Journal of Medical Biochemistry

A Novel Risk Prediction Model for Post-treatment Ischemic Stroke Recurrence Using Plasma Antithrombin III and Thromboelastography

Yi Cheng, Baobao Huang, Shan Jiang — Wed, 29 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0100

Objective: The primary aim of this investigation was to build and test a novel risk prediction model incorporating plasma antithrombin III (ATIII) activity and thrombelastography (TEG)-derived parameters. This approach seeks to enhance the ability to stratify the risk of stroke recurrence among ischemic stroke (IS) patients receiving dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT).

Methods: In this prospective cohort study, 200 consecutive patients diagnosed with non-cardiogenic IS were recruited during a one-year period (May 2024 to May 2025). All participants had their ATIII activity, TEG parameters, and coagulation function indicators tested within 24-72 hours of DAPT commencement. After initial variable screening via univariate analysis. A logistic regression-based risk model was built, with its ability to distinguish outcomes evaluated using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.

Results: Recurrent events occurred in 21.00% (42/200) of cases within 3 months post-DAPT. Multivariate analysis established ATIII, TEG-LY30, and D-Dimer as independent risk factors and TEG-MA as protective. The resultant model exhibited superior predictive power (AUC=0.9480, 95%CI=0.9148~0.9813; sensitivity 90.48%, specificity 86.71%). Internal validation, yielding AUCs of 0.9521 in the training set and 0.9437 in the validation set, verified the model's strong generalizability. Subgroup evaluations further revealed the model’s robust performance in both large artery atherosclerosis (AUC=0.9505) and small vessel occlusion (AUC=0.9395) subtypes.

Conclusion: Integrating ATIII activity with TEG parameters enables the development of a novel model to predict the risk of IS relapse following DAPT.

Novel cardiac biomarkers (Serum S100A12 (Calgranulin C), FSTL1 (Follistatin-like 1), and Osteocalcin) in patients with Acute Chest Pain

Wenjing Xie, Wei Zhao, Hongtao Wang, Yuanguang Xie, Luyan Gu — Wed, 29 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0100

Objective: To evaluate the impact of an optimized emergency care process on clinical outcomes and potential biochemical markers associated with acute chest pain (ACP). This study investigates whether improved emergency protocols can influence the release of key cardiac biomarkers and inflammatory mediators in ACP patients.

Methods: A total of 116 ACP patients admitted to the emergency department were divided into a research group (RG) receiving optimized emergency nursing procedures and a control group (CG) receiving routine nursing procedures. Clinical parameters, including triage assessment time, emergency time, hospital stay, success rate of rescue, mortality rate, and incidence of adverse events, were compared. Additionally, serum levels of cardiac biomarkers (e.g., troponin I, creatine kinase-MB) and inflammatory markers (e.g., C-reactive protein, interleukin-6) were measured at baseline and at specified time points post-intervention to assess the biochemical impact of the emergency care intervention. Biomarkers such as S100A12 (Calgranulin C), FSTL1 (Follistatin-like 1), and Osteocalcin (hormonal biomarker)were also included to explore additional biochemical pathways relevant to cardiac stress, inflammation, and vascular function. Patient satisfaction was evaluated.

Results: The RG showed significantly shorter triage assessment time, emergency time, and hospital stay compared to the CG (P<0.05). The success rate of rescue was higher, and the mortality rate was lower in the RG (P<0.05). VAS scores for pain were also significantly lower in the RG at 0.5 h, 1.0 h, 2.0 h, and 4.0 h after rescue (P<0.05). Furthermore, the incidence of adverse reactions was lower, and nursing satisfaction was higher in the RG (P<0.05). Biochemically, serum levels of troponin I, CK-MB, CRP, and IL-6 were reduced post-intervention in the RG, suggesting a lower degree of myocardial injury and systemic inflammation. Additionally S100A12 and FSTL1 were significantly lower in the RG, indicating reduced inflammatory and myocardial stress responses. Osteocalcin levels demonstrated a correlation with improved metabolic and vascular function in ACP patients.

Conclusion: An optimized emergency care process in ACP patients improves clinical outcomes, potentially by influencing the downstream release or modulation of biochemical markers associated with cardiac stress and inflammation. The observed reductions in S100A12, FSTL1, and modulation of osteocalcin, alongside decreased troponin I, CK-MB, CRP, and IL-6, suggest that emergency care protocols may have a direct biochemical impact on cardiac and inflammatory pathways. Further studies are warranted to explore the direct biochemical impact of optimized care interventions on cardiac biomarker profiles and inflammatory responses in ACP patients.

Risk prognosis correlation of Insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 and insulin-like growth factor-1 uterine fibroids

Tingting Lin, Keke Qian, Yanping Chen, Mengshu Li, Zhang Zhang — Mon, 27 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0100

Objective: To explore the relationships between the levels of serum insulin-like growth factor binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) and immune factors as well as the prognosis of patients with uterine fibroids.

Methods: The study group consisted of 186 patients with uterine fibroids who had laparoscopic myomectomy between June 2023 and June 2024, whereas the control group consisted of 208 healthy women who had physical tests over the same time period. The patients in the study group were divided into a good prognosis group (84 patients) and a poor prognosis group (92 patients). The levels of GFBP-3, IGF-1 and immune factors in the study group and the control group, and their relationships with prognosis were analyzed.

Results: There were ten patients who left the study group and eight who left the control group. IGFBP-3 and IGF-1 in the study group were (303.18±42.39) mg/L and (1377.11±84.78) mg/L, which both outperformed those in the control contingent [(231.25±34.18) mg/L and (438.09±52.15) mg/L] (t=12.87, 19.63) P < 0.001). Whereas the levels of CD 3+, CD 4+, and CD 4+/CD 8+ were lower than those in the control group (t=7.92, 8.41, 5.21, P < 0.001). Both values were higher [(284.63±36.19) mg/L and (434.91±53.28) mg/L]. P < 0.001 (t=5.96, 64.19). While the numbers of CD 3+, CD 4+, and CD 4+/CD 8+ cells were lower than those in the good prognosis group (t=5.31, 7.03, 3.15). There was a positive correlation between CD 8+ status and IGFBP-3, history of uterine fibroids, number of fibroids, history of miscarriage, and duration of breastfeeding (r=0.593, 0.452, 0.446, 0.419, 0.422, respectively). IGF-1 was negatively correlated with CD 3+, CD 4+, and CD 4+/CD 8+ (r=-0.720, -0.751, and -0.712, respectively). IGF-1 was positively correlated with CD 8+ status, history of uterine fibroids, number of fibroids, history of miscarriage, and duration of breastfeeding (r=0.631, 0.503, 0.444, 0.501, 0.451). Number of fibroids, a history of miscarriage, and the length of breastfeeding were risk variables that impacted uterine fibroids patients' prognosis.

Conclusion: The levels of IGFBP-3, IGF-1 and CD-8+ in patients with uterine fibroids are relatively high. Moreover, IGFBP-3 and IGF-1 are related to immune factors and patient prognosis.

