Diagnostic value of gamma-glutamyltransferase/aspartate aminotransferase ratio, protein induced by vitamin K absence or antagonist II, and alpha-fetoprotein in hepatitis B virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND Researchers have investigated the diagnostic value of protein induced by vitamin K absence or antagonist II (PIVKA-II) and alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) in hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and obtained abundant clinical diagnostic data. However, PIVKA-II and AFP have unsatisfactory specificity and sensitivity in the diagnosis of early-stage HBV-related HCC. Gamma-glutamyltransferase (γ-GT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) are common biomarkers for evaluating liver function, and we hypothesized that the γ-GT/AST ratio in combination with PIVKA-II and AFP would improve the diagnosis of early-stage HBV-related HCC. AIM To evaluate the diagnostic value of γ-GT/AST ratio alone or in combination with PIVKA-II and AFP in HBV-related HCC. METHODS Serum levels of γ-GT, AST, PIVKA-II, and AFP were detected and analysed in 176 patients with HBV-related HCC and in 359 patients with chronic hepatitis B. According to tumour size and serum level of HBV DNA, HBV-related HCC patients were divided into the following categories: Early-stage HCC patients, HCC patients, HBV DNA positive (HBV DNA+) HCC patients, and HBV DNA negative (HBV DNA-) HCC patients. Receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to analyse and compare the diagnostic value of the single and combined detection of various biomarkers in different types of HBV-related HCC. RESULTS Tumour size was positively correlated with serum levels of PIVKA-II and AFP in HCC patients (r = 0.529, aP < 0.001 and r = 0.270, bP < 0.001, respectively), but there was no correlation between tumour size and the γ-GT/AST ratio (r = 0.073, P = 0.336). The areas under the receiver-operating characteristic curves (AUROCs) of the γ-GT/AST ratio in early-stage HCC patients, HBV DNA+ HCC patients and HBV DNA- HCC patients were not significantly different from that in the total HCC patients (0.754, 0.802, and 0.705 vs 0.779, respectively;P > 0.05). When PIVKA-II was combined with the γ-GT/AST ratio in the diagnosis of earlystage HCC, HCC, and HBV DNA+ HCC, the AUROCs of PIVKA-II increased, with values of 0.857 vs 0.835, 0.925 vs 0.913, and 0.958 vs 0.954, respectively. When AFP was combined with the γ-GT/AST ratio in the diagnosis of early-stage HCC, HCC, HBV DNA+ HCC, and HBV DNA- HCC, the AUROCs of AFP increased, with values of 0.757 vs 0.621, 0.837 vs 0.744, 0.868 vs 0.757, and 0.840 vs 0.828, respectively. CONCLUSION The γ-GT/AST ratio may be better than PIVKA-II and AFP in the diagnosis of early-stage HBV-related HCC, and its combination with PIVKA-II and AFP can improve the diagnostic value for HBV-related HCC.

Diagnostic value of FIB-4, aspartate aminotransferaseto-platelet ratio index and liver stiffness measurement in hepatitis B virus-infected patients with persistently normal alanine aminotransferase

AIM To assess the diagnostic value of FIB-4, aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index(APRI), and liver stiffness measurement(LSM) in patients with hepatitis B virus infection who have persistently normal alanine transaminase(PNALT).METHODS We enrolled 245 patients with chronic hepatitis B: 95 in PNALT group, 86 in intermittently elevated alanine transaminase(PIALT1) group [alanine transaminase(ALT) within 1-2 × upper limit of normal value(ULN)], and 64 in PIALT2 group(ALT > 2 × ULN). All the patients received a percutaneous liver biopsy guided by ultrasonography. LSM, biochemical tests, and complete blood cell counts were performed.RESULTS The pathological examination revealed moderate inflammatory necrosis ratios of 16.81%(16/95), 32.56%(28/86), and 45.31%(28/64), and moderate liverfibrosis of 24.2%(23/95), 33.72%(29/86), and 43.75%(28/64) in the PNALT, PIALT1, and PIALT2 groups, respectively. The degrees of inflammation and liver fibrosis were significantly higher in the PIALT groups than in the PNALT group(P < 0.05). No significant difference was found in the areas under the curve(AUCs) between APRI and FIB-4 in the PNALT group; however, significant differences were found between APRI and LSM, and between FIB-4 and LSM in the PNALT group(P < 0.05 for both). In the PIALT1 and PIALT2 groups, no significant difference(P > 0.05) was found in AUCs for all comparisons(P > 0.05 for all). In the overall patients, a significant difference in the AUCs was found only between LSM and APRI(P < 0.05).CONCLUSION APRI and FIB-4 are not the ideal noninvasive hepatic fibrosis markers for PNALT patients. LSM is superior to APRI and FIB-4 in PNALT patients because of the influence of liver inflammation and necrosis.

