Serum cystatin C,monocyte/high-density lipoprotein-C ratio,and uric acid for the diagnosis of coronary heart disease and heart failure

BACKGROUND Coronary heart disease(CHD)and heart failure(HF)are the major causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide.Early and accurate diagnoses of CHD and HF are essential for optimal management and prognosis.However,conventional diagnostic methods such as electrocardiography,echocardiography,and cardiac biomarkers have certain limitations,such as low sensitivity,specificity,availability,and cost-effectiveness.Therefore,there is a need for simple,noninvasive,and reliable biomarkers to diagnose CHD and HF.AIM To investigate serum cystatin C(Cys-C),monocyte/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio(MHR),and uric acid(UA)diagnostic values for CHD and HF.METHODS We enrolled 80 patients with suspected CHD or HF who were admitted to our hospital between July 2022 and July 2023.The patients were divided into CHD(n=20),HF(n=20),CHD+HF(n=20),and control groups(n=20).The serum levels of Cys-C,MHR,and UA were measured using immunonephelometry and an enzymatic method,respectively,and the diagnostic values for CHD and HF were evaluated using receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve analysis.RESULTS Serum levels of Cys-C,MHR,and UA were significantly higher in the CHD,HF,and CHD+HF groups than those in the control group.The serum levels of Cys-C,MHR,and UA were significantly higher in the CHD+HF group than those in the CHD or HF group.The ROC curve analysis showed that serum Cys-C,MHR,and UA had good diagnostic performance for CHD and HF,with areas under the curve ranging from 0.78 to 0.93.The optimal cutoff values of serum Cys-C,MHR,and UA for diagnosing CHD,HF,and CHD+HF were 1.2 mg/L,0.9×10^(9),and 389μmol/L;1.4 mg/L,1.0×10^(9),and 449μmol/L;and 1.6 mg/L,1.1×10^(9),and 508μmol/L,respectively.CONCLUSION Serum Cys-C,MHR,and UA are useful biomarkers for diagnosing CHD and HF,and CHD+HF.These can provide information for decision-making and risk stratification in patients with CHD and HF.

Voluntary wheel running ameliorated the deleterious effects of high-fat diet on glucose metabolism,gut microbiota and microbial-associated metabolites

Exercise training is critical for the early prevention and treatment of obesity and diabetes mellitus.However,the mechanism with gut microbiota and fecal metabolites underlying the effects of voluntary wheel running on high-fat diet induced abnormal glucose metabolism has not been fully elaborated.C57BL/6 male mice were randomly assigned to 4 groups according to diets(fed with normal chow diet or high-fat diet)and running paradigm(housed in static cage or with voluntary running wheel).An integrative 16S rDNA sequencing and metabolites profiling was synchronously performed to characterize the effects of voluntary wheel running on gut microbiota and metabolites.It showed that voluntary wheel running prevented the detrimental effects of high-fat feeding on glucose metabolism 16S rDNA sequencing showed remarkable changes in Rikenella and Marvinbryantia genera.Metabolic profiling indicated multiple altered metabolites,which were enriched in secondary bile acid biosynthesis signaling.In conclusion,our study indicated that voluntary wheel running significantly improved glucose metabolism and counteracted the deleterious effects of high-fat feeding on body weight and glucose intolerance.We further found that voluntary wheel running could integratively program gut microbiota composition and fecal metabolites changes,and may regulate muricholic acid metabolism and secondary bile acid biosynthesis in high-fat fed mice.

Association of Thyroid Nodules with Various Elements in Urine and Blood Serum: A Case-Control Study

Thyroid nodules are a common clinical problem caused by various factors,including environmental and nutritional factors and genetic background.The environment can modulate and influence not only the risk of thyroid nodules but also the severity of disease in humans[1].The environment is awash with elements,and all mineral elements,including heavy metals and trace elements,are considered potentially toxic.A significantly higher incidence of thyroid cancer has been reported in populations exposed to low doses of metallic elements in volcanic areas over a long period[2].As research on thyroid disorders continues,it is becoming clear that abnormalities in trace elements in the body can affect the development of thyroid-related disorders.

