Impacts of Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 Genotypes on Renal Cell Carcinoma.

BACKGROUND/AIM: The expression of matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) is elevated in various renal diseases, including renal cell carcinoma. However, the role of MMP9 genotype in this context remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the association between MMP9 promoter rs3918242 genotypes and the risk of renal cell carcinoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The MMP9 rs3918242 genotypes of 118 patients with renal cell carcinoma and 590 healthy subjects were determined using the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism method. RESULTS: The results indicated that individuals carrying the CT or TT genotype of MMP9 rs3918242 did not exhibit an increased risk of renal cell carcinoma compared to wild-type CC carriers (odds ratio=1.20 and 2.68, 95% confidence interval=0.75-1.92 and 0.89-8.03; p=0.5270 and 0.1420, respectively). However, individuals with the CT and TT genotypes had a higher prevalence of renal cell carcinoma than those with the CC genotype when they also had hypertension (p=0.0010), diabetes (p=0.0010), or a family history of cancer (p<0.00001). No correlation was observed between MMP9 rs3918242 genotypic distribution and age (60 years or younger vs. older than 60 years) or sex (both p>0.05). Additionally, no correlation was found between MMP9 rs3918242 genotype and the risk of renal cell carcinoma in individuals with smoking or alcohol consumption habits. CONCLUSION: Carrying the T allele for MMP9 rs3918242 may predict a higher risk of renal cell carcinoma among individuals diagnosed with hypertension, diabetes, or with a family history of cancer.

The Contribution of Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-2 Genotypes to Breast Cancer Risk in Taiwan.

Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-2 (TIMP-2) is an endogenous inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-2 and is highly expressed in breast cancer (BC) cases at diagnosis. However, the genetic investigations for the association of TIMP-2 genotypes with BC risk are rather limited. In this study, contribution of TIMP-2 rs8179090, rs4789936, rs2009196 and rs7342880 genotypes to BC risk was examined among Taiwan's BC population. TIMP-2 genotypic profiles were revealed among 1232 BC cases and 1232 controls about their contribution to BC using a PCR-based RFLP methodology. The TIMP-2 rs8179090 homozygous variant CC genotype was significantly higher in BC cases than controls (odds ratio (OR) = 2.76, 95% confidence interval (95%CI) = 1.78-4.28, p = 0.0001). Allelic analysis showed that C allele carriers have increased risk for BC (OR = 1.39, 95%CI = 1.20-1.62, p = 0.0001). Genotypic together with allelic analysis showed that TIMP-2 rs4789936, rs2009196 or rs7342880 were not associated with BC risk. Stratification analysis showed that TIMP-2 rs8179090 genotypes were significantly associated with BC risk among younger (≤55) aged women, not among those of an elder (>55) age. Last, rs8179090 genotypes were also associated with triple negative BC. This study sheds light into the etiology of BC in Taiwanese women. Rs8179090 may be incorporated into polygenic risk scores and risk prediction models, which could aid in stratifying individuals for targeted breast cancer screening.

Protective Effects of Crocetin on Arsenic Trioxide-induced Oxidative Stress in Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells.

BACKGROUND/AIM: The clinical use of arsenic trioxide (As2O3) is hampered due to its cardiotoxicity. Therefore, it is critical to prevent As2O3-induced loss of endothelial integrity. The purpose of this study was to examine As2O3-induced endothelial dysfunction and evaluate the efficacy of crocetin on reversing As2O3-induced cardiotoxicity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were used to examine As2O3-induced oxidative stress, apoptosis, production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and DNA adducts. In addition, the impact of crocetin on As2O3-induced cardiotoxicity was evaluated. RESULTS: As2O3 decreased the viability of HUVEC cells and led to apoptosis. Additionally, As2O3 elevated NADPH oxidase activity, and the levels of intracellular ROS. Furthermore, the formamidopyrimidine DNA-glycosylase- and endonuclease III-digestible adducts were induced by As2O3 Crocetin treatment reversed the As2O3-induced reduction in cell viability, the induction of apoptosis, the activation of NADPH oxidase activity, ROS levels and DNA adducts. CONCLUSION: Crocetin protects from As2O3-induced cardio-toxicity.

