Association between triglyceride glucose index and H-type hypertension in postmenopausal women.

Background: Recent studies have reported better predictive performance of triglyceride glucose (TyG) index for cardiovascular events in women, however, whether this association persists in postmenopausal women is inconclusive. We investigated the association between TyG index and H-type hypertension (HHT) in postmenopausal women. Methods: 1,301 eligible women with hypertension were included in this cross-sectional study. Concomitant homocysteine levels >10 µmol/L were defined as H-type hypertension. The TyG index was calculated as ln [triglycerides (mg/dl) × fasting glucose (mg/dl)/2]. Multivariable logistic regression models and restricted cubic spline models were used to assess the association between TyG index and H-type hypertension in postmenopausal women, and subgroup analyses were performed for potential confounders. Results: Of the 1,301 hypertensive patients, 634 (48.7%) participants had H-type hypertension. In each adjusted model, TyG index was significantly associated with the risk of H-type hypertension. each 1-unit increase in TyG index was associated with an increased risk of H-type hypertension in all participants (OR = 1.6; 95% CI, 1.3-2.0; P < 0.001), and there was a linear relationship between TyG index and H-type hypertension (P for linear trend < 0.001). Conclusion: TyG index is positively associated with H-type hypertension in postmenopausal women, suggesting that TyG index may be a promising marker for H-type hypertension. By controlling lipid levels and blood glucose levels, it may help prevent H-type hypertension in postmenopausal women.

Hysteresis effects of different levels of storm flooding on susceptible enteric infectious diseases in a central city of China.

BACKGROUND: Recently, attention has focused on the impact of global climate change on infectious diseases. Storm flooding is an extreme weather phenomenon that not only impacts the health of the environment but also worsens the spread of pathogens. This poses a significant challenge to public health security. However, there is still a lack of research on how different levels of storm flooding affect susceptible enteric infectious diseases over time. METHODS: Data on enteric infectious diseases, storm flooding events, and meteorology were collected for Changsha, Hunan Province, between 2016 and 2020. The Wilcoxon Rank Sum Test was used to identify the enteric infectious diseases that are susceptible to storm flooding. Then, the lagged effects of different levels of storm flooding on susceptible enteric infectious diseases were analyzed using a distributed lag nonlinear model. RESULTS: There were eleven storm flooding events in Changsha from 2016 to 2020, concentrated in June and July. 37,882 cases of enteric infectious diseases were reported. During non-flooding days, the daily incidence rates of typhoid/paratyphoid and bacillary dysentery were 0.3/100,000 and 0.1/100,000, respectively. During flooding days, the corresponding rates increased to 2.0/100,000 and 0.8/100,000, respectively. The incidence rates of both diseases showed statistically significant differences between non-flooding and flooding days. Correlation analysis shows that the best lags for typhoid/paratyphoid and bacillary dysentery relative to storm flooding events may be 1 and 3 days. The results of the distributed lag nonlinear model showed that typhoid/paratyphoid had the highest cumulative RR values of 2.86 (95% CI: 1.71-4.76) and 8.16 (95% CI: 2.93-22.67) after 4 days of general flooding and heavy flooding, respectively; and bacillary dysentery had the highest cumulative RR values of 1.82 (95% CI: 1.40-2.35) and 3.31 (95% CI: 1.97-5.55) after 5 days of general flooding and heavy flooding, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Typhoid/paratyphoid and bacillary dysentery are sensitive enteric infectious diseases related to storm flooding in Changsha. There is a lagging effect of storm flooding on the onset of typhoid/paratyphoid and bacillary dysentery, with the best lagging periods being days 1 and 3, respectively. The cumulative risk of typhoid/paratyphoid and bacillary dysentery was highest at 4/5 days lag, respectively. The higher of storm flooding, the higher the risk of disease, which suggests that the authorities should take appropriate preventive and control measures before and after storm flooding.

Spatial heterogeneity of socio-economic determinants of typhoid/paratyphoid fever in one province in central China from 2015 to 2019.

