GDF11: An emerging therapeutic target for liver diseases and fibrosis.

Growth differentiation factor 11 (GDF11), also known as bone morphogenetic protein 11 (BMP11), has been identified as a key player in various biological processes, including embryonic development, aging, metabolic disorders and cancers. GDF11 has also emerged as a critical component in liver development, injury and fibrosis. However, the effects of GDF11 on liver physiology and pathology have been a subject of debate among researchers due to conflicting reported outcomes. While some studies suggest that GDF11 has anti-aging properties, others have documented its senescence-inducing effects. Similarly, while GDF11 has been implicated in exacerbating liver injury, it has also been shown to have the potential to reduce liver fibrosis. In this narrative review, we present a comprehensive report of recent evidence elucidating the diverse roles of GDF11 in liver development, hepatic injury, regeneration and associated diseases such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), liver fibrosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. We also explore the therapeutic potential of GDF11 in managing various liver pathologies.

The prevalence and risk factors of death anxiety and fear of COVID-19 in an Iranian community: A cross-sectional study.

Background and Aims: COVID-19 has adversely impacted the public's mental health. One of the causes of psychopathology during the present pandemic is death anxiety and fear of COVID-19. The present study aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors of death anxiety and fear of COVID-19 in Shiraz city, south of Iran. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 982 participants in Shiraz from October to November 2021. Data were collected using Templer's Death Anxiety Scale and the Fear of COVID-19 Scale. Trained interviewers collected data throughout different city districts. A data-driven approach (latent class analysis) was applied to categorize the participants and determine the risk factors. Results: Among the participants, 507 (51.6%) were female, and 475 (48.4%) were male. The participants' mean age was 38.26 ± 15.16 years. Based on the analysis, 259 (26.4%), 512 (52.1%), and 211 (21.5%) participants had low, moderate, and severe levels of death anxiety. Also, 393 (40.06%) and 588 (59.94%) of the participants had low and high levels of fear, respectively. Higher death anxiety was significantly associated with being female, having an associate degree, being retired, share of medical expenditure from total expenditure of more than 10%, having a history of hospital admission due to COVID-19, history of COVID-19 in relatives, and having fear of COVID-19. Also, being female, expenses equal to income, history of hospital admission due to COVID-19, death in relatives, and higher death anxiety were linked to higher levels of fear of COVID-19. Conclusions: Death anxiety and fear of COVID-19 are closely associated with each other and affected by various sociodemographic and economic factors. Given this pandemic's unpredictable nature and chronicity, interventions at the community level to support high-risk groups are crucial.

Body Dysmorphic and Narcissistic Personality Disorder in Cosmetic Rhinoplasty Candidates.

BACKGROUND: Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) and other psychological problems are more common in cosmetic surgery applicants. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the frequency of the symptoms of BDD and narcissistic personality disorder in rhinoplasty candidates. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This descriptive cross-sectional study was performed on rhinoplasty applicants. All subjects were evaluated by BDD and narcissistic personality questionnaires (NPI-16). RESULTS: A total of 380 patients were studied. Our findings showed that the prevalence of mild, moderate, and severe BDD symptoms was 31.6%, 43.4% and 25%, respectively. The mean BDD scores were not significantly different in variables such as gender, age, marital status, history of cosmetic surgery, education, place of residence, and income. 29.5% of the subjects had symptoms of narcissism. There was no significant relationship between the symptoms of narcissism and variables such as gender, age, marital status, history of cosmetic surgery, place of residence, and income. Higher education was associated with higher rates of narcissistic personality disorder (p-value = 0.021). CONCLUSIONS: According to the results of the study, there was no statistically significant relationship between BDD score and demographic parameters. Also, association between narcissistic personality disorder and demographic characteristics was not significant except for education. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .