Tzortzis Nomikos | Harokopio University (original) (raw)
Papers by Tzortzis Nomikos
World Journal of Hepatology, 2014
To investigate CYP2E1 IgG4 autoantibody levels and liver biochemical markers in adult patients af... more To investigate CYP2E1 IgG4 autoantibody levels and liver biochemical markers in adult patients after anesthesia with desflurane. Forty patients who were > 18 years old and undergoing elective surgery under general anesthesia with desflurane were studied. Alpha-glutathione-S-transferase (αGST) and IgG4 antibodies against CYP2E1 were measured preoperatively and 96 h postoperatively, as well as complete blood count, prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), international normalized ratio (INR), aspartate aminotransferase (SGOT), alanine aminotransferase (SGPT), g-glutamyl-transpeptidase (gGT), alkaline phosphatase, total serum proteins, albumin and bilirubin. A separate group of 8 patients who received regional anesthesia was also studied for calibration of the methodology used for CYP2E1 IgG4 and αGST measurements. Student's t-test and the Mann-Whitney U test were used for comparison of the continuous variables, and Fisher's exact test was used for the categorical variables. All tests were two-tailed, with statistical significance set as P < 0.05. None of the patients developed postoperative liver dysfunction, and all patients were successfully discharged from the hospital. No statistically significant difference was observed regarding liver function tests (SGOT, SGPT, γGT, bilirubin, INR), αGST and CYP2E1 IgG4, before and after exposure to desflurane. After dividing patients into two subgroups based on whether or not they had received general anesthesia in the past, no significant difference in the levels of CYP2E1 IgG4 was observed at baseline or 96 h after desflurane administration (P = 0.099 and P = 0.051, respectively). Alpha-GST baseline levels and levels after the intervention also did not differ significantly between these two subgroups (P > 0.1). The mean αGST differences were statistically elevated in men by 2.15 ng/mL compared to women when adjusted for BMI, duration of anesthesia, number of times anesthesia was administered previously and length of hospital stay. No significant difference was observed between patients who received desflurane and those who received regional anesthesia at any time point. There was no difference in CYP2E1 IgG4 or αGST levels after desflurane exposure; further research is required to investigate their role in desflurane-induced liver injury.
Lipids in Health and Disease, 2015
The traditional view on the relationship between lipid biomarkers and CVD risk has changed during... more The traditional view on the relationship between lipid biomarkers and CVD risk has changed during the last decade. However, it is not clear whether novel lipid biomarkers are able to confer a better predictability of CVD risk, compared to traditional ones.Under this perspective, the aim of the present work was to evaluate the predictive ability of blood lipids' profile on all cause mortality as well as 10-year incidence of CVD, in a sample of apparently healthy adults of the ATTICA epidemiological study. From May 2001 to December 2002, 1514 men and 1528 women (>18 y) without any clinical evidence of any other chronic disease, at baseline, were enrolled. In 2011-12, the 10-year follow-up was performed in 2583 participants (85 % follow-up participation rate). Incidence of fatal or non-fatal CVD was defined according to WHO-ICD-10 criteria. Baseline serum blood lipids' profile (Total-C, HDL-, non HDL-, LDL-cholesterol, triglycerides (TG), apolipoprotein (Apo)A1 and B, and lipoprotein-(a) levels were also measured. The 10-year all-cause mortality rate was 5.7 % for men and 2.0 % for women (p = 0.55). The, 10-year CVD incidence was 19.7 % in men and 11.7 % in women (p < 0.001). Multi-adjusted analysis revealed that TC, non-HDL-C, TG and TG/HDL-C ratio, were independent predictors of all cause mortality (RR per 1 mg/dL or unit (95 % CI): 1.006 (1.000-1.013), 1.006 (1.000-1.013), 1.002 (1.000-1.004), 1.038 (1.001-1.077), respectively). Moreover, TC, HDL-, LDL-, non-HDL-cholesterol, TG, apoA1, TC/HDL-C and TG/HDL-C were independently associated with CVD risk. Among all lipid indices the ratio of apoB/apoA1 demonstrated the best correct reclassification ability, followed by non-HDL-C and TC/HDL-C ratio (continuous Net Reclassification Index 26.1 and 21.2 %, respectively). Elevated levels of lipid biomarkers are independently associated with all-cause mortality, as well as CVD risk. The ratio of apoB/apoA1, followed by non-HDL-C, demonstrated the best correct classification ability of the developed CVD risk models.
Journal of musculoskeletal & neuronal interactions, 2010
We investigated the relationship between the major bone turnover markers, i.e., Osteoprotegerin (... more We investigated the relationship between the major bone turnover markers, i.e., Osteoprotegerin (OPG) and Receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappaB ligand (RANKL) and serum adipokines (leptin, adiponectin) levels in a sample of apparently healthy women. A random sample which consisted of 80 females (18-71 years) was studied. Elisa method was used to measure the OPG, RANKL and the leptin, adiponectin levels in females' serum. OPG values were inversely correlated with leptin (rho = -0.38, p = 0.002) and positively correlated with age (rho = 0.27, p=0.01) and body mass index (rho = 0.29, p=0.009). RANKL values were inversely correlated with adiponectin (rho = -0.23, p = 0.06) and age (rho = -0.30, p=0.01). Additionally, OPG was higher in post- as compared to pre-menopausal women. Further data analysis adjusting for potential confounders revealed that the OPG/RANKL ratio was positively associated with adiponectin and inversely associated with leptin levels independent of the effec...
Current Heart Failure Reports, 2013
Heart failure (HF) is a complex syndrome with cardiac, renal, neurohormonal and sympathetic nervo... more Heart failure (HF) is a complex syndrome with cardiac, renal, neurohormonal and sympathetic nervous system's manifestations, the pathogenesis of which among others is connected to inflammation. PAF has local and systemic effects pertaining to HF progression since it causes a negative inotropic effect, it induces arrhythmias, it induces apoptosis and it is involved in inflammation and atherosclerosis. In the present review the role of PAF in HF will be thoroughly presented along with the relevant data on PAF enzymes and the potential role of PAF metabolic circuit as a novel pharmacological target.
