血清骨桥蛋白水平与类风湿关节炎活动性的关系及在伴肺间质病变中的意义

Objective To investigate the association between serum level of osteopotin (OPN) and disease activity of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients, and explore the importance of OPN in the pathogenesis of interstitial lung disease (ILD) in RA. Methods Sixty-five RA patients and 20 healthy controls were pros-pectively enrolled. RA patients were divided into active group (n=43) and inactive group (n=22), and ILD groups (n=24) and non-ILD group (n=41). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the serum levels of OPN in patients with RA and healthy controls, and the relationship between OPN and other clinical and laboratory findings were analyzed. Results ① Serum OPN tended to be significantly higher in RA patients (median, 18.0 ng/ml) than in the healthy controls (median, 14.3 ng/ml), P<0.01; ②The serum level of OPN in RA patients showed a significant positive correlation with the course of disease, numbers of tender joints , ESR and CRP, but no positive relationship was found in number of swollen joints; ③ The serum level of OPN was significantly higher in RA-ILD patients (median, 20.0 ng/ml) than that in non-lLD (median, 17.0 ng/ml, P<0.05). And there was remarkable negative correlation between the concentration of serum OPN and the value of PaO2, but no association was found with pulmonary function %VC and %DLCO. ④ Compared with the non-ILD group, the ILD group had more active disease in terms of tender joint counts and swollen joint counts, ESR, CRP (P<0.01) and the serum titer of RF-IgM, (P<0.05). Conclusion OPN plays a role in the pathogenesis of RA and is related to the disease activity. It may serve as an active disease inflammatory marker of RA . OPN may be involved in the pathogenesis of RA related ILD and is associated with the severity of pulmonary damage.     

血清骨桥蛋白水平与类风湿关节炎活动性的关系及在伴肺间质病变中的意义

Objective To investigate the association between serum level of osteopotin (OPN) and disease activity of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients, and explore the importance of OPN in the pathogenesis of interstitial lung disease (ILD) in RA. Methods Sixty-five RA patients and 20 healthy controls were pros-pectively enrolled. RA patients were divided into active group (n=43) and inactive group (n=22), and ILD groups (n=24) and non-ILD group (n=41). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the serum levels of OPN in patients with RA and healthy controls, and the relationship between OPN and other clinical and laboratory findings were analyzed. Results ① Serum OPN tended to be significantly higher in RA patients (median, 18.0 ng/ml) than in the healthy controls (median, 14.3 ng/ml), P<0.01; ②The serum level of OPN in RA patients showed a significant positive correlation with the course of disease, numbers of tender joints , ESR and CRP, but no positive relationship was found in number of swollen joints; ③ The serum level of OPN was significantly higher in RA-ILD patients (median, 20.0 ng/ml) than that in non-lLD (median, 17.0 ng/ml, P<0.05). And there was remarkable negative correlation between the concentration of serum OPN and the value of PaO2, but no association was found with pulmonary function %VC and %DLCO. ④ Compared with the non-ILD group, the ILD group had more active disease in terms of tender joint counts and swollen joint counts, ESR, CRP (P<0.01) and the serum titer of RF-IgM, (P<0.05). Conclusion OPN plays a role in the pathogenesis of RA and is related to the disease activity. It may serve as an active disease inflammatory marker of RA . OPN may be involved in the pathogenesis of RA related ILD and is associated with the severity of pulmonary damage.     

血清骨桥蛋白水平与类风湿关节炎活动性的关系及在伴肺间质病变中的意义

Objective To investigate the association between serum level of osteopotin (OPN) and disease activity of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients, and explore the importance of OPN in the pathogenesis of interstitial lung disease (ILD) in RA. Methods Sixty-five RA patients and 20 healthy controls were pros-pectively enrolled. RA patients were divided into active group (n=43) and inactive group (n=22), and ILD groups (n=24) and non-ILD group (n=41). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the serum levels of OPN in patients with RA and healthy controls, and the relationship between OPN and other clinical and laboratory findings were analyzed. Results ① Serum OPN tended to be significantly higher in RA patients (median, 18.0 ng/ml) than in the healthy controls (median, 14.3 ng/ml), P<0.01; ②The serum level of OPN in RA patients showed a significant positive correlation with the course of disease, numbers of tender joints , ESR and CRP, but no positive relationship was found in number of swollen joints; ③ The serum level of OPN was significantly higher in RA-ILD patients (median, 20.0 ng/ml) than that in non-lLD (median, 17.0 ng/ml, P<0.05). And there was remarkable negative correlation between the concentration of serum OPN and the value of PaO2, but no association was found with pulmonary function %VC and %DLCO. ④ Compared with the non-ILD group, the ILD group had more active disease in terms of tender joint counts and swollen joint counts, ESR, CRP (P<0.01) and the serum titer of RF-IgM, (P<0.05). Conclusion OPN plays a role in the pathogenesis of RA and is related to the disease activity. It may serve as an active disease inflammatory marker of RA . OPN may be involved in the pathogenesis of RA related ILD and is associated with the severity of pulmonary damage.     