Exploring the Role of Serum Cystatin C in Early Detection of Acute Kidney Injury among On-Pump Cardiac Surgery Patients: A Single-Center Investigation in Bangladesh

Background: Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) stands as a prominent postoperative complication in on-pump cardiac surgery, with repercussions on morbidity, mortality, and hospitalization duration. Current diagnostic criteria relying on serum creatinine levels exhibit a delayed identification of AKI, prompting an exploration of alternative biomarkers. Aims and Objectives: This study is designed to overcome diagnostic constraints and explore the viability of serum Cystatin C as an early predictor of Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) in individuals undergoing on-pump cardiac surgery. The investigation aims to establish the relationship between serum Cystatin C levels and the onset of AKI in patients subjected to on-pump cardiac surgery. Primary objectives involve the assessment of the diagnostic effectiveness of serum Cystatin C, its comparison with serum creatinine, and the exploration of its potential for the early identification and treatment of AKI. Methodology: Conducted as a single-center study at the cardiac surgery department of BSMMU in Bangladesh from September 2020 to August 2022, a comparative cross-sectional analysis involved 31 participants categorized into No AKI and AKI groups based on Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) criteria. Data collection encompassed preoperative, post-CBP (cardiopulmonary bypass) conclusion at 2 hours, postoperative day 1, and postoperative day 2 intervals. Statistical analyses included Chi-squared tests, independent Student’s t-tests, and one-sample t-tests. Significance was set at P Results: The study revealed no significant differences in baseline characteristics between the No AKI and AKI groups, except for CPB time and cross-clamp time. Serum Cystatin C levels in the AKI group exhibited statistical significance at various time points, highlighting its potential as an early detector. Conversely, Serum Creatinine levels in the AKI group showed no statistical significance. The Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve analysis further supported the efficacy of serum Cystatin C, with an Area under the ROC Curve of 0.864 and a cut-off value of 0.55 (p Conclusion: This study supports the superior utility of serum Cystatin C as an early detector of AKI in on-pump cardiac surgery patients compared to serum creatinine. Its ability to identify AKI several hours earlier may contribute to reduced morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. The findings underscore the significance of exploring novel biomarkers for improved post-cardiac surgery renal function assessment.

Effects of forsythin extract in Forsythia leaves on intestinal microbiota and short-chain fatty acids in rats fed a high-fat diet

Forsythia suspensa,belonging to the deciduous shrubs of the Luteaceae family,a traditional Chinese medicine,has effects of alleviating swelling,clearing heat,detoxification and promoting blood circulation.The leaves of F.suspensa contain multiple chemical components and have a long history of use in folk medicines and health foods.The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of forsythin extract from F.suspensa leaves on intestinal microbiota and short-chain fatty acid(SCFA)content in rats with obesity induced by a high-fat diet.Forsythin extract in F.suspensa leaves increased the abundance of the intestinal microbiota,ameliorated intestinal microbiota disorders and inhibited the increase in total SCFA content in the intestinal tract in rats with obesity induced by a high-fat diet.These results suggested that forsythin extract in F.suspensa leaves may slow the development of obesity induced by a high-fat diet;thus,its active components and efficacy are worthy of further study.

Alterations in Serum Lipids and Lipoproteins Induced by Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy in Patients with Osteosarcoma around the Knee Joint:A Retrospective Analysis

