Correlations between growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15) serum levels and gene polymorphism with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Purpose: To date, the relationship between Growth Differentiation Factor 15 (GDF-15) gene polymorphism and the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has not been clarified. Our study aims to explore the association between serum GDF-15 levels and related gene polymorphism with the risk of T2DM in a Chinese rural Yao population. Methods: This was a 1:1 case-control study with 179 T2DM patients and 179 age- and sex-matched control participants. Serum GDF-15 levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and polymorphisms (rs1059519, rs1059369, rs1804826 and rs1054564) were genotyped by MassArray mass spectrometry. Results: Serum GDF-15 (sGDF-15) levels were higher in patients with T2DM and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) ≥ 6.5 % compared to that in controls (p < 0.001). The area under the curve (AUC) corresponding to sGDF-15 levels was 0.626. Serum GDF-15 was positively correlated with fasting plasma glucose (FPG) (rs = 0.150, p < 0.001) and HbA1c (rs = 0.160, p < 0.001). The frequency of GDF-15 gene rs1054564 GC + CC genotype was significantly associated with increased risk of T2DM compared to GG genotype (OR = 1.724, 95CI: 1.046-2.841, p = 0.033). Frequencies of rs1804826 T allele (ß additive = 113.318, p = 0.026) and rs1054564 C allele (ß additive = 247.282, p = 0.001, ß dominant = 286.109, p = 0.001) was significantly correlated with higher sGDF-15. The rs1059519 C allele was negatively correlated with FPG (ß recessive = -0.607, p = 0.047) and HbA1c (ß recessive = -0.456, p = 0.020). Conclusion: Serum GDF-15 levels were positively correlated with FPG and HbA1c. The GDF-15 rs1054564 GC + CC genotype was associated with a significantly higher T2DM risk. The rs1059519 C allele was negatively correlated with FPG and HbA1c.

Association between Copper Exposure and Cognitive Function: A Cross-Sectional Study in a County, Guangxi, China.

There has been growing attention to the impact of copper exposure on cognitive function; however, current research on the specific information regarding urinary copper and cognitive function is limited, particularly detailed analyses in the Chinese adult population. This study aimed to explore the association between copper exposure and cognitive function in a cross-sectional design. A total of 2617 participants in a county, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region (Guangxi), China, were included. The mini-mental state examination (MMSE) was used to assess cognitive function, and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry was used to measure urinary metal levels. Spearman's rank correlation was used to analyze the correlation between urinary copper levels and various cognitive function assessment indices. After adjusting for potential confounders, binary logistic regression was used to explore the association between urinary copper levels and the risk of cognitive impairment (CI) as revealed by MMSE, and restricted cubic spline regression was further used to explore the dose-response relationship. The results showed a negative correlation between urinary copper levels and orientation, attention and calculation, memory, language ability, and MMSE total scores (P < 0.05). Compared with the low copper exposure group, the high exposure group showed a 58.5% increased risk of CI (OR = 1.585, 95%CI: 1.125 to 2.235, P = 0.008). A significant linear dose-response relationship was observed between urinary copper levels and the risk of CI (P overall = 0.045, P nonlinearity = 0.081). Our findings suggest that higher copper exposure may be associated with CI in the population of a county, Guangxi, China.

Association between multiple-heavy-metal exposures and systemic immune inflammation in a middle-aged and elderly Chinese general population.

BACKGROUND: Exposure to heavy metals alone or in combination can promote systemic inflammation. The aim of this study was to investigate potential associations between multiple plasma heavy metals and markers of systemic immune inflammation. METHODS: Using a cross-sectional study, routine blood tests were performed on 3355 participants in Guangxi, China. Eight heavy metal elements in plasma were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Immunoinflammatory markers were calculated based on peripheral blood WBC and its subtype counts. A generalised linear regression model was used to analyse the association of each metal with the immunoinflammatory markers, and the association of the metal mixtures with the immunoinflammatory markers was further assessed using weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression. RESULTS: In the single-metal model, plasma metal Fe (log10) was significantly negatively correlated with the levels of immune-inflammatory markers SII, NLR and PLR, and plasma metal Cu (log10) was significantly positively correlated with the levels of immune-inflammatory markers SII and PLR. In addition, plasma metal Mn (log10 conversion) was positively correlated with the levels of immune inflammatory markers NLR and PLR. The above associations remained after multiple corrections. In the mixed-metal model, after WQS regression analysis, plasma metal Cu was found to have the greatest weight in the positive effects of metal mixtures on SII and PLR, while plasma metals Mn and Fe had the greatest weight in the positive effects of metal mixtures on NLR and LMR, respectively. In addition, blood Fe had the greatest weight in the negative effects of the metal mixtures for SII, PLR and NLR. CONCLUSION: Plasma metals Cu and Mn were positively correlated with immunoinflammatory markers SII, NLR and PLR. While plasma metal Fe was negatively correlated with immunoinflammatory markers SII, NLR, and PLR.

Association between plasma and dietary trace elements and obesity in a rural Chinese population.

Trace elements may play an important role in obesity. This study aimed to assess the plasma and dietary intake levels of four trace elements, Mn, Cu, Zn and Se in a rural Chinese population, and analyse the relationship between trace elements and obesity. A cross-sectional study involving 2587 participants was conducted. Logistic regression models were used to analyse the association between trace elements and obesity; restricted cubic spline (RCS) models were used to assess the dose-response relationship between trace elements and obesity; the weighted quantile sum (WQS) model was used to examine the potential interaction of four plasma trace elements on obesity. Logistic regression analysis showed that plasma Se concentrations in the fourth quartile (Q4) exhibited a lower risk of developing obesity than the first quartile (Q1) (central obesity: OR = 0·634, P = 0·002; general obesity: OR = 0·525, P = 0·005). Plasma Zn concentration in the third quartile (Q3) showed a lower risk of developing obesity in general obesity compared with the first quartile (Q1) (OR = 0·625, P = 0·036). In general obesity, the risk of morbidity was 1·727 and 1·923 times higher for the second and third (Q2, Q3) quartiles of dietary Mn intake than for Q1, respectively. RCS indicated an inverse U-shaped correlation between plasma Se and obesity. WQS revealed the combined effects of four trace elements were negatively associated with central obesity. Plasma Zn and Se were negatively associated with obesity, and dietary Mn was positively associated with obesity. The combined action of the four plasma trace elements had a negative effect on obesity.

Association between the dietary antioxidant index and relative telomere length of leucocytes in the Chinese population.

Dietary antioxidant indices (DAI) may be potentially associated with relative telomere length (RTL) of leucocytes. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between DAI and RTL. A cross-sectional study involving 1656 participants was conducted. A generalised linear regression model and a restricted cubic spline model were used to assess the correlation of DAI and its components with RTL. Generalised linear regression analysis revealed that DAI (ß = 0·005, P = 0·002) and the intake of its constituents vitamin C (ß = 0·043, P = 0·027), vitamin E (ß = 0·088, P < 0·001), Se (ß = 0·075, P = 0·003), and Zn (ß = 0·075, P = 0·023) were significantly and positively correlated with RTL. Sex-stratified analysis showed that DAI (ß = 0·006, P = 0·005) and its constituents vitamin E (ß = 0·083, P = 0·012), Se (ß = 0·093, P = 0·006), and Zn (ß = 0·092, P = 0·034) were significantly and positively correlated with RTL among females. Meanwhile, among males, only vitamin E intake (ß = 0·089, P = 0·013) was significantly and positively associated with RTL. Restricted cubic spline analysis revealed linear positive associations between DAI and its constituents' (vitamin E, Se and Zn) intake and RTL in the total population. Sex-stratified analysis revealed a linear positive correlation between DAI and its constituents' (vitamin E, Se and Zn) intake and RTL in females. Our study found a significant positive correlation between DAI and RTL, with sex differences.

Association Between Combined Polymetallic Exposure and Osteoporosis.

