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Fan Q, Wen S, Zhang Y, Feng X, Zheng W, Liang X, Lin Y, Zhao S, Xie K, Jiang H, Tang H, Zeng X, Guo Y, Wang F, Yang X. Assessment of circulating proteins in thyroid cancer: Proteome-wide Mendelian randomization and colocalization analysis. iScience 2024; 27:109961. [PMID: 38947504 PMCID: PMC11214373 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2024] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024] Open
Abstract
The causality between circulating proteins and thyroid cancer (TC) remains unclear. We employed five large-scale circulating proteomic genome-wide association studies (GWASs) with up to 100,000 participants and a TC meta-GWAS (nCase = 3,418, nControl = 292,703) to conduct proteome-wide Mendelian randomization (MR) and Bayesian colocalization analysis. Protein and gene expressions were validated in thyroid tissue. Through MR analysis, we identified 26 circulating proteins with a putative causal relationship with TCs, among which NANS protein passed multiple corrections (P BH = 3.28e-5, 0.05/1,525). These proteins were involved in amino acids and organic acid synthesis pathways. Colocalization analysis further identified six proteins associated with TCs (VCAM1, LGMN, NPTX1, PLEKHA7, TNFAIP3, and BMP1). Tissue validation confirmed BMP1, LGMN, and PLEKHA7's differential expression between normal and TC tissues. We found limited evidence for linking circulating proteins and the risk of TCs. Our study highlighted the contribution of proteins, particularly those involved in amino acid metabolism, to TCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinghua Fan
- The School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530000, Guangxi, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory on Precise Prevention and Treatment for Thyroid Tumor, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangxi University of Science and Technology, Liuzhou 545000, Guangxi, China
| | - Shifeng Wen
- The School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530000, Guangxi, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory on Precise Prevention and Treatment for Thyroid Tumor, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangxi University of Science and Technology, Liuzhou 545000, Guangxi, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450000, Henan, China
| | - Xiuming Feng
- The School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530000, Guangxi, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory on Precise Prevention and Treatment for Thyroid Tumor, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangxi University of Science and Technology, Liuzhou 545000, Guangxi, China
| | - Wanting Zheng
- The School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530000, Guangxi, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory on Precise Prevention and Treatment for Thyroid Tumor, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangxi University of Science and Technology, Liuzhou 545000, Guangxi, China
| | - Xiaolin Liang
- The School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530000, Guangxi, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory on Precise Prevention and Treatment for Thyroid Tumor, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangxi University of Science and Technology, Liuzhou 545000, Guangxi, China
| | - Yutong Lin
- The School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530000, Guangxi, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory on Precise Prevention and Treatment for Thyroid Tumor, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangxi University of Science and Technology, Liuzhou 545000, Guangxi, China
| | - Shimei Zhao
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi University of Science and Technology, Liuzhou 545000, Guangxi, China
| | - Kaisheng Xie
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi University of Science and Technology, Liuzhou 545000, Guangxi, China
| | - Hancheng Jiang
- Liuzhou Workers' Hospital, Liuzhou 545000, Guangxi, China
| | - Haifeng Tang
- The Second People’s Hospital of Yulin, Yulin 537000, Guangxi, China
| | - Xiangtai Zeng
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, Jiangxi, China
| | - You Guo
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, Jiangxi, China
| | - Fei Wang
- The School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530000, Guangxi, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory on Precise Prevention and Treatment for Thyroid Tumor, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangxi University of Science and Technology, Liuzhou 545000, Guangxi, China
| | - Xiaobo Yang
- The School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530000, Guangxi, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory on Precise Prevention and Treatment for Thyroid Tumor, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangxi University of Science and Technology, Liuzhou 545000, Guangxi, China
