High serum alanine aminotransferase is associated with the risk of colorectal adenoma in Korean men

Innovative microwave-assisted biosynthesis of copper oxide nanoparticles loaded with platinum(ii) based complex for halting colon cancer: cellular, molecular, and computational investigations

In the current study, we biosynthesized copper oxide NPs (CuO NPs) utilizing the essential oils extracted from Boswellia carterii oleogum resin, which served as a bioreductant and capping agent with the help of microwave energy. Afterwards, the platinum(ii) based anticancer drug, carboplatin (Cr), was loaded onto the CuO NPs, exploiting the electrostatic interactions forming Cr@CuO NPs. The produced biogenic NPs were then characterized using zeta potential (ZP), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), X-ray diffraction spectroscopy (XRD), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) techniques. In addition, the entrapment efficiency and release profile of the loaded Cr were evaluated. Thereafter, SRB assay was performed, where Cr@CuO NPs demonstrated the highest cytotoxic activity against human colon cancer cells (HCT-116) with an IC50 of 5.17 μg mL-1, which was about 1.6 and 2.2 folds more than that of Cr and CuO NPs. Moreover, the greenly synthesized nanoparticles (Cr@CuO NPs) displayed a satisfactory selectivity index (SI = 6.82), which was far better than the free Cr treatment (SI = 2.23). Regarding the apoptosis assay, the advent of Cr@CuO NPs resulted in an immense increase in the cellular population percentage of HCT-116 cells undergoing both early (16.02%) and late apoptosis (35.66%), significantly surpassing free Cr and CuO NPs. A study of HCT-116 cell cycle kinetics revealed the powerful ability of Cr@CuO NPs to trap cells in the Sub-G1 and G2 phases and impede the G2/M transition. RT-qPCR was utilized for molecular investigations of the pro-apoptotic (Bax and p53) and antiapoptotic genes (Bcl-2). The novel Cr@CuO NPs treatment rose above single Cr or CuO NPs therapy in stimulating the p53-Bax mediated mitochondrial apoptosis. The cellular and molecular biology investigations presented substantial proof of the potentiated anticancer activity of Cr@CuO NPs and the extra benefits that could be obtained from their use.

The Relationship Between Colorectal Polyps and Serum Lipid Levels: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Colorectal polyp has been considered as the precancerous lesion of colorectal cancer, to which serum lipid levels are closely related. At present, there is no consensus on the relationship between colorectal polyps and serum lipid levels. We performed a meta-analysis to explore the effects of lipid levels on colorectal polyps. Relevant articles published from 2000 to 2020 were searched in PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases. The mean value and SD of serum lipid indexes and body mass index in colorectal polyps groups and control groups were extracted from the included articles. Combined weighted mean differences (WMDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to assess the effect size of serum lipid levels on colorectal polyps. The publication bias of the included studies were assessed based on the Egger test. Thirty-seven articles containing 19,464 cases and 63,979 controls were included. There were no significant publication bias. The levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in the cases were lower than those in the controls (WMD: -2.589 mg/dL, 95% CI: -3.273, -1.906). While the levels of triglyceride (WMD: 16.933 mg/dL, 95% CI: 13.131, 20.736), total cholesterol (WMD: 5.561 mg/dL, 95% CI: 3.477, 7.645), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (WMD: 3.109 mg/dL, 95% CI: 0.859, 5.359) and body mass index (WMD: 0.747 mg/dL, 95% CI: 0.588, 0.906) were higher in the cases. Colorectal polyps were associated with serum lipid levels and obesity. Hyperlipidemia and obesity may be the risk factors for colorectal polyps.

Low serum pancreatic amylase levels as a novel latent risk factor for colorectal adenoma in non-alcohol drinkers

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Obesity, insulin resistance, and metabolic alterations increase the risk of colorectal cancer and adenoma (CRA). Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) or pancreatic disease (NAFPD) shares many risk factors with CRA that may have significant roles in its development; however, the relationship between CRA and NAFLD/NAFPD remains unclear.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study recruited 712 eligible participants without current drinking who had undergone total colonoscopy as part of a health checkup. These participants were classified into a CRA group (n = 236) and a control group (n = 439), which consisted of individuals without CRA and a history of polyp resection. NAFLD and NAFPD were diagnosed based on abdominal ultrasonography findings.

RESULTS

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease was observed more frequently in individuals with CRA than in the control group (55.9% vs 41.6%, P < 0.01). There was no significant association between NAFPD and CRA; however, serum pancreatic amylase (P-amylase) levels were significantly lower in individuals with CRA. Although NAFLD was one of the factors increasing the presence of CRA (odds ratio [OR], 1.50; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.07-2.10), low P-amylase levels were significantly associated with the presence of CRA (OR, 1.73; 95% CI, 1.04-2.88) independent of age, sex, current smoking, obesity, metabolic alterations including insulin resistance, and NAFLD.