Combined polymetallic exposure may be an influential factor in osteoporosis. This study aimed to explore the association between polymetallic combined exposure and osteoporosis. A total of 2115 participants were included. Plasma concentrations of 22 metals were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Osteoporosis was defined as a T ≤ - 2.5. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression, binary logistics regression, and Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) model were used to explore the association between plasma metals and osteoporosis. LASSO regression showed that 10 metals were associated with osteoporosis in the total population (magnesium, calcium, manganese, nickel, cobalt, arsenic, selenium, rubidium, cadmium, aluminum) and women (magnesium, calcium, molybdenum, nickel, cobalt, arsenic, selenium, rubidium, cadmium, aluminum), and four metals associated with men (magnesium, cobalt, aluminum, iron). Logistics regression showed that in total population, magnesium (ORQ3 = 0.653, 95% CI = 0.446-0.954) was negatively correlated with osteoporosis, while aluminum (ORQ2 = 1.569, 95% CI = 1.095-2.248, ORQ4 = 1.616, 95% CI = 1.109-2.354) and cadmium (ORQ4 = 1.989, 95% CI = 1.379-2.870) were positively correlated; in women, magnesium (ORQ3 = 0.579, 95% CI = 0.379-0.883) was negatively correlated with osteoporosis, while aluminum (ORQ2 = 1.563, 95% CI = 1.051-2.326, ORQ4 = 1.543, 95% CI = 1.024-2.326) and cadmium (ORQ3 = 1.482, 95% CI = 1.003-2.191, ORQ4 = 1.740, 95% CI = 1.167-2.596) were positively correlated. BKMR model showed that combined polymetallic exposure had an overall positive effect on osteoporosis, magnesium was negatively associated with osteoporosis, and cadmium, selenium, and aluminum were positively associated with osteoporosis. Metal mixtures in plasma were associated with osteoporosis risk. Magnesium may reduce the risk of osteoporosis, while cadmium, selenium, and aluminum may increase the risk of osteoporosis. Future studies needed to explore correlations and mechanisms.

Analysis of the association between dietary patterns and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in a county in Guangxi.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to investigate the relationship between different dietary patterns and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). METHODS: Residents over 30 years old in the ecological longevity cohort in Gongcheng Yao Autonomous County, Guangxi Province were the research objects selected from 2018 to 2019. Physical examination, baseline population survey, and food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) survey were conducted. Dietary patterns were analyzed by factor analysis. Influencing factors of NAFLD were analyzed by multiple logistic regression. RESULTS: NAFLD was diagnosed in 241 of 2664 participants based on ultrasonography, and the detection rate was 9.0%. Factor analysis yielded a total of three dietary patterns, namely, traditional Chinese, Western, and cereal-potato dietary patterns. Results of multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that after adjusting for confounding factors, participants in the highest quartile of the Western dietary pattern exhibited a higher prevalence of NAFLD (OR = 2.799; 95% CI: 1.620-4.837; p < 0.05) than participants in the lowest quartile. Participants in the highest quartile of the cereal-potato pattern exhibited a decreased risk of NAFLD compared with those in the lowest quartile (OR = 0.581; 95% CI: 0.371-0.910, p < 0.05). The traditional Chinese patterns did not show any association with the risk of NAFLD. CONCLUSIONS: The Western dietary pattern increases the risk of NAFLD, whereas the cereal-potato dietary pattern reduces the risk of NAFLD. It is important for the prevention and control of NAFLD to adhere to the cereal-potato dietary.

Correlation between dietary patterns and cognitive function in older Chinese adults: A representative cross-sectional study.

Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between dietary patterns and cognitive function in older adults (≥60 years old). Methods: Food intake was quantitatively assessed by the Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ), and cognitive function was assessed by the Chinese version of the Simple Mental State Examination Scale (MMSE). Four major dietary patterns were identified by the factor analysis (FA) method. The relationship between dietary patterns and cognitive function was evaluated by logistic regression. Results: A total of 884 participants were included in the study. Four dietary patterns (vegetable and mushroom, oil and salt, seafood and alcohol, and oil tea dietary patterns) were extracted. In the total population, Model III results showed that the fourth quartile of dietary pattern factor scores for the vegetable and mushroom pattern was 0.399 and 7.056. The vegetable and mushroom dietary pattern may be a protective factor for cognitive function, with p-value = 0.033, OR (95% CI): 0.578 (0.348, 0.951) in Model III (adjusted for covariates: sex, ethnic, marital, agricultural activities, smoking, drinking, hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, BMI, and dietary fiber). In the ethnic stratification analysis, the scores of dietary pattern factors of the vegetable and mushroom among the Yao participants were 0.333 and 5.064. The Vegetable and mushroom diet pattern may be a protective factor for cognitive function, p-value = 0.012, OR (95% CI): 0.415 (0.206, 0.815). Conclusion: The fourth quartile of the vegetable and mushroom dietary pattern scores showed dose-dependent and a strong correlation with cognitive function. Currently, increasing vegetable and mushroom intake may be one of the effective ways to prevent and mitigate cognitive decline. It is recommended to increase the dietary intake of vegetables and mushroom foods.

Association between barium exposed, CYP19A1 and central obesity: A cross-sectional study in rural China.

BACKGROUND: obesity is a major risk factor for many metabolic diseases such as diabetes and cardiometabolic diseases. This study aimed to evaluate the association of plasma and urinary barium concentrations, CYP19A1 gene polymorphisms, and their interaction with central obesity in a rural Chinese population. METHODS: restricted cubic spline model was used to explore the dose-response relationship between barium and the risk of developing central obesity and waist circumference; logistic regression model was used to assess the association between barium, CYP19A1 gene polymorphisms and their interaction with central obesity. RESULTS: the results of the restricted cubic spline model showed that plasma barium concentration was linearly associated with the risk of developing central obesity and non-linearly associated with waist circumference. Logistic regression analysis showed that participants with Q4 plasma barium concentration exhibited a higher risk of central obesity compared to participants with Q1 barium concentration; participants carrying the rs10046-AA gene exhibited a lower risk of central obesity than those carrying the rs10046-G(GG+GA) gene; participants carrying the rs10046-GA genotype showed 1.754 times higher risk of central obesity than those carrying rs10046-GG+AA genotype. There was a significant interaction between plasma barium and CYP19A1 gene polymorphism on central obesity. CONCLUSION: the development of central obesity was associated with plasma barium and CYP19A1.

The relationship between dietary complexity and cognitive function in Guangxi, China: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The composition of the human diet is complex and diverse, and the relation-ship between dietary composition and cognitive decline has not been adequately studied. Therefore, this study explored the possible association between food items and the risk of cognitive impairment. METHODS AND STUDY DESIGN: This cross-sectional study was based on an ecological longevity cohort and included 2881 participants (1086 men and 1795 women) aged ≥30 years between December 2018 and November 2019. The association between food items and the risk of cognitive impairment was explored using the Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) learning model. RESULTS: Finally, 2881 participants (1086 men and 1795 women) were included. In all participants, the multivariable logistic analysis showed that fresh fruit consumption was associated with cognitive function (OR=0.999, 95% CI: 0.998-0.999, p=0.021). Using the BKMR model, none of the 18 food items were significantly correlated with cognitive function among women. In men, when the other food items were fixed at the 25th, 50th, and 75th percentile values (P25, estimate=-0.239; P50, estimate=-0.210; P75, estimate=-0.158), there was a negative correlation between fresh fruit consumption and the predicted risk of cognitive function disorders. CONCLUSIONS: Men displayed a negative association be-tween fresh fruit consumption and the risk of cognitive function disorders, but this was not apparent among women.

Association of Dietary and Plasma Magnesium with Glycaemic Markers in a Chinese Population.