Correlation analysis of Th1/Th2 cytokines and liver fibrosis indicators in chronic hepatitis B patients

Chun Yu, Meiling Chen, Xiaonan Han, Yuhang Feng, Hongwei Sun, Hong Yang — Sat, 25 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0200

Objective: To investigate the potential therapeutic benefits of autoimmune antibody detection in individuals suffering from chronic hepatitis B. Methods: For the observation group, 102 patients with chronic hepatitis B who were admitted between March 2022 and March 2025 were chosen. Additionally, the control group consisted of 102 healthy people who were examined throughout the same time period. The two groups' autoimmune antibodies were identified, and patients in the observation group with positive and negative autoimmune antibodies were compared in terms of their liver function, liver fibrosis markers, and cytokine levels. Results: The total positive rate of autoimmune antibodies in the observation group was 26.47%, whereas it was 3.92% in the control group (P<0.05). Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels were noticeably greater in the observation group's patients with positive autoimmune antibodies than in those with negative antibodies. However, the albumin (ALB) and total protein (TP) levels were much lower than those of patients with negative antibodies. A statistically significant difference was observed (P<0.05). Type III procollagen (PCIII), hyaluronidase (HA), and the levels of laminin (LN) were statistically significant (P<0.05) higher in individuals with positive autoimmune antibodies than in those with negative antibodies. Patients with positive autoimmune antibodies had considerably higher levels of interleukin-4 (IL-4), interleukin-10 (IL-10), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) than patients with negative antibodies. Patients with negative antibodies had significantly higher levels of interferon-γ (IFN-γ) (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Autoimmune antibodies are present in patients with chronic hepatitis B, which influence liver fibrosis indicators and related cytokines. The identification of autoimmune antibodies in chronic hepatitis B patients can serve as a guide for evaluating the illness and determining prognosis.

Correlation analysis of serum intestinal fatty acid binding protein, D-lactic acid and intercellular adhesion factor-1 in sepsis patients with intestinal ischemia

Yujie Shu, Bo Lao, Zhangzhang Song, Zhixing Zhuang, Hongzhang Li — Fri, 10 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0200

Objective: To analyze the correlations between the levels of serum intestinal fatty acid binding protein (I-FABP), D-lactic acid (D-Lac), and intercellular adhesion factor-1 (ICAM-1) in patients with sepsis complicated with intestinal ischemia‒reperfusion injury and the degree of intestinal mucosal injury and patient prognosis.

Methods: A total of 236 patients with sepsis complicated with intestinal ischemia‒reperfusion injury were included in the reperfusion injury group, and 176 patients with sepsis alone during the same period were included in the sepsis group. Based on the extent of intestinal mucosal damage, individuals in the reperfusion injury group were split into three groups: mild injury (52 patients), moderate injury (116 patients), and severe injury (68 patients). The patients were further divided into a good prognosis group (188 patients) and a poor prognosis group (48 patients). The general clinical data of all patients and laboratory test indicators before and after treatment were collected and grouped for comparison. Correlation analysis was conducted via Spearman correlation analysis. Predictive value assessment was conducted via receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves.

Results: The reperfusion damage group had higher levels of I-FABP, D-Lac, ICAM-1, and IMA than the sepsis alone group, whereas the GLP-1 level was lower (P<0.05) than the sepsis alone group. Before treatment, the levels of I-FABP, D-Lac, ICAM-1 and IMA in the mild, moderate and severe injury groups increased successively, and the level of GLP-1 decreased successively (P<0.05). After treatment, the levels of I-FABP, D-Lac, ICAM-1 and IMA in the three groups of patients were all lower than those before treatment in the same group, and the levels of the above indicators in the severe injury group were all greater than those in the mild and moderate injury groups during the same period. The GLP-1 levels of the three groups of patients were all higher than those before treatment in the same group. In comparison to the mild and moderate damage groups, the severe injury group's GLP-1 levels were lower during the same time period (P<0.05). Spearman correlation analysis revealed that the levels of I-FABP, D-Lac, ICAM-1 and IMA were positively correlated with the AGI grade, whereas the level of GLP-1 was negatively correlated with the AGI grade (P<0.05). While the level of GLP-1 was lower than that of the good prognosis group (P<0.05), the levels of I-FABP, D-Lac, ICAM-1, and IMA were higher in the bad prognosis group. The ROC curve analysis revealed that the combined predictive value of I-FABP, D-Lac, ICAM-1, IMA, and GLP-1 for poor prognosis in patients with sepsis complicated with intestinal ischemia reperfusion injury was greater than that of these five indicators alone (P<0.05).

Conclusion: The levels of serum I-FABP, D-Lac, ICAM-1, IMA and GLP-1 in patients with sepsis complicated with intestinal ischemia‒reperfusion injury are closely related to the degree of intestinal mucosal injury and prognosis. The combined prediction of short-term prognosis has high clinical value.

Dynamic monitoring of cognitive impairment and prognostic recurrence in patients with stroke by serum HDAC3 and FOXO1: a new diagnostic method

Xintong Li, Lulu Wang, Bin Xiao, Zhengkun Liu, Yue Dou — Fri, 10 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0200

Objective: To evaluate the clinical value of dynamically monitoring serum histone deacetylase 3 (HDAC3) and forkhead box protein O1 (FOXO1) levels in evaluating cognitive impairment (CI) in cerebral stroke (CS) patients, so as to facilitate early identification of high-risk individuals and guide targeted interventions.

Methods: This study included 120 CS patients admitted from March, 2023 to March, 2024, with their serum HDAC3 and FOXO1 levels examined upon admission (T0) and at 2 (T1) and 24 hours (T2) following treatment. Differences in biomarker levels (CI group vs. non-CI group) were analyzed, and the predictive value of HDAC3 and FOXO1 for CI was determined. In addition, patients were followed up for 1 year prognosis, and the predictive effect of HDAC3 and FOXO1 on the prognostic recurrence of CS was analyzed.
Results: CI occurred in 46 cases. HDAC3 expression was markedly increased in CI cases versus non-CI patients at T0, T1, and T2, whereas FOXO1 differed significantly only at T1 and T2 (P<0.05). HDAC3 and FOXO1 showed maximal predictive value for CI at the T2 timepoint. Similarly, the increase of HDAC3 and FOXO1 was also related to the risk of prognosis recurrence of CS patients. The sensitivity and specificity of combined detection of HDAC3 and FOXO1 in predicting the prognosis recurrence of CS patients were 84.38% and 78.41% (P<0.05).

Conclusion: The pattern of dynamic HDAC3 and FOXO1 changes provides a new diagnostic scheme for the development of CI and prognostic recurrence in CS patients.

Spinal cord injury under sacral nerve magnetic stimulation: Changes in serum oxidative stress factors, inflammatory factors and coagulation function

Ruimin Wu, Jin Li — Sat, 27 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0200

Objective: This study observed the effect of sacral nerve magnetic stimulation (SNM) on neurogenic bladder (NB) after spinal cord injury (SCI). Pay close attention to the changes in serum oxidative stress factors, inflammatory factors and coagulation function.

