Effects of exercise training on glucose metabolism indicators and inflammatory markers in obese children and adolescents:A metaanalysis

BACKGROUND Obesity in children and adolescents is a serious problem,and the efficacy of exercise therapy for these patients is controversial.AIM To assess the efficacy of exercise training on overweight and obese children based on glucose metabolism indicators and inflammatory markers.METHODS The PubMed,Web of Science,and Embase databases were searched for randomized controlled trials related to exercise training and obese children until October 2023.The meta-analysis was conducted using RevMan 5.3 software to evaluate the efficacy of exercise therapy on glucose metabolism indicators and inflammatory markers in obese children.RESULTS In total,1010 patients from 28 studies were included.Exercise therapy reduced the levels of fasting blood glucose(FBG)[standardized mean difference(SMD):-0.78;95%confidence interval(CI):-1.24 to-0.32,P=0.0008],fasting insulin(FINS)(SMD:-1.55;95%CI:-2.12 to-0.98,P<0.00001),homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance(HOMA-IR)(SMD:-1.58;95%CI:-2.20 to-0.97,P<0.00001),interleukin-6(IL-6)(SMD:-1.31;95%CI:-2.07 to-0.55,P=0.0007),C-reactive protein(CRP)(SMD:-0.64;95%CI:-1.21 to-0.08,P=0.03),and leptin(SMD:-3.43;95%CI:-5.82 to-1.05,P=0.005)in overweight and obese children.Exercise training increased adiponectin levels(SMD:1.24;95%CI:0.30 to 2.18,P=0.01)but did not improve tumor necrosis factor-alpha(TNF-α)levels(SMD:-0.80;95%CI:-1.77 to 0.18,P=0.11).CONCLUSION In summary,exercise therapy improves glucose metabolism by reducing levels of FBG,FINS,HOMA-IR,as well as improves inflammatory status by reducing levels of IL-6,CRP,leptin,and increasing levels of adiponectin in overweight and obese children.There was no statistically significant effect between exercise training and levels of TNF-α.Additional long-term trials should be conducted to explore this therapeutic perspective and confirm these results.

Comparative analysis of Nε-carboxymethyl-lysine and inflammatory markers in diabetic and non-diabetic coronary artery disease patients

BACKGROUND Coronary artery disease(CAD)is a major cause of death worldwide,and India contributes to about one-fifth of total CAD deaths.The development of CAD has been linked to the accumulation of Nε-carboxymethyl-lysine(CML)in heart muscle,which correlates with fibrosis.AIM To assess the impact of CML and inflammatory markers on the biochemical and cardiovascular characteristics of CAD patients with and without diabetes.METHODS We enrolled 200 consecutive CAD patients who were undergoing coronary angiography and categorized them into two groups based on their serum glycosylated hemoglobin(HbA1c)levels(group I:HbA1c≥6.5;group II:HbA1c<6.5).We analyzed the levels of lipoproteins,plasma HbA1c levels,CML,interleukin-6(IL-6),tumor necrosis factor alpha(TNF-α),and nitric oxide.RESULTS Group I (81 males and 19 females) patients had a mean age of 54.2 ± 10.2 years, with a mean diabetes duration of4.9 ± 2.2 years. Group II (89 males and 11 females) patients had a mean age of 53.2 ± 10.3 years. Group I had moresevere CAD, with a higher percentage of patients with single vessel disease and greater stenosis severity in the leftanterior descending coronary artery compared to group II. Group I also exhibited a larger left atrium diameter.Group I patients exhibited significantly higher levels of CML, TNF-α, and IL-6 and lower levels of nitric oxide ascompared with group II patients. Additionally, CML showed a significant positive correlation with IL-6 (r = 0.596,P = 0.001) and TNF-α (r = 0.337, P = 0.001) and a negative correlation with nitric oxide (r=-4.16, P = 0.001). Oddsratio analysis revealed that patients with CML in the third quartile (264.43-364.31 ng/mL) were significantlyassociated with diabetic CAD at unadjusted and adjusted levels with covariates.

Use of inflammatory markers as predictor for mechanical ventilation in COVID-19 patients with stagesⅢb-Ⅴchronic kidney disease?

