Int J Med Sci
-
Marfan syndrome (MFS) is a complex connective tissue disease that is primarily characterized by cardiovascular, ocular and skeletal systems disorders. Despite its rarity, MFS severely impacts the quality of life of the patients. It has been shown that molecular genetic factors serve critical roles in the pathogenesis of MFS. ⋯ Mutant FBN1 protein may cause unstableness in elastic structures, thereby perturbing the TGF-β signaling pathway, which regulates several processes in cells. Additionally, DNA methylation of FBN1 and histone acetylation in an MFS mouse model demonstrated that epigenetic factors play a regulatory role in MFS. The purpose of the present review is to provide an up-to-date understanding of MFS-related genes and relevant assessment technologies, with the aim of laying a foundation for the early diagnosis, consultation and treatment of MFS.
-
Cytokine release syndrome (CRS) may be the key factor in the pathology of severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). As a major driver in triggering CRS in patients with COVID-19, interleukin-6 (IL-6) appears to be a promising target for therapeutics. The results of inhibiting both trans- and classical- signaling with marketed IL-6 inhibitors (tocilizumab, siltuximab and sarilumab) in severe COVID-19 patients are effective based on several small studies and case reports thus far. In this review, we described the evidence of the IL-6 response in patients with COVID-19, clarified the pathogenesis of the role of IL-6-mediated CRS in severe COVID-19, and highlighted the rationale for the use of anti-IL-6 agents and key information regarding the potential features of these IL-6 inhibitors in COVID-19 patients.
-
Cervical cancer is one of the fourth most common gynecological malignancies and has been identified as the fourth leading cause of cancer death in women worldwide. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are single-stranded sequences of noncoding RNAs that are approximately 22-24 nucleotides in length. ⋯ Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in miRNA genes may alter miRNA expression and maturation and have been associated with various cancers. This review mainly focuses on the roles of SNPs in miRNA genes in the development of cervical cancer and summarizes the research progress of miRNA SNPs in cervical cancer and their molecular regulation mechanisms.
-
Observational Study
The impact of Aurora kinase A genetic polymorphisms on cervical cancer progression and clinicopathologic characteristics.
The aims of this study were to explore the involvement of Aurora kinase A (AURKA) gene single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in uterine cervical cancer that has not yet been investigated. One hundred and six patients with cervical invasive cancer and 94 patients with precancerous lesions, and 302 Taiwanese female individuals were included. AURKA SNPs rs2273535, rs6024836, rs2064863 and rs1047972 were analyzed for genotypic distributions using real-time polymerase chain reaction. ⋯ There were no associations among AURKA SNPs and clinicopathologcal variables and recurrence and survival events. However, in a multivariate analysis, cervical cancer patients with adenocarcinoma (HR: 3.18, 95% CI: 1.23-8.23; p=0.017) and larger tumor (HR: 5.61, 95% CI: 2.10-14.95; p=0.001) had poorer recurrence-free survival. In conclusion, tumor size and pelvic lymph node status rather than AURKA SNPs were the most obvious independent parameter that could significantly predict 5 years survival rate in Taiwanese women with cervical cancer.
-
Randomized Controlled Trial
Effects of Chlorpheniramine Maleate on Catheter-Related Bladder Discomfort in Patients Undergoing Ureteroscopic Stone Removal: A Randomized Double-Blind Study.
Catheter-related bladder discomfort (CRBD) associated with intraoperative urinary catheterization is a distressing symptom during recovery from anesthesia. Anticholinergics have been used to manage CRBD. Chlorpheniramine maleate (CPM) is a first-generation antihistamine, which also has anticholinergic effects. ⋯ The incidence of moderate CRBD was higher in group C than in group CPM only at 0 h (26.3% vs. 5.3%, р = 0.025). However, fewer patients in the CPM group required rescue tramadol to relieve CRBD after surgery (31.6% vs. 60.5%, р = 0.011). CPM administration before the induction of anesthesia had little effect on the incidence and severity of CRBD after surgery, but it reduced the administration of tramadol required to control CRBD postoperatively.