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Hou Q, Lin J, Xue X, Zhang Y, Qiu Z, Zhang H, Li J, Wang H, Zhang S, Yao Z, Li X, Wang F, Gu A, Liu Y. Sex and age disparities in multi-metal mixture exposure and cognitive impairment in urban elderly individuals: The mediation effect and biological function of metabolites. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 925:171736. [PMID: 38494026 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2024] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Studies on the relationships between metal mixtures exposure and cognitive impairment in elderly individuals are limited, particularly the mechanism with metabolite. Few studies are available on the potential sex and age specific associations between metal exposure, metabolites and cognitive impairment. We examined plasma metal and blood metabolite concentrations among 1068 urban elderly participants. Statistical analysis included a battery of variable selection approaches, logistic regression for metal/metabolite associations, and Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) to identify mixed effects of metals/metabolites on cognitive impairment risk. Our results showed that As was positively associated with cognitive impairment in the female (OR 95 % CI = 2.21 (1.36, 3.57)) and 60- to 70-year-old (OR 95 % CI = 2.60 (1.54, 4.41)) groups, Cr was positively associated with cognitive impairment in the male (OR 95 % CI = 2.15 (1.27, 3.63)) and 60- to 70-year-old (OR 95 % CI = 2.10 (1.24, 3.57)) groups, and Zn was negatively associated with cognitive impairment, especially in the female (OR 95 % CI = 0.46 (0.25, 0.84)), 60- to 70-year-old (OR 95 % CI =0.24 (0.12, 0.45)) and ≥ 80-year-old (OR 95 % CI = 0.19 (0.04, 0.86)) groups. Positive associations were observed between combined metals (Cr, Cu and As) and cognitive impairment, but Zn alleviated this tendency, especially in elderly individuals aged ≥80 years. Negative associations were observed between metabolites and cognitive impairment, especially in male, female and 60-70 years old groups. The mediation effects of metabolites on the association between metal exposure and cognitive impairment were observed, and the percentages of these effects were 15.60 % (Glu-Cr), 23.00 % (C5:1-Cu) and 16.36 % (Glu-Zn). Cr, Cu, and Zn could increase cognitive impairment risk through the "Malate-Aspartate Shuttle", "Glucose-Alanine Cycle", etc., pathways. Overall, we hypothesize that metabolites have mediation effects on the relationship between multi-metal exposure and cognitive impairment and that there are sex and age differences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingzhi Hou
- School of public health and management, Shandong First Medical University, Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, No.6699 Qingdao Road, Huaiyin District, Jinan 250117, PR China.
| | - Jiujing Lin
- School of public health and management, Shandong First Medical University, Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, No.6699 Qingdao Road, Huaiyin District, Jinan 250117, PR China
| | - Xiangsheng Xue
- School of public health and management, Shandong First Medical University, Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, No.6699 Qingdao Road, Huaiyin District, Jinan 250117, PR China
| | - Yuchen Zhang
- School of public health and management, Shandong First Medical University, Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, No.6699 Qingdao Road, Huaiyin District, Jinan 250117, PR China
| | - Zhanhui Qiu
- School of public health and management, Shandong First Medical University, Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, No.6699 Qingdao Road, Huaiyin District, Jinan 250117, PR China
| | - Haoran Zhang
- School of public health and management, Shandong First Medical University, Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, No.6699 Qingdao Road, Huaiyin District, Jinan 250117, PR China
| | - Jia Li
- School of public health and management, Shandong First Medical University, Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, No.6699 Qingdao Road, Huaiyin District, Jinan 250117, PR China
| | - Harry Wang
- School of Health Sciences, University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, Newcastle, Australia
| | - Shuping Zhang
- Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center, Shandong First Medical University, Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, No.6699 Qingdao Road, Huaiyin District, Jinan 250117, PR China
| | - Zhigang Yao
- Department of Pathology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, No. 324 Fifth Ring Road and the Seventh Ring Road, Jinan, PR China
| | - Xiaomei Li
- School of public health and management, Shandong First Medical University, Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, No.6699 Qingdao Road, Huaiyin District, Jinan 250117, PR China
| | - Fei Wang
- School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, No. 22 Shuangyong Road, Qingxiu District, Nanning 530021, PR China
| | - Aihua Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, No101 Longmian Avenue, Jiangning District, Nanjing 211166, PR China.
| | - Yajun Liu
- Beijing Jishuitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, No. 31 Xinjiekou East Road, Xicheng District, Beijing 100035, PR China; Beijing Research Institute of Traumatology and Orthopaedics, No. 31 Xinjiekou East Road, Xicheng District, Beijing 100035, PR China.