BACKGROUND Studies have shown elevated C-reactive protein(CRP)to predict mechanical ventilation(MV)in patients with coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19).Its utility is unknown in patients with chronic kidney disease(CKD),who have elevated baseline CRP levels due to chronic inflammation and reduced renal clearance.AIM To assess whether an association exists between elevated inflammatory markers and MV rate in patients with stagesⅢb-ⅤCKD and COVID-19.METHODS We conducted a retrospective cohort study on patients with COVID-19 and stagesⅢb-ⅤCKD.The primary outcome was the rate of invasive MV,the rate of noninvasive MV,and the rate of no MV.Statistical analyses used unpaired t-test for continuous variables and chi-square analysis for categorical variables.Cutoffs for variables were CRP:100 mg/L,ferritin:530 ng/mL,D-dimer:0.5 mg/L,and lactate dehydrogenase(LDH):590 U/L.RESULTS 290 were screened,and 118 met the inclusion criteria.CRP,D-dimer,and ferritin were significantly different among the three groups.On univariate analysis for invasive MV(IMV),CRP had an odds ratio(OR)-5.44;ferritin,OR-2.8;LDH,OR-7.7;D-dimer,OR-3.9,(P<0.05).The admission CRP level had an area under curve-receiver operator characteristic(AUROC):0.747 for the IMV group(sensitivity-80.8%,specificity-50%)and 0.663 for the non-IMV(NIMV)group(area under the curve,sensitivity-69.2%,specificity-53%).CONCLUSION Our results demonstrate a positive correlation between CRP,ferritin,and D-dimer levels and MV and NIMV rates in CKD patients.The AUROC demonstrates a good sensitivity for CRP levels in detecting the need for MV in patients with stagesⅢb-ⅤCKD.This may be because of the greater magnitude of increased inflammation due to COVID-19 itself compared with increased inflammation and reduced clearance due to CKD alone.

Hyperglycemia in COVID-19 infection without diabetes mellitus:Association with inflammatory markers

BACKGROUND New onset hyperglycemia is common in patients with severe coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)infection.Cytokine storm due to COVID-19 infection is an essential etiology for new-onset hyperglycemia,but factors like direct severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2)-induced pancreaticβ-cell failure have also been postulated to play a role.AIM We plan to investigate further the mechanisms underlying SARS-CoV-2 infection-induced hyperglycemia,particularly the rationale of the cytokine-induced hyperglycemia hypothesis,by evaluating the association between inflammatory markers and new onset hyperglycemia in non-diabetic patients with COVID-19 infection.METHODS We conducted a retrospective case-control study on adults without diabetes mellitus hospitalized for COVID-19 infection.The serum levels of glucose and inflammatory markers at presentation before initiation of corticosteroid were collected.Hyperglycemia was defined as glucose levels≥140 mg/dL.C-Reactive protein(CRP)≥100 mg/L,ferritin≥530 ng/mL,lactate dehydrogenase(LDH)≥590 U/L,and D-dimer≥0.5 mg/L were considered elevated.We used theχ2 test for categorical variables and the Mann-Whitney U test for continuous variables and calculated the logistic regression for hyperglycemia.RESULTS Of the 520 patients screened,248 met the inclusion criteria.Baseline demographics were equally distributed between patients with hyperglycemia and those who were normoglycemic.Serum inflammatory markers in patients with or without new-onset hyperglycemia were elevated as follows:CRP(58.1%vs 65.6%,P=0.29),ferritin(48.4%vs 34.9%,P=0.14),D-dimer(37.1%vs 37.1%,P=0.76)and LDH(19.4%vs 11.8%,P=0.02).Logistic regression analysis showed LDH odds ratio(OR)=1.623(P=0.256).We observed significantly higher mortality(24.2%vs 9.1%,P=0.001;OR=2.528,P=0.024)and length of stay(8.89 vs 6.69,P=0.026)in patients with hyperglycemia.CONCLUSION Our study showed no association between CRP,ferritin,LDH,D-dimer levels,and new-onset hyperglycemia in non-diabetic patients with COVID-19 infection.It also shows an increased mortality risk and length of stay in patients with hyperglycemia.With new-onset hyperglycemia being closely associated with poor prognostic indices,it becomes pivotal to understand the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms behind the SARS-CoV-2 infection-induced hyperglycemia.We conclude that the stress hyperglycemia hypothesis is not the only mechanism of SARS-CoV-2 infection-induced hyperglycemia but rather a multicausal pathogenesis leading to hyperglycemia that requires further research and understanding.This would help us improve not only the clinical outcomes of COVID-19 disease and inpatient hyperglycemia management but also understand the long-term effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection and further management.

