Clinical significance of platelet mononuclear cell aggregates in patients with sepsis and acute respiratory distress syndrome

BACKGROUND The diagnosis of sepsis combined with acute respiratory distress syndrome(ARDS)has increased owing to the enhanced awareness among medical profes-sionals and the continuous development of modern medical technologies,while early diagnosis of ARDS still lacks specific biomarkers.One of the main patho-genic mechanisms of sepsis-associated ARDS involves the actions of various pathological injuries and inflammatory factors,such as platelet and white blood cells activation,leading to an increase of surface adhesion molecules.These adhesion molecules further form platelet-white blood cell aggregates,including platelet-mononuclear cell aggregates(PMAs).PMAs has been identified as one of the markers of platelet activation,here we hypothesize that PMAs might play a potential biomarker for the early diagnosis of this complication.METHODS We selected 72 hospitalized patients diagnosed with sepsis as the study population between March 2019 and March 2022.Among them,30 patients with sepsis and ARDS formed the study group,while 42 sepsis patients without ARDS comprised the control group.After diagnosis,venous blood samples were imme-diately collected from all patients.Flow cytometry was employed to analyze the expression of PMAs,platelet neutrophil aggregates(PNAs),and platelet aggregates(PLyAs)in the serum.Additionally,the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation(APACHE)II score was calculated for each patient,and receiver operating characteristic curves were generated to assess diagnostic value.RESULTS The study found that the levels of PNAs and PLyAs in the serum of the study group were higher than those in the control group,but the difference was not statistically significant(P>0.05).However,the expression of PMAs in the serum of the study group was significantly upregulated(P<0.05)and positively correlated with the APACHE II score(r=0.671,P<0.05).When using PMAs as a diagnostic indicator,the area under the curve value was 0.957,indicating a high diagnostic value(P<0.05).Furthermore,the optimal cutoff value was 8.418%,with a diagnostic sensitivity of 0.819 and specificity of 0.947.CONCLUSION In summary,the serum levels of PMAs significantly increase in patients with sepsis and ARDS.Therefore,serum PMAs have the potential to become a new biomarker for clinically diagnosing sepsis complicated by ARDS.

Impact of D-dimer on in-hospital mortality following aortic dissection:A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND The utility of D-dimer(DD)as a biomarker for acute aortic dissection(AD)is recognized.Yet,its predictive value for in-hospital mortality remains uncertain and subject to conflicting evidence.AIM To conduct a meta-analysis of AD-related in-hospital mortality(ADIM)with elevated DD levels.METHODS We searched PubMed,Scopus,Embase,and Google Scholar for AD and ADIM literature through May 2022.Heterogeneity was assessed using I2 statistics and effect size(hazard or odds ratio)analysis with random-effects models.Sample size,study type,and patients’mean age were used for subgroup analysis.The significance threshold was P<0.05.RESULTS Thirteen studies(3628 patients)were included in our study.The pooled prevalence of ADIM was 20%(95%CI:15%-25%).Despite comparable demographic characteristics and comorbidities,elevated DD values were associated with higher ADIM risk(unadjusted effect size:1.94,95%CI:1.34-2.8;adjusted effect size:1.12,95%CI:1.05-1.19,P<0.01).Studies involving patients with a mean age of<60 years exhibited an increased mortality risk(effect size:1.43,95%CI:1.23-1.67,P<0.01),whereas no significant difference was observed in studies with a mean age>60 years.Prospective and larger sample size studies(n>250)demonstrated a heightened likelihood of ADIM associated with elevated DD levels(effect size:2.57,95%CI:1.30-5.08,P<0.01 vs effect size:1.05,95%CI:1.00-1.11,P=0.05,respectively).CONCLUSION Our meta-analysis shows elevated DD increases in-hospital mortality risk in AD patients,highlighting the need for larger,prospective studies to improve risk prediction models.

