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Vasoactive Mediators In Congenital Heart Diseases With Shunt Lesions And Pulmonary Hypertension, Fatma Sedef Tunaoğlu, Ayşe Zengi̇n Turan, Fatma Rana Olguntürk, Serdar Kula, Ayşe Deni̇z Oğuz

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Increased pulmonary flow in left-to-right shunt lesions and decreased pulmonary flow and hypoxia in right-to-left shunt lesions constitute the main cause of morbidity and mortality in congenital heart diseases. This study was planned to determine the relation of vasoactive mediators and pulmonary hypertension in congenital heart disease with shunt lesions. Materials and methods: Patients (31 females, 22 males; 5 months to 16 years old) were divided into 2 groups according to their shunt lesions (acyanotic, cyanotic), pulmonary artery mean pressure (below 30 mmHg: nonhypertensive, above 30 mmHg: hypertensive), and pulmonary resistance (below 2 U/m2: low, above 2 U/m2: high). The …

The Effect Of Stretcher Type On Safety And Ease Of Treatment In An Emergency Department, Ari̇f Duran, Hayretti̇n Öztürk, Ümi̇t Yaşar Tekeli̇oğlu, Tarik Ocak, Mücahi̇t Emet

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Stretchers are frequently used to transport patients in the emergency department. Safety and comfort of the stretcher are important factors for the staff and patients. The present study investigated the effect of stretcher type on patient safety and treatment in an emergency department. Materials and methods: Doctors, nurses, interns, emergency medical technicians, and patient caregivers at the Abant İzzet Baysal University Medical Faculty Hospital emergency department completed a questionnaire on stretcher safety and comfort. Six stretchers were classical (group A), 6 had new technological specifications (group B), and 6 stretchers in group C were similar to those in group B …

Is There Any Effect Of Demographic Features On Development Of Hyperemesis Gravidarum In The Turkish Population?, Zeynep Kamalak, Nermi̇n Köşüş, Aydin Köşüş, Deni̇z Hizli, Ayli̇n Ayrim, Gonca Kurt

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

To assess the effect of maternal demographic variables on development of hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) in pregnant Turkish women. Materials and methods: Two hundred consecutive women with HG were defined as the study group, and 200 consecutive pregnant women without any signs or symptoms of HG matched for age, parity, and gestational age were defined as the control group. Personal information, including lifestyle, educational level, occupation, and economic status were obtained via questionnaire. Results: The number of abortions was higher but parity was lower in the HG group. The time interval between 2 pregnancies was significantly shorter in the HG group …

Influence Of Trace Elements And Their Correlation With Semen Quality In Fertile And Infertile Subjects, Vickram Sundaram, Muthugadhalli Srinivas, Jayaraman Gurunathan, Kamini Rao, Ramesh Pathy Maniyan, Sridharan Balasundaram

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

There has been increasing curiosity about the appraisal of essential trace elements present in human body fluids and their correlation to human health. Human seminal plasma contains several trace elements that have an imperative role in the normal functioning of the semen. As a result, it is very important to evaluate Zn and other trace elements present in the seminal plasma for the assessment of male infertility. The main objective of this research is to evaluate Zn concentrations and their intercorrelations with semen parameters such as sperm concentration, sperm motility, and normal morphology of the sperm, towards their contribution to …

Characteristics Of Nonsyndromic Supernumerary Teeth In Children And Adolescents, Hüseyi̇n Karayilmaz, Zühal Kirzioğlu, Ayşegül Sariteki̇n

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

'Supernumerary teeth' (ST) is a term used to describe extra teeth in both dentitions than those that we are predisposed to have and considered to be one of the most significant dental anomalies affecting children and adolescents. Diagnosis and management of ST is one of the main responsibilities of dentists and also physicians. The aims of this study were to document the prevalence, characteristics, and associated clinical complications of ST among children and adolescents and to summarize the management and intervention time for ST. Materials and methods: Thirteen deciduous ST in 13 patients and 219 permanent ST in 179 patients …

