Application of alpha-fetoprotein and IL-6 in prognostic prediction of patients with hepatitis B related liver failure / 公共卫生与预防医学

Objective To analyze the application value of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in prognosis prediction of hepatitis B virus (HBV) associated liver failure. Methods A total of 135 patients with HBV-related liver failure who underwent treatment at the Infection Department of the Second People's Hospital of Yibin City from July 2020 to June 2022 were selected as the study subjects (observation group). Additionally, 100 patients who underwent physical examination in the hospital during the same period with normal indicators were selected as the control group. Serum levels of AFP and IL-6 were compared between the two groups. Factors influencing the prognosis of HBV-related liver failure were analyzed. Multiple logistic regression was used to analyze the risk factors affecting the prognosis of HBV-related liver failure patients. Results The levels of serum AFP and IL-6 in the control group were lower than those in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (P10.0 pg/mL were risk factors affecting the prognosis of HBV-related liver failure. Conclusion Serum AFP and IL-6 can predict the prognosis of patients with HBV-related liver failure, which is worthy of clinical study.

The value of GNB4 and Riplet gene methylation detection in the diagnosis of primary liver cancer / 安徽医科大学学报

Objective To investigate the diagnostic efficacy and clinical value of GNB4 and Riplet gene methylation alone and in combination in the diagnosis of primary liver cancer.Methods A total of 313 patients were selected,including 78 patients with primary liver cancer,41 patients with other digestive system tumors,17 patients with non-digestive system tumors,20 patients with postoperative liver cancer,and 157 patients with benign liver disea-ses.The levels of GNB4 and Riplet gene methylation in plasma were detected using quantitative methylation-specific PCR(qMSP).Serum alpha-fetoprotein(AFP)levels were measured by direct chemiluminescence.Results The sensitivity and specificity of AFP in diagnosis were 51.3％and 94.3％,respectively;the sensitivity and specificity of GNB4 gene methylation in diagnosis were 83.3％and 99.4％,respectively;the sensitivity and specificity of Riplet gene methylation in diagnosis were 73.1％and 99.4％,respectively.The sensitivity and specificity of GNB4 and Riplet gene methylation combined diagnosis were 92.3％and 98.7％,respectively;the sensitivity and specificity of AFP,GNB4 and Riplet gene methylation combined diagnosis were 92.3％and 98.7％,respectively;the sensitivity and specificity of combined diagnosis including age and gender were 93.6％and 97.5％,respective-ly.Conclusion The sensitivity and specificity of AFP in the diagnosis of primary liver cancer are limited,while the methylation levels of GNB4 and Riplet genes are higher,and the sensitivity and specificity of their combined de-tection are higher than those of AFP.The sensitivity and specificity of AFP,GNB4 and Riplet gene methylation combined diagnosis are significantly higher than those of AFP,GNB4 and Riplet gene methylation alone.

Establishment and validation of nomogram of cancer specific survival of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma with negative alpha fetoprotein based on SEER Database / 吉林大学学报(医学版)

Objective:To discuss the factors related to the prognosis in the alpha fetoprotein(AFP)negative hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)patients,and to construct the nomogram for predicting the survival time of the patients.Methods:The retrospective analysis on data of 2 064 cases of AFP negative HCC patients extracted from the Surveillance,Epidemiology,and End Results(SEER)Database was conducted,and all the patients were divided into training cohort and internal validation cohort at a ratio of 7∶3,and 101 AFP negative HCC patients from the Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Hospital in Hunan Province were regarded as the external validation cohort.The univariate Cox regression analysis results were incorporated into the multivariate analysis,and the independent risk factors for the AFP negative HCC patients were obtained by multivariate Cox analysis to build a cancer specific survival(CSS)prognosis nomogram for the AFP negative HCC patients.The predictive efficacy and clinical utility of the nomogram were evaluated by time-dependent receiver operating characteristic curve(ROC),calibration plots,and decision curve analysis(DCA).The total score obtained from the nomogram was used for the risk stratification to compare the degree of risk discrimination between the nomogram and the American Joint Committee on Cancer(AJCC)staging system.Results:Ten independent risk factors were selected by multivariate Cox regression analysis to construct 3-year,4-year,and 5-year CSS prognostic nomograms for the AFP negative HCC patients,including the patient's age,pathological grade,surgical status,radiotherapy status,chemotherapy status,lung metastasis status,tumor size,tumor T stage,tumor M stage,and marital status.The area under curve(AUC)for the 3-year,4-year,and 5-year time-dependent ROC in the training cohort were 0.807(95%CI:0.786-0.828),0.804(95%CI:0.782-0.826),and 0.813(95%CI:0.790-0.835),respectively.In the internal validation cohort,they were 0.776(95%CI:0.743-0.810),0.772(95%CI:0.737-0.808),and 0.789(95%CI:0.752-0.826),and in the external validation cohort,they were 0.773(95%CI:0.677-0.868),0.746(95%CI:0.620-0.872),and 0.736(95%CI:0.577-0.895).The calibration plots verified that the nomogram fitted well with the perfect line.The DCA curve revealed that the net benefit of the nomogram was significatly higer than that of the AJCC staging system at certain probability thresholds compared with AJCC staging,the nomogram had a better ability to identify high-risk individuals.Conclusion:The serum AFP expression is one of the prognostic markers for the HCC patients.For those patients with AFP negative expression in serum,different considerations should be taken.The nomogram model based on multiple risk factors is a promising clinical tool for assessing the CSS in the AFP negative HCC patients.

