Journal of Pediatric Biochemistry - Volume 4, issue 3

Authors: Young, Howard A.

Article Type: Research Article

DOI: 10.3233/JPB-140116

Citation: Journal of Pediatric Biochemistry, vol. 4, no. 3, pp. 125-126, 2014

Authors: Nugent, Kathy | Garner, Joseph | George, Remo | Waugh, Jonathan | Unlap, Menjor Tino

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Oxidative stress-induced hypertension involves a number of membrane transport proteins that play a critical role in maintaining the cytosolic homeostasis of Na^+ and Ca^{2+} . These transport proteins include Na^+ /K^+ -ATPase, the Na^+ /H^+ exchanger, Na channels, and the Na^+ /Ca^{2+} exchanger. The exact link between these membrane transporters is not exactly known but appears to involve …their location in microdomains called PLasmERosomes, oxidative stress and circulating ouabain levels. Oxidative stress stimulates the generation of ouabain from the adrenal glands which elevates circulating endogenous ouabain levels. At concentrations above 1nM, ouabain inhibits the activity of the Na^+ /K^+ -ATPase. At 1nM or lower concentrations, the Na^+ /K^+ -ATPase acts as a transducer which induces a cascade of events that begins with phosphorylation of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) by Src and activation of Ras, Raf, mitogen activated protein kinase kinase (MEK), mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK), extracellular signal-regulated kinase1/2 (ERK1/2), and p90 ribosomal S6 kinase (p90RSK). p90RSK activates the Na^+ /H^+ exchanger through phosphorylation. Ouabain-mediated inhibition and activation of the Na^+ /K^+ -ATPase and Na^+ /H^+ exchanger, respectively, leads to elevation of Na^+ in the PLasmERosome which stimulates the Na^+ /Ca^{2+} exchanger to extrude Na^+ in exchange for Ca^{2+} . This elevates Ca^{2+} in the PLasmERosome which stimulates junctional ER to release Ca^{2+} . Ca^{2+} influx through the Na^+ /Ca^{2+} exchanger and release from junctional ER leads to Ca^{2+} overload which can lead to a number of pathologies including increased vascular tone and hypertension. Show more

Keywords: Oxidative stress, ouabain, sodium proton exchanger, sodium pump, sodium calcium exchanger, hypertension

DOI: 10.3233/JPB-140117

Citation: Journal of Pediatric Biochemistry, vol. 4, no. 3, pp. 127-137, 2014

Authors: Chirico, Valeria | Lacquaniti, Antonio | Manti, Sara | Cuppari, Caterina | D'Angelo, Gabriella | Lanzafame, Angela | Filippelli, Martina | Munaf\`o, Caterina | Salpietro, Carmelo | Arrigo, Teresa

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Childhood obesity is characterized by a chronic low-grade inflammation process detected through a panel of inflammatory markers. Adipokines secreted from adipose tissue are key regulators of inflammation in obesity. Increased Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF)-α and Interleukin (IL)-6 levels as well as decreased adiponectin and IL-10 levels are associated with inflammation, tissue injury and complications of obesity. The recent discovery of High Mobility Group Box 1 (HMGB1) protein as a critical mediator of …inflammation stimulated an increasing interest in inflammation research field. Obese children are characterized by high levels of this protein, closely related with other inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-6, TNF-α, IL-18, resistin and adiponectin. Moreover, prolactin represents another risk marker for obese children and a predictive factor for progression to metabolic syndrome. Leptin and ghrelin are two hormones playing key roles on energy balance. Leptin is responsible from long term regulation of metabolism and ghrelin functions as an appetite stimulatory signal. In contrast to ghrelin, obestatin acts as an anorexigenic hormone by suppressing food intake. Moreover, we also reviewed other gut-derived hormones involved in the regulation of food intake and energy homeostasis, such as amylin, peptide YY and glucagon-like peptide 1. All these peptides could represent important tools to detect eating disorders in children. The aim of this review is to better define the role of new peptides in childhood obesity. The diagnostic and prognostic role of these biomarkers was also assessed, highlighting potential strategies and proteomic medicine that could become possible in the near future. Show more

