American journal of translational research最新文献

Objective: To investigate the correlation of glial-lymphatic (glymphatic) system function with cognitive deficits in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Methods: Data (demographic, clinical, and magnetic resonance imaging [MRI] information) from 83 NSCLC cases and 96 healthy controls were retrospectively analyzed. We evaluated glymphatic activity by using the diffusion tensor imaging analysis along the perivascular space (DTI-ALPS) index and cognitive function with the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). Medial Temporal Atrophy (MTA) and Fazekas scores were also rated. Statistical analyses included inter-group comparisons, partial correlation assessments, mediation modeling, and regression to identify predictors of cognitive impairment.

Results: NSCLC patients had higher MTA and Fazekas scores but lower MoCA and ALPS index scores than controls (all P < 0.05). The ALPS index was symmetrically reduced in both hemispheres, correlating positively with MoCA (r = 0.276, P = 0.012). In the mediation model, the ALPS index exhibited a partial mediating role (4.6%) in the NSCLC-MoCA association. Older age was an independent predictor of cognitive impairment (odds ratio [OR]: 1.229; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.111-1.360).

Conclusion: In NSCLC patients, glymphatic dysfunction was associated with cognitive impairment, and the DTI-ALPS index may facilitate early detection of these deficits. Advanced age remains a major contributing risk factor.

Objective: To assess the value of serum β₂-microglobulin (β₂MG) and urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) in predicting short-term renal function decline in patients with type 2 diabetic kidney disease (DKD).

Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 356 patients with diabetic kidney disease who received standard care combined with SGLT-2 inhibitors and were followed for six months at Baoji People's Hospital and Hanzhong People's Hospital. Renal deterioration was defined as a ≥30% decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Clinical and biochemical indicators were assessed using multivariate logistic regression. Model discrimination and calibration were examined through ROC analysis, Akaike information criterion (AIC), and DeLong testing. An additional cohort of 145 patients was used for external validation.

Results: Among all participants, 78 (21.9%) experienced renal function decline. Seven variables were independently associated with deterioration: contrast agent exposure, systolic blood pressure, fasting glucose, HbA1c, cystatin C, UACR, and β₂-microglobulin. UACR had the strongest individual performance (AUC=0.891; cutoff =174.8 mg/g). The complete seven-factor model demonstrated excellent discrimination (AUC=0.994) and maintained high accuracy in external validation (AUC=0.949; sensitivity 90.6%; specificity 93.8%).

Conclusion: β₂-microglobulin and UACR emerged as robust early predictors of renal deterioration in DKD. A combined model integrating these and related indicators provides precise short-term risk assessment and may assist clinicians in tailoring management strategies.

Objective: To investigate the clinical benefits of the combination therapy involving lenalidomide, bortezomib, and dexamethasone in treating multiple myeloma (MM).

Methods: This retrospective analysis included 182 patients with MM treated between January 2022 and June 2025. The patients were divided into a Lenalidomide group (n=93) and a control group (n=89). Before and after treatment, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), β₂-microglobulin, monoclonal protein, myeloma cells, serum calcium (CA), hemoglobin (Hb), free light chain (FLC), serum creatinine (Scr), Blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) were compared between the groups. Adverse reactions were also recorded and compared. A nomogram model was established and evaluated using RStudio.

Results: The Lenalidomide group showed a significantly better therapeutic response than the control group (P<0.05). The β₂-microglobulin, monoclonal protein, myeloma cells, CA, FLC-κ, FLC-λ, Scr and BUN in the nalidomide group were lower than those in the control group (all P<0.05). Conversely, Hb and LDH levels were higher among patients receiving lenalidomide (both P<0.05). After treatment, the VAS score in the lenalidomide group was lower than that in the control group (P<0.05). The results of the receiver operating characteristic curve showed that the area under curve was 0.942 [95% CI (0.907-0.977)]. The actual curve predicted by the nomogram model is similar to the ideal curve.

Conclusion: Lenalidomide, bortezomib, and dexamethasone, demonstrate significant clinical efficacy in treating multiple myeloma.

Objective: To clarify the involvement of miR-183-5p, tristetraprolin (TTP), and inflammatory cytokines in Diabetic nephropathy (DN).

Methods: This retrospective study included 10 patients with DN, 10 patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and 10 controls. Expression levels of miR-183-5p and TTP in T2DM patients and DN patients were detected, and the correlation between miR-183-5p, TTP, and inflammatory cytokines were analyzed. Renal tubular epithelial cells (HK-2) served as the cell model. The expression of TTP and cytokines in the cell cultures was detected using qRT-PCR or ELISA.

Results: miR-183-5p promoted inflammation and apoptosis in the context of hyperglycemia. TTP was identified as the direct target of miR-183-5p. Elevated miR-183-5p expression in HK-2 cells resulted in increased inflammatory cytokine release and enhanced apoptosis. miR-183-5p inhibitors significantly reduced the levels of inflammatory cytokines in HK-2 cells.

Conclusions: MiR-183-5p accelerates DN development through its action on TTP, thereby presenting a new therapeutic avenue for DN.

