Journal of investigative medicine : the official publication of the American Federation for Clinical Research
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The etiology of vascular problems in beta-thalassemia has been linked to endothelial damage. Antiangiogenic proteins such as soluble Fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFLT-1) inhibit the signaling of vascular endothelial growth factor and placental growth factor, resulting in a decrease in the development of new blood vessels. Additionally, they promote the maturation of existing blood vessels and lead to endothelial dysfunction. ⋯ Regression analyses demonstrated a significant association between high sFLT-1 levels and the occurrence of PHT. Additionally, sFLT-1 (at a cutoff value of 8.84 pg/mL) demonstrated a sensitivity of 83.30% and a specificity of 80.0% in diagnosing thalassemic patients with PHT. In conclusion, beta-TM patients with elevated serum levels of sFLT-1 are at risk of developing endothelial dysfunction and subsequent development of PHT.
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Acute pulmonary embolism (APE) is a very common and important medical emergency in intensive care units with an unfavorable prognosis. This study aims to explore the prognostic factors of APE and to construct a prognostic prediction model. A retrospective analysis was conducted on 252 APE patients in the emergency department of our hospital from January 2020 to March 2024. ⋯ Binary Cox multivariate regression analysis indicated that age ≥ 62.5 (HR: 2.64, 95% CI: 1.23-5.63, p = 0.012), right ventricular dysfunction (RVD) (HR: 4.58, 95% CI: 1.76-11.96, p = 0.002), white blood cell count (WBC) ≥ 13.1 (HR: 2.35, 95% CI: 1.20-4.60, p = 0.013), albumin/fibrinogen ratio (AFR) < 9.15 (HR: 3.36, 95% CI: 1.76-6.42, p < 0.001), Prognostic Nutritional Index (PNI) < 50.3 (HR: 4.35, 95% CI: 1.62-11.71, p = 0.004), and Systemic Inflammation Response Index (SIRI) ≥ 1.05 (HR: 7.21, 95% CI: 3.38-15.37,p < 0.001) were independent risk factors for mortality. The nomogram model based on these factors demonstrated a good predictive value for 30-day mortality, with an AUC of 0.908. The nomogram model based on age, RVD, WBC, AFR, PNI, and SIRI has a well prognostic value for APE patients.
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Some studies have indicated an association between serum magnesium and anemia, but these are primarily limited to research on serum magnesium. Few studies have explored the relationship between the bioavailability of magnesium and anemia. This study explores the association between the Magnesium Deficiency Score (MDS) and anemia among elderly Americans using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2009-2018. ⋯ The study suggests that improving the bioavailability of magnesium to reduce MDS may be a factor in preventing anemia in the elderly. This is the first study to explore the relationship between MDS and anemia in this population, highlighting the potential role of magnesium bioavailability in anemia prevention. Further prospective studies are needed to confirm these results and explore the underlying mechanisms.
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Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a prevalent form of primary liver cancer with a 5-year survival rate of just 18%. Ferulic acid, a natural compound found in fruits and vegetables such as sweet corn, rice bran, and dong quai, is an encouraging drug known for its diverse positive effects on the body, including anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and neuroprotective properties. Our study aimed to investigate the potential antitumor effects of ferulic acid to inhibit tumor growth and inflammation of HCC in rats. ⋯ In conclusion, ferulic acid is believed to possess antitumor properties by inhibiting HCC-induced hypoxia through the suppression of HIF-1α expression. Additionally, it helps in reducing the expression of mTOR, STAT3, cMyc, and cyclin D1, thereby slowing down tumor growth. Lastly, ferulic acid reduced hepatic tissue inflammation by downregulating NFκB and TNF-α.
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Cardiac amyloidosis (CA) is an infiltrative restrictive cardiomyopathy caused by the deposition of amyloid fibrils in the myocardium. It manifests in two primary subtypes: transthyretin cardiac amyloidosis (ATTR) and immunoglobulin light chain cardiac amyloidosis (AL). ATTR is further classified into wild-type and hereditary based on transthyretin gene mutation. ⋯ Noninvasive diagnostic tools such as electrocardiography, echocardiography, and cardiac magnetic resonance can raise suspicion for CA; bone scintigraphy can non-invasively confirm ATTR, while AL necessitates histological confirmation. The severity of ATTR and AL can be assessed through serum biomarker-based staging. Treatment approaches differ, ranging from silencing or stabilizing transthyretin and degrading amyloid fibrils in ATTR to employing anti-plasma cell therapies and autologous stem cell transplantation in AL.