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Zuo C, Liu Y, Wang Y, Wang Z, Ma H, Wang F, Qiao Y. Underlying effect of SMAD4 gene polymorphism on risk prediction of papillary thyroid carcinoma in Chinese population. Heliyon 2024; 10:e28824. [PMID: 38596142 PMCID: PMC11002234 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e28824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective This research intends to explore how variations in the SMAD4 gene impact papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) among patients in China. Methods The rs10502913 and rs12968012 polymorphisms were genotyped in 405 subjects using SNP-scan high-throughput technology. Differential mRNA expression of SMAD4 was analyzed using data from TCGA and GSE33630, and protein level expression differences were analyzed using immunohistochemistry. Results The results showed that SMAD4 mRNA expression was lower in thyroid cancer (THCA) tissues than in normal tissues. Immunohistochemical results showed that the expression level of SMAD4 in normal tissue, thyroid papillary carcinoma tissue and poorly differentiated tissue was significantly different. We found that SMAD4 mismatch variants (rs10502913 and rs12968012) were associated with PTC susceptibility. Specifically, the SMAD4-rs10502913 genotypes (GA and AA) showed a notable correlation with a lower likelihood of PTC in comprehensive and segmented studies (genotype GA: OR (95% CI) = 0.270 (0.077-0.950), p = 0.041; genotype AA: OR (95% CI) = 0.103 (0.025-0.416), p = 0.001). We categorized the immunohistochemical results according to genotype and found that rs10502913-GG protein level was expressed at the lowest level, and both GA and AA were higher than GG (GG vs. AA, P < 0.05), and rs12968012-CG protein level was expressed at the lowest level, and both GG and CC were higher than CG (GG vs. CG, P < 0.01). Conclusion Two missense variants of SMAD4 (rs10502913 and rs12968012) are associated with reduced risk of papillary thyroid carcinoma, possibly by reducing protein expression leading to susceptibility to papillary thyroid carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Zuo
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi, China
| | - Yi Liu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi, China
| | - Yu Wang
- Department of Geriatrics, Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi, China
| | - Ziqiang Wang
- Research Center of Clinical Laboratory Science, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu Anhui, China
| | - Hongyu Ma
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui China
| | - Feng Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi, China
| | - Yongchao Qiao
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi, China
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Zhang Y, Lindström S, Kraft P, Liu Y. Genetic Risk, Health-Associated Lifestyle, and Risk of Early-onset Total Cancer and Breast Cancer. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2024:2024.04.04.24305361. [PMID: 38633776 PMCID: PMC11023660 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.04.24305361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
Importance Early-onset cancer (diagnosed under 50 years of age) is associated with aggressive disease characteristics and its rising incidence is a global concern. The association between healthy lifestyle and early-onset cancer and whether it varies by common genetic variants is unknown. Objective To examine the associations between genetic risk, lifestyle, and risk of early-onset cancers. Design Setting and Participants We analyzed a prospective cohort of 66,308 white British participants who were under age 50 and free of cancer at baseline in the UK Biobank. Exposures Sex-specific composite total cancer polygenic risk scores (PRSs), a breast cancer-specific PRS, and sex-specific health-associated lifestyle scores (HLSs, which summarize smoking status, body mass index [males only], physical activity, alcohol consumption, and diet). Main Outcomes and Measures Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for early-onset total and breast cancer. Results A total of 1,247 incident invasive early-onset cancer cases (female: 820, male: 427, breast: 386) were documented. In multivariable-adjusted analyses with 2-year latency, higher genetic risk (highest vs. lowest tertile of PRS) was associated with significantly increased risks of early-onset total cancer in females (HR, 95% CI: 1.85, 1.50-2.29) and males (1.94, 1.45-2.59) as well as early-onset breast cancer in females (3.06, 2.20-4.25). An unfavorable lifestyle (highest vs. lowest category of HLS) was associated with higher risk of total cancer and breast cancer in females across genetic risk categories; the association with total cancer was stronger in the highest genetic risk category than the lowest: HRs in females and men were 1.85 (1.02, 3.36), 3.27 (0.78, 13.72) in the highest genetic risk category and 1.15 (0.44, 2.98), 1.16 (0.39, 3.40) in the lowest. Conclusions and Relevance Both genetic and lifestyle factors were independently associated with early-onset total and breast cancer risk. Compared to those with low genetic risk, individuals with a high genetic risk may benefit more from adopting a healthy lifestyle in preventing early-onset cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yin Zhang
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sara Lindström
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Public Health Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Peter Kraft
