Browsing by Author "Jurka, Antra"
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Item Association of Body Mass Index, Blood Pressure and Interictal Serum Levels of Cytokines in Migraine with and without Aura(2022) Tretjakovs, Pēteris; Plinta, Aelita; Svirskis, Šimons; Logina, Ināra; Gersone, Gita; Jurka, Antra; Mikelsone, Indra; Blumfelds, Leons; Mackēvičs, Vitolds; Bahs, Guntis; Faculty of MedicineItem Association of Body Mass Index, Blood Pressure, and Interictal Serum Levels of Cytokines in Migraine with and without Aura(2022-10) Plinta, Aelita; Tretjakovs, Pēteris; Svirskis, Šimons; Logina, Ināra; Gersone, Gita; Jurka, Antra; Mikelsone, Indra; Blumfelds, Leons; Mackēvičs, Vitolds; Bahs, Guntis; Faculty of MedicineThe aim of the study was to clarify correlations between body mass index (BMI), blood pressure (BP), and serum levels of cytokines in female migraine patients. A total of 14 migraineurs with aura, and 12 without aura during their interictal period were compared with 25 controls. Interleukin-8 (IL-8), soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1), soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1), matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), interferon gamma (IFN-γ), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), transforming growth factor alpha (TGF-α), and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) were measured. Migraineurs have elevated levels of IL-8, but decreased serum levels of PAI-1 and sICAM-1 during the interictal period, regardless of aura. BMI correlates with BP, and also with IFN-γ and MMP-9 only in patients with aura. There are three correlations in migraine patients with aura that are absent in patients without aura: between IL-8 and PAI-1; MMP-9 and IL-8; and IL-8 and sICAM-1. Migraineurs without aura, on the other hand, have correlations that patients with aura do not have (between PAI-1 and MCP-1, sICAM-1; between MMP-9 and sICAM-1, MCP-1; between TGF-α and PAI-1, MMP-9, sICAM-1; between sICAM-1 and MMP-9, PAI-1, MCP-1; as well as between sVCAM-1 and MCP-1). PAI-1, TGF, and MMP-9 could be used as biomarkers to distinguish migraineurs from healthy individuals.Item Body Mass Index, Blood Pressure and Interictal Serum Levels of Cytokines in Migraine with and without Aura(2023-10) Tretjakovs, Pēteris; Plinta, Aelita; Svirskis, Šimons; Logina, Ināra; Gersone, Gita; Jurka, Antra; Miķelsone, Indra; Blumfelds, Leons; Mackēvičs, Vitolds; Bahs, Guntis; Faculty of MedicineItem Different Cytokine Profiles in Children with Acute Appendicitis and Acute Mesenteric Lymphadenitis(2015-12-01) Zviedre, Astra; Eņģelis, Arnis; Tretjakovs, Pēteris; Jurka, Antra; Zīle, Irisa; Pētersons, Aigars; Department of Paediatric Surgery; Department of Human Physiology and Biochemistry; Department of Public Health and EpidemiologyThe aim of this study was to investigate the role of serum cytokines in the diagnosis of acute appendicitis (AA) and acute mesenteric lymphadenitis (AML). Data were collected prospectively on 7 to 18 year old children (October 2010 - October 2013): 31 patients with AA, 26 patients with AML, and 17 patients with elective non-inflammatory surgical disease were selected as controls. Serum levels of IL-10, IL-12(p70), IL-1β, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-17, MCP-1, EGF, TNF-α were measured. Patients with AA had significantly increased serum levels of IL-6(1) (z = -3.72; p = 0.0002) and IL-10(1) (z = -2.81; p = 0.005) compared to AML before any treatment. The consecutive measurements of MCP-1 in serum demonstrated a significant difference within 72 hours in the AA group (Wilks' Lambda test 0.80; F(2;29) = 3.5; p = 0.04) and also in the AML group (Wilks' Lambda test 0.70; F(2;24) = 5.0; p = 0.01). The increased values of IL-6 and IL-10 were the most reliable cytokines one hour before surgical intervention for patients with AA. MCP-1 values changed significantly within 72 hours after patient hospitalisation but did not differ between the groups, and could not be a helpful serum biomarker in distinguishing patients with AA and AML.Item The effect of chronic cigarette smoking on microvascular function, insulin resistance and inflammatory state(2011) Miķelsone, Indra; Bormane, Inga; Simsone, Zane; Jurka, Antra; Tretjakovs, Pēteris; Department of Human Physiology and BiochemistryCigarette smoking, a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, can induce