Hepatocardiorenal syndrome in liver cirrhosis:Recognition of a new entity?

Emerging evidence and perspectives have pointed towards the heart playing an important role in hepatorenal syndrome(HRS),outside of conventional understanding that liver cirrhosis is traditionally considered the sole origin of a cascade of pathophysiological mechanisms directly affecting the kidneys in this context.In the absence of established heart disease,cirrhotic cardiomyopathy may occur more frequently in those with liver cirrhosis and kidney disease.It is a specific form of cardiac dysfunction characterized by blunted contractile responsiveness to stress stimuli and altered diastolic relaxation with electrophysiological abnormalities.Despite the clinical description of these potential cardiac-related complications of the liver,the role of the heart has traditionally been an overlooked aspect of circulatory dysfunction in HRS.Yet from a physiological sense,temporality(prior onset)of cardiorenal interactions in HRS and positive effects stemming from portosystemic shunting demonstrated an important role of the heart in the development and progression of kidney dysfunction in cirrhotic patients.In this review,we discuss current concepts surrounding how the heart may influence the development and progression of HRS,and the role of systemic inflammation and endothelial dysfunction causing circulatory dysfunction within this setting.The temporality of heart and kidney dysfunction in HRS will be discussed.For a subgroup of patients who receive portosystemic shunting,the dynamics of cardiorenal interactions following treatment is reviewed.Continued research to determine the unknowns in this topic is anticipated,hopefully to further clarify the intricacies surrounding the liver-heart-kidney connection and improve strategies for management.

Tricuspid mass-curious case of Li-Fraumeni syndrome: A case report

BACKGROUND Li-Fraumeni syndrome(LFS)is a rare autosomal dominant cancer-predisposing syndrome,which can manifest as a polymorphic spectrum of malignancies.LFS is associated with an early onset in life,with the majority of cases occurring prior to the age of 46.Notwithstanding the infrequency of primary cardiac tumors,it behooves clinicians to remain vigilant in considering the differential diagnosis of such tumors in LFS patients who present with a cardiac mass.This is due to the markedly elevated risk for malignancy in this particular population,far surpassing that of the general populace.CASE SUMMARY Herein,we present a case of a 30-year-old female with LFS who was found to have a tricuspid valve leaflet mass.CONCLUSION This case exemplifies valuable learning points in the diagnostic approach for this exceptionally rare patient population.

Protective mechanism of quercetin in alleviating sepsis-related acute respiratory distress syndrome based on network pharmacology and in vitro experiments

BACKGROUND:Sepsis-related acute respiratory distress syndrome(ARDS)has a high mortality rate,and no effective treatment is available currently.Quercetin is a natural plant product with many pharmacological activities,such as antioxidative,anti-apoptotic,and anti-inflammatory effects.This study aimed to elucidate the protective mechanism of quercetin against sepsis-related ARDS.METHODS:In this study,network pharmacology and in vitro experiments were used to investigate the underlying mechanisms of quercetin against sepsis-related ARDS.Core targets and signaling pathways of quercetin against sepsis-related ARDS were screened and were verified by in vitro experiments.RESULTS:A total of 4,230 targets of quercetin,360 disease targets of sepsis-related ARDS,and 211 intersection targets were obtained via database screening.Among the 211 intersection targets,interleukin-6(IL-6),tumor necrosis factor(TNF),albumin(ALB),AKT serine/threonine kinase 1(AKT1),and interleukin-1β(IL-1β)were identified as the core targets.A Gene Ontology(GO)enrichment analysis revealed 894 genes involved in the inflammatory response,apoptosis regulation,and response to hypoxia.Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)enrichment analysis identified 106 pathways.After eliminating and generalizing,the hypoxia-inducible factor-1(HIF-1),TNF,nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB),and nucleotide-binding and oligomerization domain(NOD)-like receptor signaling pathways were identified.Molecular docking revealed that quercetin had good binding activity with the core targets.Moreover,quercetin blocked the HIF-1,TNF,NF-κB,and NODlike receptor signaling pathways in lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-induced murine alveolar macrophage(MH-S)cells.It also suppressed the inflammatory response,oxidative reactions,and cell apoptosis.CONCLUSION:Quercetin ameliorates sepsis-related ARDS by binding to its core targets and blocking the HIF-1,TNF,NF-κB,and NOD-like receptor signaling pathways to reduce inflammation,cell apoptosis,and oxidative stress.