Inflammatory response in confirmed non-diabetic foot and ankle infections:A case series with normal inflammatory markers

BACKGROUND The distinction between foot and ankle wound healing complications as opposed to infection is crucial for the appropriate and efficacious allocation of antibiotic therapy.Multiple reports have focused on the diagnostic accuracy of different inflammatory markers,however,mainly in the diabetic population.AIM To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of white cell count(WCC)and C-reactive protein(CRP)as diagnostic tools for this distinction in the non-diabetic cohort.METHODS Data was reviewed from a prospectively maintained Infectious Diseases Unit database of 216 patients admitted at Leicester University Hospitals–United Kingdom with musculoskeletal infections over the period between July 2014 and February 2020(68 mo).All patients with confirmed diagnosis of diabetes were excluded while only those with confirmed microbiological or clinical diagnosis of foot or ankle infection were included in our study.For the included patients,we retrospectively retrieved the inflammatory markers(WCCs and CRP)at the time of presentation.Values of CRP 0-10 mg/L and WCC 4.0-11.0×109/L were considered normal.RESULTS After exclusion of patients with confirmed diabetes,25 patients with confirmed foot or ankle infections were included.All infections were confirmed microbiolo-gically with positive intra-operative culture results.7(28%)patients with osteomyelitis(OM)of the foot,11(44%)with OM of the ankle,5(20%)with ankle septic arthritis and 2(8%)patients with post-surgical wound infection were identified.Previous bony surgery was identified in 13(52%)patients,either a corrective osteotomy or an open reduction and internal fixation for a foot or ankle fracture with the infection developing on top of the existing metalwork.21(84%)patients did have raised inflammatory markers while 4(16%)patients failed to mount an inflammatory response even with subsequent debridement and removal of metal work.CRP sensitivity was 84%,while WCC sensitivity was only 28%.CONCLUSION CRP has a relatively good sensitivity in the diagnosis of foot and ankle infections in non-diabetic patients,whereas WCC is a poor inflammatory marker in the detection of such cases.In presence of clinically high level of suspicion of foot or ankle infection,a normal CRP should not rule out the diagnosis of OM.

Neurohumoral,cardiac and inflammatory markers in the evaluation of heart failure severity and progression

Heart failure is common in adult population,accounting for substantial morbidity and mortality worldwide.The main risk factors for heart failure are coronary artery disease,hypertension,obesity,diabetes mellitus,chronic pulmonary diseases,family history of cardiovascular diseases,cardiotoxic therapy.The main factor associated with poor outcome of these patients is constant progression of heart failure.In the current review we present evidence on the role of established and candidate neurohumoral biomarkers for heart failure progression management and diagnostics.A growing number of biomarkers have been proposed as potentially useful in heart failure patients,but not one of them still resembles the characteristics of the"ideal biomarker."A single marker will hardly perform well for screening,diagnostic,prognostic,and therapeutic management purposes.Moreover,the pathophysiological and clinical significance of biomarkers may depend on the presentation,stage,and severity of the disease.The authors cover main classification of heart failure phenotypes,based on the measurement of left ventricular ejection fraction,including heart failure with preserved ejection fraction,heart failure with reduced ejection fraction,and the recently proposed category heart failure with mid-range ejection fraction.One could envisage specific sets of biomarker with different performances in heart failure progression with different left ventricular ejection fraction especially as concerns prediction of the future course of the disease and of left ventricular adverse/reverse remodeling.This article is intended to provide an overview of basic and additional mechanisms of heart failure progression will contribute to a more comprehensive knowledge of the disease pathogenesis.