The evaluation of alpha-fetoprotein response on efficacy and prognosis in targeted therapy combined with immunotherapy for intermediate-to-advanced hepatocellular carcinoma: a multicenter clinical study / 中华消化外科杂志

Objective:To investigate the evaluation efficacy and predictive prognostic value of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) response in tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) in combination with PD-1 inhibitors (α-PD-1) for intermediate-to-advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).Methods:The retrospective cohort study was conducted. The clinicopathological data of 205 patients with intermediate-to-advanced HCC who were admitted to 9 medical centers, including Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University et al, from March 2020 to July 2022 were collected. There were 178 males and 27 females, aged (52±12)years. Based on AFP response at 6-8 weeks after treatment, patients were divided into the AFP response group (AFP level decreased by ≥50% compared to baseline) and the AFP no response group (AFP level decreased by <50% compared to baseline). Observation indicators: (1) AFP response evaluation of anti-tumor efficacy; (2) comparison of patient prognosis; (3) analysis of factors affecting patient prognosis. Measurement data with normal distrubution were represented as Mean± SD, and measurement data with skewed distribution were represented as M(range) and M( Q1, Q3). Count data were described as absolute numbers, and comparison between groups was conducted using the chi-square test. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to draw survival curve and calculate survival rate, and the Log-Rank test was used for survival analysis. The COX proportional risk model was used for univariate analysis and the COX stepwise regression model was used for multivariate analysis. Results:(1) AFP response evaluation of anti-tumor efficacy. Before treatment, all 205 patients were positive of AFP, with a baseline AFP level of 1 560(219,3 400)μg/L. All 205 patients were treated with TKIs in combination with α-PD-1, and the AFP level was 776(66,2 000)μg/L after 6 to 8 weeks of treatment. Of the 205 patients, 88 cases were classified as AFP response and 117 cases were classified as AFP no response. According to the response evaluation criteria in solid tumors version 1.1, the objective response rate (ORR) and disease control rate (DCR) were 42.05%(37/88) and 94.32%(83/88) in patients of the AFP response group and 16.24% (19/117) and 64.10% (75/117) in patients of the AFP no response group, showing significant differences between them ( χ2=16.846, 25.950, P<0.05). According to the modified response evaluation criteria in solid tumors, the ORR and DCR were 69.32% (61/88) and 94.32% (83/88) in patients of the AFP response group and 33.33% (39/117) and 64.10% (75/117) in patients of the AFP no response group, showing significant differences between them ( χ2=26.030, 25.950, P<0.05). (2) Comparison of patient prognosis. All 205 patients were followed up for 12.4(range, 2.4-34.0)months after treatment. The median progression free survival time and total survival time were 5.5 months and 17.8 months, respectively. The 1-year, 2-year progression free survival rates were 20.8% and 7.2%, and the 1-year, 2-year overall survival rates were 68.7% and 31.5%, respectively. The median progression free survival time, 1-year and 2-year progression free survival rates were 9.7 months, 39.6% and 14.2% in patients of the AFP response group and 3.7 months, 7.8% and 2.0% in patients of the AFP no response group, showing a significant difference in progression free survival between them ( χ2=43.154, P<0.05). The median overall survival time, 1-year and 2-year overall survival rates were not reached, 85.2% and 56.3% in patients of the AFP response group and 14.6 months, 56.3% and 14.5% in patients of the AFP no response group, showing a significant difference in overall survival between them ( χ2=33.899, P<0.05). (3) Analysis of factors affecting patient prognosis. Results of multivariate analysis showed that invasion of large blood vessels, extrahepatic metastasis, combined hepatic artery intervention therapy, and AFP response were independent factors influencing progression free survival in patients with intermediate-to-advanced HCC who were treated with TKIs in combination with α-PD-1 ( hazard ratio=1.474, 1.584, 0.631, 0.367, 95% confidence interval as 1.069-2.033, 1.159-2.167, 0.446-0.893, 0.261-0.516, P<0.05), and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group score, invasion of large blood vessels, extrahepatic metastasis, and AFP response were independent factors influencing overall survival in patients with intermediate-to-advanced HCC who were treated with TKIs in combination with α-PD-1 ( hazard ratio= 1.347, 1.914, 1.673, 0.312, 95% confidence interval as 1.041-1.742, 1.293-2.833, 1.141-2.454, 0.197-0.492, P<0.05). Conclusions:AFP response at 6-8 weeks after treatment can effectively evaluate anti-tumor efficacy of TKIs in combination with α-PD-1 for intermediate-to-advanced HCC. AFP response is the independent factor influencing progression free survival and overall survival in patients with intermediate-to-advanced HCC who were treated with TKIs in combination with α-PD-1.

