Life | Special Issue : Common and Novel Markers of Inflammation and Tissue Damage in Various Pathological Conditions

Research

Jump to: Review

14 pages, 1048 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Relationship Between 8-iso-prostaglandin-F_2α and Predicted 10-Year Cardiovascular Risk in Hypertensive Patients

by Giulio Geraci, Alessandra Sorce, Luca Zanoli, Giuseppe Cuttone, Vincenzo Calabrese, Francesco Pallotti, Valentina Paternò, Pietro Ferrara, Ligia J. Dominguez, Riccardo Polosa, Jacob George, Giuseppe Mulè and Caterina Carollo

Life 2025, 15(3), 401; https://doi.org/10.3390/life15030401 - 4 Mar 2025

Viewed by 398

Abstract

Background: 8-iso-prostaglandin-F_2α (8-iso-PGF_2α) is a recognized marker of oxidative stress. Previous studies suggested that 8-iso-PGF_2α plays an important role in the pathogenesis of hypertension and cardiovascular (CV) diseases. However, limited data exist on the prognostic role of 8-iso-PGF_2α [...] Read more.

Background: 8-iso-prostaglandin-F_2α (8-iso-PGF_2α) is a recognized marker of oxidative stress. Previous studies suggested that 8-iso-PGF_2α plays an important role in the pathogenesis of hypertension and cardiovascular (CV) diseases. However, limited data exist on the prognostic role of 8-iso-PGF_2α in hypertensive patients undergoing primary prevention. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between 8-iso-PGF_2α and 10-year CV risk, as predicted by validated equations in hypertension patients without CV diseases. Materials and methods: A total of 432 individuals aged 40–75 years were enrolled. Plasma 8-iso-PGF_2α was assessed through the ELISA method. CV risk was calculated by using the Framingham Risk Score (Fr-S) and the Atherosclerosis Cardiovascular Disease Risk Score (ASCVD-S). Low, moderate, or high CV risks were defined according to validated cutoffs. Results: Individuals with higher CV risk had significantly greater 8-iso-PGF_2α values compared to those with low or moderate CV risk (p < 0.001). 8-iso-PGF_2α correlated strongly with Fr-S and ASCVD-S in the entire population and in patients with normal renal function (all p < 0.001) but not in patients with eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m². These associations remained significant after adjustment for traditional factors included in the CV risk equations in the overall population and in patients with normal renal function. The 8-iso-PGF_2α cutoffs that best distinguished patients with high CV risk were 310 pg/mL for Fr-S and 264 pg/mL for ASCVD-S in the overall population, with significant differences between the groups divided by eGFR (all p < 0.001). Conclusions: These findings highlight the potential utility of 8-iso-PGF_2α as a biomarker for refining cardiovascular risk stratification in hypertensive patients, particularly those with preserved renal function. Future studies should explore its prognostic value in longitudinal cohorts and assess its integration into clinical risk models to enhance early prevention strategies for cardiovascular disease. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Common and Novel Markers of Inflammation and Tissue Damage in Various Pathological Conditions)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 2445 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Boswellia serrate Gum Resin Mitigates Renal Toxicity: Role of TNF-α, Interleukins, TGF-β, and Lipid Peroxidation

by Heba M. Eltahir, Abdel-Gawad S. Shalkami, Ahmed M. Shehata, Mohannad Almikhlafi, Ahmed J. Aldhafiri, Ali Alalawi, Muayad Albadrani, Ahmad Bakur Mahmoud and Mekky M. Abouzied

Life 2024, 14(12), 1669; https://doi.org/10.3390/life14121669 - 17 Dec 2024

Viewed by 1190

Abstract

Background and aim: Being a central organ in homeostasis and maintaining the health of the biological system, kidneys are exposed to variable toxicants. Long-term exposure to nephrotoxic molecules causes chronic renal damage that causes fibrosis and loss of function. Such damage can be [...] Read more.