Predictive significance of cancer related-inflammatory markers in locally advanced rectal cancer

BACKGROUND Locally advanced rectal cancer is treated using neoadjuvant chemoradiation(nCRT),followed by total mesorectal excision(TME).Tumor regression and pathological post-treatment stage are prognostic for oncological outcomes.There is a significant correlation between markers representing cancer-related inflammation,including high neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio(NLR),monocyteto-lymphocyte ratio(MLR),and platelet-to-lymphocyte(MLR)and unfavorable oncological outcomes.However,the predictive role of these markers on the effect of chemoradiation is unknown.AIM To evaluate the predictive roles of NLR,MLR,and PLR in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer receiving neoadjuvant chemoradiation.METHODS Patients(n=111)with locally advanced rectal cancer who underwent nCRT followed by TME at the Minimally Invasive Surgery Unit,Siriraj Hospital between 2012 and 2018 were retrospectively analyzed.The associations between post-treatment pathological stages,neoadjuvant rectal(NAR)score and the pretreatment ratios of markers of inflammation(NLR,MLR,and PLR)were analyzed.RESULTS Clinical stages determined using computed tomography,magnetic resonance imaging,or both were T4(n=16),T3(n=94),and T2(n=1).The NAR scores were categorized as high(score>16)in 23.4%,intermediate(score 8-16)in 41.4%,and low(score<8)in 35.2%.The mean values of the NLR,PLR,and MLR correlated with pathological tumor staging(ypT)and the NAR score.The values of NLR,PLR and MLR were higher in patients with advanced pathological stage and high NAR scores,but not statistically significant.CONCLUSION In patients with locally advanced rectal cancer,pretreatment NLR,MLR and PLR are higher in those with advanced pathological stage but the differences are not significantly different.

Inflammatory markers and elderly patients with stroke

C-reactive protein (CRP) is associated with unfavorable outcome in patients with acute ischemic syndromes and in patients with chronic stable angina.Elevated CRP levels suggestive of heightened inflammatory state in vascular conditions are often associated with elevated interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels.The aim of our study was to show the predictive importance of CRP and IL-6 levels in patients with ischemic stroke that has not been fully elucidated.Design We studied 647 consecutive elderly patients (>65 years) with stroke who were documented with ischemic stroke,presence of significant carotid atherosderosis and absence of atrial fibrillation.The study population included 150 patients (74 men,76 women,mean age 74±2).Patients underwent evaluation of high sensitive CRP and IL-6 levels at baseline,during hospitalization and at discharge.Results In-hospital mortality was 6%,1 year mertality was 15% and a second cerebrovascular event occurred in 12% of patients.Those with in- hospital events had significantly higher baseline CRP and IL-6 levels than patients without events (3.8+1.1 vs 1.9±0.9 mg/L,P<0.01 and 13.8±3.4 vs 6.3±2.1 pg/ml,P<0.01,respectively).Also CRP and IL-6 levels were significantly higher in those patients with an event within 3 months of discharge compared to patients without an event (3.6±1.3 vs 1.1±0.7 mg/L,P<0.01 and 14.2±3.7 vs 5.4±1.6 pg/ml,P<001, respectively).Both base line CRP levels and IL-6 were predictive of events both in-hospital and after 3 months while CRP and IL-6 levels at baseline were not associated with a poor 1 year prognosis.Elevated CRP levels were associated with an unfavorable outcome only when IL-6 levels were also elevated.In a stepwise multivariate analysis IL-6 level was a stronger predictor of outcome than CRP.Conclusions In conclusion,elevated CRP and IL-6 levels may identify elderly patients at increased medium term risk,but do not predict one year events in this subset of patients.CRP levels predict events only when they are coupled with IL-6 levels.(J Ceriatr Cardiol 2004;1:44- 48.)

