Analysis of Blood Lipids, Blood Glucose, Blood Uric Acid, and Blood Routine Test Results in Retired Employees of a Unit in the Civil Aviation System

Objective:To investigate and analyze the annual physical examination results of retired employees from a unit in the civil aviation system,focusing on blood lipids,blood glucose,blood uric acid,and blood routine results.The study aims to provide relevant references for formulating reasonable disease management measures for preventing and controlling hyperlipidemia,hyperuricemia,and other conditions in retired employees.Methods:The examination results of 231 participants were collected and analyzed.The participants were divided into four groups based on age:middle-aged group,young-old group,middle-old group,and old-old group.The blood test results were compared across these groups,and an assessment of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease(ASCVD)risk levels was completed in conjunction with medical history.Blood test results were also compared by gender.Results:There were no significant statistical differences in blood test results when grouped by age.However,the prevalence of hyperuricemia was higher in males than in females,while the prevalence of hypercholesterolemia was higher in females than in males.The LDL-C target achievement rate was lower in the moderate-and-high-risk group as well as the very high-risk group as defined by ASCVD risk levels.Conclusion:Management of hyperuricemia and hyperlipidemia in retired employees(elderly patients)should be strengthened to reduce the risk of ASCVD events and alleviate the potential medical burden associated with disease progression.

Serum cystatin C,monocyte/high-density lipoprotein-C ratio,and uric acid for the diagnosis of coronary heart disease and heart failure

BACKGROUND Coronary heart disease(CHD)and heart failure(HF)are the major causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide.Early and accurate diagnoses of CHD and HF are essential for optimal management and prognosis.However,conventional diagnostic methods such as electrocardiography,echocardiography,and cardiac biomarkers have certain limitations,such as low sensitivity,specificity,availability,and cost-effectiveness.Therefore,there is a need for simple,noninvasive,and reliable biomarkers to diagnose CHD and HF.AIM To investigate serum cystatin C(Cys-C),monocyte/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio(MHR),and uric acid(UA)diagnostic values for CHD and HF.METHODS We enrolled 80 patients with suspected CHD or HF who were admitted to our hospital between July 2022 and July 2023.The patients were divided into CHD(n=20),HF(n=20),CHD+HF(n=20),and control groups(n=20).The serum levels of Cys-C,MHR,and UA were measured using immunonephelometry and an enzymatic method,respectively,and the diagnostic values for CHD and HF were evaluated using receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve analysis.RESULTS Serum levels of Cys-C,MHR,and UA were significantly higher in the CHD,HF,and CHD+HF groups than those in the control group.The serum levels of Cys-C,MHR,and UA were significantly higher in the CHD+HF group than those in the CHD or HF group.The ROC curve analysis showed that serum Cys-C,MHR,and UA had good diagnostic performance for CHD and HF,with areas under the curve ranging from 0.78 to 0.93.The optimal cutoff values of serum Cys-C,MHR,and UA for diagnosing CHD,HF,and CHD+HF were 1.2 mg/L,0.9×10^(9),and 389μmol/L;1.4 mg/L,1.0×10^(9),and 449μmol/L;and 1.6 mg/L,1.1×10^(9),and 508μmol/L,respectively.CONCLUSION Serum Cys-C,MHR,and UA are useful biomarkers for diagnosing CHD and HF,and CHD+HF.These can provide information for decision-making and risk stratification in patients with CHD and HF.