Methods: A total of 134 SCI-induced NB patients admitted between February 2021 and January 2025 were enrolled. All participants received information-motivation-behavioral skills (IMB) management and were randomized into two groups: a conventional group (n = 71) receiving conventional treatment and an SNM group (n = 63) treated with SNM. Laboratory analyses included coagulation markers (D-dimer, fibrinogen), oxidative stress indicators (superoxide dismutase [SOD], glutathione peroxidase [GSH-Px], malondialdehyde [MDA]), and inflammatory mediators (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, hs-CRP).

Results: Coagulation function also improved, with significantly lower D-dimer and fibrinogen levels in the SNM group (P < 0.05). Regarding oxidative stress, the SNM group exhibited higher SOD and GSH-Px activity alongside reduced MDA levels (P < 0.05). Furthermore, inflammatory markers (IL-6, TNF-α) were significantly lower in the SNM group (P < 0.05).

Conclusion: SNM can alleviate the stress response and inflammatory response of patients with SCI-induced NB, relieve the hypercoagulable state of blood, and has certain clinical application value.

A Novel Strategy for Condition Assessment: Predicting Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events Post-Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Acute Myocardial Infarction Patients via CXCR7 and Its Ligand CXCL12

Hong Pan, Xiaoli Fan, Yu Liu, Gulijiakela Aishan, Jingwen Shao — Fri, 03 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0200

Objective: The chemokine receptor CXCR7 and its ligand CXCL12 are critically involved in coronary microenvironment repair. Yet, their clinical relevance in diagnosing acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and forecasting post-percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) has not been established. This study aims to explore the diagnostic utility of combined CXCR7 and CXCL12 testing in AMI and its predictive value for post-PCI MACE.

Methods: This study enrolled 162 AMI patients and 54 healthy controls from January to June 2024. All patients received standardized PCI and were followed for 12 months. Serum CXCR7 and CXCL12 concentrations were determined via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), while NT-proBNP was quantified with an automated biochemical analyzer. Comparative analyses of biomarker levels between groups were conducted, along with receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis for combined diagnostic performance. Dynamic changes in CXCR7/CXCL12 were also assessed in relation to postoperative MACE.

Results: Pre-treatment concentrations of CXCR7 and CXCL12 were markedly higher in the AMI group relative to controls. The combined detection achieved an AUC value of 0.812 for diagnosing AMI, superior to individual indicators (P<0.05). Both markers decreased significantly following PCI (P<0.05). Those who developed MACE exhibited higher post-treatment CXCR7 and CXCL12 levels compared to non-MACE cases; their combined AUC reached 0.806 for predicting post-PCI MACE (P<0.05). NT-proBNP showed an AUC of 0.893 for AMI diagnosis but no significant correlation with MACE occurrence (P>0.05).

Conclusion: The favorable diagnostic performance of CXCR7 and CXCL12 for AMI and post-PCI MACE suggests their potential as a novel protocol for the clinical assessment of AMI.

Analysis of the effect of platelet-derived growth factor combined with T cells in the diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma and poor prognosis

Fei Wu, Guo Chen, Zuxin Wang, Youquan Niu, Wenqing Zhang, Hua Jiang — Fri, 03 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0200

Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate the diagnostic and prognostic value of combined detection of serum platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and Treg/Th17 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods: We included 204 HCC patients managed with drug eluting beads-transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (D-TACE) and 100 healthy controls. Serum PDGF concentrations were measured via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), while flow cytometry quantified Treg and Th17 cell proportions. The predictive performance of PDGF, Th17/Treg, and their combination for HCC diagnosis, therapeutic response, and 1-year overall survival (OS) was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, Kaplan-Meier survival curves, and multivariate regression models.

Results: HCC cases exhibited notable elevations in serum PDGF concentrations and Th17/Treg than healthy controls, with tumor tissue PDGF expression significantly correlating with serum levels (P<0.05). In addition, we found a positive correlation between PDGF, Th17/Treg and tumor markers in HCC patients (P<0.05). PDGF + Th17/Treg detection yielded an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.835 (68.14% sensitivity, 82.00% specificity), surpassing individual markers. For predicting D-TACE non-response (progressive disease, PD), the combined detection showed 71.70% sensitivity and 84.11% specificity. The 1-year OS rates of the high PDGF group and the high Th17/Treg group were 75.19% (97/129) and 61.22% (30/49), respectively, while the 1-year OS rates of the low PDGF group and the low Th17/Treg group were 92.00% (69/75) and 87.74% (136/155), respectively (P<0.05). The AUC of the combined model for predicting death was 0.705.

Conclusion: PDGF combined with Th17/Treg showed excellent diagnostic value for the occurrence and poor prognosis of HCC.

The Role of FOXO3 and Irisin in Evaluating Posterior Cruciate Ligament and Knee Functional Recovery After Surgical Treatment of Tibial Avulsion Fracture of the Posterior Cruciate Ligament Insertion

Wenbin Shen, Yao Xiao, Xin Yu, You Zhang — Fri, 26 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0200

Objective: To explore the predictive value of serum forkhead box protein O3 (FOXO3) and Irisin in evaluating posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) and knee functional recovery after surgical treatment of tibial avulsion fractures (TAFs) of the PCL insertion (PCL-TAFs).

Methods: In this prospective cohort study, we recruited 125 patients with PCL-TAFs (research group) and 111 healthy controls (control group) between October 2023 and December 2024. Serum FOXO3 and Irisin levels were detected at preoperative baseline and 6-month follow-up. Clinical evaluations included Lysholm scores, knee joint range of motion (ROM), posterior drawer testing, and International Knee Documentation Committee Subjective Knee Form (IKDC) scores. Pearson correlation and ROC analyses examined biomarker associations with functional recovery.

Results: PCL-TAF patients exhibited higher preoperative FOXO3 levels than controls, which decreased following treatment (P < 0.05). Conversely, Irisin levels were initially lower than controls but increased post-treatment (P < 0.05). The predictive performance of combined FOXO3 and Irisin yielded 70.59% sensitivity and 94.51% specificity for detecting posterior drawer test positivity (AUC=0.880). FOXO3 and Irisin together could identify severe dysfunction (IKDC III-IV) with 75.76% sensitivity and 77.17% specificity (AUC=0.784).

Conclusion: Serum FOXO3 and Irisin show clinical utility as potential biomarkers for functional recovery monitoring following PCL-TAF surgery, providing an objective molecular basis, as evidenced by ROC analysis, for the formulation of individualized rehabilitation plans.

Triple detection of tumor protein p63, Ki-67 and Alpha-methylacyl-CoA racemase in pathological diagnosis of prostate cancer

Fri, 19 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0200

Objective: To explore the value and significance of triple immunohistochemical detection of Alpha-methylacyl-CoA racemase (AMACR), p63 and Ki-67 in the pathological diagnosis of prostate cancer.