Harmful effects of pyrethroid ester insecticide on the male reproductive system mainly through affecting testicular function and inflammatory markers

Pyrethroid esters are widely used as insecticides worldwide. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the harmful effect of deltamethrin on the male reproductive system through the assessment of reproductive hormones, inflammatorymarkers, and testicular function. To achieve our aim, eighty male 7-9-week-old, Wistar rats were taken, weighed, and divided into four experimental groups. The first group was kept as a control group, and the other three groups were given deltamethrin orally at different concentrations (0.87, 8.7, and 17.4 mg/kg body weight) for nine weeks. The resultsindicated that deltamethrin administration associated with a significant decrease in reproductive hormones, especially FSH, LH, and significant elevation in the interleukin 2 (IL2), interleukin 6 (IL6), histamine, and cortisol levels. Also, thesignificance of inhibition of sperm motility and viability, decreased testis weights, sperm count, and fructose in semen were noted. These findings clarify the harmful effect of deltamethrin on the male reproductive system by producing a significant alteration in reproductive hormones, inflammatory markers as well as testicular function.

Predictive model for non-malignant portal vein thrombosis associated with cirrhosis based on inflammatory biomarkers

BACKGROUND Portal vein thrombosis(PVT),a complication of liver cirrhosis,is a major public health concern.PVT prediction is the most effective method for PVT diagnosis and treatment.AIM To develop and validate a nomogram and network calculator based on clinical indicators to predict PVT in patients with cirrhosis.METHODS Patients with cirrhosis hospitalized between January 2016 and December 2021 at the First Hospital of Lanzhou University were screened and 643 patients with cirrhosis who met the eligibility criteria were retrieved.Following a 1:1 propensity score matching 572 patients with cirrhosis were screened,and relevant clinical data were collected.PVT risk factors were identified using the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator(LASSO)and multivariate logistic regression analysis.Variance inflation factors and correlation matrix plots were used to analyze multicollinearity among the variables.A nomogram was constructed to predict the probability of PVT based on independent risk factors for PVT,and its predictive performance was verified using a receiver operating characteristic curve(ROC),calibration curves,and decision curve analysis(DCA).Finally,a network calculator was constructed based on the nomograms.RESULTS This study enrolled 286 cirrhosis patients with PVT and 286 without PVT.LASSO analysis revealed 13 variables as strongly associated with PVT occurrence.Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed nine indicators as independent PVT risk factors,including etiology,ascites,gastroesophageal varices,platelet count,D-dimer,portal vein diameter,portal vein velocity,aspartate transaminase to neutrophil ratio index,and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio.LASSO and correlation matrix plot results revealed no significant multicollinearity or correlation among the variables.A nomogram was constructed based on the screened independent risk factors.The nomogram had excellent predictive performance,with an area under the ROC curve of 0.821 and 0.829 in the training and testing groups,respectively.Calibration curves and DCA revealed its good clinical performance.Finally,the optimal cutoff value for the total nomogram score was 0.513.The sensitivity and specificity of the optimal cutoff values were 0.822 and 0.706,respectively.CONCLUSION A nomogram for predicting PVT occurrence was successfully developed and validated,and a network calculator was constructed.This can enable clinicians to rapidly and easily identify high PVT risk groups.

The role of predictive and prognostic values of inflammatory markers in acute pancreatitis:a narrative review

Pancreatitis is an inflammatory condition affecting the pancreas and is classified into 2 types,acute and chronic,which can manifest in various forms.This review article summarizes the role of predictive and prognostic values of inflammatory markers in the pathogenesis of acute pancreatitis,mainly focused on preclinical and clinical studies.It includes serum amyloid A(SAA),monocyte chemotactic protein-1(MCP-1),erythrocyte sedimentation rate(ESR),interleukin-6(IL-6),C-reactive protein(CRP),IL-10,myeloperoxidase,pentraxin 3,and plasminogen activator inhibitor 1.SAA3 plays a crucial role in developing acute pancreatitis by triggering a receptor-interacting protein 3-dependent necroptosis pathway in acinar cells.Targeting SAA3 could be a potential strategy for treating acute pancreatitis.The recruitment of monocytes/macrophages and the activation of the systemic MCP-1 signaling pathway play a role in the progression of pancreatitis,and blocking MCP-1 may have a suppressive effect on the development of pancreatic fibrosis.The ESR can predict severe acute pancreatitis with slightly lower accuracy than CRP.When ESR and CRP levels are combined at 24 hours,they predict severe acute pancreatitis accurately.IL-6 plays a crucial role in activating the Janus kinase/signal transducers and activators of the transcription pathway,exacerbating pancreatitis and contributing to the initiation and progression of pancreatic cancer.Endogenous IL-10 plays a crucial role in controlling the regenerative phase and limiting the severity of fibrosis and glandular atrophy induced by repeated episodes of acute pancreatitis in mice.The predictive and diagnostic roles of these inflammatory factors in pancreatitis were introduced in detail in this review.