Effect of dapagliflozin on uric acid in patients with chronic heart failure and hyperuricemia

BACKGROUND Patients with chronic heart failure(CHF)frequently develop hyperuricemia,an elevated serum uric acid level,associated with adverse outcomes.Dapagliflozin,a sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitor,demonstrates reduction in cardiovascular mortality and hospitalization in patients with CHF and ejection fraction(HFrEF),irrespective of diabetes.However,dapagliflozin’s effect on the uric acid levels in patients with CHF and hyperuricemia remain unclear.AIM To investigate the effects of dapagliflozin on uric acid levels in CHF patients with hyperuricemia.METHODS We conducted a randomized,double-blind,placebo-controlled trial in 200 patients with CHF and hyperuricemia,with HFrEF and serum uric acid levels≥7 mg/dL(≥416μmol/L).The participants were randomly assigned to receive a daily dose of 10 mg dapagliflozin or placebo for 24 months.The primary endpoint was the change in serum uric acid level from baseline to 24 months.Secondary endpoints included changes in left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF),Nterminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide(NT-proBNP),and quality of life(QoL)scores,as well as the incidence of cardiovascular death and hospitalization for heart failure.RESULTS At 24 months,dapagliflozin significantly reduced serum uric acid levels by 1.2 mg/dL(71μmol/L)compared with placebo(95%CI:-1.5 to-0.9;P<0.001).Dapagliflozin also significantly improved LVEF by 3.5%(95%CI:2.1-4.9;P<0.001),NT-proBNP by 25%(95%CI:18-32;P<0.001),and QoL scores by 10 points(95%CI:7-13;P<0.001)and reduced the risk of cardiovascular death and hospitalization for heart failure by 35%(95%CI:15–50;P=0.002)compared with the placebo.Adverse events were similar between the two groups,except for a higher rate of genital infections in the dapagliflozin group(10%vs 2%,P=0.01).CONCLUSION Dapagliflozin significantly lowered serum uric acid levels and improved the clinical outcomes in patients with CHF and hyperuricemia.Therefore,dapagliflozin may be a useful therapeutic option for this high-risk population.

Association between Serum Uric Acid to HDL-Cholesterol Ratio and Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Risk among Chinese Adults

Objective The aim of this case-control study was to explore the association between serum uric acid to high density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio(UHR) and the risk of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD) in Chinese adults.Methods A total of 636 patients with NAFLD and 754 controls were enrolled from the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, China, between January and December 2016. All patients completed a comprehensive questionnaire survey and underwent abdominal ultrasound examination and a blood test. NAFLD was diagnosed using ultrasonography after other etiologies were excluded. Logistic regression and restricted cubic spline model were conducted to evaluate the relationship of UHR with NAFLD risk.Results The multivariable adjusted odds ratio(95% confidence interval, CI) for NAFLD in the highest versus lowest quartile of UHR was 3.888(2.324–6.504). In analyses stratified by sex and age, we observed significant and positive associations between UHR and the risk of NAFLD in each subgroup. In analyses stratified by body mass index(BMI), a significant and positive association was found only in individuals with a BMI of ≥ 24 kg/m2. Our dose-response analysis indicated a linear positive correlation between UHR and the risk of NAFLD.Conclusion UHR is positively associated with the risk of NAFLD and may serve as an innovative and noninvasive marker for identifying individuals at risk of NAFLD.

A novel strain of Levilactobacillus brevis PDD-5 isolated from salty vegetables has beneficial effects on hyperuricemia through anti-inflammation and improvement of kidney damage

Hyperuricemia is a metabolic disorder caused by abnormal purine metabolism,resulting in abnormally high serum uric acid.In this study,a novel Levilactobacillus brevis PDD-5 isolated from salty vegetables was verified with the function of alleviating hyperuricemia.The relevant effects of L.brevis PDD-5 in lowering uric acid were analyzed by in vitro and in vivo experiments.The results showed that the L.brevis PDD-5 has(68.86±15.46)%of inosine uptake capacity and(95.75±3.30)%of guanosine uptake capacity in vitro.Oral administration of L.brevis PDD-5 to hyperuricemia rats reduced uric acid,creatinine,and urea nitrogen in serum,as well as decreased inosine and guanosine levels in the intestinal contents of rats.Analysis of relevant markers in the kidney by ELISA kits revealed that L.brevis PDD-5 alleviated oxidative stress and inflammation.Moreover,the gene expression of uric acid transporter 1(URAT1)and glucose transporter 9(GLUT9)was down-regulated,and the gene expression of organic anion transporter 1(OAT1)was up-regulated after treatment with L.brevis PDD-5.Western blot analysis showed that L.brevis PDD-5 alleviated hyperuricemia-induced kidney injury through the NLRP3 pathway.The se findings suggest that L.brevis PDD-5 can lower uric acid,repair kidney damage,and also has the potential to prevent uric acid nephropathy.

