Serum vitamin D and vitamin-D-binding protein levels in children with chronic hepatitis B.

Background: Vitamin D is an essential fat-soluble secosteroid hydroxylated by the liver to form the intermediate metabolite calcidiol {25-hydroxy vitamin D [25(OH)D]}, which is a reliable indicator to investigate individual vitamin D status. Vitamin-D-binding protein (VDBP) is a multifunctional glycoprotein mainly synthesized in the liver and the major transport protein for vitamin D and its metabolites. Serum vitamin D and VDBP are both associated with hepatitis B.

Prognostic role of red blood cell distribution width in patients with sepsis: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Outcome prediction for patients with sepsis may be conductive to early aggressive interventions. Numerous biomarkers and multiple scoring systems have been utilized in predicting outcomes, however, these tools were either expensive or inconvenient. We performed a meta-analysis to evaluate the prognostic role of red blood cell distribution width (RDW) in patients with sepsis.

Lack of association of MiR-34b/c polymorphism (rs4938723) with hepatocellular carcinoma: a meta-analysis.

Background: Previous studies have focused on the association of miR-34 family members with carcinogenesis of many cancers, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). It has been suggested that miR-34b/c polymorphism (rs4938723) is associated with susceptibility to HCC. In the present study, we performed a meta-analysis to systematically summarize the possible association between rs4938723 and the risk for HCC.

ABO blood group and the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma: a case-control study in patients with chronic hepatitis B.

Background: Studies have observed an association between the ABO blood group and risk of certain malignancies. However, no studies of the association with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) risk are available. We conducted this hospital-based case-control study to examine the association with HCC in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB).

The effects of mifepristone on the expressions of osteopontin, interleukin-6 and leukemia inhibitory factor in the villi of early pregnant women.

Background: The autocrine, paracrine and hormonal effects of osteopontin (OPN), leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) suggest that these cytokines may play key roles at the maternal-fetal interface. This study was performed to determine the effects of mifepristone on OPN, LIF and IL-6 mRNA and protein expressions in the villi in early pregnancy.

Study Design: Twenty-nine healthy women seeking termination of pregnancy up to 40 days' gestation were recruited.