血清骨桥蛋白水平与类风湿关节炎活动性的关系及在伴肺间质病变中的意义

Objective To investigate the association between serum level of osteopotin (OPN) and disease activity of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients, and explore the importance of OPN in the pathogenesis of interstitial lung disease (ILD) in RA. Methods Sixty-five RA patients and 20 healthy controls were pros-pectively enrolled. RA patients were divided into active group (n=43) and inactive group (n=22), and ILD groups (n=24) and non-ILD group (n=41). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the serum levels of OPN in patients with RA and healthy controls, and the relationship between OPN and other clinical and laboratory findings were analyzed. Results ① Serum OPN tended to be significantly higher in RA patients (median, 18.0 ng/ml) than in the healthy controls (median, 14.3 ng/ml), P<0.01; ②The serum level of OPN in RA patients showed a significant positive correlation with the course of disease, numbers of tender joints , ESR and CRP, but no positive relationship was found in number of swollen joints; ③ The serum level of OPN was significantly higher in RA-ILD patients (median, 20.0 ng/ml) than that in non-lLD (median, 17.0 ng/ml, P<0.05). And there was remarkable negative correlation between the concentration of serum OPN and the value of PaO2, but no association was found with pulmonary function %VC and %DLCO. ④ Compared with the non-ILD group, the ILD group had more active disease in terms of tender joint counts and swollen joint counts, ESR, CRP (P<0.01) and the serum titer of RF-IgM, (P<0.05). Conclusion OPN plays a role in the pathogenesis of RA and is related to the disease activity. It may serve as an active disease inflammatory marker of RA . OPN may be involved in the pathogenesis of RA related ILD and is associated with the severity of pulmonary damage.     

血清骨桥蛋白水平与类风湿关节炎活动性的关系及在伴肺间质病变中的意义

Objective To investigate the association between serum level of osteopotin (OPN) and disease activity of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients, and explore the importance of OPN in the pathogenesis of interstitial lung disease (ILD) in RA. Methods Sixty-five RA patients and 20 healthy controls were pros-pectively enrolled. RA patients were divided into active group (n=43) and inactive group (n=22), and ILD groups (n=24) and non-ILD group (n=41). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the serum levels of OPN in patients with RA and healthy controls, and the relationship between OPN and other clinical and laboratory findings were analyzed. Results ① Serum OPN tended to be significantly higher in RA patients (median, 18.0 ng/ml) than in the healthy controls (median, 14.3 ng/ml), P<0.01; ②The serum level of OPN in RA patients showed a significant positive correlation with the course of disease, numbers of tender joints , ESR and CRP, but no positive relationship was found in number of swollen joints; ③ The serum level of OPN was significantly higher in RA-ILD patients (median, 20.0 ng/ml) than that in non-lLD (median, 17.0 ng/ml, P<0.05). And there was remarkable negative correlation between the concentration of serum OPN and the value of PaO2, but no association was found with pulmonary function %VC and %DLCO. ④ Compared with the non-ILD group, the ILD group had more active disease in terms of tender joint counts and swollen joint counts, ESR, CRP (P<0.01) and the serum titer of RF-IgM, (P<0.05). Conclusion OPN plays a role in the pathogenesis of RA and is related to the disease activity. It may serve as an active disease inflammatory marker of RA . OPN may be involved in the pathogenesis of RA related ILD and is associated with the severity of pulmonary damage.     