Certain metals play a role in the pathogenesis of diabetes. This study aimed to investigate the potential association of plasma magnesium (Mg) and dietary intake of Mg with glycaemic markers. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 2373 subjects in Guangxi, China. Dietary Mg was obtained through a food frequency questionnaire containing 109 common foods. Plasma Mg concentration was determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Multiple linear regression combined with multivariable restricted cubic spline (RCS) functions was applied to evaluate the association of plasma Mg and dietary Mg with haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and fasting plasma glucose (FPG). In linear regression, dietary Mg was significantly associated with FPG in the overall population (ß = - 0.087, P < 0.05) and in women (ß = - 0.098, P < 0.05). Plasma Mg was significantly associated with FPG in the overall population (ß = - 0.096, P < 0.05) and in men (ß = - 0.110, P < 0.05) and women (ß = - 0.088, P < 0.05). In the RCS model, no non-linear association was found between dietary and plasma Mg and HbA1c levels. Dietary and plasma Mg are significantly negatively associated with fasting glucose.

Sex-Specific Associations of Urinary Metals with Renal Function: a Cross-sectional Study in China.

BACKGROUND: Extensive studies have revealed the link between heavy metals and CKD. Compared to single meta-elements, mixture of metals reflect real-life metals exposure scenarios and are of interest. However, the mechanism of action of metal mixture on renal function is unclear. METHODS: This study aimed to explore the potential relationship between urinary arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), manganese (Mn), and chromium (Cr) contents with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) levels in 2775 participants. The levels of metals in urine were determined by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. We used linear regression models and the Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) to evaluate the association between metals and eGFR levels. RESULTS: In linear regression analysis, urinary As (ß = 2.723, 95%CI: 0.29, 5.157) and Pb (ß = 3.081, 95%CI: 1.725, 4.438) were positively associated with eGFR in the total population. In the BKMR model, a mixture of the five metals had a positive joint effect on eGFR levels, while Pb (PIP = 0.996) contributed the most to eGFR levels. Pb was positively associated with eGFR levels in the total participants and women. As was positively correlated with eGFR levels in women. Pb and eGFR levels were positively correlated when the other metals were set at 25th, 50th, and 75th percentiles. CONCLUSIONS: To the best of our knowledge, all five metals mixed exposure was positively associated with eGFR. Pb showed more important effects than the other four metals in the mixture, especially in women.

Association of CYP19A1 Gene, Plasma Zinc, and Urinary Zinc with the Risk of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in a Chinese Population.

To explore the effects of CYP19A1 gene polymorphisms, plasma zinc, and urinary zinc levels and their interactions on type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in residents of Gongcheng County, Guangxi, China. The case-control study was used for the investing. The MassARRAY System was applied to genotype the CYP19A1 genes rs752760, rs10046, rs10459592, and rs700518 in 540 study subjects. Plasma and urinary zinc concentrations were measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Conditional logistic regression showed that rs752760 and plasma zinc were associated with T2DM risks with ORs of 0.593 (95% CI: 0.371-0.948) and 0.563 (95% CI: 0.356-0.889), respectively. Unconditional logistic regression analysis showed an association between urinary zinc levels and the risk of T2DM as well, with an OR of 0.352 (95% CI: 0.212-0.585). The results of the multiplicative interaction model showed that the rs752760 T allele was associated with a significantly reduced risk of T2DM with moderate/low plasma zinc levels, with ORs of 0.340 (95% CI: 0.161-0.715) and 0.583 (95% CI: 0.346-0.981), respectively, and the rs752760 T allele was also associated with a significantly decreased risk of T2DM with moderate/low urinary zinc levels, with ORs of 0.358 (95% CI: 0.201-0.635) and 0.321 (95% CI: 0.183-0.562), respectively. CYP19A1 rs752760 T allele and moderate/low plasma/urinary zinc levels reduce the risk of T2DM.

Associations of Dietary and Plasma Copper Levels with Liver Function in a Chinese Population.

