Study on the Accuracy of Serum Prealbumin Level in Predicting the Prognosis of Patients with Critical Respiratory Illness

Objective: To analyze the accuracy of serum prealbumin levels in predicting the prognosis of patients with critical respiratory illness. Methods: Fifty patients with critical respiratory illness admitted to our hospital from October 2022 to September 2023 were selected and divided into an observation group and a control group after condition assessment, with 25 cases in each group. The results of cholinesterase (ChE), prealbumin (PALB), albumin (ALB), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), total protein (TP), and forced expiratory volume (FEV1)/Predicted (Pred) of the two groups were measured. Results: The ChE levels of the observation group were lower than those of the control group, while the PALB and ALB levels of the observation group were higher than those of the control group (P < 0.05). The AST, TP, and FEV1 /Pred levels of the observation group were higher than those in the control group (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Serum PALB levels can be used as the main indicator for prognosis in critically ill respiratory patients.

Diagnostic value of serum vascular endothelial growth factor and interleukin-17 in primary hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND Despite significant advancements in the medical treatment of primary hepato-cellular carcinoma(PHC)in recent years,enhancing therapeutic effects and im-proving prognosis remain substantial challenges worldwide.AIM To investigate the expression levels of serum vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)and interleukin(IL)-17 in patients with PHC and evaluate their diagnostic value while exploring their relationship with patients’clinical characteristics.METHODS The study included 50 patients with confirmed PHC who visited Wuhan Han-yang Hospital from January 2021 to January 2022,and 50 healthy individuals from the same period served as the control group.Serum VEGF and IL-17 levels in both groups were measured by Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay,and their diagnostic value was assessed using receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curves.Pearson correlation analysis was performed to examine the relationship between serum VEGF and IL-17 levels.Pathological data of the PHC patients were analyzed to determine the relationship between serum VEGF and IL-17 levels and pathological characteristics.RESULTS Serum VEGF and IL-17 levels were significantly higher in the study group com-pared to the control group(P<0.05).No significant association was observed between serum VEGF and IL-17 levels and gender,age,combined cirrhosis,tumor diameter,or degree of differentiation(P>0.05).However,there was a significant relationship between clinical TNM stage,tumor metastasis,and serum VEGF and IL-17 levels(P<0.05).Correlation analysis revealed a positive correlation between serum VEGF and IL-17(P<0.05).ROC analysis demonstrated that both serum VEGF and IL-17 had good diagnostic efficacy for PHC.CONCLUSION Serum VEGF and IL-17 levels were significantly higher in PHC patients compared to healthy individuals.Their levels were closely related to pathological features such as tumor metastasis and clinical TNM stage,and there was a significant positive correlation between VEGF and IL-17.These biomarkers may serve as valuable reference in-dicators for the early diagnosis and treatment guidance of PHC.

Impact of transcranial electrical stimulation on serum neurotrophic factors and language function in patients with speech disorders

BACKGROUND Speech disorders have a substantial impact on communication abilities and quality of life.Traditional treatments such as speech and psychological therapies frequently demonstrate limited effectiveness and patient compliance.Transcranial electrical stimulation(TES)has emerged as a promising non-invasive treatment to improve neurological functions.However,its effectiveness in enhancing language functions and serum neurofactor levels in individuals with speech disorders requires further investigation.AIM To investigate the impact of TES in conjunction with standard therapies on serum neurotrophic factor levels and language function in patients with speech disorders.METHODS In a controlled study spanning from March 2019 to November 2021,81 patients with speech disorders were divided into a control group(n=40)receiving standard speech stimulation and psychological intervention,and an observation group(n=41)receiving additional TES.The study assessed serum levels of ciliary neurotrophic factor(CNTF),glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor(GDNF),brainderived neurotrophic factor(BDNF),and nerve growth factor(NGF),as well as evaluations of motor function,language function,and development quotient scores.RESULTS After 3 wk of intervention,the observation group exhibited significantly higher serum levels of CNTF,GDNF,BDNF,and NGF compared to the control group.Moreover,improvements were noted in motor function,cognitive function,language skills,physical abilities,and overall development quotient scores.It is worth mentioning that the observation group also displayed superior perfor CONCLUSION This retrospective study concluded that TES combined with traditional speech and psychotherapy can effectively increase the levels of neurokines in the blood and enhance language function in patients with speech disorders.These results provide a promising avenue for integrating TES into standard treatment methods for speech disorders.