Value of serum AFP, CEA and CA19-9 detection in opportunistic screening for liver cancer in Chinese population: a meta-analysis / 中华健康管理学杂志

Objective:To evaluate the value of detection of serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9) in opportunistic screening of liver cancer in Chinese population with a meta-analysis.Methods:Literatures on combined screening of liver cancer by AFP, CEA and CA19-9 were retrieved from CNKI, Wanfang Database, Chongqing VIP database, PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Library from the establishment of the databases to June 2023. The Quality Assessment Tool of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies (QUADAS-2) was used to evaluate the quality of the literature. Stata 17.0 statistical software was used for meta-analysis, and Deeks funnel plot was used to analyze publication bias.Results:A total of 24 literatures met the inclusion criteria, including 1 471 patients with liver cancer and 2 150 controls. The overall sensitivity of AFP in liver cancer diagnosis (screening) was 0.71 (95% CI: 0.66-0.75), the total specificity was 0.86 (95% CI: 0.80-0.90), and the area under summary receiver operating characteristic (sROC) curve (AUC) was 0.82 (95% CI: 0.78-0.85). The total sensitivity of CEA in liver cancer diagnosis (screening) was 0.48 (95% CI: 0.40-0.56), the total specificity was 0.85 (95% CI: 0.79-0.89), and the AUC of sROC was 0.74 (95% CI: 0.70-0.77). The total sensitivity of CA19-9 in liver cancer diagnosis (screening) was 0.56 (95% CI: 0.50-0.61), the total specificity was 0.80 (95% CI: 0.73-0.85), and the AUC was 0.69 (95% CI: 0.65-0.73). AFP has the highest sensitivity and specificity among the three. The overall sensitivity of combined detection of AFP, CEA and CA19-9 for liver cancer diagnosis (screening) was increased to 0.89 (95% CI: 0.85-0.92), the overall specificity was 0.77 (95% CI: 0.70-0.82), and the AUC was 0.91 (95% CI: 0.88-0.93). No publication bias was found in either individual or combined test of the biomarkers. Conclusions:Detection of AFP alone has high sensitivity and specificity, and it is a tumor marker that can be used for the opportunistic screening of liver cancer. When combined tests of AFP, CEA and CA19-9 are used to screen liver cancer, the results should be interpreted more carefully.

Value of imaging features and laboratory indicators in predicting microvascular invasion of hepatocellular carcinoma / 中国医科大学学报

Objective To evaluate the prediction of microvascular invasion(MVI)and its grading in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)by computed tomography(CT)and magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)features combined with laboratory indices.Methods Using plain and enhanced CT and MRI scan to examine the participants preoperatively,the features of tumor length diam-eter,shape,number,margin and tumor capsule,whether multiple nodules are fused,whether external convex nodules are visible locally,whether blood supply vessels are visible inside or degeneration or necrosis exists,and whether low density or signal exists around the tumor that are extracted from the examination results,combined with clinical indicators,such as age,preoperative alpha-fetoprotein(AFP)level,and presence of hepatitis B surface and e antigens to analyze the occurrence of MVI in patients with HCC.Results Patients with HCC and MVI were more likely to have elevated AFP;the larger the tumor length and diameter,the higher the incidence of MVI.CT and MRI showed that the features of blurred tumor edges and incomplete local capsule were independent risk factors for MVI of HCC.All the extracted image features and clinical indicators had no predictive value for MVI grading.Conclusion A few imaging features and clin-ical indicators of HCC have definite predictive value for the occurrence of MVI.

