Gender difference in plasma fatty-acid-binding protein 4 levels in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) is characterized by airway inflammation and increases the likelihood of the development of atherosclerosis. Recent studies have indicated that FABP4 (fatty-acid-binding protein 4), an intracellular lipid chaperone of low molecular mass, plays an important role in the regulation of inflammation and atherosclerosis. We carried out a preliminary clinical study aiming at investigating the relationships between circulating FABP4 levels in patients with COPD and inflammation and lung function.

Diagnostic value of thyroid transcription factor-1 for pleural or other serous metastases of pulmonary adenocarcinoma: a meta-analysis.

The role of thyroid transcription factor 1 (TTF-1) in the diagnosis of metastatic pulmonary adenocarcinomas in pleural, pericardial, and peritoneal effusions has not been defined. This study aimed to assess the overall diagnostic accuracy of TTF-1 for metastatic pulmonary adenocarcinomas in pleural or other effusions. Literature search was conducted in PubMed, EMBASE, and other databases to find eligible publications.

Diagnostic accuracy of endostatin for malignant pleural effusion: A clinical study and meta-analysis.

Background: The diagnosis of malignant pleural effusion (MPE) remains a clinical challenge. Many studies suggest that endostatin is a potential marker for MPE. This study aimed to determine the diagnostic value of endostatin with respect to MPE and to summarize the overall diagnostic performance of endostatin via a meta-analysis.

Diagnostic value of nucleic acid amplification tests on bronchoalveolar lavage fluid for smear-negative pulmonary tuberculosis: a meta-analysis.

The diagnosis of smear-negative pulmonary tuberculosis (SNPT) remains a clinical challenge. Many studies suggest that nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) on bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) plays a role in diagnosing SNPT, but with considerable varying results. The current study aimed to summarize the overall diagnostic accuracy of NAATs assay on BALF for SNPT.

Chrysin suppresses cigarette smoke-induced airway inflammation in mice.

Cigarette smoke-induced airway inflammation is one of the most important features of chronic airway diseases. Studies suggest that chrysin possesses strong anti-inflammatory properties and this study aimed to investigate the effect of chrysin on cigarette smoke-induced airway inflammation in mice. Mice with exposure to cigarette smoke were intraperitonealy injected with chrysin (10, 20 mg/kg·d).

The catalase C-262T gene polymorphism and cancer risk: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Many studies suggest that catalase C-262T gene polymorphism is associated with cancer risk, but with inconsistent results. This study aimed to summarize the overall association between catalase C-262T polymorphism and cancer risk. Literature search was performed in PubMed, Embase, and other databases, studies regarding the association between catalase C-262T polymorphism and cancer risk were identified, and data were retrieved and analyzed by using Review Manager 5.

CT-base pulmonary artery measurement in the detection of pulmonary hypertension: a meta-analysis and systematic review.

To summarize the performance of CT-based main pulmonary artery diameter or pulmonary artery to aorta ratio (PA:A ratio) measurement in detection of pulmonary hypertension by a systematic review and meta-analysis. A comprehensive literature search was performed to identify studies determining diagnostic accuracy of main pulmonary artery diameter or PA:A ratio measurement for pulmonary hypertension. The Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies tool was used to assess the quality of the included studies.

Diagnostic value of survivin for malignant pleural effusion: a clinical study and meta-analysis.

Objective: To investigate the diagnostic accuracy of survivin for malignant pleural effusion (MPE).

Methods: Pleural effusion samples were collected from 40 MPE patients and 45 non-MPE patients. Pleural levels of survivin were measured by ELISA.

Evaluation of ghrelin level and appetite regulation in patients with acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Background: Appetite reduction is a major cause of cachexia in acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD). This study tested the correlation of appetite and circulating levels of acylated ghrelin in patients with AECOPD.

Methods: Thirty-six patients with AECOPD and 23 healthy adults were enrolled in this study.

Different risk factors of recurrent pulmonary tuberculosis between Tibetan and Han populations in Southwest China.

Objective: The geographical environment and living habits are different between Tibetan and Han populations. The present study aimed to investigate the risk factors of recurrent pulmonary tuberculosis (TB), and analyze the differences between the two populations.

Patients And Methods: A total of 480 TB patients, including 80 Tibetan and 80 Han patients with recurrent pulmonary TB, and 320 patients without recurrent pulmonary TB, were included in present study.

ICAM-1 +469 A/G polymorphism and cancer risk: a meta-analysis involving 9375 subjects.

Background: The ICAM-1 +469 A/G polymorphism has been implicated in susceptibility to cancer, but the results were inconclusive. The present meta-analysis aimed to investigate the association between the ICAM-1 +469 A/G polymorphism and cancer risk.

Methods: We searched PubMed, Embase to identify studies that evaluated the association between the ICAM-1 +469 A/G polymorphism and cancer risk.

Diagnostic accuracy of vascular endothelial growth factor for malignant pleural effusion: A meta-analysis.

Since the diagnostic accuracy of conventional examinations for malignant pleural effusion (MPE) is limited, a number of studies have investigated the utility of pleural vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the diagnosis of MPE. The present meta-analysis aimed to determine the overall accuracy of a VEGF test in the diagnosis of MPE. A systematic review of studies published in English was conducted and the data concerning the accuracy of pleural VEGF assays in the diagnosis of MPE were pooled with random effects models.