Utility of plasma D-dimer for diagnosis of venous thromboembolism after hepatectomy

BACKGROUND Venous thromboembolism(VTE)is a potentially fatal complication of hepatectomy.The use of postoperative prophylactic anticoagulation in patients who have undergone hepatectomy is controversial because of the risk of postoperative bleeding.Therefore,we hypothesized that monitoring plasma D-dimer could be useful in the early diagnosis of VTE after hepatectomy.AIM To evaluate the utility of monitoring plasma D-dimer levels in the early diagnosis of VTE after hepatectomy.METHODS The medical records of patients who underwent hepatectomy at our institution between January 2017 and December 2020 were retrospectively analyzed.Patients were divided into two groups according to whether or not they developed VTE after hepatectomy,as diagnosed by contrast-enhanced computed tomography and/or ultrasonography of the lower extremities.Clinicopathological factors,including demographic data and perioperative D-dimer values,were compared between the two groups.Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was performed to determine the D-dimer cutoff value.Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed using logistic regression analysis to identify significant predictors.RESULTS In total,234 patients who underwent hepatectomy were,of whom(5.6%)were diagnosed with VTE following hepatectomy.A comparison between the two groups showed significant differences in operative time(529 vs 403 min,P=0.0274)and blood loss(530 vs 138 mL,P=0.0067).The D-dimer levels on postoperative days(POD)1,3,5,7 were significantly higher in the VTE group than in the non-VTE group.In the multivariate analysis,intraoperative blood loss of>275 mL[odds ratio(OR)=5.32,95%confidence interval(CI):1.05-27.0,P=0.044]and plasma D-dimer levels on POD 5≥21μg/mL(OR=10.1,95%CI:2.04-50.1,P=0.0046)were independent risk factors for VTE after hepatectomy.CONCLUSION Monitoring of plasma D-dimer levels after hepatectomy is useful for early diagnosis of VTE and may avoid routine prophylactic anticoagulation in the postoperative period.

Kelp Fucoidans Facilitate Vascular Recanalization via Inhibiting Excessive Activation of Platelet in Deep Venous Thrombosis Model of Mouse

This study was carried out explore the mechanism underlying the inhibition of platelet activation by kelp fucoidans in deep venous thrombosis(DVT)mouse.In the control and sham mice,the walls of deep vein were regular and smooth with intact intima,myometrium and adventitia.The blood vessel was wrapped with the tissue and there was no thrombosis in the lumen.In the DVT model,the wall was uneven with thicken intima,myometrium and adventitia.After treated with fucoidans LF1 and LF2,the thrombus was dissolved and the blood vessel was recanalized.Compared with the control group,the ROS content,ET-1 and VWF content and the expression of PKC-βand NF-κB in the model were significantly higher(P<0.05);these levels were significantly reduced following treatments with LF2 and LF1.Compared with H_(2)O_(2)treated-HUVECs,combined LF1 and LF2 treatment resulted in significant decrease in the expression of PKC-β,NF-κB,VWF and TM protein(P<0.05).It is clear that LF1 and LF2 reduces DVT-induced ET-1,VWF and TM expressions and production of ROS,thus inhibiting the activation of PKC-β/NF-κB signal pathway and the activation of coagulation system and ultimately reducing the formation of venous thrombus.

Aspirin suppresses hepatocellular carcinoma progression by inhibiting platelet activity

BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)is the most common malignant liver disease in the world.Platelets(PLTs)are known to play a key role in the maintenance of liver homeostasis and the pathophysiological processes of a variety of liver diseases.Aspirin is the most classic antiplatelet agent.However,the molecular mechanism of platelet action and whether aspirin can affect HCC progression by inhibiting platelet activity need further study.AIM To explore the impact of the antiplatelet effect of aspirin on the development of HCC.METHODS Platelet-rich plasma,platelet plasma,pure platelet,and platelet lysate were prepared,and a coculture model of PLTs and HCC cells was established.CCK-8 analysis,apoptosis analysis,Transwell analysis,and real-time polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR)were used to analyze the effects of PLTs on the growth,metastasis,and inflammatory microenvironment of HCC.RT-PCR and Western blot were used to detect the effects of platelet activation on tumor-related signaling pathways.Aspirin was used to block the activation and aggregation of PLTs both in vitro and in vivo,and the effect of PLTs on the progression of HCC RESULTS PLTs significantly promoted the growth,invasion,epithelial-mesenchymal transition,and formation of an inflammatory microenvironment in HCC cells.Activated PLTs promoted HCC progression by activating the mitogenactivated protein kinase/protein kinase B/signal transducer and activator of transcription three(MAPK/AKT/STAT3)signaling axis.Additionally,aspirin inhibited HCC progression in vitro and in vivo by inhibiting platelet activation.CONCLUSION PLTs play an important role in the pathogenesis of HCC,and aspirin can affect HCC progression by inhibiting platelet activity.These results suggest that antiplatelet therapy has promising application prospects in the treatment and combined treatment of HCC.

Inverse relationship between platelet Akt activity and hippocampal atrophy:A pilot case-control study in patients with diabetes mellitus

BACKGROUND Akt plays diverse roles in humans.It is involved in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM),which is caused by insulin resistance.Akt also plays a vital role in human platelet activation.Furthermore,the hippocampus is closely associated with memory and learning,and a decrease in hippocampal volume is reportedly associated with an insulin-resistant phenotype in T2DM patients without dementia.AIM To investigate the relationship between Akt phosphorylation in unstimulated platelets and the hippocampal volume in T2DM patients.METHODS Platelet-rich plasma(PRP)was prepared from the venous blood of patients with T2DM or age-matched controls.The pellet lysate of the centrifuged PRP was subjected to western blotting to analyse the phosphorylation of Akt,p38 mitogen-activated protein(MAP)kinase and glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase(GAPDH).Phosphorylation levels were quantified by densitometric analysis.Hippocampal volume was analysed using a voxel-based specific regional analysis system for Alzheimer’s disease on magnetic resonance imaging,which proposes the Z-score as a parameter that reflects hippocampal volume.RESULTS The levels of phosphorylated Akt corrected with phosphorylated p38 MAP kinase were inversely correlated with the Z-scores in the T2DM subjects,whereas the levels of phosphorylated Akt corrected with GAPDH were not.However,this relationship was not observed in the control patients.CONCLUSION These results suggest that an inverse relationship may exist between platelet Akt activation and hippocampal atrophy in T2DM patients.Our findings provide insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying T2DM hippocampal atrophy.

Associations of serum D-dimer and glycosylated hemoglobin levels with third-trimester fetal growth restriction in gestational diabetes mellitus

BACKGROUND Gestational diabetes mellitus(GDM)is a special type of diabetes that commonly occurs in women during pregnancy and involves impaired glucose tolerance and abnormal glucose metabolism;GDM is diagnosed for the first time during pregnancy and can affect fetal growth and development.AIM To investigate the associations of serum D-dimer(D-D)and glycosylated hemoglobin(HbA1c)levels with third-trimester fetal growth restriction(FGR)in GDM patients.METHODS The clinical data of 164 pregnant women who were diagnosed with GDM and delivered at the Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University from January 2021 to January 2023 were analyzed retrospectively.Among these women,63 whose fetuses had FGR were included in the FGR group,and 101 women whose fetuses had normal body weights were included in the normal body weight group(normal group).Fasting venous blood samples were collected from the elbow at 28-30 wk gestation and 1-3 d before delivery to measure serum D-D and HbA1c levels for comparative analysis.The diagnostic value of serum D-D and HbA1c levels for FGR was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic analysis,and the influencing factors of third-trimester FGR in GDM patients were analyzed by logistic regression.RESULTS Serum fasting blood glucose,fasting insulin,D-D and HbA1c levels were significantly greater in the FGR group than in the normal group,while the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance values were lower(P<0.05).Regarding the diagnosis of FGR based on serum D-D and HbA1c levels,the areas under the curves(AUCs)were 0.826 and 0.848,the cutoff values were 3.04 mg/L and 5.80%,the sensitivities were 81.0%and 79.4%,and the specificities were 88.1%and 87.1%,respectively.The AUC of serum D-D plus HbA1c levels for diagnosing FGR was 0.928,and the sensitivity and specificity were 84.1%and 91.1%,respectively.High D-D and HbA1c levels were risk factors for third-trimester FGR in GDM patients(P<0.05).CONCLUSION D-D and HbA1c levels can indicate the occurrence of FGR in GDM patients in the third trimester of pregnancy to some extent,and their combination can be used as an important index for the early prediction of FGR.

D-Dimer: Predictor of Postpartum Hemorrhage among Pre-Eclampsia at Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre

Background: Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is the major contributor to maternal mortality and morbidity worldwide as well as in Tanzania. Studies have shown Pre-eclampsia as a risk indicator for Postpartum hemorrhage and D-dimer tends to rise in women with pre-eclampsia. Few studies that have shown the association between D-dimer and PPH have been controversial and differ according to ethnicity and lifestyle. Hence there is no suitable reference interval for D-dimer in predicting Postpartum hemorrhage among women with pre-eclampsia. Broad Objective: This study aimed to assess the association, sensitivity, and specificity of D-dimer as a laboratory predictor of postpartum hemorrhage among women with pre-eclampsia at KCMC hospital. Methodology: This was a hospital-based analytical cross-sectional study conducted at KCMC Hospital in Northern Tanzania from September 2022 to March 2023. A total of 195 women with pre-eclampsia were included in this study. Plasma D-dimer levels were taken from women with pre-eclampsia pre-delivery. Haematocrit was compared before and after delivery, and a fall of 10% was considered as Postpartum hemorrhage together with clinical assessment of the patient. Participants were divided among those who had severe features and those who did not have severe features and were further categorized into those who had PPH and those who did not have PPH. Logistic regression was used to determine the association between D-dimer and PPH adjusting for other factors. The Receiver Operating Curve (ROC) was used to evaluate the predictive value. Results: Higher median D-dimer levels were seen among women who had PPH compared to those who had no PPH. D-dimer was seen to be associated with PPH, thus for every unit increase of µg/ml of D-dimer among women who had pre-eclampsia without severe features there was a 14% significant increase in the odds of having postpartum hemorrhage and a 45% significant increase of having postpartum hemorrhage among those who had pre-eclampsia with severe features. Furthermore, the cut-off point of a D-dimer level of 0.66 µg/ml significantly predicts postpartum hemorrhage with a sensitivity of 75% and specificity of 55%. For those who had no severe features the cut-off point was 0.53 µg/ml with a sensitivity of 95% and specificity of 53%, and for those who had severe features the cut-off point was 3.58 µg/ml with a sensitivity of 50% and specificity of 96%. Conclusion: D-dimer can be used to predict postpartum hemorrhage among pre-eclampsia, especially among those who have severe features. This shows that D-dimer has specificity in predicting PPH in women with pre-eclampsia and can be applied in clinical services to save women from maternal morbidity and mortality. Blood products such as fresh frozen plasma, platelets, and whole blood together with tranexamic acid should be readily available in women with pre-eclampsia especially those with severe features with a D-dimer level of 3.58 µg/ml and above during delivery as they are at high risk of developing PPH.

Red cell distribution width/platelet ratio estimates the 3-year risk of decompensation in Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease-induced cirrhosis