Protective Effects of Baicalin on Arsenic Trioxide-induced Oxidative Damage and Apoptosis in Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Arsenic trioxide (As2O3) is an environmental pollutant. However, the detailed mechanisms about As2O3-induced loss of endothelial integrity are unknown. This study aimed at investigating how As2O3 causes endothelial dysfunction and whether baicalin can reverse such dysfunction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were used to examine As2O3-induced oxidative stress, and apoptosis. The influence of baicalin on As2O3-induced endothelial dysfunction were investigated. RESULTS: The viability of HUVECs was inhibited by As2O3 and cells underwent apoptosis. As2O3 treatment increased NADPH oxidase activity, and elevated the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Formamidopyrimidine DNA-glycosylase- and endonuclease III-digestible adducts were accumulated. Baicalin reversed As2O3-induced apoptosis and As2O3-suppressed cell viability. Baicalin caused a decrease in NADPH oxidase activity, and re-balanced the ROS level. As2O3-induced formamidopyrimidine DNA-glycosylase- and endonuclease III-digestible adducts were down-regulated. CONCLUSION: Baicalin was found to have the potential capacity to protect endothelial cells from As2O3-induced cytotoxicity.

Interleukin-13 Promoter Genotypes and Taiwanese Breast Cancer Susceptibility.

BACKGROUND/AIM: The current study aimed at evaluating the contribution of IL-13 promoter rs1881457 and rs1800925 genotypes to the risk of breast cancer in Taiwan. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 1,232 breast cancer cases and 1,232 age-matched controls were genotyped by typical polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) methodology. RESULTS: As for IL-13 rs1881457, the rates of AA, AC and CC genotypes were 54.8, 37.9 and 7.3% among the cases, and 53.8, 38.7 and 7.5% among the healthy controls, respectively; there were no statistically significant differences between the two groups (p for trend=0.8889). Also, regarding IL-13 rs1800925, there were no statistically significant differences between the two groups either (p for trend=0.6803). Furthermore, the allelic frequencies for IL-13 rs1881457 and rs1800925 were not differentially distributed between the case and control groups (p=0.6515 and 0.8753, respectively). CONCLUSION: The rs1881457 and rs1800925 IL-13 promoter polymorphisms may not serve as breast cancer susceptibility determinants for Taiwanese.

Suppressed humoral immunity is associated with dengue nonstructural protein NS1-elicited anti-death receptor antibody fractions in mice.

Dengue virus (DENV) infections may cause life-threatening dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF). Suppressed protective immunity was shown in these patients. Although several hypotheses have been formulated, the mechanism of DENV-induced immunosuppression remains unclear. Previously, we found that cross-reactive antibodies against tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) receptor 1 (death receptor 4 [DR4]) were elicited in DHF patients, and that anti-DR4 autoantibody fractions were elicited by nonstructural protein 1 (NS1) immunizations in experimental mice. In this study, we found that anti-DR4 antibodies could suppress B lymphocyte function in vitro and in vivo. Treatment with the anti-DR4 immunoglobulin (Ig) induced caspase-dependent cell death in immortalized B lymphocyte Raji cells in vitro. Anti-DR4 Igs elicited by NS1 and DR4 immunizations markedly suppressed mouse spleen transitional T2 B (IgM+IgD+), bone marrow pre-pro-B (B220+CD43+), pre-B (B220+CD43-), and mature B cell (B220+IgD+) subsets in mice. Furthermore, functional analysis revealed that the pre-elicitation of anti-NS1 and anti-DR4 Ig titers suppressed subsequently neutralizing antibody production by immunization with DENV envelop protein. Our data suggest that the elicitation of anti-DR4 titers through DENV NS1 immunization plays a suppressive role in humoral immunity in mice.

Clinical features, management, and outcome of iliopsoas abscess associated with cardiovascular disorders: a hospital-based observational case series study.