Andrias davidianus bone peptides alleviates hyperuricemia-induced kidney damage in vitro and in vivo

Hyperuricemia(HUA)is a vital risk factor for chronic kidney diseases(CKD)and development of functional foods capable of protecting CKD is of importance.This paper aimed to explore the amelioration effects and mechanism of Andrias davidianus bone peptides(ADBP)on HUA-induced kidney damage.In the present study,we generated the standard ADBP which contained high hydrophobic amino acid and low molecular peptide contents.In vitro results found that ADBP protected uric acid(UA)-induced HK-2 cells from damage by modulating urate transporters and antioxidant defense.In vivo results indicated that ADBP effectively ameliorated renal injury in HUA-induced CKD mice,evidenced by a remarkable decrease in serum UA,creatinine and blood urea nitrogen,improving kidney UA excretion,antioxidant defense and histological kidney deterioration.Metabolomic analysis highlighted 14 metabolites that could be selected as potential biomarkers and attributed to the amelioration effects of ADBP on CKD mice kidney dysfunction.Intriguingly,ADBP restored the gut microbiome homeostasis in CKD mice,especially with respect to the elevated helpful microbial abundance,and the decreased harmful bacterial abundance.This study demonstrated that ADBP displayed great nephroprotective effects,and has great promise as a food or functional food ingredient for the prevention and treatment of HUA-induced CKD.

Association between Serum Uric Acid and the Early Marker of Kidney Function Decline among Chinese Middle-Aged and Older Population:Evidence from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study

Objective To evaluate the association between serum uric acid(SUA)and kidney function decline.Methods Data was obtained from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study on the Chinese middle-aged and older population for analysis.The kidney function decline was defined as an annual estimated glomerular filtration rate(e GFR)decrease by>3 mL/min per 1.73 m^(2).Multivariable logistic regression was applied to determine the association between SUA and kidney function decline.The shape of the association was investigated by restricted cubic splines.Results A total of 7,346 participants were included,of which 1,004 individuals(13.67%)developed kidney function decline during the follow-up of 4 years.A significant dose-response relation was recorded between SUA and the kidney function decline(OR 1.14,95%CI 1.03-1.27),as the risk of kidney function decline increased by 14%per 1 mg/d L increase in SUA.In the subgroup analyses,such a relation was only recorded among women(OR 1.22,95%CI 1.03-1.45),those aged<60 years(OR 1.22,95%CI 1.05-1.42),and those without hypertension and without diabetes(OR 1.22,95%CI 1.06-1.41).Although the dose-response relation was not observed in men,the high level of SUA was related to kidney function decline(OR 1.83,95%CI 1.05-3.17).The restricted cubic spline analysis indicated that SUA>5 mg/dL was associated with a significantly higher risk of kidney function decline.Conclusion The SUA level was associated with kidney function decline.An elevation of SUA should therefore be addressed to prevent possible kidney impairment and dysfunction.

Clinical Significance of Serum Uric Acid Combined with Cystatin C Detection in Patients with Different Levels of Hypertension with High Risk Degree and Above