BACKGROUND For compensated advanced chronic liver disease(cACLD)patients,the first decompensation represents a dramatically worsening prognostic event.Based on the first decompensation event(DE),the transition to decompensated advanced chronic liver disease(dACLD)can occur through two modalities referred to as acute decompensation(AD)and non-AD(NAD),respectively.Clinically Significant Portal Hypertension(CSPH)is considered the strongest predictor of decompensation in these patients.However,due to its invasiveness and costs,CSPH is almost never evaluated in clinical practice.Therefore,recognizing noninvasively predicting tools still have more appeal across healthcare systems.The red cell distribution width to platelet ratio(RPR)has been reported to be an indicator of hepatic fibrosis in Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease(MASLD).However,its predictive role for the decompensation has never been explored.AIM In this observational study,we investigated the clinical usage of RPR in predicting DEs in MASLD-related cACLD patients.METHODS Fourty controls and 150 MASLD-cACLD patients were consecutively enrolled and followed up(FUP)semiannually for 3 years.At baseline,biochemical,clinical,and Liver Stiffness Measurement(LSM),Child-Pugh(CP),Model for End-Stage Liver Disease(MELD),aspartate aminotransferase/platelet count ratio index(APRI),Fibrosis-4(FIB-4),Albumin-Bilirubin(ALBI),ALBI-FIB-4,and RPR were collected.During FUP,DEs(timing and modaities)were recorded.CSPH was assessed at the baseline and on DE occurrence according to the available Clinical Practice Guidelines.RESULTS Of 150 MASLD-related cACLD patients,43(28.6%)progressed to dACLD at a median time of 28.9 months(29 NAD and 14 AD).Baseline RPR values were significantly higher in cACLD in comparison to controls,as well as MELD,CP,APRI,FIB-4,ALBI,ALBI-FIB-4,and LSM in dACLD-progressing compared to cACLD individuals[all P<0.0001,except for FIB-4(P:0.007)and ALBI(P:0.011)].Receiving operator curve analysis revealed RPR>0.472 and>0.894 as the best cut-offs in the prediction respectively of 3-year first DE,as well as its superiority compared to the other non-invasive tools examined.RPR(P:0.02)and the presence of baseline-CSPH(P:0.04)were significantly and independently associated with the DE.Patients presenting baseline-CSPH and RPR>0.472 showed higher risk of decompensation(P:0.0023).CONCLUSION Altogether these findings suggest the RPR as a valid and potentially applicable non-invasive tool in the prediction of timing and modalities of decompensation in MASLD-related cACLD patients.

Chemokine platelet factor 4 accelerates peripheral nerve regeneration by regulating Schwann cell activation and axon elongation

Schwann cells in peripheral nerves react to traumatic nerve injury by attempting to grow and regenerate.Howeve r,it is unclear what factors play a role in this process.In this study,we searched a GEO database and found that expression of platelet factor 4 was markedly up-regulated after sciatic nerve injury.Platelet factor is an important molecule in cell apoptosis,diffe rentiation,survival,and proliferation.Further,polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemical staining confirmed the change in platelet factor 4 in the sciatic nerve at different time points after injury.Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay confirmed that platelet factor 4 was secreted by Schwann cells.We also found that silencing platelet factor 4 decreased the proliferation and migration of primary cultured Schwann cells,while exogenously applied platelet factor 4 stimulated Schwann cell prolife ration and migration and neuronal axon growth.Furthermore,knocking out platelet factor 4 inhibited the prolife ration of Schwann cells in injured rat sciatic nerve.These findings suggest that Schwann cell-secreted platelet factor 4 may facilitate peripheral nerve repair and regeneration by regulating Schwann cell activation and axon growth.Thus,platelet factor 4 may be a potential therapeutic target for traumatic peripheral nerve injury.

Salivary C-reactive protein and mean platelet volume as possible diagnostic markers for late-onset neonatal pneumonia