Keywords: Obesity, biomarkers, childhood, HMGB1, prolactin, leptin, cytokines, ghrelin, obestatin

DOI: 10.3233/JPB-140118

Citation: Journal of Pediatric Biochemistry, vol. 4, no. 3, pp. 139-143, 2014

Authors: Kamel, Iman Husein | Sabry, Rania Nabil | Abdel Hamid, Enas Raafat | Aly, Hanan Farouk | Ahmed, Hanaa Hamdy

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Atopic dermatitis (AD), a chronic inflammatory skin disease with no cure, currently affects almost one-fifth of the population of industrialized nations. Treatment can be challenging for physicians and patients, making it even more difficult to find safe therapeutic options, especially in severe disease. Interest in diet and nutrition has increased during the last few years. Nutritional interventions are both intriguing and accessible for many patients. AD has two phases, acute and chronic. No therapeutic attempts has …yet been tried to target these phases rather than treatment according to severity grade. Studies point to interleukin (IL)-18 as key player in the pathogenesis of AD and the switch between its two phases. T helper (Th) cytokines (IL-4, IL-10, IL-12, IL-18), interferon-γ (IFN-γ), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), immunoglobulin E (Ig E), and vitamins E and C in children and adolescents with acute and chronic AD. Sixty AD patients were classified into two groups; children (acute) and adolescents (chronic) AD, with thirty in each. In addition, two corresponding healthy normal control groups of thirty each were evaluated. Serum IL-4, IL-10, IL-12, IL-18, IFN-γ and serum IgE were estimated by ELISA. IL-12, IL-18 and IFN-γ levels were 2–C-4 folds higher in chronic AD as compared to normal controls. IL-18 and TNF-α levels were significantly higher in chronic than acute AD patients. Vitamins C and E, on the other hand, were significant decreased in chronic versus acute AD patients. Conclusion: ILs, IFN-γ, TNF-α and serum IgE may play a role in AD. In addition, measurement of IL-18 may be a valuable tool for assessment of age related disease severity. Also, vitamins C and E appear to be reduced in acute and chronic AD patients. Show more

Keywords: Atopic dermatitis, interleukins, TNF-α, INF-γ, vitamins C and E

DOI: 10.3233/JPB-140119

Citation: Journal of Pediatric Biochemistry, vol. 4, no. 3, pp. 145-151, 2014

Authors: Almagor, Yotam | Eventov-Friedman, Smadar | Nir, Amiram | Sror, Awad | Saada, Ann

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Troponin-T (TnT) is a biomarker for cardiac insult, but its significance as a cardiac biomarker in neonates is unclear. A method for measuring TnT in dried blood spots (DBS), which are used worldwide for neonatal screening, will enable access to a very large potential database. We tested concentrations of TnT in dried blood and dried plasma and compared results to the TnT concentrations in the original fresh blood. Troponin results in dried blood were significantly changed …and did not allow sufficient test resolution. In contrast, troponin concentrations in dried plasma correlated well to those of all original samples tested. Our preliminary results suggest that TnT can accurately be measured in dried plasma, but TnT concentrations in dried blood are detectable only if troponin values are significantly elevated. Show more