The diagnostic value of DWI combined with serum AFP, DCP, and GTP/ALT ratio in distinguishing benign and malignant liver tumors / 中国医师杂志

Objective:To explore the differential diagnostic value of abdominal diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) combined with serum alpha fetoprotein (AFP), des-gamma-carboxyprothrombin (DCP), and the ratio of γ-glutamyl transpeptidase to alanine transaminase (GTP/ALT) in the diagnosis of benign and malignant liver tumors.Methods:Ninety liver tumor patients admitted to the Chenzhou First People′s Hospital from February 2020 to May 2022 were selected, including 48 malignant tumors and 42 benign tumors, and were divided into malignant group and benign group. The imaging findings of routine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and DWI examination were analyzed for two groups of patients. We compared the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values, serum AFP, DCP levels, and GTP/ALT between two groups of patients. The diagnostic value of DWI, individual and combined detection of various serological indicators for malignant tumors was analyzed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves.Results:There were significant differences in MRI and DWI imaging manifestations between the malignant and benign groups of patients. The ADC values and ADC index of patients in the malignant group at different b values of 50, 400, and 800 s/mm 2 were lower than those in the benign group, and the differences were statistically significant (all P<0.05). The serum AFP, DCP, and GTP/ALT of patients in the malignant group were higher than those in the benign group, and the differences were statistically significant (all P<0.05). The ROC curve analysis results showed that the sensitivity and specificity of DWI combined with serum AFP, DCP, and GTP/ALT in diagnosing liver malignant tumors were higher than those of DWI alone and each serological indicator alone. Conclusions:The combination of DWI, serum AFP, DCP, and GTP/ALT has high sensitivity and specificity in diagnosing liver malignant tumors, and has certain clinical value in distinguishing between benign and malignant liver tumors.

Construction of a microvascular invasion risk scoring model for hepatocellular carcinoma based on preoperative data / 中国现代医生

Objective Microvascular invasion(MVI)risk scoring model was established based on the preoperative data of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)patients.Methods The clinical data of 1153 HCC patients who underwent hepatectomy in Hangzhou First People's Hospital from January 2000 to December 2021 were retrospectively analyzed.Random sampling method was used to divide the samples into modeling group(n=864)and verification group(n=289)at a ratio of 3:1.The modeling group used Logistic regression analysis model to explore the independent risk factors of MVI and established a prediction model accordingly.Receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve and correction curve were drawn to evaluate the predictive ability and performance of the risk model.Results The incidence of MVI was 24.1%(208/864)in modeling group.Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that alpha-fetoprotein(AFP)>160ng/ml and total tumor volume(TTV)>30cm3 were independent risk factors for MVI(P<0.05).The total score of risk scoring model was 6 points,0-1 was classified as low risk,2-3 was classified as medium risk,and 4-6 was classified as high risk.The model predicted that the area under the curve(AUC)of MVI was 0.714 in modeling group and 0.731 in verification group.The calibration diagram showed that the prediction model had good performance.Conclusion The MVI risk prediction model for HCC patients based on TTV and AFP is simple and easy to use,which is conducive to preoperative treatment decision-making and doctor-patient communication.

Hepatoblastoma en un paciente pediátrico a propósito de un caso

La incidencia de hepatoblastoma alrededor del mundo permanece constante entre 0.5 y 1.5 casos por millón de niños por año. En los Estados Unidos de América se reporta para el hepatoblastoma una incidencia anual de aproximadamente 1 por millón en niños menores de 15 años de edad. En Ecuador, en una investigación realizada en la ciudad de Cuenca, ocupa el séptimo lugar entre los tumores pediátricos. Se trata de un tumor infrecuente, cuya incidencia parece aumentar en los últimos años. Puede aparecer de forma aislada o integrarse en el contexto de un síndrome de predisposición. Presentamos el caso de un paciente pediátrico, femenina, preescolar de 3 años de edad, sin antecedentes perinatales de importancia, producto de la tercera gesta, nacida por cesárea por distocia de presentación a las 39 semanas. Cuenta con esquema de vacunación completo para la edad. Como antecedentes patológicos personales requiere una hospitalización por enfermedad diarreica aguda a los 2 años. Sin antecedentes quirúrgicos, antecedentes patológicos familiares de tía materna con hipotiroidismo. Se realizó exámenes complementarios de sangre y de imagen, los cuales revelaron una masa abdominal dependiente de hígado compatible con hepatoblastoma con niveles de AFP superiores a 1000ng/ml