Validation of aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratiofor diagnosis of liver fibrosis and prediction of postoperativeprognosis in infants with biliary atresia

Validation of aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratiofor diagnosis of liver fibrosis and prediction of postoperativeprognosis in infants with biliary atresia pathological Metavir fibrosis score of the liver wedgespecimens of 91 BA infants. The prognostic value ofpreoperative APRI for jaundice persistence, liver injury,and occurrence of cholangitis within 6 mo after KP wasstudied based on the follow-up data of 48 BA infants.RESULTS： APRI was significantly correlated withMetavir scores （rs = 0.433; P 〈 0.05）. The mean APRIvalue was 0.76 in no/mild fibrosis group （Metavir scoreF0-F1）, 1.29 in significant fibrosis group （F2-F3）, and2.51 in cirrhosis group （F4） （P 〈 0.001）. The areaunder the ROC curve （AUC） of APRI for diagnosingsignificant fibrosis and cirrhosis was 0.75 （P 〈 0.001）and 0.81 （P = 0.001）, respectively. The APRI cut-offof 0.95 was 60.6% sensitive and 76.0% specific forsignificant fibrosis diagnosis, and a threshold of 1.66was 70.6% sensitive and 82.7% specific for cirrhosis.The preoperative APRI in infants who maintainedjaundice around 6 mo after KP was higher than thatin those who did not （1.86 ± 2.13 vs 0.87 ± 0.48, P 〈0.05）. The AUC of APRI for prediction of postoperativejaundice occurrence was 0.67. A cut-off value of0.60 showed a sensitivity of 66.7% and a specificityof 83.3% for the prediction of jaundice persistence.Preoperative APRI had no significant association withlater liver injury or occurrence of cholangitis.CONCLUSION： Our study demonstrated that APRIcould diagnose significant liver fibrosis, especiallycirrhosis in BA infants, and the elevated preoperativeAPRI predicts jaundice persistence after KP.

Serum γ-glutamyltransferase,alanine aminotransferase,and aspartate aminotransferase activity in Iranian healthy blood donor men

AIM: To determine serum γ-glutamyltransferase (GGT), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activity, and to assess their correlation with demographic and clinical findings in healthy blood donors. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was performed in 934 male blood donors, aged 18 to 68 years, who consecutively attended Tehran blood transfusion service in 2006. All participants were seronegative for HBV or HCV infections, non alcohol users, and all underwent a standard interview and anthropometric tests. Clinical and biochemical parameters including AST, ALT, and GGT activities were determined. Patients taking drugs known to cause hepatic fat deposition were excluded. For AST, ALT, and GGT variables, we used 33.33 and 66.66 percentiles, so that each of them was divided into three tertiles. RESULTS: Mean AST, ALT, and GGT activities were 25.26 ± 12.58 U/L (normal range 5-35 U/L), 33.13 ± 22.98 (normal range 5-35 U/L), and 25.11 ± 18.32 (normal range 6-37 U/L), respectively. By univariate analyses, there were significant associations between increasing AST, ALT, or GGT tertiles and age, body weight, body mass index, and waist and hip circumferences (P < 0.05). By multiple linear regression analyses, ALT was found to be positively correlated with dyslipidemia (B = 6.988, P = 0.038), whereas ALT and AST were negatively correlated with age. AST, ALT, and GGT levels had positive correlation with family history of liver disease (B = 15.763, P < 0.001), (B = 32.345, P < 0.001), (B =24.415, P < 0.001), respectively.CONCLUSION: Although we did not determine the cutoffs of the upper normal limits for AST, ALT, and GGT levels, we would suggest screening asymptomatic patients with dyslipidemia and also subjects with a family history of liver disease.