血清骨桥蛋白水平与类风湿关节炎活动性的关系及在伴肺间质病变中的意义

Objective To investigate the association between serum level of osteopotin (OPN) and disease activity of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients, and explore the importance of OPN in the pathogenesis of interstitial lung disease (ILD) in RA. Methods Sixty-five RA patients and 20 healthy controls were pros-pectively enrolled. RA patients were divided into active group (n=43) and inactive group (n=22), and ILD groups (n=24) and non-ILD group (n=41). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the serum levels of OPN in patients with RA and healthy controls, and the relationship between OPN and other clinical and laboratory findings were analyzed. Results ① Serum OPN tended to be significantly higher in RA patients (median, 18.0 ng/ml) than in the healthy controls (median, 14.3 ng/ml), P<0.01; ②The serum level of OPN in RA patients showed a significant positive correlation with the course of disease, numbers of tender joints , ESR and CRP, but no positive relationship was found in number of swollen joints; ③ The serum level of OPN was significantly higher in RA-ILD patients (median, 20.0 ng/ml) than that in non-lLD (median, 17.0 ng/ml, P<0.05). And there was remarkable negative correlation between the concentration of serum OPN and the value of PaO2, but no association was found with pulmonary function %VC and %DLCO. ④ Compared with the non-ILD group, the ILD group had more active disease in terms of tender joint counts and swollen joint counts, ESR, CRP (P<0.01) and the serum titer of RF-IgM, (P<0.05). Conclusion OPN plays a role in the pathogenesis of RA and is related to the disease activity. It may serve as an active disease inflammatory marker of RA . OPN may be involved in the pathogenesis of RA related ILD and is associated with the severity of pulmonary damage.     

血清骨桥蛋白水平与类风湿关节炎活动性的关系及在伴肺间质病变中的意义

Objective To investigate the association between serum level of osteopotin (OPN) and disease activity of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients, and explore the importance of OPN in the pathogenesis of interstitial lung disease (ILD) in RA. Methods Sixty-five RA patients and 20 healthy controls were pros-pectively enrolled. RA patients were divided into active group (n=43) and inactive group (n=22), and ILD groups (n=24) and non-ILD group (n=41). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the serum levels of OPN in patients with RA and healthy controls, and the relationship between OPN and other clinical and laboratory findings were analyzed. Results ① Serum OPN tended to be significantly higher in RA patients (median, 18.0 ng/ml) than in the healthy controls (median, 14.3 ng/ml), P<0.01; ②The serum level of OPN in RA patients showed a significant positive correlation with the course of disease, numbers of tender joints , ESR and CRP, but no positive relationship was found in number of swollen joints; ③ The serum level of OPN was significantly higher in RA-ILD patients (median, 20.0 ng/ml) than that in non-lLD (median, 17.0 ng/ml, P<0.05). And there was remarkable negative correlation between the concentration of serum OPN and the value of PaO2, but no association was found with pulmonary function %VC and %DLCO. ④ Compared with the non-ILD group, the ILD group had more active disease in terms of tender joint counts and swollen joint counts, ESR, CRP (P<0.01) and the serum titer of RF-IgM, (P<0.05). Conclusion OPN plays a role in the pathogenesis of RA and is related to the disease activity. It may serve as an active disease inflammatory marker of RA . OPN may be involved in the pathogenesis of RA related ILD and is associated with the severity of pulmonary damage.     

血清骨桥蛋白水平与类风湿关节炎活动性的关系及在伴肺间质病变中的意义

Objective To investigate the association between serum level of osteopotin (OPN) and disease activity of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients, and explore the importance of OPN in the pathogenesis of interstitial lung disease (ILD) in RA. Methods Sixty-five RA patients and 20 healthy controls were pros-pectively enrolled. RA patients were divided into active group (n=43) and inactive group (n=22), and ILD groups (n=24) and non-ILD group (n=41). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the serum levels of OPN in patients with RA and healthy controls, and the relationship between OPN and other clinical and laboratory findings were analyzed. Results ① Serum OPN tended to be significantly higher in RA patients (median, 18.0 ng/ml) than in the healthy controls (median, 14.3 ng/ml), P<0.01; ②The serum level of OPN in RA patients showed a significant positive correlation with the course of disease, numbers of tender joints , ESR and CRP, but no positive relationship was found in number of swollen joints; ③ The serum level of OPN was significantly higher in RA-ILD patients (median, 20.0 ng/ml) than that in non-lLD (median, 17.0 ng/ml, P<0.05). And there was remarkable negative correlation between the concentration of serum OPN and the value of PaO2, but no association was found with pulmonary function %VC and %DLCO. ④ Compared with the non-ILD group, the ILD group had more active disease in terms of tender joint counts and swollen joint counts, ESR, CRP (P<0.01) and the serum titer of RF-IgM, (P<0.05). Conclusion OPN plays a role in the pathogenesis of RA and is related to the disease activity. It may serve as an active disease inflammatory marker of RA . OPN may be involved in the pathogenesis of RA related ILD and is associated with the severity of pulmonary damage.     