Causal role of immune cells in obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome:Mendelian randomization study

BACKGROUND Despite being one of the most prevalent sleep disorders,obstructive sleep apnea hypoventilation syndrome(OSAHS)has limited information on its immunologic foundation.The immunological underpinnings of certain major psychiatric diseases have been uncovered in recent years thanks to the extensive use of genome-wide association studies(GWAS)and genotyping techniques using highdensity genetic markers(e.g.,SNP or CNVs).But this tactic hasn't yet been applied to OSAHS.Using a Mendelian randomization analysis,we analyzed the causal link between immune cells and the illness in order to comprehend the immunological bases of OSAHS.AIM To investigate the immune cells'association with OSAHS via genetic methods,guiding future clinical research.METHODS A comprehensive two-sample mendelian randomization study was conducted to investigate the causal relationship between immune cell characteristics and OSAHS.Summary statistics for each immune cell feature were obtained from the GWAS catalog.Information on 731 immune cell properties,such as morphologic parameters,median fluorescence intensity,absolute cellular,and relative cellular,was compiled using publicly available genetic databases.The results'robustness,heterogeneity,and horizontal pleiotropy were confirmed using extensive sensitivity examination.RESULTS Following false discovery rate(FDR)correction,no statistically significant effect of OSAHS on immunophenotypes was observed.However,two lymphocyte subsets were found to have a significant association with the risk of OSAHS:Basophil%CD33dim HLA DR-CD66b-(OR=1.03,95%CI=1.01-1.03,P<0.001);CD38 on IgD+CD24-B cell(OR=1.04,95%CI=1.02-1.04,P=0.019).CONCLUSION This study shows a strong link between immune cells and OSAHS through a gene approach,thus offering direction for potential future medical research.

Immunoglobulin G-mediated food intolerance and metabolic syndrome influence the occurrence of reflux esophagitis in Helicobacter pylori-infected patients

BACKGROUND Reflux esophagitis has an increasing prevalence and complex and diverse symptoms.Identifying its risk factors is crucial to understanding the etiology,prevention,and management of the disease.The occurrence of reflux esophagitis may be associated with food reactions,Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori)infection,and metabolic syndromes.AIM To investigate the risk factors for reflux esophagitis and analyze the effects of immunoglobulin(Ig)G-mediated food intolerance,H.pylori infection,and metabolic syndrome on reflux esophagitis.METHODS Outpatients attending the Second Medical Center of the PLA General Hospital between 2017 and 2021 were retrospectively enrolled.The patients’basic information,test results,gastroscopy results,H.pylori test results,and IgG-mediated food intolerance results were collected.Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to analyze risk factors for reflux esophagitis.Statistical mediation analysis was used to evaluate the effects of IgG-mediated food intolerance and metabolic syndrome on H.pylori infection affecting reflux esophagitis.RESULTS A total of 7954 outpatients were included;the prevalence of reflux esophagitis,IgG-mediated food intolerance,H.pylori infection,and metabolic syndrome were 20.84%,61.77%,35.91%,and 60.15%,respectively.Multivariate analysis showed that the independent risk factors for reflux esophagitis included IgG-mediated food intolerance(OR=1.688,95%CI:1.497-1.903,P<0.00001)and metabolic syndrome(OR=1.165,95%CI:1.030-1.317,P=0.01484),and the independent protective factor for reflux esophagitis was H.pylori infection(OR=0.400,95%CI:0.351-0.456,P<0.00001).IgG-mediated food intolerance had a partially positive mediating effect on H.pylori infection as it was associated with reduced occurrence of reflux esophagitis(P=0.0200).Metabolic syndrome had a partially negative mediating effect on H.pylori infection and reduced the occurrence of reflux esophagitis(P=0.0220).CONCLUSION Patients with IgG-mediated food intolerance and metabolic syndrome were at higher risk of developing reflux esophagitis,while patients with H.pylori infection were at lower risk.IgG-mediated food intolerance reduced the risk of reflux esophagitis pathogenesis in patients with H.pylori infection;however,metabolic syndrome increased the risk of patients with H.pylori infection developing reflux esophagitis.

