YKL-40 as a clinical biomarker in adult patients with CF: Implications of a CHI3L1 single nucleotide polymorphism in disease severity

BackgroundYKL-40 (chitinase 3-like 1 gene; CHI3L1) is an inflammatory marker that is increased in the blood of patients with inflammatory diseases, including cystic fibrosis (CF). The objective of our study was to explore the relationship between circulating levels of YKL-40, selected CHI3L1 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and the severity of CF disease.MethodsA prospective cohort of 188 adult patients with CF was established in 2015. Blood samples and clinical data were collected over 2 years to analyze the circulating levels of YKL-40 and to genotype selected CHI3L1 SNPs. We also looked for an association between these factors and clinical parameters.ResultsWe found that according to the serum YKL-40 concentration, the patients could be categorized into two distinct groups: low and high YKL-40. Compared to the patients in the low YKL-40 group, the patients in the high YKL-40 group had lower lung function (P < 0.001), a higher proportion of delF508 homozygote mutations (P= 0.027) and dysglycemia (P= 0.015). They were also more colonized with Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P= 0.003) and required more frequent antibiotic intravenous courses (P < 0.001). We also observed that patients expressing the C/C-rs4950928 genotype had higher levels of YKL-40 in their blood and were more frequently dysglycemic.ConclusionOur study suggests that YKL-40 could be a potential biomarker of CF disease severity. Furthermore, the CHI3L1 rs4950928 SNP could be a susceptible gene that could be used by CF health professionals to identify patients who are the most at risk of having a severe clinical profile.     

Liver tumours in children: diagnostic and therapeutic approach in the Tropics

Liver tumours in children are rare and their prognosis are poor. Through a cross and retrospective study, we examined the epidemiological, clinical and therapeutic aspects on a number of patients in our hospital to try and improve the management of cases. This study involved 66 children admitted to the pediatric oncology unit of University Hospital of Treichville in Abidjan between 1991 and 2007. The average age of children was 7.2 years and the sex ratio of 1.4. 42 children lived in the countryside and 52 children were from disadvantaged areas. 63.2% of children were not vaccinated against hepatitis B. The abdominal mass was the primary sign of discovery and these tumours were dominated in both their primitive and secondary forms by the Burkitt's lymphoma.     

Young adult social smokers: Their co-use of tobacco and alcohol,tobacco-related attitudes,and quitting efforts

ObjectiveYoung adults frequently report social smoking. This study examined the relationship between different social smoking definitions and the co-use of cigarettes and alcohol, tobacco-related attitudes, and quitting efforts.MethodCross-sectional data were collected at bars using randomized time location sampling among young adults aged 21–26 in San Diego, California from 2010 to 2011 (73% response rate). Multivariable logistic regression examined if current smoking and quit attempts were associated with tobacco-related attitudes, and whether social smoking self-identification or behavior was associated with cigarette-and-alcohol co-use, tobacco-related attitudes, quit attempts, or quitline use.ResultsAmong 537 current smokers, 80% self-identified and 49% behaved as social smokers. Social smoking self-identification was positively associated with cigarette-and-alcohol co-use, and quit attempts. Social smoking behavior was negatively associated with tobacco marketing receptivity, quit attempts, and quitline use. Tobacco-related attitudes were associated with smoking but did not generally differ by social smoking status.ConclusionIdentification and behavior as a social smoker have opposing associations with co-use of cigarettes and alcohol and quit attempts. Tobacco cessation programs for self-identified social smokers should address co-use. Interventions denormalizing the tobacco industry or emphasizing the health effects of temporary smoking and secondhand smoke may address smoking among young adult bar patrons regardless of social smoking status.