The potential mechanisms underlying the association between copper (Cu) exposure and impaired liver function are unclear. This study aimed to investigate the potential associations of dietary Cu intake and plasma Cu levels with liver function biomarkers. A cross-sectional study was performed to assess liver function biomarkers-namely, levels of total bilirubin (TBIL), direct bilirubin (DBIL), indirect bilirubin (IBIL), alanine transaminase (ALT), and aspartate transaminase (AST)-in 2376 subjects in Guangxi, China. Dietary Cu intake was determined from a food frequency questionnaire containing 109 common foods. Plasma Cu concentrations were determined by inductively coupled plasma‒mass spectrometry. Multiple linear regression and multivariate restricted cubic splines (RCS) were used to evaluate the correlations of plasma Cu levels and dietary Cu levels with liver function biomarkers. The covariate-adjusted results of the linear regression analysis showed that plasma Cu levels were significantly negatively correlated with serum IBIL (ß = - 0.37), DBIL (ß = - 0.22), and TBIL levels (ß = - 0.32) (all p < 0.05), and dietary Cu was negatively correlated with serum AST levels (ß = - 0.12, p < 0.05). The RCS analysis further indicated a negative linear relationship between dietary Cu levels and AST levels. In summary, our results suggested that the plasma Cu level is associated with serum bilirubin levels and that dietary Cu intake is associated with serum AST levels. Further studies are needed to validate these associations and elucidate the underlying mechanisms.

JAK2/STAT3 Signaling Pathway and Klotho Gene in Cadmium-induced Neurotoxicity In Vitro and In Vivo.

Cadmium (Cd), a common heavy metal in the environment, is associated with cognitive impairment. In the present study, we carried out a preliminary inquiry to explore whether Cd causes neurotoxicity by regulating the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway and affecting the expression of klotho genes in vivo and in vitro, providing clues for the mechanism of Cd-induced cognitive dysfunction. The rat samples were injected with Cd chloride solution for 14 weeks, and the memory function of the rats was detected. Different concentrations of Cd and JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway inhibitors were used to treat PC12 cells and thus detect the apoptosis rate. The protein expression levels of JAK2, p-JAK2, STAT3, p-STAT3, and klotho in rat and PC12 cell were detected by ELISA and Western blot, respectively. With the increase in exposure dose, the memory function of rats was severely impaired. The expression of p-JAK2 and p-STAT3 proteins was significantly up-regulated, whereas that of klotho was significantly down-regulated both in vivo and in vitro (p < 0.05). In comparison with the high-dose Cd exposure group, after adding tyrphostin AG490 (AG490), the apoptosis rate of PC12 cells increased, whereas the phosphorylation levels of JAK2 and STAT3 in the cells decreased significantly (p < 0.05). Cd exposure may cause neurotoxicity by regulating the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway and down-regulating klotho protein expression, leading to cognitive dysfunction.

Association between combined exposure to plasma heavy metals and dyslipidemia in a chinese population.

BACKGROUND: Exposure to heavy metals in the environment is widespread, while the relationship between combined exposure to heavy metals and dyslipidemia is unclear. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed, and 3544 participants aged 30 years or older were included in the analyses. Heavy metal concentrations in plasma were based on inductively coupled plasma‒mass spectrometry. The relationship between heavy metals and dyslipidemia was estimated by logistic regression. BKMR was used to evaluate metal mixtures and their potential interactions. RESULTS: In logistic regression analysis, participants in the fourth quartile of Fe and Zn (Fe > 1352.38 µg/L; Zn > 4401.42 µg/L) had a relatively higher risk of dyslipidemia (Fe, OR = 1.13, 95% CI: 0.92,1.38; Zn, OR = 1.30, 95% CI: 1.03,1.64). After sex stratification, females in the third quartile of plasma Zn (1062.05-4401.42 µg/L) had a higher relative risk of dyslipidemia (OR = 1.75, 95% CI: 1.28, 2.38). In BKMR analysis, metal mixtures were negatively associated with dyslipidemia in females when all metal concentrations were above the 50th percentile. In the total population (estimated from 0.030 to 0.031), As was positively associated with dyslipidemia when other metals were controlled at the 25th, 50th, or 75th percentile, respectively, and As was below the 75th percentile. In females (estimated from - 0.037 to -0.031), Zn was negatively associated with dyslipidemia when it was above the 50th percentile. CONCLUSION: This study indicated that As was positively associated with dyslipidemia and that Zn may be negatively associated with dyslipidemia in females. Combined metal exposure was negatively associated with dyslipidemia in females. Females with low plasma Zn levels are more likely to develop dyslipidemia and should receive more clinical attention in this population.