Objective: To identify factors influencing the efficacy of Yttrium Aluminum Garnet (YAG) laser vitreolysis for symptomatic vitreous opacities and to establish a risk prediction model for postoperative complications.

Methods: This retrospective study included 130 patients with symptomatic vitreous opacities who underwent YAG laser vitreolysis from January 2022 to December 2024. The relationships between patient demographics, clinical characteristics, surgical parameters, and treatment efficacy were analyzed. Multivariate logistic regression was applied to identify independent predictive factors for treatment efficacy. A risk prediction model for complications was constructed and evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis.

Results: At 3 months postoperatively, 78 (60.0%), 32 (24.6%), and 20 (15.4%) patients experienced marked, partial, and no improvement, respectively. Multivariate analysis identified age (OR=1.052, 95% CI: 1.012-1.093), disease duration (OR=1.105, 95% CI: 1.032-1.183), degree of vitreous opacity (OR=2.356, 95% CI: 1.325-4.187), and laser energy (OR=1.872, 95% CI: 1.235-2.841) as independent factors influencing efficacy (all P<0.05). Postoperative complications occurred in 70 (53.8%) patients. The prediction model demonstrated good performance, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.792, sensitivity of 0.714, and specificity of 0.667.

Conclusions: The efficacy of YAG laser vitreolysis is influenced by multiple factors. The established complication risk prediction model shows good predictive ability and may aid clinical decision-making.

Objective: To investigate peri-implant hard tissue regeneration by developing a novel titanium (Ti) implant coated with a composite nanocoating of bioglass (BG) and cerium dioxide (CeO₂).

Methods: The BG/CeO₂ composite coating was fabricated on Ti implants using liquid-feed flame spray pyrolysis. The coating's morphology and composition were characterized by scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. Its antibacterial efficacy was assessed against Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis). The cytocompatibility, osteogenic differentiation, and mineralization potential were evaluated using human dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs). Additionally, rabbit mandibular defect models were established to investigate the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and osteogenic properties of the implants in vivo.

Results: The CeO₂ nanocoatings exhibited significant antibacterial activity against P. gingivalis while demonstrating excellent biocompatibility and a marked stimulation of DPSC proliferation. The CeO₂/BG-Ti implants were more effective in enhancing DPSC activity and upregulating the expression of osteogenesis-related proteins than control groups. In rabbit models, the CeO₂/BG-Ti implants effectively mitigated oxidative stress and reduced the secretion of inflammatory factors, thereby alleviating the post-operative inflammatory response. Furthermore, improved bone healing and enhanced new bone formation were observed around the CeO₂/BG-Ti implants, leading to superior implant stability and osseointegration.

Conclusions: The CeO₂/BG-Ti composite implants demonstrate considerable potential for clinical use in oral implantology, offering enhanced antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and osteogenic benefits.

Objective: This study aimed to compare the clinical efficacy and safety of a modified pubic superior ramus (PSS) approach for pericapsular nerve group block against the conventional distal technique in obturator nerve blockade during transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT), with a focus on preventing intraoperative obturator nerve reflex.

Methods: We conducted a prospective, randomized, single-blind trial involving 70 patients scheduled for TURBT under general anesthesia. Participants were randomly assigned to one of two groups: Group P (n = 34) received ultrasound-guided obturator nerve block via the pubic superior ramus approach, while Group O (n = 34) underwent blockade via the distal approach. The primary outcome measures were the incidence and severity of obturator nerve reflex. Secondary outcomes encompassed block performance time and success rate, postoperative pain profiles (assessed by VAS scores), recovery quality, perioperative inflammatory biomarker levels, hemodynamic fluctuations, functional recovery metrics, as well as long-term bladder function and oncological outcomes evaluated at 6 and 12 months postoperatively.

Results: Group P demonstrated significantly faster onset and greater reduction in adductor muscle strength at all measured time points (P < 0.05), with shorter block performance times (175.5 ± 34.2 vs. 223.7 ± 39.6 seconds, P < 0.001) and fewer needle passes (P < 0.001). While the incidence of the obturator reflex was similar between the groups, Group P had superior postoperative analgesia with lower pain scores, reduced morphine consumption (15.2 ± 4.8 vs. 24.5 ± 6.1 mg, P < 0.001), and a longer time to first analgesia. The quality of recovery scores was significantly greater in Group P at 24 and 48 hours (P < 0.001), along with an attenuated systemic inflammatory and neurochemical stress response (e.g., IL-6, Substance P, and c-Fos), improved hemodynamic stability, faster quadriceps recovery, and better short- and long-term bladder function. At the 12-month follow-up, Group P exhibited superior urodynamic parameters (Qmax and PVR, P < 0.01) and a trend towards lower tumor recurrence (94.1% vs. 85.3% recurrence-free survival, P = 0.218).

Conclusion: Compared with the distal approach, the pubic superior ramus approach for obturator nerve block provides more efficient blockade and superior multidimensional perioperative benefits, making it an optimal technique for TURBT within enhanced recovery protocols.

Objectives: To explore risk factors for new-onset gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) in critically ill patients and construct a predictive model.