Keywords: Troponin, TnT, dried blood spots, dried plasma spots, Guthrie

DOI: 10.3233/JPB-140120

Citation: Journal of Pediatric Biochemistry, vol. 4, no. 3, pp. 153-157, 2014

Authors: Vieux, Rachel | Sindt, Audrey | Franck, Patricia

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Urine analysis in neonates requires invasive or skin-abrasive techniques for urine collection. We determined validity of the measurements of some urine biomarkers when urine was squeezed from cotton balls, and if urine samples could be collected in cotton balls in neonates. 1) Urine was collected in volunteer subjects, divided into aliquots of 5 mL fresh urine samples and 5 mL urine samples squeezed from cotton balls. Urine ionogram, albumin, beta-2-microglobulin, and proteins were measured in both …samples. Imprecision was measured and compared to the relative variation of the biomarker results measured with both urine collection techniques. Bland and Altman graphs were performed. 2) Cotton balls were used to collect urine samples in neonates to test if this collection technique was feasible. Results: 60 subjects were included, 30 volunteer subjects and 30 neonates. Collecting urine in cotton balls did not significantly bias the results of sodium, potassium, chloride, glucose, urea, and creatinine. Proteins concentrations were higher in fresh urine, and calcium results were altered by the interference of calcium hypochlorite used to whiten purified cotton. Biomarkers could be measured in 90% neonates with cotton balls. Collecting urine in cotton balls allows measurements of sodium, potassium, chloride, glucose, urea, and creatinine in neonates without damaging their skin. Show more

Keywords: Neonate, cotton balls, urine, technique validation, urine bag

DOI: 10.3233/JPB-140121

Citation: Journal of Pediatric Biochemistry, vol. 4, no. 3, pp. 159-166, 2014

Authors: Aydin, Murat | Nalbantoglu, Burcin | Donma, Mustafa Metin | Tulubas, Feti | Kuçukyalcin, Volkan | Karasu, Erkut | Topcu, Birol | Gurel, Ahmet

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: In this study, the mean platelet volume (MPV) and platelet distribution width (PDW) parameters in obese children and the control group were compared with the amount of fast food consumed in the diet to determine whether there is a correlation. After the patients' medical records were examined, parameters such as height, body weight, waist circumference, and hip circumference measurements were recorded. Among the study patients, those whose complete blood counts were tested due to medical requirements …or routine check-ups were included, and the patients' MPV and PDW were evaluated. The MPV and PDW concentrations of obese children were significantly higher than those of healthy controls. There was a positive correlation between fast food consumption, and MPV and PDW. In the presence of obesity and excessive consumption of fast food, increased MPV concentrations might trigger the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis starting from childhood years onward. Therefore, in this age group obesity should be controlled with diet and other treatment methods to prevent the mortality and morbidity that might ensue in adult years. Show more

Keywords: Obesity, mean platelet volume, fast food, platelet distribution width

DOI: 10.3233/JPB-140122

Citation: Journal of Pediatric Biochemistry, vol. 4, no. 3, pp. 167-170, 2014

Authors: Nassef, Yasser Elsayed | Shady, Mones Abu | Mansour, Manal | Hamed, Manal Abdel Aziz

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is a wide spread syndrome among children especially in the developing countries due to malnutrition, infection or inflammation. The aim of our study was to determine the concentrations of serum trace elements as copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), magnesium (Mg), and selenium (Se) in IDA Egyptian school children. The work was extended to estimate the concentration of heavy metals; lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) as well as the concentrations of vitamin …A and D. This cross sectional study was performed on 120 children (age 6–12 years). Iron deficiency anemia was observed in 90 individuals (32 male and 58 female). Thirty healthy children (without anemia) were classified as control. There were lower concentrations (p < 0.001) in circulating Fe, Mg, Se and vitamins A and D in subjects with IDA as compared to the control group, while Cu concentrations were higher (p < 0.001). The concentrations of lead and cadmium were significantly (p < 0.0001) higher in IDA patients than controls. Hemoglobin (Hb), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), red blood cell (RBC) and ferritin concentrations in subjects with IDA were significantly lower than control. Significant degrees of correlations between these hematological indices and the selected elements were observed as well as between these elements with each other. According to the anthropometric measurements, the children with IDA were underweight and undergo a stage of stunting and wasting. In conclusion, 82% of the IDA children suffered from at least two elements deficiencies. Zinc, Fe, Mg, Se and vitamins A and D were lower while Pb and Cd were higher in school children with IDA as compared with controls. Iron deficiency was associated with high lead concentration, while Cu was not associated with iron deficiency concentration. Show more

Keywords: Iron deficiency anemia, children, trace elements, heavy metals, vitamins

DOI: 10.3233/JPB-140123

Citation: Journal of Pediatric Biochemistry, vol. 4, no. 3, pp. 171-179, 2014