Methods: A total of 156 paraffin-archived prostate biopsy samples collected from our hospital from June 2023 to August 2024 were selected as research materials. The expression levels of AMACR, p63 and Ki-67 in puncture samples from 48 patients with prostate cancer, 32 patients with high-grade prostate intraepithelial neoplasia, 26 patients with low-grade prostate intraepithelial neoplasia and 50 patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia were detected via immunohistochemistry.

Results: There were statistically significant differences in the positive expression rates of AMACR, p63 and Ki-67 among the different groups of samples. The positive expression rate of AMACR in the puncture samples of the prostate cancer group was 100%, among which the high expression rate was 81.25%. The negative expression rate of p63 was 97.92%, which was significantly greater than that of the other three groups. The positive expression rate of Ki-67 was 81.25%, and the high expression rate was 54.17%. AMACR is related to the long diameter of the tumor, TNM stage, degree of differentiation and Gleason score in patients with prostate cancer. The rates of high AMACR in patients with tumors with long diameters ≥1.5 cm, stage II–III, moderate to highly differentiated, and Gleason scores ranging from 8--10 were significantly higher than those in patients with tumors with long diameters <1.5 cm, stage I. The expression of Ki-67 is related to the long diameter of the tumor, degree of differentiation, degree of lymph node metastasis and Gleason score in patients with prostate cancer. The rate of high expression of Ki-67 in patients with a long tumor diameter of ≥1.5 cm, moderate and high differentiation, lymph node metastasis, and a Gleason score of 8--10 was significantly greater than that in patients with a long tumor diameter of <1.5 cm, poor differentiation, no lymph node metastasis, and a Gleason score of 2--7, respectively. p63 was not related to the clinical or pathological characteristics of patients with prostate cancer (all P>0.05). The sensitivity and negative predictive value of the combined diagnosis of AMACR-positive/ p63-negative/Ki-67-positive prostate cancer were both 100.00%, and the specificity was 81.82%.

Conclusion: AMACR, p63 and Ki-67 in prostate biopsy samples can be used as good biomarkers for the diagnosis or exclusion of prostate cancer. Combined detection can improve the accuracy of prostate cancer diagnosis.

Diagnostic value of immune indicators and cytokines in sepsis after percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL)

Yiheng Jin, Yamei Li, Xiaoyu Zhang, Bing Han, Xingshi Yan — Fri, 19 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0200

Objective: To analyze the changes in and diagnostic value of immune indicators and cytokines in patients with sepsis after percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL).

Methods: Clinical information was gathered from 405 calculi patients who underwent PCNL at our facility between January 2021 and December 2024. The patients were divided into a sepsis group (12 patients) and a nonsepsis group (393 patients) on the basis of whether sepsis occurred after the operation. The levels of CD4+/CD8+ cells, the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), soluble trigger receptor-1 (sTREM-1) in myeloid cells, procalcitonin (PCT), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were measured in the two patient groups. The predictive value of the above indicators for sepsis was analyzed via receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves.

Results: The number of patients with staghorn calculi in the sepsis group was greater than that in the nonsepsis group (P<0.05). The NLR and sTREM-1 level were greater in the sepsis group than in the nonsepsis group (all P<0.05), and the CD4+/CD8+ ratio was lower in the sepsis group than in the nonsepsis group (P<0.05). The levels of serum IL-6, TNF-α and PCT in the sepsis group were greater than those in the nonsepsis group (all P<0.05). The area under the curve (AUC) for the combined prediction of sepsis after PCNL by each index was 0.996, with a predictive sensitivity of 91.3% and a specificity of 98.4%.

Conclusion: The NLR, sTREM-1, IL-6, TNF-α and PCT in patients with sepsis after PCNL increased, whereas the CD4+/CD8+ ratio decreased. The combined detection of these levels is beneficial for guiding the early clinical prediction of the occurrence of postoperative sepsis in patients with PCNL.

Serum human trophoblast cell surface antigen and T-box protein 5 levels play a role in predicting adverse pregnancy outcomes in eclampsia

Yao Li, Sutong Huang, Yan Xuan, Hao Shen, Weiwei Zhang, Jia Li — Mon, 01 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0200

Objective: The levels of human trophoblast surface antigen (Trop-2) and T-box protein 5 (TBX5) in the serum of patients with preeclampsia were detected, and their value in predicting adverse pregnancy outcomes was analyzed.

Methods: A total of 196 pregnant women with preeclampsia who underwent prenatal examinations and delivered in our hospital from October 2021 to September 2024, as well as 196 healthy pregnant women, were selected as the eclampsia group and the control group, respectively. The 196 pregnant women with preeclampsia were divided into two groups according to their pregnancy outcome: the adverse outcome group and the good outcome group. Using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), the levels of serum Trop-2 and TBX5 were measured. Using multivariate logistic regression analysis, the factors impacting the various pregnancy outcomes of preeclamptic pregnant women were examined.

Results: Compared with control group, the serum TBX5 levels in the eclampsia group (20.86±6.45 µg/L vs. 15.34±5.07 µg/L), as well as diastolic blood pressure, FBG, 24-hour urine protein, TG, systolic blood pressure and TC, were significantly greater. The levels of Trop-2 [(5.46±1.72) µg/L vs. (7.37±2.08) µg/L]. The total incidences of preterm infants, fetal distress, placental abruption and adverse pregnancy outcomes in the eclampsia group were significantly greater than those in the control group (P<0.05). The serum TBX5 level in the adverse outcome group [(23.01±6.66) µg/L vs. (19.53±6.32) µg/L], as well as diastolic blood pressure, FBG, 24-hour urine protein, TG, systolic blood pressure, and TC, were significantly greater than those in the good outcome group. The levels of Trop-2 [(4.90±1.61) µg/L vs. (5.81±1.79) µg/L] and HDL-C decreased significantly (P<0.05); Trop-2 [OR 95% CI: 0.38 (0.28,0.53)], TBX5 [OR 95% CI: 3.89 (1.88,8.04)] and 24-hour urine protein [OR: 3.14 (1.82,5.42)] were influencing factors for the pregnancy outcome of pregnant women with preeclampsia (P<0.05); and the AUCs of serum Trop-2, TBX5 and their combination in predicting the pregnancy outcome of pregnant women with preeclampsia were 0.79, 0.76 and 0.90, respectively. The combined prediction of the two had a greater predictive value than did Trop-2 or TBX5 alone (all P<0.05).

Conclusion: The serum Trop-2 level of pregnant women with preeclampsia is abnormally low, and the TBX5 level is abnormally high. The combination of the two can be used as a biological indicator for evaluating adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Comparative Study of Serum Inflammatory Mediators and Immunoglobulin Levels in Children with Severe Bronchial Asthma Infected by Viruses Versus Bacteria

Tue, 16 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0200

Objective: By tracking fluctuations in inflammatory mediators and immunoglobulins (Igs) in bacterial- versus viral-induced severe bronchial asthma (BA) cases, this research seeks to identify microbial-specific immune characteristics to guide individualized treatment.

Methods: This analysis included 100 children hospitalized between March 2023 and April 2025 for severe acute BA exacerbations with confirmed single-pathogen infections (50 viral vs. 50 bacterial). Serum samples collected pre- and post-treatment were analyzed for inflammatory mediators (Th1/Th2/Th17 cytokines and TNF-α) and Ig profiles (total IgE and IgG subclasses). Comparative analysis was performed to identify intergroup differences.

