Journal of Medical Biochemistry

The Diagnostic Value of MicroRNA-499 in Acute Myocardial Infarction: A systematic review and meta-analysis

2025-03-25T14:49:04+01:00

Background: The objective of this study was to assess the diagnostic efficacy of MicroRNA-499 in cases of acute myocardial infarction.

Methods: On May 6, 2023, four electronic databases PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library were searched with no time restriction. Quality assessment was conducted using QUADAS-2. Random-effects meta-analysis was employed to combine sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio (PLR), negative likelihood ratio (NLR), and diagnostic odds ratio (DOR). The evaluation of publication bias was conducted through the utilization of Deeks' asymmetry test on the funnel plot.

Results: The studies that were included in the analysis, encompassing sample sizes ranging from 63 to 1155, exhibited a pooled sensitivity of 0.88 and a specificity of 0.97. The pooled positive likelihood ratio (PLR) was determined to be 29.78, while the negative likelihood ratio (NLR) was found to be 0.13. Furthermore, the pooled diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) was calculated to be 236.10. The area under the curve (AUC) was reported as 0.98.

Conclusions: MicroRNA-499 exhibits high sensitivity and specificity for diagnosing Acute Myocardial Infarction, indicating its potential as a valuable diagnostic biomarker.

Expressions of SHOX2, RASSF1A and PTGER4, and the relationship between their methylation and clinicopathological characteristics in patients with lung cancer

2025-03-25T14:49:04+01:00

Background: To explore the expressions of short stature homobox2 (SHOX2), Ras-association domain family 1A (RASSF1A) and prostaglandin E receptor 4 (PTGER4), and the relationship between their methylation and clinicopathological characteristics in patients with lung cancer (LC).

Methods: The surgical specimens of cancer tissues and para-carcinoma tissues were collected from 50 patients with LC in the Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University of Engineering between January and November 2023. The expressions of SHOX, RASSF1A and PTGER4 proteins in cancer tissues and para-carcinoma tissues were detected by immunohistochemistry, and methylation status of SHOX, RASSF1A and PTGER4 genes in peripheral venous blood was detected by sulfite-modified real-time fluorescence quantification. The positive expression rates of SHOX2, RASSF1A and PTGER4, and positive rates of SHOX2, RASSF1A and PTGER4 genes methylation in cancer tissues and para-carcinoma tissues were compared. The relationship between SHOX2, RASSF1A, PTGER4 methylation and clinicopathological characteristics in LC patients was compared by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR.

Results: The positive expression rates of SHOX2, RASSF1A and PTGER4 in cancer tissues were 44.0%, 54.00% and 50.00%, significantly lower than those in para-carcinoma tissues (90.00%, 96.00%, 82.00%, P<0.05). The methylation positive rates of SHOX2, RASSF1A and PTGER4 genes in cancer tissues were 48.00%, 32.00% and 64.00%, significantly higher than those in para-carcinoma tissues (16.00%, 4.0%, 14.00%, P<0.05). In terms of different pathological types and TNM staging, methylation positive rates of SHOX2 and RASSF1A genes were the highest in patients with adenocarcinoma and TNM staging at stage IV. In terms of different pathological types, methylation positive rate of PTGER4 gene was the highest in patients with TNM staging at stage IV (P<0.05).

Conclusion: The low expressions and high methylation of SHOX2, RASSF1A and PTGER4 are common in LC patients. The methylation positive rates of SHOX2 and RASSF1A genes are related to pathological types and TNM staging, and methylation positive rate of PTGER4 gene is only related to pathological types.

Effect of glycemic gap on prognosis and complications in vulnerable period of acute heart failure

2025-03-25T14:49:04+01:00

Background: To investigate the effect of glycemic gap on the prognosis and complications of heart failure in patients with acute heart failure.

Methods: 100 patients with acute heart failure treated in our hospital from January 2022 to August 2023 were divided into two groups according to the prognosis: good prognosis group (n = 58) and poor prognosis group (n = 42). Univariate analysis of the prognostic factors of acute heart failure patients in vulnerable period, multivariate Logistics regression analysis of the prognostic factors of acute heart failure patients. ROC analysis of the value of glycemic gap in predicting the prognosis of patients with acute heart failure in the vulnerable period of heart failure, and compare the occurrence of complications between the two groups. Including: arrhythmia, angina pectoris, cardiogenic shock, thrombosis.

