Postgraduate medical journal
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Previous studies have established a relationship between cathepsins and renal cancer. Nonetheless, the specific causal connection between the two factors continues to be ambiguous. The aim of this study is to evaluate the causal relationship between cathepsins and renal cancer via employing Mendelian randomization (MR). ⋯ This study confirmed a direct link between cathepsins and the risk of renal cancer. Specifically, cathepsin S has a significant positive correlation with the risk of pRCC. The findings of our research could provide significant contributions to both fundamental and clinical investigations pertaining to renal cancer. Key message What is already known on this topic? - Previous studies have suggested the role of some cathepsins in renal cancer occurrence and progression. However, the causal link between different cathepsins and renal cancer is unknown. What this study adds? - Our Mendelian randomization (MR) study revealed that the effects of different cathepsins on the risk of renal cancer. Remarkably, both univariable MR and multivariable MR demonstrated that the levels of cathepsin S increases the risk of papillary renal cell carcinoma. How this study might affect research, practice or policy? - The findings offer novel insights into the relationship between cathepsins and renal cancer, which may have implications for the prevention and management of renal cancer.
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Autoimmune thyroiditis (AIT), encompassing Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT), is a prevalent chronic autoimmune disorder characterized by lymphocytic infiltration and the presence of anti-thyroid antibodies. It is the primary cause of primary hypothyroidism and affects women more frequently than men. Nearly 95% of individuals with HT exhibit thyroid peroxidase antibodies or thyroglobulin antibodies. Dietary factors, including vitamins and trace elements such as zinc, play a significant role in thyroid health; yet, clinical guidelines lack explicit dietary recommendations for AIT. ⋯ The findings indicate that higher dietary Zinc is positively correlated with the risk of AIT and serves as an independent risk factor. Excessive Zinc may disrupt immune balance, potentially increasing the risk of autoimmune diseases. These results suggest that dietary Zinc should be carefully considered in the management of AIT, and further research is needed to explore the causal relationship and determine safe zinc consumption levels to avoid increasing the risk of autoimmune diseases.
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Our study aims to evaluate the umbilical vein (UV) hemodynamic change in the prenatal cohort of pregnancies diagnosed with abnormal placental cord insertion (aPCI). ⋯ We observed lower UVBF volume with aPCI. Hence, we propose UVBF analysis to evaluate fetal aPCI according to UV hemodynamics as an advisory in prenatal care. This would be useful and improve obstetricians' clinical explanation about the potential prenatal consequences so that parents can opt for future prenatal care during pregnancy.
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Thyroid cancer primarily affects young women and raises concerns about future fertility due to treatments of thyroidectomy and radioactive iodine (RAI) therapy. This study investigated the effects of these treatments on pregnancy probability in young female patients post-diagnosis. ⋯ Thyroidectomy and RAI therapy do not diminish pregnancy probability in young women with thyroid cancer. Age remains a crucial factor, with younger women more likely to conceive. These findings are critical for fertility counseling and treatment planning. Key message What is already known on this subjec? Thyroid cancer primarily affects young women, and its standard treatments, including thyroidectomy and radioactive iodine (RAI) therapy, have raised concerns about their potential impact on fertility. Previous studies have shown that RAI treatment may temporarily affect ovarian function but typically does not have a significant long-term effect on fertility. What this study adds? This nationwide population-based study found that neither total nor partial thyroidectomy, nor RAI treatment, adversely affects the likelihood of pregnancy in young women with thyroid cancer. Age was identified as the most significant factor influencing pregnancy, with younger women having a higher probability of becoming pregnant after treatment. How this study might affect research, practice, or policy? Clinicians should recognize that age, rather than the type of thyroidectomy or RAI treatment, is the most critical factor influencing fertility in young women with thyroid cancer. This insight can guide personalized fertility counseling and treatment planning to optimize outcomes.