超声O-RADS分类联合血清指标CA125及HE4诊断附件肿物良恶性的研究

目的:探讨卵巢-附件影像报告和数据系统(O-RADS)分类联合血清糖类抗原125(CA125)和人附睾分泌蛋白4(HE4)在附件肿物良恶性诊断中的应用价值。方法:回顾性分析2022年7月至2023年8月在安徽省立医院诊断并经病理证实的114例附件肿物患者,所有患者术前均行常规超声检查及血清CA125和HE4检测,以病理结果为“金标准”,将其分为良性组(87例)和恶性组(27例)。比较两组超声O-RADS分级及血清指标,采用受试者工作特征(ROC)曲线分析各项检测指标鉴别附件肿物良恶性的诊断效能。结果:良性组87例患者中超声O-RADS分类1类2例,2类22例,3类34例,4类29例,5类0例。恶性组27例患者中超声O-RADS分类1类0例,2类0例,3类2例,4类13例,5类12例。恶性组患者血清CA125中位数21.5(13.2,78.3)U/ml、HE4中位数49.0(31.3,70.5)pmol/L,其水平均高于良性组,差异有统计学意义(Z=-2.121、-2.021,P<0.05)。所有患者超声O-RADS分级、血清CA125、HE4以及联合诊断的准确率分别为71%、66%、78%和88%。经受试者工作特征(ROC)曲线分析,超声O-RADS分级、血清CA125、HE4以及联合诊断附件肿物良恶性的ROC曲线下面积(AUC)分别为0.870、0.556、0.594和0.898(95%CI:0.825~0.970)。结论:与单一的指标相比,O-RADS分类联合血清学指标CA125、HE4在附件肿物良恶性的诊断中有更高的应用价值,可提高诊断准确率。

The prognostic value of preoperative serum levels of CEA,CA19-9 and CA72-4 in patients with colorectal cancer

INTRODUCTIONCarcinoembryonic antigen ( CEA) , originally described by Gold and Freedman [1] in 1965, is now an acknowledged member of immunoglobulin superfamily[2],with a role as an intracellular adhesion molecule[3].Carbohydrate antigen 19-9(CA19-9), obtained with a monoclonal antibody produced by immunizing a monoclonal antibody produced by immunizing a mouse with a colonic cancer cell line in 1979[4],is a ligand for E-selectin that plays an important role in the addhesion of cancer cells to endothelial cells [5,6].

The Effect of Silica Dust Exposure on the Serum Clara Cell Protein 16 Levels in Chinese Workers

Pneumoconiosis is a systemic occupational disease that commonly manifests as diffuse fibrosis of the lungs caused by long-term inhalation of silica dust in the production process. The development of pneumoconiosis is a chronic and progressive process;once it occurs, it is irreversible, and gradually develops into lung injury and respiratory failure, and can cause death regardless of exposure to dust. The incidence of pneumoconiosis is the highest in China and the direct and indirect economic loss as a result of pneumoconiosis is approximately 9 billion yuan per year.

Serum Glypican 4 Levels Are Associated with Metabolic Syndrome in a Han Population from Guizhou Province, China

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is the presence of a battery of cardiovascular risk factors including abdominal obesity, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and disturbed carbohydrate metabolism[1]. MetS affects 20% of adults in the Western world and 33% of adults in China[2] and has become a serious public health problem worldwide. However, the mechanism underlying the occurrence and progression of MetS is still largely unclear. It is now well established that excess fat deposition leads to abdominal obesity, which plays a vital role in the underlying mechanism. Adipose tissue can function as an endocrine organ that secretes various adipokines. The dysregulated expression of adipokines caused by excess adiposity and adipocyte dysfunction, has been linked to the pathogenesis of MetS[3]. Some serum adipokines such as leptin, adiponectin, interleukin 6 (IL-6), and tumour necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), might be potential markers for MetS development.

Prognostic value of changes in serum carcinoembryonic antigen levels for preoperative chemoradiotherapy response in locally advanced rectal cancer

