neuroaxonal injury, reflecting disease activity and treatment response in MS. This study aimed to assess the impact of OCRE on serum Nf levels (NfLs) in RRMS and PPMS patients and explore factors influencing treatment response.</p>
</sec>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Methods</title>
<p>A prospective study included 23 RRMS and PPMS patients initiating OCRE and 23 healthy controls. Serum NfLs were quantified using ELISA. Statistical analyses evaluated changes in NfLs and factors influencing treatment response.</p>
</sec>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Results</title>
<p>MS patients exhibited significantly higher NfLs than controls. OCRE treatment led to a significant reduction in NfLs after one cycle. Age and gender influenced treatment response, with older patients and females experiencing greater NfL reduction. Disability level and disease duration did not significantly affect NfLs reduction. Both RRMS and PPMS patients showed decreased NfLs levels with OCRE treatment.</p>
</sec>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Conclusions</title>
<p>In conclusion, OCRE demonstrated efficacy in reducing NfLs levels in RRMS and PPMS patients after one cycle, with potential age and gender-related variations in treatment response. Larger longitudinal studies are needed to further elucidate OCRE’s mechanisms and implications for personalized MS treatment.</p>
</sec>
</abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/rrlm-2024-00192024-07-31T00:00:00.000+00:00Beyond PSA: a multi-modal pilot study identifying novel proteomic biomarkers in paraffin-embedded prostate cancer tissuehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/rrlm-2024-0022<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Background</title>
<p>Prostate cancer (PCa) is a common and complex disease in men, often progressing from localized to aggressive meta-static stages requiring advanced therapies. Early detection of PCa relies primarily on multiparametric tests, with limitations, like over-diagnosis and lack of specificity. Advances in molecular profiling, particularly proteomics, could enhance patient stratification and personalized therapies.</p>
</sec>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Methods</title>
<p>We conducted an analysis using Formalin-Fixed Paraffin-Embedded (FFPE) samples from 23 patients diagnosed with prostatic adenocarcinoma. Proteins were extracted from tissues, followed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis. The data were processed to identify proteins and subsequent bioinformatics analysis was performed to uncover significant pathways and potential biomarkers panel. Validation of identified biomarkers was carried out through Western blotting (WB).</p>
</sec>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Results</title>
<p>Proteomic profiling identified 1,159 proteins, including 176 significantly elevated in tumor tissues. Enrichment analysis highlighted their involvement in stress response, protein metabolism, and signaling pathways associated with PCa progression. Key pathways included mTORC1 signaling, Myc signaling, and focal adhesion. A biomarker panel consisting of KLK3, GDF15, MIF, and AZGP1 was proposed based on their discriminatory power in distinguishing tumor from normal tissues. WB confirmed the tumor-specific expression of these candidates, particularly GDF15 and KLK3.</p>
</sec>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Conclusions</title>
<p>The present study shows for the first time a multi-modal approach that combines a panel of PCa tissue proteins, as a new tool of PCa in patients. The identified biomarker panel offers promise for improving detection and tailoring personalized treatment strategies in PCa management. Further validation in larger cohorts and clinical settings is warranted to establish these findings.</p>
</sec>
</abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/rrlm-2024-00222024-07-31T00:00:00.000+00:00Small patients, big challenges: navigating the complex world of pediatric reference intervalshttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/rrlm-2024-0024<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
<p>With about 60%-70% of medical decisions based on laboratory investigations, modern medicine is increasingly more reliant on laboratory medicine. Pediatric healthcare particularly depends on laboratory testing, with reference intervals (RIs) serving as critical tools for accurate result interpretation. However, establishing pediatric RIs poses distinctive challenges due to developmental, growth, nutritional, and disease-related variations across age groups, along with technical, ethical, and logistical challenges. Despite these limitations, there are several ongoing initiatives for developing pediatric RIs globally, underscoring the importance of developing accurate pediatric RIs. This review outlines the particularities of pediatric laboratory medicine and the specific challenges in establishing pediatric RIs, highlighting the recent initiatives in this area. It also addresses biological and analytical variability issues and explores future perspectives aimed at enhancing diagnostic accuracy and elevating patient care standards.</p>
</abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/rrlm-2024-00242024-07-31T00:00:00.000+00:00Implementing essential requirements of the ISO 17043:2023 for a proficiency testing provider as a step towards accreditation achievementhttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/rrlm-2024-0023<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
<p>Successful participation in Proficiency Testing/Interlaboratory Comparison (PT/ILC) schemes is a method to ensure validity of results for any laboratory. It is also a component of a complex of means for demonstrating technical competence of a laboratory as an organization. The new accreditation standard ISO 17043 for PT providers together with the newly updated ILAC Policy of PT participation introduce a different perspective on the activity of PT provider in regard to quality assurance.</p>
<p>Technical and management requirements from the ISO 17043:2023 that are essential for a competent activity of PT/provider are identified with a rationale for their increased importance. This importance is related both to the practical impact on the PT/ILC providers’ customers (laboratories) activity and laboratory benefits of participation in PT/ILS schemes besides the traditional qualitative and quantitative interpretation of their participation.</p>
<p>Identified requirements are accompanied by a practical and explained potential implementation strategy which is aligned with the ILAC Policy on PT/ILC participation.</p>
<p>Successful implementation of the essential requirements of the ISO 17043:2023 is a necessary step for any PT/ILC provider that seeks credibility on the proficiency testing market. Such implementation may also be an important step towards full implementation of the ISO 17043:2023 and achieving accreditation thus benefiting from full confidence in the activities of the provider.</p>
</abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/rrlm-2024-00232024-07-31T00:00:00.000+00:00en-us-1