proinflammatory state and endothelial injury - the earliest manifestations of atherosclerotic changes. The aim of the study was to assess cutaneous vascular reactivity, insulin resistance and circulating levels of inflammatory cytokines in 20 healthy habitual smokers and 24 healthy non-smokers. The groups were matched for age. We used laser Doppler imaging with iontophoretic application of 1% acethylcholine solution and local heating 44 °C on the dorsum of the palm. Serum monocyte chemotactic protein-1, tumour necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-6 were measured by xMAP technology. Insulin resdistance was assessed by HOMA-IR method. Local heating-induced neurally-mediated and endotheliumdependent vasodilatation was significantly decreased in elderly smokers vs. elderly non-smokers (p < 0.05). Young smokers showed significantly reduced endothelium-dependent vasodilatation vs. young non-smokers (p < 0.05). Ach-induced vasodilatation was significantly decreased in the elderly smokers and elderly non-smokers groups vs. young smokers and young non-smokers groups (p < 0.05). The level of tumour necrosis factor-alpha was significantly higher in both groups of smokers vs. non-smokers (p < 0.05). The level of monocyte chemotactic protein-1 was slightly higher in smokers. Only the elderly smokers group exhibited a tendency to higher values of HOMA-IR. Data showed that long-lasting cigarette smoking significantly impairs peripheral microvascular function due to increased inflammatory response.Item Impact of a 12-Week Dietary Intervention on Adipose Tissue Metabolic Markers in Overweight Women of Reproductive Age(2024-08-04) Erta, Gita; Gersone, Gita; Jurka, Antra; Tretjakovs, Pēteris; Department of Human Physiology and BiochemistryThe prevalence of overweight and obesity in women of reproductive age leads to significant health risks, including adverse metabolic and reproductive outcomes. Effective dietary interventions are critical to improving health outcomes in this population. This study investigates the impact of a 12-week diet intervention on metabolic markers of adipose tissue in overweight women of reproductive age, determining whether calorie restriction or low-starch diets are more effective, while also accounting for salivary amylase activity. A total of 67 overweight women of reproductive age were enrolled in a randomized controlled trial (RCT). Participants were divided into high-salivary-amylase (HSA) and low-salivary-amylase (LSA) groups based on baseline salivary amylase activity measured using a spectrophotometric method. Each group was further subdivided into two dietary intervention groups: calorie restriction (CR) and low starch (LS), resulting in four subgroups (HSA-CR, HSA-LS, LSA-CR, LSA-LS), along with a control group (CTR) of normal-weight individuals (no intervention). Participants were assigned to a calorie-restricted diet or a low-starch diet for 12 weeks. Key metabolic markers of adipose tissue, including insulin sensitivity, adipokines, cytokines, and lipid profiles, were measured at baseline (T0), 30 min after consuming starch-containing muesli (T1), and 12 weeks after intervention (T2). Active GLP-1, glucagon, and C-peptide levels were assessed to clarify the hormonal mechanisms underlying the dietary effects. Salivary amylase activity was also measured to examine its role in modulating glucose and GLP-1 responses. Both diet interventions led to significant improvements in metabolic markers of adipose tissue, though different ones. Calorie restriction improved insulin sensitivity by effectively reducing visceral fat mass and enhancing insulin signaling pathways. In contrast, the low-starch diet was linked to a reduction in the coefficient of glucose variation influenced partly by changes in GLP-1 levels. Our findings highlight the importance of personalized diet strategies to optimize metabolic health in this demographic.Item Inflammatory Cytokine IFNγ, IL-6, and IL-10 Association with Childhood Obesity(2021-10-01) Kupča, Sarmīte; Jurka, Antra; Marksa, Iveta; Rinkuža, Irēna; Sipols, Alfred J.; Rumba-Rozenfelde, Ingrīda; Department of Human Physiology and BiochemistryChildhood obesity carries a high risk of serious life-threatening cardiometabolic diseases in adulthood, which are associated with low-grade inflammation. The aim of the present study was to measure serum cytokine concentrations in obese children recruited during endocrinology consultations and compared to lean control the results. Blood serum concentrations of interferon gamma (IFNγ), IL-1β, Interleukin 6 IL-6, IL-10, and TNF-α were analysed applying Luminex xMap technology with Millipore reagent kits. Statistical analyses were performed using t-test comparisons and Spearman correlations. Obese children had highly significant increased levels of circulating IFNγ(p < 0.0001), IL-6 (p < 0.0001), and IL-10 (p < 0.0001), compared to lean controls. IL-1β and TNFα levels, however, were not elevated. Significant correlation of serum cytokines to per cent excess body mass was only observed with IL-6 (rs = 0.21, p < 0.03), although IL-1β (rs = 0.18, p < 0.08) results were suggestive of a trend. A significant association of obesity in childhood with serum concentrations of IFNγ, IL-6, and IL-10 is consistent with a role for low-grade inflammatory processes early in the aetiology of this disease. IL-6 further appears to be a candidate cytokine for assessment of degree of sub-acute inflammation associated with excess weight in the young.Item The Link between Salivary Amylase Activity, Overweight, and Glucose Homeostasis(2024-09) Erta, Gita; Gersone, Gita; Jurka, Antra; Tretjakovs, Pēteris; Department of Human Physiology and BiochemistryButyrate, a short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) produced by the fermentation of dietary fibers in the colon, plays a pivotal role in regulating metabolic health, particularly by enhancing insulin sensitivity. Given the rising incidence of metabolic disorders, understanding the factors that influence butyrate production is of significant interest. This study explores the link between salivary amylase activity and butyrate levels in overweight women of reproductive age. Participants were categorized into low (LSA) and high (HSA) salivary amylase activity groups and further divided into two subgroups: one followed a low-starch diet (LS), and the other underwent caloric restriction (CR). We assessed salivary amylase activity and measured serum butyrate concentrations to examine their associations. Our findings showed a significant, though weak, positive correlation (ρ = 0.0486, p < 0.05), suggesting a link between salivary amylase activity and butyrate levels. The statistical significance, despite the weak correlation, implies that this relationship is not random. Moreover, higher baseline butyrate levels were observed in women with elevated salivary amylase activity. Also, women with low salivary amylase activity on a low-starch diet experienced a more pronounced increase in butyrate levels compared to those on caloric restriction. These results suggest that salivary amylase activity and dietary intake interact to influence butyrate production, with potential implications for improving insulin sensitivity and metabolic health. The study underscores the potential of butyrate in enhancing insulin sensitivity and promoting overall metabolic well-being. Further research is necessary to clarify the mechanisms involved and to understand the long-term effects of butyrate on metabolic health across different populations.Item Neopterins, šūnu adhēzijas molekulas un mieloperoksidāze pacientiem ar stabilu un nestabilu stenokardiju(2011-01-01) Tretjakovs, Pteris; Jurka, Antra; Bormane, Inga; Miķelsone, Indra; Reihmane, Dace; Krieviņa, Gita; Marksa, Iveta; Elksne, Karlina; Verbovenko, Jurijs; Bahs, Guntis; Department of Human Physiology and BiochemistryRecent data indicate that the serum level of neopterin, a marker of inflammation and immune modulator secreted by monocytes/macrophages, is elevated in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and seems to be a prognostic marker for major cardiovascular events. Soluble cellular adhesion molecules (sCAMs) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) levels are also related to ACS. The aim of the present study was to evaluate differences in serum levels of neopterin, sCAMs and MPO between coronary artery disease and metabolic syndrome (CAD-MetS) patients with stable and unstable angina pectoris (SAP, UAP), and to clarify the relationships between neopterin and other biomarkers. The study included 60 patients with CAD-MetS who were classified into two groups, 30 patients with SAP and 30 patients with UAP. Twenty healthy subjects were selected as controls (C). Serum soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1), intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1), sE-selectin and MPO levels were measured by Luminex xMAP technology, and serum neopterin concentrations were measured by radioimmunoassay. Results: Serum levels of neopterin, MPO, sVCAM-1, sICAM-1, and sE-selectin were significantly higher in patients with UAP in comparison with the group of healthy controls (P < 0.05). Patients with SAP also had higher levels of these biomarkers than those in healthy controls (P < 0.05), except for sE-selectin. The biomarker level did not differ between the two patient groups, except for MPO, which was significantly higher in the USP group (P < 0.05). Neopterin was significantly correlated only with sVCAM-1 (P < 0.05). In conclusion, CAD-Met patients with SAP had more apparent raised levels of serum sICAM-1 and sVCAM-1, simultaneously with higher MPO and neopterin concentrations, in comparison to those in healthy subjects. However, UAP is also associated with more substantial changes in MPO and significantly increased sE-selectin levels. Neopterin concentration was had a close correlation only with sVCAM-1.Item Nitric oxide production and arachidonic acid metabolism in platelet membranes of coronary heart disease patients with and without diabetes(2003) Tretjakovs, Pēteris; Kalnins, Uldis; Dabina, Inese; Erglis, Andrejs; Dinne, Iveta; Jurka, Antra; Latkovskis, Gustavs; Zvaigzne, Agnis; Pirags, ValdisAim: To evaluate the levels of nitrite (NO2-) and nitrate (NO3-) ions and the incorporation of [3H]arachidonic acid (AA) into phospholipids of platelet membranes from coronary artery disease (CAD) patients with and without diabetes (NIDDM). Subjects and Methods: Eighteen CAD patients (group A), 18 CAD patients with NIDDM (group B), and 20 healthy controls (group C) without dyslipidemia, peripheral vascular disease and hypertension were included in the study. The groups were matched for age, sex and body mass index. The diagnosis of CAD was confirmed by coronary angiography. The nitric oxide end products (NOx), NO2- plus NO3- ions in platelet membranes, were determined using a spectrophotometric method based on the Griess reaction. The turnover of phospholipids was evaluated by incorporation of [3H]AA into platelet membrane phospholipids. Results: A significantly smaller amount of NOx ions was in the platelet membrane of groups A (40 ± 8 μmol/l) and B (29 ± 10 μmol/l) than C (57 ± 6 μmol/l), p < 0.001. Conversely a significantly greater amount of [3H]AA was incorporated into platelet phospholipids of group B patients (5,123 ± 1,637 dpm/mg) than groups A (3,159 ± 1,253 dpm/mg; p < 0.002) and C (1,621 ± 417 dpm/mg). An inverse correlation between [3H]AA incorporation and NOx levels was established: r = -0.76 (p < 0.05, n = 36) in CAD patients. Conclusions: Diabetes in CAD patients decreased the ability to produce platelet-derived NO and affects AA metabolism. This may result in higher platelet sensitivity to aggregating stimuli.Item Relation of endothelial dysfunction and adipokines levels to insulin resistance in metabolic syndrome patients(2009) Tretjakovs, Peteris; Jurka, Antra; Bormane, Inga; Miķelsone, Indra; Reihmane, Dace; Balode, Liga; Jaunalksne, Inta; Mackevičs, Vitolds; Stuķena, Inga; Bahs, Guntis; Lejnieks, Aivars; Aivars, Juris; Pirags, Valdis; Rīga Stradiņš UniversityObese metabolic syndrome (MS) patients were categorised into three groups: 44 with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM)(D); 20 with T2DM and coronary artery disease (CAD) (DC), and 26 with MS alone (M). Eighteen healthy subjects were selected as controls (C). Insulin resistance (IR) was assessed by HOMA-IR. Adiponectin, tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), and interleukin-8 (IL-8) concentrations were measured by xMAP technology. Endothelin-1 (ET-1) was determined by ELISA. We used laser Doppler imaging for evaluating cutaneous endothelium-dependent vasodilatation in the hand. D and DC groups had significantly elevated IR compared with M or C group (P < 0.01). TNF-α, IL-6, IL-8, MCP-1 and ET-1 levels in DC were significantly elevated compared with other groups (P < 0.001). IL-6, IL-8, MCP-1 and ET-1 in D group were higher than those in C group (P < 0.05). TNF-α, IL-6, IL-8, MCP-1 and ET-1 concentrations were correlated with HOMA-IR indexes and adiponectin levels. All patients had lower adiponectin concentrations than controls (P < 0.001), but there were no