A multi-facet comparative analysis of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders in patients with seropositive and seronegative AQP4-IgG.

Introduction: Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD), a rare, serious, demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS), is associated with immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies targeting aquaporin-4 (AQP4-IgG). This study retrospectively analyzed the clinical features of 67 patients. 49 and 18 of 67 cases (male/female: 11/56) were AQP4-IgG (+) and AQP4-IgG (-), respectively.

MiR-130b increases fibrosis of HMC cells by regulating the TGF-β1 pathway in diabetic nephropathy.

Basement membrane thickening, glomerular hypertrophy, and deposition of multiple extracellular matrix characterize the pathological basis of diabetic nephropathy (DN), a condition which ultimately leads to glomerular and renal interstitial fibrosis. Here, we identified a novel microRNA, miR-130b, and investigated its role and therapeutic efficacy in alleviating DN. Introduction of miR-130b dramatically increased cell growth and fibrosis in DN cells.

Investigation of vitamin D status and its correlation with insulin resistance in a Chinese population.

Objective: Although many studies worldwide have focused on the relationship between vitamin D and insulin resistance, results remain controversial. Furthermore, concentrations of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) in the Chinese population are unclear. We aimed to investigate vitamin D status and its correlation with insulin resistance among a Chinese adult population.

Modulation of Microbiota-Gut-Brain Axis by Berberine Resulting in Improved Metabolic Status in High-Fat Diet-Fed Rats.

Objective: To investigate whether or not berberine could improve metabolic status of high-fat-fed rats through modulation of microbiota-gut-brain axis.

Methods: Berberine was administered on high-fat-fed Sprague-Dawley rats. Brain-gut hormones were detected, and changes of gut microbiota were analyzed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing.

Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Gonadal Axis in Aging Men and Women: Increasing Total Testosterone in Aging Men.

Background: Aging is associated with variations in hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis hormones. However, it is not clear how aging changes these hormones. This study examined the natural alterations in the HPG axis in aging men and women in China.

Combined Association of Vitamin D and Sex Hormone Binding Globulin With Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Men and Postmenopausal Women: A Cross-Sectional Study.

This study aimed to explore the combined associations of 25(OH)-vitamin D and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in men and postmenopausal women. Our data, which were based on the population, were collected from 16 sites in East China in 2014. There were 2700 men with a mean age of 53 years and 1461 women over 55 who were considered postmenopausal enrolled in the study.

Neck circumference as an independent indicator to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in non-obese men.

Background: To investigate the relationship of the neck circumference (NC) with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in non-obese Chinese population.

Methods: Our data were obtained from a cross-sectional survey on the prevalence of metabolic diseases and risk factors in East China in 2014. Subjects with a BMI ≥ 18.

Is Exposure to Famine in Childhood and Economic Development in Adulthood Associated With Diabetes?

Context: The Chinese were afflicted by great famine between 1959 and 1962. These people then experienced rapid economic development during which the gross domestic product per capita increased from $28 in 1978 to $6807 in 2013. We hypothesize that these two events are associated with the booming rate of diabetes in China.

Follicle-stimulating hormone associates with prediabetes and diabetes in postmenopausal women.

Aims: No study explores the association between follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and glucose metabolism in general women. We aim to investigate whether the variation of FSH is associated with prediabetes and diabetes in postmenopausal women.

Methods: Our data were from survey on prevalence in East China for metabolic diseases and risk factors in 2014.