Galectin-3 in Blood Serum and Lymphocytes as a Marker of Myocardial Damage in Patients with Arterial Hypertension and COVID-19

Background: The constant increase of arterial hypertension and the development of pathology at an earlier age are global healthcare problems that cause damage to vital organs and worsen patient prognosis. In recent years, studies have shown that galectin-3 plays a role in the development and progression of arterial hypertension and coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

Objective: The explanatory research study aimed to analyze the prognostic value of galectin-3 determination in the serum blood and lymphocytes of patients with arterial hypertension and coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

Methods: The patients were divided into two groups: Group 1 consisted of 36 individuals with AH, Group 2 included 35 patients with arterial hypertension and polysegmental COVID-19 pneumonia, and 16 practically healthy individuals were included in the control group. All patients underwent anthropometry, biochemical blood analysis, determination of galectin-3, level in serum and lymphocytes, IL-1β, IL-6, and echocardiography.

Results: The highest level of galectin-3 was found in patients of Group 1, while in patients of Group 2, the concentration of galectin-3 was significantly decreased, mostly due to the treatment of COVID-19, in addition to prolonged antihypertensive therapy.

Conclusion: The level of galectin-3 in serum and lymphocytes was significantly higher in patients of both groups compared to the control group (p<0.05). Arterial hypertension causes structural changes in the cardiovascular system that are associated with elevated levels of galectin-3 in serum and lymphocytes. It can be used as a marker of myocardial damage in the context of arterial hypertension and COVID-19.


Докладніше

Food Hypersensitivity in Children Aged 0–3 Years of the Lviv Region in Ukraine: A Cross-Sectional Study

Aim: To determine the prevalence and to estimate factors associated with food hypersensitivity in young children of the Lviv region in Ukraine.
Methods: A prospective cross-sectional survey study was conducted between 2016 and 2017 in the Lviv region of Ukraine. A specially designed questionnaire about food hypersensitivity of young children developed and validated by M. J. Flokstra-de Blok was used after translation into the Ukrainian language. The questionnaire included 34 questions, grouped into general and detailed information. Parents of children aged 0–3 years were asked to complete the questionnaire at pre-schools and medical institutions.
Results: Among 4,500 distributed questionnaires, 3,214 (71%) were completed and processed. Parents reported that 25% of their young children had food hypersensitivity. According to the survey the most common agents involved in food hypersensitivity in young children were cow’s milk (34%), egg (28%), and wheat (24%). Hypersensitivity to milk occurred in 50% of children in the age group of 1–2 years. Regional differences associated with food hypersensitivity were also found. Namely, in the Carpathians, there was more hypersensitivity to fish (27%) and honey (22%) than in other regions, while
hypersensitivity to soy was detected mostly in Lviv City residents (8.5%). Unknown causes of food hypersensitivity were highly reported (34%) in the Carpathians.
Conclusion: Prevalence and some distinctiveness of food hypersensitivity revealed in four geographic and climate zones as well as in Lviv City have a considerable practical use for formulation of recommendations for children with food hypersensitivity.

Докладніше