Background and aim: Being a central organ in homeostasis and maintaining the health of the biological system, kidneys are exposed to variable toxicants. Long-term exposure to nephrotoxic molecules causes chronic renal damage that causes fibrosis and loss of function. Such damage can be initiated by oxidative stress which provokes inflammation. We aim at investigating the potential therapeutic effects of Boswellia serrata (BS) gum resin extract in managing CCl₄-induced renal toxicity. Methods: Male Wistar albino rats were assigned to groups: healthy control; CCl₄-treated (CCl₄, twice/week, for 6 weeks); CCl₄ + BS-treated: CCl₄ for 6 weeks followed by BS (150 mg/kg/day) for 2 weeks; and CCl₄ + Silymarin-treated: CCl₄ for 6 weeks followed by Silymarin (100 mg/kg/day) for 2 weeks. Blood and kidney tissue were utilized to assess oxidative stress status, inflammatory cytokines, and histopathological changes. Results: BS treatment ameliorated signs of renal damage and fibrosis as it improved renal antioxidant status and renal function markers and significantly reduced the levels of inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-8 along with the fibrogenic marker TGF-β. Kidney tissues showed improved histological features after BS treatment. Conclusions: BS gum resin extract has significant therapeutic potential against CCl₄-induced renal damage and fibrosis. These effects could be mediated via its previously reported antioxidant, free radical scavenging, and anti-inflammatory effects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Common and Novel Markers of Inflammation and Tissue Damage in Various Pathological Conditions)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 3436 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Enrichment of H3S28p and H3K9me2 Epigenetic Marks on Inflammatory-Associated Gene Promoters in Response to Severe Burn Injury

by Osvaldo Arias-Pérez, Thelma Escobedo-Tapia, Cecilia Cintora-Ahumada, Lizbel León-Solís, Norberto Leyva-García, Elena Aréchaga-Ocampo, Rafael Franco-Cendejas, Oscar Hernández-Hernández and Rocío Suárez-Sánchez

Life 2024, 14(12), 1581; https://doi.org/10.3390/life14121581 - 1 Dec 2024

Viewed by 737

Abstract

Background: Severe burns activate systemic inflammation and lead to an increase in cytokine levels. Epigenetic elements are key regulators of inflammation; however, their involvement in severe burns has not been studied. In this work, we aimed to unveil the histone H3 posttranslational modifications [...] Read more.

Background: Severe burns activate systemic inflammation and lead to an increase in cytokine levels. Epigenetic elements are key regulators of inflammation; however, their involvement in severe burns has not been studied. In this work, we aimed to unveil the histone H3 posttranslational modifications (PTM) profile and their enrichment in promoters of inflammatory genes in response to severe burns. Methods: The levels of H3 PTMs were analyzed by ELISA assays in circulating cells from burn patients. ChIP assays were conducted to evaluate the enrichment of H3K9me2 and H3S28p at the promoter of CXCL8, IL-17, TNFA, IL-6, FOS, and IL-1B genes. Results: We found that eight H3 PTMs decreased at 5 days post-burn. Burn patients showed a decreased enrichment of H3K9me2 in CXCL8, IL-17, and TNFA promoters, whereas IL-6, FOS, and IL-1B promoters displayed an H3S28p enrichment diminution during the first 10 days post-burn. Interestingly, burn-injured septic patients exhibited an increased enrichment of H3K9me2 in TNFA, IL-1B, CXCL8, and IL-17 promoters, whereas H3S28p was increased in promoters of TNFA and IL-1B at 1 dpb. Conclusion: Severe burns trigger epigenetic changes and differential H3 PTM enrichment at inflammation gene promoters. Epigenetic misregulation of H3 may be involved in sepsis occurrence after severe burn injury. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Common and Novel Markers of Inflammation and Tissue Damage in Various Pathological Conditions)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 2630 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Blood Growth Factor Levels in Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: High Neuregulin-1 Is Associated with Comorbid Cardiovascular Pathology

by Evgeny A. Ermakov, Mark M. Melamud, Anastasiia S. Boiko, Svetlana A. Ivanova, Alexey E. Sizikov, Georgy A. Nevinsky and Valentina N. Buneva

Life 2024, 14(10), 1305; https://doi.org/10.3390/life14101305 - 14 Oct 2024

Viewed by 1052

Abstract

Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are known to frequently suffer from comorbid cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). There are abundant data on cytokine levels and their role in the pathogenesis of SLE, while growth factors have received much less attention. The aim of this [...] Read more.

Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are known to frequently suffer from comorbid cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). There are abundant data on cytokine levels and their role in the pathogenesis of SLE, while growth factors have received much less attention. The aim of this study was to analyze growth factor levels in SLE patients and their association with the presence of comorbid CVDs. The serum concentrations for the granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), nerve growth factor β (NGFβ), glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), and neuregulin-1 β (NRG-1β) were determined in the SLE patients (n = 35) and healthy individuals (n = 38) by a Luminex multiplex assay. The NGFβ and NRG-1β concentrations were shown to be significantly higher in the total group of SLE patients (median [Q1–Q3]: 3.6 [1.3–4.5] and 52.5 [8.5–148], respectively) compared with the healthy individuals (2.9 [1.3–3.4] and 13.7 [4.4–42] ng/mL, respectively). The GM-CSF and GDNF levels did not differ. Interestingly, elevated NRG-1β levels were associated with the presence of CVDs, as SLE patients with CVDs had significantly higher NRG-1β levels (99 [22–242]) compared with the controls (13.7 [4.4–42]) and patients without CVDs (19 [9–80] ng/mL). The model for the binary classification of SLE patients with and without CVDs based on the NRG-1β level had an average predictive ability (AUC = 0.67). Thus, altered levels of growth factors may be associated with comorbid CVDs in SLE patients. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Common and Novel Markers of Inflammation and Tissue Damage in Various Pathological Conditions)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Review

Jump to: Research

14 pages, 264 KiB

Open AccessReview

Procalcitonin: Infection or Maybe Something More? Noninfectious Causes of Increased Serum Procalcitonin Concentration: Updated Knowledge

by Szymon Mućka, Grzegorz K. Jakubiak and Natalia Pawlas

Life 2025, 15(3), 446; https://doi.org/10.3390/life15030446 - 12 Mar 2025

Viewed by 547

Abstract

Procalcitonin (PCT) is a precursor of calcitonin, and its determination is used in daily clinical practice. It is a good marker for bacterial infection and can help diagnose sepsis. In this review, we summarize recent findings on the utility of PCT serum concentration [...] Read more.

Procalcitonin (PCT) is a precursor of calcitonin, and its determination is used in daily clinical practice. It is a good marker for bacterial infection and can help diagnose sepsis. In this review, we summarize recent findings on the utility of PCT serum concentration measurement in noninfectious conditions. We found that elevated PCT levels may help in diagnosing or monitoring the course of cancer or inflammatory diseases. An increase was observed in emergency care such as acute renal failure or injuries, which may be promising in estimating the risk of complications. PCT has the potential to become a useful and clinically relevant marker beyond the assessment of bacterial infection. Due to its limited specificity, therapeutic decisions should be based on an individual evaluation of each clinical case. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Common and Novel Markers of Inflammation and Tissue Damage in Various Pathological Conditions)

20 pages, 1087 KiB

Open AccessReview

Proteasomes and Ubiquitin C-Terminal Hydrolase L1 as Biomarkers of Tissue Damage and Inflammatory Response to Different Types of Injury—A Short Review

by Marzena Tylicka, Ewa Matuszczak, Joanna Kamińska, Beata Modzelewska and Olga Martyna Koper-Lenkiewicz

Life 2025, 15(3), 413; https://doi.org/10.3390/life15030413 - 6 Mar 2025

Viewed by 271

Abstract

The proteasomal system of protein degradation is crucial for various cellular processes, including transduction of signals and differentiation of cells. Proteasome activity rises after various traumatic stressors such as hyperoxia, radiation, or oxidative damage. Removal of damaged proteins is essential to provide the [...] Read more.