HPB Surgery, 2012
Introduction. Pancreatic injury can manifest after major hepatectomy under vascular control. The ... more Introduction. Pancreatic injury can manifest after major hepatectomy under vascular control. The main mechanism involved seems to be remote oxidative injury due to "spillage" of reactive oxygen species and cytokines from the liver. The aim of this study is to evaluate the role of desferrioxamine in the prevention of pancreatic injury following major hepatectomy. Methods. Twelve Landrace pigs were subjected to a combination of major hepatectomy (70-75%), using the Pringle maneuver for 150 minutes, after constructing a porta-caval side-to-side anastomosis. The duration of reperfusion was 24 hours. Animals were randomly divided into a control group (n = 6) and a desferrioxamine group (DFX, n = 6). DFX animals were treated with continuous IV infusion of desferrioxamine 100 mg/kg. Pancreatic tissue injury, c-peptide and amylase concentrations, and pancreatic tissue oxidative markers were evaluated. Results. Desferrioxamine-treated animals showed decreased c-peptide levels, decreased acinar cell necrosis, and decreased tissue malondialdehyde levels 24 hours after reperfusion compared with the control group. There was no difference in portal pressure or serum amylase levels between the groups. Conclusions. Desferrioxamine seems to attenuate pancreatic injury after major hepatectomy under vascular control possibly by preventing and reversing production and circulation of oxidative products.
Journal of Surgical Research, 2014
Ischemia-reperfusion injury caused by severe hemorrhagic shock and subsequent resuscitation leads... more Ischemia-reperfusion injury caused by severe hemorrhagic shock and subsequent resuscitation leads to deterioration of hepatic homeostasis and possibly to liver failure. The present study focuses on determining whether there is a different biological response to hemorrhagic shock by different sources of hemorrhage, hepatic hemorrhage (HH) versus peripheral hemorrhage. Twenty-one male swine (Sus scrofa domesticus) were randomly allocated in three groups as follows: sham group (S, n = 5), central venous hemorrhage group, (CVH) (n = 8), and HH group (n = 8). Hepatectomy of the left liver lobe was carried out in groups CVH and HH, and the animals were subjected to controlled bleeding from the internal jugular vein and the traumatic liver surface, respectively. After 10 min of hemorrhage, shock was maintained for 30 min at mean arterial pressure levels of 30 mm Hg-40 mm Hg and resuscitation was initiated with crystalloids and colloids. Hemodynamic parameters and fluid balance were monitored throughout the 6 h of total duration of the experiment. Blood samples were collected at 0-, 40-, and 360-min time points for transaminases, albumin, and interleukin-6 measurement. Hepatic tissue was harvested at the end of the experiment for oxidative marker and proliferation analysis. Although blood loss was comparable between the two groups, the amount of fluids needed for resuscitation was higher for the HH group. Inflammatory response, measured by interleukin-6, was found higher in HH group. Oxidative stress markers did not reveal statistically significant difference between the two groups. Liver hemorrhage decreased hepatocellular proliferation measured by proliferating cell nuclear antigen. Our study provides evidence that HH entails worse consequences for the hepatocytes than systemic hemorrhage. Higher needs for resuscitation fluids, decreased proliferation, and augmented inflammatory response when HH takes place are findings with possible clinical importance in liver surgery and trauma.
Progress in Molecular Biology and Translational Science, 2012
LWT - Food Science and Technology, 2012
... Mullet roe lipids were shown to exhibit a putative antithrombotic potential (Kalogeropoulos, ... more ... Mullet roe lipids were shown to exhibit a putative antithrombotic potential (Kalogeropoulos, Nomikos, Chiou, Fragopoulou, & Antonopoulou, 2008) and to ... and dried intact ovaries; means within each column not sharing lowercase letters are significantly different (Duncan's test, p ...
Lp-PLA2 Humans a b s t r a c t PAF (1-O-alkyl-2-acetyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine), a potent inf... more Lp-PLA2 Humans a b s t r a c t PAF (1-O-alkyl-2-acetyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine), a potent inflammatory mediator, is synthesized via the remodeling and the de novo route, key enzymes of which are acetyl-CoA:lyso-PAF acetyltransferase (lyso-PAF-AT) and DTT-insensitive CDP-choline:1-alkyl-2-acetyl-sn-glycerol cholinephosphotransferase (PAF-CPT), respectively. PAF-acetylhydrolase (PAF-AH) and its extracellular isoform lipoproteinassociated phospholipase-A 2 (Lp-PLA 2 ) catabolize PAF. This study evaluated PAF levels together with leukocyte PAF-CPT, lyso-PAF-AT, PAF-AH and Lp-PLA 2 activities in 106 healthy volunteers. Men had lower PAF levels and higher activity of both catabolic enzymes and lyso-PAF-AT than women (P-values <0.05). Age was inversely correlated with PAF levels in men (r = −0.279, P = 0.06) and lyso-PAF-AT in women (r = −0.280, P = 0.05). In contrast, Lp-PLA 2 was positively correlated with age (r = 0.201, P = 0.04). Moreover, PAF-CPT was positively correlated with glucose (r = 0.430, P = 0.002) in women. In addition, Principal Component Analysis revealed three PAF metabolic patterns: (i) increased activities of PAF-CPT and PAF-AH, (ii) increased activities of PAF-CPT and lyso-PAF-AT and (iii) increased activity of Lp-PLA 2 . The present study underlines the complexity of PAF's metabolism determinants.