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, MD, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Yuxi Liu
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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Guo M, Sun Y, Wei Y, Xu J, Zhang C. Advances in targeted therapy and biomarker research in thyroid cancer. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 15:1372553. [PMID: 38501105 PMCID: PMC10944873 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1372553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Driven by the intricacy of the illness and the need for individualized treatments, targeted therapy and biomarker research in thyroid cancer represent an important frontier in oncology. The variety of genetic changes associated with thyroid cancer demand more investigation to elucidate molecular details. This research is clinically significant since it can be used to develop customized treatment plans. A more focused approach is provided by targeted therapies, which target certain molecular targets such as mutant BRAF or RET proteins. This strategy minimizes collateral harm to healthy tissues and may also reduce adverse effects. Simultaneously, patient categorization based on molecular profiles is made possible by biomarker exploration, which allows for customized therapy regimens and maximizes therapeutic results. The benefits of targeted therapy and biomarker research go beyond their immediate clinical impact to encompass the whole cancer landscape. Comprehending the genetic underpinnings of thyroid cancer facilitates the creation of novel treatments that specifically target aberrant molecules. This advances the treatment of thyroid cancer and advances precision medicine, paving the way for the treatment of other cancers. Taken simply, more study on thyroid cancer is promising for better patient care. The concepts discovered during this investigation have the potential to completely transform the way that care is provided, bringing in a new era of personalized, precision medicine. This paradigm shift could improve the prognosis and quality of life for individuals with thyroid cancer and act as an inspiration for advances in other cancer types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei Guo
- School of Nursing, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Yuqi Sun
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Yuyao Wei
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Jianxin Xu
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Chun Zhang
- Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
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Zeng L, Wu Z, Yang J, Zhou Y, Chen R. Association of genetic risk and lifestyle with pancreatic cancer and their age dependency: a large prospective cohort study in the UK Biobank. BMC Med 2023; 21:489. [PMID: 38066552 PMCID: PMC10709905 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-023-03202-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pancreatic cancer (PC) is influenced by both genetic and lifestyle factors. However, further research is still needed to comprehensively clarify the relationships among lifestyle, genetic factors, their combined effect on PC, and how these associations might be age-dependent. METHODS We included 340,631 participants from the UK Biobank. Three polygenic risk score (PRS) models for PC were applied, which were derived from the previous study and were categorized as low, intermediate, and high. Two healthy lifestyle scores (HLSs) were constructed using 9 lifestyle factors based on the World Cancer Research Fund/American Institute of Cancer Research (WCRF/AICR) lifestyle score and the American Cancer Society (ACS) guidelines and were categorized as unfavorable, intermediate, and favorable. Data were analyzed using Cox proportional hazards models. RESULTS There were 1,129 cases of incident PC during a median follow-up of 13.05 years. Higher PRS was significantly associated with an increased risk of PC (hazard ratio [HR], 1.58; 95% confidence intervals [CI], 1.47-1.71). Adhering to a favorable lifestyle was associated with a lower risk (HR, 0.48; 95% CI, 0.41-0.56). Participants with an unfavorable lifestyle and a high PRS had the highest risk of PC (HR, 2.84; 95% CI, 2.22-3.62). Additionally, when stratified by age, a favorable lifestyle was most pronounced associated with a lower risk of PC among participants aged ≤ 60 years (HR, 0.35; 95% CI, 0.23-0.54). However, the absolute risk reduction was more pronounced among those aged > 70 years (ARR, 0.19%, 95% CI, 0.13%-0.26%). A high PRS was more strongly associated with PC among participants aged ≤ 60 years (HR, 1.89; 95% CI, 1.30-2.73). Furthermore, we observed a significant multiplicative interaction and several significant additive interactions. CONCLUSIONS A healthy lifestyle was associated with a lower risk of PC, regardless of the participants' age, sex, or genetic risk. Importantly, our findings indicated the age-dependent association of lifestyle and genetic factors with PC, emphasizing the importance of early adoption for effective prevention and potentially providing invaluable guidance for setting the optimal age to start preventive measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liangtang Zeng
- School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Zhuo Wu
- School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Jiabin Yang
- School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Yu Zhou
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China.
| | - Rufu Chen
- School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China.
