Objective To Investigate the effects of lithocholic acid (LCA) on the balance between osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs). Methods Twelve 10-week-old SPF C57BL/6J female mice were randomly divided into an experimental group (undergoing bilateral ovariectomy) and a control group (only removing the same volume of adipose tissue around the ovaries), with 6 mice in each group. The body mass was measured every week after operation. After 4 weeks post-surgery, the weight of mouse uterus was measured, femur specimens of the mice were taken for micro-CT scanning and three-dimensional reconstruction to analyze changes in bone mass. Tibia specimens were taken for HE staining to calculate the number and area of bone marrow adipocytes in the marrow cavity area. ELISA was used to detect the expression of bone turnover markers in the serum. Liver samples were subjected to real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) to detect the expression of key genes related to bile acid metabolism, including cyp7a1, cyp7b1, cyp8b1, and cyp27a1. BMSCs were isolated by centrifugation from 2 C57BL/6J female mice (10-week-old). The third-generation cells were exposed to 0, 1, 10, and 100 μmol/L LCA, following which cell viability was evaluated using the cell counting kit 8 assay. Subsequently, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining and oil red O staining were conducted after 7 days of osteogenic and adipogenic induction. RT-qPCR was employed to analyze the expressions of osteogenic-related genes, namely ALP, Runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2), and osteocalcin (OCN), as well as adipogenic-related genes including Adiponectin (Adipoq), fatty acid binding protein 4 (FABP4), and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ). Results Compared with the control group, the body mass of the mice in the experimental group increased, the uterus atrophied, the bone mass decreased, the bone marrow fat expanded, and the bone metabolism showed a high bone turnover state. RT-qPCR showed that the expressions of cyp7a1, cyp8b1, and cyp27a1, which were related to the key enzymes of bile acid metabolism in the liver, decreased significantly (P<0.05), while the expression of cyp7b1 had no significant difference (P>0.05). Intervention with LCA at concentrations of 1, 10, and 100 μmol/L did not demonstrate any apparent toxic effects on BMSCs. Furthermore, LCA inhibited the expressions of osteogenic-related genes (ALP, Runx2, and OCN) in a dose-dependent manner, resulting in a reduction in ALP staining positive area. Concurrently, LCA promoted the expressions of adipogenic-related genes (Adipoq, FABP4, and PPARγ), and an increase in oil red O staining positive area. Conclusion After menopause, the metabolism of bile acids is altered, and secondary bile acid LCA interferes with the balance of osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation of BMSCs, thereby affecting bone remodelling.
ObjectiveTo systematically review the correlation between the triglyceride-glucose index (TyG index) and pulse wave velocity (PWV) and explore the relationship between the TyG index and arterial stiffness (AS). MethodsThe PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, CBM, WanFang Data, and CNKI databases were searched to collect observational studies on the correlation between the TyG index and AS from inception to January 14, 2024. Two reviewers independently screened the literature, extracted data, and assessed the risk of bias in the included studies. Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.4 software. ResultsA total of 16 studies were included. The results of the meta-analysis showed that when the TyG index was used as a continuous variable to evaluate its correlation with AS based on brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) as the outcome parameter, individuals with high TyG index had higher baPWV compared to those with low TyG index (OR=1.48, 95%CI 1.27 to 1.72, P<0.001). Similar correlations were observed when the TyG index was used as a categorical variable to evaluate its correlation with AS (OR=1.85, 95%CI 1.67 to 2.04, P<0.001). When carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) was used as the outcome parameter, individuals with high TyG index had higher cfPWV compared to those with low TyG index when the TyG index was used as a continuous variable (OR=1.47, 95%CI 1.11 to 1.95, P=0.008). Similar correlations were observed when the TyG index was used as a categorical variable to evaluate its correlation with AS (OR=1.34, 95%CI 1.21 to 1.48, P<0.001). Subgroup analysis results showed that when the TyG index was used as a continuous variable, the correlation between the TyG index and baPWV was independent of gender, age, participant characteristics, and study type. When the TyG index was used as a categorical variable, the correlation between the TyG index and baPWV was independent of age and participant characteristics. Using high baPWV to define