Determination of the upper cut-off values of serum alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase in Chinese

AIM:To determine the upper cut-off values of serumalanine aminotransferase(ALT)and aspartate aminotransferase(AST)in a Northern Chinese population.METHODS:A total of 3769 subjects in Jilin Province Northeast China were stratified to determine the potential factors affecting serum ALT and AST levels.The upper cut-off values of serum ALT and AST in these subjects were determined using receiver operating characteristic analysis and their sensitivity and specificity were evaluated.RESULTS:Stratification analysis revealed that serum ALT and AST levels were associated with gender,alcohol consumption,serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels,and body mass index.The upper cut-off values of serum ALT and AST were 22.15 U/L and 25.35 U/L for healthy men and 22.40 U/L and 24.25 U/L for healthy women,respectively.The new cut-off values had a higher sensitivity,but a slightly lower specificity than the current standards.CONCLUSION:Our results indicate that the new upper cut-off values of serum ALT and AST are markedly lower than current standards and may be valuable for the evaluation of liver function.

Isolated elevated aspartate aminotransferase in an asymptomatic woman due to macro-aspartate aminotransferase: A case report

BACKGROUND Macro-aspartate aminotransferase(AST), a macroenzyme, is a high-molecular mass complex formed by self-polymerization or association with other serum components that are difficult for the kidney to clear, leading to the isolated elevation of serum AST activity. Cases of macro-AST formation are rare, with only 3 published in the English language literature up to September 2019 in China. In this paper, we present a case in which an asymptomatic woman with persistent isolated elevated AST was confirmed as having macro-AST by the polyethylene glycol precipitation method.CASE SUMMARY A 34-year-old woman was referred to our clinic for elevated AST levels with normal levels of other liver-associated enzymes on November 12, 2018. Her AST level of liver function test had been abnormal for 7 mo before she came to the clinic. The patient was asymptomatic with a normal physical examination. There was no relevant family history and no alcohol consumption or smoking. She had a several-month history of traditional Chinese medical taking and had stopped it 1 year prior. The laboratory tests in our clinic showed only the elevation of AST(89.5 U/L) with no other significant abnormalities. We performed the precipitation technique with polyethylene glycol to confirm the presence of macro-AST. Then for almost a year, her AST level still fluctuated in the abnormal range.CONCLUSION This case highlights that clinical physicians should be familiar with this rare condition of persistent isolated AST elevation due to the presence of macro-AST to avoid unnecessary investigation and patient anxiety.

Use of aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio to reduce the need for Fibro Scan in the evaluation of liver fibrosis

To evaluate the performance of aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio (APRI) score against FibroScan in predicting the presence of fibrosis. METHODSData of patients who concurrently had APRI score, FibroScan and liver biopsy to assess their hepatitis C virus (HCV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) over 6 years were retrospectively reviewed and details of their disease characteristics and demographics were recorded. Advanced fibrosis was defined as ≥ F3. RESULTSOf the 3619 patients (47.5 ± 11.3 years, 97M:36F) who had FibroScans and APRI for HCV and HBV, 133 had concurrent liver biopsy. Advanced liver fibrosis was found in 27/133 (20%, F3 = 21 and F4 = 6) patients. Although APRI score (P < 0.001, AUC = 0.83) and FibroScan (P < 0.001, AUC = 0.84) predicted the presence of advanced fibrosis, the sensitivities and specificities were only modest (APRI score: 51.9% sensitivity, 84.9% specificity; FibroScan: 63% sensitivity, 84% specificity). Whilst 13/27 (48%) patients with advanced fibrosis had APRI ≤ 1.0, no patients with APRI ≤ 0.5 had advanced fibrosis, with 100% sensitivity. The use of APRI ≤ 0.5 would avoid the need for FibroScan in 43% of patients. CONCLUSIONAPRI score and FibroScan performed equally well in predicting advanced fibrosis. A proposed APRI cut-off score of 0.5 could be used as a screening tool for FibroScan, as cut-off score of 1.0 will miss up to 48% of patients with advanced fibrosis. Further prospective validation studies are required to confirm this finding.

Development of Enzyme Biosensor for Amperometric Measurement of Aspartate Aminotransferase

An enzyme biosensor for amperometric measurement of aspartate aminotransferase has been developed.The working electrode was modified with a thin-film of redox polymer,then glutamate oxidase,with the immobilized reagent cast and dried on the electrode.The biosensor responses to AST by detecting hydrogen peroxide were produced by enzymical reaction at-0.1 V with a response time of 120 seconds.The electrode gave a detection limit of 32.5 U/L with a linear concentration range of 32.5 U/L～2000 U/L in serum.Due to more sensitive and lower detection limit,the biosensor is expected mainly to be used for physiological identification and physical performance of athletes in the future.Extended application will also affect the practice of clinical medicine for the diagnosis of heart and liver disease.

Longitudinal Changes in Liver Aminotransferases Predict Metabolic Syndrome in Chinese Patients with Nonviral Hepatitis

Objective This study explored the correlation of longitudinal changes in serum alanine aminotransferase （ALT） and aspartate aminotransferase （AST） levels with the incidence of metabolic syndrome （Mets） based on a dynamic health examination cohort. Methods A Mets-free dynamic cohort involving 4541 participants who underwent at least three health examinations from 2006 to 2011 was included in the study. Mets was defined according to the Chinese Medical Association Diabetes Branch definition that included hypertension, obesity, hyperlipidemia, and hyperglycemia. Generalized estimating equation （GEE） model was used to analyze multivariate relative risk （RR） of repeated observations of ALT and AST in quartiles for Mets or its components according to gender. Results In all, 826 Mets cases were reported. Adjustment of relevant parameters indicated that time-varying changes in ALT and AST levels were positively associated with the incidence of Mets in a dose-response manner. Positive association between high ALT levels and fatty liver was much stronger than that between high AST levels and fatty liver, particularly in male participants. These associations were consistently observed in the following subgroups： participants with ALT and AST levels of 〈40 U/L, participants with of 〈25 kg/m2, and participants with non-fatty liver. Furthermore, participants with 2 Mets components at baseline showed lower multivariate adjusted RRs of ALT and AST for Mets than participants with 0-1 Mets component. Conclusion These results suggested that elevated serum ALT and AST levels were early biomarkers of Mets or its components.

High Temperature During Rice Grain Filling Enhances Aspartate Metabolism in Grains and Results in Accumulation of AspartateFamily Amino Acids and Protein Components

Global warming causes the exacerbation of rice growing environment, which seriously affects rice growth and reproduction, and finally results in the decrease of rice yield and quality. We investigated the activities of aspartate metabolism enzymes in grains, and the contents of Aspartate-family amino acids and protein components to further understand the effects of high temperature （HT） on rice nutritional quality during rice grain filling. Under HT, the average activities of aspartate aminotransferase （AAT） and aspartokinase （AK） in grains significantly increased, the amino acid contents of aspartate （Asp）, lysine （Lys）, threonine （Thr）, methionine （Met） and isoleucine （lie） and the protein contents of albumin, globulin, prolamin and glutelin also significantly increased. The results indicated that HT enhanced Asp metabolism during rice grain filling and the enhancement of Asp metabolism might play an important role in the increase of Asp-family amino acids and protein components in grains. In case of the partial appraisal of the change of Asp-family amino acids and protein components under HT, we introduced eight indicators （amino acid or protein content, ratio of amino acid or protein, amino acid or protein content per grain and amino acid or protein content per panicle） to estimate the effects of HT. It is suggested that HT during rice grain filling was benefit for the accumulation of Asp-family amino acids and protein components. Combined with the improvement of Asp-family amino acid ratio in grains under HT, it is suggested that HT during grain filling may improve the rice nutritional quality. However, the yields of parts of Asp-family amino acids and protein components were decreased under HT during rice grain filling.

Component Analysis of Shuanghuanglian Freeze-dried Powder and Its Effects on Human Hepatocyte Function when Combined with Cefradine

[Objectives]To detect the contents of components in Shuanghuanglian freeze-dried powder and to explore the effects of Shuanghuanglian freeze-dried powder and its components on human hepatocytes(HL-7702)alone or in combination with cefradine.[Methods]High performance liquid chromatography(HPLC)was used to detect the contents of baicalin,wogonin,chlorogenic acid and forsythin,the main components of Shuanghuanglian freeze-dried powder.HL-7702 cells were cultured with Shuanghuanglian freeze-dried powder and the main components of Shuanghuanglian freeze-dried powder alone or in combination with cefradine.Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)was used to detect the contents of alanine aminotransferase(ALT)and aspartate aminotransferase(AST)in the cell supernatant after culture,and HPLC was used to detect the expression level of adenosine diphosphate(ADP)and adenosine triphosphate(ATP);agarose gel electrophoresis was used to detect the expression of cyclooxygenase 2(COX-2)and heme oxygenase-1(HO-1)in HL-7702 cells.[Results]In Shuanghuanglian freeze-dried powder for injection,the content of baicalin was the highest,and the content of wogonin was the lowest.Compared with the control group,the expressions of AST and ALT in human hepatocytes(HL-7702)in high-dose baicalin group,forsythin group and wogonin group decreased(P<0.05,P<0.01),while the expression of ALT in chlorogenic acid+cefradine group(0.046 mg/mL)and forsythin+cefradine group(0.046 mg/mL)increased(P<0.05,P<0.01),and the expression of AST had no significant difference(P>0.05);the results in the low-dose group were similar to those in the high-dose group.Compared with the control group,ATP expression in chlorogenic acid group,chlorogenic acid+cefradine group(0.046 mg/mL)and forsythin+cefradine group(0.046 mg/mL)in the high-dose group decreased(P<0.05,P<0.01),and ADP expression was not significantly different(P>0.05);in the low-dose group,the expression of ATP and ADP increased in baicalin group(P<0.05),but decreased in wogonin group,baicalin+cefradine group(0.046 mg/mL)and wogonin group+cefradine group(0.046 mg/mL)(P<0.05,P<0.01).Compared with the control group,the expressions of COX-2 and HO-1 in HL-7702 cells in the cefradine group showed no significant difference(P>0.05).The expression of HO-1 and COX-2 in the different dose groups of Shuanghuanglian and the group combined with cefradine increased,and the difference was significant(P<0.05,P<0.01).[Conclusions]The components of Shuanghuanglian freeze-dried powder for injection had effects on hepatocytes,of which baicalin had a significant effect,and the effect of cefradine on hepatocytes was increased when used in combination with cefradine.