Objective To investigate the serum lipid profiles of patients with localized osteosarcoma around the knee joint before and after neoadjuvant chemotherapy.Methods After retrospectively screening the data of 742 patients between January 2007 and July 2020,50 patients aged 13 to 39 years with Enneking stage II disease were included in the study.Serum lipid levels,including total cholesterol(TC),triglycerides(TG),high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C),low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C),lipoprotein-α[Lp(a)],and apolipoprotein A1,B,and E(ApoA1,ApoB,and ApoE),and clinicopathological characteristics were collected before and after neoadjuvant chemotherapy.Results The mean levels of TC,TG,and ApoB were significantly increased following neoadjuvant chemotherapy(16%,38%,and 20%,respectively,vs.pretreatment values;P<0.01).The mean levels of LDL-C and ApoE were also 19%and 16%higher,respectively(P<0.05).No correlation was found between the pretreatment lipid profile and the histologic response to chemotherapy.An increase in Lp(a)was strongly correlated with the Ki-67 index(R=0.31,P=0.023).Moreover,a trend toward longer disease-free survival(DFS)was observed in patients with decreased TG and increased LDL-C following chemotherapy,although this difference was not statistically significant(P=0.23 and P=0.24,respectively).Conclusion Significant elevations in serum lipids were observed after neoadjuvant chemotherapy in patients with localized osteosarcoma.There was no prognostic significance of pretreatment serum lipid levels on histologic response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy.The scale of increase in serum Lp(a)might have a potential prognostic role in osteosarcoma.Patients with increased LDL-C or reduced TG after chemotherapy seem to exhibit a trend toward favorable DFS.

Proliferative vitreoretinopathy and its relationship with inflammatory serum biomarkers

AIM:To analyze if a relationship between levels ofinflammatory serum biomarkers and severity of primaryproliferative vitreoretinopathy(PVR)exists.METHODS:A retrospective case-control study.Thehealthy adult patients with rhegmatogenous retinaldetachment and primary PVR were included in the PVRgroup.For the control group,healthy adults who underwentcataract surgery were included.The grade of PVR wasclassified according to the Retinal Society TerminologyCommittee.Blood samples were obtained before surgery,and processed in MYTHIC 18.Measures of interest wereneutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio(NLR),platelet-to-lymphocyteratio(PLR),and lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio(LMR),thetime between the decrease in visual acuity and surgery,PVRgrade,type of surgery,final best corrected visual acuity,andrate of re-detachment.RESULTS:Totally 240 patients were included,120 ineach group,79(65.8%)and 56(46.7%)were male in thePVR and control group,respectively.PVR A had greaterlevels of monocytes(0.28±0.18 vs 0.12±0.32,P=0.002),neutrophils(4.59±1.51 vs 3.92±1.27,P=0.006),and LMR(9.32±4.42 vs 7.43±3.90,P=0.01).PVR B had a greatermonocyte count(0.30±0.13 vs 0.12±0.32,P=0.001),andPVR C demonstrated higher levels in monocytes(0.27±0.12vs 0.12±0.32,P=0.004),neutrophils(4.39±1.13 vs3.92±1.27,P=0.004),and LMR(9.63±3.24 vs 7.43±3.90,P=0.002)compared to control,respectively.An LMR cut-offvalue of 9.38 predicted PVR with a sensibility of 54.2%andspecificity of 77.5%and NLR cut-off of 1.70 predicted PVRwith a sensibility of 62%and specificity of 54.2%.CONCLUSION:Patients with primary PVR demonstrategreater neutrophil,monocyte,and LMR levels than thecontrol group.Cut-off values obtained from ratios could beuseful in a clinical setting when no posterior view of thefundus is possible due to media opacity.

Diagnostic significance of serum levels of serum amyloid A,procalcitonin,and high-mobility group box 1 in identifying necrotising enterocolitis in newborns