AS, when the TyG index was used as a continuous variable to evaluate its impact on AS, individuals with high TyG index had a higher likelihood of AS compared to those with low TyG index (OR=1.51, 95%CI 1.36 to 1.67, P<0.001). Similar correlations were observed when the TyG index was used as a categorical variable to evaluate its correlation with AS (OR=1.81, 95%CI 1.48 to 2.21, P<0.001). Using high cfPWV to define AS, when the TyG index was used as a continuous variable to evaluate its impact on arterial stiffness, individuals with a high TyG index had a higher likelihood of AS compared to those with a low TyG index (OR=1.30, 95%CI 1.10 to 1.53, P=0.02). Similar correlations were observed when the TyG index was used as a categorical variable to evaluate its correlation with AS (OR=1.60, 95%CI 1.33 to 1.92, P<0.001). Subgroup analysis results showed that when the TyG index was used as a continuous variable, the correlation between the TyG index and AS was independent of gender, participant characteristics, age, hypertension, and diabetes. When the TyG index was used as a categorical variable, the correlation between the TyG index and AS was independent of gender, participant characteristics, age, and hypertension. ConclusionThere is a strong correlation between the TyG index and PWV, with a higher TyG index associated with increased PWV and greater risk of AS. The TyG index can serve as a simple alternative marker for early diagnosis of AS and guide clinical intervention. Due to the limited quantity and quality of the included studies, more high-quality studies are needed to verify the above conclusion.
Objective To evaluate the expression level of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) in patients with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-positive diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), and to examine its impact on patients’ clinical characteristics and prognosis. Methods Patients with EBV-positive DLBCL who were diagnosed and treated at West China Hospital of Sichuan University between January 2010 and December 2020 were selected as the research subjects. Clinical data were retrospectively collected. According to the expression of NF-κB, the patients were divided into an NF-κB-positive group and an NF-κB-negative group, and the clinical characteristics were compared between the two groups. Kaplan-Meier method was used for survival analysis. Results A total of 414 patients with DLBCL were collected, and EBV-encoded small RNAs were positive in 37 cases (8.9%). Among the 37 EBV-positive patients, NF-κB positivity was observed in 13 cases (35.1%), while among the 377 EBV-negative patients, NF-κB positivity was observed in 144 cases (38.2%), without statistically significant difference (χ2=0.134, P=0.714). No significant difference in clinical characteristics was found between the NF-κB-positive group and the NF-κB-negative group of EBV-positive patients (P>0.05). The 3-year overall survival (OS) rates for the NF-κB-positive and NF-κB-negative groups were 46.2% and 58.3%, respectively, the 5-year OS rates were 19.2% and 29.2%, respectively, and the median OS was 32 vs. 39 months (P=0.441). The corresponding 3-year and 5-year progression-free survival (PFS) rates were 46.2% vs. 41.7% and 19.2% vs. 20.8%, respectively, and the median PFS was 31 vs. 24 months (P=0.933). Conclusion There is no difference in the expression of NF-κB between EBV-positive and EBV-negative DLBCL patients, and the expression of NF-κB has no impact on the clinical characteristics or the prognosis of EBV-positive DLBCL patients.
Objective To determine the dimensions of trachea and main bronchi by bronchoscopy, and provide theoretical basis for diagnosis and treatment of airway diseases. Methods Thirty consecutive adult patients with minor pulmonary diseases were enrolled for bronchoscopy examination. The lengths of the trachea and main bronchus were determined by bronchoscopy and the transverse diameter and anteroposterior diameter of the fifth and tenth tracheal rings above carina were determined. Results The lengths of the trachea and left and right main bronchus were (13.09±1.40) cm, (4.57±0.51) cm and (1.80±0.72) cm, respectively. Magnification times was 10.72 when apex of Olympus BF-260 was 1 cm from measuring object. Based on the magnification times determined in our study, the transverse diameter and anteroposterior diameter of the fifth tracheal ring were (2.76±0.32) cm and (2.44±0.27) cm. Similarly, the transverse diameter and anteroposterior diameter of the tenth tracheal ring were (2.97±0.33) cm and (2.72±0.36) cm. The transverse diameter and anteroposterior diameter of the tenth tracheal ring were significantly larger than those of the fifth tracheal ring (allP＜0.05). Conclusion Based on the magnification times determined in our study, dimension measurement of the trachea and main bronchi by bronchoscopy can objectively reflect anatomic structure of airway in physiological quiet breathing status.