BACKGROUND: Typhoid fever and paratyphoid fever are one of the most criticial public health issues worldwide, especially in developing countries. The incidence of this disease may be closely related to socio-economic factors, but there is a lack of research on the spatial level of relevant determinants of typhoid fever and paratyphoid fever. METHODS: In this study, we took Hunan Province in central China as an example and collected the data on typhoid and paratyphoid incidence and socio-economic factors in 2015-2019. Firstly spatial mapping was made on the disease prevalence, and again using geographical probe model to explore the critical influencing factors of typhoid and paratyphoid, finally employing MGWR model to analysis the spatial heterogeneity of these factors. RESULTS: The results showed that the incidence of typhoid and paratyphoid fever was seasonal and periodic and frequently occurred in summer. In the case of total typhoid and paratyphoid fever, Yongzhou was the most popular, followed by Xiangxi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, Huaihua and Chenzhou generally focused on the south and west. And Yueyang, Changde and Loudi had a slight increase trend year by year from 2015 to 2019. Moreover, the significant effects on the incidence of typhoid and paratyphoid fever from strong to weak were as follows: gender ratio(q = 0.4589), students in ordinary institutions of higher learning(q = 0.2040), per capita disposable income of all residents(q = 0.1777), number of foreign tourists received(q = 0.1697), per capita GDP(q = 0.1589), and the P values for these factors were less than 0.001. According to the MGWR model, gender ratio, per capita disposable income of all residents and Number of foreign tourists received had a positive effect on the incidence of typhoid and paratyphoid fever. In contrast, students in ordinary institutions of higher learning had a negative impact, and per capita GDP shows a bipolar change. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of typhoid and paratyphoid fever in Hunan Province from 2015 to 2019 was a marked seasonality, concentrated in the south and west of Hunan Province. Attention should be paid to the prevention and control of critical periods and concentrated areas. Different socio-economic factors may show other directions and degrees of action in other prefecture-level cities. To summarize, health education, entry-exit epidemic prevention and control can be strengthened. This study may be beneficial to carry out targeted, hierarchical and focused prevention and control of typhoid fever and paratyphoid fever, and provide scientific reference for related theoretical research.

m6A regulator-mediated RNA methylation modification patterns are involved in the regulation of the immune microenvironment in ischaemic cardiomyopathy.

The role of RNA N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification in the regulation of the immune microenvironment in ischaemic cardiomyopathy (ICM) remains largely unclear. This study first identified differential m6A regulators between ICM and healthy samples, and then systematically evaluated the effects of m6A modification on the characteristics of the immune microenvironment in ICM, including the infiltration of immune cells, the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) gene, and HALLMARKS pathways. A total of seven key m6A regulators, including WTAP, ZCH3H13, YTHDC1, FMR1, FTO, RBM15 and YTHDF3, were identified using a random forest classifier. A diagnostic nomogram based on these seven key m6A regulators could effectively distinguish patients with ICM from healthy subjects. We further identified two distinct m6A modification patterns (m6A cluster-A and m6A cluster-B) that are mediated by these seven regulators. Meanwhile, we also noted that one m6A regulator, WTAP, was gradually upregulated, while the others were gradually downregulated in the m6A cluster-A vs. m6A cluster-B vs. healthy subjects. In addition, we observed that the degree of infiltration of the activated dendritic cells, macrophages, natural killer (NK) T cells, and type-17 T helper (Th17) cells gradually increased in m6A cluster-A vs. m6A cluster-B vs. healthy subjects. Furthermore, m6A regulators, including FTO, YTHDC1, YTHDF3, FMR1, ZC3H13, and RBM15 were significantly negatively correlated with the above-mentioned immune cells. Additionally, several differential HLA genes and HALLMARKS signalling pathways between the m6A cluster-A and m6A cluster-B groups were also identified. These results suggest that m6A modification plays a key role in the complexity and diversity of the immune microenvironment in ICM, and seven key m6A regulators, including WTAP, ZCH3H13, YTHDC1, FMR1, FTO, RBM15, and YTHDF3, may be novel biomarkers for the accurate diagnosis of ICM. Immunotyping of patients with ICM will help to develop immunotherapy strategies with a higher level of accuracy for patients with a significant immune response.

ACSL1, CH25H, GPCPD1, and PLA2G12A as the potential lipid-related diagnostic biomarkers of acute myocardial infarction.

Lipid metabolism plays an essential role in the genesis and progress of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Herein, we identified and verified latent lipid-related genes involved in AMI by bioinformatic analysis. Lipid-related differentially expressed genes (DEGs) involved in AMI were identified using the GSE66360 dataset from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database and R software packages. Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses were conducted to analyze lipid-related DEGs. Lipid-related genes were identified by two machine learning techniques: least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression and support vector machine recursive feature elimination (SVM-RFE). The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to descript diagnostic accuracy. Furthermore, blood samples were collected from AMI patients and healthy individuals, and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was used to determine the RNA levels of four lipid-related DEGs. Fifty lipid-related DEGs were identified, 28 upregulated and 22 downregulated. Several enrichment terms related to lipid metabolism were found by GO and KEGG enrichment analyses. After LASSO and SVM-RFE screening, four genes (ACSL1, CH25H, GPCPD1, and PLA2G12A) were identified as potential diagnostic biomarkers for AMI. Moreover, the RT-qPCR analysis indicated that the expression levels of four DEGs in AMI patients and healthy individuals were consistent with bioinformatics analysis results. The validation of clinical samples suggested that 4 lipid-related DEGs are expected to be diagnostic markers for AMI and provide new targets for lipid therapy of AMI.

