ObjectiveTo discuss the relationship between microalbuminuria (MAU) and antioxidant activity of plasma hyper density lipoprotein (HDL) in hypertensive patients, and investigate whether MAU could be a predictor of HDL antioxidant activity. MethodFrom December 2007 to March 2009, sixty consecutive primary hypertensive patients from the inpatient and outpatient departments of West China Hospital and Sichuan Electric Power Central Hospital were included in the study, and 30 healthy volunteers served as controls. MAU, plasma HDL and paraoxonase (PON1) activity were tested. ResultsPON1 activity was lower in hypertensive patients than the controls (P<0.05), and this degree of decline was positively related to MAU (P<0.05). ConclusionMAU reflects PON1 activity in hypertensive patients and can be a predictor to judge plasma HDL function in patients with hypertension.
Objective To investigate the association of serum albumin and relevant composite indicators with malignant brain edema after acute ischemic stroke. Methods We screened patients with acute ischemic stroke admitted to the Department of Neurology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University between January and December 2022. The case group consisted of patients who developed malignant brain edema within 7 days of admission, while the control group consisted of patients who did not develop malignant brain edema within 7 days of admission. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to explore the association of serum albumin and relevant composite indicators with malignant brain edema after acute ischemic stroke. Results Finally, 428 patients were included, aged 70.00 (58.00, 82.00) years, with females accounting for 40.9% (n=175). The time from onset to admission was 10.00 (4.00, 24.00) hours. Forty-three patients (10.0%) developed malignant brain edema and were classified as the case group, and their onset time of malignant brain edema was 34.00 (22.50, 56.50) hours after the onset of the disease. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the increase in the score of the baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale scores [odds ratio (OR)=1.167], the combination of diabetes (OR=5.525), the treatment of thrombectomy (OR=23.875), and the neutrophil percentage-to-albumin ratio higher than the median (OR=3.806) were associated with the increased risk of malignant brain edema (P<0.05), and the successful reperfusion after thrombectomy (OR=0.120) was associated with the reduced risk of malignant brain edema (P<0.05). Conclusion A higher percentage of serum neutrophil percentage-to-albumin ratio within 24 hours of onset in patients with acute ischemic stroke is associated with an increased risk of malignant brain edema within 7 days of admission.
Objective To prepare the immunonanospheres［SC3Ab-HSA(5-Fu)-NS］ against human colorectal cancer and evaluate its immunoreactivity and effects on cancer. Methods SC3Ab-HSA(5-Fu)-NS was prepared by intermolecular cross-linking the monoclonal antibody SC3Ab with human serum albumin nanospheres containing 5-Fu ［HAS(5-Fu)-NS］ via new hetero-bifunctional crosslinker SPDP. Condensation test and immunoflurecence were used to evaluate the immunoreactivity, the specific binding of SC3Ab-HSA(5-Fu)-NS with colorectal cancer cell line SW1116 was observed by microscope and electron microscope. The specific cytotoxic effects on target cells were evaluated in vitro by MTT assay. SC3AbHSA(5-Fu)-NS, HSA(5-Fu)-NS and 5-Fu were injected into nude mice bearing human colorectal carcinoma, to study the inhibitory activity of SC3Ab-HSA(5-Fu)-NS in vivo. Results The immunoreactivity of SC3Ab-HSA(5-Fu)-NS was well preserved. SC3Ab-HSA(5-Fu)-NS can bind the SW1116 cells specifically. The IC50 value for SC3Ab-HSA(5-Fu)-NS on SW1116 cells was 24.6 μg/ml,which was lower than that of HSA(5-Fu)-NS(345.3 μg/ml) and 5-Fu(325.6 μg/ml). The inhibitory rate of SC3Ab-HSA(5-Fu)-NS on the growth of colorectal cancer xenografts was significantly higher than that of HSA(5-Fu)-NS or 5-Fu(P＜0.001).Conclusion SC3Ab-HSA(5-Fu)-NS has immunoreactivity and specific active targeting to the colorectal cancer cells. The anticancer ability of SC3Ab-HSA(5-Fu)-NS is significantly higher than that of HSA(5-Fu)-NS and 5-Fu.