Results: At baseline, the viral group showed higher Th1/Th17 responses, whereas the bacterial group had elevated Th2 cytokines/TNF-α (P<0.05). Therapeutic intervention reduced all cytokine subsets, though Th1/Th17 suppression was more marked in the viral group (P<0.05), and Th2 decay lagged in the bacterial group. Besides, viral cases had elevated IgG1/IgG3; bacterial cases showed higher IgG2 (P<0.05). After treatment, the levels of IgG1 and IgG3 in the virus group continued to increase, but IgG2 did not change.

Conclusion: Viral BA infections predominantly trigger Th1/Th17-mediated inflammation and higher IgG1/IgG3. In contrast, bacterial infections favor a Th2-dominant profile with IgG2 elevation, resulting in slower inflammation resolution.

A Phospholipid Transfer Protein: The link between lipid metabolism and inflammation in healthy pregnancy and pregnancy with cardiometabolic complications

Aleksandra Stefanović — Thu, 26 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0100

Background: Phospholipid transfer protein (PLTP) regulates high density lipoprotein (HDL) remodelling by transferring cholesterol and phospholipids and affecting particle size and function. Pregnancy alters lipid metabolism, but the adaptation of PLTP to pregnancy remains poorly understood. This study investigated longitudinal changes in PLTP gene expression and concentration through healthy pregnancy and pregnancy with cardiometabolic complications, as well as their associations with maternal lipid metabolism and inflammatory status.

Methods: We followed 84 healthy and 20 pregnant women who developed gestational diabetes mellitus and hypertensive disorders during pregnancy. PLTP gene expression, PLTP concentration, advanced lipid profile parameters and inflammatory status were analyzed throughout trimesters.

Results: A comparable trajectory of changes in PLTP gene expression and PLTP concentrations was observed in both groups, but PLTP gene expression in the first trimester was significantly lower in the group with complications (p < 0.05). Analysis of serum non-cholesterol sterols in HDL subfractions (NCS_HDL) and plasma ceramides [ceramide C16:0 (Cer C16:0), ceramide C24:0 (Cer C24:0)], has revealed significantly lower desmosterol_HDL (p < 0.05), while significantly higher C24:0 (p < 0.001) concentrations in the group with complications in the first trimester. Higher levels of resistin (p < 0.05) were found in the first trimester in the group with complications. PLTP gene expression in the first trimester was independently associated with pregnancy complications.

Conclusions: Our results showed altered PLTP gene expression, advanced lipid profile, and inflammatory status in the first trimester of pregnancy with cardiometabolic complications. Our findings emphasize the importance of a thorough investigation of lipid metabolism and inflammatory pathways in early pregnancy to improve the outcomes.

Serum MIC-1, LMTK-3 and IGFBP-7 levels in the prognosis of lung cancer treated with ablation combined with chemotherapy

Tue, 18 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0100

Objective To explore the value of the serum levels of macrophage inhibitory factor 1 (MIC-1), Lemur tyrosine kinase 3 (LMTK-3), and insulin-like growth factor binding protein 7 (IGFBP-7) in the prognosis assessment of patients with advanced lung cancer treated with ablation combined with chemotherapy.

Methods 190 patients with advanced lung cancer who received care at this hospital between January 2022 and June 2024 were chosen to be part of the lung cancer group. The healthy control group consisted of 90 healthy people who attended the hospital and had physical tests over the same time period. Percutaneous microwave thermal ablation treatment was used to treat every patient with advanced lung cancer, and chemotherapy was administered within one week after treatment. The levels of serum MIC-1, LMTK-3 and IGFBP-7 before and after treatment and before treatment in patients with different therapeutic effects in the lung cancer group and the healthy control group were compared. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted on the factors affecting the prognosis of patients to analyze the efficacy of serum MIC-1, LMTK-3 and IGFBP-7 levels in predicting the prognosis of patients with advanced lung cancer.

Results Serum MIC-1 and LMTK-3 levels in the lung cancer group were substantially higher than those in the healthy control group both before and after therapy (P<0.05). Serum MIC-1 and LMTK-3 levels in the lung cancer group were much lower after therapy than they were before, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). The serum IGFBP-7 level in the lung cancer group before and after treatment was significantly lower than that in the healthy control group (P<0.05). After treatment, the serum IGFBP-7 level in the lung cancer group was significantly greater than that before treatment (P<0.05). Patients with lung cancer experienced 29 cases of stable response (SD)+ progressive response (PD) and 66 cases of complete response (CR)+ partial response (PR) following treatment. Those with SD+PD advanced lung cancer had significantly higher blood MIC-1 and LMTK-3 levels prior to treatment than those with CR+PR advanced lung cancer. The serum IGFBP-7 level of advanced lung cancer patients with SD+PD before treatment was significantly lower than that of advanced lung cancer patients with CR+PR. In patients with advanced lung cancer, elevated blood MIC-1 and LMTK-3 levels and lower IGFBP-7 levels prior to treatment were independent risk factors for death within a year following treatment (P<0.05). The combined detection of the serum MIC-1, LMTK-3 and IGFBP-7 levels for the prediction of death within one year after treatment for advanced lung cancer had a sensitivity of 91.3%, a specificity of 95.8%, and an AUC of 0.974. Its AUC was significantly greater than that of MIC-1 (Z=2.378, P=0.017) and LMTK-3 (Z=2.897). The AUC was detected separately for IGFBP-7 (Z=3.213, P=0.001), however, the AUC for each of the three indicators did not differ statistically significantly (P>0.05)..

Conclusion Important markers for assessing the effectiveness of chemotherapy and ablation in the treatment of advanced lung cancer are serum MIC-1, LMTK-3, and IGFBP-7. With the help of combination detection, the prognosis of patients with advanced lung cancer after therapy can be predicted.

Correlation analysis of serum PDK4, NLRP3, and PTEN levels in myocardial injury with sepsis

Zebin Fang, Xiaoxia Li, Zhenfei Ou, Jimu Wang, Keji Lin, Shujia Ye — Mon, 27 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0100

Objective: To explore the correlations between the levels of serum pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 4 (PDK4), NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3), and phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) deleted on chromosome 10 and myocardial injury indicators as well as prognosis in patients with sepsis.

Methods: A total of 355 patients who were first diagnosed with sepsis and admitted to our hospital from September 2022 to September 2024 were included. Depending on whether they suffered myocardial damage, the patients were split into two groups: the septic myocardial injury (SIMI) group (225 patients) and the simple sepsis group (130 patients). According to their survival outcomes after 28 days of treatment, the patients were divided into two groups: the death group (56 patients) and the survival group (169 patients). The levels of serum PDK4, NLRP3 and PTEN were detected via real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR (qRT‒PCR). An automatic biochemical analyzer was used to measure the levels of myoglobin (Mb), cardiac troponin I (cTnI), creatine kinase isoenzyme (CK-MB), and heart-type fatty acid binding protein (H-FABP). The Pearson correlation coefficient method was used to analyze the relationships between serum PDK4, NLRP3, and PTEN levels and myocardial injury indicators in SIMI patients. Cox regression analysis was employed to examine the variables affecting SIMI patients' prognoses.

