(1) Background: Circulating micro-RNAs (miRNAs) modulate the expression of molecules in diabetes. We evaluated the expression of serum miRNA-195-5p and -451a in diabetic patients with ischemic stroke and correlated them with two markers of brain tissue integrity. (2) Methods: Seventy-eight subjects with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) or transient ischemic attack (TIA) (40 with diabetes) were enrolled. Serum miRNA levels, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) were assessed at admission and 24 and 72 h after a post-ischemic stroke, and were compared to 20 controls. (3) Results: Both circulating miRNAs were two-fold up-regulated in diabetic AIS and TIA patients compared to non-diabetics. Their levels progressively decreased at 24 and 72 h in both AIS and TIA patients. Interestingly, in the non-diabetic TIA group, both circulating miRNAs, although higher than the controls, tended to achieve a complete decay after 72 h. Furthermore, miRNA-195-5p and miRNA-451a levels inversely correlated with both BDNF and VEGF-A serum levels. (4) Conclusions: These data show a different profile of both micro-RNAs in diabetic versus non-diabetic patients after acute ischemic stroke, suggesting their pivotal role in cerebrovascular ischemic attack.
Authors describe a case of pelvic rupture as a consequence of renal colic. Pelvic rupture is an unusual condition that often is not considered in patients suffering renal colic. In this case diagnosis was not considered on ultrasonography, it was suspected when acute abdominal symptoms began and it was confirmed by computed tomography.
Treatments for chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients intolerant to pegylated interferons (peg-IFNs) are lacking. Thus, such patients remain at high risk of developing an advanced and decompensated liver disease. Leukocyte IFN-alpha (Le-IFN-alpha) seems to possess a safer profile than other natural and recombinant a-interferons, but no information is available for peg-IFN intolerant patients. Accordingly, we evaluated the safety and efficacy of Le-IFN-alpha in patients intolerant to peg-IFNs. Twenty-five consecutive CHC patients intolerant to peg-IFNs were prospectively enrolled. HCV genotype 1 was present in 80% and cirrhosis in 68% of cases. Thirteen patients (52%) had thrombocytopenia. Le-IFN-alpha (3 MU three times a week) was administered for 48 weeks plus ribavirin 800 or 1,000 mg/day for HCV genotype 2/3 and 1, respectively. The follow-up was at 24 weeks. Compliance with treatment was satisfactory if the patient received 80% of the therapeutic regimen. An intention-to-treat analysis was done. Eighty-eight percent of CHC patients completed the prescribed treatment course with Le-IFN-alpha. In these patients the side effects, when observed, were mild to moderate, and did not require Le-IFN-alpha dose adjustment. Le-IFN-alpha showed significantly less hematological toxicity than peg-IFN (4 vs 48%; P<0.02). The overall sustained virologic response was 32%, i.e., 24% for cirrhotics and 50% for CHC, and 25% for genotype 1 and 60% for genotypes 2/3. The data indicate that Le-IFN-alpha plus ribavirin is a useful and effective treatment for CHC patients who are intolerant to peg-IFNs.
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