Results: There was no significant difference in age, sex, history of hypertension, BMI, TG, history of diabetes and serum potassium between the two groups. The glycemic gap, BNP, Ang II, cTnI and SCR in the good prognosis group were lower than those in the poor prognosis group, while LVEF and hemoglobin were higher than those in the poor prognosis group. Binary Logistics regression analysis showed that. Glycemic gap, BNP, Ang II, cTnI, SCR, LVEF and hemoglobin were independent prognostic factors in patients with acute heart failure. The area under the glycemic gap value curve was determined to be 0.8071. The sensitivity of the assessment was 72.8, while the specificity was 70.5, . The incidence of complications in the good prognosis group (1.72%) was significantly lower than that in the poor prognosis group (16.67%).

Conclusions: Glycemic gap is related to the prognosis and complications of heart failure in patients with acute heart failure. Hyperglycemia gap will affect the prognosis of heart failure in patients with acute heart failure, resulting in poor prognosis and increasing the incidence of complications.

Shear wave elastography to evaluate the effect of serum uric acid levels on carotid artery elasticity in patients with high-normal blood pressure

2025-04-03T16:14:07+02:00

Background: Populations with normal high blood pressure often already have elevated blood uric acid levels and a higher chance of developing atherosclerosis, which accelerates the process of cardiovascular disease. The risk of atherosclerosis increases with thickening of the carotid artery intima-media, and changes in carotid artery elasticity precede intima-media changes, so early monitoring of carotid artery elasticity is of great significance in the prevention of cardiovascular disease. Using shear wave elastography (SWE) to evaluate the effect of serum uric acid (SUA) levels on carotid artery elasticity in patients with high-normal blood pressure (BP).

Methods: One hundred and fifteen patients with high-normal BP were selected, and then divided into tertiles according to the SUA levels. The left carotid intima-media thickness (IMT), peak systolic velocity (PSV) and diameter of common carotid artery were measured by two-dimensional ultrasound and Doppler flow imaging. Longitudinal elasticity of the left anterior carotid wall was measured by SWE, including the mean values of the minimum elastic modulus (MEmin), maximum elastic modulus (MEmax) and mean elastic modulus (MEmean).

Results: IMT, MEmean, MEmin and MEmax were obviously higher in the 3rd tertile (all P < 0.05), while there were no obviously different between the 1st tertile and 2nd tertile. Pearson correlation analysis showed positive correlations between SUA and SWE-related parameters, while there was no correlation with IMT. Multiple linear regression analysis found that age, systolic BP, and SUA levels were independently associated with SWE-related parameters.

Conclusion: SWE will be more helpful than IMT in monitoring the effect of blood uric acid levels on carotid artery elasticity in patients with high-normal BP.

. Predictive Value of Pre-delivery Serum β-human Chorionic Gonadotropin, Fibrinogen, and Homocysteine for Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy

2025-03-25T14:49:05+01:00

Introduction: it was to investigate the relationship between pre-delivery serumβ-human chorionic gonadotropin (β-HCG), fibrinogen (FIB), and homocysteine (HCY) with hypertensive disorder complicating pregnancy (HDCP). Materials and Methods: 200 HDCP patients and 150 normal pregnant women were selected as study subjects. Fasting cubital venous blood samples were collected to measure serum triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL), as well as β-HCG, FIB, and HCY levels. Pearson correlation analysis examined relationship between β-HCG, FIB, HCY, and HDCP. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis evaluated the predictive value of these indicators for HDCP. Multiple logistic regression analysis identified risk factors (RFs) for HDCP.Results: serum TG, TC, HDL, LDL, FIB,β-HCG, and HCY were greatly elevated in the HDCP group versus control group (CG) (P<0.05). Serumβ-HCG, FIB, and HCY showed notable positive correlations with HDCP (r = 0.935, 0.547, 0.811; P<0.05), and the areas under the ROC curve (AUC) for predicting HDCP based on serum β-HCG, FIB, HCY, and their combination were 0.743, 0.659, 0.801, and 0.886, respectively (P<0.05). Lipid indicators and serum levels of FIB, β-HCG, and HCY were RFs for HDCP.Conclusion:pregnant women with HDCP exhibited markedly elevated serum lipid levels and FIB, β-HCG, and HCY levels before delivery, which can serve as predictive indicators for HDCP.