BACKGROUND Neonatal sepsis,a formidable threat to newborns,is a leading cause of neonatal mortality,with late-onset sepsis manifesting after 72 hours post-birth being particularly concerning.Pneumonia,a prevalent sepsis presentation,poses a significant risk,especially during the neonatal phase when lung defenses are compromised.Accurate diagnosis of pneumonia is imperative for timely and effective interventions.Saliva,a minimally invasive diagnostic medium,holds great promise for evaluating infections,especially in infants.AIM To investigate the potential of serum C-reactive protein(CRP),salivary CRP(sCRP),and mean platelet volume(MPV)as diagnostic markers for late-onset neonatal pneumonia(LONP).METHODS Eighty full-term neonates were systematically examined,considering anthropometric measurements,clinical manifestations,radiology findings,and essential biomarkers,including serum CRP,sCRP,and MPV.RESULTS The study reveals noteworthy distinctions in serum CRP levels,MPV,and the serum CRP/MPV ratio between neonates with LONP and healthy controls.MPV exhibited a robust discriminatory ability[area under the curve(AUC)=0.87]with high sensitivity and specificity at a cutoff value of>8.8.Correlations between serum CRP,sCRP,and MPV were also identified.Notably,sCRP demonstrated excellent predictive value for serum CRP levels(AUC=0.89),underscoring its potential as a diagnostic tool.CONCLUSION This study underscores the diagnostic promise of salivary and serum biomarkers,specifically MPV and CRP,in identifying and predicting LONP among neonates.These findings advocate for further research to validate their clinical utility in larger neonatal cohorts.

Correlation Analysis Between Changes of D-Dimer Level and Rheumatoid Arthritis Complicated with Interstitial Lung Disease

Objective:To explore the correlation between the change of D-dimer level and rheumatoid arthritis complicated with interstitial lung disease.Methods:From January 2022 to February 2024,20 rheumatoid arthritis patients complicated with interstitial lung disease(interstitial lung disease group),20 rheumatoid arthritis patients without interstitial lung disease(without interstitial lung disease group),and 20 healthy people(control group)in Xijing Hospital were selected for this study.The fasting venous blood of the three groups of subjects was collected and their D-dimer,C-reactive protein(CRP),rheumatoid factor(RF),and erythrocyte sedimentation rate(ESR)were detected.Subsequently,the correlation between each index and rheumatoid arthritis complicated with interstitial lung disease was analyzed.Results:The D-dimer level of the interstitial lung disease group was significantly higher than the other two groups(P<0.05).The D-dimer level of the group without interstitial lung disease was significantly higher than the control group(P<0.05).CRP levels in the interstitial lung disease group and the group without interstitial lung disease were significantly higher than those of the control group(P<0.05).The ESR and RF levels of the interstitial lung disease group were significantly higher than the other two groups(P<0.05).The levels of ESR and RF levels of the group without interstitial lung disease were significantly higher than the control group(P<0.05).Conclusion:D-dimer levels of rheumatoid arthritis patients are higher than those of healthy individuals,and those complicated with interstitial lung disease present even higher levels.This finding shows that there is a correlation between D-dimer levels and rheumatoid arthritis with interstitial lung disease,which may facilitate the evaluation and diagnosis of this disease.

Blood coagulation factors and platelet response to drug-induced hepatitis and hepatosis in rats

Background:Knowing the variability of blood coagulation responses to liver damage of different origins can provide a key to curing liver tissues or to mitigating treatment side effects.The aim of the present work was to compare the changes in the main components of hemostasis under experimental drug-induced hepatosis and hepatitis in rats.Methods:We modeled diclofenac-induced hepatitis and tetracycline-induced hepa-tosis.Hemostasis response was gauged by measuring fibrinogen,factor X,protein C(PC),and prothrombin in plasma.The decarboxylated form of prothrombin was de-tected by measuring prothrombin index and ecamulin index.Platelet reactivity was studied using aggregometry.Results:Both hepatitis and hepatosis decreased the synthesis of fibrinogen,factor X,and prothrombin.However,protein carboxylation was not disrupted in hepatosis but was much impaired in hepatitis.PC decreased in both models as a consequence of its consumption possibly during inflammatory response.Platelet aggregation rate was lower in hepatosis but higher in hepatitis.Conclusions:Our findings imply the need for a thorough monitoring of the hemostasis system in liver diseases to avoid possible thrombotic complications.Its state indicates the disorder's rate and character.

Platelet rich fibrin is not a barrier membrane!Or is it?