Inflammatory and nutritional markers in colorectal cancer: Implications for prognosis and treatment

The prognosis of colorectal cancer(CRC)patients with peritoneal metastasis remains poor despite advancements in detection and treatment.Preoperative inflammatory and nutritional markers have emerged as significant predictors of prognosis in CRC,potentially guiding treatment decisions and improving patient outcomes.This editorial explores the prognostic value of markers such as the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio,hemoglobin,and serum albumin levels.By integrating these markers into prognostic models,clinicians can better stratify patients,personalize treatment strategies,and ultimately enhance clinical outcomes.This review highlights the importance of these markers in providing a comprehensive assessment of patient condition and underscores the need for further research to validate their clinical utility and uncover underlying mecha-nisms.

Utility of preoperative systemic inflammatory biomarkers in predicting postoperative complications after pancreaticoduodenectomy: Literature review and single center experience

BACKGROUND The role of preoperative inflammatory biomarkers(PIBs)in predicting postoperative morbidity has been assessed in colorectal and otorhinolaryngeal surgery.However,data regarding the role that preoperative inflammatory biomarkers have on morbidity after pancreaticoduodenectomiy(PD)are less consistent.AIM To assess the utility of PIBs in predicting postoperative complications after pancreaticoduodenectomy.METHODS A database of 317 consecutive pancreaticoduodenectomies performed from April 2003 to November 2018 has been retrospectively analyzed.Data regarding preoperative neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio(NLR),derived NLR and C-reactive protein(CRP),and postoperative complications of 238 cases have been evaluated.Exclusion criteria were:age<18-years-old,previous neoadjuvant treatment,absence of data about PIBs,concomitant hematological disorders,and presence of active infections at the moment of the surgery.PIBs were compared using Mann-Whitney’s test and receiver operating characteristic(ROC)analysis was performed to define the cutoffs.The positive predictive value(PPV)was computed to evaluate the probability to develop complication.P-values<0.05 were considered statistically significant.RESULTS According to the literature findings,only four papers have been published reporting the relation between the inflammatory biomarkers and PD postoperative morbidity.A combination of preoperative and postoperative inflammatory biomarkers in predicting complications after PD and the utility of preoperative NLR in the development of postoperative pancreatic fistula(POPF)have been reported.The combination of PIBs and postoperative day-1 drains amylase has been reported to predict the incidence of POPF.According to our results,CRP values were significantly different between patients who had/did not have postoperative complications and abdominal collections(P<0.05).Notably,patients with preoperative CRP>8.81 mg/dL were at higher risk of both overall complications and abdominal collections(respectively P=0.0037,PPV=0.95,negative predictive value[NPV]=0.27 and P=0.016,PPV=0.59,NPV=0.68).Preoperative derived neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio(dNLR)(cut off>1.47)was also a predictor of abdominal collection(P=0.021,PPV=0.48,NPV=0.71).Combining CRP and dNLR,PPV increased to 0.67.NLR(cut off>1.65)was significantly associated with postoperative hemorrhage(P=0.016,PPV=0.17,NPV=0.98).CONCLUSION PIBs may predict complications after PD.During postoperative care,PIB levels could influence decisions regarding the timing of drains removal and the selection of patients who might benefit from second level diagnostic exams.

Is it sufficient to evaluate only preoperative systemic inflammatory biomarkers to predict postoperative complications after pancreaticoduodenectomy?

Postoperative morbidity and mortality rates are still very high among patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy(PD).However,mortality rates secondary to morbidities that are detected early and well-managed postoperatively are lower among patients undergoing PD.Since early detection of complications plays a very important role in the management of these patients,many ongoing studies are being conducted on this subject.Recent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography and biliary drainage history of the patient study group is important for comparison of C-reactive protein(CRP),an inflammatory parameter evaluated in the retrospective study by Coppola et al published in the World Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery and titled“Utility of preoperative systemic inflammatory biomarkers in predicting postoperative complications after pancreaticoduodenectomy:Literature review and single center experience”.Therefore,it may be more appropriate to compare CRP values in randomized patients.

