Introduction: Periprosthetic osteolysis stimulated by implant particulate debris is mediated by various pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-alpha, IL-1, and IL-6) that enhance osteoclast differentiation and activity, yet TNF-alpha (TNF) has recently been identified as playing a critical role in this process (1,2). Specifically, in osteoclast precursor cells implant particles activate the nuclear tr...

BACKGROUND By assessing the changes in concentration of soluble receptor activator of nuclear factor κ B ligand (RANKL) and osteoprotegrin (OPG) after initiation of combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) in treatment-naïve HIV-infected patients we aimed to evaluate whether the initial accelerated bone loss could be mediated by increased soluble RANKL (sRANKL) levels associated with CD4+ T ce...

Medication of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) remains challenging and often controversial concerning side effects or long-term complications. We investigated the effect of resveratrol, a phytoalexin discussed for its chondro-protective and anti-inflammatory qualities, on the synovial expression of matrix-degrading enzymes like matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and bone-remodelling proteins in RA fibro...

BACKGROUND Process of accelerated atherosclerosis specific for uremia increases cardiovascular risk in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and may be influenced by the different structure of arteries. The study assesses the influence of traditional and novel risk factors on calcification of coronary arteries (CAC) and abdominal aorta (AAC) in hemodialysis patients (HD). METHODS CAC and...

PURPOSE We checked correlation of CAP/CIP with osteoprotegrin (OPG), its soluble ligand (OPGL) and routinely measured parameters of bone turnover in patients treated with peritoneal dialysis (PD) and hemodialysis (HD). MATERIAL & METHODS In 30 patients (22 HD, 8 PD) we determined serum concentrations of intact parathormone (iPTH), CAP, OPG, OPGL, total Ca, inorganic phosphates (Pi), creatinin...

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Aggressive periodontitis (AgP) is a specific type of periodontal disease that is characterized by rapid attachment loss and bone destruction. While attempting to identify genetic polymorphisms associated with AgP, previous research has focused on candidate genes that may be involved in immune responses to microbial infections. In this study, the focus was on single nucl...

Our previous study showed that Erythrina variegata L. (EV) inhibited bone loss and improved bone properties in ovariectomised rats. The purpose of the present study is to investigate the potential mechanism involved in mediating the osteoprotective actions of EV. Female Sprague-Dawley rats were fed a phyto-oestrogen-free diet and subjected to either ovariectomy or a sham operation. Ovariectomis...

BACKGROUND COPD exacerbations accelerate disease progression. AIMS To examine if COPD characteristics and systemic inflammatory markers predict the risk for acute COPD exacerbation (AECOPD) frequency and duration. METHODS 403 COPD patients, GOLD stage II-IV, aged 44-76 years were included in the Bergen COPD Cohort Study in 2006/07, and followed for 3 years. Examined baseline predictors were...

BACKGROUND In meta-analyses supplementation with vitamin D appears to reduce incidence of fractures, and in cross-sectional studies there is a positive association between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels and bone mineral density (BMD). However, the effect of supplementation with high doses of vitamin D on BMD is more uncertain and could in theory have both positive and negative effec...

Background: Osteoporosis is one of the main causes of morbidity in patients with thalassemia major. Osteoprotegerin (OPG) is secreted by osteoblasts and osteogenic stromal stem cells and protects the skeleton from excessive bone reabsorption. In this study, the authors aimed to assess the relationship between OPG with osteoporosis and osteopenia in patients with thalassemia major. Materials an...