Gallstones, cholecystectomy, and cancer risk: an observational and Mendelian randomization study.

This study aimed to comprehensively examine the association of gallstones, cholecystectomy, and cancer risk. Multivariable logistic regressions were performed to estimate the observational associations of gallstones and cholecystectomy with cancer risk, using data from a nationwide cohort involving 239 799 participants. General and gender-specific two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was further conducted to assess the causalities of the observed associations.

Characterizing the skeletal muscle immune microenvironment for sarcopenia: insights from transcriptome analysis and histological validation.

Background: Sarcopenia is a condition characterized by the age-related loss of skeletal muscle mass and function. The pathogenesis of the disease is influenced by chronic low-grade inflammation. However, the specific changes in the immune landscape changes of sarcopenic muscle are not yet fully understood.

Identification of key mitochondria-related genes and their relevance to the immune system linking Parkinson's disease and primary Sjögren's syndrome through integrated bioinformatics analyses.

Background: Mitochondria are the metabolic hubs of cells, regulating energy production and antigen presentation, which are essential for activation, proliferation, and function of immune cells. Recent evidence indicates that mitochondrial antigen presentation may have an impact on diseases such as Parkinson's disease (PD) and autoimmune diseases. However, there is limited knowledge about the mechanisms that regulate the presentation of mitochondrial antigens in these diseases.

Impact of increased serum 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine levels on extent of coronary artery lesions in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes.

Objective: Patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) are prone to cardiovascular disease, and both conditions are linked to oxidative DNA damage, which produces 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG). We investigated the impact of 8-OHdG on coronary heart disease (CHD) in elderly patients with T2DM.

Methods: We assessed the demographic, clinical, and biochemical characteristics of 147 patients with T2DM (mean age 73.

Thickness change of masseter muscles and the surrounding soft tissues in female patients during orthodontic treatment: a retrospective study.

Background: Facial esthetics is a major concern of orthodontic patients. This study aims to evaluate orthodontic treatment-related thickness changes of the masseter muscles and surrounding soft tissues and the potential factors that would influence these changes during orthodontic treatment in female adults.

Methods: Forty-two female adult patients were included in this retrospective study and were divided into extraction (n = 22) and nonextraction (n = 20) groups.

Association of C1q/TNF-related protein-1 (CTRP1) serum levels with coronary artery disease.

Objective: Complement C1q tumor necrosis factor-related proteins (CTRPs), belonging to the CTRP superfamily, are extensively involved in regulating metabolism and the immune-inflammatory response. The inflammatory process is linked to the pathogenesis of coronary artery disease (CAD). Here, we investigated the association of serum levels of CTRP1 with CAD.

Posteroanterior cephalometric analysis of White-American and Chinese adolescents: a cross-sectional study.

: To characterize ethnic differences between Chinese and White-Americans between 8.5 and 17.5 years of age, with respect to transverse cephalometric characteristics and to establish transverse craniofacial normative values for Chinese adolescents.

Adiponectin modulates the function of endothelial progenitor cells via AMPK/eNOS signaling pathway.

Endothelial progenitor cells have been shown to differentiate into endothelial cells and to play a pivotal role in vascular homeostasis. Adiponectin has anti-atherogenic and anti-inflammatory properties via directly acting on vascular cells. The aim of the present study is to explore the effect of adiponectin on major functions involved in survival, migration, and tube formation of endothelial progenitor cells and to explore the underlying mechanism.

Association of serum C1q/TNF-related protein-3 (CTRP-3) in patients with coronary artery disease.

Background: Recent studies have demonstrated that complement C1q tumor necrosis factor related proteins (CTRPs) have diverse biological influences on the cardiovascular system. CTRP 3 is a member of the CTRP superfamily, which may play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of coronary artery disease (CAD). Here, we investigated whether serum levels of CTRP 3 are associated with the prevalence and the severity of CAD.

Effects of antioxidant system on coronary artery lesions in patients with abnormal glucose metabolism.

Objective: To evaluate the effects of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione (GSH) system on the range and severity of coronary artery lesions in patients with abnormal glucose metabolism.

Methods: This study included 766 patients with abnormal glucose metabolism. Levels of fasting blood lipids, blood glucose, CAT, SOD, GSH, glutathione reductase (GR), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) were measured in all the patients.

Expression of brain adiponectin in a murine model of transient cerebral ischemia.

Objective: Adiponectin is a hormone that is mainly secreted by fat cells. Adiponectin has anti-inflammatory and anti-atherosclerotic effects, and a protective effect against ischemic brain injury, but the level of expression of adiponectin in brain tissue is unknown. In the current study, a mouse model of transient cerebral ischemia was used to determine the level of expression of adiponectin in ischemic brain tissue.

Overexpression of adiponectin improves neurobehavioral outcomes after focal cerebral ischemia in aged mice.

Aims: To study whether adiponectin (APN) could improve neurological outcomes in aged mice after ischemic stroke.

Methods: Adeno-associated virus carrying APN gene was injected into aged and young adult mice 7 days before transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO). Atrophic volumes and neurobehavioral deficiencies were determined up to 28 days after tMCAO.