CONCLUSIONS

Low serum P-amylase levels were a possible independent risk factor for CRA in the present study. The latent pancreatic exocrine-endocrine-gut relationship was considered a novel pathway involved in obesity-related CRA development, in non-alcoholic individuals.

Scoring system for gallbladder polyps based on the cross-sectional area and patient characteristics

BACKGROUND

Current management guidelines for gallbladder polyps (GBPs) focus on a diameter more than 1 cm as an indication for cholecystectomy. Since most GBPs are not malignant, unnecessary cholecystectomies can lead to unnecessary complications and costs. We developed a score to identify true polyps focusing on their cross-sectional area (CSA).

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed the demographic, clinical, laboratory, and sonographic characteristics of 522 patients with GBPs who had undergone cholecystectomy at our hospital between January 2010 and July 2020 (reference group). We used univariate analysis to compare these parameters between 88 true polyps and 434 pseudopolyps and multivariate logistic regression analysis to identify parameters to include in our scoring model. Receiver operating characteristics and area under the curve were used to identify cut-off values. The model was tested on a validation group of 98 patients.

RESULTS

In the multivariate analysis, a CSA >123 mm², positive blood flow signal, age >55.5 years, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels > 50 U/L, and an ALT/aspartate aminotransferase ratio > 0.77 were significantly associated with true polyps (odds ratio 6.528, 2.377, 2.617, 2.445, and -0.372, respectively). A prediction model based on cut-off values was used to distinguish a low-risk and high-risk GBP group; true polyps accounted for 6.54% and 58.72%, respectively (p < 0.001). In the low-risk and high-risk validation groups, true polyps comprised 12.35% and 82.35%, respectively (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Our scoring system shows high accuracy and specificity in identifying true polyps and helps determine the need for surgical resection.

Association of TM6SF2 rs58542926 gene polymorphism with the risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and colorectal adenoma in Chinese Han population

Background

Genetic factors affect the risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and colorectal adenoma (CRA) importantly. Transmembrane protein 6 superfamily member 2 (TM6SF2) rs58542926 is a significant genetic susceptibility site for NAFLD. The relationships of TM6SF2 rs58542926 with the risk of NAFLD and CRA in Chinese Han population were unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of TM6SF2 rs58542926 with the risk of NAFLD and CRA, and the effect of CRA on TM6SF2 rs58542926 carried NAFLD patients.

Results

A total of 839 Chinese Han population were included in this retrospective study. TM6SF2 rs58542926 polymorphism was genotyped in B-type ultrasonography proven NAFLD patients with or without CRA, CRA patients and healthy controls, using polymerase chain reaction. Serum lipid profiles were determined using biochemical methods. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS statistical software, version 16.0 for mac. There was a significant difference in the distribution of genotype and allele of TM6SF2 rs58542926 in NAFLD and NAFLD&CRA patients compared to controls. The CT + TT genotypes were tightly associated with the risk of NAFLD and NAFLD&CRA. TM6SF2 rs58542926 T allele promotes the abnormal regulation of lipids metabolism and liver injury in NAFLD patients and NAFLD&CRA patients. CRA aggravates the clinical performance of NAFLD in T allele carriers.

Conclusions

We demonstrated the significant association between TM6SF2 rs58542926 polymorphism and the risk of NAFLD and NAFLD&CRA in a Chinese Han population. The TM6SF2 rs58542926 T allele promotes the abnormal regulation of lipid profiles and liver injury in NAFLD patients, NAFLD&CRA patients, and overall subjects.

Low-level serum miR-24-2 is associated with the progression of colorectal cancer

BACKGROUND

colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second leading cause of cancer and cancer-related death in the world. Noninvasive biomarkers for early diagnosis of CRC are highly demanded.

OBJECTIVE

The up-regulation of specific microRNAs (miRNAs) in serum has been considered a promising biomarker of CRC and miR-24-2 may be a potential biomarker in the diagnosis the progression of CRC.

METHODS

Sixty-eighty healthy subjects and 228 CRC patients were divided into six groups: control group, CRC 0, CRC I, CRC II, CRC III, CRC IV and CRC V. Serum level of miR-24-2 was measured by real-time qPCR. Serum lipid profiles and oxidative-related molecules were also measured.

RESULTS

Serum levels of miR-24-2 in CRC patients were significantly higher than healthy subjects (p< 0.05). In addition, the expression level of the miR-24-2 was decreased with the progression of CRC and reached the lowest level in CRC V. Spearman Rank Correlation analysis showed that miR-24-2 level was negatively related to the levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and reduced glutathione (GSH), aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), cholesterol and triglyceride (p< 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Serum miR-24-2 is a potential negative biomarker in the diagnosis of the progression of CRC patients and associated with biochemical indices.