Retrospective Evaluation Of 104 Tinea Capitis Cases, Ömer Çalka, Serap Güneş Bi̇lgi̇li̇, Ayşe Serap Karadağ, Sevda Önder

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Tinea capitis is a superficial scalp dermatophyte infection. Tinea capitis is particularly seen during childhood and is not usually seen after puberty. In untreated cases, it can be contagious and can progress to cicatricial alopecia. This study aimed to retrospectively evaluate cases of tinea capitis. Materials and methods: We evaluated 104 tinea capitis patients presenting to our dermatology clinic between 2007 and 2011. Results: Of these patients, 38 (36.5%) were female and 66 (63.5%) were male. The median age was 6.41 ± 3.4 years (range: 1-18 years old). The clinical types appearing in descending order were tinea capitis profunda (88.5%), …

How Do We Safely Treat Pneumopericardium In A Severely Ill Baby?, Osman Başpinar, Mehmet Boşnak

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Tension pneumopericardium in an infant is a rare but potentially fatal event. In the present study, we describe a new technique to drain the air from the pericardial sac of a critically ill baby. We performed this drainage via the subxiphoid approach in the Trendelenburg position rather than the anti-Trendelenburg position.

Comments About Recurrence Development In Sigmoid Volvulus, Sabri̇ Selçuk Atamanalp

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

No abstract provided.

Chlamydia Pneumoniae Infection Of Neuronal Cells Induces Changes In Calcium-Associated Gene Expression Consistent With Alzheimer’S Disease, Christopher Andrew Cappellini, Ahmad B. Cader, Keith G. Williams, Juliana Zoga, Susan T. Hingley

Scholarly Posters

Background and Significance: Previous studies have shown that cells infected with Chlamydia pneumoniae (Cpn) exhibit altered gene expression consistent with that observed in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Furthermore, AD neurodegeneration has been linked to dysregulation of intracellular calcium and calcium-related processes. Therefore, we hypothesize that one mechanism by which pathogenesis evolves in AD is through infection-induced changes in expression of calcium-related genes. Objectives: To determine if infection of neuronal cells with Cpn alters expression of calciumrelated genes associated with neurodegeneration. Methods: SK-N-MC neuronal cells were infected with Cpn (AR39 strain; MOI=1) for 3 to 72 hours, then calcium-related genes were screened …

Analysis Of Autophagy And Inflammasome Regulation In Neuronal Cells And Monocytes Infected With Chlamydia Pneumoniae: Implications For Alzheimer’S Disease, Brian J. Balin, Christine J. Hammond, Juliana Zoga, Ahmad B. Cader, Annette K. Slutter, Jonathan M. Anzman, Ian Kohler, Susan T. Hingley, Denah M. Appelt

Scholarly Posters

Objectives: Our laboratory has been studying the role of infection with the obligate intracellular bacterium Chlamydia pneumoniae in sporadic late-onset Alzheimer disease (LOAD). This infection may be a trigger for the pathology observed in LOAD as a function of initiating changes in gene regulation following entry of the organism into the brain. As such, we are analyzing how this infection can promote changes in autophagy and inflammasome gene regulation as both have been shown to be altered in LOAD. Methods: Human SKNMC neuronal cells and THP1 monocytes were infected in vitro for 24-72 hrs with a laboratory strain of Chlamydia …

Rhodotorula Minuta Fungemia In A Ewe Lamb, C. G. Chitko-Mckown, K. A. Leymaster, M. P. Heaton, D. D. Griffin, J. K. Veatch, S. A. Jones, M. L. Clawson

School of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences: Faculty Publications

An 8-month-old crossbred ewe, normal upon physical examination, was humanely euthanized for tissue collection. After approximately 3 weeks in tissue culture, fungi began budding out of cells obtained from the choroid plexus. After an additional 3 weeks, budding was observed in kidney cell cultures and eventually in monocyte cultures as well. Serum from the lamb was submitted to the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory at Colorado State University for fungal diagnosis and was found negative for Aspergillus, Blastomyces, Coccidioidomycosis and Histoplasmosis. DNA was isolated from fungi collected from tissue culture supernatants and used in a set of pan-fungal PCR assays with …

