ObjectiveTo understand the genetic polymorphisms of MUC5B and TOLLIP in Chinese patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), and to explore whether gene polymorphism variation in Chinese IPF patients can be used as a genetic biomarker for accurate treatment and prognosis judgment.MethodsA total of one hundred and twenty-six patients with IPF were enrolled in this study. The baseline characteristics, total lung capacity (TLC), forced vital capacity (FVC), carbon monoxide diffusion function (DLCO), imaging changes of the patients were followed up. The levels of serum sputum glycosylated antigen-6 (Krebs Von den Lungen-6, KL-6) and B lymphocyte chemotactic factor C-X-C motif chemokine 13 (CXCL13) were detected by chemiluminescent enzyme immunoassay and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The gene MUC5B rs35705950 and TOLLIP rs5743890, rs5743894 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) were determined by polymerase chain reaction.ResultsOne hundred and twenty-six patients with IPF were found with AA type by TOLLIP rs5743890 and rs5743894 SNP, accounting for 100.0%; MUC5B rs35705950 SNP was expressed as 116 patients (92.1%) with GG type, and 10 patients (7.9%) with GT type, no TT patients were detected. There was no significant difference in clinical characteristics between the two groups in age and non-smokers (P>0.05). Compared with group G, annual decrease of lung function (FVC, DLCO, and TLC), serum biomarkers (KL-6 and CXCL13), annual increase of reticular and honeycombing lesions, and mortality were significantly lower in group T (P<0.05). The median survival time of IPF patients carrying the MUC5B SNP rs35705950 minor allele (gene phenotype GT) heterozygous was significantly higher than that of homozygous IPF patients with a genetic phenotype of GG.ConclusionsThere are genetic polymorphisms in Chinese patients with IPF. MUC5B rs35705950 and TOLLIP rs5743890, rs5743894 gene subtypes have low mutation rates in the cohort. Compared with homozygous patients of MUC5B SNP rs35705950, heterozygous patients have smaller changes in lung function and radiological image, lower levels of serum KL-6 and CXCL13, and better prognosis.
Objective To explore the prognostic significance of baseline clinical and pulmonary physiological variables on idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis ( IPF) . Methods Patients diagnosed with IPF according to 2011 ATS/ERS/JRS/ALAT statementwere selected from Nanjing DrumTower Hospital between January 1, 2002 and July 31, 2010. The baseline characteristics were abstracted, including age, gender, smoking history, corticosteroid, delay before diagnosis, body mass index, finger clubbing, oxygenation index ( PaO2 /FiO2 ) , C-reaction protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate ( ESR) , serum lactate dehydrogenase ( LDH) , albumin, vital capacity ( VC) , forced vital capacity ( FVC) , total lung capacity ( TLC) , and singlebreath diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide ( DLCO) . The relationships between all factors and survival were examined with a univariate Cox proportional-hazard model. Kaplan-Meier method was used to assess the survival probabilities between groups with different baseline characteristics. Results Eighty-four patients were included in this study, with the median survival time of 34. 7 months. PaO2 /FiO2 , FVC% pred, VC% pred, TLC% pred, and DLCO% pred showed significant associations with the mortality of IPF ( hazard ratios 0. 940-0. 994, P lt; 0. 01) . The Kaplan-Meier analyses for above variables also showed significant differences ( P lt;0. 05) . Besides, the statistical difference of survival probability could be found between the patients with elevated serumLDH and those with normal LDH ( 27. 0 months vs. 43. 1 months, P =0. 014) . Conclusions Baseline oxygenation and pulmonary function parameters may indicate the prognosis of IPF patients. Serum LDH may provide clinicians with additional prognostic information.
Objective To investigate the prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome ( OSAHS) in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis ( IPF) and its clinical significance. Methods Sleep quality and breathing disorders were measured by polysomnography and the relationship with lung function was analyzed in 20 IPF patients. Results Thirteen of 20 subjects ( 65% ) had OSAHS as defined by an AHI ≥5 events per hour. Three subjects ( 15% ) had mild OSAHS ( AHI,5 to 20 events per hour) , and 10 subjects ( 50% ) had moderate-to-severe OSAHS ( AHI≥20 events per hour) . The sleep architecture in these patients showed a reduction in sleep efficiency, rapid eye movement ( REM) sleep and slow wave sleep, and a marked sleep fragmentation due to an increased arousal index. The AHI was negatively correlated with FVC% pred ( r =-0.672, P=0.001) and FEV1% pred ( r =-0.659, P=0.002) , and positively correlated with body mass index ( BMI) ( r=0.791, Plt;0.0001) . Conclusions OSAHS is a common comorbidity in IPF. Early treatment of OSAHS may improve quality of life and the prognosis of patients with IPF.