Results: The levels of serum PDK4, NLRP3, PTEN, CK-MB, cTnI, Mb and H-FABP in the SIMI group were significantly greater than those in the simple sepsis group (P<0.05). The levels of serum PDK4, NLRP3 and PTEN in patients with sepsis were positively correlated with the myocardial injury indicators CK-MB, cTnI, Mb and H-FABP (P<0.05). The APACHE II score, SOFA score, cTnI, and the levels of serum PDK4, NLRP3 and PTEN in the prognosis death group of SIMI patients were greater than those in the survival group (P<0.05). Independent risk variables that impact the prognosis of patients with SIMI include the APACHE II score, SOFA score, cTnI, PDK4, NLRP3, and PTEN (P<0.05).

Conclusion: Serum PDK4, NLRP3 and PTEN, which are independent risk factors affecting the prognosis of SIMI patients, are highly expressed in SIMI patients.

Biochemical Alterations in Endocrine and Inflammatory Pathways Following Breast Cancer Surgery: Laboratory Evidence and Clinical Implications

Yafang Luo, Jinglan Xu, Hui Chen — Wed, 24 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0100

Background: Breast cancer surgery induces substantial physiological stress that disrupts endocrine regulation and triggers systemic inflammation. However, the biochemical dynamics underlying these perioperative alterations remain insufficiently characterized. This study investigated laboratory-based endocrine and inflammatory biomarker changes following breast cancer surgery and explored their clinical significance.

Methods: A total of 120 breast cancer patients were evaluated. Serum estradiol (E2), progesterone (P), interleukin-6 (IL-6), C-reactive protein (CRP), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were measured preoperatively and on postoperative day 7 using validated ELISA assays with strict analytical quality control. Clinical outcomes—including psychological status, cognitive recovery, quality of life, and postoperative complications—were assessed as secondary indicators to explore potential biochemical–clinical associations.

Results: Postoperative endocrine suppression was evident, with significant reductions in E2 and P levels (P < 0.05), reflecting acute stress–related modulation of hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal (HPG) axis activity. IL-6, CRP, and TNF-α declined significantly postoperatively (all P < 0.001), demonstrating resolution of acute-phase inflammatory activation. Greater biochemical stabilization was associated with improved emotional scores, cognitive function, and quality-of-life indices, as well as a reduced incidence of postoperative complications.

Conclusion: Breast cancer surgery induces characteristic biochemical changes involving endocrine suppression and systemic inflammatory activation. Monitoring hormonal and inflammatory biomarkers provides valuable insight into postoperative physiological stress, recovery mechanisms, and potential risk stratification. These findings support integrating laboratory-based biochemical assessments into postoperative management frameworks for breast cancer patients.

Correlation analysis of serum cytokine levels and immune inflammatory factors in cirrhotic portal hypertension

Yafeng Yu, Zhiqiong Lan, Zhiren Huang, Lingqin Hu — Mon, 27 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0100

Objective: To investigate alterations in immune inflammatory factors and variables including procalcitonin (PCT), prostaglandin E (PGE), and serum C-reactive protein (CRP) in individuals with cirrhotic portal hypertension.

Methods: From March 2020 to March 2025, 81 patients with cirrhotic portal hypertension and 50 healthy volunteers were hospitalized to our hospital. These people were divided into two groups: the portal hypertension group and the control group. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), albumin (ALB), total bilirubin (TBIL), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and portal vein inner diameter (Pvd) were measured. Serum cytokines such CRP, PCT, and PGE were measured, as well as CD4+/CD8+ T cell and CD3+, CD4+, and CD8+ T lymphocyte percentages.

Results: The group with portal hypertension had considerably lower ALB than the control group (P<0.05), whereas indicators including ALT, AST, TBIL, and Dpv were significantly higher in the portal hypertension group than in the control group (P<0.05). While cytokine markers including CRP, PCT, and PGE were higher in the portal hypertension group than in the control group (P<0.05), the numbers of CD3+ and CD4+ T lymphocyte subsets and CD4+/CD8+ T lymphocytes were considerably lower in the portal hypertension group. With increasing liver function classification, the proportions of CD3+ and CD4+ T lymphocyte subsets and CD4+/CD8+ T lymphocytes in patients decreased. However, there was a statistically significant (P<0.05) increase in the levels of serum PCT, PGE, and CRP. Spearman correlation analysis revealed that liver function classification was negatively correlated with immune indicators CRP, PCT, and PGE levels were favorably connected with CD4+ and CD4+/CD8+ (P<0.05) values. Dpv was shown to have a negative association with CD4+/CD8+ T cells and a positive correlation with PCT and PGE levels (P<0.05) according to Pearson correlation analysis.

Conclusion: Patients with cirrhotic portal hypertension may experience immune dysfunction and cytokine disorders. These changes are related to liver function and portal vein pressure and can be used as reference indicators for evaluating a patient's condition in clinical practice.

Serum cystatin C as a biomarker in non-Hodgkin lymphoma and its relationship with paraoxonase 1 activity

Tue, 03 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0100

Background: The aim of this pilot study was to assess the potential of cystatin C (Cys C) as a biomarker in NHL and to explore its association with paraoxonase 1 (PON1) activity. Methods: The study included 44 patients with B-cell NHL and 44 healthy subjects. Cys C was measured using the Cobas e 801 analyzer (Roche Diagnostics GmbH, Mannheim, Germany), while PON1and TAS were measured on the ILab 300+ system (Instrumentation Laboratory, Milan, Italy).

Results: The serum level of Cys C (mg/L) was significantly higher in NHL patients compared to control subjects :1.03 (0.88–1.24) vs 0.83 (0.78–0.90), P <0.001. The diagnostic performance of Cys C, as assessed by the area under the ROC curve (AUC), was 0.812 (95% CI: 0.732–0.902). The optimal cut-off value for Cys C was 0.870 mg/L with a sensitivity and specificity of 77.1% and 75.6%, respectively. A significant negative correlation was observed between Cys C and PON1 activity (r = –0.42, P = 0.010) in NHL patients.

Conclusions: This study underscores the potential of Cys C as a biomarker in NHL. Notably, in the multivariable analysis, Cys C emerged as the only significant predictor of the disease, with each unit increase associated with an approximately threefold higher odds of NHL. Furthermore, the negative correlation between Cys C and PON1, identified for the first time in patients with NHL, may offer valuable insights for future research into the molecular mechanisms underlying this malignancy.

Significance of Sampling Time on Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone, Free Thyroxine, and Free Triiodothyronine Levels

Mahmut Mert Dağlar, Asuman Orçun — Wed, 18 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0100

Background: The timing of sample collection is crucial for analytes with a circadian rhythm. Although blood samples are usually obtained in the morning, they are often collected in the afternoon as well. Our study aims to evaluate the significance of the impact of sampling time on Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH), free thyroxine (fT4), and free triiodothyronine (fT3) parameters.