BACKGROUND Necrotising enterocolitis(NEC)is a critical gastrointestinal emergency affecting premature and low-birth-weight neonates.Serum amyloid A(SAA),procalcitonin(PCT),and high-mobility group box 1(HMGB1)have emerged as potential biomarkers for NEC due to their roles in inflammatory response,tissue damage,and immune regulation.AIM To evaluate the diagnostic value of SAA,PCT,and HMGB1 in the context of NEC in newborns.METHODS The study retrospectively analysed the clinical data of 48 newborns diagnosed with NEC and 50 healthy newborns admitted to the hospital.Clinical,radiological,and laboratory findings,including serum SAA,PCT,and HMGB1 Levels,were collected,and specific detection methods were used.The diagnostic value of the biomarkers was evaluated through statistical analysis,which was performed using chi-square test,t-test,correlation analysis,and receiver operating characteristic(ROC)analysis.RESULTS The study demonstrated significantly elevated levels of serum SAA,PCT,and HMGB1 Levels in newborns diagnosed with NEC compared with healthy controls.The correlation analysis indicated strong positive correlations among serum SAA,PCT,and HMGB1 Levels and the presence of NEC.ROC analysis revealed promising sensitivity and specificity for serum SAA,PCT,and HMGB1 Levels as potential diagnostic markers.The combined model of the three biomarkers demonstrating an extremely high area under the curve(0.908).CONCLUSION The diagnostic value of serum SAA,PCT,and HMGB1 Levels in NEC was highlighted.These biomarkers potentially improve the early detection,risk stratification,and clinical management of critical conditions.The findings suggest that these biomarkers may aid in timely intervention and the enhancement of outcomes for neonates affected by NEC.

Implications of Elevated Serum Cortisol in the Onset of Postoperative Delirium Following Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting: Insights from a Bangladesh-Based Single Center Experience

Background: Following coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), delirium emerges as a prevalent complication. This study aimed to assess the correlation between elevated serum cortisol levels and the occurrence of postoperative delirium subsequent to off-pump CABG. Methods: Conducted in the Department of Cardiac Surgery at BSMMU from October 2020 to September 2022, this comparative cross-sectional study included a total of 44 participants. Subjects, meeting specific criteria, were purposefully assigned to two groups based on off-pump CABG. Group A (n = 22) consisted of patients with normal serum cortisol levels, while Group B (n = 22) comprised individuals with high serum cortisol levels on the first postoperative day. Delirium onset was assessed at the bedside in the ICU on the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th postoperative days using standard tools, namely the Richmond Agitation Sedation score (RASS) and The Confusion Assessment Method (CAM-ICU). Data were collected based on the presence or absence of delirium. Statistical analysis utilized SPSS version 26.0, employing an independent Student’s t-test for continuous data and chi-square and Fischer’s exact test for categorical data. A p-value ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Group-A had a mean age of 54.50 ± 17.97, and Group-B had a mean age of 55.22 ± 15.45, both with a male predominance (81.81% and 86.36% respectively). The mean serum cortisol level was significantly higher in Group B (829.71 ± vs. 389.98 ± 68.77). Postoperative delirium occurred in 27.3% of Group B patients, statistically significant compared to the 4.5% in Group A. However, patients in Group B who developed delirium experienced significantly longer postoperative ICU and hospital stays (79.29 ± 12.27 vs. 11.44 ± 2.85, p ≤ 0.05). There was one mortality in Group B, which was statistically not significant. Conclusion: This study observed a significant association between elevated serum cortisol levels in the postoperative period and the occurrence of postoperative delirium after off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting.

Diagnostic performance of dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging parameters and serum tumor markers in rectal carcinoma prognosis