血清骨桥蛋白水平与类风湿关节炎活动性的关系及在伴肺间质病变中的意义

Objective To investigate the association between serum level of osteopotin (OPN) and disease activity of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients, and explore the importance of OPN in the pathogenesis of interstitial lung disease (ILD) in RA. Methods Sixty-five RA patients and 20 healthy controls were pros-pectively enrolled. RA patients were divided into active group (n=43) and inactive group (n=22), and ILD groups (n=24) and non-ILD group (n=41). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the serum levels of OPN in patients with RA and healthy controls, and the relationship between OPN and other clinical and laboratory findings were analyzed. Results ① Serum OPN tended to be significantly higher in RA patients (median, 18.0 ng/ml) than in the healthy controls (median, 14.3 ng/ml), P<0.01; ②The serum level of OPN in RA patients showed a significant positive correlation with the course of disease, numbers of tender joints , ESR and CRP, but no positive relationship was found in number of swollen joints; ③ The serum level of OPN was significantly higher in RA-ILD patients (median, 20.0 ng/ml) than that in non-lLD (median, 17.0 ng/ml, P<0.05). And there was remarkable negative correlation between the concentration of serum OPN and the value of PaO2, but no association was found with pulmonary function %VC and %DLCO. ④ Compared with the non-ILD group, the ILD group had more active disease in terms of tender joint counts and swollen joint counts, ESR, CRP (P<0.01) and the serum titer of RF-IgM, (P<0.05). Conclusion OPN plays a role in the pathogenesis of RA and is related to the disease activity. It may serve as an active disease inflammatory marker of RA . OPN may be involved in the pathogenesis of RA related ILD and is associated with the severity of pulmonary damage.     

血清骨桥蛋白水平与类风湿关节炎活动性的关系及在伴肺间质病变中的意义

Objective To investigate the association between serum level of osteopotin (OPN) and disease activity of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients, and explore the importance of OPN in the pathogenesis of interstitial lung disease (ILD) in RA. Methods Sixty-five RA patients and 20 healthy controls were pros-pectively enrolled. RA patients were divided into active group (n=43) and inactive group (n=22), and ILD groups (n=24) and non-ILD group (n=41). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the serum levels of OPN in patients with RA and healthy controls, and the relationship between OPN and other clinical and laboratory findings were analyzed. Results ① Serum OPN tended to be significantly higher in RA patients (median, 18.0 ng/ml) than in the healthy controls (median, 14.3 ng/ml), P<0.01; ②The serum level of OPN in RA patients showed a significant positive correlation with the course of disease, numbers of tender joints , ESR and CRP, but no positive relationship was found in number of swollen joints; ③ The serum level of OPN was significantly higher in RA-ILD patients (median, 20.0 ng/ml) than that in non-lLD (median, 17.0 ng/ml, P<0.05). And there was remarkable negative correlation between the concentration of serum OPN and the value of PaO2, but no association was found with pulmonary function %VC and %DLCO. ④ Compared with the non-ILD group, the ILD group had more active disease in terms of tender joint counts and swollen joint counts, ESR, CRP (P<0.01) and the serum titer of RF-IgM, (P<0.05). Conclusion OPN plays a role in the pathogenesis of RA and is related to the disease activity. It may serve as an active disease inflammatory marker of RA . OPN may be involved in the pathogenesis of RA related ILD and is associated with the severity of pulmonary damage.     

Different effects of a CD14 gene polymorphism on disease outcome in patients with alcoholic liver disease and chronic hepatitis C infection

AIM: Clinical and experimental data suggest that gut-derived endotoxins are an important pathogenic factors for progression of chronic liver disease. Recently, a C-T (-159) polymorphism in the promoter region of the CD14 gene was detected and found to confer increased CD14 expression and to be associated with advanced alcoholic liver damage. Here, we investigated this polymorphism in patients with less advanced alcoholic liver disease (ALD) and chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. METHODS: CD14 genotyping was performed by PCR-RFLP analysis in (a) 121 HCV patients, (b) 62 patients with alcohol-associated cirrhosis (Alc-Ci), (c) 118 individuals with heavy alcohol abuse without evidence of advanced liver damage (Alc-w/o Ci), and (d) 247 healthy controls. Furthermore, serum levels of soluble CD14 (sCD14) and transaminases were determined. RESULTS: The TT genotype was significantly more frequent in Alc-Ci compared to Alc-w/o Ci or controls (40.3% vs 23.7% or 24.0%, respectively). In Alc-w/o Ci, serum levels of transaminases did not differ significantly between patients with different CD14 genotypes. In HCV patients, TT-homozygotes had significantly higher sCD14 levels and sCD14 serum levels were significantly higher in patients with advanced fibrosis or cirrhosis. However, no association was found between CD14 genotypes and histological staging or grading. CONCLUSION: Considering serum transaminases as surrogate markers for alcoholic liver damage, the CD14 polymorphism seems to exhibit different effects during the course of ALD. Differences in genotype distribution between cirrhotic HCV patients and alcoholics and the known functional impact of this polymorphism on CD14 expression levels further indicate differences in the pathophysiological role of CD14 and CD14-mediated lipopolysaccharides signal transduction with regard to the stage as well as the type of the underlying liver disease.     