Determination of Carbon and Nitrogen Isotope Fractions in Asparagine, Aspartic Acid, Threonine and Methionine

The nomenclature for compounds that are modified with isotopes is growing every day. Compounds can be modified with isotopes either individually, in a functional group or groups, or completely with all atomic centers of the element. This diversity of isotope-modified compounds increases the range of researches that can be studied using them. Compounds modified with isotopes of carbon-13 or nitrogen-15 can be converted into carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and molecular nitrogen. Currently, only the average value of carbon-13 or nitrogen-15 isotopes can be determined. However, by directly determining the atomic share of these isotopes in organic compounds modified with isotopes, information about the isotopic centers of the element can be obtained. The atomic fraction of an element is defined as a single carbon or nitrogen isotope-modified center or centers, or all centers that are isotope-modified with that element at the same time. Carbon-13 or nitrogen-15 isotopes’ atomic fraction can be determined molecularly or with fragment ions of different elemental content, or both. This makes the method self-verifying, increasing the accuracy and reliability of the results obtained. Amino acids, such as asparagine, aspartic acid, methionine, and threonine, are essential for the human body. This proposed method of isotopic analysis will increase the possibilities for scientific research using these compounds.

Cost-effectiveness Analysis of Insulin Degludec and Liraglutide Injection in the Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes

Objective To analyze the cost-effectiveness of insulin degludec and liraglutide injection(IDegLira)compared with insulin glargine plus insulin aspart(IGar plus IAsp)in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)based on the price of IDegLira before and after it was successfully admitted to the National Reimbursable Drug List(NRDL).Methods Cost and effectiveness parameters were obtained through systematic retrieval from PubMed,ScienceDirect,CNKI,and Wanfang database.A cost-effectiveness analysis(CEA)model was established to analyze the economics using IDegLira for T2DM patients with 1 to 5 years of medication.Results and Conclusion Before IDegLira was admitted to NRDL,its economic advantages over the IGlar plus Iasp regimen became more significant as patients’medication time prolonged.After being admitted to NRDL,with 1 year of medication,the medical cost of IDegLira decreased by 2853.91 yuan and the quality adjusted life years(QALY)increased by 0.12055 than IGar plus IAsp.The sensitivity analysis was highly consistent with the results of the baseline result.After being admitted to NRDL,for patients with T2DM who have poor blood glucose control,IDegLira is absolutely an economic advantage scheme compared with IGar plus IAsp.

Prediction of hepatocellular carcinoma development by aminotransferase to platelet ratio index in primary biliary cholangitis