. Adoption Value of serum Hematological Inflammatory Markers in Early Diagnosis of Necrotizing Enterocolitis

2025-03-27T08:56:44+01:00

Introduction: early diagnosis and intervention of neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) are crucial for improving prognosis. It was to assess the diagnostic and staging value of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), white blood cell count (WBC), and interleukin (IL)-6 levels in NEC, and to explore their correlation with disease severity. Materials and Methods: this retrospective study analyzed clinical data from 43 NEC patients in the neonatology department of Northwest Women and Children’s Hospital, designated as the experimental group (EG), and concurrently selected 38 healthy newborns as the control group (CG). Serum hs-CRP, WBC, and IL-6 were measured in both groups. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS 27.0. Results: hs-CRP, WBC, and IL-6 in NEC patients greatly surpassed those in healthy newborns, and these markers were notably positively correlated with NEC staging (r=0.756, 0.234, 0.901, P<0.05). Combined detection of hs-CRP, WBC, and IL-6 in early NEC diagnosis yielded an AUC of 0.988, with a sensitivity of 93.02% and specificity of 97.37%, all superior to individual detections (P<0.05). Conclusion: hs-CRP, WBC, and IL-6 have important value in diagnosis and assessment of NEC, particularly the combined detection which greatly improves early diagnostic accuracy. Future research should further investigate additional inflammatory markers to optimize diagnostic methods, providing a more comprehensive scientific basis for early clinical intervention and treatment.

Gender differences in correlation of biochemical parameters with the severity of COVID pneumonia and the need for oxygen/mechanical support

2025-03-25T14:49:05+01:00

Background:COVID-19 pandemic had caused a global medical, economic and social problems. High infection rate, heterogenous presentation, lack of previous data and no standardized treatment had led to a need for further analysis, in order to be prepared for any potential new pandemics. We analyzed any possible correlation between gender, laboratory findings and severity of disease with need for oxygen or mechanical ventilation support.

Methods: 100 patients with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 virus infection enrolled. Baseline characteristics that included age, sex, smoking history, BMI, oxygen therapy or mechanical ventilation support need were recorded. Type and severity of radiological finding determined by chest CT scan.

Results: Majority of our patients were over 61 years old (58.6%), male (57.6%), and had severe radiological finding (bilateral pneumonia 29.3%, ARDS 35.4%), with only 20.2% had not required any oxygen supplementation. Regarding gender and laboratory findings, men have shown statistically significant higher values of CRP, lymphocytes, LDH and ferritin (96.4 vs 87.1, p=0.014; 1.17 vs 0.84, p=0.048; 674.8 vs 609.1, p=0.031; 1263 vs 578.4, p=0.001, respectfully). Severe radiological finding had shown positive correlation with the need for HFNC and/or (N)IMV (p=0.021 and p=0.032. respectfully), as well as with higher values of WBC, LDH and ferritin (p=0.042, p=0.035 and p=0.017. respectfully).

Conclusions: There is a difference between presentation of the disease, as well as analyzed laboratory markers between sexes. The difference is most likely multifactorial and should require further research in order to discover other risk and prognostic factors.

Mediation effect of peripheral blood inflammatory factors in the association between severity of nonlactating mastitis and glycemic abnormalities

2025-03-25T14:49:06+01:00

Background: The association between severity of non-lactating mastitis and glycemic abnormalities was analyzed to investigate the mediating role of peripheral inflammatory factor levels in the association.

Methods: A total of 337 cases were included in this study, including 195 cases in the control group and 142 cases in the case group. Multifactorial logistic regression was used to analyze the associations between the severity of NLM and glycemic abnormality and peripheral inflammatory factors, and a mediation model was used to explore the mediating roles of the levels of hs-CRP, WBC, and IL-6 in the associations between the two.

Results: The inflammatory factors IL-6, WBC, and hs-CRP had mediating effects, with effect values of 0.009 (0.003-0.038), 0.006(0.001-0.047), and 0.007(0.001-0.051), and mediating effect percentages of 2.38%, 2.12%, and 2.24%, respectively.