Objective To investigate the characteristics on chest high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) of patients with interstitial pneumonia with positive myeloperoxidase antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (MPO-IP). Methods The extent of fibrosis and subtypes of emphysema on HRCT of MPO-IP patients were retrospectively analyzed and compared with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) cases admitted in the same period. Results From July 2014 to March 2016, 10 patients was diagnosed with IPF and 10 patients was diagnosed with MPO-IP. Emphysema was not different between two groups. Among the MPO-IP patients, 8 patients presented with a usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) pattern. There existed statistical difference in the bronchial bifurcation level, the fibrosis score of lungs in the MPO-IP patients presented with UIP was lower than that in the IPF patients. Conclusions UIP is the predominant radiologic type of MPO-IP patients. Fibrosis in IPF is more serious than that in MPO-IP with UIP. Paraseptal and centrilobular emphysema are main forms in MPO-IP patients.
Objective To systematically evaluate the effectiveness of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) combined with low-dose glucocorticoid for patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Methods Such databases as The Cochrane Library (Issue 12, 2012), EMbase (January 1974 to July 2012), PubMed (January 1966 to July 2012), CHEST (January 1995 to July 2012), CNKI (January 1994 to July 2012), CBM (January 1978 to July 2012), VIP (January 1989 to July 2012) and WanFang Data (January 1995 to July 2012) were searched to collect the randomized controlled trials (RCTs) about NAC combined with low-dose glucocorticoid versus glucocorticoid alone for IPF patients. Two reviewers independently screened the literature according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, extracted the data, and assessed the quality, and then the meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.1 software. Results A total of seven RCTs including 264 IPF patients were included. The results of meta-analysis demonstrated that, compared with the glucocorticoid used alone, a) NAC combined with low-dose glucocorticoid could significantly improve PaO2 (SMD=0.82 mmHg, 95%CI 0.30 to 1.35, P=0.002) and DLco (SMD=0.59 mmHg, 95%CI 0.16 to 1.03, P=0.008) with a significant difference. b) NAC combined with low-dose glucocorticoid could significantly improve all clinical symptoms (RR=1.56, 95%CI 1.26 to 1.92, Plt;0.000 1). Conclusion NAC combined with low-dose glucocorticoid for IPF patients can significantly improve PaO2, DLco, and the clinical symptoms such as cough, difficulty breathing after activities, cyanosis, and Velcro rales. Due to the quantity and quality limitation of included studies, this conclusion still needs to be further proved by more high quality and double blind RCTs.
ObjectiveTo systematically evaluate the prognostic prediction models for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). MethodsA computer-based search was conducted in the PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases for literature relevant to the research objectives, with the search period ranging from database inception to Jun 2025. Two researchers independently screened the articles. Data were extracted according to the key assessment and data extraction checklist for systematic reviews of prediction models (CHARMS). The risk of bias and applicability of the models were assessed using the PROBAST (Prediction model Risk of Bias Assessment Tool). The quality of model reporting was evaluated using the TRIPOD (Transparent Reporting of a Multivariable Prediction Model for Individual Prognosis or Diagnosis) checklist. ResultsA total of 49 studies were included, of which 26 (53.06%) reported both model development and validation. The most common predictors included gender, age, diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide, forced vital capacity (FVC), and FVC percentage of predicted value. In terms of bias risk, 32 studies (65.31%) were classified as high risk of bias, mainly due to factors related to study subjects and predictors. Regarding applicability, 26 studies (53.06%) were rated as high risk, 11 studies (22.45%) were rated as unclear, and only 12 studies (24.49%) were rated as low risk, suggesting limited clinical applicability of the models. As for reporting quality, existing models showed generally insufficient adherence to the TRIPOD statement, especially in key areas such as research methods and result reporting, where normative issues were prominent. Of the 22 signaling questions in the TRIPOD checklist, most studies achieved only moderate reporting quality, with 8 signaling questions (1, 5c, 6b, 7b, 8, 11e, 13a, 14a) showing key information omissions or vague descriptions. ConclusionExisting prognostic prediction models for IPF generally exhibit high methodological bias risk and reporting deficiencies. Future studies should control for modeling biases based on the PROBAST framework, adhere to the TRIPOD guidelines for transparent reporting, and optimize clinical applicability through external validation.