Association between body fat percentage and H-type hypertension in postmenopausal women.

Background: Previous studies have explored the relationship between body fat percentage (BFP) and hypertension or homocysteine. However, evidence on the constancy of the association remains inconclusive in postmenopausal women. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between BFP and H-type hypertension in postmenopausal women. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 1,597 eligible female patients with hypertension. Homocysteine levels ≥10 mmol/L were defined as H-type hypertension. BFP was calculated by measuring patients' physical parameters. Subjects were divided into 4 groups according to quartiles of BFP (Q1: 33.4% or lower, Q2: 33.4-36.1%, Q3: 36.1-39.1%, Q4: >39.1%). We used restricted cubic spline regression models and logistic regression analysis to assess the relationship between BFP and H-type hypertension. Additional subgroup analysis was performed for this study. Results: Among 1,597 hypertensive patients, 955 (59.8%) participants had H-type hypertension. There were significant differences between the two groups in age, BMI, educational background, marital status, exercise status, drinking history, WC, TG, LDL, Scr, BUN, and eGFR (P < 0.05). The prevalence of H-type hypertension in the Q1 to Q4 groups was 24.9, 25.1, 24.9, and 25.1%, respectively. After adjusting for relevant factors, we found that the risk of H-type hypertension in the Q4 group had a significantly higher than the Q1 group (OR = 3.2, 95% CI: 1.3-7.5). Conclusion: BFP was positively associated with the risk of H-type hypertension in postmenopausal women. Postmenopausal women should control body fat to prevent hypertension.

Assess transmissibility of different influenza subtypes: Based on a SEIABR model.

OBJECTIVE: Influenza is a worldwide public health problem which causes a serious economic and health burden. In order to provide a scientific basis for improving the prevention and control level of influenza, using dynamic model to evaluate the infection rates of influenza different subtypes from 2010 to 2019 in China. METHODS: This article established SEIABR model based on influenza cases reported by China National Influenza Center from 2010 to 2019. And calculated the transmission rate and Re by combined the natural birth rate, natural death rate, infectious rate, proportion of asymptomatic patients, proportion of untreated patients, recovery rate and fatality rate. RESULTS: The average infection rate of influenza was (2.38 ± 0.59) × 10-10, and influenza A was (2.24 ± 0.51) × 10-10, influenza B was (2.21 ± 0.68) × 10-10. And average Re were 1.60, 1.51, 1.49. In addition, the infection rates of A /H1N1, A/H3N2, B/Yamagata and B/Victoria were (2.47 ± 0.51) × 10-10, (2.25 ± 0.48) × 10-10, (2.15 ± 0.61) × 10-10, and (2.30 ± 0.66) × 10-10 and average Re were 1.67, 1.52, 1.44, 1.56. CONCLUSION: Between each year, flu transmission capacity had fluctuation. Influenza A was more transmissible than influenza B, and during the major subtypes, influenza A/H1N1 was the most transmissible.

Early life exposure to the Chinese Famine of 1959 - 1961 is an independent risk factor of adulthood elevated homocysteine, hyperuricemia, high LDL, and hypertension.