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Department of General Surgery, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital (Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences), Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China.
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Crudele L, Novielli F, De Matteis C, Petruzzelli S, Suppressa P, Berardi E, Antonica G, Piazzolla G, Sabbà C, Graziano G, Moschetta A. Thyroid nodule malignancy is associated with increased non-invasive hepatic fibrosis scores in metabolic subjects. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1233083. [PMID: 37965446 PMCID: PMC10641401 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1233083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Thyroid cancer incidence is increasing, and adiposity-related conditions are gaining space in its pathogenesis. In this study, we aimed to detect any anthropometric, biohumoral, and clinical features that might be associated with thyroid nodule malignancy, potentially representing novel non-invasive markers of thyroid cancer. Materials and methods The study was conducted in a group of 142 consecutive outpatients (47 men and 95 women) who underwent fine-needle aspiration biopsy/cytology (FNAB/C) due to suspicion of malignancy from January 2018 to September 2022. We compared lipid and glycemic blood profiles as well as non-invasive liver fibrosis indexes such as aspartate aminotransferase (AST) to alanine aminotransferase (ALT) ratio (AAR), AST to platelet ratio index (APRI), and fibrosis index based on four factors (FIB-4) between patients with benign and malignant newly diagnosed nodules. Then, we performed receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis to assess their best cutoff values for discrimination of malignant nodules and chi-squared test to evaluate the association of specific dysmetabolic conditions with malignancy. To understand whether and to what degree dysmetabolic conditions increased the risk of thyroid nodule malignancy, we also calculated the odds ratio (OR) of the main biomarkers. Results After FNAB/C, 121 (85%) patients were diagnosed with benign thyroid nodules, while 21 (15%) individuals were diagnosed with thyroid cancer. Comparing patients with benign and malignant nodules, we found that individuals with thyroid cancer exhibited increased body mass index (BMI) (p = 0.048) and fasting plasma glucose (p = 0.046). Intriguingly, considering non-invasive scores for liver fibrosis, subjects with thyroid cancer presented increased AAR (p < 0.001) and APRI (p = 0.007), and these scores were associated with malignancy (p < 0.005) with OR = 7.1 and OR = 5, respectively. Moreover, we showed that only in the cancer group, low levels of vitamin D correlated with stigmata of impaired metabolism. Discussion In our study, AAR and APRI scores were associated with thyroid nodule malignancy and could be used to predict it and to speed up the diagnostic process. From a pathogenic point of view, we speculated that metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) along with hyperglycemia and vitamin D deficiency may represent putative drivers of thyroid carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucilla Crudele
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, Bari, Italy
| | - Fabio Novielli
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, Bari, Italy
| | - Carlo De Matteis
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, Bari, Italy
| | - Stefano Petruzzelli
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, Bari, Italy
| | - Patrizia Suppressa
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, Bari, Italy
| | - Elsa Berardi
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, Bari, Italy
| | - Gianfranco Antonica
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, Bari, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Piazzolla
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, Bari, Italy
| | - Carlo Sabbà
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, Bari, Italy
| | - Giusi Graziano
- Center for Outcomes Research and Clinical Epidemiology (CORESEARCH), Pescara, Italy
| | - Antonio Moschetta
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, Bari, Italy
- IINBB National Institute for Biostructure and Biosystems, Roma, Italy
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Li Y, Zhan Y, Mao W, Wang B, Dong P, Na R. Interaction between Genetic Risks and Socioeconomic Factors on Thyroid Cancer: Evidence from 0.5 Million UK Biobank Participants. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:5028. [PMID: 37894396 PMCID: PMC10605197 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15205028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is a research gap between genetic predisposition, socioeconomic factors, and their interactions on thyroid tumorigenesis. METHODS Individual and genetic data were obtained from UK Biobank. Logistic regression models were used to evaluate the association between genetic risk, socioeconomic factors, and thyroid cancer (TCa). A stratified analysis was conducted to estimate their joint effects. A two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was further used to examine the potential causality. RESULTS A total of 502,394 participants were included in this study. Three index loci (rs4449583, rs7726159, and rs7725218) of telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) were found to be significantly related to incident TCa. Association analyses showed that high genetic risk, low household income, and high education level were independent risk factors, while unemployment and frequent social connection were suggestive risk factors for TCa. Interaction analyses showed that in participants with low genetic risk, low household income was significantly associated with TCa (odds ratio [OR] = 1.56, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.00-2.46). In participants with high genetic risk, those with a high education level (OR = 1.32, 95%CI: 1.06-1.65) and frequent social connection (OR = 1.36, 95%CI: 1.02-1.81) had a significantly increased risk of TCa. However, no causal relationship was observed in the MR analysis. CONCLUSION Interactions exist between genetic risk, household income, education level, and social connection and thyroid cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Li
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, China
| | - Yongle Zhan
- Department of Surgery, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Wei Mao
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, China
| | - Baoxin Wang
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, China
| | - Pin Dong
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, China
| | - Rong Na
- Department of Surgery, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
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Matei M, Vlad MM, Golu I, Dumitru CȘ, De Scisciolo G, Matei SC. Can Routine Laboratory Tests Be Suggestive in Determining Suspicions of Malignancy in the Case of Thyroid Nodules? MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2023; 59:1488. [PMID: 37629778 PMCID: PMC10456539 DOI: 10.3390/medicina59081488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
Background and objectives: Thyroid nodules are a common finding in clinical practice and can be either benign or malignant. The aim of this study was to compare laboratory parameters between patients with malignant thyroid nodules and those with benign thyroid nodules. Materials and methods: A total of 845 patients were included, with 251 in the study group (malignant thyroid nodules) and 594 in the control group (benign thyroid nodules). Results: Our results show that there were statistically significant differences in several laboratory parameters, including FT3, FT4, ESR, fibrinogen, WBC, and lymphocyte percentage, between the two patient groups (p < 0.05). Conclusions: These findings suggest that certain laboratory parameters may be useful in differentiating between benign and malignant thyroid nodules and could aid in the diagnosis and treatment of thyroid cancer. However, further diagnostic tests such as fine-needle aspiration biopsy and imaging studies are typically required for an accurate diagnosis. Routine laboratory tests prove most effective when combined with other diagnostic methods to identify thyroid cancer. Although not conclusive on their own, these tests significantly suggest and guide physicians to suspect malignancy in thyroid nodules. This affirmative answer to our question, "Can routine laboratory tests be suggestive in determining suspicions of malignancy in the case of thyroid nodules?" aligns with the results of our study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mervat Matei
- Department of Doctoral Studies, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timișoara, Eftimie Murgu Sq. no. 2, 300041 Timișoara, Romania;
- Endocrinology Clinic, “Pius Brînzeu” Emergency Clinical Hospital Timișoara, Liviu Rebreanu Boulevard no. 156, 300723 Timișoara, Romania; (M.M.V.); (I.G.)
| | - Mihaela Maria Vlad
- Endocrinology Clinic, “Pius Brînzeu” Emergency Clinical Hospital Timișoara, Liviu Rebreanu Boulevard no. 156, 300723 Timișoara, Romania; (M.M.V.); (I.G.)
- Endocrinology Department, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timișoara, Eftimie Murgu Sq. no. 2, 300041 Timișoara, Romania
| | - Ioana Golu
- Endocrinology Clinic, “Pius Brînzeu” Emergency Clinical Hospital Timișoara, Liviu Rebreanu Boulevard no. 156, 300723 Timișoara, Romania; (M.M.V.); (I.G.)
- Endocrinology Department, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timișoara, Eftimie Murgu Sq. no. 2, 300041 Timișoara, Romania
| | - Cristina Ștefania Dumitru
- Department of Microscopic Morphology/Histology, Angiogenesis Research Center, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Sq. Eftimie Murgu no. 2, 300041 Timișoara, Romania
| | - Graziano De Scisciolo
- Faculty of Medicine, “Victor Babeș” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Timișoara, Eftimie Murgu Sq. no. 2, 300041 Timișoara, Romania;
| | - Sergiu-Ciprian Matei
- Abdominal Surgery and Phlebology Research Center, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Sq. no. 2, 300041 Timișoara, Romania;
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