Material and Methods: Serum TSH, fT4, and fT3 measurements from 216,278 patients who visited our institute’s outpatient clinics over a two-year period (2021–2023) were obtained from laboratory data. After exclusions 5,953 patient results collected from 8 am to 5 pm were grouped into 1-hour intervals. All measurements were conducted using the Cobas e801 (Roche Diagnostics, Penzberg, Germany), employing the electrochemiluminescence immunoassay method. Statistical significance was tested with the standard normal deviation test (Z-test) and clinical significance with bias % values obtained from biologic variation estimates on European Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (EFLM) website.

Results: Each TSH hourly group between 11 am and 5 pm showed statistically and clinically significant differences compared to the reference group. No statistically significant differences were observed for either fT4 or fT3. However, fT4 levels showed clinically significant difference at a single time point in males, while fT3 levels showed clinically significant differences between 3–5 pm in females and 2–5 pm in males.

Conclusion: The analysis of our extensive data set indicates that the timing of blood sampling significantly affects TSH results. This may cause misinterpretation in clinical settings if standardization is not provided.

Correlation analysis of PGC-1β, HIF-1α and RETN with the degree of joint destruction in gouty arthritis

Jian Bian, Jianguo Zhang, Bo Zhang, Hongfei Shi — Thu, 30 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0100

Objective: To investigate the expression levels of resistin (RETN), hypoxia-inducible factor-1 α (HIF-1α), and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator-1β (PGC-1β). in gouty arthritis (GA) patients and to analyze their correlations with the degree of joint destruction.

Methods: The GA group consisted of 134 GA patients who were admitted to the hospital between January 2023 and October 2024, while the control group consisted of 134 healthy patients who were examined physically in the hospital over the same time period. Serum PGC-1β, HIF-1α, and RETN expression levels were compared. The expression levels of PGC-1β, HIF-1α and RETN in the serum and synovial fluid of patients with different clinical characteristics in the GA group were compared. The degree of joint destruction was divided into 78 cases in the severe GA subgroup and 56 cases in the mild GA subgroup according to the VAS score of the chief complaint pain scale. Compared with PGC-1β, HIF-1α, RETN, and bone destruction factors [β-crosslinking degradation products (β-CTX), tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase-5b (TRACP5b), and nuclear factor κB receptor activator ligand (RANKL)], and inflammatory factors with different degrees of joint destruction, the expression levels of -1β (IL-1β) were analyzed, and the correlations between PGC-1β, HIF-1α, and RETN in serum and synovial fluid and the degree of joint destruction, bone destruction factors, and inflammatory factors were analyzed.

Results: The expression level of serum PGC-1β in the GA group was lower than that in the control group, while the expression levels of serum HIF-1α and RETN were greater than those in the control group (P<0.05). The expression levels of PGC-1β in the serum of GA patients at different clinical stages, affected joints, disease courses and annual attack frequencies. The expression levels of β-CTX and TRACP5b in the serum of GA patients at different clinical stages, affected joints, disease courses and annual attack frequencies, and in the severe GA subgroup were greater than those in the mild GA subgroup (P<0.05), and RANKL expression was lower than in the mild GA subgroup (P<0.05). The serum and synovial fluid levels of PGC-1β, β-CTX, TRACP5b, TNF-α, and IL-1β were negatively correlated with the degree of joint destruction and positively correlated with the level of RANKL. HIF-1α and RETN had a negative correlation with RANKL and a positive correlation with the degree of joint degradation, β-CTX, TRACP5b, TNF-α, and IL-1β.

Conclusion: PGC-1β, HIF-1α and RETN are abnormally expressed in patients with GA and are closely related to the degree of joint destruction, bone destruction factors and inflammatory factors. They are expected to become reliable indicators for evaluating the occurrence and progression of GA.

Correlation analysis of serum PACAP-38, Fibulin-3 and TEM1 levels with cardiac function and prognosis in chronic heart failure patients

Yan Chen, Fanlong Zeng, Tianyun Gao, Bayi Hu, Mo Zhang, Zongliang Yu — Thu, 30 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0100

Objective: To analyze the relationships between the levels of serum fibrinum-3 (Fibulin-3), antihuman tumor endothelial marker 1 (TEM1), and pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide-38 (PACAP-38) in elderly chronic heart failure (CHF) patients and classification of cardiac function and a negative prognosis.

Methods: A total of 132 elderly CHF patients who were admitted to the hospital between July 2022 and July 2024 were chosen as the elderly CHF group, and 132 healthy people who were examined in the hospital during that time were chosen as the control group. According to the cardiac function classification criteria of the New York Heart Association (NYHA), Grade II (42 patients), Grade III (51 patients), and Grade IV (39 patients) groups were created from the elderly CHF patients. Based on whether MACE happened after discharge, elderly CHF patients were split into two groups: those who experienced MACE and those who did not. The levels of serum Fibulin-3, TEM1 and PACAP-38 in all the subjects were detected via ELISA. Serum Fibulin-3, TEM1, and PACAP-38 levels were correlated with cardiac function categorization in older CHF patients using Spearman correlation analysis. Older patients with CHF had their MACEs examined using multivariate logistic regression analysis. Serum Fibulin-3, TEM1, and PACAP-38 were evaluated for their predictive value of MACEs in older individuals with CHF.

Results: While the elderly CHF group's serum levels of Fibulin-3 and PACAP-38 were lower than those of the control group, their serum levels of TEM1 were higher. P<0.05 indicated that the differences were statistically significant. Serum TEM1 levels are compared across various cardiac function categories in elderly CHF patients. Serum Fibulin-3 and PACAP-38 levels in older CHF patients with varying cardiac function grades were compared, and the results showed the following pattern: Grade II > Grade III > Grade IV. Spearman correlation analysis revealed that there was a favorable correlation between the serum TEM1 level and the heart function classification of elderly CHF patients (rs=0.488, P<0.05) and Fibulin-3 and PACAP-38 (rs=-0.463, -0.432, P<0.05). The MACE group had lower levels of serum Fibulin-3 and PACAP-38 than the non-MACE group, whereas the level of serum TEM1 and the proportion of patients with cardiac function grade IV were greater than those in the non-MACE group. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that elevated levels of serum Fibulin-3 and PACAP-38 were protective factors against MACEs, whereas elevated levels of serum TEM1 and cardiac function grade IV were risk factors for MACEs. According to the ROC curve study, the areas under the curve (AUCs) of serum Fibulin-3, TEM1, and PACAP-38 alone and the combination of the three indicators for predicting MACEs in patients with CHF were 0.666, 0.636, 0.641, and 0.798, respectively. The AUC predicted by the combination of the three indicators was greater than that of serum Fibulin-3, TEM1, and PACA. The AUC predicted by P-38 alone (Z3 combined with Fibulin-3=2.448, P=0.014; Z3 combined with TEM1=2.033, P=0.042; Z3 combined with PACAP-38=2.200, P=0.028).