Famine exposure in early life was associated with cardiovascular diseases in later life. Whether biochemical surrogates of cardiovascular diseases, such as homocysteine and uric acid, are also associated with famine exposure is unknown so far. Data were derived from a population-based cross-sectional study in the Hunan Province of China, which was heavily affected by the Famine in 1959 - 1961. A total of 1,150 adults born between 1952 and 1964 were selected, and 5 cohorts were defined: no exposure, fetal, early childhood, mid-childhood, and late childhood exposure. Compared with the no-famine exposure group, participants exposed to famine in their fetal period had a higher risk of high homocysteine in adulthood with OR of 2.21 (95% CI: 1.01 - 4.83), whereas famine exposures in early, mid, or late childhood were not significantly associated with high homocysteine in adulthood. Similarly, participants in the fetal famine exposure group had a 1.59-fold higher risk of hyperuricemia (OR = 2.59, 95% CI: 1.07 - 5.30) and a 2.03-fold higher risk of high low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) (OR = 0.03, 95% CI: 1.35 - 6.78) in adulthood compared to those without famine exposure, respectively. We furthermore conducted a meta-analysis including 16 studies regarding the association between fetal famine exposure and adulthood hypertension, including our study. The meta-analysis, including 34,804, subjects showed that fetal famine exposure is associated with a higher risk of adulthood hypertension (OR = 1.22, 95% CI: 1.07 - 1.40). Taken together, fetal famine exposure is related to higher odds of cardio-metabolic risk factors, such as high homocysteine, hyperuricemia, and LDL as well as hypertension, suggesting that undernutrition during fetal life may affect metabolism of homocysteine, uric acid, and LDL in adulthood.

Ginsenoside-Rg1 attenuates sepsis-induced cardiac dysfunction by modulating mitochondrial damage via the P2X7 receptor-mediated Akt/GSK-3ß signaling pathway.

Ginsenoside-Rg1 (G-Rg1), a saponin that is a primary component of ginseng, is effective against inflammatory diseases. The P2X purinoceptor 7 (P2X7) receptor is an ATP-gated ion channel that is predominantly expressed in immune cells and plays a key role in inflammatory processes. We investigated the role of G-Rg1 in sepsis-related cardiac dysfunction and the underlying mechanism involving the regulation of the P2X7 receptor. We detected cell viability, cytotoxicity, cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) with or without G-Rg1 in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)- or hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R)-induced H9c2 cell models of ischemia/reperfusion injury. We applied cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) to induce a mouse model of sepsis and measured the survival duration and cardiac function of CLP mice. Next, we quantified the ROS level, MMP, respiratory chain complex I-IV enzymatic activity, and mitochondrial fusion in CLP mouse heart tissues. We then investigated the role of G-Rg1 in repairing LPS-induced cell mitochondrial damage, including mitochondrial superoxidation products. The results showed that G-Rg1 inhibited LPS- or H/R-induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis, cytotoxicity, ROS levels, and mitochondrial damage. In addition, G-Rg1 prolonged the survival time of CLP mice. G-Rg1 attenuated LPS-induced superoxide production in the mitochondria of cardiomyocytes and the excessive release of cytochrome c from mitochondria into the cytoplasm. Most importantly, G-Rg1 suppressed LPS-mediated induction of proapoptotic Bax, activated Akt, induced GSK-3ß phosphorylation, and balanced mitochondrial calcium levels. Overall, G-Rg1 activates the Akt/GSK-3ß pathway through P2X7 receptors to inhibit sepsis-induced cardiac dysfunction and mitochondrial dysfunction.

Effect of Blood Flow Rate on the Accuracy of Central Venous Pressure Measurement during Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to study the influence of extracorporeal blood flow rate (BFR) on the accuracy of central venous pressure (CVP) measurement during continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT). METHODS: Eligible patients were randomly divided into 3 groups based on the location of catheters used for their CRRT and CVP measurement. CVP levels measured at increased extracorporeal BFR (from 0 to 300 mL/min) in the normal and reverse positions of inlet and outlet lines connected to the CV catheter (CVC) in the course of the CRRT session were collected. RESULTS: CVP levels measured at different extracorporeal BFRs did not significantly differ between and among the 3 groups. Inversion of inlet and outlet lines connected to the catheters did not affect the accuracy of CVP measurement. BFR had a negative correlation with inflow/access pressure but a positive correlation with outflow/return pressure. Neither inflow pressure nor outflow pressure was correlated with CVP. CONCLUSIONS: Extracorporeal BFR has no influence on the accuracy of CVP measurement during CRRT with the net machine balance adjusted to zero regardless of the location of the catheter and the connection method between catheters and CRRT lines. Thus, CRRT does not need to be discontinued to obtain an accurate CVP measurement.

Prevalence and risk factors for hyperhomocysteinemia: a population-based cross-sectional study from Hunan, China.