Bovine Herpes Virus 1 (Bhv-1) And Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 (Hsv-1) Promote Survival Of Latently Infected Sensory Neurons, In Part By Inhibiting Apoptosis, Clinton Jones

School of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences: Faculty Publications

α-Herpesvirinae subfamily members, including herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and bovine herpes virus 1 (BHV-1), initiate infection in mucosal surfaces. BHV-1 and HSV-1 enter sensory neurons by cell-cell spread where a burst of viral gene expression occurs. When compared to non-neuronal cells, viral gene expression is quickly extinguished in sensory neurons resulting in neuronal survival and latency. The HSV-1 latency associated transcript (LAT), which is abundantly expressed in latently infected neurons, inhibits apoptosis, viral transcription, and productive infection, and directly or indirectly enhances reactivation from latency in small animal models. Three anti-apoptosis genes can be substituted for LAT, which …

A Neurophysiological Examination Of Stress Control In Martial Artists, Jack Pemment

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The philosophies behind many martial arts often claim that by practicing martial arts individuals can gain better control over stress. We tested this idea by using controlled physical stressors to elicit an acute stress response from martial artists (n=15) and non-martial artists (n=18). To measure the extent of the stress response, we looked at changes in heart rate, respiratory sinus arrhythmia, and galvanic skin level. These three measures explore both parasympathetic and sympathetic responses, and changes in these variables continue to be explored in studies of stress and reactive aggression. In addition to our physical stressors we also exposed individuals …

The Mr Imaging Features And The Analyses Of Quantitative Parameters In Cases With Surgically Repaired Tetralogy Of Fallot, Sali̇h Hamcan, Bülent Karaman, Bi̇lal Battal, Veysel Akgün, Kemal Kara, Tuncay Hazirolan, Uğur Bozlar

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

To present postoperative cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging features of cases of surgically repaired tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) and to evaluate the relationship among data used in follow-up procedures, such as right ventricular ejection fraction (RV-EF), pulmonary regurgitation fraction (PRF), and the degree of right ventricular (RV) dysfunction. Materials and methods: Fourteen patients (9 males and 5 females; mean age 11.9 ± 3.6 years) with surgically repaired TOF who were admitted to our clinic for follow-up CMR imaging between July 2008 and September 2011 were included in the study. A protocol that consisted of cine steady-state free precession (SSFP) and …

Effectiveness Of Hp-Hmg Versus R-Fsh In Patients Undergoing Ivf/Icsi Cycles With Moderate Male-Factor Infertility, Ni̇lgün Turhan, Aslihan Pekel, Ayli̇n Ayrim, Burcu Kasap, Ömer Bayrak

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

The aim of this case-control study was to compare the efficacy of highly purified human menopausal gonadotropin (HP-hMG) versus recombinant follicle stimulating hormone (r-FSH) treatments following gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist suppression in patients undergoing intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) with moderate male-factor infertility in terms of oocyte and embryo quality and clinical pregnancy outcomes. Materials and methods: A total of 240 infertile women were treated with HP-hMG (HP-hMG group, n = 120 patients) or r-FSH (r-FSH group, n = 120 patients) following GnRH agonist suppression (long regimen). Inclusion criteria for the study groups were infertility due to moderate oligoasthenoteratospermia with no …

Leptin Regulation Of Pubertal Maturation In Intact And Pinealectomized Female Rats, Emi̇ne Kaçar, Si̇ğnem Eyuboğlu Di̇nç, Bayram Yilmaz, Haluk Keleşti̇mur

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

To explore the roles of leptin and melatonin in early pubertal maturation. Materials and methods: Wistar female rats were used as experimental animals. Leptin was subcutaneously infused for 28 days through osmotic minipumps starting from postnatal day 15 (preweaning). Pinealectomy was performed on postnatal day 21 (weaning), and the animals were decapitated when estrus was detected by vaginal smearing. Results: Chronic preweaning, by peripheral infusion of leptin through subcutaneous routes, advanced the onset of puberty in leptin-treated sham and pinealectomized groups as determined by vaginal opening, while causing no significant change in serum estradiol levels and uterus weight. Mean body …