Clinical significance of serum IGF-I,IGF-II and IGFBP-3 in liver cirrhosis

AIM:To investigate the relationship between insulin-likegrowth factor-Ⅰ,-Ⅱ (IGF-Ⅰ and IGF-Ⅱ),IGF-binding protein 3(IGFBP-3) and Child-Pugh score in patients with liver cirrhosis,and to search for potential clinical markers of liver function.METHODS:Forty-four patients with advanced liver cirrhosisof viral origin were divided into 3 groups according to severityof cirrhosis (Child-Pugh score) and 38 healthy subjectsserved as controls.Serum levels of IGF-Ⅰ,IGF-Ⅱ and IGFBP-3 were measured by immunoradiometric assay.RESULTS:Serum IGF-Ⅰ,IGF-Ⅱ and IGFBP-3 levels weresignificantly lower in patients with cirrhosis than in controls,and serum concentrations of IGF-Ⅰ,IGF-Ⅱ and IGFBP-3 wereassociated with the severity of liver dysfunction,and droppedsharply during the progression of liver failure.Among these3 parameters,serum IGF-Ⅱ was the most sensitive andeffective indicator for liver dysfunction.Concentrations ofIGF-Ⅰ <30 ng/mL,IGF-Ⅱ <200 ng/mL and IGFBP-3 <6 ng/mLimplied a negative prognosis for patients with liver cirrhosis.CONCLUSION:Serum IGF-Ⅰ,IGF-Ⅱ and IGFBP-3 may providea new dimension in the assessment of liver dysfunction.Combined detection of serum IGF-Ⅰ,IGF-Ⅱ and IGFBP-3with Child-Pugh score is more effective in predicting prognosisthan Child-Pugh score alone.     

Increased serum soluble lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor-1 levels in patients with biopsy-proven nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

AIM: To analyze the relationship between the serum lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor-1(LOX-1) levels and clinical and histopathological features of biopsy-confirmed nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD) patients.METHODS: Fifty-three consecutive,biopsy-proven NAFLD patients(31 males and 22 females,mean age 42.5 ± 9.6 years) and 26 age- and gender-matched,healthy controls(14 males and 12 females,mean age 39 ± 10.7 years) were included.The patientswith NAFLD were consecutive patients who had been admitted to the hepatology outpatient clinic within the last year and had been diagnosed with NAFLD as the result of liver biopsy.The healthy controls were individuals who attended the outpatient clinic for routine health control and had no known chronic illnesses.The histological evaluation was conducted according t o t he N AF LD ac t ivi ty scoring syst em recommended by The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis Clinical Research Network.The serum LOX-1 levels were measured using an ELISA kit(Life Science Inc.USCN.Wuhan,Catalog No.E1859Hu) in both patients and healthy controls.A receiver operating characteristic(ROC) curve analysis was used to identify the optimal cutoff value of LOX-1 and thereby distinguish between patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis(NASH) and healthy controls.A P-value 0.05 was considered statistically significant.RESULTS: NAFLD and healthy control groups were similar in terms of age and sex.NAFLD patients consisted of 8 patients with simple steatosis(15%),27 with borderline NASH(51%) and 18 with definitive NASH(34%).Metabolic syndrome was found in 62.2% of the patients with NAFLD.The mean serum LOX-1 level in biopsy-proven NAFLD patients was 8.49 ± 6.43 ng/m L compared to 4.08 ± 4.32 ng/m L in healthy controls(P = 0.001).The LOX-1 levels were significantly different between controls,simple steatosis and NASH(borderline+definite) cases(4.08 ± 4.32 ng/m L,6.1 ± 6.16 ng/m L,8.92 ± 6.45 ng/m L,respectively,P = 0.004).When the cut-off value for the serum LOX-1 level was set at 5.35 ng/m L,and a ROC curve analysis was performed to distinguish between steatohepatitis patients and controls; the sensitivity and specificity of the serum LOX-1 level were 69.8% and 69.2%,respectively.CONCLUSION: The serum LOX-1 levels were significantly higher in NAFLD patients than in healthy controls.Additionally,the serum LOX-1 levels could differentiate between steatohepatitis patients and healthy controls.     