BACKGROUND Rectal carcinoma(RC),one of the most common malignancies globally,presents an increasing incidence and mortality year by year,especially among young people,which seriously affects the prognosis and quality of life of patients.At present,dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging(DCE-MRI)parameters and serum carbohydrate antigen 19-9(CA19-9)and CA125 Levels have been used in clinical practice to evaluate the T stage and differentiation of RC.However,the accuracy of these evaluation modalities still needs further research.This study explores the application and value of these methods in evaluating the T stage and differentiation degree of RC.AIM To analyze the diagnostic performance of DCE-MRI parameters combined with serum tumor markers(TMs)in assessing pathological processes and prognosis of RC patients.METHODS A retrospective analysis was performed on 104 RC patients treated at Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital from May 2018 to January 2022.Patients were categorized into stages T1,T2,T3,and T4,depending on their T stage and differentiation degree.In addition,they were assigned to low(L group)and moderate-high differentiation(M+H group)groups based on their differentiation degree.The levels of DCE-MRI parameters and serum CA19-9 and CA125 in different groups of patients were compared.In addition,the value of DCE-MRI parameters[volume transfer constant(Ktrans),rate constant(Kep),and extravascular extracellular volume fraction(Ve)in assessing the differentiation and T staging of RC patients was discussed.Furthermore,the usefulness of DCE-MRI parameters combined with serum CA19-9 and CA125 Levels in the evaluation of RC differentiation and T staging was analyzed.RESULTS Ktrans,Ve,CA19-9 and CA125 were higher in the high-stage group and L group than in the low-stage group and M+H Group,respectively(P<0.05).The areas under the curve(AUCs)of the Ktran and Ve parameters were 0.638 and 0.694 in the diagnosis of high and low stages,respectively,and 0.672 and 0.725 in diagnosing moderate-high and low differentiation,respectively.The AUC of DCE-MRI parameters(Ktrans+Ve)in the diagnosis of high and low stages was 0.742,and the AUC in diagnosing moderate-high and low differentiation was 0.769.The AUCs of CA19-9 and CA-125 were 0.773 and 0.802 in the diagnosis of high and low stages,respectively,and 0.834 and 0.796 in diagnosing moderate-high and low differentiation,respectively.Then,we combined DCE-MRI(Ktrans+Ve)parameters with CA19-9 and CA-125 and found that the AUC of DCE-MRI parameters plus serum TMs was 0.836 in the diagnosis of high and low stages and 0.946 in the diagnosis of moderate-high and low differentiation.According to the Delong test,the AUC of DCE-MRI parameters plus serum TMs increased significantly compared with serum TMs alone in the diagnosis of T stage and differentiation degree(P<0.001).CONCLUSION The levels of the DCE-MRI parameters Ktrans and Ve and the serum TMs CA19-9 and CA125 all increase with increasing T stage and decreasing differentiation degree of RC and can be used as indices to evaluate the differentiation degree of RC in clinical practice.Moreover,the combined evaluation of the above indices has a better effect and more obvious clinical value,providing important guiding importance for clinical condition judgment and treatment selection.

Material basis and pharmacodynamic mechanism of YangshenDingzhi granules in the intervention of viral pneumonia:Based on serum pharmacochemistry and network pharmacology

Background:YangshenDingzhi granules(YSDZ)are clinically effective in preventing and treating COVID-19.The present study elucidates the underlying mechanism of YSDZ intervention in viral pneumonia by employing serum pharmacochemistry and network pharmacology.Methods:The chemical constituents of YSDZ in the blood were examined using ultraperformance liquid chromatography-quadrupole/orbitrap high-resolution mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap MS).Potential protein targets were obtained from the SwissTargetPrediction database,and the target genes associated with viral pneumonia were identified using GeneCards,DisGeNET,and Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man(OMIM)databases.The intersection of blood component-related targets and disease-related targets was determined using Venny 2.1.Protein-protein interaction networks were constructed using the STRING database.The Metascape database was employed to perform enrichment analyses of Gene Ontology(GO)functions and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)signaling pathways for the targets,while the Cytoscape 3.9.1 software was utilized to construct drug-component-disease-target-pathway networks.Further,in vitro and in vivo experiments were performed to establish the therapeutic effectiveness of YSDZ against viral pneumonia.Results:Fifteen compounds and 124 targets linked to viral pneumonia were detected in serum.Among these,MAPK1,MAPK3,AKT1,EGFR,and TNF play significant roles.In vitro tests revealed that the medicated serum suppressed the replication of H1N1,RSV,and SARS-CoV-2 replicon.Further,in vivo testing analysis shows that YSDZ decreases the viral load in the lungs of mice infected with RSV and H1N1.Conclusion:The chemical constituents of YSDZ in the blood may elicit therapeutic effects against viral pneumonia by targeting multiple proteins and pathways.