Pharmacological Research, 2005
Epidemiological data indicate a beneficial effect of Mediterranean diets on human health, especia... more Epidemiological data indicate a beneficial effect of Mediterranean diets on human health, especially on the prevalence of cardiovascular disease. These observations are supported by recent intervention studies. However, very little is known about the current role of local Mediterranean food products, which are consumed on a less regular basis and their contribution to a healthy diet. The European consortium "Local Food-Nutraceuticals" collected 127 locally consumed wild or semi-wild plants in three Mediterranean countries, i.e. Greece, Italy, and Spain, in order to assess their ethnobotanical features as well as their biological activities. The project also includes a second line of research, the study of local conceptions about these food resources. All pharmacological assays were conducted with ethanolic extracts prepared from the dried plant material. The biological activities of the extracts were assessed with the following 12 different assays covering a broad range of mechanisms considered crucial in the pathology of chronic, aging-related diseases. Four antioxidant tests: DPPH scavenging, prevention of oxyhaemoglobin bleaching, prevention of lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde formation), and protection from DNA damage (Comet assay); three enzyme inhibition tests: inhibition of xanthine oxidase, inhibition of myeloperoxidase-catalysed guaiacol oxidation as well as the inhibition of acetylcholine esterase; one test investigating the inhibition of cytokine-induced cell activation (including the extracts' potential cytotoxicity); one assay measuring the anti-proliferation potential; one test assessing the anti-diabetic activity (PPAR␥) as well as one assay investigating the extracts' effect on mood disorder-related biochemical parameters (hSERT). Furthermore, the polyphenol content of all extracts was determined using the Folin-Ciocalteaus method. The assays revealed diverse biological effects for the tested extracts ranging from no activity to almost complete inhibition/activation. Moreover, the experimental matrix led to the identification of a sub-set of extracts, i.e. Berberis vulgaris, Reichardia picroides, Scandix australis, Satureja montana, Thymus piperella, Lythrum salicaria and Vitis vinifera, showing high activity in a broad range of assays. In summary, the in vitro observed modulations and effects exerted by extracts derived from local food plants suggest that these plants may contribute to the observed better aging of rural Mediterranean populations.
BioFactors (Oxford, England)
The epidemiology of selenium (Se) is mainly based on the determination of total serum selenium le... more The epidemiology of selenium (Se) is mainly based on the determination of total serum selenium levels (TSe) which by many aspects is an inadequate marker of Se status. In this study we applied a recently developed LC-ICP-MS method, for the determination of the selenium content of the three main serum selenium-containing proteins, in a subcohort of the ATTICA study. This enables us to investigate whether the selenium distribution to selenoproteins may correlate with demographic (age, gender) and lifestyle variables (smoking, physical activity) that are crucial for the development of chronic diseases. A sub-sample from the ATTICA Study, consisted of 236 males (40 ± 11 years) and 163 females (38 ± 12 years), was selected. The selenium content of glutathione peroxidase (GPx-3), selenoprotein P (SelP) and selenoalbumin (SeAlb) was determined in serum by LC-ICP/MS method. We found that 26% of TSe is found in GPx-3, 61% in SelP and 13% in SeAlb. We have assessed the different ratios of sel...
Metabolism, 2012
Postprandial platelet hyperactivity and aggregation play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of me... more Postprandial platelet hyperactivity and aggregation play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effect of boiled wild plants consumption on the postprandial platelet aggregation in metabolic syndrome patients. Patients consumed 5 meals in a random order (ie, 4 wild plant meals, namely, Reichardia picroides [RP], Cynara cardunculus, Urospermum picroides [UP], and Chrysanthemum coronarium, and a control meal, which contained no wild plants). Several biochemical indices as well as platelet activating factor (PAF)-and adenosine diphosphate-induced ex vivo platelet aggregation were measured postprandially. Moreover, the ability of plants extract to inhibit rabbit platelet aggregation was tested in vitro. The consumption of RP and UP meals significantly reduced ex vivo adenosine diphosphate-induced postprandial platelet aggregation compared with the control meal. The consumption of UP meals significantly reduced the ex vivo PAF-induced platelet aggregation postprandially. Both UP and RP extracts significantly inhibited PAF-induced rabbit platelet aggregation in vitro. Wild plants consumption reduced postprandial platelet hyperaggregability of metabolic syndrome patients, which may account for their healthy effects. A v a i l a b l e a t w w w . s c i e n c e d i r e c t . c o m Metabolism w w w . m e t a b o l i s m j o u r n a l . c o m
Journal of Liquid Chromatography & Related Technologies, 2002
A new normal phase high performance liquid chromatographic system has been developed that allows ... more A new normal phase high performance liquid chromatographic system has been developed that allows efficient separation of several polar lipids, such as phospholipids, glycolipids, and phenolics.
Journal of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Anesthesia, 2013
To examine the antioxidant role of propofol in ischemia-reperfusion during carotid endarterectomy... more To examine the antioxidant role of propofol in ischemia-reperfusion during carotid endarterectomy (CEA) and its influence on cognitive dysfunction after CEA. A randomized prospective study. Single-center study in a university hospital. Forty-four patients. Patients underwent elective CEA under general anesthesia with either sevoflurane (group S, n = 21) or propofol (group P, n = 23). Cognitive function was assessed with the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) before CEA, 1 hour after CEA, and 24 hours after CEA. Blood samples from the radial artery and the internal jugular vein were drawn before carotid clamping and 5 minutes following unclamping, and peripheral blood was obtained 24 hours postoperatively. Samples were analyzed for lactate, S100B, and P-selectin concentrations and for the antioxidative markers malondialdehyde/low-density lipoprotein ratio and nitrate + nitrite concentrations. Compared with group S, patients in group P exhibited a greater increase in their MMSE values 24 hours postoperatively. Patients who had their MMSE performance reduced at 24 hours also were significantly fewer in group P (13% v 43% in group S, p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;0.05). Significantly lower levels of lactate and S100B were observed in arterial and jugular vein samples in group P. In addition, the jugular vein-arterial differences of malondialdehyde-to-low-density lipoprotein ratio and nitrates + nitrites concentrations were lower during propofol anesthesia. Propofol seemed to improve cognitive performance after CEA. This improvement was associated with decreased indices of ischemic cerebral damage and seemed to be due to antioxidative effect in the ischemic cerebral circulation.
European Journal of Nutrition, 2010
The trace element selenium is an essential micronutrient for human health, and its low levels in ... more The trace element selenium is an essential micronutrient for human health, and its low levels in serum are implicated in the pathogenesis of several chronic diseases. The determination of total serum selenium levels may contribute to the assessment of the health status of all populations. Since the serum selenium levels are highly affected by diet, we assessed its association with the dietary habits of Greek adults. Serum selenium levels were determined with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry in a cohort of 506 participants (men: 296, women: 210) aged 18-75 from the ATTICA study. Food consumption was evaluated with a validated food-frequency questionnaire. Evaluation of the relationship between serum total selenium with major food groups and beverages by multi-adjusted analysis revealed that serum selenium was positively correlated with the consumption of red meat (2.37 ± 0.91, p = 0.01) while the consumption of other selenium-containing foods (i.e., fish, cereals, dairy products, vegetables) did not demonstrate such a relationship. Moreover, principal component analysis revealed that the adoption of a vegetarian type of diet is inversely correlated with total selenium (-3.94 ± 2.28, p = 0.08). Among the dietary habits that were examined, red meat seems to be the major determinant of serum selenium in Greek adults.
European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 2010
This study aimed at evaluating the relationship of adiponectin concentration with total dietary a... more This study aimed at evaluating the relationship of adiponectin concentration with total dietary antioxidant capacity in free-living, apparently healthy adults from the ATTICA study. A random subsample from the ATTICA study, consisting of 310 men (40+/-11 years) and 222 women (38+/-12 years), was selected. Adiponectin, along with other inflammatory markers, was measured in fasting participants. Dietary habits were evaluated using a food frequency questionnaire and the dietary antioxidant capacity was based on published values of Italian foods measured by three different assays: ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), total radical-trapping antioxidant parameters (TRAP) and trolox-equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC). Positive associations were observed between dietary antioxidant capacity and adiponectin concentration, as assessed with FRAP (b+/-s.e.=0.012+/-0.005, P=0.018 per 1 mmol Fe (II)/day), TRAP (b+/-s.e.=0.030+/-0.013, P=0.017 per 1 mmol trolox equivalent/day) and TEAC (b+/-s.e.=0.025+/-0.012, P=0.042, per 1 mmol trolox equivalent/day) in multiadjusted analysis. Moreover, a negative relation of dietary antioxidant indices with inflammatory markers was revealed. Diets with high antioxidant capacity are related to increased adiponectin levels. An adiponectin-mediated route through which antioxidant-rich foods exert beneficial effects against inflammation and cardiovascular diseases can be thus hypothesized.
Cytokine, 2013
Interleukin-1beta (IL-1β) is a potent agonist of platelet-activating factor (PAF) synthesis. The ... more Interleukin-1beta (IL-1β) is a potent agonist of platelet-activating factor (PAF) synthesis. The monocyte-derived PAF may amplify the inflammatory and thrombotic processes. The IL-1β-induced enzymatic alterations leading to increased PAF synthesis are ill-defined. In the present study the last enzymatic activities of the remodeling (acetyl-CoA:lyso-PAF acetyltransferase) and de novo (DTT-insensitive CDP-choline:1-alkyl-2-acetyl-sn-glycerol cholinephosphotransferase) biosynthetic routes of PAF and its main catabolic enzyme, PAF acetylhydrolase, along with the intracellular and extracellular PAF levels were determined in homogenates and medium of U-937 after their stimulation with recombinant IL-1β. IL-1β at 2.5ng/mL induced an early (0.5-3h) and a late (12h) elevation of intracellular PAF levels (2-fold). Only a small portion of intracellular PAF (∼10%) was released to the extracellular medium. IL-1β increased lyso-PAF acetyltrasnferase activity which was peaked at 3h and kept elevated till 12h. A rapid 1.5-fold increase of cholinephosphotransferase activity was observed in IL-1β stimulated cells. Finally, a transient stimulation of intracellular PAF-AH was induced by IL-1β at 3h while incubation of U-937 with the PAF acetylhydrolase inhibitor pefabloc in the presence or absence of IL-1β led to a strong sustained increase of intracellular PAF levels. In conclusion, both biosynthetic routes of PAF, along with its degradation can be modulated by IL-1β in a time-specific manner. The inhibition of PAF acetylhydrolase strongly augments PAF&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#39;s intracellular levels implying its crucial role for the regulation of cellular PAF. The regulation of PAF&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#39;s enzymatic machinery under inflammatory conditions is more complicated than we thought to be.
BioFactors, 2006
Inflammation and oxidative stress have been implicated in the mechanism of eccentric exercise-ind... more Inflammation and oxidative stress have been implicated in the mechanism of eccentric exercise-induced muscle injury. This study examined whether baseline serum levels of selenium (Se), a trace element that participates in both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory systems, affects the overall response to injury. Thirteen males performed 36 maximal eccentric actions with the elbow flexors of the non-dominant arm on a motorized dynamometer. Venous blood samples were collected immediately before and after exercise at 2, 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours. Established indicators of muscle damage such as maximum isometric torque (MIT), range of motion (ROM), relaxed arm angle (RANG), flexed arm angle (FANG), arm circumference (CIRC), muscle soreness and serum levels of creatine kinase (CK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were determined at the same time points. Baseline serum levels of Se were also measured. Complementary data regarding assessment of Se status were retrieved by the use of a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. All measures changed significantly (p < 0.05) after exercise. The main finding of this study was that baseline Se serum levels were associated inversely with CK, LDH and FANG and positively with MIT and ROM (p < 0.05). These data suggest that beyond overt Se deficiency, suboptimal Se status possibly worsens muscle functional decrements subsequent to eccentric muscle contractions.
Angiology, 2013
This study aimed at evaluating the changes in platelet-activating factor (PAF) and its metabolic ... more This study aimed at evaluating the changes in platelet-activating factor (PAF) and its metabolic enzymes over a 6-week follow-up period in patients with newly diagnosed heart failure ([HF] n = 12) compared with age-, sex-, and BMI-matched apparently healthy volunteers (n = 10). The PAF, its key biosynthetic enzymes (lyso-PAF acetyltransferase [lyso-PAF-AT] and dithiothreitol [DTT]-insensitive CDP choline: 1-alkyl-2-acetyl-sn-glycerol cholinephosphotransferase [PAF-CPT]), and its catabolic isoenzymes (PAF-acetylhydrolase [PAF-AH] and lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 [Lp-PLA2]) were measured in serum and leukocytes of participants. At baseline, patients with HF had lower median activities of lyso-PAF-AT (P &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt; .001) and PAF-CPT (P = .07) in parallel with PAF levels (P = .05) and higher activities of PAF-AH (P = .02) and Lp-PLA2 (P &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt; .001) than controls. At follow-up, PAF-CPT and PAF levels marginally increased (P = .1), lyso-PAF-AT (P &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt; .001) remained downregulated, while PAF-AH (P = .004) and Lp-PLA2 (P &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt; .001) remained elevated compared with the controls. Newly diagnosed patients with HF under drug treatment have an affected profile of PAF biosynthetic enzymes and especially lyso-PAF-AT.
