BACKGROUND We examined depressive symptoms, C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels during early to-midgestation. METHODS We measured depressive symptoms on the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), and serum CRP, IL-6, and TNF-α levels twice in 27 pregnant women. RESULTS After adjustment, depressive symptoms prospectively (β=0.42, p<0.05 ...

Our aim was to test, through a crossover, double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial, if a short-term treatment with 10 mg monacolins combined with antioxidants could improve lipid pattern, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and endothelial function in a small cohort of moderately hypercholesterolemic subjects. Thus, 25 healthy, moderately hypercholesterolemic subject...

Initiation of peritoneal dialysis (PD) induces several changes both locally in the peritoneum and systemically. We performed a pilot study to generate insights into the early clinical and systemic changes after catheter insertion and the first weeks of PD. The study included 11 new PD patients (7 men, 4 women). The study period started just before implantation of the Tenckhoff catheter and fini...

BACKGROUND Several studies have reported on injury of the corticoreticular pathway (CRP), however, little is known about the mechanism for recovery of an injured CRP. We report on a patient with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) who showed recovery of an injured CRP via transcallosal fibers, which was demonstrated by diffusion tensor tractography (DTT). CASE PRESENTATION A 67-year-old man presen...

Background Currently, data on the course of AS during pregnancy are being accumulated. However, information about activity in postpartum period including against background lactation, remains scanty and contradictory. Objectives To assess dynamics year after childbirth, to identify predictors high activity. Methods 44 women with confirmed (modified New York criteria, 1984) were followed within ...

[Purpose] We examined the effects of detraining on temporal changes in arterial stiffness in endurance athletes. [Subjects] Eighteen female university athletes requiring high endurance exercise capabilities were classified into 2 groups: 10 retired players (detraining group) and 8 active players (training group). [Methods] Brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity, an index of arterial stiffness, was ...

BACKGROUND Endothelial dysfunction is associated with inflammation and postprandial hypertriglyceridemia. Xuezhikang, an extract of Cholestin, a dietary supplement, has lipid-modulating and antiinflammatory effects. We explored the effects of xuezhikang on endothelial function and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD). METHODS AND RESULTS W...