BACKGROUND: Iliopsoas abscess (IPA) is a rare clinical entity and is difficult to diagnose due to its insidious onset and nonspecific symptoms. The association between IPA and cardiovascular disorders (CVD) has been rarely reported. Computed tomographic (CT) scan can provide a definitive diagnosis of IPA and associated foci of adjacent structures. IPA is a life-threatening condition, especially when associated with CVD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a hospital-based observational study of IPA associated with CVD. Data were collected from the electronic clinical database of Taichung Veterans General Hospital (1520-bed tertiary referral hospital in central Taiwan) between July 2007 and December 2017. The diagnosis of IPA associated with CVD was confirmed by classical findings on CT and transesophageal echocardiography with compatible clinical presentation and cultures from pus/tissue and blood. RESULTS: Fifteen patients of IPA associated with CVD were studied. They included 12 males (80%) and 3 females (20%), with a mean age 63.2 ± 16.9 years (31-85 years). CVD included stent-graft/endograft infection of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) (40%), primary mycotic AAA (33.3%), and infective endocarditis (26.7%). Staphylococcus aureus is the most common microorganism in pus/tissue cultures (n = 3, 37.5%) and in blood cultures (n = 6, 40%). The average length of hospital stay was 33.1 ± 20.5 days (range, 3-81 days; median, 33 days). Hospital stay lasted 42.6 ± 19.2 days in the survival group and 19.0 ± 14.1 days (P = 0.018) in the non-survival group. Incidence of patients staying in the intensive care unit (ICU) with intubation > 3 days was 33% in the survival group and 100% (P = 0.028) in the non-survival group. Intra-hospital mortality rate was 40%. Poor prognostic factors in the non-survival group were hypoalbuminemia, hyponatremia, involved disc/vertebral body and/or epidural abscess, and ICU stay with intubation > 3 days. Cumulative survival rate was 25% under conservative treatments and 66.3% under aggressive treatments (P = 0.038). CONCLUSION: Due to high mortality rates, clinicians should keep a high suspicion index for IPA associated with CVD through clinical presentation, physical examination, and imaging study. Timely empiric antibiotics for common bacteria, drainage for IPA, endovascular repair, or vascular reconstruction by graft replacement or bypass with intensive care should be mandatory to shorten the hospital stay, reduce medical costs, and lower mortality rate.

Long-Term Outcomes in Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Patients Using Internal Thoracic Artery with Ipsilateral Arteriovenous Shunt for Hemodialysis.

BACKGROUND: The goal of this study was to evaluate the long-term results of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) using internal thoracic artery (ITA) grafts in hemodialysis (HD) patients with arteriovenous (AV) fistulae or AV grafts involving the ipsilateral or contralateral brachial artery or radial artery. METHODS: From March 2007 to May 2017, 76 end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients with an upper limb AV fistula or graft for HD underwent CABG at a single center. Group A included 23 patients who underwent CABG using an ITA graft ipsilateral to the AV vascular access (AVVA); Group B included 22 patients who underwent CABG using a contralateral ITA with AVVA; and Group C included 29 patients who underwent CABG with AVVA without the use of an ITA graft. The primary end-point was death from any cause. RESULTS: The average follow-up period was 34.4 ± 26.9 months. Death from any cause occurred in 6 (26.09%) patients in Group A, 8 (36.36%) patients in Group B, and 17 (58.62%) patients in Group C (log-rank p = 0.04). There was no significant difference in death rate between Groups A and B. The risk of death was lower in the patients with CABG using an ITA graft (ITA CABG) compared to the patients without ITA CABG [HR 0.41 (95% CI, 0.20-0.84), p = 0.015]. CONCLUSIONS: The HD patients who underwent CABG with an ipsilateral location of the ITA and AVVA did not have an increased risk of death compared to the patients who underwent CABG with a contralateral location of the ITA and AVVA. In addition, the use of ITA in CABG resulted in better outcomes in the HD patients.

Tracheomalacia as Complication of Stenting for Esophageal Injury After Transsternal Approach to High Thoracic Vertebral Metastasis.