OBJECTIVES: Hyperhomocysteinemia is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. We aimed to investigate the prevalence and risk factors for hyperhomocysteinemia, especially modifiable lifestyle factors, such as smoking behaviour and dietary factors. DESIGN: Population-based cross-sectional study. SETTING: Hunan Province, China PARTICIPANTS: A total of 4012 participants completed the study, between July 2013 and March 2014. The median age is 55 (interquartile range: 45-63) years, with 1644 males (41%) and 2368 females (59%). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Homocysteine level were measured by the microplate enzyme immunoassay method. Hyperthomocysteinemia was defined as ≥15 µmol/L. Questionnaire was used to investigate potential risk factors of hyperhomocysteinemia. Crude odd ratio (OR) or adjusted OR with 95% CI were determined by using univariable or multivariable logistic regression models. RESULTS: The prevalence of hyperhomocysteinemia is 35.4% (45.4% vs 28.5% for men, women, respectively). One-year increase in age is significantly associated with 2% higher risk of hyperhomocysteinemia (OR=1.02, 95% CI: 1.01 to 1.03). One unit increase of BMI is associated with 5% higher risk of hyperhomocysteinemia (OR=1.05, 95% CI: 1.03 to 1.07). Compared with the non-smoker, smoking participants have a 24% higher risk of hyperhomocysteinemia (OR=1.24, 95% CI: 1.006 to 1.53), while the risk for those quitting smoking are not significantly different (OR=1.14, 95% CI: 0.85 to 1.54). compared with those consuming fruit and vegetable at least once every day, those consuming less than once every day had a significantly higher risk of hyperhomocysteinemia (OR=1.29, 95% CI:1.11 to 1.50). In addition, we found there were significant sex interaction with education level or alcohol drinking on the risk of hyperhomocysteinemia (pinteraction <0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Higher BMI and older age are potential risk factors for hyperhomocysteinemia. Current smoking but not quitting smoking is associated with higher risk of hyperhomocysteinemia. Fruit and vegetable consumption may have protective effect against hyperhomocysteinemia. Alcohol consumption or education level might interact to influence the risk of hyperhomocysteinemia.

Impact of short-term change of adiposity on risk of high blood pressure in children: Results from a follow-up study in China.

This study aimed to examine the impact of short-term adiposity change on risk of high blood pressure (HBP), and to assess the low limit range of body mass index (BMI) and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) reduction proposed to decrease the HBP risk in children. Children were longitudinally surveyed at baseline and after a short-term follow-up. General obesity (GOB) is categorized by age and gender-specific BMI cut-off points, abdominal obesity (AOB) by WHtR. Logistic regression model was used to estimate relations between adiposity change and HBP risk with adjustment of covariates. A total of 28,288 children (median of baseline age:10 years) were involved with follow-up of 6.88±1.20 months. After the follow-up, 9.4% of the children had persistent general obesity (GOB), 2.8% converted from GOB to non-GOB, 0.9% had newly developed GOB. When compared with children remained non-GOB, children with continuous GOB status, newly developed GOB, converting from GOB to non-GOB had 5.03-fold (95%CI: 4.32~5.86), 3.35-fold (95%CI: 1.99~5.65), 2.72-fold (2.03~3.63) HBP risk, respectively. Similar findings were observed for abdominal obesity (AOB). Reduction of 0.21-0.88 kg/m2 of baseline BMI (0.86-3.59%) or 0.009-0.024 of baseline WHtR (1.66-4.42%) in GOB or AOB children, respectively, was associated with significant decrease in HBP risk. Children with persistent obesity, newly developed obesity, or converting from obese to non-obese had significantly higher HBP risk. For children with GOB or AOB, reduction of <3.6% in BMI or <4.5% in WHtR could decrease the HBP risk.

Association between the uric acid and hypertension in community-based Chinese population: stratified analysis based on body mass index and age.

Many studies have shown that uric acid was related to hypertension. However, the association dependence on body mass index (BMI) or age was unclear. This study was performed with a group of 4012 Chinese population aged 30 to 92 years old. Subjects were divided into four groups according to the quartiles of uric acid (UA) concentration [First group: ≤ 231 µmol/L (reference), Second group: 231-289 µmol/L, Third group: 289-362 µmol/L, Fourth group: > 362 µmol/L]. Hypertension was defined as newly measured blood pressure ≥ 140/90 mmHg or taking antihypertensive drugs. Stratified analysis based on BMI (< 28 kg/m2 vs ≥ 28 kg/m2) and age (< 60 years old vs ≥ 60 years old) to analyze the association between UA and hypertension. Subjects were 54.50 (45.00, 63.00) years old, and 40.98% were male, 38.33% were hypertension. Adjusted odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) for the association of UA and hypertension were 2.226 (1.662, 2.980), 4.340 (3.253, 5.790), 5.898 (4.434, 7.845) and 6.557 (4.927, 8.727) in the four groups among ≥ 60 years old respectively comparing with first group among < 60 years old. Adjusted odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) for the association between UA and hypertension were 2.170 (1.236, 3.808), 5.260 (3.267, 8.468), 9.056 (5.509, 14.888) and 3.730 (2.529, 5.550) in the four groups among BMI ≥ 28 kg/m2 respectively comparing with first group among BMI < 28 kg/m2. Uric acid was significantly associated with the hypertension. The association was stronger among subjects ≥ 60 years old or BMI ≥ 28 kg/m2.

Estradiol-17ß inhibits homocysteine mediated damage by promoting H2 S production via upregulating CBS and CSE expression in human umbilical vein endothelial cells.

Associated with reduced hydrogen sulfide (H2 S) production in Hcy metabolic disorders, Plasma Hcy accumulation can bring about vascular dysfunction. Nevertheless, recently proposed therapies for vascular damage by estrogen could contribute to promoting endogenous hydrogen sulfide production. This study explores whether estrogen can come into play in protection in hyperhomocysteinemia and hypertensive patients at a population level, and then analyses the specific mechanism of estrogen protection in homocysteine (Hcy)-treated human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) at the foundational level. A case-control study, conducted on 1277 female hypertension and non-hypertensive patients from Hunan Provincial People's Hospital, showed that the Hcy concentration of hypertensive patients emerged higher than that of healthy controls (P < .001), and that of estrogen was the reverse (P < .001). Estrogen had a negative correlation with systolic blood pressure and plasma Hcy concentration. HUVECs were treated with estrogen and Hcy in the basic experimental part, and 17ß-estradiol (E2ß) stimulated proliferation and inhibited damage in Hcy-treated umbilical vein endothelial cells. Treatment with Hcy dampens the expression of cystathionine ß-synthase (CBS) and cystathionine γ-lyase (CSE) then cuts down H2 S production in cultured HUVECs, however, E2ß reverses this process. To sum up, we have demonstrated a significant correlation between estrogen, Hcy concentration and systolic blood pressure reduction, which is bound up with Hcy metabolism and endogenous hydrogen sulfide production. The role of E2ß was further strengthened by CBS and the CSE inhibitor through overthrowing the change in hydrogen sulfide of Hcy-treated HUVECs.

Association of serum VLDL level with hyperhomocysteinemia in hypertensive patients: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Increasing evidence suggests that hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) and hyperlipidemia have been recognized as two independent risks for cardiovascular disease. However, the association between hyperlipidemia and HHcy in hypertensive patients has not been systemically elucidated. The aim of this study was to investigate the relation between very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) and HHcy in hypertensive patients. METHODS: From July 2013 to March 2014, a large cross-sectional study was performed using 4012 participants from urban and rural communities in Hunan province, China. Participants underwent accurate assessment of lipid profiles, homocysteine (Hcy), anthropometric, blood pressure, and other biochemical indicators. RESULTS: Among 1257 participants with hypertension, 626 (49.80%) were men and 631 (50.20%) were women. In total, 1081 (86.00%) of the participants were found to have HHcy, of which 559 (44.47%) were men and 522 (41.53%) were women. In the univariate analysis, the OR for patients with hypertension associated with hyperhomocysteinemia was significantly enhanced as the quartiles of the Log VLDL were increased. OR for quartile 4 was significantly higher than that for quartile 1 (OR = 3.7, 95% CI: 2.6-5.1; P< .001). Additional adjustment for the confounding variables did not reduce the ORs for the association between the Log VLDL and hypertension associated with hyperhomocysteinemia (OR = 3.8, 95% CI: 2.7-5.5; P< .001; OR = 4.3, 95% CI: 1.6-11.8; P= .004, respectively). We also conducted analyses with Log VLDL as a continuous variable. Each unit increase in the Log VLDL was associated with the 1.3-fold increased risk of hypertension associated with hyperhomocysteinemia (95% CI: 1.9-2.9; P< .001). Adjusting for Cr, TG, TC, and HDL did not affect the relationship. CONCLUSIONS: Our data indicate that the Log VLDL concentrations appear to be an independent contributor to hypertension associated with hyperhomocysteinemia, even after adjusting for age and other covariables. The utility of the Log VLDL as a diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic indicator for the disease warrants further investigation. ABBREVIATIONS: HHcy: hyperhomocysteinemia; Hcy: homocysteine; VLDL: very low-density lipoprotein; CVD: cardiovascular disease; SBP: systolic blood pressure; DBP: diastolic blood pressure; BMI: body mass index; ALT: alanine aminotransferase; Cr: creatinine; UA: uric acid; TG: triglycerides; TC: total cholesterol; HDL: high-density lipoprotein; LDL: low-density lipoprotein; FBG: fasting blood glucose; CRP: C-reactive protein; MTHFR: methylene tetrahydrofolate reductase; NO: nitric oxide; HDL-C: high-density lipoprotein cholesterol.

A Cross-sectional Study on the Relationship Between Homocysteine and Lipid Profiles Among Chinese Population from Hunan.

Previous studies have explored the relationship between homocystein (Hcy) and lipid profiles. However, the results from these studies have been inconsistent. The current study investigated the correlation between Hcy and lipid profiles in Chinese community-based population. The participants were composed of 4012 Chinese people aged 30-92 years old, who were recruited from rural and urban communities in the Hunan Province. Non-parametric test and logistic regression were used to examine the distribution of Hcy and lipid profiles (triglyceride [TG], total cholesterol [TC], low-density lipoprotein cholesterol [LDL-C], high-density lipoprotein cholesterol [HDL-C]) and the relationship between them. The median age of subjects was 54.50 years old, and 40.98% were male. Median Hcy was 13.20 µmol/L, and 35.39% had hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy). Median TG was 1.51 mmol/L, TC was 4.77 mmol/L, LDL-C was 2.62 mmol/L, and HDL-C was 1.27 mmol/L. In multivariable logistic regression analysis, HHcy was associated with high levels of TG (ORmale = 2.240, p < 0.001; ORfemale = 2.539, p < 0.001), TC (ORmale = 2.237, p < 0.001; ORfemale = 2.202, p < 0.001), and LDL-C (ORmale = 1.413, p = 0.010; ORfemale = 1.617, p < 0.001) in the different sexes population and low level of HDL-C in females (OR = 1.326, p = 0.023) after adjusting for confounders. HHcy was independently associated with an increasing risk of low HDL-C among females. The regression analysis showed that HHcy was also associated with hypertriglyceridemia, hypercholesterolemia, and high level of LDL-C in males and females from Chinese community-based population, which provides a basis for the treatment and prevention of abnormal lipid metabolism.

Association of body mass index (BMI) with critical COVID-19 and in-hospital mortality: A dose-response meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic presents an unprecedented health crisis to the entire world. As reported, the body mass index (BMI) may play an important role in COVID-19; however, this still remains unclear. The aim of this study was to explore the association between BMI and COVID-19 severity and mortality. METHODS: The Medline, PubMed, Embase and Web of science were systematically searched until August 2020. Random-effects models and dose-response meta-analysis were used to synthesize the results. Combined odds ratios (ORs) with their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated, and the effect of covariates were analyzed using subgroup analysis and meta-regression analyses. RESULTS: A total of 16 observational studies involving 109,881 patients with COVID-19 were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled results showed that patients with a BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2 had a 2.35-fold risk (OR = 2.35, 95%CI = 1.64-3.38, P < 0.001) for critical COVID-19 and a 2.68-fold risk for COVID-19 mortality (OR = 2.68, 95%CI = 1.65-4.37, P < 0.001) compared with patients with a BMI <30 kg/m2. Subgroup analysis results showed that patients with obesity and age > 60 years was associated with a significantly increased risk of critical COVID-19 (OR = 3.11, 95%CI = 1.73-5.61, P < 0.001) and COVID-19 mortality (OR = 3.93, 95%CI = 2.18-7.09, P < 0.001). Meta-regression analysis results also showed that age had a significant influence on the association between BMI and COVID-19 mortality (Coef. = 0.036, P = 0.048). Random-effects dose-response meta-analysis showed a linear association between BMI and both critical COVID-19(Pnon-linearity = 0.242) and mortality (Pnon-linearity = 0.116). The risk of critical COVID-19 and mortality increased by 9%(OR = 1.09, 95%CI = 1.04-1.14, P < 0.001) and 6%(OR = 1.06, 95%CI = 1.02-1.10, P = 0.002) for each 1 kg/m2 increase in BMI, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Evidence from this meta-analysis suggested that a linear dose-response association between BMI and both COVID-19 severity and mortality. Further, obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2) was associated with a significantly increased risk of critical COVID-19 and in-hospital mortality of COVID-19.

Chili Consumption and Risk of Gastric Cancer: A Meta-Analysis.