Yolk free egg substitute improves the serum phospholipid profile of mice with metabolic syndrome based on lipidomic analysis

In this study,the impacts of egg consumption on mice model of metabolic syndrome(Met S)were comparatively investigated.Mice were divided into five groups(n=8):normal diet group(ND),high-fat diet group(HFD),HFD with whole egg group(WE),HFD with free-yolk egg substitute group(YFES),and HFD with lovastatin group(Lov).Main biochemical indexes and a non-targeted lipidomic analysis were employed to insight the lipid profile changes in serum.It was revealed that WE could significantly improve serum biochemical indexes by reducing body weight,low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C)and total cholesterol(TC),while increasing high-density lipoprotein cholesterol.YFES exhibited remarkably better performance in increasing phosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidic acids,while decreasing phosphatidylinositol than WE.A total of 50 differential lipids biomarkers tightly related to glycerophospholipids metabolism were screened out.Carnitine C18:2 and C12:1,SM(d18:0/12:0),and SM(d18:1/14:1)were significantly upregulated in YFES compared to WE.YFES reduced expression of SREBP-1c and Cpt1a,while did not affect the expression of PPAR-α.Sphingomyelin biomarkers were positively related to the TC(|r|>0.6),while PPAR-αwas negatively correlated with triglyceride and LDL-C levels.To sum up,YFES attenuated HFD-induced Met S by improving the serum phospholipids,which account for its modulation of glycerophospholipid metabolism.

Effect of autologous serum after amniotic membrane transplantation for persistent corneal ulcers

AIM:To investigate the effect of adding autologous serum eye drops to the postoperative regime after amniotic membrane transplantation for severe persistent corneal ulcers.METHODS:Forty eyes of 40 patients with persistent corneal ulcers were randomly assigned to artificial tears(sodium hyaluronate 0.2%,ATs group,n=20)or autologous serum eye drops(ASEDs,n=20)following treatment with amniotic membrane transplantation.Digital slit lamp images were acquired from all patients before and 30d post treatment.The area with fibrovascular tissue was calculated using Image J.Central corneal sensitivity was assessed by Cochet-Bonnet aesthesiometry before and one month after treatment.Scar tissue transparency was assessed with a novel optical densitometry.RESULTS:Mean age of patients was 61.65±16.47y and 57.3±19.11y in the ATs group and ASEDs group,respectively.Twenty-two male and 18 female patients were included in the study.The improvement in visual acuity was significantly greater in the ASEDs group(0.14±0.04)than the ATs(0.08±0.04;P=0.00046).Cochet-Bonnet aesthesiometry improved significantly after treatment with a similar rate between groups.There were no statistically significant differences in the area of postoperative fibrovascular tissue between the two groups(P=0.082).The success rate in the two groups was similar.The difference in densitometry between the ATs and ASEDs group was statistically significant(P=0.042)with greater reduction from baseline in the ASEDS group.CONCLUSION:Autologous serum eye drops can lead to better visual acuity,more stable results and improved densitometry and should be considered in the postoperative care following amniotic membrane transplantation.

Effects of Serum Concentration, Synchronization Time and Confluence on the Cell-Cycle Synchronization Efficiency of Goat Fibroblasts

This study aims to evaluate the effect of serum concentration, synchronization time, and confluence degree on the synchronisation efficiency of goat fibroblast cycle. The results indicated that there was no difference in the percentage of nucleated fibroblasts in the G0/G1 stage between serum concentrations of 0.3% and 0.4% (83.89% and 82.69%, respectively, P > 0.05) as well as between serum concentrations of 0.2% and 0.5% (76.95% and 75.46%, respectively, P > 0.05). The percentage of nucleated fibroblasts in the G0/G1 stage was highest at the concentration of 0.3% and lowest in the control group (83.89% vs. 62.67%, P 0.05). The beneficial effect of high confluence was confirmed by the large percentage of nucleated fibroblasts at the G0/G1 stage. The 60% confluency was significantly lower than the 80% and 100% confluency (73.44%, 86.63%, and 87.17%, respectively, P < 0.05). The results indicate that the goat fibroblast cycle synchronization is the most effective at the serum concentration of 0.3%, 72 hours of synchronization and 100% confluency.

