Identification of hub genes and gene modules associated with Behçet's disease by weighted gene co-expression network analysis of neutrophil transcriptome.

OBJECTIVES: Behçet's disease (BD) is a chronic inflammatory condition with recurrent skin lesions, uveitis, and oral and genital ulcers. Neutrophils are important in the pathogenis of BD, but their molecular mechanisms are unclear. METHODS: We performed weighted gene co-expression network analysis on the transcriptome of neutrophils from 10 BD patients and 10 healthy controls to identify hub genes and gene modules associated with BD. RESULTS: We found eight co-expression modules with different biological functions. The turquoise module was involved in response to hydrogen peroxide and reactive oxygen species, the blue module was involved in response to external stimulus and inflammatory response, and the brown module was involved in the type I interferon signaling pathway. We further identified hub genes and transcription factors in each module by using module membership and gene significance. CONCLUSIONS: Our results reveal novel gene modules and hub genes that are associated with neutrophil activation and dysfunction in BD, which could serve as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for this disease.

Risk Factors of Enternal Nutrition Intolerance in Septic Patients: A Case-control Study.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the incidence of enteral nutrition intolerance (ENI) in patients with sepsis and explore potential risk factors. METHODS: A case-control study was conducted in patients with sepsis who were receiving enteral nutrition (EN) at a tertiary hospital in China. The included patients were divided into the ENI group and the non-ENI group. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify the risk factors for ENI. RESULTS: A total of 859 patients were included in the study. Among them, 288 (33.53%) patients experienced symptoms of ENI, including diarrhea, vomiting, bloating, and gastric retention. Logistic regression analysis revealed that the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation H (APACHE H) score, thoracocentesis, and usage of cardiotonic drugs (namely, inotropes) were independent predictors of the ENI. CONCLUSION: The incidence of ENI is relatively high in patients with sepsis, especially in those who have higher APACHE H scores, have undergone thoracocentesis, and have received inotropes.