Body composition and metabolic syndrome in patients with type 1 diabetes

BACKGROUND In recent years,the prevalence of obesity and metabolic syndrome in type 1 diabetes(T1DM)patients has gradually increased.Insulin resistance in T1DM deserves attention.It is necessary to clarify the relationship between body composition,metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance in T1DM to guide clinical treatment and intervention.AIM To assess body composition(BC)in T1DM patients and evaluate the relationship between BC,metabolic syndrome(MS),and insulin resistance in these indi-viduals.METHODS A total of 101 subjects with T1DM,aged 10 years or older,and with a disease duration of over 1 year were included.Bioelectrical impedance analysis using the Tsinghua-Tongfang BC Analyzer BCA-1B was employed to measure various BC parameters.Clinical and laboratory data were collected,and insulin resistance was calculated using the estimated glucose disposal rate(eGDR).RESULTS MS was diagnosed in 16/101 patients(15.84%),overweight in 16/101 patients(15.84%),obesity in 4/101(3.96%),hypertension in 34/101(33.66%%)and dyslip-idemia in 16/101 patients(15.84%).Visceral fat index(VFI)and trunk fat mass were significantly and negatively correlated with eGDR(both P<0.001).Female patients exhibited higher body fat percentage and visceral fat ratio compared to male patients.Binary logistic regression analysis revealed that significant factors for MS included eGDR[P=0.017,odds ratio(OR)=0.109],VFI(P=0.030,OR=3.529),and a family history of diabetes(P=0.004,OR=0.228).Significant factors for hypertension included eGDR(P<0.001,OR=0.488)and skeletal muscle mass(P=0.003,OR=1.111).Significant factors for dyslipidemia included trunk fat mass(P=0.033,OR=1.202)and eGDR(P=0.037,OR=0.708).CONCLUSION Visceral fat was found to be a superior predictor of MS compared to conventional measures such as body mass index and waist-to-hip ratio in Chinese individuals with T1DM.BC analysis,specifically identifying visceral fat(trunk fat),may play an important role in identifying the increased risk of MS in non-obese patients with T1DM.

Incidence and risk factors of depression in patients with metabolic syndrome

BACKGROUND Many studies have explored the relationship between depression and metabolic syndrome(MetS),especially in older people.China has entered an aging society.However,there are still few studies on the elderly in Chinese communities.AIM To investigate the incidence and risk factors of depression in MetS patients in China's Mainland and to construct a predictive model.METHODS Data from four waves of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study were selected,and middle-aged and elderly patients with MetS(n=2533)were included based on the first wave.According to the center for epidemiological survey-depression scale(CESD),participants with MetS were divided into depression(n=938)and non-depression groups(n=1595),and factors related to depression were screened out.Subsequently,the 2-,4-,and 7-year follow-up data were analyzed,and a prediction model for depression in MetS patients was constructed.RESULTS The prevalence of depression in middle-aged and elderly patients with MetS was 37.02%.The prevalence of depression at the 2-,4-,and 7-year follow-up was 29.55%,34.53%,and 38.15%,respectively.The prediction model,constructed using baseline CESD and Physical Self-Maintenance Scale scores,average sleep duration,number of chronic diseases,age,and weight had a good predictive effect on the risk of depression in MetS patients at the 2-year follow-up(area under the curve=0.775,95%confidence interval:0.750-0.800,P<0.001),with a sensitivity of 68%and a specificity of 74%.CONCLUSION The prevalence of depression in middle-aged and elderly patients with MetS has increased over time.The early identification of and intervention for depressive symptoms requires greater attention in MetS patients.

Associations of daily sedentary behavior,physical activity,and sleep with irritable bowel syndrome:A prospective analysis of 362,193 participants