Platelet-rich fibrin(PRF)is widely used in dentistry and other fields of medicine,and its use has become popular in dental implantology.In several published studies,PRF has been used as a barrier membrane.A barrier membrane is a sheet of a certain material that acts as a biological and mechanical barrier against the invasion of cells that are not involved in bone formation,such as epithelial cells.Among the basic requirements of a'barrier membrane,occlusivity,stiffness,and space maintenance are the criteria that PRF primarily lacks;therefore,it does not fall under the category of barrier membranes.However,there is evidence that PRF membranes are useful in significantly improving wound healing.Does the PRF membrane act as a barrier?Should we think of adding or subtracting some points from the ideal requirements of a barrier membrane,or should we coin a new term or concept for PRF that will incorporate some features of a barrier membrane and be a combination of tissue engineering and biotechnology?This review is aimed at answering the basic question of whether the PRF membrane should be considered a barrier membrane or whether it is something more beyond the boundaries of a barrier membrane.

Hemoglobin, albumin, lymphocyte, and platelet score as a predictor of prognosis in metastatic gastric cancer

BACKGROUND The hemoglobin,albumin,lymphocyte,and platelet(HALP)score,derived from a composite evaluation of markers reflecting the tumor-inflammation relationship and nutritional status,has been substantiated as a noteworthy prognostic determinant for diverse malignancies.AIM To investigate how the HALP score relates to prognosis in patients with metastatic gastric cancer.METHODS The cutoff values for the HALP score,neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio,and platelet/lymphocyte ratio were determined using receiver operating characteristic analysis.Low HALP scores were defined as those less than 24.79 and high HALP scores as those greater than 24.79.RESULTS The study cohort comprised 147 patients and 110 of them(74.8%)were male.The patients'median age was 63(22-89)years.The median overall survival was significantly superior in the patients with high HALP scores than in those with low HALP scores(10.4 mo vs 7.5 mo,respectively;P<0.001)CONCLUSION The HALP score was found to be a prognostic factor in patients with metastatic gastric cancer.

Platelet factor 4 induces bone loss by inhibiting the integrinα5-FAK-ERK pathway

Background:The effect of platelet factor 4(PF4)on bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells(BMMSCs)and osteoporosis is poorly understood.Therefore,this study aimed to evaluate the effects of PF4-triggered bone destruction in mice and determine the underlying mechanism.Methods:First,in vitro cell proliferation and cell cycle of BMMSCs were assessed using a CCK8 assay and flow cytometry,respectively.Osteogenic differentiation was confirmed using staining and quantification of alkaline phosphatase and Alizarin Red S.Next,an osteoporotic mouse model was established by performing bilateral ovariectomy(OVX).Furthermore,the PF4 concentrations were obtained using enzymelinked immunosorbent assay.The bone microarchitecture of the femur was evaluated using microCT and histological analyses.Finally,the key regulators of osteogenesis and pathways were investigated using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting.Results:Human PF4 widely and moderately decreased the cell proliferation and osteogenic differentiation ability of BMMSCs.Furthermore,the levels of PF4 in the serum and bone marrow were generally increased,whereas bone microarchitecture deteriorated due to OVX.Moreover,in vivo mouse PF4 supplementation triggered bone deterioration of the femur.In addition,several key regulators of osteogenesis were downregulated,and the integrinα5-focal adhesion kinase-extracellular signalregulated kinase(ITGA5-FAK-ERK)pathway was inhibited due to PF4 supplementation.Conclusions:PF4 may be attributed to OVX-i nduced bone loss triggered by the suppression of bone formation in vivo and alleviate BMMSC osteogenic differentiation by inhibiting the ITGA5-FAK-ERK pathway.

