Identification and validation of efferocytosis-related biomarkers for the diagnosis of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis based on bioinformatics analysis and machine learning.

Background: Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) is a highly prevalent liver disease globally, with a significant risk of progressing to cirrhosis and even liver cancer. Efferocytosis, a process implicated in a broad spectrum of chronic inflammatory disorders, has been reported to be associated with the pathogenesis of MASH; however, its precise role remains obscure. Thus, we aimed to identify and validate efferocytosis linked signatures for detection of MASH.

Utilizing machine learning for early screening of thyroid nodules: a dual-center cross-sectional study in China.

Background: Thyroid nodules, increasingly prevalent globally, pose a risk of malignant transformation. Early screening is crucial for management, yet current models focus mainly on ultrasound features. This study explores machine learning for screening using demographic and biochemical indicators.

Metformin-Induced Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin Type 9 Inhibition Further Decreases Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Following Statin Treatment in Patients With Coronary Artery Disease and Without Diabetes.

Abstract: In vitro investigations have established metformin's capacity to downregulate proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) expression, suggesting a potential beneficial effect on atherogenic lipoprotein particles when combined with metformin therapy. Our objective was to assess whether metformin could mitigate statin-induced adverse effects on PCSK9, thereby improving lipid profiles in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) but without diabetes. Employing an open-label, placebo-controlled, randomized trial, we randomized patients with CAD but without diabetes into CLA (cholesterol-lowering agents alone: atorvastatin ± ezetimibe, n = 38) and Met + CLA groups (metformin plus CLA, n = 33) in a 1:1 ratio.

Association between monocyte-lymphocyte ratio and all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in patients with chronic kidney diseases: A data analysis from national health and nutrition examination survey (NHANES) 2003-2010.

Background: The relationship between monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR) and prognosis in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) remains unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between MLR and both all-cause mortality and cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality in patients with CKD.

Methods: This study analyzed data from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2003-2010.

Serum fetuin-a and risk of thoracic aortic aneurysms: a two-sample mendelian randomization study.

Background: Recent studies have revealed a significant decrease in serum fetuin-A levels in atherosclerotic aneurysms, indicating that fetuin-A may play a protective role in the progression of arterial calcification. However, the specific mechanism behind this phenomenon remains unclear. We aimed to examine the association between fetuin-A levels in thoracic aortic aneurysms (TAAs) and risk of TAAs and to evaluate whether this association was causal.

Age-adjusted visceral adiposity index (VAI) is superior to VAI for predicting mortality among US adults: an analysis of the NHANES 2011-2014.

Background: The association of visceral adiposity with mortality in older adults is conflicting. Whether age influences the predicting ability of visceral adiposity (VAI) for mortality remains unknown. This study uncovered the relationship between age-adjusted visceral adiposity index and mortality through the data of NHANES 2011-2014.

Utilizing machine learning algorithms for the prediction of carotid artery plaques in a Chinese population.

Ischemic stroke is a significant global health issue, imposing substantial social and economic burdens. Carotid artery plaques (CAP) serve as an important risk factor for stroke, and early screening can effectively reduce stroke incidence. However, China lacks nationwide data on carotid artery plaques.

Serum soluble TREM2 is an independent biomarker associated with coronary heart disease.

Background: Triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (TREM2) is a unique receptor expressed by macrophages in atherosclerotic plaque and is involved in the progression of atherosclerosis. Whether serum soluble TREM2 (sTREM2) levels has a relationship with coronary heart disease (CHD) remains unclear.

Methods: The cross-sectional study included 86 patients with CHD and 86 controls matched with age and sex.

Prediction of Fatty Liver Disease in a Chinese Population Using Machine-Learning Algorithms.

Background: Fatty liver disease (FLD) is an important risk factor for liver cancer and cardiovascular disease and can lead to significant social and economic burden. However, there is currently no nationwide epidemiological survey for FLD in China, making early FLD screening crucial for the Chinese population. Unfortunately, liver biopsy and abdominal ultrasound, the preferred methods for FLD diagnosis, are not practical for primary medical institutions.

Improvements in High-Density Lipoprotein Quantity and Quality Contribute to the Cardiovascular Benefits by Anti-tumor Necrosis Factor Therapies in Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Systemic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Inflammation plays important role in atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), but the interaction between the inflammation and lipid profile is largely unrevealed in humans. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) suffer from a higher risk of CVDs. Decreased total cholesterol (TC) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) were prevalent in patients with RA.

High-sensitivity CRP may be a marker of HDL dysfunction and remodeling in patients with acute coronary syndrome.

In patients with coronary artery disease (CAD), further increasing the level of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (HDL-C) as an add-on to statins cannot reduce cardiovascular risk. And it has been reported that HDL functional metric-cholesterol efflux capacity (CEC) may be a better predictor of CAD risk than HDL-C. CEC measurement is time-consuming and not applicable in clinical settings.

The association of serum total bile acid with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in Chinese adults: a cross sectional study.

Background: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is currently the major cause of chronic liver disease globally. Bile acids (BAs) have emerged as relevant signaling molecules that are associated with NAFLD development. This study was aimed to examine the association of serum total bile acids (TBAs) with NAFLD in a large population of Chinese subjects.

Effects of metformin on blood lipid profiles in nondiabetic adults: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Purpose: To evaluate the effects of metformin on serum lipid profiles in nondiabetic adults through a comprehensive meta-analysis.

Methods: In the present meta-analysis, randomized and controlled trials were collected by searching PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Libraries from inception to April 2019. Compared with placebos, the effects of metformin treatment on lipid profiles in nondiabetic adults were evaluated.

New Insights into Apolipoprotein A5 and the Modulation of Human Adipose-derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Adipogenesis.

Background: The hallmark of obesity is the excessive accumulation of triglyceride (TG) in adipose tissue. Apolipoprotein A5 (ApoA5) has been shown to influence the prevalence and pathogenesis of obesity. However, the underlying mechanisms remain to be clarified.