BACKGROUND: Esophageal injury is a severe surgical complication of a transsternal approach to high thoracic vertebral metastasis, which can result in mediastinitis and life-threatening consequences. A covered stent can be placed in the esophagus to prevent mediastinal leakage. However, tracheomalacia is a rare complication following esophageal stenting. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 56-year-old man had a pathologic fracture of the T3 vertebral body with spinal cord compression, myelopathy, and neurogenic bladder. An esophageal injury was noticed during the transsternal approach. Immediate suture repair, drainage tube placement, and subsequent esophageal stenting were carried out. One month after discharge, the endoscopic examination revealed nonhealing of the esophagus, and a new covered stent was replaced. Episodes of severe stridor and dyspnea led to the patient being sent to the emergency department. Computed tomography scan of the chest revealed a focal collapse of the trachea at the thoracic inlet, and tracheomalacia was suspected. The covered stent was removed, despite nonhealing of the esophagus. His stridor, dyspnea, and constant coughing subsided afterwards. The endoscopic examination at 3 months after stent removal showed complete healing of the esophagus. CONCLUSIONS: Esophageal stenting can be used to prevent mediastinal leakage due to esophageal injury in the transsternal approach for high thoracic vertebral metastasis, but the stent might be a cause of tracheomalacia. Stent removal should be considered if upper airway obstruction occurs. Awareness of the radial force of the stent, esophageal composition (e.g., status post suture repair), and esophageal diameter must be considered for optimal stent tolerance to avoid complications.

Modified Sleeve Technique in Aortic Valve-Sparing Operation for Marfan Syndrome.

We devised a simple modification of the Florida Sleeve procedure to perform aortic valve-sparing surgery. This technique is simple, quick, effective, and safe. We used this technique in operations performed on two young patients with Marfan syndrome. The initial and short-term results were satisfactory.

Effect of Retrograde Cerebral Protection Strategy on Outcome of Patients with Stanford Type A Aortic Dissection.

BACKGROUND: Neurological complications are an important concern in the repair of type A aortic dissection. Supra-aortic involvement is considered to be an important risk factor for neurological injuries. However, the optimal brain protection strategy still remains controversial. The aim of the present study was to assess the efficacy and short-term results of retrograde cerebral protection techniques in the treatment of acute type A aortic dissection. METHODS: Between 2005 and 2013, 185 patients who underwent repair of acute type A aortic dissection were enrolled in this study, all of whom received retrograde cerebral perfusion. The patients were divided into two group: 102 patients who had at least one carotid artery involved as the carotid dissection group, and 83 patients who had no carotid artery involvement as the non-carotid dissection group. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 57.8 years and 69% were male. The 30-day mortality rate was 10.3%, and the overall in-hospital mortality rate was 11.9%. Eight patients (4.3%) developed new permanent neurological deficits (PNDs) including two in the non-carotid dissection group and six in the carotid dissection group. Although new PND was milder in the carotid dissection group, there was no significant difference (p = 0.248). The proportion of patients who received a coronary artery bypass graft was significantly higher in the carotid dissection group (1 vs. 8, p = 0.037). CONCLUSIONS: According to our study, the retrograde cerebral perfusion technique is an easy and safe procedure, especially for patients with concomitant carotid dissection.

Primary aortoduodenal fistula associated with abdominal aortic aneurysm with presentation of gastrointestinal bleeding: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Primary aortoduodenal fistula (ADF) is a rare cause of gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding and is difficult to diagnose as the clinical presentation is subtle. Clinicians should keep a high level of suspicion for an unknown etiology of GI bleeding, especially in older patients with or without abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). Computed tomographic angiography (CTA) can be used to detect primary ADF. Open surgery or endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) for ADF with bleeding will improve the survival rate. CASE PRESENTATION: We report a rare case of AAA complicating ADF with massive GI bleeding in a 73-year-old Taiwanese man. He presented with abdominal pain and tarry stool for 5 days and an initial upper GI endoscopy at a rural hospital showed gastric ulcer only, but hypotension with tachycardia and a drop in hemoglobin of 9 g/dl from 12 g/dl occurred the next day. He was referred to our hospital for EVAR and primary closure of fistula defect due to massive GI bleeding with shock from ADF caused by AAA. Diagnosis was made by CTA of aorta. CONCLUSIONS: A timely and accurate diagnosis of primary ADF may be challenging due to insidious episodes of GI bleeding, which are frequently under-diagnosed until the occurrence of massive hemorrhage. Clinical physicians should keep a high index of awareness for primary ADF, especially in elderly patients with unknown etiology of upper GI bleeding with or without a known AAA.

Interleukin-32 plays an essential role in human calcified aortic valve cells.