differences between the patient groups. Only D and DC groups demonstrated a significant and similar decrease in LDI-Ach marker compared to C group (P < 0.001). LDI-Ach values were significantly correlated with HOMA-IR indexes and adiponectin levels (P < 0.001). Our findings show that obese MS patients have significantly increased HOMA-IR, TNF-α, IL-6, MCP-1 and IL-8 levels, decreased adiponectin concentration, and endothelial dysfunction, but the presence of T2DM and CAD in these patients is associated with more pronounced endothelial dysfunction and increased production of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines.Item The relationship between maximal exercise-induced increases in serum IL-6, MPO and MMP-9 concentrations(2012-08) Reihmane, Dace; Jurka, Antra; Tretjakovs, PēterisThe aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that exercise would induce inflammatory response characterized by increased pro-inflammatory cytokines - interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), adhesion molecule, matrix metalloprotease-9 (MMP-9) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) levels. Additional aim was to elucidate the possible source of maximal exercise-induced increase in MMP-9 concentration. To examine our hypothesis, 26 professional male ice hockey players [age 25±1 (mean±SEM) years; BMI 25.8± 0.4kg/m 2] performed an incremental bicycle test until exhaustion, when maximal oxygen consumption was recorded. Venous blood samples were collected 30min before and 2min after exercise. There was an increase in the count of leucocytes (8.7±1.8 versus 5.7±1.3×10 9 cells per l) and IL-6 (1.24±0.17 versus 0.69±0.13pg/ml), MPO (72±7 versus 50±4ng/ml) and MPP-9 (139±9 versus 110±6ng/ml) concentrations (P<0.05) comparing post- and pre-exercise levels. Maximal exercise-induced increase in MPO correlated with the increases in IL-6 (P<0.05, R=0.54) and MMP-9 (P<0.01, R=0.62) concentrations. Furthermore, increase in IL-6 correlated with the increase in MMP-9 concentrations (P<0.05, R=0.60). Maximal exercise induces an inflammatory response characterized by leucocytosis and increased IL-6, MPO and MMP-9 concentrations. Correlations between increased MPO (marker of neutrophils degranulation) and both increased IL-6 and MMP-9 concentrations may suggest that neutrophils could be the main source of these inflammatory biomarkers during maximal exercise. Furthermore, correlation between increases in serum IL-6 and MMP-9 concentrations may suggest that IL-6 could exert modulatory effects on MMP-9 release during maximal exercise.Item Role of serum cytokines in acute appendicitis and acute mesenteric lymphadenitis among children(2016) Zviedre, Astra; Engelis, Arnis; Tretjakovs, Peteris; Jurka, Antra; Zile, Irisa; Petersons, Aigars; Department of Paediatric Surgery; Department of Human Physiology and Biochemistry; Department of Public Health and EpidemiologyBackground and objective The diagnostic role of serum cytokines depends on the etiology and pathogenesis of acute appendicitis (AA) and acute mesenteric lymphadenitis (AML). The aim of this study was to evaluate differences in cytokine levels between AA and AML. Materials and methods Data of 7- to 18-year-old children were collected prospectively from October 2010 to October 2013. There were 31 patients with AA (AA group), 26 with AML (AML group), and 17 with elective non-inflammatory surgical disease (control group). Serum levels of IL-10, IL-12(p70), IL-1β, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-17, MCP-1, EGF, TNF-α and white blood count (WBC) were measured three times consecutively in each group. Results The level of IL-6 and IL-10 was significantly higher in the AA group than the AML group at the first measurement (8 pg/mL vs. 3.2 pg/mL, P = 0.000; 6.1 pg/mL vs. 3.2 pg/mL, P = 0.005, respectively). There was a significant difference observed in time dynamics of concentration of IL-6 and MCP-1 for AA and AML. The area under the curve (AUC) was 0.77 (95% CI 0.64–0.89; P = 0.001) for IL-6 with a cut-off value of 4.3 pg/mL (67.7% sensitivity and 76.9% specificity) for AA 1 h before surgery. The AUC for WBC was 0.72 (95% CI 0.58.4–0.85; P = 0.005) with a cut-off value of 10.7 × 103/μL (sensitivity 71.0% and specificity 46.2%). Conclusions Serum IL-6 with a cut-off value of 4.3 pg/mL and WBC with a cut-off value of 10.7 × 103/μL assessed together will yield more sensitivity for AA.