Conclusion: Serum Fibulin-3 and PACAP-38 levels were considerably lower in older CHF patients, whereas the level of TEM1 was significantly increased. These three factors together demonstrated a comparatively high predictive value for MACE occurrence in older CHF patients.

Early diagnostic value of serum GDF-15, RBP4 and SOCS3 in severe pneumonia with sepsis

Mingying Luo, Ziyi Wang, Zhener Ke, Cong Fu — Fri, 31 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0100

Objective: To explore the early diagnostic value of the serum levels of growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15), retinol binding protein 4 (RBP4), and cytokine signal transduction inhibitory factor 3 (SOCS3) in patients with sepsis caused by severe pneumonia (SP).

Methods: A total of 110 SP patients admitted to our hospital from December 2023 to February 2025. Based on whether they acquired sepsis, the patients were split into two groups: 52 patients with sepsis and 58 patients without. Additionally, 114 healthy persons of the same age group who passed the health examination test in our hospital during the same period were selected as the control group. The levels of serum GDF-15, RBP4 and SOCS3 were detected via ELISA. Correlation analysis was conducted via the Pearson method. The factors influencing secondary sepsis in SP patients were examined using univariate and multivariate analysis. Serum GDF-15, RBP4, and SOCS3 levels were analyzed for diagnostic effectiveness using a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. The regional differences in the ROC curves of the serum samples were analyzed via the paired comparison method.

Results: RBP4 levels were substantially lower (P<0.05) while serum GDF-15 and SOCS3 levels were significantly higher in the study group. Compared with those in nonseptic patients, Serum GDF-15 and SOCS3 levels were considerably higher in SP patients in the sepsis group, whereas the level of RBP4 was significantly lower (P<0.05). The sepsis group's APACHE II score was substantially higher than the nonsepsis group's (P<0.05). The APACHE II score showed a favorable correlation (P<0.05) with the levels of serum GDF-15 and SOCS3 in SP patients. The serum RBP4 level was negatively correlated with the APACHE II score (P<0.05). Elevated levels of serum GDF-15 and SOCS3 and increased APACHE II scores are risk factors for sepsis in SP patients, whereas elevated serum RBP4 levels are a protective factor for sepsis in SP patients (P<0.05). The area under the ROC curve (AUC) of the combined diagnosis of secondary sepsis in SP patients by serum GFF-15, RBP4 and SOCS3 levels was 0.946. The AUC of the combined diagnosis was superior to that of the individual diagnosis (Z=1.970, 3.898, 3.188; P<0.05).

Conclusion: Serum GDF-15, RBP4, and SOCS3 levels in SP patients fluctuate in tandem with the severity of the patient's illness and subsequent sepsis. The combined diagnosis of these three factors has certain value for secondary sepsis in SP patients.

Correlation analysis of FABP3, MCP-4, and CXCL9 levels and myocardial damage in patients with severe pneumonia

Longxia Du, Jianping Wang, Zongxian Wu, Xianxin Lai, Xuanchen Qian — Fri, 31 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0100

[Objective] To explore the correlations between the levels of serum monocyte chemoattractant protein-4 (MCP-4), heart-type fatty acid binding protein (FABP3), and chemokine ligand 9 (CXCL9) and myocardial damage in severe Mycoplasma pneumoniae (SMPP) patients. [Methods] A total of 158 patients with severe Mycoplasma pneumoniae complicated with myocardial damage were included in the SMPP group. They were divided into a myocardial damage group (n=42) and a nonmyocardial damage group (n=116) according to whether myocardial damage occurred. The control group consisted of an additional 102 healthy people who were examined throughout the same time period. The levels of serum MCP-4, FABP3 and CXCL9 in the two groups were compared. The general clinical data of the patients were recorded. Multivariate logistic analysis was conducted to analyze the risk factors for myocardial damage in patients with severe mycoplasma complicated with pneumonia.

[Results] The levels of serum MCP-4, FABP3 and CXCL9 in the SMPP group were significantly greater (all P<0.05). Compared with those in the nonmyocardial damage group, Serum MCP-4, FABP3, and CXCL9 levels were considerably higher (all P<0.05) in the group with myocardial injury. Age, sex, diabetes, smoking history, hypoxemia, jaundice, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) did not differ statistically significantly between the two groups (all P>0.05). Compared with those in the nonmyocardial damage group, the proportions of patients with hypertension, coronary heart disease and anemia, as well as the levels of serum MCP-4, FABP3 and CXCL9, in the myocardial damage group were significantly greater (all P<0.05). Combined hypertension, coronary heart disease, anemia, and high levels of serum MCP-4, FABP3, and CXCL9 are risk factors for myocardial damage in patients with severe mycoplasma infection. The levels of serum MCP-4, FABP3 and CXCL9 in patients were positively correlated with the incidence of myocardial damage in patients with severe mycoplasma infection (all P<0.05). [Conclusion] The levels of serum MCP-4, FABP3 and CXCL9 are positively correlated with myocardial damage in patients with severe Mycoplasma pneumoniae. Moreover, combined hypertension, coronary heart disease, anemia and high levels of serum MCP-4, FABP3 and CXCL9 are risk factors for myocardial damage in patients with severe mycoplasma infection. These three factors can be used as biological indicators of myocardial damage in patients with severe mycoplasma infection in clinical practice and are highly important for the assessment of patients' conditions and the formulation of treatment plans.

Cardiovascular risk in patients with psoriasis-relationship with oxidative stress and dyslipidemia

Wed, 29 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0100

Background: Patients with psoriasis are at an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Psoriasis and atherosclerosis share the common soil of inflammation and oxidative stress in their pathogenesis. The current study aimed to examine cardiovascular risk in relation to some non-traditional (i.e., biomarkers of oxidative stress and inflammation) and traditional metabolic parameters in patients with psoriasis.

Methods: A total of 68 (57% men) patients with psoriasis were included. Traditional metabolic parameters, markers of oxidative stress [i.e., oxidation protein products (AOPP), malondialdehyde (MDA), catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD)] and inflammation (C-reactive protein) were measured. The atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk score was used to measure CVD risk. Patients were divided into ASCVD score tertiles.

Results: Patients with a higher ASCVD score had significantly lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), higher triglycerides (TG), and higher TG/HDL-C ratio (p for trend p<0.001). Among redox status parameters, only AOPP showed significant increase in parallel with the ASCVD score increase (p=0.011). In univariate binary logistic regression analysis, AOPP [OR, 95% CI=1.027 (1.004-1.051), p=0.021] and TG [OR, 95% CI =7.220 (2.041-25.548), p=0.002] correlated with the ASCVD risk score. In multivariate analysis (backward method) only TG was an independent predictor of ASCVD score [OR, 95%CI =7.220 (2.041-25.548), p=0.002].

Conclusion: The results show the association between ASCVD score and oxidative stress (AOPP) and dyslipidemia (TG), respectively, in patients with psoriasis, but only TG retained its independent association with ASCVD risk score. The measurement of serum TG levels is of great importance in patients with increased ASCVD risk concerning psoriasis.