Background:Irritable bowel syndrome(IBS)substantially affects quality of life and requires early prevention.This study aimed to elucidate the relationships between IBS and daily behaviors,including sedentary behavior(SB),physical activity(PA),and sleep.In particular,it seeks to identify healthy behaviors to reduce IBS risk,which previous studies have rarely addressed.Methods:Daily behaviors were retrieved from self-reported data of 362,193 eligible UK Biobank participants.Incident cases were determined by self-report or health care data according to RomeⅣcriteria.Results:A total of 345,388 participants were IBS-free at baseline,during a median follow-up of 8.45 years,19,885 incident IBS cases were recorded.When examined individually,SB and shorter(≤7 h/day)or longer(>7 h/day)sleep duration were each positively associated with increased IBS risk,and PA was associated with lower IBS risk.The isotemporal substitution model suggested that replacing SB with other activities could provide further protective effects against IBS risk.Among people sleeping≤7 h/day,replacing 1 h of SB with equivalent light PA,vigorous PA,or sleep was associated with 8.1%(95%confidence interval(95%CI):0.901-0.937),5.8%(95%CI:0.896-0.991),and 9.2%(95%CI:0.885-0.932)reduced IBS risk,respectively.For people sleeping>7 h/day,light and vigorous PA were associated with a 4.8%(95%CI:0.926-0.978)and a 12.0%(95%CI:0.815-0.949)lower IBS risk,respectively.These benefits were mostly independent of genetic risk for IBS.Conclusion:SB and unhealthy sleep duration are risk factors for IBS.A promising way to mitigate IBS risk for individuals sleeping≤7 h/day and for those sleeping>7 h/day appears to be by replacing SB with adequate sleep or vigorous PA,respectively,regardless of the genetic predisposition of IBS.

Cytokine release syndrome triggered by programmed death 1 blockade(sintilimab)therapy in a psoriasis patient:A case report

BACKGROUND In recent years,immune checkpoint inhibitors(ICIs)have demonstrated remarkable efficacy across diverse malignancies.Notably,in patients with advanced gastric cancer,the use of programmed death 1(PD-1)blockade has significantly prolonged overall survival,marking a pivotal advancement comparable to the impact of Herceptin over the past two decades.While the therapeutic benefits of ICIs are evident,the increasing use of immunotherapy has led to an increase in immune-related adverse events.CASE SUMMARY This article presents the case of a patient with advanced gastric cancer and chronic plaque psoriasis.Following sintilimab therapy,the patient developed severe rashes accompanied by cytokine release syndrome(CRS).Fortunately,effective management was achieved through the administration of glucocorticoid,tocilizumab,and acitretin,which resulted in favorable outcomes.CONCLUSION Glucocorticoid and tocilizumab therapy was effective in managing CRS after PD-1 blockade therapy for gastric cancer in a patient with chronic plaque psoriasis.

Immune cell signatures and causal association with irritable bowel syndrome:A mendelian randomization study

BACKGROUND The mucosal barrier's immune-brain interactions,pivotal for neural development and function,are increasingly recognized for their potential causal and therapeutic relevance to irritable bowel syndrome(IBS).Prior studies linking immune inflammation with IBS have been inconsistent.To further elucidate this relationship,we conducted a Mendelian randomization(MR)analysis of 731 immune cell markers to dissect the influence of various immune phenotypes on IBS.Our goal was to deepen our understanding of the disrupted brain-gut axis in IBS and to identify novel therapeutic targets.AIM To leverage publicly available data to perform MR analysis on 731 immune cell markers and explore their impact on IBS.We aimed to uncover immunophenotypic associations with IBS that could inform future drug development and therapeutic strategies.METHODS We performed a comprehensive two-sample MR analysis to evaluate the causal relationship between immune cell markers and IBS.By utilizing genetic data from public databases,we examined the causal associations between 731 immune cell markers,encompassing median fluorescence intensity,relative cell abundance,absolute cell count,and morphological parameters,with IBS susceptibility.Sensitivity analyses were conducted to validate our findings and address potential heterogeneity and pleiotropy.RESULTS Bidirectional false discovery rate correction indicated no significant influence of IBS on immunophenotypes.However,our analysis revealed a causal impact of IBS on 30 out of 731 immune phenotypes(P<0.05).Nine immune phenotypes demonstrated a protective effect against IBS[inverse variance weighting(IVW)<0.05,odd ratio(OR)<1],while 21 others were associated with an increased risk of IBS onset(IVW≥0.05,OR≥1).CONCLUSION Our findings underscore a substantial genetic correlation between immune cell phenotypes and IBS,providing valuable insights into the pathophysiology of the condition.These results pave the way for the development of more precise biomarkers and targeted therapies for IBS.Furthermore,this research enriches our comprehension of immune cell roles in IBS pathogenesis,offering a foundation for more effective,personalized treatment approaches.These advancements hold promise for improving IBS patient quality of life and reducing the disease burden on individuals and their families.

