Introduction: Tumor necrosis factor (TNF), a pro-inflammatory cytokine, can be produced by cardiomyocytes, leading to metabolic disorders in the myocardium. The objective of this study was to assess the relationship between plasma levels of the TNF cytokine and the presence of known biochemical and clinical risk factors for cardiovascular disease, along with the parameters of cardiac morphology in patients diagnosed with coronary artery disease (CAD) at a young age. Materials and Methods: The study group included 75 men aged up to 50 years and 25 women aged up to 55 years. The plasma TNF concentration was measured by use of the ELISA assay. Echocardiography and electrocardiographic examinations were performed in all patients. Results: We observed positive correlations for TNF with the BMI ratio, weight, waist and hip circumference. We also found negative correlations for TNF with HDL levels and ApoA concentrations, and positive correlations with the ApoB/ApoA1 ratio, Apo B, IL6, LDL and TG concentrations. These results suggest an association between higher plasma TNF concentrations and components of metabolic syndrome, including dyslipidemia. TNF may be a potential risk factor for impaired diastolic function. Conclusions: While TNF may be useful for diagnosing certain risks in CAD patients, the TNF measurement cannot be used as a surrogate test for echocardiography.

Introduction: In hemodialysis patients, Body Mass Index is insufficient in assessing their nutritional status due to the ‘obesity paradox’ and the impact of body composition on inflammation. The aim of the study was to assess the relationship between body composition, traditional inflammatory markers, and the new NETosis indicators (neutrophil extracellular traps), as well as to determine their impact on 12-month mortality. Methods: The study included 99 patients with end-stage renal disease. Their body composition was assessed using bioelectrical impedance analysis (Seca mBCA 525). Blood serum was tested for inflammatory markers (hs-CRP, IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1B), NETosis markers (citrullinated histone H3, MPO, elastase), and nutritional status parameters (albumin, transferrin). Results: No correlation between BMI and inflammation was demonstrated. Higher contents of the adipose tissue, particularly visceral, were significantly associated with increased levels of IL-6 and hs-CRP, while muscle mass was negatively correlated with inflammation. The use of dialysis catheters stimulated NETosis (higher CH3 levels), which had a negative effect on albumin concentrations. Low albumin levels and high TNF-α levels were independent predictors of death. Conclusions: It is body composition, and not BMI, that determines the severity of inflammation. Visceral obesity promotes inflammation, while muscle mass has a protective effect. Dialysis catheters, by stimulating NETosis, contribute to a decrease in albumin levels and a poorer prognosis.

Folate receptor alpha (FRα) plays a key role in folate homeostasis. Folate is involved, among other processes, in nucleotide biosynthesis, and the marked difference between FRα expression in certain cancers and under physiological conditions gives this receptor potential as a cancer biomarker. However, the current state of knowledge points to a specific role for this marker and defines its potential place in cancer diagnosis and treatment. This review aims to critically evaluate the available evidence regarding the clinical utility of FRα. Analysis of the literature indicates that despite differences in expression, the sensitivity and specificity of FRα are insufficient for its use as a standalone diagnostic marker. In contrast, its potential as a prognostic marker is strongly dependent on cancer type. The strongest evidence of clinical utility concerns membranous FRα protein expression assessed by a validated immunohistochemical companion diagnostic assay for selecting patients with platinum-resistant ovarian cancer for mirvetuximab soravtansine treatment. In contrast, the predictive relevance of FRα for other targeted therapeutic strategies remains under investigation. Overall, FRα should be regarded as a clinically actionable biomarker in a defined therapeutic setting and as a promising, but not universally validated, diagnostic, prognostic, and predictive candidate in other oncological applications.

In hemodialysis patients, Body Mass Index is insufficient in assessing their nutritional status due to the ‘obesity paradox’ and the association between body composition and inflammation. This study assessed the relationship between body composition, traditional inflammatory markers, the new NETosis indicators (neutrophil extracellular traps), and their association with 12-month mortality. The study included 99 maintenance hemodialysis (HD) patients. Their body composition was assessed using bioelectrical impedance analysis. Blood serum was tested for inflammatory markers (hs-CRP-high sensitive c-reactive protein, IL-6 interleukin-6, TNF-α tumor necrosis factor alfa, IL-1β interleukin-1 beta), NETosis markers (citrullinated histone CH3, myeloperoxidase -MPO, elastase), and nutritional status parameters (albumin, transferrin). No correlation between BMI -body mas index and inflammation was demonstrated. Higher adipose tissue, particularly visceral, was significantly positively correlated with IL-6 and hs-CRP levels, while muscle mass was negatively correlated with inflammation. Dialysis catheter use was associated with higher CH3 levels (NETosis indicator) and lower albumin concentrations. Low albumin levels and high TNF-α levels were independent predictors of death. Body composition, rather than BMI, is associated with the severity of inflammation. Visceral obesity is positively correlated with increased inflammation, while muscle mass shows an inverse association. Dialysis catheters are linked to higher NETosis markers and lower albumin levels, which are associated with a poorer prognosis.