Comparative Study of Inflammatory and Oxidative Stress Biomarkers in Different Metabolically Healthy Obesity Phenotypes

Aims: Obesity is the major contributor of the metabolic syndrome (MetS), but a unique phenotype of obesity known as metabolically healthy obese (MHO) shows healthier metabolic profile; however understanding of their biochemical correlates is poorly understood. Obesity is defined by Body mass index (BMI), but controversy exists regarding ethnic-specific BMI cut-offs. The present study used the Asian Indian BMI cut-offs to assess relationships of MHO phenotypes with oxidative stress (OS) and inflammation. Methods: In this case-control study, 299 metabolically-healthy (MH) respondents were divided into four groups as per Asian criteria for obesity: MH non-obese (MHNO), MH overweight (MHOW), MHO and MH severely obese (MHSO). Their oxidative stress and pro-inflammatory markers were measured. Results: Levels of hydroxyl radicals (·OH), fluorescent oxidation products (FLOP), MDA, PCO and inflammatory markers CRP, TNF-α, IL-6 were highest in MHSO phenotype followed by the MHO, MHOW and MHNO groups (p > 0.0001), whereas antioxidant markers, CuZn-SOD, catalase, glutathione peroxidase and total antioxidant activity followed the reverse trend. The MHNO and MHOW groups showed significant difference with regard to (·OH) radicals and FLOP. Moreover, ·OH radicals, FLOP and inflammatory markers were significantly correlated to BMI in MHSO and MHO but not in MHNO and MHOW group. Conclusion: The MHO and MHSO phenotype display differences in terms of OS and inflammatory markers at lower BMI cut-offs, indicating that they may be on the way to becoming “unhealthy” obese. The lower BMI cut-offs proposed by Indian Consensus Group would help in understanding of manifestation of metabolic syndrome.

Hydroxysafflor yellow A protects against thioacetamide-induced liver fibrosis in rats via suppressing proinflammatory/fibrogenic mediators and promoting hepatic stellate cell senescence and apoptosis

Objective:To evaluate the effect of hydroxysafflor yellow A(HSYA)on thioacetamide-induced liver fibrosis.Methods:Thioacetamide was administered to rats intraperitoneally in doses of 200 mg/kg twice a week for 12 weeks.Thioacetamide-intoxicated rats were given silymarin(50 mg/kg)or HSYA(5 mg/kg)orally every day for 8 weeks.Liver enzymes,fibrosis markers,histological changes as well as immunohistochemistry of TNF-α,IL-6,p21,α-SMA,and caspase-3 were examined.The effect of HSYA on HSC-T6 activation/proliferation and apoptosis was also determined in vitro.Results:HSYA decreased liver enzymes,TNF-α,IL-6,and p21 expressions,hepatic PDGF-B,TIMP-1,TGF-β1,and hydroxyproline levels,as well as fibrosis score(S2 vs.S4)compared to the thioacetamide group.HSYA also downregulatedα-SMA while increasing caspase-3 expression.Surprisingly,at 500μg/mL,HSYA had only a slightly suppressive effect on HSC proliferation,with a 9.5%reduction.However,it significantly reduced TGF-β1,inhibitedα-SMA expression,induced caspase-3 expression,and promoted cell senescence.Conclusions:HSYA may be a potential therapeutic agent for delaying and reversing the progression of liver fibrosis.More research on HSYA at higher doses and for a longer period is warranted.