BACKGROUND Preoperative chemoradiotherapy(CRT)is a standard treatment modality for locally advanced rectal cancer.However,CRT alone cannot improve overall survival.Approximately 20%of patients with CRT-resistant tumors show disease progression.Therefore,predictive factors for treatment response are needed to identify patients who will benefit from CRT.We theorized that the prognosis may vary if patients are classified according to pre-to post-CRT changes in carcinoembryonic antigen(CEA)levels.AIM To identify patients with locally advanced rectal cancer for preoperative chemoradiotherapy based on carcinoembryonic antigen levels.METHODS We retrospectively included locally advanced rectal cancer patients who underwent preoperative CRT and curative resection between 2011 and 2017.Patients were assigned to groups A,B,and C based on pre-and post-CRT serum CEA levels:Both>5;pre>5 and post≤5;and both≤5 ng/mL,respectively.We compared the response to CRT based on changes in serum CEA levels.Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was performed to determine optimal cutoff for neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio and platelet–lymphocyte ratio.Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the prognostic factors for pathologic complete response(pCR)/good response.RESULTS The cohort comprised 145 patients;of them,27,43,and 65 belonged to groups A,B,and C,respectively,according to changes in serum CEA levels before and after CRT.Pre-(P<0.001)and post-CRT(P<0.001)CEA levels and the ratio of downstaging(P=0.013)were higher in Groups B and C than in Group A.The ratio of pathologic tumor regression grade 0/1 significantly differed among the groups(P=0.003).Group C had the highest number of patients showing pCR(P<0.001).Most patients with pCR showed pre-and post-CRT CEA levels<5 ng/mL(P<0.001,P=0.008).Pre-and post-CRT CEA levels were important risk factors for pCR(OR=18.71;95%CI:4.62–129.51,P<0.001)and good response(OR=5.07;95%CI:1.92–14.83,P=0.002),respectively.Pre-CRT neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio and post-CRT T≥3 stage were also prognostic factors for pCR or good response.CONCLUSION Pre-and post-CRT CEA levels,as well as change in CEA levels,were prognostic markers for treatment response to CRT and may facilitate treatment individualization for rectal cancer.

Strong Correlation of Abnormal Serum and Urinary Iodine Levels with Papillary Thyroid Cancer:A Case-control Study

Thyroid cancer is the most common malignancy of the endocrine system,and its incidence is increasing worldwide.In China,its incidence has increased from 1.78/104 in 1988 to 10.58/104 in2013.Thyroid cancers are mainly classified into papillary thyroid cancer(PTC),follicular thyroid cancer(FTC),medullary thyroid cancer(MTC).

A predictive score for retinopathy of prematurity by using clinical risk factors and serum insulin-like growth factor-1 levels

AIM：To detect the impact of insulin-like growth factor-1（IGF-1）and other risk factors for the early prediction of retinopathy of prematurity（ROP）and to establish a scoring system for ROP prediction by using clinical criteria and serum IGF-1 levels.METHODS：The study was conducted with 127 preterm infants.IGF-1 levels in the 1st day of life,1st,2nd,3rd and4th week of life was analyzed.The score was established after logistic regression analysis,considering the impact of each variable on the occurrences of any stage ROP.A validation cohort containing 107 preterm infants was included in the study and the predictive ability of ROP score was calculated.RESULTS：Birth weights（BW）,gestational weeks（GW）and the prevalence of breast milk consumption were lower,respiratory distress syndrome（RDS）,bronchopulmonarydysplasia（BPD）and necrotizing enterocolitis（NEC）were more frequent,the duration of mechanical ventilation and oxygen supplementation was longer in patients with ROP（P〈0.05）.Initial serum IGF-1 levels tended to be lower in newborns who developed ROP.Logistic regression analysis revealed that low BW（〈1250 g）,presence of intraventricular hemorrhage（IVH）and formula feeding increased the risk of ROP.Afterwards,the scoring system was validated on 107 infants.The negative predictive values of a score less than 4 were 84.3%,74.7%and 79.8%while positive predictive values were 76.3%,65.5%and71.6%respectively.CONCLUSION：In addition to BW〈1250 g and IVH,formula consumption was detected as a risk factor for the development of ROP.Breastfeeding is important for prevention of ROP in preterm infants.

Hepatitis B Surface Antigen Serum Level Is Correlated with Fibrosis Severity in Treatment-Naïve, Chronic Hepatitis B Patients in Côte d’Ivoire (West Africa)?