Therapeutic effects of Lingguizhugan decoction in a rat model of high-fat diet-induced insulin resistance

BACKGROUND Lingguizhugan(LGZG)decoction is a widely used classic Chinese medicine formula that was recently shown to improve high-fat diet(HFD)-induced insulin resistance(IR)in animal studies.AIM To assess the therapeutic effect of LGZG decoction on HFD-induced IR and explore the potential underlying mechanism.METHODS To establish an IR rat model,a 12-wk HFD was administered,followed by a 4-wk treatment with LGZG.The determination of IR status was achieved through the use of biochemical tests and oral glucose tolerance tests.Using a targeted metabolomics platform to analyze changes in serum metabolites,quantitative real-time PCR(qRT-PCR)was used to assess the gene expression of the ribosomal protein S6 kinase beta 1(S6K1).RESULTS In IR rats,LGZG decreased body weight and indices of hepatic steatosis.It effectively controlled blood glucose and food intake while protecting islet cells.Metabolite analysis revealed significant differences between the HFD and HFDLGZG groups.LGZG intervention reduced branched-chain amino acid levels.Levels of IR-related metabolites such as tryptophan,alanine,taurine,and asparagine decreased significantly.IR may be linked to amino acids due to the contemporaneous increase in S6K1 expression,as shown by qRT-PCR.CONCLUSIONS Our study strongly suggests that LGZG decoction reduces HFD-induced IR.LGZG may activate S6K1 via metabolic pathways.These findings lay the groundwork for the potential of LGZG as an IR treatment.

Detection and analysis of serum bile acid profile in patients with colonic polyps

BACKGROUND Analyzing the variations in serum bile acid(BA)profile can provide a certain biological basis for early warning and prevention of various diseases.There is currently no comprehensive study on the relationship between the serum BA profile and colonic polyps.AIM To study the serum BA profile detection results of patients with colonic polyps,and analyze the correlation between BA and colonic polyps.METHODS From January 1,2022,to June 1,2023,204 patients with colonic polyps who were diagnosed and treated at Zhongda Hospital Southeast University were chosen as the study subjects,and 135 non-polyp people who underwent physical examination were chosen as the control group.Gathering all patients'clinical information,typical biochemical indicators,and BA profile.RESULTS Compared with the control group,the serum levels of taurocholic acid,glycocholic acid,glycochenodeoxycholic acid,and taurochenodeoxycholic acid in the colonic polyp group were significantly higher than those in the control group,while the content of deoxycholic acid(DCA)was lower than that in the control group(P<0.05).When colonic polyps were analyzed as subgroups,it was shown that there was a strong correlation between changes in the BA profile and polyp diameter,location,morphology,pathological kind,etc.CONCLUSION The serum BA profile showed significant changes in patients with colonic polyps,with a significant increase in primary conjugated BA content and a decrease in secondary free bile acid DCA content.There is a certain correlation between primary free BA and pathological parameters of polyps.

Time-dependent impact of a high-fat diet on the intestinal barrier of male mice

BACKGROUND Excessive saturated fat intake compromises the integrity of the intestinal mucosa,leading to low-grade inflammation,impaired mucosal integrity,and increased intestinal permeability,resulting in the migration of lipopolysaccharide(LPS)to other tissues.AIM To evaluate the chronic effects(at 10 and 16 wk)of a high-fat diet(HFD)(with 50%energy as fat)on the phylogenetic gut microbiota distribution and intestinal barrier structure and protection in C57BL/6 mice.METHODS Forty adult male mice were divided into four nutritional groups,where the letters refer to the type of diet(control and HFD or HF)and the numbers refer to the period(in weeks)of diet administration:Control diet for 10 wk,HFD for 10 wk,control diet for 16 wk,and HFD for 16 wk.After sacrifice,biochemical,molecular,and stereological analyses were performed.RESULTS The HF groups were overweight,had gut dysbiosis,had a progressive decrease in occludin immunostaining,and had increased LPS concentrations.Dietary progression reduced the number of goblet cells per large intestine area and Mucin2 expression in the HF16 group,consistent with a completely disarranged intestinal ultrastructure after 16 wk of HFD intake.CONCLUSION Chronic HFD intake causes overweight,gut dysbiosis,and morphological and functional alterations of the intestinal barrier after 10 or 16 wk.Time-dependent reductions in goblet cell numerical density and mucus production have emerged as targets for countering obesity-driven intestinal damage.

