Besides its importance for glucose, lipid and energy metabolism, the present paradigm defines adipose tissue as the body's largest endocrine and paracrine organ. Accumulating evidence demonstrates that adipose tissue cells synthesize and release a large number of signaling proteins collectively termed adipokines. Adipokines regulate a broad spectrum of biological processes, with inflammation being a key example. This defines a new field of study: adipobiology of inflammation. Here we shall dance round it, supposing that the pathogenesis of inflammation-related diseases such as atherosclerosis, thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy, inflammatory bowel diseases, and breast cancer may be influenced by competing stimulatory and inhibitory effects mediated by adipokines. This concept may reveal new tools for the development of adipopharmacology of inflammatory disease.
SummaryThe aim of the investigation was to analyze the correlation between myocardial infarction and ischemic heart disease, on the one hand, and acute ischemic stroke (AIS), on the other hand. We studied 258 AIS patients (mean age 70.9±7.22 years, range 49-92 years) hospitalized in 2007-2013 in the First Clinic of Neurology, St. Marina University Hospital of Varna. The diagnosis of acute ischemic stroke was confirmed by Doppler sonography and computed tomography of the cerebral circulation. Data were statistically processed by variation and correlation analysis. Our results proved a relatively strong correlation between effort angina pectoris and ischemic heart disease (Pearson's coefficient: r=0.643) as well as a weak correlation between ischemic heart disease and myocardial infarction (Pearson's coefficient: r=0.243) among acute ischemic stroke patients. The well-known risk factors for these cardiovascular diseases such as obesity, tobacco smoking, low physical activity and alcohol abuse were common among the patients with acute ischemic stroke, too. In conclusion, both myocardial infarction and ischemic heart disease are strongly associated with the development of acute ischemic stroke. Such patients require strict and regular control by general practitioners. They should observe an appropriate diet and adhere to a healthy life-style.
The present study compared the stress response of two microalgal strains – Arthronema africanum (Cyanoprokaryota) and Coelastrella sp. BGV (Chlorophyta), after heavy metals’ treatment. Changes of algal growth, pigment and protein content were analyzed after adding Cu, Cd and Pb (50 µM and 100 µM) to the nutrition medium. It was found that Cd and Pb significantly inhibited growth and protein biosynthesis of microalgae, but the effect of Cu remained less pronounced. In both strains, a decrease of chlorophyll content was observed, while carotenoid content markedly increased, especially in Coelastrella sp. BGV biomass. The addition of 100 µM Cd and 100 µM Pb to the medium caused a strong enhancement of malondialdehyde in both microalgal strains, which corresponded to the significant increase of superoxide dismutase and catalase activity. The antioxidant enzymes appeared to be differently altered by heavy metals’ exposure. The activity of SOD in the Arthronema africanum cells was most strongly affected by Cd, in contrast to Coelastrella sp. BGV that was highly increased by 100 µM Pb. The application of 100 µM Cd and 100 µM Pb increased in a similar manner catalase activity in both microalgae. The strains that were studied showed a high absorption capacity for metal ions, especially for Pb, which was absorbed largely than Cd and Cu. For that reason, we assumed that both microalga and, in particular, Coelastrella sp. BGV, could be successfully used for treatment of contaminated water bodies.
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