Association between plasma cadmium and renal stone prevalence in adults in rural areas of Guangxi, China: a case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Kidney stones have become a worldwide public health problem. The purpose of this research is to study the relationship between plasma cadmium level and the prevalence of kidney stones in an adult population. METHODS: The data of this study were based on a current survey conducted from December 2018 to November 2019 in Gongcheng Yao Autonomous County, Guangxi, China. A total of 940 study subjects of the same sex and age (within 2 years of each other) according to 1:1 matching were selected for a case-control study. The diagnosis of kidney stones was based on the presence of strong light spots, patches, clusters, or bands within the renal sinus region, followed by an echo-free bundle of acoustic images. Plasma metal elements were determined by the metal plasma method. The relationship between plasma cadmium concentration and the prevalence of kidney stones was assessed using logistic regression and restricted cubic spline regression. RESULTS: The crude ratio for kidney stones in the highest quartile of plasma cadmium was 1.164 (95% CI, 1.121 to 2.324) compared with the lowest quartile. A positive correlation was found between the two (P for trend = 0.039). After adjusting for potential confounders, the ratio of plasma cadmium to kidney stones in the highest quartile was 1.606 (95% CI, 1.100 to 2.344) compared with the lowest quartile, and the findings remained unchanged. CONCLUSION: The odds of kidney stones in adults increased with increasing plasma cadmium exposure, and high plasma cadmium may be a risk factor for kidney stones.

Comparative plasma metabolomic analysis to identify biomarkers for lead-induced cognitive impairment.

BACKGROUND: Lead (Pb), an environmental neurotoxicant, is known to induce cognitive impairment. Neuroinflammation and oxidative stress in the brain tissue are common pathogenetic links to Pb-induced cognitive impairment. There are no existing biomarkers to evaluate Pb-reduced cognition. Plasma metabolites are the readout of the biological functions of the host, making it a potential biomarker for assessing heavy metal-induced cognitive impairment. METHODS: The present report aims to identify the plasma metabolite changes under conditions of high plasma Pb levels and low cognition. RESULTS: We conducted a comparative plasma metabolomic analysis on two groups of adults those with low plasma Pb level and high cognition vs. those with high plasma Pb level and low cognition and identified 20 dysregulated metabolites. In addition, we found a significant reduction in docosahexaenoic acid, glycoursodeoxycholic acid, and arachidonic acid, and significant induction of p-cresol sulfate and phenylacetyl-l-glutamine. Gene Ontology enrichment analysis highlighted the importance of these plasma metabolites in brain functions and neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this report provide novel insights into the use of plasma metabolites to assess metal-induced cognitive impairment.

DriverRWH: discovering cancer driver genes by random walk on a gene mutation hypergraph.

BACKGROUND: Recent advances in next-generation sequencing technologies have helped investigators generate massive amounts of cancer genomic data. A critical challenge in cancer genomics is identification of a few cancer driver genes whose mutations cause tumor growth. However, the majority of existing computational approaches underuse the co-occurrence mutation information of the individuals, which are deemed to be important in tumorigenesis and tumor progression, resulting in high rate of false positive. RESULTS: To make full use of co-mutation information, we present a random walk algorithm referred to as DriverRWH on a weighted gene mutation hypergraph model, using somatic mutation data and molecular interaction network data to prioritize candidate driver genes. Applied to tumor samples of different cancer types from The Cancer Genome Atlas, DriverRWH shows significantly better performance than state-of-art prioritization methods in terms of the area under the curve scores and the cumulative number of known driver genes recovered in top-ranked candidate genes. Besides, DriverRWH discovers several potential drivers, which are enriched in cancer-related pathways. DriverRWH recovers approximately 50% known driver genes in the top 30 ranked candidate genes for more than half of the cancer types. In addition, DriverRWH is also highly robust to perturbations in the mutation data and gene functional network data. CONCLUSION: DriverRWH is effective among various cancer types in prioritizes cancer driver genes and provides considerable improvement over other tools with a better balance of precision and sensitivity. It can be a useful tool for detecting potential driver genes and facilitate targeted cancer therapies.