AIM To investigate the usefulness of aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio index(APRI) in predicting hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) risk in primary biliary cholangitis(PBC).METHODS We identified PBC patients between 2000 and 2015 by searching the electronic medical database of a tertiary center. The hazard ratio(HR) of HCC with different risk factors was determined by Cox proportional hazards model. RESULTS One hundred and forty-four PBC patients were recru-ited. Patients were diagnosed at a median age of 57.8 years [interquartile range(IQR): 48.7-71.5 years), and 41(28.5%) patients had cirrhosis at baseline. The median follow-up duration was 6.9 years(range: 1.0-26.3 years). Twelve patients developed HCC, with an incidence rate of 10.6 cases per 1000 patient-years. The overall 5-, 10-and 15-year cumulative incidences of HCC were 2.3% 95%CI: 0%-4.8%), 8.4%(95%CI: 1.8%-14.5%) and 21.6%(6.8%-34.1%), respectively. Older age(HR = 1.07), cirrhosis(HR = 4.38) and APRI at 1 year after treatment(APRI-r1) > 0.54(HR = 3.94) were independent factors for HCC development. APRI-r1, when combined with treatment response, further stratified HCC risk(log rank P < 0.05). The area under receiver operating curve of APRI-r1 in predicting HCC was 0.77(95%CI: 0.64-0.88).CONCLUSION APRI-r1 can be used to predict the development of HCC in PBC patients. Combination of APRI-r1 with treatment response can further stratify the HCC risk.

Combined acoustic radiation force impulse, aminotransferase to platelet ratio index and Forns index assessment for hepatic fibrosis grading in hepatitis B

AIM: To investigate the combined diagnostic accuracy of acoustic radiation force impulse(ARFI), aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio index(APRI) and Forns index for a non-invasive assessment of liver fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis B(CHB). METHODS: In this prospective study, 206 patients had CHB with liver fibrosis stages F0-F4 classified by METAVIR and 40 were healthy volunteers were measured by ARFI, APRI and Forns index separately or combined as indicated. RESULTS: ARFI, APRI or Forns index demonstrated a significant correlation with the histological stage(all P < 0.001). According to the AUROC of ARFI and APRI for evaluating fibrotic stages more than F2, ARFI showed an enhanced diagnostic accuracy than APRI(P < 0.05). The combined measurement of ARFI and APRI exhibited better accuracy than ARFI alone when evaluating ≥ F2 fibrotic stage(Z = 2.77, P = 0.006). Combination of ARFI, APRI and Forns index did not obviously improve the diagnostic accuracy compared to the combination of ARFI and APRI(Z = 0.958, P = 0.338). CONCLUSION: ARFI + APRI showed enhanced diagnostic accuracy than ARFI or APRI alone for significant liver fibrosis and ARFI + APRI + Forns index shows the same effect with ARFI + APRI.

醋炙柴胡对抑郁症小鼠治疗的增效减毒作用研究

目的探讨醋炙柴胡对抑郁症小鼠治疗的增效减毒作用。方法70只雄性C57小鼠随机分为对照组、模型组、帕罗西汀组(10 mg/kg)、生柴胡低剂量组(1.5 g/kg)、生柴胡高剂量组(12 g/kg)、醋炙柴胡低剂量组(1.5 g/kg)、醋炙柴胡高剂量组(12 g/kg),每组10只。除对照组外,其他组小鼠均采用慢性不可预知温和应激法构建抑郁模型,再相应给药处理15 d,对照组、模型组以等体积生理盐水替代。通过糖水消耗实验、旷场实验及强迫游泳实验评价小鼠抑郁样行为,检测各组小鼠肝功能,HE染色观察肝组织病理变化,酶联免疫吸附试验检测肝组织中脂质过氧化物含量。结果与对照组比较,模型组糖水偏好率、进入旷场中心区域时间降低,游泳不动时间延长,血清丙氨酸转氨酶(ALT)、天冬氨酸转氨酶(AST)、总胆汁酸(TBA)及肝组织丙二醛、4-羟壬烯醛和白三烯B4含量升高(P<0.05)。与模型组比较,生柴胡低剂量组、醋炙柴胡低和高剂量组、帕罗西汀组糖水偏好率升高,生柴胡低和高剂量组、醋炙柴胡低和高剂量组、帕罗西汀组进入旷场中心区域时间延长,游泳不动时间缩短,ALT、AST、TBA、4-羟壬烯醛和白三烯B4明显降低,醋炙柴胡低和高剂量组、帕罗西汀组丙二醛降低(P<0.05),以醋炙柴胡低剂量组效果最佳。生、醋炙柴胡组肝组织病理变化改善。结论醋炙柴胡对抑郁症小鼠的增效减毒作用优于生柴胡。