The proteasomal system of protein degradation is crucial for various cellular processes, including transduction of signals and differentiation of cells. Proteasome activity rises after various traumatic stressors such as hyperoxia, radiation, or oxidative damage. Removal of damaged proteins is essential to provide the necessary conditions for cell repair. Several studies report the activation of the proteasomal degradation system after thermal injury, CNS injury, abdominal trauma, ischemia-reperfusion injury, and possible clinical implications of the use of proteasome inhibitors. It is important to highlight the distinct and crucial roles of UCHL1, 26S, and 20S proteasome subunits as biomarkers. UCHL1 appears to be particularly relevant for identifying brain and neuronal damage and in advancing the diagnosis and prognosis of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and other neurological conditions. Meanwhile, the 26S and 20S proteasomes may serve as markers for peripheral tissue damage. This differentiation enhances our understanding and ability to target specific types of tissue damage in clinical settings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Common and Novel Markers of Inflammation and Tissue Damage in Various Pathological Conditions)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 924 KiB

Open AccessReview

Biomarkers in Atopic Dermatitis in Children: A Comprehensive Review

by Cristiana Indolfi, Carolina Grella, Angela Klain, Giulio Dinardo, Simone Colosimo, Dario Piatto, Claudia Nespoli, Alessandra Perrotta and Michele Miraglia del Giudice

Life 2025, 15(3), 375; https://doi.org/10.3390/life15030375 - 27 Feb 2025

Viewed by 491

Abstract

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder with significant implications for patient quality of life and a well-documented association with the atopic march. Recent advancements in biomarker research have unveiled critical insights into AD pathogenesis, diagnosis, prognosis, and therapeutic monitoring. This [...] Read more.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder with significant implications for patient quality of life and a well-documented association with the atopic march. Recent advancements in biomarker research have unveiled critical insights into AD pathogenesis, diagnosis, prognosis, and therapeutic monitoring. This comprehensive review evaluates the utility of emerging biomarkers, including cytokines, chemokines, genetic markers, and microbiome-related components, in understanding the disease mechanisms and stratifying patient care. The role of minimally invasive diagnostic techniques, such as tape stripping and RNA monitoring, is highlighted, offering innovative approaches to pediatric populations. Furthermore, this review explores the biomarkers that predict disease progression, therapeutic response, and comorbidities, including food allergies and asthma. Personalized treatment strategies based on endotype-specific biomarkers are discussed as a future direction for improving clinical outcomes. Despite promising findings, the integration of biomarkers into routine practice necessitates further validation through large-scale studies. This work underscores the transformative potential of biomarker-driven approaches in enhancing the management of AD in children and its associated conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Common and Novel Markers of Inflammation and Tissue Damage in Various Pathological Conditions)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

26 pages, 7092 KiB

Open AccessReview

Role of Coagulation Factors in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Literature Review

by Azeem Azam, Aleksandra Klisic, Filiz Mercantepe, Hamza Faseeh, Tolga Mercantepe and Saira Rafaqat

Life 2025, 15(1), 34; https://doi.org/10.3390/life15010034 - 30 Dec 2024

Viewed by 855

Abstract

Hepatocyte carcinoma (HCC) is a globally prevalent neoplasm with profound effects on morbidity and mortality rates. This review summarizes the complex interactions between coagulation abnormalities and the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying HCC. Essential coagulation biomarkers, such as P-selectin, thrombomodulin, d-dimer, prothrombin, and von [...] Read more.

Hepatocyte carcinoma (HCC) is a globally prevalent neoplasm with profound effects on morbidity and mortality rates. This review summarizes the complex interactions between coagulation abnormalities and the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying HCC. Essential coagulation biomarkers, such as P-selectin, thrombomodulin, d-dimer, prothrombin, and von Willebrand factor, are reviewed for their diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic significance. The contribution of these biomarkers to tumor progression, metastatic spread, and patient prognosis is highlighted through a synthesis of contemporary research findings. In addition, this review highlights the underlying mechanisms linking coagulation pathways to HCC pathogenesis and explores potential therapeutic targets. An integrative perspective on the role of coagulation markers in HCC may improve clinical management strategies for patients affected by this malignancy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Common and Novel Markers of Inflammation and Tissue Damage in Various Pathological Conditions)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Common and Novel Markers of Inflammation and Tissue Damage in Various Pathological Conditions

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editors

Special Issue Information

Keywords

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

Published Papers (8 papers)

Research

Review

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI