Ultra-processed food consumption and metabolic disease risk: an umbrella review of systematic reviews with meta-analyses of observational studies.

Background and aims: There is an ongoing debate on whether to advocate reducing ultra-processed food (UPF) in dietary guidelines to control metabolic disease (such as obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus [T2DM]). We aimed to summarize the evidence from systematic reviews with meta-analyses between UPF consumption and metabolic diseases risk, assess the credibility, and verify the robustness of these associations. Methods: We systematically searched PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases from their inception to July 15, 2023, to identify relevant systematic reviews with meta-analyses. We used the random-effects model to evaluate the summary effect size, along with 95% confidence interval and prediction interval. We also assessed heterogeneity, evidence of small-study effects and excess significance bias, and categorized the credibility of each association based on quantitative umbrella review criteria. Additionally, we conducted subgroup and sensitivity analyses to assess the robustness of associations based on continents, study design, dietary assessment methods, definition methods of UPF, population, and units of UPF consumption. Results: Overall, 6 systematic reviews with 13 meta-analyses were included. Three (23.08%) meta-analyses were classified as highly suggestive evidence for meeting the criteria that associations were significant at p < 10-6, had more than 1,000 cases, and presented the largest study with significance at p < 0.05. Among them, the highest UPF consumption quantile was associated with an increased risk of obesity (OR = 1.55, 95% CI: 1.36-1.77) when compared with the lowest UPF consumption quantile. The highest UPF consumption quantile was associated with an increased risk of T2DM (RR = 1.40, 95% CI: 1.23-1.59) when compared with the lowest UPF consumption quantile, and a 10% increase in UPF consumption (% g/d) was associated with an increased risk of T2DM (RR = 1.12, 95% CI: 1.10-1.13). Meanwhile, the robustness of these associations was verified by a series of subgroup and sensitivity analyses. Conclusion: UPF consumption may be a risk factor for several metabolic diseases. However, well-designed studies are still needed to verify our findings in the future.

The antitumor effect of cisplatin chemotherapy promoted by Taohong Siwu Decoction on mice with lung adenocarcinoma / 中国药理学通报

Aim To study the antitumor effect of cispl-atin ( DDP) chemotherapy promoted by Taohong Siwu Decoction (TSD) on mice with lung adenocarcinoma mice. Methods Lewis lung carcinoma cell line was used to make homologous lung adenocarcinoma trans¬plantation mouse model. Normal control, Model, TSD, DDP, TSD + DDP groups were set up. The change of transplanted tumor volume after administration was observed, the weight of transplanted tumor was weighed, the expression of Ki67 in transplanted tumor tissue was detected by immunohistochemistry, TUNEL was detected by fluorescence staining, Bcl-2, Bax, cleaved Caspase-3 and cleaved Caspase-9 were detected by immunoblotting, and the content of D-dirtier in plasma was measured by ELISA. Results DDP plus TSD significantly inhibited the growth of transplanted tumor. Ki67 expression in tumor tissue was lower than that in DDP group (28. 3% ±3. 1% vs 40. 3% ±2.1% ). The combined use of TSD and DDP significantly promoted the apoptosis level of transplanted tumor. The positive rate of TUNEL was significantly higher than that of DDP group (41. 0% ±3.0% vs 30.7% ± 4.5%). Bax, cleaved Caspase-3 and cleaved Caspase-9 expressions in tumor tissue were also higher than those of DDP group, while the expression of Bcl-2 was significantly lower than that of DDP group. Moreover, we found a significant interaction between TSD and DDP on the expression of four apoptotic proteins ( P < 0.05 ) . The plasma D-dimer content in TSD + DDP group was significantly lower than that in DDP group (188. 50 ± 28. 46 vs 269.80 ± 35.92) μg • L

Value of High-Frequency Ultrasound in the Diagnosis of Pronator Teres Syndrome / 中国医学科学院学报

Objective To investigate the clinical value of high-frequency ultrasound in the diagnosis of pronator teres syndrome (PTS). Methods The high-frequency ultrasound was employed to examine and measure the median nerve of the pronator teres muscle in 30 patients with PTS and 30 healthy volunteers (control group).The long-axis diameter (LA),short-axis diameter (SA) and cross-sectional area (CSA) of the median nerve were measured.The receiver operating characteristic curve of the median nerve ultrasonic measurement results was established,and the area under the curve (AUC) was calculated.The diagnostic efficiency of each index for PTS was compared with the surgical results as a reference. Results The PTS group showed larger LA[(5.02±0.50) mm vs.(3.89±0.41) mm;t=4.38,P=0.013],SA[(2.55±0.46) mm vs.(1.70±0.41) mm;t=5.19,P=0.009],and CSA[(11.13±3.72) mm2 vs.(6.88±2.68) mm2;t=8.42,P=0.008] of the median nerve than the control group.The AUC of CSA,SA,and LA was 94.3% (95%CI=0.912-0.972,Z=3.586,P=0.001),77.7% (95%CI=0.734-0.815,Z=2.855, P=0.006),and 78.8% (95%CI=0.752-0.821,Z=3.091,P=0.004),respectively.With 8.63 mm2 as the cutoff value,the sensitivity and specificity of CSA in diagnosing PTS were 93.3% and 90.0%,respectively. Conclusion High-frequency ultrasound is a practical method for diagnosing PTS,and the CSA of median nerve has a high diagnostic value.

[Fibroblast growth factor 21 plays a protective role in cardiovascular diseases by inducing autophagy].

Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) is a growth factor with endocrine function in the fibroblast growth factor family. Previous reports have shown that FGF21 is involved in the regulation of energy metabolism and plays a protective role in cardiovascular diseases such as coronary heart disease, diabetes, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and so on. Recent studies have found that FGF21 can induce autophagy in a variety of tissues and organs, and autophagy is involved in many pathological processes of cardiovascular diseases, including vascular calcification, atherosclerosis, and myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury. Therefore, FGF21 may play a protective role in a variety of cardiovascular diseases by regulating autophagy. This article reviews the research progress on the protective role of FGF21 in cardiovascular diseases by inducing autophagy.

Research progress on ATP citrate lyase (ACLY) inhibitors for decreasing blood lipids / 药学学报

Cardiovascular disease is a principal cause of morbidity and death in the world. Although drug therapy has made great progress in the past few decades, there are still many deficiencies in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease. Dyslipidemia is still a common risk feature and is not sufficiently controlled. A growing body of evidence suggests that the occurrence and development of cardiovascular disease is associated with many associated risk factors, such as higher low-density lipoprotein levels, lower high-density lipoprotein levels and high triglyceride levels. A number of clinical trials in patients with dyslipidemia have shown that actively decreasing low density lipoprotein cholesterol can significantly decrease cardiovascular events. ATP citrate lyase (ACLY) is a cytoplasmic homo-tetrameric enzyme. In the presence of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), ACLY catalyzes the conversion of citric acid and coenzyme A to acetyl-CoA and oxalyl acetate. ACLY is the main enzyme for the production of cytoplasmic acetyl-CoA, and cytoplasmic acetyl-CoA is the precursor required for de novo synthesis of cholesterol and fatty acids. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the production of acetyl-CoA and reduce the levels of cholesterol and triglycerides by inhibiting ACLY. ACLY can be used as a molecular target for reducing blood lipids, and there are an increasing number of studies on ACLY inhibitors. In this paper, the structure and mechanism of ACLY and its relationship with lipid metabolism are briefly introduced, and we review some current ACLY inhibitors.

Protection Effect of Exogenous Fibroblast Growth Factor 21 on the Kidney Injury in Vascular Calcification Rats.

BACKGROUND: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is closely related to the cardiovascular events in vascular calcification (VC). However, little has known about the characteristics of kidney injury caused by VC. Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) is an endocrine factor, which takes part in various metabolic actions with the potential to alleviate metabolic disorder diseases. Even FGF21 has been regarded as a biomarker in CKD, the role of FGF21 in CKD remains unclear. Therefore, in this study, we evaluate the FGF21 on the kidney injury in VC rats. METHODS: The male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into three groups: (1) control group, (2) Vitamin D3 plus nicotine (VDN)-induced VC group, (3) FGF21-treated VDN group. After 4 weeks, the rats were killed and the blood was collected for serum creatinine, urea nitrogen, calcium, and phosphate measurement. Moreover, the renal tissues were homogenized for alkaline phosphatases (ALPs) activity and calcium content. The levels of FGF21 protein were measured by radioimmunoassay. The levels of ß-Klotho and FGF receptor 1 (FGFR1) protein were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The structural damage and calcifications in aortas were stained by Alizarin-red S. Moreover, the structure of kidney was observed by hematoxylin and eosin staining. RESULTS: The renal function impairment caused by VDN modeling was ameliorated by FGF21 treatment, inhibited the elevated serum creatinine and urea level by 20.5% (34.750 ± 4.334 µmol/L vs. 27.630 ± 2.387 µmol/L) and 4.0% (7.038 ± 0.590 mmol/L vs. 6.763 ± 0.374 mmol/L; P < 0.01), respectively, together with the structural damages of glomerular atrophy and renal interstitial fibrosis. FGF21 treatment downregulated the ALP activity, calcium content in the kidney of VC rats by 42.1% (P < 0.01) and 11.7% (P < 0.05) as well as ameliorated the aortic injury and calcification as compared with VDN treatment alone group, indicating an ameliorative effect on VC. ELISA assays showed that the expression of ß-Klotho, a component of FGF21 receptor system, was increased in VDN-treated VC rats by 37.4% (6.588 ± 0.957 pg/mg vs. 9.054 ± 0.963 pg/mg; P < 0.01), indicating an FGF21-resistant state. Moreover, FGF21 treatment downregulated the level of ß-Klotho in renal tissue by 16.7% (9.054 ± 0.963 pg/mg vs. 7.544 ± 1.362 pg/mg; P < 0.05). However, the level of FGFR1, the receptor of FGF21, kept unchanged under VDN and VDN plus FGF21 administration (0.191 ± 0.0376 ng/mg vs. 0.189 ± 0.032 ng/mg vs. 0.181 ± 0.034 ng/mg; P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In the present study, FGF21 was observed to ameliorate the kidney injury in VDN-induced VC rats. FGF21 might be a potential therapeutic factor in CKD by cutting off the vicious circle between VC and kidney injury.

Application of miR-182 for Determination of Glucocorticoid-Resistant Patients with Lymphoid Malignancy / 中国实验血液学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To validate the clinical relationship between miR-182 and glucocorticoid-resistance in patients with lymphoid malignancy.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Real-time quantitative PCR(qRT-PCR) was employed to detect the expression of miR-182 in lymphoma patients (68 cases, the specimens indluded bone marrow of 20 cases, and plasma of 48 cases), multiple myeloma patients (24 cases, the specimens included bone marrow of 14 cases and plasma of 10 cases), ALL patients (3 cases, specimen was plasma of 3 cases) and non-lymphotic system disorder patients (18 cases, specimens included bone marrow of 8 cases and plasma of 10 cases).</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The expression of miR-182 in refractory lymphoblastic tumor patients was significantly higher than that in initial treatment group (P<0.05); the expression of miR-182 in initial treatment patients was not significantly different from the controls. The expression level of miR-182 in plasma of lymphoid malignancy patient significantly correlated with their used dosage of corticosteroids (P<0.05). When the expression level of miR-182 in bone marrow cells was 10.09, its sensitivity and specificity for diagnosis were 100% and 88.2% respectively; when the expression level of miR-182 in plasma was 1.393, its sensitivity and specificity for diagnosis of glucocorticoid resistance of lymphoblastic tumor cells were 90.9% and 51.3% respectively.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The expression of miR-182 in lymphoblastic tumor with glucocorticoid resistance is significantly up-regulated, suggesting that the glucocorticoid resistance of lymphoblastic tumor is related with the over-expression of miR-182. The miR-182 is expected as a new biomarker for the diagnosis of glucocorticoid resistant lymphoblastic tumor.</p>

Study on antibody response to revaccination of hepatitis B vaccine among firstly low-response adults / 中华预防医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate and compare the antibody to hepatitis B virus (HBV) surface antigen (anti-HBs) response and the influent factors of revaccination of 4 kinds of hepatitis B vaccine (HepB) among firstly low-response adults.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 11 590 adults who were 18 - 49 years old, never received HepB vaccination, without HBV infection history, HBs-Ag negative, and had been living at 3 towns of Zhangqiu county in Shandong province Ji'nan city for more than half a year, were selected in the study in July, 2009. Self-designed questionnaire was used to select the basic information of the subjects. The subjects were divided into 4 groups by cluster sampling, and were vaccinated according to the "0-1-6" immune procedure with 10 µg HepB made by recombinant deoxyribonucleic acid techniques in Saccharomyces Cerevisiae (HepB-SC), 10 µg HepB made by recombinant deoxyribonucleic acid techniques in Hansenula Polymorpha (HepB-HP), 20 µg HepB-SC and 20 µg HepB made by recombinant deoxyribonucleic acid techniques in Chinese hamster ovary cell (HepB-CHO), 3 doses respectively. The adults who were low-response to the primary hepatitis B vaccination (10 mU/ml ≤ anti-HBs < 100 mU/ml) were divided into four groups by cluster sampling. These groups were revaccinated with one-dose of above-mentioned four kinds of HepB respectively. Blood samples were drawn from each person one month after the revaccination. Anti-HBs was detected by chemiluminescence microparticle immunoassay and compared by the vaccine type. The influence factors about antibody response were also analyzed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Out of the 11 590 subjects, 8592 adults had accepted the primary vaccination of hepatitis B and been collected the blood samples; among whom, 1306 subjects showed low-response, at the rate of 15.20%. A total of 1034 low-response subjects accepted secondary strengthened vaccination and were collected blood samples; 55.13% of them showed anti-HBs seroconversion (anti-HBs ≥ 100 mU/ml); while the seroconversion rate in each group was 44.54% (106/238) in 10 µg HepB-SC group, 57.14% (156/273) in 10 µg HepB-HP group, 56.08% (143/255) in 20 µg HepB-SC group and 61.57% (165/268) in 20 µg HepB-CHO group, respectively. There was significant difference among the groups (χ² = 17.14, P < 0.01). The rates of anti-HBs seroconversion were significantly higher in 10 µg HepB-HP and 20 µg HepB-CHO groups than it in 10 µg HepB-SC group (χ² were 8.09 and 14.70 respectively, P < 0.01). The geometric mean concentration (GMC) of anti-HBs was 178.24 mU/ml among the low-responders after one dose of revaccination. The GMC was 109.77, 243.50, 144.98 and 242.83 mU/ml in 10 µg HepB-SC group, 10 µg HepB-HP group, 20 µg HepB-SC group and 20 µg HepB-CHO group, respectively. There was significant difference among groups (F = 9.52, P < 0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Anti-HBs response could be strengthened effectively after one-dose of HepB revaccination among the low-response adults. Many factors like the vaccine types could effect the immune effects to HepB. A better response could be achieved if the 20 µg HepB-CHO or 10 µg HepB-HP was used for revaccination.</p>