Concentrations of sCD14 were measured in scrum samples using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.
RESULTS: The genotype frequencies of C-159T polymorphism differed significantly between TB patients and controls (P BIIB057 = 0.006). The risk of TB was 2.3-fold greater in individuals with
the T-allele (CT + TT) in comparison to those without (OR 2.3, 95%CI 1.2-4.3, P = 0.006). Mean total sCD14 was significantly increased in the serum of patients with newly diagnosed pulmonary TB (mean +/- SD = 3177 +/- 751 ng/ml) compared to healthy controls (mean +/- SD = 2955 +/- 424 ng/ml, P < 0.004).
CONCLUSION: These data indicate that the C-159T polymorphism of the CD14 gene is associated with TB; serum sCD14 levels were higher in TB patients in a sample of the Iranian population.”
“Background: Enhanced cardiac matrix
metalloproteinase activity (MMPs) has been associated with ventricular remodeling and cardiac dysfunction. It is unknown whether MMPs contribute to systolic/diastolic dysfunction and compensatory remodeling in 2-kidney, 1-clip (2K1C) hypertensive rats. To test this hypothesis, we used 2K1C rats after 2 weeks of surgery treated or not with a nonspecific inhibitor of MMPs (doxycycline).
Methods and Results: We found that blood pressure and +/-dP/dt increased in 2K1C rats compared with sham groups, and these parameters were attenuated by doxycycline treatment (P < .05). Doxycycline also reversed cardiac hypertrophy observed in 2K1C rats (P < .05). Hypertensive rats showed Oligomycin A manufacturer increased MMP-2 levels in zymograms and in the tissue by immunofluorescence (P < .05) compared with sham groups. Increased total gelatinolytic activity was observed in untreated 2K1C rats when compared with sham groups (P < .05). Doxycycline decreased total gelatinolytic activity in 2K1C rats to control levels PND-1186 ic50 (P < .05).
Conclusion: An imbalance in gelatinolytic activity, with increased MMP-2 levels and activity underlies the development of morphological and functional alterations found in the compensatory hypertrophy observed in 2K1C
hearts. Because function and structure were restored by doxycycline, the inhibition of MMPs or their modulation may provide beneficial effects for therapeutic intervention in cardiac hypertrophy. (J Cardiac Fail 2010;16:599-608)”
“SETTING: Bovine tuberculosis (TB) is endemic in the cattle population in Nigeria. Livestock workers are at risk of Mycobacterium bovis infection and unaware of their health status.
OBJECTIVE: To determine the occurrence of pulmonary M. bovis infection among livestock workers.
DESIGN: A cross-sectional study of livestock traders was conducted for TB through screening of sputum samples using a simple random sampling method coupled with oral interview on the assumption of sub-clinical pulmonary TB infection. Specimens were cultured, and the isolates analysed using molecular typing techniques.
RESULTS: Overall, 10% (7/70) of the livestock traders had a positive culture indicative of M.