HBsAg serum level (quantification) may be useful for managing hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection patients. However few studies especially in Africa have evaluated the association between HBsAg serum level and liver fibrosis severity. The objective of this study was to estimate the correlation between HBsAg serum level and liver fibrosis severity with treatment naive chronic hepatitis B patients in Cote d’Ivoire. Methodology: It is a prospective study covering from February 1st, 2014 to April 30st, 2015 at Centre Hospitalier et Universitaire de Yopougon and a private medical office in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire. Inclusion criteria for patients were: HBsAg positive, known HBeAg status, serum HBsAg levels, serum HBV DNA levels, complex serum markers and absence of HCV, HDV, or HIV co-infection, drinking more than 30 g/day for men and 20 g/day in women over 10 years, metabolic disease and/or hepatic overload. Pearson’s Chi-square test (r2), Anova, Spearman, T-Student, Pearson’s (r) correlations and Mann Withney’s Test were carried out as appropriate. A p value < 0.05 was taken as significant. Results: We recruited, 105 patients (77 men) of whom the medium age was 39.01 ± 9.72 years. Predominant hepatitis B viral genotype was E (93%). Less than 10% patients had an inactive HBV in HBeAg-negative. Patients had an average high HBsAg serum level (mean 12111.2 ± 10617.4 IU/ml) as well as the one viral load (mean 4.4 e7 ± 7.5 e7). Serum ALAT levels averaged at the upper limit of normal value. The average liver fibrosis score was 0.34 ± 0.22 and the degree of viral activity was 0.19 ± 0.20. Half of our patients had no fibrosis (35.24%) or had mild fibrosis (20.95%). No significant association was observed between HBsAg serum level and patient age (p = 0.3994), genre (p = 0.8075) or serum ALT levels (p = 0, 0787). In multivariate analysis, there’s a significant correlation (r = 0.239, p = 0.014) between HBV DNA levels and HBsAg serum level. There’s a significant correlation (r = 0.923, p < 0.0001) between HBsAg serum level and the dosage of alpha-fetoprotein. HBsAg serum level was not associated with the fibrosis stage (p = 0.281). HBsAg levels average with patients without fibrosis or carry a slight fibrosis (F0, F1) was higher than patients with moderate to severe fibrosis (F2, F3, F4): 13679.2 UI/ml ± 1956.48 versus 10610.52 UI/ml ± 8998.99 (p = 0.29). There’s a negative correlation between HBsAg level and the liver fibrosis score was negative (r = -0.069, p = 0.48). No significant association between HBsAg level and the liver fibrosis patients that were normal (p = 0.7965) or elevated (p = 0.5845). HBV DNA level was significantly associated with fibrosis score (r = 0.30, p = 0.0018). Conclusion: This study shows that there’s a negative correlation between HBsAg serum level and liver fibrosis severity treatment naive with African chronic hepatitis B viral HBeAg-negative patients.

Changes and Clinical Value of Serum Cortisol Levels in Patients with Hypertensive Disorder in Pregnancy

Objective:To investigate the changes and the corresponding clinical value of serum cortisol levels in patients with hypertensive disorders during pregnancy.Methods:In this study,90 patients with different degrees of hypertensive disorders during pregnancy who were admitted from August 2018 to August 2019 in our hospital were set as the research objects.90 cases were grouped according to the diagnostic criteria in Obstetrics and Gynecology,including 30 cases in each of the hypertension group,the preeclampsia group,and the eclampsia group.Another 30 healthy pregnant women were selected as the control group.The serum cortisol levels of pregnant women in the above four groups were measured.Results:Compared with the control group,the serum cortisol levels in the other three groups were significantly increased.In perinatal outcome,compared with the control group,the three groups of patients had an increase in Apgar score,preterm birth,stillbirth rate,growth restriction rate and neonatal asphyxia rate.There were significant differences between groups(P<0.05),and showed as gestational hypertension<preeclampsia<eclampsia.Conclusion:With the exacerbation of hypertensive disorders during pregnancy,the serum cortisol level continues to increase,which has a serious adverse effect on the prognosis of the perinatal infants.

Predictive Value of Serum pgRNA on HBeAg Clearance in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis B with Low HBeAg Levels Treated with Pegylated Interferon

Objective:To study the predictive value of serum pregenomic RNA(pgRNA)on HBeAg clearance in patients with chronic hepatitis B with low HBeAg levels during pegylated interferon therapy.Methods:Twenty chronic hepatitis B patients with HBeAg positive and quantitative<50S/CO were selected for this study.The subjects underwent pegylated interferon therapy for 48-96 weeks and were followed up in the outpatient clinic after treatment.The patients were then divided into groups based on whether their HbeAg turned negative.The predictive ability of each indicator for HBeAg negative conversion was evaluated in the HBeAg negative group and the HBeAg positive group.Results:The results of logistic regression analysis suggested that pgRNA and HBcrAg were better indicators for predicting the clearance of HBeAg after treatment.Conclusion:For patients with chronic hepatitis B with low HBeAg levels,pgRNA is a good indicator in predicting HBeAg clearance during pegylated interferon therapy.