Correlation between the neuroendocrine axis,microbial species,inflammatory response,and gastrointestinal symptoms in irritable bowel syndrome

BACKGROUND This study examines the complex relationships among the neuroendocrine axis,gut microbiome,inflammatory responses,and gastrointestinal symptoms in patients with irritable bowel syndrome(IBS).The findings provide new insights into the pathophysiology of IBS and suggest potential therapeutic targets for improving patient outcomes.AIM To investigate the interactions between the neuroendocrine axis,gut microbiome,inflammation,and gastrointestinal symptoms in patients with IBS.METHODS Patients diagnosed with IBS between January 2022 and January 2023 were selected for the study.Healthy individuals undergoing routine check-ups during the same period served as the control group.Data were collected on neuroendocrine hormone levels,gut microbiome profiles,inflammatory biomarkers,and gastrointestinal symptomatology to analyze their interrelations and their potential roles in IBS pathogenesis.RESULTS IBS patients exhibited significant dysregulation of the neuroendocrine axis,with altered levels of cortisol,serotonin,and neuropeptides compared to healthy controls.The gut microbiome of IBS patients showed reduced diversity and specific alterations in bacterial genera,including Bifidobacterium,Lactobacillus,and Faecalibacterium,which were associated with neuroendocrine disturbances.Additionally,elevated levels of inflammatory markers,such as C-reactive protein,interleukin-6,and tumor necrosis factor-α,were observed and correlated with the severity of gastrointestinal symptoms like abdominal pain,bloating,and altered bowel habits.CONCLUSION The findings suggest that targeting the neuroendocrine axis,gut microbiome,and inflammatory pathways may offer novel therapeutic strategies to alleviate symptoms and improve the quality of life in IBS patients.

Impact of metabolic syndrome components on clinical outcomes in hypertriglyceridemia-induced acute pancreatitis

BACKGROUND The incidence of hypertriglyceridemia(HTG)-induced acute pancreatitis(AP)is steadily increasing in China,becoming the second leading cause of AP.Clinical complications and outcomes associated with HTG-AP are generally more severe than those seen in AP caused by other etiologies.HTG-AP is closely linked to metabolic dysfunction and frequently coexists with metabolic syndrome or its components.However,the impact of metabolic syndrome components on HTGAP clinical outcomes remains unclear.AIM To investigate the impact of metabolic syndrome component burden on clinical outcomes in HTG-AP.METHODS In this retrospective study of 255 patients diagnosed with HTG-AP at the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University,we collected data on patient demographics,clinical scores,complications,and clinical outcomes.Subsequently,we analyzed the influence of the presence and number of individual metabolic syndrome components,including obesity,hyperglycemia,hypertension,and low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C),on the aforementioned parameters in HTG-AP patients.RESULTS This study found that metabolic syndrome components were associated with an increased risk of various complications in HTG-AP,with low HDL-C being the most significant risk factor for clinical outcomes.The risk of complications increased with the number of metabolic syndrome components.Adjusted for age and sex,patients with highcomponent metabolic syndrome had significantly higher risks of renal failure[odds ratio(OR)=3.02,95%CI:1.12-8.11)],SAP(OR=5.05,95%CI:2.04-12.49),and intensive care unit admission(OR=6.41,95%CI:2.42-16.97)compared to those without metabolic syndrome.CONCLUSION The coexistence of multiple metabolic syndrome components can synergistically worsen the clinical course of HTGAP,making it crucial to monitor these components for effective disease management.

Metabolic syndrome’s new therapy:Supplement the gut microbiome

This letter to the editor discusses the publication on gut microbiome supple-mentation as therapy for metabolic syndrome.Gut microbiome dysbiosis disrupts intestinal bacterial homeostasis and is related to chronic inflammation,insulin resistance,cardiovascular diseases,type 2 diabetes mellitus,and obesity.Previous research has found that increasing the abundance of beneficial microbiota in the gut modulates metabolic syndrome by reducing chronic inflammation and insulin resistance.Prebiotics,probiotics,synbiotics,and postbiotics are often used as supplements to increase the number of beneficial microbes and thus the produc-tion of short-chain fatty acids,which have positive effects on the gut microbiome and metabolic syndrome.In this review article,the author summarizes the available supplements to increase the abundance of beneficial gut microbiota and reduce the abundance of harmful microbiota in patients with metabolic disorders.Our group is also researching the role of the gut microbiota in chronic liver disease.This article will be of great help to our research.At the end of the letter,the mechanism of the gut microbiota in chronic liver disease is discussed.