The incidence of hepatoblastoma around the world remains constant between 0.5 and 1.5 cases per million children per year. In the United States of America, an annual incidence of approximately 1 per million is reported for hepatoblastoma in children under 15 years of age. In Ecuador, in a study carried out in the city of Cuenca, it ranks seventh among pediatric tumors. It is an infrequent tumor, its incidence seems to have increased in recent years. It can appear in isolation or be part of a predisposing syndrome. We present the case of a 3-year-old preschool female pediatric patient with no significant perinatal history, product of a third pregnancy, born by cesarean section due to presentation of dystocia at 39 weeks. She had a complete vaccination for her age. As past medical history, she was hospitalized for acute diarrheal disease at 2 years of age. She had no surgical history, family pathological history except for a maternal aunt with hypothyroidism. Complementary blood and imaging tests were performed, which revealed an abdominal liver-dependent mass, compatible with hepatoblastoma with AFP levels greater than 1000 ng/ml.

Research and exploration of salivary biological markers for hepatitis B-related hepatocellular carcinoma / 中华肝脏病杂志

Objective: To study using isotope-labeled relative and absolute quantitative proteomics methodologies to screen for salivary biological markers as a simple, non-invasive tool for identifying hepatitis B-related HCC at an early stage. Methods: Saliva samples were collected to extract salivary proteins. Isotope-labeled relative and absolute quantitative proteomics were used to analyze the differentially expressed proteins between the hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and non-HCC groups. Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays were used to verify differential proteins and identify markers in liver cancer tissues and saliva. Statistical analysis was used to analyze the diagnostic efficiency of salivary biomarkers. Results: 152 differentially expressed salivary proteins were screened out between the HCC and non-HCC groups. Western blot, immunohistochemistry, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays validated that the expressions of α-1-acid glycoprotein 1 (ORM1) and alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) were significantly increased in HCC (P < 0.05). There was a significant correlation between salivary AFP and serum AFP (P < 0.05). HCC was diagnosed when salivary α-1-acid glycoprotein 1 combined with AFP. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.8726 (95% confidence interval: 0.8104 ~ 0.9347), the sensitivity was 78.3%, and the specificity was 88%. Conclusion: Salivary AFP and α-1-acid glycoprotein 1 can serve as potential biomarkers for hepatitis B-related hepatocellular carcinoma.

Role of the criteria based on preoperative serological indexes of AFP and GGT in predicting long-term survival of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma after liver transplantation / 器官移植

Objective To evaluate the role of preoperative serological indexes in predicting long-term survival and tumor recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients after liver transplantation, aiming to explore its significance in expanding the Milan criteria. Methods Clinical data of 669 recipients undergoing liver transplantation for HCC were retrospectively analyzed. The optimal cut-off value was calculated by the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. The risk factors affecting the overall survival and recurrence-free survival rates of HCC patients after liver transplantation were identified by univariate and multivariate regression analyses. The correlation between preoperative serum liver enzymes and pathological characteristics in HCC patients was analyzed. The predictive values of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) combined with γ -glutamyl transferase (GGT) and different liver transplant criteria for the survival and recurrence of HCC patients after liver transplantation were compared. Results Exceeded Milan criteria, total tumor diameter (TTD) > 8 cm, AFP > 200 ng/mL and GGT > 84 U/L were the independent risk factors for the overall survival and recurrence-free survival rates of HCC patients after liver transplantation (all P < 0.05). Correlation analysis showed that preoperative serum GGT level was correlated with TTD, number of tumor, venous invasion, microsatellite lesions, capsular invasion, tumor, node, metastasis (TNM) stage, Child-Pugh score and exceeded Milan criteria (all P < 0.05). Milan-AFP-GGT-TTD (M-AGT) criteria were proposed by combining Milan criteria, TTD with serum liver enzyme indexes (AFP and GGT). The 5-year overall survival and recurrence-free survival rates of HCC recipients who met the M-AGT criteria (111 cases of exceeded Milan criteria) were significantly higher than those who met Hangzhou criteria (both P < 0.05), whereas had no significant difference from their counterparts who met the University of California at San Francisco (UCSF) criteria (both P > 0.05). Conclusions Preoperative serological indexes of AFP and GGT could effectively predict the long-term survival and tumor recurrence of HCC patients after liver transplantation. Establishing the M-AGT criteria based on serological indexes contributes to expanding the Milan criteria, which is convenient and feasible.

Clinical value of combined detection of ApoA1 and AFP in young and middle-aged patients with pulmonary tuberculosis / 国际检验医学杂志

Objective To explore the clinical application value of combined detection of apolipoprotein A1(ApoA1)and alpha-fetoprotein(AFP)in young and middle-aged patients with pulmonary tuberculosis.Meth-ods A total of 82 young and middle-aged patients with pulmonary tuberculosis admitted to the hospital from December 2020 to December 2021 were selected as the observation group,and 85 healthy people who under-went physical examination in the hospital during the same period were selected as the control group.The clini-cal,lipid,inflammation and iron metabolism related indexes were compared between the two groups.Multiva-riate Logistic regression was used to analyze the influencing factors of pulmonary tuberculosis in young and middle-aged patients.The area under the receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve(AUC)was used to e-valuate the application value of ApoA1,AFP and their combination in the diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis in young and middle-aged patients.Results Compared with the control group,the observation group had sig-nificantly higher levels of direct bilirubin,creatinine,AFP and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein(P<0.05),and significantly lower levels of triglyceride,total cholesterol,high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and ApoA1(P<0.05).Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that ApoA1 was an independent protective factor(OR=0.119,95%CI 0.019-0.754,P=0.024)and AFP was an independent risk factor(OR=1.554,95%CI 1.138-2.122,P=0.006)for pulmonary tuberculosis in young and middle-aged patients.ApoA1,AFP and the combined prediction of young and middle-aged tuberculosis AUC were 0.644(P=0.006),0.262(P<0.001),0.678(P=0.001),respectively.Conclusion The low level of ApoA1 is an independent protec-tive factor for pulmonary tuberculosis in young and middle-aged patients,and the high level of AFP is an inde-pendent risk factor for pulmonary tuberculosis in young and middle-aged patients.The combined detection of ApoA1 and AFP has good value in predicting pulmonary tuberculosis in young and middle-aged patients.

Transthoracic Echocardiography Revealed Inferior Vena Cava and Right Atrial Occupation:Report of One Case / 中国医学科学院学报

One case with ascites and lower limb edema as the initial manifestations was reported.The echocardiography revealed inferior vena cava and right atrial occupation,which combined with increased alpha fetoprotein and imaging examination,suggested liver malignant tumor combined with tumor thrombus of inferior vena cava and right atrium.After targeted therapy combined with immunotherapy,the tumor shrank and alpha fetoprotein decreased significantly,suggesting that the treatment was effective.The median survival time of the patient was 3 months.This patient had a clear history of cirrhosis due to hepatitis B and was clinically diagnosed with advanced liver cancer,which suggested the importance of early liver cancer screening.

AN OBSERVATIONAL STUDY OF SPECTRUM OF CONGENITAL SPINAL DEFECTS IN CHILDREN ATTENDING PAEDIATRIC OUTPATIENT OF A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL IN SOUTHERN INDIA

Congenital anomalies in children are not infrequent and the birth defects of cardiovascular and digestive systems are the most common. Congenital spinal defects have prevalence and incidence of about 2.74% and 1-3 per 1000 live births respectively. The range of spinal defects may vary from a tuft of hair with an underlying spina bi?da to various types of spinal dysraphism. This observational study was undertaken to study the spectrum of neural tube defects among children attending the pediatric outpatient of a tertiary care hospital. Twenty-one children were included in the study. Fourteen infants were less than 1-year old and seven were between 2-7 years of age. Fourteen children had meningomyelocele (MMC). The commonest site was in the lumbosacral region. Seven patients of MMC had associated hydrocephalus, and seven had talipes deformity. Other accompanying defects included pes cavus, pectus carinatum, polydactyly and congenital heart defects, seen in one case each. Soft ?uctuant swelling over the spine, kyphoscoliosis, ?accid paralysis of lower extremities, and incontinence of urine were the cardinal symptoms. CT Scan and MRI in these children helped us to assess the quantum of de?cit involving the vertebra and spinal cord. This paper highlights the range of spinal abnormality seen in children with the similar clinical presentation, and therefore the need for neuroimaging in all cases with suspected neural tube defect (NTD) for proper management and prognostication

A Case Report of AFP-producing Primary Lung Squamous Cell Carcinoma with Significant Therapeutic Effect / 中国肺癌杂志