Conclusion: NLM severity and glycemic abnormalities were positively correlated with peripheral inflammatory factors, and peripheral inflammatory factors played a partial mediating role in the association.

. The significance of serum sST2 and cfDNA in children with severe pneumonia complicated by myocardial damage

2025-04-10T19:01:45+02:00

Objective: The paper aimed to explore the significance of serum sST2 and cfDNA to prevent atrial inflammation in children with severe pneumonia complicated by myocardial damage. Methods: 120 children with severe pneumonia complicated by myocardial damage who were treated in the Children's Department of the author's hospital from April 2021 to December 2023 were recruited as research subjects. The children were randomly divided into two groups, one group of 60 children received personalized care intervention based on serum sST2 and cfDNA (personalized care group), and the other group of 60 children received routine care (routine care group). The clinical data of the two groups of patients were compared. The changes in serum sST2 and cfDNA levels of patients were compared before and after care. ELISA kits were used to test atrial inflammation marker levels before and after patient care. The patient's cardiac function was assessed through cardiac ultrasound. the nursing intervention effects of the two groups was compared. The patient satisfaction with nursing care was compared between the two groups. Results: There was no distinction in the general record of the two groups (P>0.05). Before care, there was no distinction in serum sST2 and cfDNA levels between the two groups (P>0.05). After care, the serum sST2 and cfDNA levels in the personalized care group were lower than those in the routine care group (P<0.05). There was no difference in CRP, cTn, 1L-6 and TNF-α between the two groups before nursing (P>0.05). After nursing, the levels of CRP, cTn, 1L-6 and TNF-α in personalized nursing were lower than those in the conventional nursing group (P<0.05). Parameters such as EF and E/A in the personalized care group were higher than those in the routine care group (P<0.05). The LVEDd and LVESd in the personalized care group were smaller than routine care group (P<0.05). The improvement rate of cardiac function, remission rate of atrial inflammation and 6-month re-hospitalization rate in the personalized care group were lower than conventional care group (P<0.05). The very satisfied rate in the personalized care group was higher than routine care group (P<0.05), and the dissatisfaction rate in the personalized care group was lower than routine care group (P<0.05). Conclusion: Personalized nursing intervention based on serum sST2 and cfDNA can significantly improve the cardiac function of children with severe pneumonia complicated by myocardial damage, reduce the levels of atrial inflammation markers, and advance the satisfaction of children and their families. These findings underscore the importance of applying serum sST2 and cfDNA monitoring in clinical care and the significant benefits of personalized care in preventing atrial inflammation, improving heart health, and improving patient quality of life.

. Comparison of Denosumab versus Zoledronic acid on serum bone alkaline phosphatase (BAP), total procollagen type 1 amino-terminal propeptide (TP1NP), bone gamma carboxy-glutamic acid containing proteins (BGP), and β isomer of C-terminal telopeptide of ty

2025-03-25T14:49:06+01:00

Background/aim: To compare the efficacy of Denosumab (DEN) versus Zoledronic acid (ZOL) in treating patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCF) after percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP).

Materials and methods:In this study, 128 OVCF patients who underwent PKP in our hospital from June 2020 to August 2023 were selected and randomized into a DEN group treated with DEN and a ZOL group treated with ZOL. Bone mineral density (BMD), bone metabolism, pain, and lumbar mobility were compared between the two groups before and after treatment, and the anterior vertebral height and local kyphotic angle were measured. Finally, the one-year re-fracture rate and treatment cost were counted.

Results: The two groups showed no notable difference in pain, lumbar mobility, anterior vertebral height, and local kyphotic angle after treatment (P>0.05). BMD was higher in DEN group at 6 and 12 months after treatment, while β isomer of C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (β-CTX) was lower (P<0.05). No statistical inter-group difference was identified in the one-year re-fracture rate (P>0.05), while the total treatment cost was lower in DEN group compared with ZOL group (P<0.05). Conclusions: Both DEN and ZOL is effective in improving the prognosis of OVCF patients after PKP, but DEN can more significantly improve BMD and bone metabolism with higher economic benefits.