Chitin-glucan improves important pathophysiological features of irritable bowel syndrome

BACKGROUND Irritable bowel syndrome(IBS)is one of the most frequent and debilitating conditions leading to gastroenterological referrals.However,recommended treatments remain limited,yielding only limited therapeutic gains.Chitin-glucan(CG)is a novel dietary prebiotic classically used in humans at a dosage of 1.5-3.0 g/d and is considered a safe food ingredient by the European Food Safety Authority.To provide an alternative approach to managing patients with IBS,we performed preclinical molecular,cellular,and animal studies to evaluate the role of chitin-glucan in the main pathophysiological mechanisms involved in IBS.AIM To evaluate the roles of CG in visceral analgesia,intestinal inflammation,barrier function,and to develop computational molecular models.METHODS Visceral pain was recorded through colorectal distension(CRD)in a model of long-lasting colon hypersensitivity induced by an intra-rectal administration of TNBS[15 milligrams(mg)/kilogram(kg)]in 33 Sprague-Dawley rats.Intracolonic pressure was regularly assessed during the 9 wk-experiment(weeks 0,3,5,and 7)in animals receiving CG(n=14)at a human equivalent dose(HED)of 1.5 g/d or 3.0 g/d and compared to negative control(tap water,n=11)and positive control(phloroglucinol at 1.5 g/d HED,n=8)groups.The anti-inflammatory effect of CG was evaluated using clinical and histological scores in 30 C57bl6 male mice with colitis induced by dextran sodium sulfate(DSS)administered in their drinking water during 14 d.HT-29 cells under basal conditions and after stimulation with lipopolysaccharide(LPS)were treated with CG to evaluate changes in pathways related to analgesia μ-opioid receptor(MOR),cannabinoid receptor 2(CB2),peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha,inflammation[interleukin(IL)-10,IL-1b,and IL-8]and barrier function[mucin 2-5AC,claudin-2,zonula occludens(ZO)-1,ZO-2]using the real-time PCR method.Molecular modelling of CG,LPS,lipoteichoic acid(LTA),and phospholipomannan(PLM)was developed,and the ability of CG to chelate microbial pathogenic lipids was evaluated by docking and molecular dynamics simulations.Data were expressed as the mean±SEM.RESULTS Daily CG orally-administered to rats or mice was well tolerated without including diarrhea,visceral hypersensitivity,or inflammation,as evaluated at histological and molecular levels.In a model of CRD,CG at a dosage of 3 g/d HED significantly decreased visceral pain perception by 14%after 2 wk of administration(P<0.01)and reduced inflammation intensity by 50%,resulting in complete regeneration of the colonic mucosa in mice with DSS-induced colitis.To better reproduce the characteristics of visceral pain in patients with IBS,we then measured the therapeutic impact of CG in rats with TNBS-induced inflammation to long-lasting visceral hypersensitivity.CG at a dosage of 1.5 g/d HED decreased visceral pain perception by 20%five weeks after colitis induction(P<0.01).When the CG dosage was increased to 3.0 g/d HED,this analgesic effect surpassed that of the spasmolytic agent phloroglucinol,manifesting more rapidly within 3 wk and leading to a 50%inhibition of pain perception(P<0.0001).The underlying molecular mechanisms contributing to these analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of CG involved,at least in part,a significant induction of MOR,CB2 receptor,and IL-10,as well as a significant decrease in pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1b and IL-8.CG also significantly upregulated barrier-related genes including muc5AC,claudin-2,and ZO-2.Molecular modelling of CG revealed a new property of the molecule as a chelator of microbial pathogenic lipids,sequestering gram-negative LPS and gram-positive LTA bacterial toxins,as well as PLM in fungi at the lowesr energy conformations.CONCLUSION CG decreased visceral perception and intestinal inflammation through master gene regulation and direct binding of microbial products,suggesting that CG may constitute a new therapeutic strategy for patients with IBS or IBSlike symptoms.