BACKGROUND@#Primary lung squamous carcinoma that produces alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is rare and only four related cases have been reported so far. The specific reasons for elevated serum level of AFP and effective treatment regimens for AFP-producing lung squamous carcinoma are not clear. This paper reports the diagnosis and treatment of AFP-producing lung squamous carcinoma so as to provide some references for similar cases in clinical practice.@*METHODS@#The diagnosis and treatment of an AFP-producing lung squamous carcinoma patient admitted to the Shandong Cancer Hospital on October 23, 2020 was retrospectively analyzed, and literatures were reviewed.@*RESULTS@#A 52-year-old male patient was diagnosed as T4N3M0 stage, IIIc right upper lobe lung squamous cell carcinoma with mediastinal lymph node metastasis and multiple metastases in the lung. The main tumor marker was abnormally increased serum AFP. After the rapid progression of two lines chemotherapy, the patient was given anlotinib combined with carrizumab as third-line treatment. The efficacy evaluation reached to partial response (PR) and stable disease (SD) after 2 and 4 cycles of treatment, respectively. The treatment regimen was replaced with albumin paclitaxel plus carrizumab due to gastrointestinal bleeding after the fifth cycle. The patient's condition was under continuous control.@*CONCLUSIONS@#The AFP-producing lung squamous carcinoma patient had a good response to anlotinib and immunotherapy in the case report, which may provide some guidances for the clinical practice and the research on AFP-producing lung squamous carcinoma.

Aristolochic acids exposure was not the main cause of liver tumorigenesis in adulthood

Aristolochic acids (AAs) have long been considered as a potent carcinogen due to its nephrotoxicity. Aristolochic acid I (AAI) reacts with DNA to form covalent aristolactam (AL)-DNA adducts, leading to subsequent A to T transversion mutation, commonly referred as AA mutational signature. Previous research inferred that AAs were widely implicated in liver cancer throughout Asia. In this study, we explored whether AAs exposure was the main cause of liver cancer in the context of HBV infection in mainland China. Totally 1256 liver cancer samples were randomly retrieved from 3 medical centers and a refined bioanalytical method was used to detect AAI-DNA adducts. 5.10% of these samples could be identified as AAI positive exposure. Whole genome sequencing suggested 8.41% of 107 liver cancer patients exhibited the dominant AA mutational signature, indicating a relatively low overall AAI exposure rate. In animal models, long-term administration of AAI barely increased liver tumorigenesis in adult mice, opposite from its tumor-inducing role when subjected to infant mice. Furthermore, AAI induced dose-dependent accumulation of AA-DNA adduct in target organs in adult mice, with the most detected in kidney instead of liver. Taken together, our data indicate that AA exposure was not the major threat of liver cancer in adulthood.

Expression of BZW2 and IVD in hepatocellular carcinoma tissues and effect on prognosis of liver transplant recipients with hepatocellular carcinoma / 器官移植

Objective To investigate the expression levels of basic leucine zipper and W2 domain 2 (BZW2) and isovaleryl-CoA dehydrogenase (IVD) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and evaluate their effect on clinical prognosis of liver transplant recipients with HCC. Methods Pathological specimens and clinical data of 87 liver transplant recipients with HCC were collected and retrospectively analyzed. The recurrence and metastasis of HCC after liver transplantation were assessed. Immunohistochemical staining was used to detect the expression levels of BZW2 and IVD. The relationship between BZW2, IVD and clinicopathological parameters of HCC and their effect on postoperative recurrence and clinical prognosis of the recipients was analyzed. Results Among 87 recipients, 31 cases recurred with a recurrence rate of 36%. HCC recurred at postoperative 2-49 months and the median recurrence time was postoperative 7 months. Immunohistochemical staining demonstrated that the positive expression rate of BZW2 in the HCC tissues was significantly higher than that in normal liver tissues (76% vs. 30%), and the positive expression rate of IVD was significantly lower compared with that in normal liver tissues (51% vs. 69%) (both P < 0.01). BZW2 expression was significantly correlated with tumor diameter and tumor capsule (both P < 0.05), whereas IVD expression was significantly associated with tumor diameter, alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) level, tumor, node and metastasis (TNM) staging and whether vascular invasion was found or not (all P < 0.05). In the high BZW2 expression group, the cumulative recurrence rate of HCC was significantly higher and the cumulative survival rate was significantly lower than those in the low BZW2 expression group. In the low IVD expression group, the cumulative recurrence rate of HCC was significantly higher and the cumulative survival rate was significantly lower compared with those in the high IVD expression group (all P < 0.05). Conclusions The expression level of BZW2 protein is up-regulated, whereas that of IVD protein is down-regulated in the HCC tissues. Moreover, the cumulative recurrence rate of HCC is relatively high and the cumulative survival rate is relatively low in liver transplant recipients with high BZW2 expression and low IVD expression.

