Plasma Cell-Free DNA as a Novel Biomarker for the Diagnosis and Monitoring of Atherosclerosis.

Atherosclerosis (AS) is the leading cause of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) with a high rate of mortality worldwide. Plasma cell-free DNA (cfDNA), mainly originating from apoptosis, necrosis, and active secretion, has been recognized as a promising biomarker for the diagnosis and prognosis of multiple cancers, whereas there are no reports about cfDNA in CVDs. Here, we found an increased quantity and decreased integrity of cfDNA (cfDI) in the serum from AS patients compared with normal controls.

DNA N-methyladenine modification in hypertension.

DNA methylation has a role in the pathogenesis of essential hypertension. DNA N6-methyladenine (6mA) modification as a novel adenine methylation exists in human tissues, but whether it plays a role in hypertension development remains unclear. Here, we reported that the global 6mA DNA level in leukocytes was significantly reduced in patients with hypertension and was reversed with successful treatment.

Hyperhomocysteinemia results from and promotes hepatocellular carcinoma via CYP450 metabolism by CYP2J2 DNA methylation.

Hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) can result from liver disease or dysfunction and further alters intracellular lipid metabolism. Cytochrome P450 (CYP) arachidonic acid epoxygenases are expressed in human cancers and promote cancer metastasis. This study explored the interaction of Hcy and CYP450 metabolism in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

DNA methylation of human telomerase reverse transcriptase associated with leukocyte telomere length shortening in hyperhomocysteinemia-type hypertension in humans and in a rat model.

Background: Elevated homocysteine (Hcy) levels might play a role in the development of essential hypertension (EH). Telomere dynamics provide valuable insight into the pathogenesis of age-related diseases. The contribution of Hcy to leukocyte telomere length (LTL) shortening in EH and the underlying mechanism was examined.

High-risk human papillomavirus infection associated with telomere elongation in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma with poor prognosis.

Background: Telomere maintenance is crucial in carcinogenesis and tumor progression. The results of a previous study from the authors indicated that infection with high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) types 16, 18, and 58 was a risk factor for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) in the Shantou region of China. In the current study, the authors explored the association between HR-HPV infection, telomere length (TL), and DNA methylation and their significance in the prognosis of patients with ESCC.

[Influence of aging, menopause and knee osteoarthritis on women's femoral neck strength and muscle force ].

Objective: To study the influence of aging, menopause and knee retrograde osteoarthritis on femoral neck strength (FS) and muscle force (MF) of women.

Methods: A total of 306 healthy women aged 15 - 74 were stratified according to age and menstruation status, among which 76 menopausal women suffered from knee osteoarthritis. The bone mineral density (BMD) of lumbar vertebrae (L2 - 4) and femoral neck was measured by DEXA among all subjects.