Objective To measure the concentration of serum transthyretin (TTR) of patients with different stages of diabetic retinopathy (DR). Methods A total of 176 patients with diabetes mellitus were included in this study. There were 104 males and 72 females. The patients aged from 21 to 74 years, with the mean age of (56±11) years. The diabetes duration raged from 1 to 30 years, with the mean diabetes duration of (10±7) years. The HbA1C was 5.2%?14.1%, with the mean HbA1C of (8.6±2.0)%. According to the fundus examination, 58 patients had DR (33.0%), but the other 118 patients not (67.0%). For these DR patients, 10 patients were in stage Ⅰ (5.7%), 26 patients in stage Ⅱ (14.8%), 8 patients in stage Ⅲ (4.5%), and 14 patients in stage Ⅳ (8.0%). The concentration of serum TTR was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbentassay kit. The differences in the concentration of serum TTR between different DR stages were compared.Bivariate analysis was used to analyze the influencing factors of TTR. Results The concentrations of serum TTR of the patients without DR or with DR of stage Ⅰ to Ⅳ were (224.96±65.47), (383.68±102.99), (247.44±63.21), (228.2±45.89), (189.34±70.12) mg/L, respectively. The difference between different DR stages was statistically significant (F=14.690,P＜0.001).Bivariate analysis showed that the concentration of TTR was correlation to DR (r=0.179,P=0.017). There was no correlation between the concentration of TTR and diabetes duration (r=?0.027,P=0.727), hypertension (r=0.018,P=0.810), hyperlipoidemia (r=0.101,P=0.182), and the use of insulin (r=?0.032,P=0.675). Conclusion The concentration of serum TTR was increased in early DR patients, and gradually decreased with the progression of DR. The concentration of TTR is correlated to DR.
ObjectiveTo explore the effects of transthyretin (TTR) on biological behavior of retinal microvascular epithelial cell (RMVEC). MethodsRMVEC was cultured in medium with 0 μmol/L and 4 μmol/L TTR. The proliferation, migration and healing abilities (0, 24, 48 hours) of RMVEC with different concentrations of TTR were measured by methyl thiazol tetrazolium (MTT) assay, transwell assay and scarification test. ResultsMTT assay shows that RMVEC with the concentrations of 4 μmol/L TTR [absorbance (A) value=0.17±0.02] glows faster than with the concentrations of 0 μmol/L TTR (A value=0.40±0.03), the difference was statistically significant (t=15.47, P=0.000 1). The transwell assay shows RMVEC with the concentration of 4 μmol/L TTR [(140±7) cells] migrants faster than RMVEC with the concentration of 0 μmol/L TTR [(227±14) cells], the difference was statistically significant (t=5.44, P=0.000 6). The scarification test shows that the RMVEC with the concentration of 4 μmol/L TTR [(134.4±45.4) μm] heals faster than the RMVEC with the concentration of 0 μmol/L TTR [(330.0±23.1) μm], the difference was statistically significant (t=8.25, P<0.01). The cells in 48 hours and 4 μmol/L group were healed completely, but not healed in 0 μmol/L group. ConclusionTTR can promote the proliferation, migration and healing abilities of RMVEC.
Objective To formulate an evidence-based treatment plan for a patient with type 2 diabetes and microalbuminuria. Methods According to the patient’s clinical conditions, we put forward 5 clinical problems. We searched the Cochrane Library (Issue 4, 2005), ACP Journal Club (1991 to 2005), and MEDLINE (1991 to 2005) databases. Systematic review, meta-analysis and randomized controlled trials about the treatment of diabetic nephropathy were included. The treatment plan was developed accordingly. Results Thirteen eligible studies were included. Evidence indicated that an intensive intervention aimed at the multiple potential risk factors could be applied to delay or prevent the progression of diabetic nephropathy, which included intensive blood glucose control, tight blood-pressure control, lipid modulation, restriction of protein intake and smoking cessation. The individualized treatment plan was based on the high quality evidence as well as the patient’s specific condition. The patient is still being followed-up. Conclusion Interventions for risk factors of type 2 diabetes like changing living style, decreasing serum glucose, blood pressure, and level of blood fat help to release the clinical symptom and better the long-term living quality of patients.
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of maresin-1 (MaR1) on lung inflammation and MAPK signaling pathway in asthmatic mice.MethodsTwenty-four female BALB/c mice were randomly divided into normal group, asthma model group, MaR1 group and dexamethasone group. The asthma model was successfully established by using ovalbumin (OVA) combined with aluminum hydroxide, and then MaR1 and dexamethasone were respectively given to asthmatic mice. Serum, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and lung tissue were collected for further analysis. Pathological changes of lung tissue in mice were detected by hematoxylin-eosin and periodic acid-Schi?. Proportion of inflammatory cells in BALF classified by Swiss-Giemsa staining. Th2-related inflammatory cytokines, interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, IL-13 and IgE in serum and BALF were detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. The protein concentration of p-p38 and p-JNK in lung tissues were detected by Western blot.ResultsCompared with the normal group, the asthma model group had increased both airway inflammation and the number of goblet cells significantly (P<0.05). The number of various inflammatory cells in BALF had also increased significantly (P<0.05). The levels of IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13 in BALF and IgE and OVA-specific-IgE in serum were significantly increased (P<0.05). The protein contents of p-p38 and p-JNK in lung tissues were significantly increased (P<0.05). Compared with the asthma model group, both MaR1 and dexamethasone group had reduced inflammation and mucus secretion in lung tissue, number of inflammatory cells in BALF (P<0.05), levels of related inflammatory cytokines in BALF and IgE in serum (P<0.05), and expression of p-p38 and p-JNK proteins in lung tissue (P<0.05).ConclusionsMaR1 can inhibit the production and release of both Th2-related inflammatory cytokines and IgE, effectively reduce the inflammatory response and mucus production in lung tissues of asthmatic mice, with similar effect to dexamethasone. The mechanism may be related to the down-regulation of MAPKs signaling pathway.