World Journal of Hepatology, 2014
To investigate CYP2E1 IgG4 autoantibody levels and liver biochemical markers in adult patients af... more To investigate CYP2E1 IgG4 autoantibody levels and liver biochemical markers in adult patients after anesthesia with desflurane. Forty patients who were &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; 18 years old and undergoing elective surgery under general anesthesia with desflurane were studied. Alpha-glutathione-S-transferase (αGST) and IgG4 antibodies against CYP2E1 were measured preoperatively and 96 h postoperatively, as well as complete blood count, prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), international normalized ratio (INR), aspartate aminotransferase (SGOT), alanine aminotransferase (SGPT), g-glutamyl-transpeptidase (gGT), alkaline phosphatase, total serum proteins, albumin and bilirubin. A separate group of 8 patients who received regional anesthesia was also studied for calibration of the methodology used for CYP2E1 IgG4 and αGST measurements. Student&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#39;s t-test and the Mann-Whitney U test were used for comparison of the continuous variables, and Fisher&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#39;s exact test was used for the categorical variables. All tests were two-tailed, with statistical significance set as P &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt; 0.05. None of the patients developed postoperative liver dysfunction, and all patients were successfully discharged from the hospital. No statistically significant difference was observed regarding liver function tests (SGOT, SGPT, γGT, bilirubin, INR), αGST and CYP2E1 IgG4, before and after exposure to desflurane. After dividing patients into two subgroups based on whether or not they had received general anesthesia in the past, no significant difference in the levels of CYP2E1 IgG4 was observed at baseline or 96 h after desflurane administration (P = 0.099 and P = 0.051, respectively). Alpha-GST baseline levels and levels after the intervention also did not differ significantly between these two subgroups (P &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt; 0.1). The mean αGST differences were statistically elevated in men by 2.15 ng/mL compared to women when adjusted for BMI, duration of anesthesia, number of times anesthesia was administered previously and length of hospital stay. No significant difference was observed between patients who received desflurane and those who received regional anesthesia at any time point. There was no difference in CYP2E1 IgG4 or αGST levels after desflurane exposure; further research is required to investigate their role in desflurane-induced liver injury.
Lipids in Health and Disease, 2015
The traditional view on the relationship between lipid biomarkers and CVD risk has changed during... more The traditional view on the relationship between lipid biomarkers and CVD risk has changed during the last decade. However, it is not clear whether novel lipid biomarkers are able to confer a better predictability of CVD risk, compared to traditional ones.Under this perspective, the aim of the present work was to evaluate the predictive ability of blood lipids&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#39; profile on all cause mortality as well as 10-year incidence of CVD, in a sample of apparently healthy adults of the ATTICA epidemiological study. From May 2001 to December 2002, 1514 men and 1528 women (&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;18 y) without any clinical evidence of any other chronic disease, at baseline, were enrolled. In 2011-12, the 10-year follow-up was performed in 2583 participants (85 % follow-up participation rate). Incidence of fatal or non-fatal CVD was defined according to WHO-ICD-10 criteria. Baseline serum blood lipids&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#39; profile (Total-C, HDL-, non HDL-, LDL-cholesterol, triglycerides (TG), apolipoprotein (Apo)A1 and B, and lipoprotein-(a) levels were also measured. The 10-year all-cause mortality rate was 5.7 % for men and 2.0 % for women (p = 0.55). The, 10-year CVD incidence was 19.7 % in men and 11.7 % in women (p &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt; 0.001). Multi-adjusted analysis revealed that TC, non-HDL-C, TG and TG/HDL-C ratio, were independent predictors of all cause mortality (RR per 1 mg/dL or unit (95 % CI): 1.006 (1.000-1.013), 1.006 (1.000-1.013), 1.002 (1.000-1.004), 1.038 (1.001-1.077), respectively). Moreover, TC, HDL-, LDL-, non-HDL-cholesterol, TG, apoA1, TC/HDL-C and TG/HDL-C were independently associated with CVD risk. Among all lipid indices the ratio of apoB/apoA1 demonstrated the best correct reclassification ability, followed by non-HDL-C and TC/HDL-C ratio (continuous Net Reclassification Index 26.1 and 21.2 %, respectively). Elevated levels of lipid biomarkers are independently associated with all-cause mortality, as well as CVD risk. The ratio of apoB/apoA1, followed by non-HDL-C, demonstrated the best correct classification ability of the developed CVD risk models.
Journal of musculoskeletal & neuronal interactions, 2010
We investigated the relationship between the major bone turnover markers, i.e., Osteoprotegerin (... more We investigated the relationship between the major bone turnover markers, i.e., Osteoprotegerin (OPG) and Receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappaB ligand (RANKL) and serum adipokines (leptin, adiponectin) levels in a sample of apparently healthy women. A random sample which consisted of 80 females (18-71 years) was studied. Elisa method was used to measure the OPG, RANKL and the leptin, adiponectin levels in females' serum. OPG values were inversely correlated with leptin (rho = -0.38, p = 0.002) and positively correlated with age (rho = 0.27, p=0.01) and body mass index (rho = 0.29, p=0.009). RANKL values were inversely correlated with adiponectin (rho = -0.23, p = 0.06) and age (rho = -0.30, p=0.01). Additionally, OPG was higher in post- as compared to pre-menopausal women. Further data analysis adjusting for potential confounders revealed that the OPG/RANKL ratio was positively associated with adiponectin and inversely associated with leptin levels independent of the effec...
Current Heart Failure Reports, 2013
Heart failure (HF) is a complex syndrome with cardiac, renal, neurohormonal and sympathetic nervo... more Heart failure (HF) is a complex syndrome with cardiac, renal, neurohormonal and sympathetic nervous system's manifestations, the pathogenesis of which among others is connected to inflammation. PAF has local and systemic effects pertaining to HF progression since it causes a negative inotropic effect, it induces arrhythmias, it induces apoptosis and it is involved in inflammation and atherosclerosis. In the present review the role of PAF in HF will be thoroughly presented along with the relevant data on PAF enzymes and the potential role of PAF metabolic circuit as a novel pharmacological target.