Predictive value of preoperative routine examination for the prognosis of patients with pT2N0M0 or pT3N0M0 colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND In recent years,the incidence of colorectal cancer(CRC)has been increasing.With the popularization of endoscopic technology,a number of early CRC has been diagnosed.However,despite current treatment methods,some patients with early CRC still experience postoperative recurrence and metastasis.AIM To search for indicators associated with early CRC recurrence and metastasis to identify high-risk populations.METHODS A total of 513 patients with pT2N0M0 or pT3N0M0 CRC were retrospectively enrolled in this study.Results of blood routine test,liver and kidney function tests and tumor markers were collected before surgery.Patients were followed up through disease-specific database and telephone interviews.Tumor recurrence,metastasis or death were used as the end point of study to find the risk factors and predictive value related to early CRC recurrence and metastasis.RESULTS We comprehensively compared the predictive value of preoperative blood routine,blood biochemistry and tumor markers for disease-free survival(DFS)and overall survival(OS)of CRC.Cox multivariate analysis demonstrated that low platelet count was significantly associated with poor DFS[hazard ratio(HR)=0.995,95% confidence interval(CI):0.991-0.999,P=0.015],while serum carcinoembryonic antigen(CEA)level(HR=1.008,95%CI:1.001-1.016,P=0.027)and serum total cholesterol level(HR=1.538,95%CI:1.026-2.305,P=0.037)were independent risk factors for OS.The cutoff value of serum CEA level for predicting OS was 2.74 ng/mL.Although the OS of CRC patients with serum CEA higher than the cutoff value was worse than those with lower CEA level,the difference between the two groups was not statistically significant(P=0.075).CONCLUSION For patients with T2N0M0 or T3N0M0 CRC,preoperative platelet count was a protective factor for DFS,while serum CEA level was an independent risk factor for OS.Given that these measures are easier to detect and more acceptable to patients,they may have broader applications.

The relation between serum phosphorus levels and long-term mortality in Chinese patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction

Background Elevated serum phosphorus levels may be associated with adverse outcomes in cardiovascular disease. This study aimed to investigate the relation between serum phosphorus levels and risk of all-cause mortality in Chinese patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) who had preserved renal function at baseline. Methods We enrolled patients with STEMI who had preserved renal function at baseline in Xuanwu Hospital from January 2011 to December 2016. Those patients were divided into four groups based on serum phosphorus levels. All-cause mortality rates were compared between groups. Mean duration of follow up was 54.6 months. We used Cox proportional-hazards models to examine the relation between serum phosphorus levels and all-cause mortality after adjustment for potential confounders. Results 1989 patients were involved and 211 patients (10.6%) died during follow-up. Based on serum phosphorus levels, patients were categorized into the following groups:< 2.50 mg/dL (n = 89), 2.51–3.50 mg/dL (n = 1066), 3.51–4.50 mg/dL (n = 672) and > 4.50 mg/dL (n = 162), respectively. The lowest mortality occurred in patients with serum phosphorus levels between 2.51–3.50 mg/dL, with a multivariable-adjusted hazard ratio of 1.19 (95% CI: 0.64–1.54), 1.37 (95% CI: 1.22–1.74), and 1.46 (95% CI: 1.35–1.83) in patients with serum phosphorus levels of < 2.50 mg/dL, 3.51–4.50 mg/dL and > 4.50 mg/dL, respectively. Conclusions Elevated serum phosphorus levels were associated with all-cause mortality in Chinese patients with STEMI who had preserved renal function at baseline.

Review on article of effects of tenofovir alafenamide and entecavir in chronic hepatitis B virus patients

This letter comments on the article which reported that tenofovir alafenamide may increase blood lipid levels compared with entecavir in patients with chronic hepatitis B published on World J Hepatol 2023 August 27.We review the related research content,topic selection,methodology,conclusions,strengths and weaknesses of this article.And evaluate it in relation to other published relevant articles.