. Changes in Serum tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and matrix metallopeptidase-2/9 (MMP-2/9), serum CD3+, CD4+, and CD8+ in patients undergoing thoracoscopic surgery for non-small-cell lung cancer

2025-03-25T14:49:06+01:00

Abstract

Objective: Non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains one of the most common malignancies worldwide, posing a great potential threat to the health and life safety of patients. Methods: One hundred and fifty NSCLC patients admitted to our hospital from September 2022 to September 2023 were selected, inflammatory response, changes in T-lymphocyte subpopulations before and after surgery were detected, and patients' psychological status was investigated. Finally, patients were followed up for 6 months to record the prognostic survival rate. Results: Postoperative inflammatory factors and CD8+ were lower in the research group than in the control group, while CD3, CD4+ and CD4/CD8+ were higher than in the control group (P<0.05). Meanwhile, the psychological status of the research group was better. But there was no difference in prognostic survival between the two groups (P>0.05). Conclusion: Perioperative refinement of care can optimize the surgical process in patients with NSCLC, and the cellular immune function was enhanced.

ACE and chitotriosidase as possible predictive biomarkers for activity of sarcoidosis in correlation with PET/CT findings

2025-03-25T14:49:06+01:00

Sarcoidosis is a granulomatous disease which can afflict virtually any tissue in human body, most commonly the mediastinal lymph nodes and lungs. Pathohistological confirmation is the gold standard in establishing a diagnosis; however, determining the activity of the disease requires multiple clinical, radiographic and laboratory procedures. PET/CT scan is considered the gold standard for determining the presence of active granuloma, but has several significant limitations (radioactive material, cost, overall access to device). ACE and chitotriosidase are biomarkers used for diagnosis of sarcoidosis, and could have a place in determining the activity of the disease, when compared with the results of PET/CT scan. We have compared the levels of ACE and chitotriosidase with the levels of SUVmax values in patients with sarcoidosis. SUVmax and chitotriosidase level were significantly correlated both at the baseline and after the follow-up period, regardless of gender, age, duration of disease and radiography stage, while SUVmax and ACE level were not. Chitotriosidase had also shown a significant predictive ability of the decrease of the activity of sarcoidosis represented as the decrease of SUVmax as the effect of therapy in comparison with ACE. In the absence of ideal biomarker for sarcoidosis (high sensitivity, specificity and stability), chitotriosidase can be used in determining the activity of disease, as it had shown a significant correlation to the gold standard- PET/CT scan.

Comparative analysis of plasma folate, homocysteine and erythrocyte folate levels in pregnant women after folic acid administration during different pregnancies

2025-03-25T14:49:07+01:00

Background: To examine and evaluate the alterations in plasma folate, homocysteine (HCY), and erythrocyte folate (FOA) concentrations among expectant mothers following folic acid supplementation in distinct pregnancies.

Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on clinical data from 416 pregnant women admitted to our hospital between October 2020 and October 2023. These women were selected as the subjects of observation and divided into two groups based on their folic acid intake duration: an observation group (n=210) who consumed folic acid before and during early pregnancy, and continued taking it throughout mid and late pregnancy (≥ 20 days per month), and a control group (n=206) who took folic acid before and during early pregnancy but did not continue taking it in mid and late pregnancy (≥ 20 days per month). The prenatal levels of folate, HCY, and FOA were compared among the different groups of pregnant women. Pearson correlation analysis was used to explore the relationship between changes in folate, HCY, and FOA levels in pregnant women. Moreover, the fasting blood glucose (FBG) and 2-hour postprandial blood glucose (P2BG) levels were compared between the two groups of pregnant women. The incidence of gestational diabetes (GDM), gestational hypertension (HIP), and gestational anemia were also compared. Additionally, comparisons were made regarding the changes in delivery mode, newborn height, weight, head circumference, and chest circumference between the two groups of pregnant women.

Results: The control group exhibited significantly lower levels of plasma folate and FOA compared to the observation group, while the levels of HCY were significantly higher in the control group than in the observation group, with statistically significant differences (P<0.05). Results from Pearson correlation analysis indicated a significant positive correlation between plasma folate and FOA (r=0.116, P<0.05), a significant negative correlation between plasma folate and HCY (r=-0.411, P<0.05), and a significant negative correlation between plasma FOA and HCY (r=-0.286, P<0.05). The levels of FBG and P2BG during pregnancy were found to be significantly lower in the observation group compared to the control group, with statistically significant differences (P<0.05). Furthermore, the incidence of gestational anemia and HIP was significantly lower in the observation group than in the control group, with statistically significant differences (P<0.05). The occurrence of cesarean section was significantly lower in the observation group compared to the control group. The newborns in both groups exhibited normal height, weight, head circumference, and chest circumference. Notably, the newborns in the observation group had significantly higher values for height, weight, head circumference, and chest circumference compared to those in the control group, with statistically significant differences (P<0.05).