HPB Surgery, 2012
Introduction. Pancreatic injury can manifest after major hepatectomy under vascular control. The ... more Introduction. Pancreatic injury can manifest after major hepatectomy under vascular control. The main mechanism involved seems to be remote oxidative injury due to "spillage" of reactive oxygen species and cytokines from the liver. The aim of this study is to evaluate the role of desferrioxamine in the prevention of pancreatic injury following major hepatectomy. Methods. Twelve Landrace pigs were subjected to a combination of major hepatectomy (70-75%), using the Pringle maneuver for 150 minutes, after constructing a porta-caval side-to-side anastomosis. The duration of reperfusion was 24 hours. Animals were randomly divided into a control group (n = 6) and a desferrioxamine group (DFX, n = 6). DFX animals were treated with continuous IV infusion of desferrioxamine 100 mg/kg. Pancreatic tissue injury, c-peptide and amylase concentrations, and pancreatic tissue oxidative markers were evaluated. Results. Desferrioxamine-treated animals showed decreased c-peptide levels, decreased acinar cell necrosis, and decreased tissue malondialdehyde levels 24 hours after reperfusion compared with the control group. There was no difference in portal pressure or serum amylase levels between the groups. Conclusions. Desferrioxamine seems to attenuate pancreatic injury after major hepatectomy under vascular control possibly by preventing and reversing production and circulation of oxidative products.
Journal of Surgical Research, 2014
Ischemia-reperfusion injury caused by severe hemorrhagic shock and subsequent resuscitation leads... more Ischemia-reperfusion injury caused by severe hemorrhagic shock and subsequent resuscitation leads to deterioration of hepatic homeostasis and possibly to liver failure. The present study focuses on determining whether there is a different biological response to hemorrhagic shock by different sources of hemorrhage, hepatic hemorrhage (HH) versus peripheral hemorrhage. Twenty-one male swine (Sus scrofa domesticus) were randomly allocated in three groups as follows: sham group (S, n = 5), central venous hemorrhage group, (CVH) (n = 8), and HH group (n = 8). Hepatectomy of the left liver lobe was carried out in groups CVH and HH, and the animals were subjected to controlled bleeding from the internal jugular vein and the traumatic liver surface, respectively. After 10 min of hemorrhage, shock was maintained for 30 min at mean arterial pressure levels of 30 mm Hg-40 mm Hg and resuscitation was initiated with crystalloids and colloids. Hemodynamic parameters and fluid balance were monitored throughout the 6 h of total duration of the experiment. Blood samples were collected at 0-, 40-, and 360-min time points for transaminases, albumin, and interleukin-6 measurement. Hepatic tissue was harvested at the end of the experiment for oxidative marker and proliferation analysis. Although blood loss was comparable between the two groups, the amount of fluids needed for resuscitation was higher for the HH group. Inflammatory response, measured by interleukin-6, was found higher in HH group. Oxidative stress markers did not reveal statistically significant difference between the two groups. Liver hemorrhage decreased hepatocellular proliferation measured by proliferating cell nuclear antigen. Our study provides evidence that HH entails worse consequences for the hepatocytes than systemic hemorrhage. Higher needs for resuscitation fluids, decreased proliferation, and augmented inflammatory response when HH takes place are findings with possible clinical importance in liver surgery and trauma.
Progress in Molecular Biology and Translational Science, 2012
LWT - Food Science and Technology, 2012
... Mullet roe lipids were shown to exhibit a putative antithrombotic potential (Kalogeropoulos, ... more ... Mullet roe lipids were shown to exhibit a putative antithrombotic potential (Kalogeropoulos, Nomikos, Chiou, Fragopoulou, & Antonopoulou, 2008) and to ... and dried intact ovaries; means within each column not sharing lowercase letters are significantly different (Duncan's test, p ...
Lp-PLA2 Humans a b s t r a c t PAF (1-O-alkyl-2-acetyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine), a potent inf... more Lp-PLA2 Humans a b s t r a c t PAF (1-O-alkyl-2-acetyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine), a potent inflammatory mediator, is synthesized via the remodeling and the de novo route, key enzymes of which are acetyl-CoA:lyso-PAF acetyltransferase (lyso-PAF-AT) and DTT-insensitive CDP-choline:1-alkyl-2-acetyl-sn-glycerol cholinephosphotransferase (PAF-CPT), respectively. PAF-acetylhydrolase (PAF-AH) and its extracellular isoform lipoproteinassociated phospholipase-A 2 (Lp-PLA 2 ) catabolize PAF. This study evaluated PAF levels together with leukocyte PAF-CPT, lyso-PAF-AT, PAF-AH and Lp-PLA 2 activities in 106 healthy volunteers. Men had lower PAF levels and higher activity of both catabolic enzymes and lyso-PAF-AT than women (P-values <0.05). Age was inversely correlated with PAF levels in men (r = −0.279, P = 0.06) and lyso-PAF-AT in women (r = −0.280, P = 0.05). In contrast, Lp-PLA 2 was positively correlated with age (r = 0.201, P = 0.04). Moreover, PAF-CPT was positively correlated with glucose (r = 0.430, P = 0.002) in women. In addition, Principal Component Analysis revealed three PAF metabolic patterns: (i) increased activities of PAF-CPT and PAF-AH, (ii) increased activities of PAF-CPT and lyso-PAF-AT and (iii) increased activity of Lp-PLA 2 . The present study underlines the complexity of PAF's metabolism determinants.
Pharmacological Research, 2005
Epidemiological data indicate a beneficial effect of Mediterranean diets on human health, especia... more Epidemiological data indicate a beneficial effect of Mediterranean diets on human health, especially on the prevalence of cardiovascular disease. These observations are supported by recent intervention studies. However, very little is known about the current role of local Mediterranean food products, which are consumed on a less regular basis and their contribution to a healthy diet. The European consortium "Local Food-Nutraceuticals" collected 127 locally consumed wild or semi-wild plants in three Mediterranean countries, i.e. Greece, Italy, and Spain, in order to assess their ethnobotanical features as well as their biological activities. The project also includes a second line of research, the study of local conceptions about these food resources. All pharmacological assays were conducted with ethanolic extracts prepared from the dried plant material. The biological activities of the extracts were assessed with the following 12 different assays covering a broad range of mechanisms considered crucial in the pathology of chronic, aging-related diseases. Four antioxidant tests: DPPH scavenging, prevention of oxyhaemoglobin bleaching, prevention of lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde formation), and protection from DNA damage (Comet assay); three enzyme inhibition tests: inhibition of xanthine oxidase, inhibition of myeloperoxidase-catalysed guaiacol oxidation as well as the inhibition of acetylcholine esterase; one test investigating the inhibition of cytokine-induced cell activation (including the extracts' potential cytotoxicity); one assay measuring the anti-proliferation potential; one test assessing the anti-diabetic activity (PPAR␥) as well as one assay investigating the extracts' effect on mood disorder-related biochemical parameters (hSERT). Furthermore, the polyphenol content of all extracts was determined using the Folin-Ciocalteaus method. The assays revealed diverse biological effects for the tested extracts ranging from no activity to almost complete inhibition/activation. Moreover, the experimental matrix led to the identification of a sub-set of extracts, i.e. Berberis vulgaris, Reichardia picroides, Scandix australis, Satureja montana, Thymus piperella, Lythrum salicaria and Vitis vinifera, showing high activity in a broad range of assays. In summary, the in vitro observed modulations and effects exerted by extracts derived from local food plants suggest that these plants may contribute to the observed better aging of rural Mediterranean populations.
BioFactors (Oxford, England)
The epidemiology of selenium (Se) is mainly based on the determination of total serum selenium le... more The epidemiology of selenium (Se) is mainly based on the determination of total serum selenium levels (TSe) which by many aspects is an inadequate marker of Se status. In this study we applied a recently developed LC-ICP-MS method, for the determination of the selenium content of the three main serum selenium-containing proteins, in a subcohort of the ATTICA study. This enables us to investigate whether the selenium distribution to selenoproteins may correlate with demographic (age, gender) and lifestyle variables (smoking, physical activity) that are crucial for the development of chronic diseases. A sub-sample from the ATTICA Study, consisted of 236 males (40 ± 11 years) and 163 females (38 ± 12 years), was selected. The selenium content of glutathione peroxidase (GPx-3), selenoprotein P (SelP) and selenoalbumin (SeAlb) was determined in serum by LC-ICP/MS method. We found that 26% of TSe is found in GPx-3, 61% in SelP and 13% in SeAlb. We have assessed the different ratios of sel...
Metabolism, 2012
Postprandial platelet hyperactivity and aggregation play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of me... more Postprandial platelet hyperactivity and aggregation play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the effect of boiled wild plants consumption on the postprandial platelet aggregation in metabolic syndrome patients. Patients consumed 5 meals in a random order (ie, 4 wild plant meals, namely, Reichardia picroides [RP], Cynara cardunculus, Urospermum picroides [UP], and Chrysanthemum coronarium, and a control meal, which contained no wild plants). Several biochemical indices as well as platelet activating factor (PAF)-and adenosine diphosphate-induced ex vivo platelet aggregation were measured postprandially. Moreover, the ability of plants extract to inhibit rabbit platelet aggregation was tested in vitro. The consumption of RP and UP meals significantly reduced ex vivo adenosine diphosphate-induced postprandial platelet aggregation compared with the control meal. The consumption of UP meals significantly reduced the ex vivo PAF-induced platelet aggregation postprandially. Both UP and RP extracts significantly inhibited PAF-induced rabbit platelet aggregation in vitro. Wild plants consumption reduced postprandial platelet hyperaggregability of metabolic syndrome patients, which may account for their healthy effects. A v a i l a b l e a t w w w . s c i e n c e d i r e c t . c o m Metabolism w w w . m e t a b o l i s m j o u r n a l . c o m
Journal of Liquid Chromatography & Related Technologies, 2002
A new normal phase high performance liquid chromatographic system has been developed that allows ... more A new normal phase high performance liquid chromatographic system has been developed that allows efficient separation of several polar lipids, such as phospholipids, glycolipids, and phenolics.
Journal of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Anesthesia, 2013
To examine the antioxidant role of propofol in ischemia-reperfusion during carotid endarterectomy... more To examine the antioxidant role of propofol in ischemia-reperfusion during carotid endarterectomy (CEA) and its influence on cognitive dysfunction after CEA. A randomized prospective study. Single-center study in a university hospital. Forty-four patients. Patients underwent elective CEA under general anesthesia with either sevoflurane (group S, n = 21) or propofol (group P, n = 23). Cognitive function was assessed with the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) before CEA, 1 hour after CEA, and 24 hours after CEA. Blood samples from the radial artery and the internal jugular vein were drawn before carotid clamping and 5 minutes following unclamping, and peripheral blood was obtained 24 hours postoperatively. Samples were analyzed for lactate, S100B, and P-selectin concentrations and for the antioxidative markers malondialdehyde/low-density lipoprotein ratio and nitrate + nitrite concentrations. Compared with group S, patients in group P exhibited a greater increase in their MMSE values 24 hours postoperatively. Patients who had their MMSE performance reduced at 24 hours also were significantly fewer in group P (13% v 43% in group S, p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;0.05). Significantly lower levels of lactate and S100B were observed in arterial and jugular vein samples in group P. In addition, the jugular vein-arterial differences of malondialdehyde-to-low-density lipoprotein ratio and nitrates + nitrites concentrations were lower during propofol anesthesia. Propofol seemed to improve cognitive performance after CEA. This improvement was associated with decreased indices of ischemic cerebral damage and seemed to be due to antioxidative effect in the ischemic cerebral circulation.
European Journal of Nutrition, 2010
The trace element selenium is an essential micronutrient for human health, and its low levels in ... more The trace element selenium is an essential micronutrient for human health, and its low levels in serum are implicated in the pathogenesis of several chronic diseases. The determination of total serum selenium levels may contribute to the assessment of the health status of all populations. Since the serum selenium levels are highly affected by diet, we assessed its association with the dietary habits of Greek adults. Serum selenium levels were determined with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry in a cohort of 506 participants (men: 296, women: 210) aged 18-75 from the ATTICA study. Food consumption was evaluated with a validated food-frequency questionnaire. Evaluation of the relationship between serum total selenium with major food groups and beverages by multi-adjusted analysis revealed that serum selenium was positively correlated with the consumption of red meat (2.37 ± 0.91, p = 0.01) while the consumption of other selenium-containing foods (i.e., fish, cereals, dairy products, vegetables) did not demonstrate such a relationship. Moreover, principal component analysis revealed that the adoption of a vegetarian type of diet is inversely correlated with total selenium (-3.94 ± 2.28, p = 0.08). Among the dietary habits that were examined, red meat seems to be the major determinant of serum selenium in Greek adults.