肌抑制素与慢性阻塞性肺疾病患者的营养不良

Objective To investigate the prevalence and severity of malnutrition in patients with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) , analyze serum levels of myostatin, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) and C reactive protein (CRP) , and investigate the relationship between serum myostatin and malnutrition in COPD. Methods Seventy-one patients with stable COPD and 60 age-matched healthy volunteers were recruited in this study. Pulmonary function was tested in all of the subjects and the severity of malnutrition was evaluated by a multiple-parameter malnutritional index (MNI). Based on the MNI scores, patients with COPD were divided into group Ⅰ (MNI≥5 score) and group Ⅱ (MNI ＜ 5 score) , the former represents the patients with severe or very severe malnutrition while the latter represents the patients with mild or without malnutrition. Serum concentration of myostatin, TNFα and CRP were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results The MNI score was significantly elevated in patients with COPD [(7. 75 ±3. 86)score] compared with the controls [(1. 13 ±0. 96)score; P＜0.001],and 55 patients (77%) in COPD group Ⅰ showed MNI ≥ 5 (9. 30 ± 3. 01) score. Serum myostatin concentration was significantly elevated in COPD group Ⅰ [(12. 18 ±4. 76)μg/L] than in COPD group Ⅱ [(9. 73 ±2.85) μgL] and controls [(7.93 ±2.35) μg/L], with each P ＜ 0.001. Serum TNFα concentration was also significantly elevated in patients with COPD compared with the controls (P ＜ 0. 001).Pearson correlation analysis showed that serum myostatin levels were significantly correlated with MNI scores (r = 0. 438, P - 0. 000) and TNFa levels (r = 0. 234, P = 0. 041) in COPD group (combined group I and Ⅱ) while MNI scores were correlated inversely with BMI in COPD group (r = - 0. 530, P = 0. 000) . After stratified with subgroups, the correlation between myostatin levels and MNI scores was more significant and the correlation coefficient was higher (r =0.464, P =0.000) in COPD group I patients. Moreover,myostatin levels were inversely correlated with BMI (r = - 0. 287, P = 0. 034) and forced expiratory volume in one second of the predicted value (r = - 0. 264, P = 0. 049) in COPD group I patients. Conclusions Malnutrition commonly and substantially exists in patients with COPD; serum myostatin concentration is significantly elevated and is correlated with the severity of malnutrition in the patients. The elevation of serum myostatin may contribute to malnutrition in COPD patients.     

肌抑制素与慢性阻塞性肺疾病患者的营养不良

Objective To investigate the prevalence and severity of malnutrition in patients with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) , analyze serum levels of myostatin, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) and C reactive protein (CRP) , and investigate the relationship between serum myostatin and malnutrition in COPD. Methods Seventy-one patients with stable COPD and 60 age-matched healthy volunteers were recruited in this study. Pulmonary function was tested in all of the subjects and the severity of malnutrition was evaluated by a multiple-parameter malnutritional index (MNI). Based on the MNI scores, patients with COPD were divided into group Ⅰ (MNI≥5 score) and group Ⅱ (MNI ＜ 5 score) , the former represents the patients with severe or very severe malnutrition while the latter represents the patients with mild or without malnutrition. Serum concentration of myostatin, TNFα and CRP were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results The MNI score was significantly elevated in patients with COPD [(7. 75 ±3. 86)score] compared with the controls [(1. 13 ±0. 96)score; P＜0.001],and 55 patients (77%) in COPD group Ⅰ showed MNI ≥ 5 (9. 30 ± 3. 01) score. Serum myostatin concentration was significantly elevated in COPD group Ⅰ [(12. 18 ±4. 76)μg/L] than in COPD group Ⅱ [(9. 73 ±2.85) μgL] and controls [(7.93 ±2.35) μg/L], with each P ＜ 0.001. Serum TNFα concentration was also significantly elevated in patients with COPD compared with the controls (P ＜ 0. 001).Pearson correlation analysis showed that serum myostatin levels were significantly correlated with MNI scores (r = 0. 438, P - 0. 000) and TNFa levels (r = 0. 234, P = 0. 041) in COPD group (combined group I and Ⅱ) while MNI scores were correlated inversely with BMI in COPD group (r = - 0. 530, P = 0. 000) . After stratified with subgroups, the correlation between myostatin levels and MNI scores was more significant and the correlation coefficient was higher (r =0.464, P =0.000) in COPD group I patients. Moreover,myostatin levels were inversely correlated with BMI (r = - 0. 287, P = 0. 034) and forced expiratory volume in one second of the predicted value (r = - 0. 264, P = 0. 049) in COPD group I patients. Conclusions Malnutrition commonly and substantially exists in patients with COPD; serum myostatin concentration is significantly elevated and is correlated with the severity of malnutrition in the patients. The elevation of serum myostatin may contribute to malnutrition in COPD patients.     