Conclusion: By consuming folic acid before and during early pregnancy, and consistently throughout mid and late pregnancy, it is possible to increase the levels of folic acid and FOA in pregnant women's bodies. This, in turn, facilitates rapid foetal development, enhances the nutritional status of newborns, and decreases the likelihood of cesarean section. Additionally, early supplementation of folic acid can effectively reduce the occurrence of pregnancy-related complications, thereby improving the prognosis for both mothers and infants.

Correlations of Gene Polymorphisms of Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 with Onset and Prognosis of Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

2025-03-25T14:49:07+01:00

Background: To investigate the correlations of the gene polymorphisms of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) with the onset and prognosis of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), so as to provide references for the early prevention and precise treatment of HCM in the future.

Methods: In this case-control study, a total of 100 HCM patients (HCM group) and 100 healthy people receiving physical examination who had matched age, gender and race (Control group) were collected. The single nucleotide polymorphisms (rs102312, rs102883 and rs119247) in the promoter region of ACE2 gene were genotyped by means of conformation-difference gel electrophoresis. Whether the distribution frequency of ACE2 genotypes is in agreement with the law of genetic equilibrium was examined using chi-square test. Meanwhile, the correlations of different polymorphisms and alleles in the promoter region of ACE2 gene with the onset and prognosis of HCM were analyzed.

Results: The Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium analysis showed that all the three polymorphisms of ACE2 gene were in agreement with the law of genetic equilibrium (p>0.05). According to the results of genetic association analysis, the polymorphism rs102312 and its alleles in the promoter region of ACE2 gene were correlated with the occurrence of HCM (p<0.05), while the polymorphisms rs102883 and rs119247 as well as their alleles had no associations with the occurrence of HCM (p>0.05). Furthermore, it was found that the cardiac function and prognosis of HCM patients carrying genotype GG of polymorphism rs102312 were poorer than those of patients carrying genotype TT (p<0.05).

Conclusion: The polymorphism rs102312 in the promoter region of ACE2 gene is associated with the onset of HCM in patients, and HCM patients carrying the genotype GG of polymorphism rs102312 have a poorer clinical prognosis.

Serum thioredoxin and lactoferrin in rheumatoid arthritis and their association with rheumatoid factor

2025-03-25T14:49:07+01:00

Background: Thioredoxin (Trx) and lactoferrin (Lf) are multifunctional proteins part of the body anti-oxidant defence and counteract the oxidative tissue damage. The purpose of our study is to investigate Trx and Lf levels in serum of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients and establish the association of these proteins with the rheumatoid factor (RF) and other disease markers.

Methods: The study included 114 patients with RA and 42 healthy subjects. Serum concentrations of Trx, Lf, RF, anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) antibodies, CRP, and IL-6 were determined using commercially available ELISA kits.

Results: Serum thioredoxin levels in RA were significantly higher compared to the control group, 36.4 (29.6-40.2), ng/mL versus 19.0 (16.3-26.8), ng/mL, p < 0.0001. Serum lactoferrin levels were elevated in RA compared to the control group but the difference was not statistically significant, 579.6 (312.8-947.5), ng/mL versus 519.0 (262.5-928.0), ng/mL. We found significant negative correlations of Trx and Lf with rheumatoid factor in RA (r= -0.254, p=0.05 and r= -0.238, p=0.014, respectively). The correlations of thioredoxin and lactoferrin with other disease markers such as anti-CCP antibodies, DAS28, ESR, CRP, and IL-6 were not statistically significant. A strong positive correlation between Trx and Lf was observed in the study group of RA patients (r=0.519, p<0.0001), but not in the control group.

Conclusions: Thioredoxin and lactoferrin were associated with rheumatoid factor, but not with anti-CCP antibodies and systemic disease activity, therefore the two proteins may serve as new biomarkers for assessment of pathological changes and monitoring of disease severity and progression in RA.