Clinical Evaluation of Platelet Rich Growth Factors (PRGFS) in Treatment of Temporomandibular Joint Disc Displacement—Study Report

Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of platelet rich growth factors (PRGFs) in treatment of temporomandibular joint disc displacement. Materials and Methods: The study subjects included 8 females having bilateral anterior disc displacement with reduction and 1 female having bilateral anterior disc displacement without reduction with the age range between 20 - 35 years. The process of obtaining PRGFs was carried out following the Anitua Technique. Results: Clinical parameters of Interincisal distance, Lateral excursion of mandible using digital caliper in millimeters and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS 0/10) for pain intensity score were used. All of these parameters were running through the intervals of two, four, and eight weeks till the end of the follow-up period at twenty-six weeks (six months). The participated patients showed the clinical improvement in the different clinical statuses such as interincisal distance;lateral excursion of mandible and Pain Score. Conclusion: the study reported early efficacy of PRGFs after the arthrocentesis of the joint in treatment of TMJ disc displacement, and according to our results, the injection of PRGFs could be a possible alternative treatment for patients who did not respond to standard treatment.

PCT、IL-6与D-Dimer、TAT联合检测评估患者细菌感染程度和发生血栓风险的研究

探讨PCT、IL-6与D-Dimer、TAT联合检测在评估患者细菌感染程度和发生血栓风险的临床应用价值。方法 收集和选用无血栓背景的肺部细菌感染患者样本55例、脓毒血症患者样本66例、无细菌感染的样本10例,总样本量共131例。采用化学发光法(CLIA)检测患者血浆中PCT、IL-6与D-Dimer、TAT的表达水平,比较4中血浆标志物的表达差异。结果 PCT和IL-6联合检测在细菌感染的诊断价值高于PCT和IL-6单项指标的检测价值。D-Dimer和TAT联合检测在血栓形成风险的诊断价值高于D-Dimer和TAT单项指标的检测价值。结论 细菌感染的严重程度与血栓形成的风险呈正相关;采用PCT、IL-6与 D-Dimer、TAT四项联合检测,能同时评估患者细菌感染程度和发生血栓的风险,避免患者因细菌感染而发生血栓,对机体造成更大的伤害,起到早期预警、早期干预、早期治疗的作用。

Platelets Play an Integral Role in Body Heat Production and Maintenance: A Newly Proposed Function

In platelets, most of the ADP is stored in dense granules and released into extracellular space through exocytosis as a signaling molecule upon platelet activation. Glycolysis and the TCA cycle consume considerable amounts of ADP;however, limiting quantities of available ADP to make ATP through OXPHOS result in failure of ATP production and release of energy as heat into the surroundings. Thus, body heat may be a potential product of circulating platelets. Furthermore, the incomplete OXPHOS process causes the production of ROS that leads to earlier platelet death resulting in shorter life span. In the future, this new function may have a wide variety of clinical applications.

Combining Serum Procalcitonin Level,Thromboelastography,and Platelet Count to Predict Short-term Development of Septic Shock in Intensive Care Unit

Objective Despite the recent advances in diagnosis and treatment,sepsis continues to lead to high morbidity and mortality.Early diagnosis and prompt treatment are essential to save lives.However,most biomarkers can only help to diagnose sepsis,but cannot predict the development of septic shock in high-risk patients.The present study determined whether the combined measurement of procalcitonin(PCT),thromboelastography(TEG)and platelet(PLT)count can predict the development of septic shock.Methods A retrospective study was conducted on 175 septic patients who were admitted to the intensive care unit between January 2017 and February 2021.These patients were divided into two groups:73 patients who developed septic shock were assigned to the septic shock group,while the remaining 102 patients were assigned to the sepsis group.Then,the demographic,clinical and laboratory data were recorded,and the predictive values of PCT,TEG and PLT count for the development of septic shock were analyzed.Results Compared to the sepsis group,the septic shock group had statistically lower PLT count and TEG measurements in the R value,K value,αangle,maximum amplitude,and coagulation index,but had longer prothrombin time(DT),longer activated partial thromboplastin time(APTT),and higher PCT levels.Furthermore,the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment(SOFA)score was higher in the septic shock group.The multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that PCT,TEG and PLT count were associated with the development of septic shock.The area under the curve analysis revealed that the combined measurement of PCT,TEG and PLT count can be used to predict the development of septic shock with higher accuracy,when compared to individual measurements.Conclusion The combined measurement of PCT,TEG and PLT count is a novel approach to predict the development of septic shock in high-risk patients.