肌抑制素与慢性阻塞性肺疾病患者的营养不良

Objective To investigate the prevalence and severity of malnutrition in patients with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) , analyze serum levels of myostatin, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) and C reactive protein (CRP) , and investigate the relationship between serum myostatin and malnutrition in COPD. Methods Seventy-one patients with stable COPD and 60 age-matched healthy volunteers were recruited in this study. Pulmonary function was tested in all of the subjects and the severity of malnutrition was evaluated by a multiple-parameter malnutritional index (MNI). Based on the MNI scores, patients with COPD were divided into group Ⅰ (MNI≥5 score) and group Ⅱ (MNI ＜ 5 score) , the former represents the patients with severe or very severe malnutrition while the latter represents the patients with mild or without malnutrition. Serum concentration of myostatin, TNFα and CRP were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results The MNI score was significantly elevated in patients with COPD [(7. 75 ±3. 86)score] compared with the controls [(1. 13 ±0. 96)score; P＜0.001],and 55 patients (77%) in COPD group Ⅰ showed MNI ≥ 5 (9. 30 ± 3. 01) score. Serum myostatin concentration was significantly elevated in COPD group Ⅰ [(12. 18 ±4. 76)μg/L] than in COPD group Ⅱ [(9. 73 ±2.85) μgL] and controls [(7.93 ±2.35) μg/L], with each P ＜ 0.001. Serum TNFα concentration was also significantly elevated in patients with COPD compared with the controls (P ＜ 0. 001).Pearson correlation analysis showed that serum myostatin levels were significantly correlated with MNI scores (r = 0. 438, P - 0. 000) and TNFa levels (r = 0. 234, P = 0. 041) in COPD group (combined group I and Ⅱ) while MNI scores were correlated inversely with BMI in COPD group (r = - 0. 530, P = 0. 000) . After stratified with subgroups, the correlation between myostatin levels and MNI scores was more significant and the correlation coefficient was higher (r =0.464, P =0.000) in COPD group I patients. Moreover,myostatin levels were inversely correlated with BMI (r = - 0. 287, P = 0. 034) and forced expiratory volume in one second of the predicted value (r = - 0. 264, P = 0. 049) in COPD group I patients. Conclusions Malnutrition commonly and substantially exists in patients with COPD; serum myostatin concentration is significantly elevated and is correlated with the severity of malnutrition in the patients. The elevation of serum myostatin may contribute to malnutrition in COPD patients.     

Serum adipokines in inflammatory bowel disease

AIM:To investigate serum adipokine levels in inflammatory bowel disease(IBD)patients before treatment and after achieving clinical remission.METHODS:Serum concentrations of six adipokines(tissue growth factor-β1,adiponectin,leptin,chemerin,resistin,and visfatin)were studied in 40 subjects with active IBD[24 subjects with Crohn’s disease(CD)and in 16 subjects with ulcerative colitis(UC)]before and after three months of therapy with corticosteroids and/or azathioprine.Clinical diagnoses were based on ileocolonoscopy,computed tomography or magnetic resonance enterography and histological examination of mucosal biopsies sampled during endoscopy.Serum levels of adipokines were assessed by an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.The control group was comprised of 16 age-and sex-matched healthyvolunteers.RESULTS:Baseline leptin concentrations were significantly decreased in both types of IBD compared to controls(8.0±9.1 in CD and 8.6±6.3 in UC vs 16.5±10.1 ng/mL in controls;P<0.05),and significantly increased after treatment only in subjects with CD(14.9±15.1 ng/mL;P<0.05).Baseline serum resistin concentrations were significantly higher in CD(19.3±12.5ng/mL;P<0.05)and UC subjects(23.2±11.0 ng/mL;P<0.05)than in healthy controls(10.7±1.1 ng/mL).Treatment induced a decrease in the serum resistin concentration only in UC subjects(14.5±4.0 ng/mL;P<0.05).Baseline serum concentrations of visfatin were significantly higher in subjects with CD(23.2±3.2ng/mL;P<0.05)and UC(18.8±5.3 ng/mL;P<0.05)than in healthy controls(14.1±5.3 ng/mL).Treatment induced a decrease in the serum visfatin concentrations only in CD subjects(20.4±4.8 ng/mL;P<0.05).Serum levels of adiponectin,chemerin and tissue growth factor-β1 did not differ between CD and UC subjects compared to healthy controls and also were not altered by anti-inflammatory therapy.Clinical indices of IBD activity did not correlate with adipokine levels.CONCLUSION:IBD modulates serum adipokine levels by increasing resistin and visfatin release and suppressing leptin production.     