Objective: To explore the clinical significance of serum uric acid combined with cystatin C detection in high risk degree of hypertension of different grades. Methods: The patients who were treated in the Department of Cardiovascular Medicine of our hospital from January to December 2022 were selected as the study subjects, and the high risk and extremely high risk groups of grade I, II and III hypertension were selected for comparative analysis to explore their clinical significance. Results: There was a statistically significant difference in the number of patients with extremely high risk of grade II hypertension between men and women (P 0.05), which showed that there was no specificity in the concentration detection of serum uric acid and cystatin C in different grades of hypertension;there was no significant difference in serum uric acid concentration between grade II and grade III of hypertension with high risk grade and cystatin C concentration between grade I and grade III of hypertension with high risk grade (P > 0.05), but there was significant difference in the concentration detection of serum uric acid and cystatin C between the other groups (P < 0.05), which indicates that the detection of serum uric acid and cystatin C has important clinical significance in the high risk degree of hypertension. Conclusion: In the comparison of the detection of blood uric acid and cystatin C in different levels of hypertension with extremely high risk, the difference of cystatin C in grade I and grade III was not statistically significant, and the rest were statistically significant;therefore, the detection of serum uric acid and cystatin C can provide reliable laboratory data for clinical diagnosis and treatment of the extremely high risk degree of different levels of hypertension.

Study on the effect of lowering uric acid and effect on the kidney of Poriae cutis in hyperuricemia mice

Objective:To explore the pharmacodynamic and renal protective effects of Poriae cutis extract on hyperuricemia(HUA)mice.Methods:The active components from the Poriae cutis were extracted with Alcohol solvent and aqueous solvent,HUA mice were established by hypoxanthine with potassium oxonate.Totally70 male Kunming mice were randomly divided into normal,model(500 mg/kg hypoxanthine+250 mg/kg potassium oxonate),Poriae cutis ethanol(PCE)and water extract(PCW)with high and low dose(388 mg/kg and 97mg/kg),benzbromarone(BEN)groups(7.5 mg/kg),all mice were administered with corresponding medication for 16 d.After the last administration,collected the 24 h urine volume,the urine uric acid(UUA)and urine creatinine(UCr)were determined.The morphological changes of the left kidney were viewed and the pathological changes in right kidneys were observed by hematoxylin-eosin(HE)staining.The serum contents of uric acid(SUA),creatinine(SCr)and urea nitrogen(BUN)were measured.Uric acid excretion index include fractional uric acid excretion(FEUA)and uric acid clearance rate(CUr)were calculated.The contents of OAT1,URAT1,GLUT9,TNF-αand IL-6 in the kidney were detected by ELISA.Results:PCE and PCW could increase UUA,UCr,FEUA,CUr and OAT1(P<0.05,P<0.01),reduce SUA,SCr,BUN,URAT1,GLUT9,TNF-αand IL-6(P<0.05,P<0.01).The pathological and morphological changes of kidneys in HUA mice were improved and the effect is better than BEN.Conclusion:Poriae cutis extractscould lower uric acid and possessed a protective effect on the kidney of mice with HUA,which was achieved by promoting uric acid excretion,regulating the expression of uric acid transporters and reducing the level of inflammatory factors.

Relationship between Obesity, Serum Uric Acid, Serum Potassium and Glomerular Filtration Rate with Electric Left Ventricular Hypertrophy in Blacks Central Africans with High Blood Pressure

The authors conducted a retrospective study over a period of 6 months in a hypertensive population in order to determine the correlation between serum uric acid on glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and estimated serum potassium with left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and obesity. This study enrolled 122 patients including 63 women (51.6%). The mean age was 55.9 ± 10.6 years (range 30 to 74 years). Obesity weight was found in 38 cases (31.1%) of which 20?were men (33.9%) and 18 women (28.6%). Abdominal obesity was found in 104 cases (85.2%). The average serum uric acid in patients with obesity weight was 63.3 ± 18.9 mg/L vs 62.4 ± 14.2 mg/L for no-obese patients (p?= 0.63). The average serum potassium in obese patients was 4.06 ± 0.42 mEq/L vs 4.02 ± 0.46 mEq/L for no-obese (p?= 0.65). The average GFR was 73.4 ± 21.4 ml/L in obese patients vs 66.6 ± 22.6 ml/min in no-obese (p?= 0.03). The LVH was found in 81 cases (66.4%). The LVH was found in 65 (62.5%) obese patients vs?16 (88%) non-obese patients (OR = 4.8, 95% 1.04?-?22?p?= 0.02). Only abdominal?obesity has been correlated with left ventricular hypertrophy after multivariate analysis. Emphasis must be focused on public health actions for effective and appropriate measures against obesity and hypertension, whose prevalence is increasing in our region.