European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 2010
This study aimed at evaluating the relationship of adiponectin concentration with total dietary a... more This study aimed at evaluating the relationship of adiponectin concentration with total dietary antioxidant capacity in free-living, apparently healthy adults from the ATTICA study. A random subsample from the ATTICA study, consisting of 310 men (40+/-11 years) and 222 women (38+/-12 years), was selected. Adiponectin, along with other inflammatory markers, was measured in fasting participants. Dietary habits were evaluated using a food frequency questionnaire and the dietary antioxidant capacity was based on published values of Italian foods measured by three different assays: ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), total radical-trapping antioxidant parameters (TRAP) and trolox-equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC). Positive associations were observed between dietary antioxidant capacity and adiponectin concentration, as assessed with FRAP (b+/-s.e.=0.012+/-0.005, P=0.018 per 1 mmol Fe (II)/day), TRAP (b+/-s.e.=0.030+/-0.013, P=0.017 per 1 mmol trolox equivalent/day) and TEAC (b+/-s.e.=0.025+/-0.012, P=0.042, per 1 mmol trolox equivalent/day) in multiadjusted analysis. Moreover, a negative relation of dietary antioxidant indices with inflammatory markers was revealed. Diets with high antioxidant capacity are related to increased adiponectin levels. An adiponectin-mediated route through which antioxidant-rich foods exert beneficial effects against inflammation and cardiovascular diseases can be thus hypothesized.
Cytokine, 2013
Interleukin-1beta (IL-1β) is a potent agonist of platelet-activating factor (PAF) synthesis. The ... more Interleukin-1beta (IL-1β) is a potent agonist of platelet-activating factor (PAF) synthesis. The monocyte-derived PAF may amplify the inflammatory and thrombotic processes. The IL-1β-induced enzymatic alterations leading to increased PAF synthesis are ill-defined. In the present study the last enzymatic activities of the remodeling (acetyl-CoA:lyso-PAF acetyltransferase) and de novo (DTT-insensitive CDP-choline:1-alkyl-2-acetyl-sn-glycerol cholinephosphotransferase) biosynthetic routes of PAF and its main catabolic enzyme, PAF acetylhydrolase, along with the intracellular and extracellular PAF levels were determined in homogenates and medium of U-937 after their stimulation with recombinant IL-1β. IL-1β at 2.5ng/mL induced an early (0.5-3h) and a late (12h) elevation of intracellular PAF levels (2-fold). Only a small portion of intracellular PAF (∼10%) was released to the extracellular medium. IL-1β increased lyso-PAF acetyltrasnferase activity which was peaked at 3h and kept elevated till 12h. A rapid 1.5-fold increase of cholinephosphotransferase activity was observed in IL-1β stimulated cells. Finally, a transient stimulation of intracellular PAF-AH was induced by IL-1β at 3h while incubation of U-937 with the PAF acetylhydrolase inhibitor pefabloc in the presence or absence of IL-1β led to a strong sustained increase of intracellular PAF levels. In conclusion, both biosynthetic routes of PAF, along with its degradation can be modulated by IL-1β in a time-specific manner. The inhibition of PAF acetylhydrolase strongly augments PAF&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#39;s intracellular levels implying its crucial role for the regulation of cellular PAF. The regulation of PAF&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;#39;s enzymatic machinery under inflammatory conditions is more complicated than we thought to be.
BioFactors, 2006
Inflammation and oxidative stress have been implicated in the mechanism of eccentric exercise-ind... more Inflammation and oxidative stress have been implicated in the mechanism of eccentric exercise-induced muscle injury. This study examined whether baseline serum levels of selenium (Se), a trace element that participates in both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory systems, affects the overall response to injury. Thirteen males performed 36 maximal eccentric actions with the elbow flexors of the non-dominant arm on a motorized dynamometer. Venous blood samples were collected immediately before and after exercise at 2, 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours. Established indicators of muscle damage such as maximum isometric torque (MIT), range of motion (ROM), relaxed arm angle (RANG), flexed arm angle (FANG), arm circumference (CIRC), muscle soreness and serum levels of creatine kinase (CK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were determined at the same time points. Baseline serum levels of Se were also measured. Complementary data regarding assessment of Se status were retrieved by the use of a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. All measures changed significantly (p < 0.05) after exercise. The main finding of this study was that baseline Se serum levels were associated inversely with CK, LDH and FANG and positively with MIT and ROM (p < 0.05). These data suggest that beyond overt Se deficiency, suboptimal Se status possibly worsens muscle functional decrements subsequent to eccentric muscle contractions.
Angiology, 2013
This study aimed at evaluating the changes in platelet-activating factor (PAF) and its metabolic ... more This study aimed at evaluating the changes in platelet-activating factor (PAF) and its metabolic enzymes over a 6-week follow-up period in patients with newly diagnosed heart failure ([HF] n = 12) compared with age-, sex-, and BMI-matched apparently healthy volunteers (n = 10). The PAF, its key biosynthetic enzymes (lyso-PAF acetyltransferase [lyso-PAF-AT] and dithiothreitol [DTT]-insensitive CDP choline: 1-alkyl-2-acetyl-sn-glycerol cholinephosphotransferase [PAF-CPT]), and its catabolic isoenzymes (PAF-acetylhydrolase [PAF-AH] and lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 [Lp-PLA2]) were measured in serum and leukocytes of participants. At baseline, patients with HF had lower median activities of lyso-PAF-AT (P &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt; .001) and PAF-CPT (P = .07) in parallel with PAF levels (P = .05) and higher activities of PAF-AH (P = .02) and Lp-PLA2 (P &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt; .001) than controls. At follow-up, PAF-CPT and PAF levels marginally increased (P = .1), lyso-PAF-AT (P &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt; .001) remained downregulated, while PAF-AH (P = .004) and Lp-PLA2 (P &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt; .001) remained elevated compared with the controls. Newly diagnosed patients with HF under drug treatment have an affected profile of PAF biosynthetic enzymes and especially lyso-PAF-AT.