Chili peppers are loved by people all over the world and have been indispensable vegetable for three meals a day. However, reports about the association between chili consumption and gastric cancer (GC) risk have been conflicting. So, we carried out this meta-analysis to evaluate the effect of chili consumption on the risk of GC. Medline, PubMed, Web of science, Embase, Cochrane Library databases were systematically searched until May 2019. Heterogeneity among studies was examined using Q and I2 statistics. Combined odds ratio (OR) with their 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated using a random- or fixed-effects model. All data were analyzed using STATA 15.1 software. 13 studies (3,095 cases and 4,761 controls) were included in the meta-analysis. A 1.96-fold increased risk of GC was shown for the moderate-high chili consumption (OR = 1.96, 95%CI =1.59-2.42). Dose-response analysis showed a significant nonlinear association of GC risk with capsaicin intake (pnon-linearity <0.05) and suggested a significant positive association between high chili consumption and GC risk (OR = 2.28, 95%CI = 1.76-2.96) but not moderate chili consumption (OR = 0.72, 95%CI = 0.36-1.41). Sensitivity analysis and publication bias test results indicated that no publication bias and the results were reliable (Egger's: P = 0.288). Evidence from this meta-analysis suggested that a higher level of chili consumption may be associated with an increased incidence of GC. More studies are warranted to confirm the association between chili consumption and the risk of GC.

Effect of coffee consumption on dyslipidemia: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Dyslipidemia is a common metabolic disease worldwide and also an important predisposing factor for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Coffee is loved by people all over the world; however, the association between coffee consumption and blood lipids has yielded inconsistent results. So we carried this meta-analysis to explore the effects of coffee consumption on blood lipids. METHODS AND RESULTS: Medline, PubMed, Web of science, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were systematically searched until April 2020. Combined weighted mean differences (WMD) with their 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated using random-effects models, and between-study heterogeneity was assessed by Cochran's Q test and I2 statistics. Subgroup analysis and meta-regression analysis were also conducted to explore the potential heterogeneity. A total of 12 RCT studies involving the association between coffee consumption and blood lipid levels were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled results showed that coffee consumption significantly increased total cholesterol (TC) (WMD: 0.21 mmol/L, 95% CI: 0.04; 0.39, P = 0.017), triglyceride (TG) (WMD: 0.12 mmol/L, 95% CI: 0.03; 0.20, P = 0.006) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C) (WMD: 0.14 mmol/L, 95% CI: 0.05; 0.24, P = 0.003) while had no significant effect on high-density lipoprotein (HDL-C) (WMD: -0.01 mmol/L, 95% CI: -0.06; 0.04, P = 0.707). Dose-response analysis results revealed significant positive nonlinear associations between coffee consumption and the increase in TC, LDL-C, and TG levels. CONCLUSIONS: Evidence from this meta-analysis suggested that coffee consumption may be associated with an elevated risk for dyslipidemia and CVDs. So a reasonable habit of coffee consumption (<3 cups/d) is essential for the prevention of dyslipidemia.

Prognostic value of plasma HMGB1 in ischemic stroke patients with cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury after intravenous thrombolysis.

BACKGROUND: To investigate the value of plasma high mobility group box protein 1 (HMGB1) in evaluating the prognosis of cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury (CIRI) in ischemic stroke patients. METHODS: 132 ischemic stroke patients were recruited. Before and after thrombolytic therapy at 2 h, 6 h, 12 h, 24 h, and 36 h, the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) were recorded. The Modified Rankin scale (mRS) was used to assess the prognosis at 3 months. RESULTS: The NIHSS score, GCS score and plasma HMGB1 level peaked at 6 h after thrombolytic therapy, and plasma HMGB1 level was positively correlated with infarct volume and NIHSS score, and negatively correlated with GCS score. Plasma HMGB1 level at 6 h had the highest value in identifying patients with poor unfavorable functional outcome after 3 months, with a sensitivity of 86.8% and a specificity of 74.0%. Logistic regression results showed that plasma HMGB1 had a strong association with unfavorable functional outcome [odds ratio (OR) =1.621, P<0.001]. After adjusting for infarct volume and NIHSS score did not attenuate the association (OR=1.381, P=0.005). Finally, we found that plasma HMGB1 at 6 h had the highest value in identifying patients with non-survival after 3 months (χ2=28.655, P<0.001). Logistic regression results showed that plasma HMGB1 had a strong association with non-survival (OR=2.315, P<0.001). After adjusting for infarct volume and NIHSS score did not attenuate the association (OR=2.013, P<0.001). CONCLUSION: Plasma HMGB1 exerts a good predictive value for CIRI in ischemic stroke patients, and its increased expression is correlated with worse prognosis.