Comparison Of The Protective Effects Of Desflurane And Propofol Anesthesia In Rats: A Hepatic Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury Model, Ayça Taş Tuna, Cengi̇z Beki̇r Demi̇rel, Yusuf Ünal, Aslihan Çavunt Bayraktar, Demet Yilmazer, Mustafa Kavutçu, Murat Alper, Mustafa Kerem

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

It is known that desflurane and propofol protect liver tissue via different mechanisms. The aim of this study was to compare the protective effects of these 2 agents against hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury. Materials and methods: Rats were randomly divided into 2 groups: ischemia and ischemia-reperfusion. Each group was further divided into 3 subgroups: ketamine, desflurane, and propofol. Thirty minutes after anesthetics were administered, the rats were subjected to 45 min of hepatic ischemia and 4 h of reperfusion. Blood samples and liver tissues were obtained in order to assess serum tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-\alpha), interleukin-1\beta (IL-1\beta), and malondialdehyde levels …

Simultaneous Stenting Of The Ipsilateral External And Internal Carotid Arteries, Tahi̇r Durmaz, Engi̇n Bozkurt, Hüseyi̇n Ayhan, Ni̇hal Akar Bayram, Emi̇ne Bi̇len, Murat Akçay, Cenk Sari, Telat Keleş

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Carotid artery diseases are diagnosed more frequently in practice due to increased mean life expectancy of the general population and the availability of imaging methods. Strong evidence coming from long term, randomized, large studies is required to support the idea that a carotid artery stent (CAS) may be an alternative to a carotid endarterectomy (CEA), which has been performed for long years with proven efficacy. Generally, no intervention (CEA or CAS) is performed in the stenosis of the external carotid artery (ECA) in the literature. In our case, we performed ipsilateral ECA and internal carotid artery stenting simultaneously.

Investigation Of Oxidative And Antioxidative Status In Patients With Diabetic Cataracts, Nagi̇han Uğurlu, Fatma Yülek, Şule Berk Ergun, Mehmet Doğan Aşik, Semra Işikoğlu, Emi̇ne Akçay

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

To investigate the oxidative and antioxidative status in diabetic patients with cataracts and nondiabetic patients with cataracts as compared to controls. Materials and methods: There were 149 subjects included in the present study. Blood was collected from type 2 diabetic patients suffering from cataracts (diabetic cataract; n = 42), senile nondiabetic patients suffering from cataracts (nondiabetic cataracts; n = 60), and healthy subjects of a control group (n = 47). Serum levels of total oxidant status (TOS), total antioxidant status (TAS), total thiol levels (TTLs), and paraoxonase 1 (PON1) were investigated in the samples. Results: TTLs were significantly reduced in …

Comparison Of Sternal Intramedullary Bleeding Prevention Strategies In Cardiac Surgery, Murat Tavlaşoğlu, Ahmet Bariş Durukan, Mustafa Kürklüoğlu, Adem Güler, Zekeri̇ye Arslan, Mehmet Ali̇ Şahi̇n, Hasan Alper Gürbüz, Leyla Güler

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Sternal intramedullary bleeding is an important contributor to postcardiac surgery hemorrhage. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of bone wax, oxidized regenerated cellulose, and electrocoagulation on sternal intramedullary hemostatic control. Materials and methods: A total of 142 patients undergoing on-pump coronary bypass surgery were prospectively studied. The patients were randomized into 3 groups; bone wax concomitant with electrocauterization, oxidized regenerated cellulose concomitant with electrocauterization, and electrocauterization alone. The amount of postoperative hemorrhage was noted at the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 6th, 12th and 24th hours. Rates of reexploration for hemorrhage and number of units of blood and …

Analysis Of Kal1, Fgfr1, Gpr54, And Nelf Copy Number Variations By Multiplex Ligation Dependent Probe Amplification In Male Patients With Idiopathic Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism, Yalçin Başaran, Hi̇lmi̇ Umut Ünal, Şi̇nasi̇ Erol Bolu, Rahşan Ilikçi Sağkan, Mustafa Çakar, Abdullah Taşlipinar, Taner Özgürtaş, Uğur Haci̇ Muşabak