. Diagnostic Values of Noradrenaline, procalcitonin (PCT), blood lactic acid for Septic Shock

2025-03-25T14:49:07+01:00

Backgrounds: This research was conducted to investigate the influencing factors for the prognosis among patients with sepsis/septic shock and the assessment values of the dose of noradrenaline for patient prognosis.

Methods :126 patients with sepsis/septic shock were retrospectively selected and enrolled into survival group (stable disease/discharge, n=91 cases) and death group (voluntary discharge and death, n=35 cases). After that, logistic regression analysis was implemented for the analysis of influencing factors for the prognosis and receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) was utilized to assess the prognostic values of noradrenaline. Logistic regression analysis was performed for the analysis of procalcitonin (PCT) expression, the scores for high acute physiology and chronic health evaluatin II (APACHE II) and high sepsis related organ failure assessment (SOFA), and large dose of noradrenaline 37 h to 48 h after treatment.

Results: They were the independent risk factors for death among patients with sepsis/septic shock (P<0.05). Median survival time (MST) was shorter among patients in high-dose group (9.56d) than among patients in low-dose group (20.67d) (P<0.05).

Conclusion: High PCT expression, the scores for high APACHE II and high SOFA, and large dose of noradrenaline 37 h to 48 h after treatment affected the prognosis among patients with sepsis/septic shock. In addition, the dose of noradrenaline could reflect the prognosis.

Hypophosphatemia: Unraveling a Lethal Connection with ICU Mortality in Critically Ill COVID-19 Patients: A Multicenter Observational Study

2025-03-25T14:49:07+01:00

Abstract

Background: Despite a lack of sufficient knowledge about the prevalence and impact of hypophosphatemia in critically ill COVID-19 patients, organ dysfunction, adverse clinical outcomes, and increased mortality have been consistently associated with hypophosphatemia across diverse patient populations.

This retrospective, observational study aimed to investigate hypophosphatemia (HypoP) frequency and establish the correlation between variations in serum phosphorus levels and outcomes in critically ill patients with SARS-CoV-2.

Methods: The research comprised 205 patients diagnosed with COVID-19 confirmed via RT-PCR. The study included COVID-19 patients who experienced respiratory failure and were in intensive care for more than 24 hours, and their phosphorus values were accurately documented. Clinical parameters, comorbidities, respiratory support requirements, and laboratory findings were analysed.

Results: The study participants had a median age of 64 (IQR: 54-75 years), with hypertension being the most prevalent chronic disease (46%). During the first three days of intensive care, 33% of the participants received conventional oxygen support, whereas 54% required intubation and mechanical ventilation (MV). During this period, hypophosphatemia was noted in 25% of patients, with an ICU admission median serum phosphorus level of 1.02 (0.87-1.25) mmol/L. The median duration of stay in the intensive care unit (ICU) was 7 days, significantly extended in patients with hypophosphatemia (p=0.046). Phosphorus levels on the third day of ICU stay were an independent predictor of ICU mortality. (COX, HR= 1.48, 95% CI= 1.11-1.98, p=0.006)

Conclusions: During the first three days of ICU admission, 25% of SARS-CoV-2 critically ill adult patients presented with hypophosphatemia. This condition was found to increase ICU mortality rates and prolong ICU stays. Therefore, it is crucial to monitor serum phosphorus levels in the care of critically ill COVID-19 patients.

Can pretreatment lactate dehydrogenase to albumin ratio predict pathological complete response after neoadjuvant chemotherapy in breast cancer patients?

2025-03-25T14:49:07+01:00

Background: The aim of this study is to evaluate the predictive significance of platelet lymphocyte ratio (PLR), neutrophil lymphocyte ratio (NLR), lymphocyte monocyte ratio (LMR), systemic immune-inflammation (SII), prognostic nutritional index (PNI), The hemoglobin, albumin, lymphocyte, and platelet (HALP) score and lactate dehydrogenase to albumin ratio (LAR) for pCR in breast cancer with neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT).

Methods: A total of 121 patients who received NACT between February 2012 and November 2021 were included. LAR, NLR, PLR, MLR, SII, PNI and HALP were calculated according to formulas. The cut-off value for markers were obtained by Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analyses. Independent predictive factors for pCR were determined using multivariate regression analysis.

