Chitinase-3-like 1 protein (YKL-40) is a glycoprotein primarily produced in the arthritic joint and plays a crucial role in inflammatory processes. The aim of the study is to establish the role of YKL-40 as a biomarker for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) compared to proinflammatory biomarkers and disease activity. The study included 58 patients and 18 control. Diseases activity score (DAS-28) and clinical disease activity index (CDAI) were measured. Serum level of YKL-40, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1B (IL-1β), erythrocyte sedimentation (ESR), rheumatoid factor (RF), C-reactive protein (CRP), and anti-citrullinated protein antibody (ACPA) were assessed. The results showed that the median serum YKL-40 level which was 5.42 ng/ml, the TNF-a level which was 123.6 ng/ml, and the IL-1B level which was 204.365 pg/dl were significantly higher in patients compared to control 3.28 (1.58–4.99) ng/ml, 56.47 (9.38–77.01) ng/ml and 67.887 (15.493–122.689)pg/dl respectively. There was no correlation between serum YKL-40 and disease activity, while there were significant associations observed with TNF-α (r=0.5,p =0.0001) and IL-1β (r=0.41, p=0.001). YKL-40 indicating good levels of RA prediction at 2.47 ng/ml, sensitivity 87.9%, specificity 58.6%, accuracy 78.1%, PPV 80.9%, and NPV 70.8%. In conclusion, a higher level of serum YKL-40 is found in RA patients. The findings from our study suggest a strong association between YKL-40 and the proinflammatory biomarkers. As a result, these biomarkers together might play a role in RA pathogenesis, and YKL-40 may be used as a potential diagnostic biomarker for RA.
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common degenerative joint disorder that ultimately results in the progressive destruction of articular cartilage. The occurrence of knee osteoarthritis (OA) increases with obesity and is more common in women compared with men. Thirty patients (20 females, 10 males) clinically diagnosed with knee OA admitted to Baghdad teaching hospital between January 2015-June 2015. Patients between 35-70 year of age and 30 healthy subject (20 females, 10 males) ages matched. The results showed that increased body mass index (BMI) is a well-recognized risk factor for knee osteoarthritis, and the effect of obesity is a stronger predictor of developing knee OA symptoms in women than men. There was also a significant diffe
... Show MoreEuropean Chemical Bulletin (ISSN 2063-5346) is a peer-reviewed journal that publishes original research papers, short communications, and review articles in all areas of chemistry. European Chemical Bulletin has eight sections, namely
the reality of small and medium enterprises analysis reflects weaknesses plaguing these enterprises and strengths that are characterized by, and thus the formulation of appropriate solutions to the obstacles faced by these enterprises to enhance its contribution to the achievement of economic and social development. Iraqi small and medium enterprises suffer from several obstacles stand in front of development and support their competitiveness, the finance one of the main obstacles which impede growth and development of these enterprises, noting the banking system in Iraq reluctance to lend to small and medium-sized enterprises, as a result of the high cost of lending these enterprises compared to large projects, as well as
... Show MoreThis study has taken into consideration two vital variables (leadership, leadership styles and intellectual capital). The research aim through the relations between the leadership styles and intellectual capital, to building conceptual frame for the variables of study and exploring the nature of correlation relations between these variables and their effects in enhancing intellectual capital.
The research was conducted at the Ministry of foreign in Iraq, and included a sample of leaders and subordinates amounted to (186), has been using the questionnaire as a key tool to collect data on the sample.
For the dealing with
... Show MoreA vital instrument to foster the long-term goal of high-quality education has developed in the form of digital technologies. The educational system has been found to be significantly impacted by these technologies. The recent COVID- Pandemic has strengthened the legitimacy of using digital tools in education. The entire educational system has undergone a paradigm shift as a result of these digital technologies. Along with sharing knowledge, it also serves as a mentor, an assessor, and a co-creator of information. Students' lives have been simpler as a result of educational technology advancements. Nowadays, students prepare presentations and projects utilizing a variety of software and tools rather than pen and paper. The weig
... Show MorePrevious data indicated the effectiveness of silibinin as intraocular pressure (IOP) - lowering agent. The present study was performed to evaluate the interaction of silibinin with pilocarpine or cyclopentolate in lowering IOP in normotensive rabbits. The effects of topically instilled silibinin hemisuccinate solution (0.75%) alone or adjunctly combined with 2% pilocarpine or 1% cyclopentolate on the IOP of normotensive rabbits were evaluated using indentation tonometry. The results showed that 0.75% solution of silibinin was found more potent than pilocarpine (2% drops) in lowering IOP of normotensive rabbits, while their combination results in longer duration of action. Moreover, the elevated IOP values produced by cyclopentolate (1%drops
... Show MorePrevious data indicated the effectiveness of silibinin as intraocular pressure (IOP) - lowering agent. The present study was performed to evaluate the interaction of silibinin with pilocarpine or cyclopentolate in lowering IOP in normotensive rabbits. The effects of topically instilled silibinin hemisuccinate solution (0.75%) alone or adjunctly combined with 2% pilocarpine or 1% cyclopentolate on the IOP of normotensive rabbits were evaluated using indentation tonometry. The results showed that 0.75% solution of silibinin was found more potent than pilocarpine (2% drops) in lowering IOP of normotensive rabbits, while their combination results in longer duration of action. Moreover, the elevated IOP values produced by cyclopentolate
... Show MoreBackground: The protective roles of vitamin C and total proteins in gingival inflammation were reported by several studies. The aim of this study was to measure the concentration of salivary vitamin C, total protein and their relation to gingival health among dental students. Materials and methods: The sample consisted of 67 dental students (33 males and 34 females) from College of Dentistry, University of Baghdad. Sillness and Löe (1964) was used for recording of dental plaque, while the gingival index (GI) was measured according to Löe and Sillness criteria (1963). Stimulated salivary samples were collected and chemically analyzed in Poisoning Center/Surgical Specialty Hospital by using colorimetric method to measure the salivary v
... Show MoreBackground: Pregnancy is a physiological condition that affects the general and oral health.It is also associated with an increase in oxidative stress, which may presispose to oral diseases including dental caries. Aim of the study: This study aimed to measure salivary protein carbonyl, glutathione peroxidase and selenium levels of women who are pregnant and their association with dental caries in comparison to non-pregnant women, and to find out the mostly affected biomarker of oxidative stress during pregnancy. Subjects, materials and methods: A cross-sectional research was performed for a samples of 30 pregnant and 30 non-pregnant women who were chosen from city of Baghdad's Primary Healthcare Centers. Both groups aged 25-30 years. In
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