Effect of Intravenous Tranexamic Acid in Reducing Blood Loss during and after Elective Caesarean Section in a Third Level Health Institution: A Randomized Controlled Study

Background: Blood loss during caesarean section (C/S) may lead to postpartum haemorrhage, and is one of the direct causes of maternal mortality and morbidity globally. Tranexamic acid is recommended in the treatment of postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) if oxytocin and other utertonics are ineffective in controlling PPH. In this centre it is not used prophylactically to reduce blood during caesarean section. Aim: To assess the effect of prophylactic intravenous tranexamic acid on blood loss during and after elective C/S at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH). Methods: This was a prospective, single-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled interventional study conducted at the Obstetric theatre of UPTH from July 2020 to March 2021. Eligible women were randomized into two groups;seventy-two women received intravenous tranexamic acid while seventy-one women received a placebo. Socio-demographic data and the result of the study were collected through a proforma. Data collected was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 22.0. The results were expressed in tables and charts as frequencies, percentages and mean. Chi-square test, Fisher’s exact, and T-test were used to determine the relationship between variables. P-value ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The findings showed that tranexamic acid significantly reduced mean blood loss during and after C/S (p-value post-surgery was significantly lower in the tranexamic acid group (624.88 ± 200.76 ml) in comparison to the placebo group (864.24 ± 229.09 ml), p-value = 0.001. The mean post-C/S packed cell volume (PCV) was significantly higher among the tranexamic acid group (30.68% ± 2.80%) in comparison to the placebo group (28.07% ± 3.27%), t = 5.131, p-value = 0.0001. The maternal side effects were nausea and vomiting, 9 (12.5%) and 1 (1.4%) participants respectively. Conclusion: Tranexamic acid significantly reduced blood loss during and after elective C/S. Maternal side effects were less with tranexamic acid use.

Clinical significance of serum oxidative stress and serum uric acid levels before surgery for hepatitis B-related liver cancer

BACKGROUND The incidence and mortality of liver cancer are among the highest of all malignant tumors in China.The high recurrence rate after conventional hepatectomy is worrying.There is a lack of effective prognostic indicators for liver cancer.AIM To explore the clinical significance of preoperative serum oxidative stress and serum uric acid(UA)levels in hepatitis B-related liver cancer.METHODS The medical records of 110 hepatitis B-related liver cancer patients who under-went hepatectomy in Gansu Provincial Hospital were retrospectively analyzed.Recurrence in patients within 3 years after surgery was determined.The logistic regression model and Pearson or Spearman correlation were used to analyze the correlation between oxidative stress level and UA,and the recurrence of hepatitis B-related liver cancer.RESULTS Compared with the non-recurrence group,the levels of superoxide dismutase(SOD)and glutathione(GSH)in the recurrence group were lower and the levels of malondialdehyde(MDA)and UA were higher(all P<0.05).UA,SOD,MDA,and GSH were risk factors for postoperative recurrence in hepatitis B-related liver cancer patients(P<0.05).UA was positively correlated with MDA(r=0.395,P<0.001)and negatively correlated with GSH(r=-0.204,P=0.032).The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve(AUC)of SOD,MDA,GSH,and UA in predicting the prognosis was 0.276,0.910,0.199,and 0.784,respectively(all P<0.001).CONCLUSION The preoperative serum SOD,GSH,MDA,and UA levels had significant predictive effects on postoperative recurrence of hepatitis B-related liver cancer.

Optical nonlinearity in measurement of urea and uric acid in blood

The Z-scan technique is a simple and effective tool for determining nonlinear optical properties of materials. This technique is utilized in meas-urement of urea and uric acid in blood. The nonlinear refractive index of urea and uric acid are found to vary linearly with concentration. Hence by calculating the nonlinear refractive index it is possible to measure their concentra-tion in the sample. The results of this method are found to be in good agreement with the conventional colorimetric method.