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism is a production failure of gonadal hormones due to a lack of gonadotropin secretion. Here, we aimed to determine the prevalence of genomic rearrangements in the KAL1, FGFR1, GPR54, and NELF genes in patients diagnosed with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. Materials and methods: The study included 86 male patients with idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (76 diagnosed with normosmic idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and 10 with Kallmann syndrome). Additionally, 95 healthy controls were recruited to investigate rearrangements in the KAL1, FGFR1, GPR54, and NELF genes, using multiplex ligation dependent probe amplification. Results: From the 86 patients, 3 patients with Kallmann syndrome had heterozygous …

Effect Of Mental Stress On Cardiovascular Function At Rest And After Ingestion Of Fructose Or Sucralose In Healthy, White European Males, Muhammad Memon, Ian Macdonald, Terence Bennett

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

Ingestion of fructose and mental arithmetic can increase blood pressure (BP); the present study assessed the effect of fructose ingestion on cardiovascular (CV) response to mental stress. Effects were compared with sucralose used as a control. Materials and methods: Ten healthy, white European males were studied twice. A Finometer recorded CV parameters, noninvasively, throughout the study period. After the 30-min baseline, a mental arithmetic task (MAT), a series of arithmetic questions displayed as PowerPoint slides, was presented. Subjects, while resting on a bed, answered 20 questions in 2 min; 15 min after MAT-1, volunteers consumed 500 mL of lemon-flavoured drink …

Endometriosis Of The Lung: Report Of A Case And Literature Review, Haidong Huang, Chen Li, Paul Zarogoulidis, Kaid Darwiche, Nikolaos Machairiotis, Lixin Yang, Michael Simoff, Eduardo Celis, Tiejun Zhao, Konstantinos Zarogoulidis, Nikolaos Katsikogiannis, Wolfgang Hohenforst-Schmidt, Qiang Li

Wayne State University Associated BioMed Central Scholarship

Abstract

This paper reports a case of endometriosis of the lung in a 29-year-old woman with long-term periodic catamenial hemoptysis. A chest computed tomography image obtained during menstruation revealed a radiographic opaque lesion in the lingular segment of the left superior lobe. During bronchoscopy, bleeding in the mucosa of the distal bronchus of the lingular segment of the left superior lobe was observed. Histopathology subsequent to an exploratory thoracotomy confirmed the diagnosis of endometriosis of the left lung. The 2-year follow-up after lingular lobectomy of the left superior lobe showed no recurrence or complications.

Decreased Neuroinflammation And Increased Brain Energy Homeostasis Following Environmental Enrichment After Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Is Associated With Improvement In Cognitive Function, Teresita L. Briones, Julie Woods, Magdalena Rogozinska

Wayne State University Associated BioMed Central Scholarship

Abstract

Background

Persistent neuroinflammation and disruptions in brain energy metabolism is commonly seen in traumatic brain injury (TBI). Because of the lack of success of most TBI interventions and the documented benefits of environmental enrichment (EE) in enhancing brain plasticity, here we focused our study on use of EE in regulating injury-induced neuroinflammation and disruptions in energy metabolism in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus. Adult male Wistar rats were used in the study and randomly assigned to receive either: mild TBI (mTBI) using the controlled cortical injury model or sham surgery. Following surgery, rats from each group were further randomized …

Hyperglycemia Induces Differential Change In Oxidative Stress At Gene Expression And Functional Levels In Huvec And Hmvec, Hemang Patel, Juan Chen, Kumuda C. Das, Mahendra Kavdia

Wayne State University Associated BioMed Central Scholarship

Abstract

Background

Endothelial dysfunction precedes pathogenesis of vascular complications in diabetes. In recent years, the mechanisms of endothelial dysfunction were investigated to outline strategies for its treatment. However, the therapies for dysfunctional endothelium resulted in multiple clinical trial failures and remain elusive. There is a need for defining hyperglycemia-induced endothelial dysfunction with both generic and specific dysfunctional changes in endothelial cells (EC) using a systems approach. In this study, we investigated hyperglycemia-induced endothelial dysfunction in HUVEC and HMVEC. We investigated hyperglycemia-induced functional changes (superoxide (O₂‾), and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) production and mitochondrial membrane polarization) …