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.

Preoperative Serum Albumin Levels and Postoperative Acute Kidney Injury in Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery: A Single-Center Study in Bangladesh

Background: Serum albumin, a vital plasma protein, helps maintain intravascular colloidal osmotic pressure, cardiac output, and renal function. Low preoperative serum albumin is linked to poor outcomes, including acute kidney injury (AKI), after off-pump coronary artery bypass (OPCAB) surgery. This study aimed to assess the relationship between preoperative serum albumin levels and early postoperative renal injury. Methods: This prospective comparative cross-sectional study was conducted from August 2019 to February 2021 at the National Heart Foundation Hospital & Research Institute, Bangladesh. It included 160 adult patients with normal preoperative renal function undergoing OPCAB. Patients were divided into two groups: Group A (serum albumin ≥ 4.0 gm/dl) and Group B (serum albumin Results: Preoperative serum albumin was significantly different between groups (Group A: 4.21 ± 0.05 gm/dl, Group B: 3.69 ± 0.04 gm/dl, p = 0.028). Group B had a higher incidence of hypertension (71.25% vs. 51.25%, p st and 3rd postoperative days were higher in Group B (p th day. Postoperative AKI occurred in 18.75% of Group A and 36.25% of Group B. Multivariate regression indicated that low preoperative serum albumin is an independent risk factor for postoperative AKI (p = 0.012, OR = 1.815, CI: 0.675 - 1.162). Conclusion: Preoperative serum albumin level is a valuable predictor of postoperative renal function. Ensuring high normal serum albumin levels before surgery can help minimize the risk of postoperative AKI.

Association between Serum Ferritin Levels and Metabolic-associated Fatty Liver Disease in Adults:a Cross-sectional Study Based on the NHANES

Objective Ferritin,initially acting as an iron-storage protein,was found to be associated with metabolic diseases.Our study was designed to investigate the association between serum ferritin and metabolic-associated fatty liver disease(MAFLD)using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey(NHANES)of the United State of America.Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted,enrolling a total of 2145 participants from the NHANES in the 2017–2018 cycles.Hepatic steatosis and liver fibrosis were assessed by ultrasound images and several non-invasive indexes.Multiple regression analysis was conducted to determine the associations between serum ferritin concentration and MAFLD and liver fibrosis.Results The analysis revealed that participants with higher serum ferritin levels(Q3 and Q4 groups)had a higher prevalence of MAFLD than those with the lowest serum ferritin levels[Q3 vs.Q1:OR=2.17(1.33,3.53),P<0.05 in fatty liver index(FLI);Q4 vs.Q1:OR=3.13(1.91,5.13),P<0.05 in FLI].Additionally,participants with the highest serum ferritin levels(Q4 group)displayed a higher prevalence of liver fibrosis[Q4 vs.Q1:OR=2.59(1.19,5.62),P<0.05 in liver stiffness measurement;OR=5.06(1.12,22.94),P<0.05 in fibrosis-4 index],with significantly increased risk observed in participants with concomitant diabetes[OR=7.45(1.55,35.72),P=0.012].Conclusion Our study revealed that elevated serum ferritin levels are associated with a higher prevalence of MAFLD and advanced liver fibrosis in patients.Elevated serum ferritin levels combined with diabetes are important risk factors for liver fibrosis.