丙型肝炎病毒IgG抗体阳性者确诊丙型肝炎的高危因素分析及列线图预测模型构建

目的分析丙型肝炎(丙肝)病毒(HCV)免疫球蛋白G(IgG)抗体阳性者中确诊HCV的高危因素,同时建立列线图(nomogram)预测模型,为基层医疗机构丙肝的临床诊断和转诊决策提供依据。方法回顾性收集2022年1月—2023年10月住院筛查患者中同时进行HCV\|RNA、HCV-IgG抗体、肝功能和血常规检测HCV-IgG抗体阳性者的人口学特征及丙肝相关各项指标。采用logistic回归分析HCV-IgG抗体阳性者确诊丙肝的高危因素,并构建nomogram模型,分别采用一致性系数和校准曲线评估模型的预测性能和符合度。结果394例HCV-IgG抗体阳性者中,HCV-RNA阳性率为30.2%。多因素logistic分析显示,在HCV-IgG抗体阳性的人群中,HCV-IgG≥5.0 S/CO、天冬氨酸氨基转移酶(AST)>35 U/L和有肝炎相关临床症状为HCV-RNA阳性的独立危险因素,其OR值分别为233.926(95%CI:31.814~1720.046)、4.079(95%CI:2.105~7.904)和5.295(95%CI:1.505~18.634)。用于预测HCV-RNA阳性的nomogram模型准确度为0.923,灵敏度为99.2%,特异度为74.5%。结论基于HCV-IgG抗体、AST和肝炎相关临床症状的nomogram模型具有高准确度,可用于指导临床医生判断HCV-IgG抗体阳性者确诊HCV感染的风险。

急性有机磷中毒合并肝损伤患者AST、ChE、CRP动态变化及对病情的评估价值

目的动态监测急性有机磷中毒(acute organophosphorus pesticide poisoning,AOPP)合并肝损伤患者天门冬氨酸氨基转移酶(aspartate aminotransferase,AST)、胆碱酯酶(cholinesterase,ChE)和C反应蛋白(C-reactive protein,CRP)变化并评估其对病情转归的预测效能。方法选取2017年1月至2021年12月高邮市人民医院收治的60例AOPP合并肝损伤患者,根据病情转归情况分为生存组(31例)和病死组(29例),比较两组基线资料以及入院时、第3天和第7天AST、ChE、CRP变化,采用Cox回归分析AOPP预后的影响因素,采用受试者工作特征(receiver operator characteristic,ROC)曲线分析第3天AST、ChE、CRP对预后的预测价值。结果病死组有机磷暴露量多于生存组[(97.26±12.07)ml比(58.97±8.43)ml],APACHEⅡ评分[(31.23±6.86)分比(25.18±5.72)分]高于生存组;病死组入院第3天和入院第7天AST[3 d:(167.99±18.36)U/L比(91.35±16.58)U/L;7 d:(55.62±13.59)U/L比(28.71±6.44)U/L]、CRP高于生存组[3 d:(76.39±22.03)mg/L比(54.55±17.60)mg/L;7 d:(73.66±24.87)mg/L比(32.90±8.46)mg/L],ChE低于生存组[3 d:(44.59±7.08)%比(48.91±6.33)%;7 d:(43.12±8.53)%比(57.49±12.27)%],差异均有统计学意义(P均<0.05)。Cox回归分析表明有机磷暴露量(HR=15.791,95%CI:4.685~53.225,P<0.001)、APACHEⅡ评分(HR=12.166,95%CI:2.208~67.039,P<0.001)、入院第3天AST(HR=6.670,95%CI:1.162~38.283,P<0.001)、CRP(HR=8.208,95%CI:1.573~42.829,P<0.001)为AOPP患者预后不良的危险因素,入院第3天ChE为保护性因素(HR=0.362,95%CI:0.159~0.825,P<0.001)。入院第3天AST、ChE、CRP联合预测预后的ROC曲线下面积为0.900,均显著高于AST(0.852;Z=2.754,P=0.045)、ChE(0.804;Z=3.184,P=0.032)、CRP(0.818;Z=3.075,P=0.026)单独的ROC曲线下面积。结论AOPP合并肝损伤不同预后患者入院后AST、ChE、CRP呈现不同变化特点,动态监测三者变化有助于早期预测患者病情转归,为临床管理提供参考。