Effect of Shengmal Powder(生脉散) on Symptoms and Markers of Inflammatory Damage of Patients with Acute Viral Myocarditis

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of Sheng-mai Power (SMP) in treating acute viral myocarditis. Methods: 102 patients with acute viral myocarditis were randomized to SMS group (n = 52) and placebo control group (n = 50 ). Semiquantitative integral methods were taken to observe changes of clinical symptoms such as dyspnea, palpitation and chest pain after 4 weeks of treatment, simultaneously EKG, 24h Holter, concentration of serum cardiac troponin-I, cardiac troponin T and neutralizing antibody test to the Coxsackie B virus were determined. Results: Dyspnea improved much more obvious in SMP group than in the placebo

Early pirfenidone treatment enhances lung function in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis patients

This editorial comments on the study by Lei et al investigating the efficacy of early treatment with pirfenidone on the lung function of patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis(IPF)published.This study evaluates the efficacy of early treatment with pirfenidone on lung function in patients with IPF.The early and advanced stages of IPF are defined,highlighting the drug's benefits.While prior research indicates pirfenidone's effectiveness in advanced IPF,this study focuses on its advantages in early stages.The study emphasizes the importance of computed tomography imaging alongside biochemical data and lung function tests for a comprehensive analysis of symptom relief.Results show that early intervention with pirfenidone significantly reduces disease progression and preserves lung function,underscoring its potential as a critical treatment strategy in early IPF.

Effects of oral probiotics on inflammation and intestinal function in adult patients after appendectomy:Randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND Appendectomy is an acute abdominal surgery that is often accompanied by severe abdominal inflammation.Oral probiotics are one of the postoperative treatments for rapid rehabilitation.However,there is a lack of prospective studies on this topic after appendectomy.AIM To investigate whether the postoperative probiotics can modulate the inflammatory response and restore intestinal function in patients following appendectomy.METHODS This was a prospective,randomized trial.A total of 60 emergency patients were randomly divided into a control group(n=30)and a probiotic group(n=30).Patients in the control group started to drink some water the first day after surgery,and those in the probiotic group were given water supplemented with Bacillus licheniformis capsules for 5 consecutive days postsurgery.The indices of inflammation and postoperative conditions were recorded,and the data were analyzed with RStudio 4.3.2 software.RESULTS A total of 60 participants were included.Compared with those in the control group,the C-reactive protein(CRP),interleukin 6 and procalcitonin(PCT)levels were significantly lower in the probiotic group at 2 d after surgery(P=2.224e-05,P=0.037,and P=0.002,respectively,all P<0.05).This trend persisted at day 5 post-surgery,with CRP and PCT levels remaining significantly lower in the probiotic group(P=0.001 and P=0.043,both P<0.05).Furthermore,probiotics0.028,both P<0.05).CONCLUSION Postoperative oral administration of probiotics may modulate the gut microbiota,benefit the recovery of the early inflammatory response,and subsequently enhance recovery after appendectomy.

Paravertebral block's effect on analgesia and inflammation in advanced gastric cancer patients undergoing transarterial chemoembolization and microwave ablation

BACKGROUND Transarterial chemoembolization(TACE)combined with microwave ablation(MWA)is an effective treatment strategy for patients with advanced gastric cancer and liver metastasis.However,it may cause severe postoperative pain and inflammatory responses.The paravertebral block(PVB)is a regional anesthetic technique that provides analgesia to the thoracic and abdominal regions.AIM To evaluate the effect of PVB on postoperative analgesia and inflammatory response in patients undergoing TACE combined with MWA for advanced gastric cancer and liver metastasis.METHODS Sixty patients were randomly divided into PVB and control groups.The PVB group received ultrasound-guided PVB with 0.375%ropivacaine preoperatively,whereas the control group received intravenous analgesia with sufentanil.The primary outcome was the visual analog scale(VAS)score for pain at 6 h,12 h,24 h,and 48 h after the procedure.Secondary outcomes were the dose of sufentanil used,incidence of adverse events,and levels of inflammatory markers(white blood cell count,neutrophil percentage,C-reactive protein,and procalcitonin)before and after the procedure.RESULTS The PVB group had significantly lower VAS scores at 6 h,12 h,24 h,and 48 h after the procedure compared with the control group(P<0.05).The PVB group also had a significantly lower consumption of sufentanil and a lower incidence of nausea,vomiting,and respiratory depression than did the control group(P<0.05).Compared with the control group,the PVB group had significantly lower levels of inflammatory markers 24 h and 48 h after the procedure(P<0.05).CONCLUSION PVB can effectively reduce postoperative pain and inflammatory responses and improve postoperative comfort and recovery in patients with advanced gastric cancer and liver metastasis treated with TACE combined with MWA.