Excess dietary Lys reduces feed intake, stimulates jejunal CCK secretion and alters essential and non‑essential blood AA profile in pigs

Background Commercial diets are frequently formulated to meet or exceed nutrient levels including those of lim-iting essential amino acids(AA)covering potential individual variations within the herd.However,the provision of dietary excess of AA,such as Lys,may lead to reduced appetite and growth in pigs.The mechanisms modulat-ing these responses have not been extensively investigated.This study evaluated the effect of Lys dietary excesses on performance and satiety biomarkers in post weaning pigs.Methods Twenty-four pigs aged 21 d and weighing 6.81±0.12kg(mean±SEM)were individually housed and offered 1 of 4 dietary treatments for 3weeks:a diet containing a standardized ileal digestible Lys reaching 100%(T0),120%(T1),150%(T2)or 200%(T3)of the NRC(2012)requirements.At the end of the experiment,blood samples from the cephalic vein of the T0 and T3 groups were obtained for AA analysis.In addition,primary intestinal cultures from T0 pigs were used,following their humane killing,to evaluate the effect of Lys on gut hormone secretion and AA sensors gene expression under ex vivo conditions.Results Feed intake was linearly reduced(P<0.001)and the weight gain to feed ratio reduced(P<0.10)with increased dietary levels of Lys during the third-and first-week post weaning,respectively.Cholecystokinin con-centration(P<0.05)and the metabotropic glutamate receptor 1 and the solute carrier family 7 member 2(P<0.10)gene expression was enhanced in proximal jejunum tissues incubated with Lys at 20mmol/L when compared to the control(Lys 0mmol/L).Plasma Lys and Glu(P<0.05)concentration increased in the T3 compared to T0 pigs.In contrast,plasma levels of His,Val,Thr,Leu(P<0.05)and Gln(P<0.10)were lower in T3 than T0 pigs.Conclusion The present results confirm that excess dietary Lys inhibits hunger in pigs.Moreover,the results provide evidence of pre-and post-absorptive mechanisms modulating these responses.Lys dietary excesses should be nar-rowed,when possible,to avoid negative effects of the AA on appetite in pigs.

Rosmarinic acid improves tracheal smooth muscle responsiveness and lung pathological changes in ovalbumin-sensitized rats

Objective:To evaluate the effect of rosmarinic acid on tracheal smooth muscle responsiveness and lung pathological changes in ovalbumin-sensitized rats.Methods:Rats were randomly divided into six groups:the control group,the asthmatic group,and the asthmatic groups treated with dexamethasone(1 mg/kg;oral gavage)or three doses of rosmarinic acid(0.5,1,and 2 mg/kg;oral gavage).For induction of asthma,rats received intraperitoneal injections and inhalation of ovalbumin.After 21 days,bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and lung samples were collected for histopathological analyses.Moreover,total and differential white blood cell counts were determined.Results:The rosmarinic acid-treated group had significantly lower tracheal smooth muscle responses to methacholine than the asthmatic group.In addition,rosmarinic acid reduced white blood cell count and the percentages of eosinophils,monocytes,and neutrophils while increasing the percentage of lymphocytes.Ovalbumin-induced lung pathological changes were significantly improved by treatment with rosmarinic acid.Conclusions:Rosmarinic acid improves tracheal smooth muscle responsiveness and lung pathological changes in ovalbumin-sensitized rats.