Value of Preoperative Lactate Dehydrogenase-to-Albumin Ratio Combined with AFP in Evaluating Prognosis of Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma / 肿瘤防治研究

Objective To explore the value of preoperative LAR combined with AFP in evaluating the prognosis of patients with HCC. Methods We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 106 patients with HCC. Kaplan-Meier method was used to draw the survival curve. Univariate analysis was used to analyze possible variables affecting LAR. Cox risk regression model was used to evaluate the clinical value of preoperative LAR and AFP on the prognosis of HCC patients. Results The DFS and OS of the high LAR group and the high AFP group were shorter than those of the low LAR group and the low AFP group (P < 0.05). LAR≥4.58, AFP≥400μg/L and T3-T4 were independent risk factors affecting DFS and OS of HCC patients (P < 0.05). Postoperative interventional surgery was an independent factor influencing OS prolongation (P < 0.05). The DFS and OS were the shortest in the high LAR and high AFP group, and the DFS and OS were the longest in the low LAR and low AFP group (P < 0.05). Conclusion Preoperative LAR and AFP are independent poor prognostic factors of HCC. Preoperative LAR combined with AFP has a certain value in judging the prognosis of HCC patients.

Research Progress of Genes Related to Treatment and Prognosis of Alpha-fetoprotein Producing Gastric Cancer / 肿瘤防治研究

Alpha-fetoprotein producing gastric cancer (AFPGC) is a special type of gastric cancer. AFPGC is considered to be the most highly invasive tumor with a high degree of malignancy and prone to metastasis. As a consequence, it usually causes unsatisfied treatment effect and the prognosis is poor. At present, treatment methods and monitoring indicators have limited effect on AFPGC. VEGF, HER2, AFP, GPC3 and SALL4 are cogently associated with tumor genesis and development. If we can reasonably guide the treatment and prognosis of AFPGC patients, it will greatly improve the situation of patients and improve the survival of patients. This article reviews the research progress of the genes related to the treatment and prognosis of AFPGC.

Tumor del saco vitelino de testículo en pediatria: presentación de un caso / Yolk sac tumor of the testis in pediatrics: a case report

Los tumores del saco vitelino (TSV) representan los tumores de células germinales (TCG) testiculares malignos más frecuentes en la edad pediátrica. Dicha neoplasia se ha visto vinculados con factores de riesgo tales como criptorquidia, antecedentes familiares, disgenesia gonadal y microlitiasis testicular. En general, se presentan como masas testiculares asintomáticas, por lo que comúnmente los padres o los médicos de atención primaria son los primeros en identificarlas. Los TSV característicamente son productores de alfa feto proteína (AFP), por lo que este se considera el marcador serológico más importante, para el diagnóstico y el seguimiento posterior al tratamiento. El ultrasonido escrotal se considera la herramienta diagnóstica más importante para la caracterización de las masas testiculares por lo general los tumores del saco vitelino se presentan como masas sólidas, hipervasculares. La mayoría de los pacientes se presentan inicialmente con enfermedad estadío I, siendo la orquiectomía radical la única terapia requerida en esta fase. Caso clínico: Niño de 1 año y 11 meses presenta masa de consistencia dura, indolora en el testículo izquierdo identificada por la madre, al ultrasonido testicular muestra masa sólida, homogénea hipervascularizada asociado a adenopatías inguinales y retroperitoneales. El único marcador tumoral elevado fue Alfafetoproteina. Se le realiza orquiectomía izquierda radical con evolución postquirúrgica satisfactoria, se confirma el diagnóstico por anatomía patológica e inmunohistoquímica; Tumor de células germinales, no seminomatoso de saco vitelino prepuberal.

Yolk sac tumors (SVT) represent the most frequent malignant testicular germ cell tumors (GCT) in the pediatric age. This neoplasm has been linked to risk factors such as cryptorchidism, family history, gonadal dysgenesis and testicular microlithiasis. They generally present as asymptomatic testicular masses, so parents or primary care physicians are often the first to identify them. SVT are characteristically producers of alpha feto protein (AFP), which is why this is considered the most important serological marker for diagnosis and follow-up after treatment. Scrotal ultrasound is considered the most important diagnostic tool for characterizing testicular masses. Yolk sac tumors generally present as solid, hypervascular masses. Most patients initially present with stage I disease, with radical orchiectomy being the only therapy required in this phase. Clinical case: A 1-year-oid and 11-month-old boy presented with a hard, painless mass in the left testicle identified by the mother. Testicular ultrasound shows a solid, homogeneous hypervascularized mass associated with inguinal and retroperitoneal lymphadenopathies. The only elevated tumor marker was Alpha-fetoprotein. A radical left orchiectomy was performed with satisfactory post-surgical evolution, the diagnosis was confirmed by pathological anatomy and immunohistochemistry; Nonseminomatous germ cell tumor of the prepubertal yolk sac.