Uveitis glaucoma hyphema syndrome as a result of glaucoma implant: A case report

BACKGROUND Glaucoma is caused by increased intraocular pressure(IOP)that damages the optic nerve,leading to blindness.The Ahmed glaucoma valve(AGV)is a glau-coma drainage implant device that is used in glaucoma patients with uncontrolled IOP.A possible complication after any ocular surgery however is hyphema,which can itself progress to uveitis glaucoma hyphema(UGH)syndrome on rare occasions.UGH syndrome has not yet been reported as a complication of AGV implantation.CASE SUMMARY Here,we have reported a case of a 55-year-old female who developed both hyphema and pigmentation as a result of AGV implantation.We confirmed UGH syndrome secondary to AGV implantation after the patient underwent another surgery to shorten and reposition the AGV tube.After the second surgery,the patient’s IOP was reduced,and she had a clear cornea and no signs of hyphema.CONCLUSION This first report of UGH syndrome as a complication of AGV implantation reminds clinicians that frequent follow-up is paramount.

Factors influencing Frey syndrome after parotidectomy with acellular dermal matrix

BACKGROUND Frey syndrome,also known as ototemporal nerve syndrome or gustatory sweating syndrome,is one of the most common complications of parotid gland surgery.This condition is characterized by abnormal sensations in the facial skin accompanied by episodes of flushing and sweating triggered by cognitive processes,visual stimuli,or eating.AIM To investigate the preventive effect of acellular dermal matrix(ADM)on Frey syndrome after parotid tumor resection and analyzed the effects of Frey syndrome across various surgical methods and other factors involved in parotid tumor resection.METHODS Retrospective data from 82 patients were analyzed to assess the correlation between sex,age,resection sample size,operation time,operation mode,ADM usage,and occurrence of postoperative Frey syndrome.RESULTS Among the 82 patients,the incidence of Frey syndrome was 56.1%.There were no significant differences in sex,age,or operation time between the two groups(P>0.05).However,there was a significant difference between ADM implantation and occurrence of Frey syndrome(P<0.05).ADM application could reduce the variation in the incidence of Frey syndrome across different operation modes.CONCLUSION ADM can effectively prevent Frey syndrome and delay its onset.

Predictive value of bilirubin and serum γ-glutamyltranspeptidase levels in type-2 diabetes mellitus patients with acute coronary syndrome

BACKGROUND Cardiovascular disease is a major complication of diabetes mellitus(DM).Type-2 DM(T2DM)is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events and mortality,while serum biomarkers may facilitate the prediction of these outcomes.Early differential diagnosis of T2DM complicated with acute coronary syndrome(ACS)plays an important role in controlling disease progression and improving safety.AIM To investigate the correlation of serum bilirubin andγ-glutamyltranspeptidase(γ-GGT)with major adverse cardiovascular events(MACEs)in T2DM patients with ACS.METHODS The clinical data of inpatients from January 2022 to December 2022 were analyzed retrospectively.According to different conditions,they were divided into the T2DM complicated with ACS group(T2DM+ACS,n=96),simple T2DM group(T2DM,n=85),and simple ACS group(ACS,n=90).The clinical data and laboratory indices were compared among the three groups,and the correlations of serum total bilirubin(TBIL)levels and serumγ-GGT levels with other indices were discussed.T2DM+ACS patients received a 90-day follow-up after discharge and were divided into event(n=15)and nonevent(n=81)groups according to the occurrence of MACEs;Univariate and multivariate analyses were further used to screen the independent influencing factors of MACEs in patients.RESULTS The T2DM+ACS group showed higherγ-GGT,total cholesterol,low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C)and glycosylated hemoglobin(HbA1c)and lower TBIL and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels than the T2DM and ACS groups(P<0.05).Based on univariate analysis,the event and nonevent groups were significantly different in age(t=3.3612,P=0.0011),TBIL level(t=3.0742,P=0.0028),γ-GGT level(t=2.6887,P=0.0085),LDL-C level(t=2.0816,P=0.0401),HbA1c level(t=2.7862,P=0.0065)and left ventricular ejection fraction(LEVF)levels(t=3.2047,P=0.0018).Multivariate logistic regression analysis further identified that TBIL level and LEVF level were protective factor for MACEs,and age andγ-GGT level were risk factors(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Serum TBIL levels are decreased andγ-GGT levels are increased in T2DM+ACS patients,and the two indices are significantly negatively correlated.TBIL andγ-GGT are independent influencing factors for MACEs in such patients.