Relationship between Serum Hyaluronic Acid Level and Patient Prognosis in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients Who Underwent Hepatectomy

We examined the relationship between hyaluronic acid (HA) and tumor-related factors after hepatectomy in 158 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who underwent hepatectomy. We examined serum HA levels before hepatectomy by evaluating data for clinicopathological parameters, surgical records, postoperative complications and survival. The mean HA level was 190 ± 202 ng/ml. Patients were divided into 3 groups: group A had serum HA levels less than 50 ng/ml (normal range), group B had levels between 50 and 190 ng/ml, and group C had levels over 190 ng/ml. Group C had a higher rate of poor liver function compared to others. Multiple tumors were significantly more frequent in groups B and C compared to A. The grade of fibrosis and the inflammatory responses were positively correlated with the serum HA level. Postoperative long-term ascites was significantly more frequent in group C compared to others. Although the recurrence rate and the relapse-free period were not significantly related to the serum HA level, the serum HA level was significantly associated with overall survival after hepatectomy (p 0.05). Cox’s multivariate analysis did not show a significant relationship between HA level and survival. Serum HA reflects progression and survival in HCC patients.

Effects of Crude Protein Level of Concentrate Supplement on Production Performance and Serum Biochemical Parameters in Post-fattening Hainan Yellow Cattle

[Objective]The paper was to investigate the effects of crude protein level of concentrate supplement on production performance and serum biochemical parameters of post-fattening Hainan Yellow Cattle.[Method]Twelve Hainan Yellow Cattles with the same genetic backgrounds and similar initial weight of(168.13±0.55)kg were randomly divided into three treatments.Cattle were fed with concentrate supplement containing different levels of crude protein.The trial lasted 60 d.[Result]The daily gain of 17.56%crude protein group was significantly higher than those of 15.55%and 13.56%crude protein groups(P<0.05),and the gross profit of 17.56%crude protein group was markedly higher than that of 13.56%crude protein group(P<0.05),but the feed gain ratio of 17.56%crude protein group was significantly lower than that of 13.56%crude protein group(P<0.05).Compared with 15.55%and 13.56%crude protein groups,the serum total protein content markedly increased(P<0.05),but the urea nitrogen level significantly decreased(P<0.05).[Conclusion]When crude protein level of concentrate supplement was 17.56%,post-fattening Hainan Yellow Cattle could obtain better production performance.

Preoperative Serum Krebs Von Den Lungen-6 and Surfactant Protein-D Levels in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Patients with Interstitial Pneumonia

We retrospectively analyzed the prognostic significance of preoperative serum Krebs von den Lungen-6 (KL-6) surfactant protein-D (SP-D) levels in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with interstitial pneumonia (IP). We enrolled 41 NSCLC patients with IP who have undergone curative surgery. Prognostic significance of serum KL-6 and SP-D levels was examined. We found a significant relationship between serum KL-6 and SP-D levels in NSCLC patients with IP. However, the 5-year survival of patients with high serum KL-6 level was poor, whereas serum SP-D level was not related to patients’ survival. Univariate analysis revealed that there was a trend towards an association between serum KL-6 level and patients’ prognosis but this did not reach statistical significance. This might be due to small number of study patients. In conclusion, there is a possibility that serum KL-6 level is a prognostic marker regardless of the presence of IP.

Serum Levels of Antioxidant Vitamins in Relation to Coronary Artery Disease: A Case Control Study of Koreans

With the changes in trends of disease pattern from infectious to chronic degenerative disease, cardiovascular disease has been considered as the major cause of death in Korea.Numerous studies have been done on the antioxidant effects of some vitamins in the prevention of chronic illness, but not many in relation to the cardiovascular disease.Therefore, the relation between antioxidant vitamins, mainly α-tocopherol (α-T) and B-carotene (B-C), and coronary artery disease (CAD) such as angina pectoris and myocardial infarction has been investigated in this study.The blood samples were obtained from the CAD patients who were angiographically diagnosed within a month (100 case group). Patients who had an experience of PTCA or CABG were excluded from the study. Control subjects were healthy adults who had normal EKG values, no chest pain and no past history of cardiac disease (100 control group). All subjects were free of serum lipid lowering drugs. Serum α-T and B-C were analysed using HPLC. In addition to antioxidant vitamins, serum lipids (total cholesterol, HDL, TG) were also measured. Each case and control was matched in terms of age and sex. And all the CAD risk factors such as blood pressure, smoking, alcohol, serum lipid profile and BMI were adjusted to determine pure effect(s) of α-T and B-C on the CAD.The concentrations of both α-T and B-C were significantly lower in the CAD group than those in control group (P<0.05); in CAD group, mean values of α-T and B-C were 11.9±7.2 (μg/ml), 35.8±3.1 (μg/dl) respectively. As for the levels of B-C, it shows inverse relation with age, but not for the α-T Ievels. Serum levels of both vitamins did not show any significant differences in terms of sex, but men have a tendency o higher levels of B-C,but lower levels of α-T