非酒精性脂肪性肝病患者C/RL-r、APRI、FIB-4水平与肝纤维化发生的相关性

目的分析非酒精性脂肪性肝病(NAFLD)患者改良肝尾状叶/右叶比值(C/RL-r)、天门冬氨酸氨基转移酶与血小板比值指数(APRI)、基于4因子的纤维化指数(FIB-4)与肝纤维化发生的相关性。方法选择2021年2月至2022年12月在保定市第一中心医院治疗的NAFLD患者153例,根据病理学结果,将患者分为无肝纤维化组81例、肝纤维化组72例。行MRI扫描检测C/RL-r;计算APRI、FIB-4水平;分析NAFLD患者实验室指标、C/RL-r、APRI、FIB-4水平与发生肝纤维化的相关性,发生肝纤维化的独立危险因素及C/RL-r、APRI、FIB-4对NAFLD患者发生肝纤维化的预测价值。结果肝纤维化组ALT、AST、TBil、GGT、TG、C/RL-r、APRI、FIB-4水平显著高于无肝纤维化组,分别为(42.32±10.21)U/L比(36.21±7.78)U/L、(45.36±8.72)U/L比(27.45±5.40)U/L、(13.52±3.65)μmol/L比(12.24±2.16)μmol/L、(60.53±13.41)U/L比(53.69±12.44)U/L、(1.99±0.53)mmol/L比(1.05±0.33)mmol/L、(1.15±0.12)比(0.92±0.09)、(0.52±0.15)比(0.32±0.10)、(1.47±0.47)比(0.94±0.30),高密度脂蛋白胆固醇(HDL-C)水平显著低于无肝纤维化组为(1.03±0.26)mmol/L比(1.32±0.45)mmol/L,(t=4.189、15.453、2.674、3.272、13.322、13.501、4.302、8.405、4.801,均P<0.05);NAFLD患者ALT、AST、TG、C/RL-r、APRI、FIB-4与发生肝纤维化呈正相关(r=0.531、0.435、0.571、0.605、0.771、0.716,均P<0.001);ALT、AST、TG、C/RL-r、APRI、FIB-4水平高是影响NAFLD患者发生肝纤维化的独立危险因素(P<0.05);C/RL-r、APRI、FIB-4、三者联合预测NAFLD患者发生肝纤维化的曲线下面积(AUC)分别为0.767、0.830、0.754、0.936;相较于C/RL-r、APRI、FIB-4单独预测的AUC,三者联合预测的AUC更高(Z=4.495、3.999、4.677,均P<0.001)。结论发生肝纤维化的NAFLD患者C/RL-r、APRI、FIB-4水平较高,三者联合检测对NAFLD患者发生肝纤维化具有较高预测价值。

ALT/AST及影像学特征预测肝癌经动脉化疗栓塞患者的预后

目的探讨经动脉化疗栓塞(transarterial chemoembolization,TACE)治疗前血清丙氨酸转氨酶/天冬氨酸转氨酶比值(ALT/AST)及影像学特征与肝癌患者预后的关系,构建预测患者总体生存率(overall survival,OS)的诺模图模型。方法纳入2016年7月至2020年7月苏州大学附属第一医院广慈分院诊断为肝癌并以TACE作为初始治疗的患者211例,将其随机分为建模组139例,验证组72例。采用受试者工作特征(receiver operation characteristics,ROC)曲线确定AST/ALT的最佳临界值。在建模组患者中进行单、多因素Cox回归分析,筛选影响肝癌患者OS的独立预测因素并构建预后模型。通过Harrell一致性指数(C指数)评价诺模图对肝癌患者OS的预测能力,校准曲线用于评估预后模型的预测准确性。结果建模组与验证组患者的基线特征分布差异均无统计学意义(均P>0.05)。两组患者中位OS分别为28.5个月(95%CI:22.1~34.9)和25.1个月(95%CI:19.2~29.0),差异无统计学意义(χ^(2)=1.395,P=0.322)。AST/ALT预测肝癌患者OS的最佳临界值为1.10,曲线下面积(area under curve,AUC)为0.674(95%CI:0.604~0.753)。Cox回归分析表明,肿瘤个数(HR=2.080,95%CI:1.245~3.475,P=0.005)、肿瘤包膜(HR=1.771,95%CI:1.128~2.780,P=0.013)、不规则边缘强化(HR=1.884,95%CI:1.190~2.984,P=0.007)和AST/ALT(HR=2.450,95%CI:1.506~3.987,P<0.01)是接受TACE治疗肝癌患者的独立预后因素。基于以上变量构建预测OS的诺模图模型,其在建模组与验证组中的C指数分别为0.733(95%CI:0.650~0.826)和0.770(95%CI:0.688~0.862)。校准曲线显示预后模型对1、2和3年OS的预测曲线与理想参考线之间未见明显偏离。结论基于肿瘤个数、影像学特征及AST/ALT的诺模图对接受TACE治疗的肝癌患者预后显示了良好的预测价值。