Clinical efficacy and mechanism study of mid-frequency anti-snoring device in treating moderate obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome

BACKGROUND Obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome(OSAHS)is primarily caused by airway obstruction due to narrowing and blockage in the nasal and nasopha-ryngeal,oropharyngeal,soft palate,and tongue base areas.The mid-frequency anti-snoring device is a new technology based on sublingual nerve stimulation.Its principle is to improve the degree of oropharyngeal airway stenosis in OSAHS patients under mid-frequency wave stimulation.Nevertheless,there is a lack of clinical application and imaging evidence.METHODS We selected 50 patients diagnosed with moderate OSAHS in our hospital between July 2022 and August 2023.They underwent a 4-wk treatment regimen involving the mid-frequency anti-snoring device during nighttime sleep.Following the treatment,we monitored and assessed the sleep apnea quality of life index and Epworth Sleepiness Scale scores.Additionally,we performed computed tomo-graphy scans of the oropharynx in the awake state,during snoring,and while using the mid-frequency anti-snoring device.Cross-sectional area measurements in different states were taken at the narrowest airway point in the soft palate posterior and retrolingual areas.RESULTS Compared to pretreatment measurements,patients exhibited a significant reduction in the apnea-hypopnea index,the percentage of time with oxygen saturation below 90%,snoring frequency,and the duration of the most prolonged apnea event.The lowest oxygen saturation showed a notable increase,and both sleep apnea quality of life index and Epworth Sleepiness Scale scores improved.Oropharyngeal computed tomography scans revealed that in OSAHS patients cross-sectional areas of the oropharyngeal airway in the soft palate posterior area and retrolingual area decreased during snoring compared to the awake state.Conversely,during mid-frequency anti-snoring device treatment,these areas increased compared to snoring.CONCLUSION The mid-frequency anti-snoring device demonstrates the potential to enhance various sleep parameters in patients with moderate OSAHS,thereby improving their quality of life and reducing daytime sleepiness.These therapeutic effects are attributed to the device’s ability to ameliorate the narrowing of the oropharynx in OSAHS patients.

Reckoning the SIX1 mutation＇s effects in branchio-oto-renal syndrome - A bioinformatics approach

Branchio-oto-renal syndrome （BOR） is autosomal dominant disorder which generates hearing impairment and kidney failures in affected individuals. The disease genomic maps were drawn back in recent years, demonstrating, missense mutations responsible in disease were located in SIX1, EYA1 and EYA2 genes. We try to uncover molecular biology of the syndrome with bioinformatics perspective, taking S1X1 and EYA2 protein interaction at center point. The study initiated with 23 natural mutations of SIX1 gene. They were first analyzed with prediction servers like SIFT, PolyPhen2, I Mutant, SNPs＆GO, PHD-SNP and Panther, to identify their impact on their structural stability and function. Subsequently it narrowed down to seven consistent with our quest. They were analyzed on IUPred disorder prediction server. Later SIX1 and its all mutant proteins were docked with EYA2 protein using GRAMM-X server. The binding affinity of docked structures was analyzed using DFIRE2 algorithm. The results justify the earlier wet laboratory studies and indicate the reason behind them. Finally we summarize that the proven inactivity of all other mutants is due to the structural disorder created by mutations, hence usual molecular interaction is hindered; strangely protein interaction takes place at DNA binding site of SIX1 mutants.

Correlation of neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio to severity of coronary artery disease and in-hospital clinical outcomes in patients with acute coronary syndrome: A prospective observational study

Objective:To explore correlation of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio(NLR)to severity of coronary artery disease(CAD)and in-hospital clinical outcomes in patients with acute coronary syndrome(ACS).Methods:In this prospective and observational study,we recruited 500 patients with ACS.For all the eligible patients,demographic details were collected,and laboratory parameters were evaluated.The CAD severity was evaluated in terms of the number of involved vessels.The NLR was calculated based on neutrophils and lymphocytes and the correlation of various risk factors and severity and outcome of CAD was performed.Results:77.2%of Patients was male,and 52%of the patients aged between 55-70 years.Based on the type of ACS,396 out of 500 patients had ST-elevation myocardial infarction.An ascending trend in the white blood cell levels and NLR value was noted as the severity of the ACS increased and the highest white blood cell levels and NLR was noted among classⅣpatients.The mean NLR value among the non-survivors were higher compared to the survivors(9.52±5.72 vs.4.76±2.36;P<0.01).Receiver operating curve showed that the cut-off NLR value was 5.76 with a sensitivity of 75.0%and a specificity of 77.3%.Conclusions:The NLR can be used as an independent prognostic marker in ACS.An elevated NLR value serves as a reliable predictor for short-term complications,notably in-hospital mortality.