The Effect Of Maternal–Fetal Attachment Education On Maternal Mental Health, Elieh Abasi, Mahin Tafazzoli, Habibolah Esmaily, Hossain Hasanabadi

Turkish Journal of Medical Sciences

A mother's mental health during pregnancy has a considerable effect on her infant's wellbeing. Therefore, various methods have been studied to improve maternal mental health with the purpose of reducing problems for mothers and babies. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of maternal-fetal attachment (MFA) education during the third trimester on the mother's mental health. Materials and methods: This interventional study was conducted on 83 pregnant women attending 6 healthcare centers in Sari, Iran, for routine antenatal check-ups. Data collection tools included interview checklists, the Cranley MFA Scale, and the General Health Questionnaire 28. The treatment …

Studies Of Regulated Exocytosis From Neuroendocrine Cells, Madhurima Das

Wayne State University Theses

In this thesis we study cargo release and fusion pore dilation during calcium triggered exocytosis and the co-localization of calcium sensing proteins essential for exocytosis, in neuroendocrine cells.

Pancreatic beta cells secrete several hormones, the most studied one being insulin. C-peptide is a protein which is co-stored with and secreted from the same vesicles as insulin. It is found in the soluble phase unlike insulin, which is found in the dense core. The pancreatic beta cells also secrete the Chromogranin B (CgB) which is mostly found in the dense cores of secretory vesicles. In chapter 1, we found that CgB, …

Effects Of Endothelial Progenitor Cell-Derived Microvesicles On Hypoxia/Reoxygenation-Induced Endothelial Dysfunction And Apoptosis, Jinju Wang, Shuzhen Chen, Xioatang Ma, Chuanfang Cheng, Xiang Xiao, Ji Chen, Shiming Liu, Bin Zhao, Yanfang Chen

Pharmacology and Toxicology Faculty Publications

Oxidative stress-induced endothelial dysfunction plays a key role in ischemia/reperfusion injury. Recent evidence indicates that endothelial progenitor cell-derived microvesicles (EPC-MVs) can promote angiogenesis of endothelial cells (ECs). Here, we investigated the potential effects of EPC-MVs on hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) injury in human brain microvascular ECs (hb-ECs). MVs were prepared from EPCs cultured in a serum deprivation (SD) medium (starving stress, sEPC-MVs) or SD medium containing tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα) (apoptotic stress, aEPC-MVs). H/R injury model of hb-ECs was produced by 6 hr hypoxia (1% O₂) and 24 hr reoxygenation. The H/R hb-ECs were co-cultured with EPC-MVs. Results showed that …

Is There An Alternative Way Of Treating Drug Resistant Epilepsy? The Effects Of The Ketogenic Diet In Children With Intractable Epilepsy, Chaya M. Weinberg

The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences

Many children with epilepsy experience seizures that cannot be resolved with medication. Since surgical intervention is not always an option, the ketogenic diet (KD). a high fat, low carbohydrate and protein diet, offers a chance for seizure reduction and in some cases freedom from seizures and medication. Side effects do exist, although none are serious. Efficacy has been proven through many studies. The mechanism of the KD's effectiveness is still unknown, although several hypotheses exist, including the theory that ketone bodies themselves are anticonvulsant, and the hypothesis that glucose restriction stops seizures. Adenosine A1 receptors are also thought to have …

Microparticle Function, Leorra Kohen

The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences

Microparticles are emerging as an integral part of the vascular system. The microparticles are derived from stimulated or apoptotic endothelial cells, platelets, and leukocytes. They are involved in coagulation and regular cell function. Excessive numbers of microparticles contribute to artherosclerosis, chronic renal failure, and metabolic syndrome. Microparticle levels may be reduced by medications, relieving symptoms for awhile. Studies are being done to predict disease by counting microparticles. Further research must be done to understand and make use of microparticles.