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Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become one of the major metabolic diseases.In view of the defects of traditional animal models, this study was the first to establish the NAFLD model of Mongolian gerbil (Meriones unguiculatus) with simple feed formula which is similar to human (from simple fatty liver to steatohepatitis, fibrosis,Liver cirrhosis).This study discussed the mechanism of rapid fatty liver deposition in Mongolian gerbil, revealed its molecular mechanism,main regulatory target and network function of fatty liver susceptibility.We provide a new animal model of NAFLD with relatively clear background and less time-consuming for clinical treatment and new drug development.The theoretical and practical basis for the breeding of inbred strain NAFLD gerbil was established.
ABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the platelet count in prediction of the efficacy of infliximab for active Crohn's disease.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 74 patients with Crohn's disease, including 50 males and 24 females with mean age of 27 years, receiving infliximab therapy from January 2011 to June 2015 were retrospectively included. Clinical variables including routine blood test, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein and Crohn's disease activity index were measured before treatment and after 3rd, 6th treatments.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with baseline, the Crohn's disease activity index score, white blood cell count, platelet count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein significantly decreased (all (P<0.01), while hemoglobin and red blood cell hematocrit increased (P<0.01) in patients after 3 treatments of infliximab. These variables were further improved after 6 treatments. Further analysis showed that platelet count was positively associated with disease severity of Crohn's disease. Fifty-three patients achieved clinical remission (Crohn's disease activity index score<150) after 3 treatments of infliximab. Logistic regression analysis showed that baseline platelet count, Crohn's disease activity index, and disease course were three predictors for clinical remission of Crohn's disease.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Platelet count is positively associated with disease severity of Crohn's disease, and baseline platelet count is an important predicator for the early response of infliximab therapy.</p>
Subject(s)
Adult , Female , Humans , Male , C-Reactive Protein , Crohn Disease , Blood , Drug Therapy , Disease Progression , Infliximab , Therapeutic Uses , Platelet Count , Retrospective StudiesABSTRACT
Objective To investigate the correlation of changes in peripheral natural killer T(NKT) cells and fatty liver disease(NAFLD).Methods Peripheral blood samples were obtained from 60 NAFLD patients and 60 age and gender matched healthy controls.The frequency of peripheral NKT cells was detected by flow cytometry.The differences of clinical presentation and laboratory data in two groups were analyzed.The risk factors of NAFLD were screened by Logistic regression analysis. Results NAFLD patients had lower frequency of peripheral NKT cells than healthy controls [median fre- quency was 1.12%(IQR0.87%～1.54%)in patients vs.1.48%(1.23%～1.98%) in controls,P