ObjectiveTo systematically review the prognostic value of the triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index in predicting cardiovascular outcomes in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). MethodsThe PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, CBM, WanFang Data and CNKI databases were electronically searched to collect cohort studies investigating the association between the TyG index and ACS prognosis from inception to January 25, 2025. Two reviewers independently screened literature, extracted data and assessed the risk of bias of the included studies. Meta-analysis was then performed by using RevMan 5.4 and Stata 18.0 software. ResultsA total of 18 studies involving 30 769 patients were included. The meta-analysis revealed that the TyG index was associated with ACS prognosis. When the TyG index was treated as a categorical variable, higher TyG index was significantly associated with an increased risk of MACE compared to lower TyG index (HR=1.94, 95%CI 1.62 to 2.31, P<0.001). Subgroup analysis indicated that the association between the TyG index and MACE remained independent of gender, age, participant characteristics, hypertension, and diabetes. In patients with ACS but without chronic kidney disease, the TyG index demonstrated a strong correlation with MACE (P=0.006). However, in ACS patients with concurrent chronic kidney disease, the TyG index did not appear to be a suitable predictor of MACE (P=0.22). ConclusionThe TyG index demonstrates a strong correlation with MACE in ACS patients, where a higher TyG index is associated with an increased incidence of MACE, indicating poorer prognosis. The TyG index may serve as a simple surrogate marker for prognostic prediction in ACS patients, independent of sex, age, participant characteristics, hypertension, and diabetes. However, its application is currently limited in ACS patients with comorbid CKD.
ObjectiveTo evaluate the safety and efficacy of 27G micro-incision vitrectomy surgery (MIVS) combined with intravitreal injection of ranibizumab (IVR) in the treatment of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) with early intervention failure.MethodsRetrospective case series was performed. Fourteen eyes (11 infants) with ROP who underwent 27G MIVS combined with IVR were included from March 2016 to January 2018 in Shenzhen Eye Hospital. Among them, there were 5 males with 7 eyes, 6 females with 7 eyes. The average gestational age of the infants was 28.12±0.90 weeks; the average birth weight was 1 023.64±200.96 g. Before the early clinical intervention, 1 infant (2 eyes) had ROP in zone Ⅰstage 3 with plus disease, 8 infants (10 eyes) had ROP in zone Ⅱ stage 3 with plus disease, and 2 infants had ROP in aggressive posterior ROP. Six eyes underwent laser photocoagulation, while 8 eyes received laser therapy combined with IVR. Six eyes of stage 4A ROP and 8 eyes in stage 4B. Retinal detachment was detected with a mean of 10.44±9.21 weeks. At the time of surgery, the average post-conceptional age was 48.02±8.09 weeks. All the affected eyes were treated with standard sclera with three incisions 27G MIVS. During the operation, only local vitrectomy was performed to release and clear fibroascular proliferation in the optic disc, anterior macular area and pericristal area. After surgery, 10 mg/ml of ranibizumab 0.03 ml was injected into the vitreous cavity. The average follow-up time was 23.36±8.34 months. The primary objectives were the condition of retinal reset, ROP progression control and complications.ResultsAll patients had uneventful surgeries with an average duration of 32.86±9.35 mins. Of the 14 eyes, 12 eyes (85.71%) were controlled, 8 eyes (57.14%) had a good rearrangement of macular structure, while 4 eyes with macular traction. Two eyes had ROP progression, recurrence of retinal detachment, posterior synechia. Complicated cataract was in 1 eye. Proliferative vitreoretinopathy and retinal detachment was in 1 eye after 7 months the operation.Conclusion27G MIVS combined with IVR is a safe and effective treatment for ROP with early clinical intervention failure.