Objective To evaluate the early diagnostic value of ischemia modified albumin (IMA) for non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndromes (NSTEACS). Methods The study group consisted of 177 patients with suspected NSTEACS whose blood was collected within six hours after the onset of chest pain to determine cardiac troponin I (cTnI), and IMA was determined through the albumin cobalt binding (ACB) test. After standardized diagnosis and treatment and GRACE risk score, the patients then were divided into three groups according to the final diagnosis: the NSTEMI (non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction) group (n=34), the UA (unstable angina pectoris) group (n=56) and the NICP (non-ischemia chest pain) group (n=87). Meanwhile, 58 people taking the routine examination in the same hospital at that time were randomly selected as the control group. With the results of IMA, ROC curve analysis was used to determine the optimal cutoff of this assay for identifying patients with NSTEACS from those with NICP. Results of IMA, ECG and cTnI were correlated with final diagnosis, and their diagnostic sensitivity and specificity were evaluated for NSTEACS. Results The IMA concentration in the serum showed no significant difference between the NSTEMI group and the UA group, whereas there were significant differences between the former two groups and the NICP group. The sensitivity and specificity at a cutoff point 67.49 U/mL were 91.1% and 86.2%, respectively when the ROC curve area was 0.950. The correlation between the IMA concentration and GRACE risk score was negative. Conclusion IMA is an early sensitive indicator for NSTEACS and a useful predictor of prognosis.
ObjectiveTo investigate the predictive value of preoperative plasma fibrinogen and serum albumin score (FA score) for postoperative survival of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after hepatectomy.MethodWe retrospectively analyzed the clinicopathological data and follow-up information of 275 patients with HCC who underwent hepatectomy in West China Hospital of Sichuan University from March 2009 to December 2013.ResultsThere’s no statistically significant difference in gender, ALT, total bilirubin, hepatitis B virus surface antigens, AFP, cirrhosis, macrovascular invasion, tumor differentiation, TNM stage, and postoperative adjuvant transarterial chemoembolization of HCC patients between FA score of 0 group and FA score of 1 and 2 group (P>0.05). There’s statistically significant difference in age, AST, tumor size, tumor number, microvascular invasion, and BCLC stage (P<0.05). Multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression analyses revealed that FA score (1 and 2) was an independent risk factor for HCC patients’ overall survival rate [HR=1.632, 95%CI was (1.141, 2.335), P=0.007] and early recurrence-free survival rate [HR=1.678, 95%CI was (1.083, 2.598), P=0.021], the overall survival rate and early recurrence free survival rate of HCC patients with FA score of 0 group were better than those of patients with FA score of 1 and2 group.ConclusionsThe preoperative FA score has a good prognostic value for survival of HCC patients who underwent hepatectomy. Preoperative FA score of 1 and 2 is an independent risk factor for overall survival rate and early recurrence free survival rate of HCC patients after hepatectomy.
Objective To observe the association between the red cell distribution width (RDW)/albumin (ALB) ratio (RAR) and the progression of diabetic retinopathy (DR). MethodsA cohort study. From June 2020 to February 2022, 835 diabetic patients who participated in the Phase II Beichen Eye Study, conducted at the Tianjin Medical University Eye Hospital were included. All participants underwent a two-year follow-up. Data were collected from patients at both baseline and the two-year follow-up, including mydriatic color fundus photography and laboratory tests for RDW and ALB. The RAR was calculated based on these measurements. DR was diagnosed and graded according to the DR International Clinical Severity Scale. Based on the progression of DR, patients were categorized into a non-progression group (689 cases, 83%) and a progression group (146 cases, 17%). Univariate models, as well as models Ⅰ, Ⅱ, and Ⅲ, were constructed after adjusting for various variables. The associations between RAR and its tertiles with the progression of DR were analyzed utilizing multivariate logistic regression analysis. Additionally, subgroup and interaction analyses were conducted to further investigate the relationship. ResultsThere was no significant difference in RDW and ALB levels between patients in the non-progression group and those in the progression group (t=-1.399, 1.954; P > 0.05). However, a significant difference was observed in RAR (t=-2.147, P=0.033). Results from the multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that, in the fully adjusted model Ⅲ, RAR was an independent risk factor for the progression of DR. Specifically, each unit increase in RAR was associated with a 2.33-fold higher risk of DR progression [odds ratio (OR)= 2.33, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.20-4.54, P = 0.013]. Compared to the univariate model, the predictive power of the fully adjusted model III for DR progression was 71.3% (area under the curve= 0.713, P < 0.001). Interaction analysis revealed a statistically significant difference in the effect of insulin use on the association between RAR and DR progression (insulin users: OR= 5.83, 95% CI 2.15-15.78, P=0.013). ConclusionsIncreased RAR is associated with a heightened risk of DR progression, and insulin use may influence the relationship between the two.