0001), and lipid hydroperoxides (LOOH) (P < 0.001) and lower levels of HDL-c, total cholesterol, and non-HDL-c (P < 0.001, <0.01, <0.05, respectively) were found in the S-LDL group compared to the L-LDL group. There were significant relationships between the LDL/ApoB ratio and the AIP, TG (both P < 0.0001), LOOH (P < 0.0005), and HDL-c levels (P < 0.05) in the S-LDL group.

The prevalence of S-LDL particles (65%) and the close association of LDL/ApoB with the AIP suggest that this ratio may be a potential indicator of increased cardiovascular risk in patients with type 2 diabetes.

The prevalence of S-LDL particles (65%) and the close association of LDL/ApoB with the AIP suggest that this ratio may be a potential indicator of increased cardiovascular risk in patients with type 2 diabetes.The presence of iron in circulating monocytes is well known as they play an essential role in iron recycling. It has been demonstrated that the iron content of blood cells can be measured through their magnetic behavior; however, the magnetic properties of different monocyte subtypes remain unknown. In this study we report, for the first time, the magnetic behavior of classical, intermediate and non-classical monocytes, which may be related to their iron storage capacity. The magnetic properties of monocytes were compared with those of other blood cells, such as lymphocytes and red blood cells in the oxyhemoglobin and methemoglobin states, and a cancer cell type. For this analysis, we used an instrument referred to as a Cell Tracking Velocimetry (CTV), which quantitatively characterizes the magnetic behavior of biological entities. Our results revealed that significant fractions of the intermediate and non-classical monocytes (up to 59% and 65% depending on the sample, respectively) have paramagnetic properties, suggesting their higher iron storage capacities. Moreover, our findings have implications for the immunomagnetic separation industry; we propose that negative magnetic isolation techniques for recovering monocytes from blood should be used with caution, as it is possible to lose magnetic monocytes when using this technique.The global environmental pollution by micro- and macro-plastics reveals the consequences of an extensive use of recalcitrant plastic products together with inappropriate waste management practices that fail to sufficiently recycle the broad types of conventional plastic waste. Biobased and biodegradable plastics are experiencing an uprising as their properties offer alternative waste management solutions for a more circular material economy. However, although the production of such bioplastics has advanced on scale, the end-of-life (EOL) (bio)technologies to promote circularity are lacking behind. While composting and biogas plants are the only managed EOL options today, advanced biotechnological recycling technologies for biodegradable bioplastics are still in an embryonic stage. Thus, developing efficient biotechnologies capable of transforming bioplastic waste into high-value chemical building blocks or into the constituents of the original polymer offers promising routes towards life-cycle-engineered products. This review aims at providing a comprehensive state-of-the-art overview of microbial-based processes involved in the complete lifecycle of bioplastics. The current trends in the bioplastic market, the beginning and EOL scenarios of bioplastics, and a critical discussion on the key factors and mechanisms governing microbial degradation are systematically presented. Also, a critical evaluation of terminology and international standards to quantify polymer biodegradability is provided together with the latest biotechnological recycling strategies, including the use of different pre-treatments for (bio)plastic waste. Finally, the challenges and future perspectives for the development of life-cycle-engineered biobased and biodegradable plastic products are discussed.Neurosteroids, steroid hormones synthesized locally in the nervous system, have important neuromodulatory and neuroprotective effects in the central nervous system. Progress in neurosteroid research has led to the successful translation of allopregnanolone into an approved therapy for postpartum depression. However, there is insufficient evidence to support the assumption that steroidogenesis is exactly the same between the nervous system and the periphery. This review focuses on CYP11A1, the only enzyme currently known to catalyze the first reaction in steroidogenesis to produce pregnenolone, the precursor to all other steroids. Although CYP11A1 mRNA has been found in brain of many mammals, the presence of CYP11A1 protein has been difficult to detect, particularly in humans. LαPhosphatidylcholine Here, we highlight the discrepancies in the current evidence for CYP11A1 in the central nervous system and propose new directions for understanding neurosteroidogenesis, which will be crucial for developing neurosteroid-based therapies for the future.

Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT) is considered the predominant cause of hypothyroidism in iodine sufficient countries. The deficiency of 25-OH-vitamin D3 serum level and the variation of vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene were implicated in a number of autoimmune disorders. This study aimed to test the hypothesis linking between VDR FokI and BsmI variants and HT, in addition to explain their impact on 25-OH-vitamin D3 serum level.

Cross sectional study included 160 hypothyroid subjects, 112 patients with HT and 48 hypothyroid non-HT controls. They were diagnosed based on anti-TPO Ab and or anti-TG Ab results. All cases were subjected to full history taking, thyroid ultrasound examination and a panel of assays (TSH, f.T3, f.T4, anti-TPO Ab, anti-TG Ab, calcium, alkaline phosphatase and phosphate). Serum 25-OH-vitamin D3 was assayed using HPLC-UV method. VDR variants (FokI and BsmI) were genotyped using real-time PCR.

FokI AA genotype was statistically higher in HT patients than control group (P value = 0.02) with subsequently higher serum 25-OH-vitamin D3 level in comparison to all other genotypes (P value = 0.039). Serum 25-OH-vitamin D3 level was statistically indifferent between HT and control group (P value = 0.223). A statistically significant increase in total thyroid volume was observed in HT group (P value = 0.002).

FokI AA genotype is more associated with HT in Egyptian patients compared to hypothyroid non-HT controls. Moreover, patients with FokI AA genotype have statistically higher levels of 25-OH-vitamin D3 suggesting VDR dysfunction even in patients expressing normal level of vitamin D.

FokI AA genotype is more associated with HT in Egyptian patients compared to hypothyroid non-HT controls. Moreover, patients with FokI AA genotype have statistically higher levels of 25-OH-vitamin D3 suggesting VDR dysfunction even in patients expressing normal level of vitamin D.