Folic Acid-Functionalized Nanocrystalline Cellulose as a Renewable and Biocompatible Nanomaterial for Cancer-Targeting Nanoparticles

The study focuses on the development of biocompatible and stable FA-functionalized nanocrystalline cellulose(NCC)as a potential drug delivery system for targeting folate receptor-positive cancer cells.The FA-functionalized NCCs were synthesized through a series of chemical reactions,resulting in nanoparticles with favorable properties for biomedical applications.The microstructural analysis revealed that the functionalized NCCs maintained their rod-shaped morphology and displayed hydrodynamic diameters suitable for evading the mononuclear phagocytic system while being large enough to target tumor tissues.Importantly,these nanoparticles possessed a negative surface charge,enhancing their stability and repelling potential aggregation.The binding specificity of FA-functionalized NCCs to folate receptor-positive cancer cells was demonstrated through various assays.The free folic acid inhibition assay showed approximately 30%decrease in the binding of functionalized NCCs in the presence of just 5 mM free FA,confirming their selectivity for folate receptor-positive cells.Confocal microscopy further validated this specificity,as only cancer cells displayed significant binding of functionalized NCCs.Crucially,biocompatibility tests revealed that both NCCs and FA-functionalized NCCs had minimal effects on red blood cells,and they did not induce erythrocyte aggregation.Furthermore,cell viability assays demonstrated functionalized NCCs have selective cytotoxicity against colorectal cancer cells HT-29 and SW-620(68%–88%cell viability)while sparing noncancerous colon cells CCD-18Co(81%–97%cell viability).In summary,FA-functionalized NCCs exhibit promising characteristics for targeted drug delivery in cancer therapy.Their biocompatibility,stability,and selective cytotoxicity make them an attractive option for delivering therapeutic agents to folate receptor-positive cancer cells,potentially improving the effectiveness of cancer treatments while minimizing harm to healthy tissues.

Expression and clinical significance of short-chain fatty acids in patients with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy

BACKGROUND Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy(ICP)is a pregnancy-specific liver condition that typically arises in the middle and late stages of pregnancy.Short-chain fatty acids(SCFAs),prominent metabolites of the gut microbiota,have significant connections with various pregnancy complications,and some SCFAs hold potential for treating such complications.However,the metabolic profile of SCFAs in patients with ICP remains unclear.AIM To investigate the metabolic profiles and differences in SCFAs present in the maternal and cord blood of patients with ICP and determine the clinical significance of these findings.METHODS Maternal serum and cord blood samples were collected from both patients with ICP(ICP group)and normal pregnant women(NP group).Targeted metabolomics was used to assess the SCFA levels in these samples.RESULTS Significant differences in maternal SCFAs were observed between the ICP and NP groups.Most SCFAs exhibited a consistent declining trend in cord blood samples from the ICP group,mirroring the pattern seen in maternal serum.Correlation analysis revealed a positive correlation between maternal serum SCFAs and cord blood SCFAs[r(Pearson)=0.88,P=7.93e-95].In both maternal serum and cord blood,acetic and caproic acids were identified as key metabolites contributing to the differences in SCFAs between the two groups(variable importance for the projection>1).Receiver operating characteristic analysis demonstrated that multiple SCFAs in maternal blood have excellent diagnostic capabilities for ICP,with caproic acid exhibiting the highest diagnostic efficacy(area under the curve=0.97).CONCLUSION Compared with the NP group,significant alterations were observed in the SCFAs of maternal serum and cord blood in the ICP group,although they displayed distinct patterns of change.Furthermore,the SCFA levels in maternal serum and cord blood were significantly positively correlated.Notably,certain maternal serum SCFAs,specifically caproic and acetic acids,demonstrated excellent diagnostic efficiency for ICP.