ObjectiveAlthough evidence links idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and diabetes mellitus (DM), the exact underlying common mechanism of its occurrence is unclear. This study aims to explore further the molecular mechanism between these two diseases. MethodsThe microarray data of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and diabetes mellitus in the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database were downloaded. Weighted Gene Co-Expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) was used to identify co-expression genes related to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and diabetes mellitus. Subsequently, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) analysis and three public databases were employed to analyze and screen the gene targets related to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and diabetes mellitus. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses were performed by Metascape. In addition, common microRNAs (miRNAs), common in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and diabetes mellitus, were obtained from the Human microRNA Disease Database (HMDD), and their target genes were predicted by miRTarbase. Finally, we constructed a common miRNAs-mRNAs network by using the overlapping genes of the target gene and the shared gene. ResultsThe results of common gene analysis suggested that remodeling of the extracellular matrix might be a key factor in the interconnection of DM and IPF. Finally, hub genes (MMP1, IL1R1, SPP1) were further screened. miRNA-gene network suggested that has-let-19a-3p may play a key role in the common molecular mechanism between IPF and DM. ConclusionsThis study provides new insights into the potential pathogenic mechanisms between idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and diabetes mellitus. These common pathways and hub genes may provide new ideas for further experimental studies.
Objective To improve the awareness of acute exacerbation of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis ( AEIPF) and discuss its clinical characteristics, diagnosis, treatment and outcome. Methods The clinical data of patients with AEIPF from June 2006 to June 2011 in 11 hospitals in Jiangsu were collected and analyzed. Resluts There were 18 males and 3 females in the AEIPF patients with mean age of ( 67.4 ± 8.1) years. The duration from IPF diagnosis was ( 7.4 ±8.2) months. The duration of acute symptom before admission was ( 7.0 ±5.3) days. The distribution pattern of new groud-glass opacity was peripheral in 3 patients,multifocal in 5 patients, and diffuse in13 patients. All patients were treated with corticosteroid pulse therapy. Nine patients survived and 12 patients died. The mortality rate was 57.1% . Conclusions AEIPF progresses quickly and the mortality rate is very high. Corticosteroid pulse therapy is the mainstay of therapy in AEIPF patients.
Objective To explore the imaging features of acute exacerbation of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis ( IPF) under high-resolution computed tomography ( HRCT) . Methods The HRCT imaging features of six patients who met the criteria for acute exacerbation of IPF were analyzed retrospectively. Results The manifestations of IPF on HRCT scan were various in forms and distribution, as multifocal, ground-glass opacity, reticular shadow, honeycombing densities, capillary bronchiectasis,subpleural lines, traction bronchiolectasis and emphysema. The characteristic lesions were newly diffuse bilateral ground-glass opacity at the time of acute exacerbation, superimposed on subpleural reticular and honeycombing densities. Conclusions Chest HRCT findings in acute exacerbation of IPF are characteristic.HRCT is accurate and superior in diagnosis of IPF and in determining acute exacerbation of IPF.
ObjectiveTo determine the diagnostic value of serum KL-6 level in patients with interstitial lung diseases (ILD). MethodsAll the ILD patients enrolled were hospitalized from April 2013 to April 2014. Patients with other pulmonary diseases and healthy subjects were chosen as control groups simultaneously. Serum KL-6 concentrations were measured by chemiluminescent enzyme immunoassay. The association with serum KL-6 level and pulmonary function was analyzed. ResultsThere were 149 ILD patients, 155 patients with other pulmonary diseases, and 64 healthy subjects. The average serum levels of KL-6 were (1 801.86±2 831.36) U/mL, (267.00±124.41) U/mL, (201.28±81.18) U/mL in the patients with ILD, the patients with other pulmonary diseases and the healthy controls, respectively. The sensitivity and the specificity of the serum KL-6 for the diagnosis of ILD was 83.89% and 92.24% respectively when the cut-off level was set at 500 U/mL. The Kappa value was 0.767 (P < 0.001). The best cut-off value of KL-6 was 469.5 U/mL. Serum KL-6 levels in the patients with ILD were significantly higher compared with the patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pneumonia, tuberculosis, bronchiectasis and the healthy controls, respectively (all P < 0.001). The KL-6 levels in the pulmonary alveolar proteinosis patients were significantly higher compared with the patients with cryptogenic organizing pneumonia (COP), the patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and the patients with connective tissue disease (CTD-ILD) (all P < 0.001). While the KL-6 concentration in IPF and CTD-ILD were significantly higher than that in COP (P=0.003 and P=0.008, respectively). Significant negative correlations were found between the levels of serum KL-6 and vital capacity as a percentage of the predicted value, forced vital capacity as a percentage of the predicted value, forced expiratory volume in one second as a percentage of the predicted value and carbon monoxide diffusing capacity as a percentage of the predicted value (all P < 0.001). Follow-up study showed the levels of serum KL-6 were consistent with clinical efficacy. ConclusionSerum KL-6 level is a reliable serum marker for ILD, and is related with the severity of disease and clinical efficacy.