Clinical significance of serum IGF-Ⅰ, IGF-Ⅱ and IGFBP-3 in liver cirrhosis

AIM: To investigate the relationship between insulin-like growth factor-Ⅰ, -Ⅱ (IGF-Ⅰ and IGF-Ⅱ), IGF-binding protein 3(IGFBP-3) and Child-Pugh score in patients with liver cirrhosis,and to search for potential clinical markers of liver function.METHODS: Forty-four patients with advanced liver cirrhosis of viral origin were divided into 3 groups according to severity of cirrhosis (Child-Pugh score) and 38 healthy subjects served as controls. Serum levels of IGF-Ⅰ, IGF-Ⅱ and IGFBP-3 were measured by immunoradiometric assay.RESULTS: Serum IGF-Ⅰ, IGF-Ⅱ and IGFBP-3 levels were significantly lower in patients with cirrhosis than in controls,and serum concentrations of IGF-Ⅰ, IGF-Ⅱ and IGFBP-3 were associated with the severity of liver dysfunction, and dropped sharply during the progression of liver failure. Among these 3 parameters, serum IGF-Ⅱ was the most sensitive and effective indicator for liver dysfunction. Concentrations of IGF-Ⅰ &lt;30 ng/mL, IGF-Ⅱ &lt;200 ng/mL and IGFBP-3 &lt;6 ng/mL implied a negative prognosis for patients with liver cirrhosis.CONCLUSION: Serum IGF-Ⅰ, IGF-Ⅱ and IGFBP-3 may provide a new dimension in the assessment of liver dysfunction.Combined detection of serum IGF-Ⅰ, IGF-Ⅱ and IGFBP-3 with Child-Pugh score is more effective in predicting prognosis than Child-Pugh score alone.     

Assessment of correlation between serum titers of hepatitis c virus and severity of liver disease

AIM:The significance of hepatitis C virus (HCV) serumtiters has been examined in several clinical situations.There is much evidence that patients with a lower viralload have better response rates to anti-viral therapycompared to those with higher levels.Moreover,a directassociation has been observed between serum titers ofHCV and transmission rates of the virus.The aim of thepresent study was to determine if there was any correlationbetween HCV viral load and the severity of liver disease.METHODS:Fifty patients with HCV infection were includedin the study.These comprised of 34 subjects with a historyof alcohol use and 16 non-alcoholics.Quantitative serumHCV RNA assay was carried out using the branched DNA(bDNA) technique.Linear regression analysis was performedbetween serum viral titers and liver tests.In addition,forthe purpose of comparison,the subjects were divided intotwo groups:those with low viral liters (≤50 genome mEq/mL)and high titers (>50 mEq/mL).RESULTS:All subjects were men,with a mean±SD ageof 47±7.8 years.The mean HCV RNA level in the blood was76.3×10~5±109.1 genome equivalents/mL.There was nocorrelation between HCV RNA levels and age of the patients(r=0.181),and the history or amount (g/d) of alcoholconsumption (r=0.07).Furthermore,no correlation wasobserved between serum HCV RNA levels and the severityof liver disease as judged by the values of serum albumin(r=0.175),bilirubin (r=0.217),ALT (r=0.06) and AST(r=0.004) levels.Similarly,no significant difference wasobserved between patients with low viral titers and highliters with respect to any of the parameters.CONCLUSION:Our results indicate that the severity ofliver disease is independent of serum levels of hepatitis Cvirus.These findings are important since they have a directimpact on the current debate regarding the role of directcytopathic effect of hepatitis C virus versus immune-mediatedinjury in the pathogenesis of HCV-related liver damage.     

Clinical significance of serum expression of GROβ in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma

AIM:To determine the association between serum levels of growth-related gene product β(GROβ) and clinical parameters in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma(ESCC).METHODS:Using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay,serum GROβ levels were measured in ESCC patients(n = 72) and healthy volunteers(n = 83).The association between serum levels of GROβ and clinical parameters of ESCC was analyzed statistically.RESULTS:The serum GROβ levels were much higher in ESCC patients than in healthy controls(median:645 ng/L vs 269...