Methods: A retrospective study of 241 intensive care unit patients was conducted. Clinical data, laboratory indicators, treatments, and outcomes were collected. Risk factors were analyzed via univariate and multivariate logistic regression. A nomogram was established, and its performance was assessed using receiver operating characteristic curves, concordance index (C-index), calibration plots, Hosmer-Lemeshow test, bootstrap resampling, and decision curve analysis (DCA). Internal and external validation were performed.

Results: Age ≥ 65, shock, sepsis, renal dysfunction, hepatic failure, mechanical ventilation > 48 h, and hemoglobin < 8 g/dL were independent risk factors for new-onset GIB, while albumin < 30 g/L emerged as a predictive factor. The nomogram demonstrated strong discrimination (C-index 0.825 in the training cohort, 0.804 in the validation cohort), good calibration, and favorable clinical utility. DCA confirmed its benefit in guiding clinical decisions.

Conclusion: Multiple comorbidities and treatment-related factors contribute to new-onset GIB in critically ill patients. The developed nomogram provides an effective tool for individualized risk assessment, supporting early intervention and improved outcomes.

Objective: To investigate the genetic relationship between irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

Methods: Mendelian randomization (MR) was used to assess causality between IBS and NAFLD in a genome-wide association study (GWAS) data. Genetic correlation was evaluated by linkage disequilibrium score regression (LDSC). Shared loci were identified using PLACO, coloc, and MAGMA for pleiotropic gene mapping. Functional enrichment (Gene Ontology [GO]/Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes [KEGG]) was performed. Single-cell RNA-sequencing of NAFLD liver samples was used to assess gene dysregulation and calculate activation scores. Mouse models were used to validate gene expression. The identified pleiotropic gene set and their dysregulation signatures provide a foundational resource for future development of predictive multi-omics biomarkers.

Results: MR revealed a significant causal effect of IBS on NAFLD risk (Inverse-variance weighted: OR = 1.118, 95% CI = 1.03-1.21, P = 0.006; Steiger P < 0.05). Significant genetic correlation was observed (LDSC P < 0.05). Analyses identified 194 pleiotropic SNPs, mapping to 12 genes (e.g., GCKR, ARHGAP25, SNX17). These genes were enriched in nucleotide, carbohydrate, and lipid metabolism pathways. Tissue-specific analysis indicated a decreased activation pattern of pleiotropic genes in the liver tissues. Single-cell analysis showed dysregulation in NAFLD hepatocytes/immune cells. In addition, activation scores negatively correlated with disease severity (P < 0.001). Mouse models confirmed overall downregulation of these genes, significant for GCKR, GPN1, and SLC4A1AP at both mRNA and protein levels.

Conclusions: IBS exhibits a unidirectional causal effect on NAFLD, and there is a significant genetic association between them. The collective downregulation of shared pleiotropic genes (ADCY2, ARHGAP25, C2orf16, CCDC121, GCKR, GPN1, LINC01460, SLC4A1AP, SNX17, ZNF512, ZNF513, and EIF2B4) may mediate increased susceptibility to NAFLD in the IBS population.

Objective: To evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of iguratimod in combination with conventional therapy in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and to explore changes in hematological and ultrasonographic parameters, as well as their correlations with disease activity.

Methods: This single-center, retrospective clinical study involved 79 RA patients, including 49 in the combination therapy group (iguratimod plus conventional therapy) and 30 in the standard therapy group (conventional therapy alone). The following parameters were assessed at baseline and after 12 weeks of treatment: the Disease Activity Score in 28 joints (DAS28), Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) scores, inflammatory markers (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, hs-CRP; erythrocyte sedimentation rate, ESR; rheumatoid factor, RF), joint function grades, and ultrasonographic features-including synovial thickness, cartilage thickness, blood flow signals, joint effusion, and synovial arterial resistance index (RI). Adverse events were recorded to assess drug safety.

Results: After 12 weeks of treatment, the overall clinical efficacy rate was significantly higher in the combination therapy group than in the standard therapy group (95.92% vs. 76.67%, P<0.05). Patients in the combination therapy group showed significant decreases in DAS28, VAS scores, morning stiffness duration (all P<0.05). After 12 weeks of treatment, the levels of serum hs-CRP, ESR and RF levels in the combined therapy group decreased significantly and were lower than those in the standard therapy group (all P < 0.05). Ultrasonography revealed marked reductions in synovial thickness, joint effusion, and synovial blood flow signals in the combination therapy group after treatment, along with a reduction in RI (P<0.05). Moreover, the proportion of Grade I joint function increased, while Grade IV proportion decreased significantly in the combination therapy group (P<0.05). The incidence of adverse events was comparable between groups, and no serious events occurred (P>0.05).

Conclusion: Iguratimod combined with conventional therapy effectively alleviates inflammation, improves joint function, and mitigates structural damage in RA patients, with a favorable safety profile. Dynamic monitoring of hematological and imaging parameters provides a more comprehensive assessment of disease activity, supporting the clinical utility of iguratimod-based combination therapy in RA management.