Blood diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a devastating neurodegenerative disease for which the current treatment approaches remain severely limited.The principal pathological alterations of the disease include the selective degeneration of motor neurons in the brain,brainstem,and spinal cord,as well as abnormal protein deposition in the cytoplasm of neurons and glial cells.The biological markers under extensive scrutiny are predominantly located in the cerebrospinal fluid,blood,and even urine.Among these biomarke rs,neurofilament proteins and glial fibrillary acidic protein most accurately reflect the pathologic changes in the central nervous system,while creatinine and creatine kinase mainly indicate pathological alterations in the peripheral nerves and muscles.Neurofilament light chain levels serve as an indicator of neuronal axonal injury that remain stable throughout disease progression and are a promising diagnostic and prognostic biomarker with high specificity and sensitivity.However,there are challenges in using neurofilament light chain to diffe rentiate amyotrophic lateral sclerosis from other central nervous system diseases with axonal injury.Glial fibrillary acidic protein predominantly reflects the degree of neuronal demyelination and is linked to non-motor symptoms of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis such as cognitive impairment,oxygen saturation,and the glomerular filtration rate.TAR DNA-binding protein 43,a pathological protein associated with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis,is emerging as a promising biomarker,particularly with advancements in exosome-related research.Evidence is currently lacking for the value of creatinine and creatine kinase as diagnostic markers;however,they show potential in predicting disease prognosis.Despite the vigorous progress made in the identification of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis biomarkers in recent years,the quest for definitive diagnostic and prognostic biomarke rs remains a formidable challenge.This review summarizes the latest research achievements concerning blood biomarkers in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis that can provide a more direct basis for the differential diagnosis and prognostic assessment of the disease beyond a reliance on clinical manifestations and electromyography findings.

Correlation of blood uric acid level with the degree of anxiety as well as the neurotransmitter and cytokine secretion in young and middle-aged patients with anxiety disorder

Objective:To study the correlation of blood uric acid level with the degree of anxiety as well as the neurotransmitter and cytokine secretion in young and middle-aged patients with anxiety disorder.Methods: The young and middle-aged patients diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder in our hospital between March 2015 and February 2018 were selected as the anxiety group, and the healthy subjects receiving physical examination during the same period were selected as the control group. Peripheral blood was collected to determine the contents of uric acid, neurotransmitters and cytokines, and Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA) was adopted to judge the degree of anxiety.Results: The blood uric acid level of anxiety group was obviously higher than that of control group and the higher the HAMA scores, the more significant the rising of blood uric acid levels;serum 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), norepinephrine (NE), dopamine (DA), interleukin-1α (IL-1α), IL-17 and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) contents of anxiety group were significantly higher than those of control group whereas neuropeptide Y (NPY), IL-4 and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) contents were significantly lower than those of control group;blood uric acid level of the anxiety group was positively correlated with 5-HT, NE, DA, IL-1 , IL-17 and IFN-γ contents, and negatively correlated with NPY, IL-4 and TGF-β contents.Conclusion: The rise of blood uric acid level in young and middle-aged patients with anxiety disorder is related to the aggravation of anxiety degree as well as the abnormal secretion of neurotransmitters and cytokines.

Etiological Analysis of 256 Hypouricemia Cases

Objective: To analyze the serum uric acid results of patients with hypouricemia hospitalized in the Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University, thereby providing new insights for the prevention and treatment of hypouricemia. Method: This study employed a retrospective case analysis, dividing patients into two groups: 16 cases with uric acid levels less than 50 μmol/L (group Level 1), and 240 cases with uric acid levels between 50 μmol/L and 119 μmol/L (group Level 2). Basic data such as age, gender, department, and clinical diagnosis were collected for each patient. Renal indices, including creatinine, urea, β2-microglobulin, and cystatin C, were analyzed and compared. Results: The highest percentage of patients with uremia was found in Level 1, with a rate of 31.25%. In Level 2, the highest percentage of patients had malignant tumors, with a rate of 15.41%. Tumor sites included the liver, lungs, endometrium, ovaries, breasts, stomach, pancreas, colon, hypopharynx, and others. The second highest percentage was 13.75% for patients with lung diseases, followed by 10% for patients with cranio-cerebral diseases. Other prevalent conditions included renal diseases, hematological diseases, multiple injuries, orthopedic diseases, rheumatological-immunological diseases, and cardiac diseases. There were significant differences between the two uric acid level groups in terms of prevalent diseases (P < 0.05). Additionally, gender differences were significant between the two groups (P < 0.05). However, for renal disease indicators, no significant differences were found between the two levels (P > 0.05). Conclusion: The types of diseases presented by patients were related to different low uric acid levels. Most patients‘ renal function indices were within normal reference ranges at different low uric acid levels. The prevalence of different low uric acid levels was related to gender.