Results: The pCR rate was achieved in 31.4% of patients. Median values of NLR, PLR, MLR, SII, PNI and HALP were similar in pCR (+) and pCR (-) (p > 0.05). Median LAR value was significantly higher in pCR (+) than pCR (-) (50.80 vs 42.62, respectively (p=0.002)). The optimal cutoff value of LAR was 46.27. Multivariate analysis showed that LAR ³46.27 and HER-2 positivity were the independent predictive factors for pCR [OR = 2.851 (95% CI = 1.142-7.119, P = .025), OR = 3.431 (95% CI = 1.163-10.123, P = 0.026), respectively].

Conclusion: LAR is a simple, inexpensive, and convenient method for predicting pCR in breast cancer with NACT.

Effects of Use of Metformin or Combination of Metformin and Pioglitazone on Oxidative Stress in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

2025-03-25T14:49:07+01:00

Aim: We aimed to examine how oxidative stress changes after treatment and its relationship with metabolic parameters in patients diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and given metformin or metformin-pioglitazone combination.

Methods: The study population consisted of a total of 60 patients, including the group diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) and given metformin 2x1000 mg (n=30) and the group given metformin-pioglitazone 2x15/1000 mg combination (n=30). Serum IMA (ischemia modified albumin), TAS (total antioxidant status), TOS (total oxidant status) and thiol - disulphide homeostasis were measured before and after 12 weeks of treatment.

Results: No significant change was detected in Native SH and Total SH levels in both Metformin and combination groups. IMA level increased significantly in both drug groups (p=0.03, p=0.01, respectively). Although the TAS level increased in both groups, no significant change was detected. While TOS and OSI index decreased significantly in the combination group (p<0.001), the decrease was not significant in the metformin group. No significant difference was detected between Native SH, Total SH, Disulfide, IMA, TAS, TOS levels and OSI index changes of both drug groups.

Conclusion: We found that the anti-diabetic drugs used did not have a significant effect on oxidative stress.

Analysis of Significance of CARD11 and MYO1G Expression in Pulmonary Tuberculosis and Its Predictive Value for Prognosis of Recurrence

2025-03-25T14:49:08+01:00

Pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) is one of the most common infectious diseases worldwide, with extremely high morbidity and mortality. An in-depth understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of PTB is crucial for finding novel diagnostic and therapeutic approaches in the future. In this study, we identified 52 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), which consisted of 422 nodes and 2853 edges, from the GSE34608 dataset in the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. These DEGs were composed of 422 nodes and 2,853 edges. Functional enrichment analysis revealed that CARD11 and MYO1G are closely related to T-cell activation. Upon further clinical case analysis, we found that the expression of CARD11 and MYO1G in the peripheral blood of patients with PTB were lower than those of healthy individuals, demonstrating excellent diagnostic value for both PTB diagnosis and prognosis of recurrence. Thus, CARD11 and MYO1G are promising indicators for assessing PTB in the future.

Pituitary cells in man during aging: an immunohistological and morphometric study

2025-03-25T14:49:08+01:00

Background: Aging is a multifactorial process, which inevitably leads to numerous changes in the life of each individual. As the lifespan of people around the world has increased, scientists began to study the mechanisms that would enable high quality and safe aging. The aim of the investigation was to indicate the changes in the cells of the pituitary gland caused by the aging process.

Methods: In order to write this review, we undertook an electronic literature search through the PubMed and Google Scholar databases with the terms aging, histological, ultrastructure of pituitary cells, using also the "related articles" option, as well as an additional analysis of authored and co-authored articles, which were necessary for this type of publication.

Results: This review article describes the immunohistological, ultrastructural and morphometric characteristics of adrenocorticotropic (ACTH), somatotropic (GH), gonadotropic (LH) and folliculostellate (FS) pituitary cells during aging, in young (about 47 years) and old (over 70 years) cadavers.

Conclusions: The described immunohistological and morphometric characteristics of the pituitary cells in this review indicated a significant increase in the volume density of ACTH, GH and LH cells in old cadavers, which suggested an attempt of these cells to bring the pituitary gland to a relatively balanced state.