Interleukin-32 (IL-32) is an inflammatory cytokine produced mainly by T, natural killer, and epithelial cells. Previous studies on IL-32 have primarily investigated its proinflammatory properties. The IL-32 also has been described as an activator of the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and NF-κB, and induces several cytokines. In this study, we hypothesized that the inflammatory regulators NF-κB, MAP kinase, STAT1, and STAT3 are associated with the expression of the IL-32 protein in human calcified aortic valve cells. This study comprised aortic valve sclerotic patients and control group patients without calcified aortic valve. Increased IL-32 expression in calcified aortic valvular tissue was shown by immunohistochemical staining and western blotting. There was an increase in NF-κB p65 level, p-ERK, p-JNK, and p-p38 MAPK activation underlying IL-32 expression in the study. The level of p-STAT3 but not p-STAT1 was found to be increased in calcified aortic valve tissue. In cultured primary human aortic valve interstitial cells, inhibition of NF-κB or MAPK kinase pathways results in a decrease of IL-32 expression. Treatment of recombinant IL-32 induced the levels of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1ß, and IL-8. Our findings demonstrate that IL-32 may be an important pro-inflammatory molecule involved in calcific aortic valve disease.

Gallic Acid Induces Apoptosis in Human Gastric Adenocarcinoma Cells.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Gastric cancer is one of the most common malignant cancers with a poor prognosis and high mortality rate worldwide. Current treatment of gastric cancer includes surgery and chemotherapy as the main modalities, but the potentially severe side-effects of chemotherapy present a considerable challenge. Gallic acid is a trihydroxybenzoic acid found to exert an anticancer effect against a variety of cancer cells. The purpose of this study was to determine the anti-cancer activity of Galla chinensis and its main component gallic acid on human gastric adenocarcinoma cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS: MTT assay and cell death ELISA were used to determine the apoptotic effect of Gallic Chinensis and gallic acid on human gastric adenocarcinoma cells. To determine the pathway and relevant components by which gallic acid-induced apoptosis is mediated through, cells were transfected with siRNA (Fas, FasL, DR5, p53) using Lipofectamine 2000. Reults: Gallic Chinensis and gallic acid induced apoptosis of human gastric adenocarcinoma cells. Gallic acid induced up-regulation of Fas, FasL, and DR5 expression in AGS cells. Transfection of cells with Fas, FasL, or DR5 siRNA reduced gallic acid-induced cell death. In addition, p53 was shown to be involved in gallic acid-mediated Fas, FasL, and DR5 expression as well as cell apoptosis in AGS cells. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that gallic acid has a potential role in the treatment of gastric cancer.

PD-1 and PD-L1 Up-regulation Promotes T-cell Apoptosis in Gastric Adenocarcinoma.

BACKGROUND/AIM: The programmed death 1 (PD-1) receptor and its ligand (PD-L1) play pivotal roles in regulating host immune responses. However, the inhibitory effects of this pathway on the function of tumor infiltrating T lymphocytes in gastric adenocarcinoma patients are not well-defined. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We characterized the expression of PD-1 and PD-L1 in peripheral blood and tumor infiltrating cells and analyzed the association between PD-1/PD-L1 expression and disease progression in a cohort of 60 patients with Helicobacter pylori infection, including 18 with gastric adenocarcinoma, 23 with gastritis, and 19 asymptomatic controls. RESULTS: Relative to controls, the expression of PD-1 on peripheral blood and tumor infiltrating T cells increased with disease progression. In vitro, T cells induced PD-L1 expression on primary gastric adenocarcinoma epithelial cells in an IFN-γ-dependent manner, which in turn promoted T cells apoptosis. Blocking of PD-L1 reversed this effect. CONCLUSION: This study provides evidence for a new therapeutic target in gastric adenocarcinoma patients.

Spontaneous hemothorax caused by ruptured multiple mycotic aortic aneurysms: a case report and literature review.

BACKGROUND: Mycotic aortic aneurysm (MAA) is a rare clinical entity with an incidence of 1-3%, but it is a life-threatening infection of aorta characterized by dilatation of aorta with false lumen. Multiple MAAs have been reported rarely with an incidence of 0.03% and associated with a high mortality rate of 80% if ruptured. CASE PRESENTATION: A hypertensive and diabetic 78-year-old man visited our emergency department complaining intermittent dull and tingled pain over the left flank region for 1 week. Chest X-ray showed left pleural effusion and hemothorax was confirmed by thoracocentesis. Computed tomography (CT) of chest demonstrated multiple thoracic aortic aneurysms and the pathological findings disclosed the diagnosis of multiple MAAs. He was discharged under an uneventful condition post-surgical aortic repair with adequate intravenous antibiotics for 4 weeks. CONCLUSIONS: CT scan may make a definite diagnosis of multiple MAAs and management with surgical debridement, aortic repair and full-course antibiotics for Gram-positive coccus and/or Gram-negative bacillus is recommended.

Hybrid Repair of Ruptured Arch Aneurysm Without Sternotomy Through an Unusual Extraanatomic Bypass.

A 42-year-old man experienced a complex aortic arch aneurysm rupture. He had previously undergone an operation for type A dissection and had extremely poor cardiac performance as well as deep sternal infection after the first procedure. The conventional open repair was considered to be a high risk for this patient. We therefore performed an alternative hybrid aortic procedure. The supraarch vessels were perfused through an extraanatomic bypass from an unusual and remote route, namely, the abdominal aorta. Then, stent grafts were implanted in the previously replaced aortic prostheses to exclude the aortic aneurysm. The patient recovered uneventfully with no neurologic adverse events.

Iatrogenic Subclavian Artery Perforation Rescued by Operator-Modified Graft Stent.

Subclavian artery (SCA) perforation is a rare complication while performing SCA intervention. In our present report, a 73-year-old female, with stenosis of the left SCA and situs inversus, presented with exercise-induced left arm weakness. The SCA stenosis was treated with direct stenting with a balloon-expansible Express LD 10×25 mm stent. However, it caused iatrogenic SCA perforation and hemothorax. The perforation was sealed by endovascular repair with operator-modified Endurant II graft stent, which complicated with occlusion of left common carotid artery. And, the carotid artery was rescued by another stent. The graft stent, which was originally designed for abdominal aortic aneurysm, can be modified to suitable length and take as a rescue stent of large vessel with iatrogenic perforation. Due to strong radial force of graft stent, preservation of large side branches should been watched out.

The "Lantern" Procedure to Simplify Treatment of Retrograde Type A Dissection After Thoracic Endograft Stenting.

The emergency repair of retrograde type A aortic dissection after thoracic endovascular aortic repair is a complex and challenging surgical procedure and carries a surgical challenge. Previous studies have reported a significant mortality in the complex repair of retrograde type A aortic dissection after thoracic endovascular aortic repair. We devised a simplified hybrid method-the "Lantern" procedure-to solve this retrograde type A aortic dissection complication.

Advanced complicated diabetes mellitus is associated with a reduced risk of thoracic and abdominal aortic aneurysm rupture: a population-based cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Studies have associated diabetes mellitus (DM) with the reduced risk of abdominal aortic aneurysm and thoracic aortic aneurysm and dissection. We used the national insurance data of Taiwan to examine these correlations for an Asian population. The association was also evaluated by DM severity. METHODS: We identified 160,391 patients with type 2 DM diagnosed from 1998 to 2008 and 646,710 comparison subjects without DM, frequency matched by diagnosis date, sex and age (mainly the elderly). The DM severity was partitioned into advanced and uncomplicated status according to DM-related comorbidities. RESULTS: By the end of 2010, the overall pooled incidence rate of thoracic aortic aneurysm and abdominal aortic aneurysm was 15% lower in the type 2 DM cohort than in non-DM cohort, with an adjusted hazard ratio of 0.64 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.56-0.74] in the multivariable Cox model. Patients with advanced type 2 DM were significantly associated with reduced thoracic aortic aneurysm rupture and abdominal aortic aneurysm without rupture, with adjusted hazard ratios of 0.50 (95% CI 0.35-0.71) and 0.53 (95% CI 0.40-0.69), respectively. Uncomplicated type 2 DM was also associated with reduced abdominal aortic aneurysm without rapture (aHR = 0.58, 95% CI 0.45-0.74). CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrate that patients with diabetes in this Asian population have reduced prevalence of thoracic and abdominal aortic aneurysms. The observed paradoxical inverse relationship between severity of DM and aortic aneurysms is clear. Further research is required to investigate the underlying mechanisms for the reduced risk of aortic aneurysms associated with diabetes.